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Ballina News

Answers sought after ‘Nightmare Trip’ to Thailand

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Answers sought after ‘Nightmare Trip’ to Thailand

By MARGARET DEKKER

They’re the well-travelled Ballina importers who’d waited 4-years for their ‘dream trip’ to Thailand to finally arrive; The opportunity for a little work sourcing jewellery and bronzes for their Smith Drive store ‘Summerland Antiques’ .. and a chance at last for lots of rest and relaxation in the ‘city of Gods.’

But from the word go, Bert and Marcia Elliott say their August 31 journey became the ‘trip from hell.’

“It all started when I went to organise Marcia’s and my trip to Thailand. I had over 800,000 frequent flyer points with my airline.  I’d been told that I had enough points for the 2 of us to go around the world business class but when I went to my travel agent, I could only book one ticket with the points and the other I had to pay for,” Bert Elliott explained.

The cap resulted in Bert paying more than $4000 he said, for his Business Class fare which he believes was available much cheaper, online.

“It’s a bl** dy con,” Bert Elliott told The Northern Rivers Times.

When it came to boarding, Bert said his requests for a wheelchair at both Sydney and Bangkok airports “because of my crook knees” were unheeded.

“If you know Bangkok Airport, it’s a fair walk to get to immigration and I could hardly walk,” he said.

To add insult to injury, once on board the plane, 80-year-old Bert was seated away from his wife, 77-year-old Marcia.

“I’ve flown 72-times to Europe and 71-times to Thailand and we’ve always been seated together.  And this was meant to be the first time we actually had a holiday there in Thailand and not just a work trip!”

Bert Elliott also claims he was short-changed on his hotel bookings.

“I had the name of an airline-backed hotel in Bangkok called the Berkeley which I could have got 14-days for $1,300.  The airline was charging well over $2000 for the same thing. You save all these points thinking you’ll get looked after, but you don’t,” Bert Elliott claimed.

Bert chose to use some of his 800,000 frequent flyer points to secure reservations with the Berkeley and Rydges Sydney Airport Hotels only to find his balance had dropped to 40,000 points once the bookings were made.

But the real, harrowing toll was still to come.

“After resting for 2 days, on the third day we had a meal .. and in a few hours, Marcia began vomiting.  She said she’d like to see a doctor.  Mam (friend) took us to the hospital where she went for an operation a few years before.  Big mistake! When we got there, they put Marcia in the Intensive Care ward and that’s when the sh*t happened,” Bert Elliott recalled.

High potassium foods affect Marcia Elliott’s heartrate.  Bert claims the hospital food served to Marcia was potassium-rich, including rockmelon, honeydew melon and tomatoes.

Bill told The Northern Rivers Times it felt like the system was “killing Marcia.”

“I tried to tell them that those foods were not good for her, but they gave her 3 blood transfusions. On the fifth day I demanded they get her out of ICU and into a room on her own,” he said.

“I finally had her in a room on her own and within 12 hours of feeding her low potassium food, her heartbeat was up around 60 pm.  While Marcia was in Intensive Care, they wouldn’t let her out of bed to go to the toilet and there were no bed pans or pads – very degrading for her and the stress on both of us was the worst we’ve ever had in our lives. She was on oxygen but was well enough to travel after 3 days so we contacted the airline to get on our flight back to Australia,” Bert Elliott said.

Bert claims a series of bungles and delays then followed in getting formal approval by a doctor for Marcia to fly, meaning the pair missed their initial flights home.  He said he was also unable to withdraw much-needed cash from a Thai bank and believes it was only after he got travel insurer NRMA involved, that the couple secured a flight from Bangkok to Singapore to connect to Sydney.  By now, the ordeal was entering its third week.

“But at the Bangkok Airport, guess what?  No ticket for me! Lucky for me there was a spare seat which I had to pay for at a cost of 4-thousand dollars,” Bert Elliott said.

Bert reported a ‘good flight’ back to Sydney and thought the couple’s travel-luck had at last improved.

“But when we got to Ballina, we had no bags. All Marcia’s and my medications were in the carry-on bags!” Bert said.

Three weeks on and the seasoned travellers are still coming to terms with their shock “nightmare trip.”

“This is the worst and most terrible trip you could dream of.  The stress was unbelievable,” Bert Elliott said.

Not to mention the total cost.  All up, Bert says he’s out of pocket $25,000 for the trouble.

