Final Call for Registrations: Byron Coastal Charity Walk Set to Make a Difference

With just weeks remaining until the Byron Coastal Charity Walk on Friday, 3 May 2025, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is putting out a final call for participants to register and support a cause that saves lives across the Northern Rivers and beyond.

The walk invites locals and visitors to experience the breathtaking coastal route between Byron Bay and Ballina, all while raising much-needed funds to keep the rescue helicopters flying and delivering critical care in emergencies. The track is in top condition and welcomes walkers of all abilities, offering distances of 12km, 24km, or 36km to suit everyone from casual strollers to serious hikers.

Walking in Gratitude: A Personal Mission

Among the hundreds preparing for the challenge is team Bunch of Choppers, led by Mark Stephenson and his 16-year-old son, Cooper. Their involvement is deeply personal—Mark was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter after a serious water ski racing accident in early 2024.

“You never know when you might need the service,” Mark said. “It’s a great cause, and they helped me a great deal in my incident. Being able to give back in this way is really special.”

The team has already raised a remarkable sum, thanks to generous contributions from friends, family, and members of the water ski racing community. But for Mark, it’s about more than money—it’s about paying it forward.

“The response has been amazing—everyone has chipped in. When I was in hospital, the amount of people that visited showed how much support was out there. This walk is our way of giving back and making sure the service is there for others when they need it.”

A Walk That Saves Lives

Every dollar raised from the Byron Coastal Charity Walk goes directly to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, helping fund lifesaving missions across the region. The service provides critical aeromedical support 24/7, and relies heavily on community fundraising to remain operational.

With five weeks to go, organisers are encouraging individuals, families, and workplace teams to sign up and take part in this iconic community event.

“Any support helps keep the choppers in the air. You never know if you or a friend will need it,” Mark added.

Whether you’re walking in memory, in gratitude, or simply to enjoy the stunning views from Byron to Ballina, your participation will help save lives.

Register Today

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring event. Choose your distance—12km, 24km, or 36km—and take steps that matter.

To register or find out more, visit:
👉 https://events.rescuehelicopter.com.au/event/byron-coast-charity-walk/home

Lace up, step out, and help keep the helicopters in the sky.

Labor’s vaping prohibition is resulting in more crime

Today’s suspected arson attack on a tobacconist in Ballina is exactly why we need a regulated vaping model.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said The Nationals’ introduced a policy more than a year ago, to protect our children and reduce organised crime.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said The Nationals’ introduced a policy more than a year ago, to protect our children and reduce organised crime.

“Labor’s prohibition model continues to expose children to organised crime and continues to see harmful unregulated vapes across our communities,” Mr Hogan said.

“In contrast, our model will stop criminals from exploiting our children, protect our children from vapes, and ensure we know what is in vapes.”

“Illegal activity involving vapes and tobacco is continuing to rise, and people are also inhaling ingredients they have no information about.”

“The Coalition’s strictly regulated model under the TGA will ensure there is controlled licencing to over 18s, whilst keeping it illegal to under 18s, similar to cigarettes. We would also invest $250 million for the policing and law enforcement of vapes.”

“Importantly, by regulating this product, the Government would receive excise revenue which could also be put back into health and education.”

“Prohibition hasn’t worked. Less than 10 per cent of Australians who vape have a prescription and Labor’s announcement will only help the black market continue to grow.”

Registrations Open for Second Hand Saturday

Worried about the cost of living? Join the reuse revolution on Saturday 21 September 2024 as we welcome the North Coast’s largest day of garage sales – Second Hand Saturday!

Since 2005, North East Waste has been organising Second Hand Saturday across the Northern Rivers region as support for community reuse and repair. With over 400 garage sales at last year’s event, 2024 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.

It’s one huge organised day of garage sales with residents across the North Coast taking part to make extra cash on items they no longer need, or find bargains at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

A recent study done by Charitable Reuse Australia in partnership with the NSW EPA, found that households across the state were able to save $423 million just last year by shopping second-hand.

