BALLINA MP ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY FUNDING

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina, today announced $300,000 in funding for a total of 14 projects to be delivered through the Community Building Partnership Program.

Local volunteer groups are the backbone of our community, Ms Smith said. “I am pleased that these groups can improve on their infrastructure and make life a little easier for their volunteers who do so much for our community.”

Ms Smith said the (Community Building Partnership Program) funds would deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities, including replacement of fencing and building a ramp at the Brunswick Heads branch of the Country Women’s Association, purchasing new equipment for OZfish to improve the health of the Richmond River, a kitchen upgrade for Fripp oval in Ballina, and better facilities for the disability therapy centre at Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Community Building Partnership Program projects

“This is exciting news for our community,” Ms Smith said. “This grassroots funding will directly help create a more resilient and inclusive local community with positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their applications and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for people and the environment.”

The Member for Ballina has assisted more than 100 community organisations and delivered more than $3 million in grants through this program since she was first elected in 2015.

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July Exhibitions Celebrating community, culture, and the environment

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four new exhibitions this July. The 13th Annual Grace Cruice Memorial exhibition by BACCI (Ballina Arts & Crafts Centre) will be on alongside the 2023 SCU Graduate Award and two exhibitions that celebrate and show concerns for our local flora and fauna. Gallery Coordinator, Imbi Davidson, said “This July we are very excited to be presenting exhibitions that showcase our continued relationships between Southern Cross University (SCU) and the Ballina Arts & Crafts Centre Inc. (BACCI), giving emerging and local artists the opportunity to exhibit in a professional gallery. The enduring creative call of our local environments will also be highlighted in two exhibitions that serve as a celebration and call to action.”

Scribbly Gums and Landforms | Dianne Ingram Dianne uses mixed media to describe and translate her love of Australian gum trees and bushlands. Often working plein-air and employing her distinctive mark-making techniques to create abstractions of the landscape. Dianne imbues her work with ambiguity and unconventional juxtapositions that invite the viewer to create their own interpretations and experiences of our shared environment.

Brainstorm | Thomas Hannah (2023 SCU Graduate Award) The recipient of the 2023 SCU Graduate Award, Thomas Hannah’s Brainstorm details his time spent within the medical system after a diagnosis of epilepsy. This work explores the physical and mental effects of health issues with poignancy and humour, highlighting shared experiences between the artist and viewers.

Fallen | Jenny Kitchener Working with printmaking, Jenny Kitchener presents a glimpse into what the future may hold for five Northern Rivers endangered or vulnerable animals. The focus is on five threatened local animals, selected from five major animal groups: the koala (marsupial); the jabiru (bird); Stephen’s banded snake (reptile); the green and golden bell frog (amphibian) and the birdwing butterfly (insect).

13th Annual Grace Cruice Memorial Exhibition | BACCI Presented by the members of the Ballina Arts & Crafts Centre Inc. (BACCI), this exhibition is a tribute to founding member Grace Cruice, showcasing works created by BACCI members over the past year. BACCI is celebrating 26 years of continued activity and continues to promote a friendly meeting place for artists and craft people from Ballina and surrounding districts.

All NRCG July exhibitions open Wednesday 26 June and continue until Sunday 18 August. The official exhibition launch will be held 5.30 – 7.30pm, Thursday 27 June.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 9am until 3pm and weekends from 9.30am until 1.00pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 or visit the website.

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Ballina Shire Celebrates Multiple Finalists in the 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards

Ballina Shire Council is delighted to announce that several local tourism businesses and initiatives have been named finalists in the prestigious 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards.

These awards acknowledge growth, entrepreneurship, and commend the success of tourism businesses throughout the North Coast Destination Network region.

Ballina Visitor Information Centre has been nominated for Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Tourism Services, and Outstanding Young Tourism Business Leader, highlighting the centre’s innovative approaches, exemplary service standards, and the outstanding contributions to our local community.

Lennox Head Cultural Centre has been recognised for Event Venue of the Year, a category that celebrates venues excelling in business events, conferences, music events, and leisure events.

Ballina Contemporary Art Market (Northern Rivers Community Gallery) is a finalist for Festival/Event of the Year, a category honouring events that significantly enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the local cultural landscape.

We are equally proud to highlight the achievements of operators within our region. Sugar Beach Ranch in South Ballina has earned a nomination for Excellence in Wellness Tourism, recognising their unique and compelling visitor experiences focused on wellness. Bonito Peruvian Eatery in Wollongbar is a finalist for Excellence in Food Tourism, celebrating their outstanding culinary excellence and significant contribution to the region’s gastronomic appeal.

Taking part in these respected awards is a rewarding experience for businesses. It gives them a chance to think about what has made them successful—like their goals, strategies, and visions. Being nominated and shortlisted for these awards allows operators reflect on their journey, helping them gain valuable insights to continue their growth and secure their future.

“We are incredibly proud of our local finalists,” said Mayor Sharon Cadwallader. “Their hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit have not only elevated their own businesses but also enhanced the overall appeal of Ballina Shire as a premier tourist destination. We wish them all the best in the upcoming awards.”

The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on 1 August 2024 at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges.

Tickets are available here.

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