“The stress .. we haven’t got over it yet.  Marcia is still recovering too.  I’m thinking about suing them, I’m serious,” Bert Elliott said.

The airline involved, which requested not to be named while a review is underway, is now “looking into Bert and Marcia Elliott’s booking experience.”

The Ballina travel agency, which handled Bert and Marcia’s ticketing, Frequent Flyer, seat, and wheelchair allocation requirements could be asked questions as well.

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Ballina News

Labor Commits $3 Million for North Coast Crime Prevention

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North Coast Crime Prevention

Labor Commits $3 Million for North Coast Crime Prevention

 

By Robert Heyward

Local MP Justine Elliot has welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese back to the North Coast to announce a $3 million investment in crime prevention infrastructure for the region. The funding will be delivered under a North Coast Crime Prevention Infrastructure Action Plan if the Albanese Government is re-elected.

The $3 million commitment will allocate $1 million each to Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, and Byron Shire Council to support initiatives aimed at improving community safety.

Justine Elliot, a former frontline police officer, emphasized the importance of investing in crime prevention measures.

“As someone who’s worked on the front line, I know how vital it is to have the right resources, including CCTV, to combat crime and protect our community,” Ms. Elliot said.

“This funding will allow local councils to implement CCTV systems, improved lighting, bollards, fencing, and landscaping to enhance community safety, reduce crime risks, and improve the vibrancy of shared public spaces.”

Delivering for the North Coast

Ms. Elliot praised the Prime Minister’s long-standing commitment to the North Coast and described the funding announcement as a major win for the community.

“The Prime Minister has always been a great friend of the North Coast—he understands our region well, and this announcement reflects that,” she said. “Labor listens and Labor acts. This $3 million investment is a result of the tireless advocacy from locals who care deeply about improving safety in our communities.”

Building Safer Communities

The Crime Prevention Infrastructure Action Plan is designed to help local councils deliver targeted improvements in community spaces, increasing safety while enhancing the usability of these areas.

“Only a re-elected Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to invest in the infrastructure our community needs to keep the North Coast a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” Ms. Elliot said.

The funding announcement is expected to provide significant support for community safety projects across the North Coast, with local councils now set to outline priority areas for implementation.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Ballina News

Ballina Council Set to Enhance Beach Access at Lighthouse Beach

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Lighthouse Beach Ballina Breaking News

Ballina Council Set to Enhance Beach Access at Lighthouse Beach

 

By Jeff Gibbs

Ballina Shire Council is set to commence a significant upgrade to the beach access at Lighthouse Beach, East Ballina, aimed at improving accessibility for all and enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Key Features of the Project

The upcoming works will include:

  • Universal Beach Access Ramp: A newly constructed concrete ramp equipped with stainless steel handrails and tactile surface indicators to ensure accessibility for individuals of all abilities.
  • Emergency Vehicle Access Extension: An extension of the current emergency vehicle concrete ramp to facilitate improved access for emergency services.
  • Enhanced Amenities: A concrete block retaining wall with integrated stairs leading directly to the beach showers, improving convenience for beachgoers.

Cheyne Willebrands, Manager of Open Spaces at Ballina Shire Council, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “This project aims to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy our beautiful coastline. The improved beach access ramp has been a long-term goal for Council, and we are excited to deliver this important infrastructure for the community.”

Construction Timeline and Community Impact

Construction is scheduled to begin on 10 February 2025, with an anticipated completion time of approximately two months, subject to weather conditions. During this period:

  • Alternative Beach Access: Temporary access will be available via the front of the Lighthouse Beach Surf Life Saving Club slab.
  • Uninterrupted Services: Lifeguard operations and the kiosk beneath the Surf Club building will remain open throughout the construction phase.

Funding and Community Support

This vital project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Ballina Shire Council extends its gratitude to the community for their patience and support during the construction period.

For further updates and detailed information about the project, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au.

 

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Ballina News

Mikayla Memorial at Melanoma March

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Mikayla Green Melanoma March Ballina

Mikayla Memorial at Melanoma March

 

By Samantha Elley

Twenty four-year-old Mikayla Green had everything to live for.

The Ballina resident and her partner, Ryan Clarke, who was studying to be a doctor, had made their lives in Canberra.

“She was loveable,” said grandmother, Pauline Dorey, “Amongst the grandkids, she was the glue as she kept all the kids together.”