Second Hand Saturday: 21 September 2024

It’s not only good for our wallets though, the study also found that 49,000 tonnes of what could have been waste was diverted from landfill through the second hand market.

You can be a part of Second Hand Saturday by registering to hold your own garage sale, or teaming up with family, friends or neighbours for a coordinated sale. There’s also the opportunity to register a group event as a local community organisation, fundraiser, school or church.

“Participating in Second Hand Saturday as a buyer, seller, or both, is a fantastic way to contribute to the local circular economy. Pre-loved items are often cheaper and more unique than what you find in the shops. This event helps us give goods a new life rather than taking up space in landfill, connect with our local community, and make or save a bit of extra cash- wins all around,” says Justine Rowe, council’s Resource Recovery Education Officer.

Visit secondhandsaturday.com.au for more information and to register a garage sale.

For more local Ballina news, click here.

Ballina mayoral candidates

By Tim Howard

The Northern Rivers Times asked candidates for Mayor in the September 14 Local Government elections in Ballina to explain why they’re running and what they thought of holding a popular vote for the office.

By deadline this week, two had taken up the offer and it remains open for the other three, Sharon Cadwallader, Kevin Loughrey and Kiri Dicker.

Andrew Broadley

Andrew Broadley

I have genuine gratitude for my life here. I wish to return it with service to the community.

I have experienced life as a member of a working family, balancing the cost of providing for a family while encouraging my children and partner to excel at their chosen activities.

I have the shared experience of many, which is commuting to work on the Bruxner Highway, involvement in local sporting clubs, volunteering in cultural and community activities.

I am here to listen and serve the people of our community. I hope to continue advocating for the needs of our community through a more official pathway.

Challenges

The cost of living is the major issue in our area.

This is clearly experienced through the scarcity of affordable housing and energy prices.

As Mayor I will work tirelessly to manage the costs of delivering Council services so that there is no additional burden placed on families in these difficult times.

I will use my vote on council to ensure that council resources are managed prudently to provide continuity of service to the community.

It is critical that the decisions of Ballina Council do not undermine the measures that our Federal Government has put in place, such as income tax cuts and cheaper medicines.

All levels of government must address the cost of living in a substantial way.

The health of the Richmond River has been neglected for too long. Multiple reports have been tabled, the recommendations ignored. Ballina Council must commission regular water quality testing and publish the results.

In 2019 a report to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment recommended the establishment of a Richmond River Coordinator.

An employee who would work with all stakeholders to coordinate on ground works, arrange funding for repairs and plan for the restoration of the river.

It is imperative that this happens quickly.

Popular vote for Mayor?

The outcome of popular votes tends to favour the incumbent candidate.

As a challenger, it is logical for me to confirm that I would prefer a different way of choosing the Mayor.

Phil Meehan

Phil Meehan

It’s time for change. Simple as that. This is why I am running for Mayor in Ballina Shire.

1. One of my key principles in local government is ‘social justice’. It is my belief that during this last term of Council, this principle has on too many occasions gone missing. We have had a small group of residents being able to ‘choose their own land zone’. A right not given to all. We have had another group of residents not being allowed to apply to manage a community facility. We have had councillors denigrating others because of political affiliations.  We simply need a change, and I believe I have the integrity, experience, and social conscience to provide the positive leadership required.
2. The major challenge In Ballina Shire, like all others, is to maintain a sustainable financial position while not putting pressure on residents through extra rate or charge rises. I have a strong view that Council should examine its own structures and operations to identify where savings can be made while maintaining service levels.
3. The election of Mayor by popular vote has a strength in that the people have the say, they elect the Mayor. Election of mayor by councillors inherently involves factionalism and political deals being done. The downside of the popular election is that the voters do not necessarily know the real capacities of the candidates.

For more local elections news, click here.