Then in 2018, Mikayla noticed a mark on her head that didn’t seem to go away.

“The specialist said he wanted more detail, so she was booked to have an MRI,” said Pauline.

“He said it was a haematoma and to come back in 12 months.”

Mikayla & Ryan Melanoma March

Mikayla & Ryan

In October 2019, it was found to be a stage four melanoma.

It was believed the haematoma had covered the growing tumour.

Mikayla was sent straight to Sydney where more tests were done and the cancer was found to be in her liver.

Treatment seemed to be working at first and the young couple moved to Armidale so Ryan could continue his studies.

During this time Ryan proposed to his beloved girlfriend and they planned a wedding in Byron Bay for April 16, 2022.

“By February 2022, just before the floods, it was the last time she came home,” said Pauline.

“I thought she looked really good but she ended up in Armidale hospital and was then sent to Sydney where she was told she only had 4-6 weeks to live.

“They flew her back to Ballina and she lasted not even a week.”

Mikayla passed away on April 8 and her funeral was held on her wedding day.

Mikayla Green

Mikayla

Pauline and her daughter, Sharyn Dorey, Mikayla’s mother, had dressed her in her wedding dress after she died.

The Dorey family are determined that no other family should suffer what they have been through, especially when something as simple as wearing a hat, putting on sunscreen or wearing long sleeves out in the sun, could save a life.

The Melanoma March is now in its third year and will be held on Sunday, March 9 starting from Missingham Park, near the amphitheatre.

People are to gather at 7.30am where speeches will be held at 8am and the walk will commence at 8.30am where the path will go across the bridge and out to the breakwall.

Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary will be holding a barbeque and there will also be a coffee van.

“It still is raw,’ said Pauline. “One of Mikayla’s wishes was that Ryan finished his medical studies, which he did.

“He is now known as Dr Ryan Clarke.”

To make a donation to the Melanoma Institute Australia or to find out more about the march, visit here.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Ballina News

Your 2025 Ballina Australia Day Award Winners Announced

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2025 Ballina Australia Day Award Winners

Your 2025 Ballina Australia Day Award Winners Announced

 

By Jeff Gibbs

Today, the Ballina Shire community gathered to celebrate local heroes, welcome new Australian citizens, and recognise all the great things about living in this beautiful region. The official Australia Day Ceremony, hosted by Ballina Shire Council at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, highlighted the achievements of individuals and groups who have made an extraordinary impact on the community.

The event opened with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Ricky Cook and featured lively performances by Katie Rutledge, Narelle Harris, Ian Davis, and Ray Arnott. The ceremony also included a heartwarming citizenship ceremony, where 12 new Australian citizens from countries including Argentina, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, and the United Kingdom were officially welcomed.

The highlight of the day was the announcement of the 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Award Winners, presented by Mayor Sharon Cadwallader alongside Master of Ceremonies Sandra Jackson, a popular announcer from 101.9 Paradise FM. Mayor Cadwallader praised the nominees and winners, saying:

“I am deeply impressed by the calibre of this year’s nominees and the diversity of their achievements. From rescue volunteers to wildlife carers and mental health advocates, all have shown exceptional dedication to our community. Their contributions inspire us to work together to build a stronger, more vibrant Ballina Shire.”

2025 Award Winners

Citizen of the Year: Ezekiel (Zeke) Knight

Zeke Knight, a member of the Ballina SES Unit for eight years, was honoured for his incredible contributions as the Co-Section Head of Flood Rescue and Senior Road Crash Rescue Operator. At just 21 years old, Zeke received the NSW SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage for rescuing two people from floodwaters during the 2022 floods.

Zeke has also revitalised the SES flood rescue team, growing it from two in-water operators to eight, and has been a driving force behind the Young Volunteers Program (YETI’s), mentoring youth to develop skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. His leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Ballina community.

Ezekiel Knight - 2025 Ballina Australia Day Award Winners - Ballina News

Ezekiel Knight

Local Hero: Jodie Shelly

Jodie Shelly’s tireless efforts with the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond earned her this prestigious title. As Club Service Director, Jodie has organised major events such as the Duck Race, Purple Shirt Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, and Rotary District 9640 Conference.

Jodie also contributes through her role as Secretary for The Hot Meal Centre in Ballina, managing social media, IT support, and producing Rotary’s weekly newsletter, The Beacon. Her humble, behind-the-scenes efforts have been invaluable to the community.

Young Citizen of the Year: Lachlan Trease

Lachlan Trease, a member of the Alstonville Swimming Club and co-founder of an artisan bakery, was recognized for his commitment to both sport and community. Lachlan’s bakery supported flood evacuation centres in the Northern Rivers during the 2022 floods, and he has been an active leader at Emmanuel Anglican College, serving as House Captain and a member of the Student Representative Council.

Senior Citizen of the Year: Rik Dillon

A founding member of Ballina Region for Refugees, Rik Dillon has made significant contributions as a fundraiser, website developer, and advocate for refugee support. Rik is also the inaugural president of the Northern Rivers Pickleball Club, guiding its growth to over 300 members and promoting the sport across NSW.

Volunteer of the Year: Diane Parker

Diane Parker’s extensive service with Quota Alstonville over the past three decades has left an indelible mark on the community. From organising the annual Quota Craft and Garden Fair to supporting charities like Our Kids, Orange Sky, and local fire brigades, Diane’s leadership and dedication have improved countless lives.

Sporting Achievement Award: Denise Cooper

Denise Cooper was recognized for her work as an outrigger paddling coach and mentor. Over two decades, Denise has developed local talent through the Northern Rivers Outrigger Club, introduced a national curriculum for coach training, and raised funds for the Heart Foundation through motivational clinics.

Arts and Cultural Award: Mariah Cavnaugh-Roberts

Mariah’s dedication to Aboriginal education and cultural preservation has had a profound impact. As a teacher’s aide at Ballina Coast High School, she mentors Goori students in traditional and contemporary dance and organizes performances for NAIDOC Week and other events.

Environmental Award (Joint Winners):

  1. Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue: Recognized for their decades-long efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, raising awareness about conservation, and educating the community.
  2. The Late Shirley White: Honoured posthumously for founding Ballina Coastcare and her groundbreaking work in regenerating Ballina’s coastal reserves.

Community Event of the Year: Ballina ANZAC Day 2024 Commemorations

The 2024 ANZAC Day events drew record crowds and included a Dawn Service, March, and Commemorative Service. Featuring initiatives like the Youth Ambassador Program and a RAAF flypast, the event united generations in honouring Australia’s servicemen and women.

For more information and photos from the 2025 Ballina Australia Day Awards ceremony, visit Ballina Shire Council’s website.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Nominees Announced for the 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards

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New Australian Citizens at the 2024 Ballina Shire Australia Day Ceremony - Photo Credit Ballina Shire Council

Nominees Announced for the 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards

 

By Jeff Gibbs

Ballina Shire Council invites the community to join in celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things at this year’s Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony. The event will take place at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Sunday, 26 January 2025, starting at 9am.

Celebrating Our Community

The ceremony will open with a Welcome to Country, followed by a citizenship ceremony to welcome 12 new Australians from diverse backgrounds, including Argentina, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

The highlight of the event will be the 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards, honouring individuals and community groups who contribute to making Ballina Shire a better place to live. One nominee from across all categories will be crowned Citizen of the Year.

Special Guests and Performances

Attendees will enjoy a performance by talented singer Katie Rutledge and be guided through the event by Sandra Jackson, a popular announcer from 101.9 Paradise FM, who returns as the ceremony’s host.

Family Fun in Lennox Park

After the ceremony, the Lennox Head Lions Club will host a BBQ and music at Lennox Park. Pack your picnic blanket, swimmers, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon celebrating Australia Day with friends and family.

Australia Day: A Time to Celebrate

Australia Day is a time to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our achievements, and honour the multicultural identity that unites us as a nation. Whether through sharing a meal, attending an event, or relaxing in the park, it’s an opportunity to appreciate the proud and ancient traditions of this land and its people.

2025 Australia Day Award Nominees

This year’s awards saw over 40 nominations across eight categories, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication within the community. Categories include:

  • Local Hero
  • Young Citizen of the Year
  • Senior Citizen of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Sports Achievement
  • Arts and Culture
  • Environmental Contribution
  • Community Event of the Year

The full list of nominees will be unveiled at the event, recognising the efforts of those who go above and beyond for the Ballina Shire community.

Join us on Australia Day to celebrate local heroes, welcome new citizens, and embrace all that is wonderful about living in Ballina Shire!

For more information, visit the Ballina Shire Council website or follow their social media channels.

 

For more local news, click here.

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