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Ballina News

New home for Martika

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New home for Martika

By Samantha Elley

Martika Dawson-Esler is very excited that soon she will be moving into her new home.

The 3-bedroom house she is moving into is located in Ballina and is a share home being built by specialist disability housing provider, Casa Capace. “My bedroom will be purple,” laughed Martika.

When asked if she would be having lots of family and friends around to visit, she cheekily replied, “Nup!” then giggled when mum Alyson reacted.

“We have been collecting items for her bedroom for when she is ready to move,” Alyson said.

It has been a long two and a half year wait as the project to build the new home started just before Covid.

Now the house is enclosed, and the inside is gyprocked, plastered and ready for painting, with a new floor recently laid.

“We had challenges with Covid and then the floods,” said Casa Capace CEO Michael Fuller.

“We had started with a Queensland builder, the borders closed, and then that company went bust.

“We’ve also been dealing with a tradie shortage.”

Despite all these challenges, the house is taking shape with a number of features specific to the residents like Martika.

“There are no stairs in the house, it has wider doors and hallways,” said Mr Fuller.

“The benchtops will be adjustable, and the house is wired up with assisted technology such as automatic blinds and lights.”

Mr Fuller said there will also be extra structural supports for hoists to be attached to the ceiling for residents who are less mobile.

“We are working with (disability services and support organisation) Northcott to find quality tenants for the homes,” said Mr Fuller.

“It is about creating a home rather than an institution.

“There is also room for a carer when needed.”

Northcott General Manager Alita Carpenter said it was about providing purpose-built homes that were safe and affordable for vulnerable members of the community.

A further one-bedroom home is also being built on the same block.

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Ballina News

Northern Rivers Election results to date

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Northern Rivers Election results to date
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Northern Rivers Election results to date

 

By Samantha Elley

NSW voted for their council representatives over the weekend and while results aren’t finalised, we have compiled the results so far at time of printing (Monday 16th of September).

Ballina

Residents of the coastal local government area showed they have been happy with the work Sharon Cadwallader has been doing as mayor. She is currently sitting at 45.08% of the vote with her nearest rival, the Greens Kiri Dicker. a long way back at 25.79%

A ward favourites include the Greens Erin Karsten on 20.73%, Independent Damian Loone following closely at 17.35% and ALP’s Maria Marshall on 14.07%, although Independent’s Kevin Loughrey is close on her heels at 13.52%.

B ward has larger margins with Sharon Cadwallader taking 36.12% of the vote then Kiri Dicker, much closer than in the mayoral race at 31.34%. After that the closest candidate is ALP’s Andrew Broadley on 11.65%.

C ward has the Greens Simon Chate leading the chase on 36.21%, followed by Independent Simon Kinny on 28.47% and another Independent These Crollick on 15.12%

Byron

Current mayor Michael Lyon’s recent public issues are reflected in the sad results of his race to get back in the top job, with his mayoral vote hitting a paltry 17.29% compared to Sarah Ndiaye of the Greens who is sitting on 34.71%. However, there is a chance ALP’s Asren Pugh is not discounted yet with 30.37% of the vote.

The Greens also have a chance of strong representation on council as Group D holds 40.22% of votes for their council candidates, followed by the ALP at 27.95%.

Kyogle

While it has been tradition that elected councillors in Kyogle voted for the mayor, residents of this inland local government area had the extra task of deciding in a referendum question, whether or not they wanted a popularly elected mayor and a reduction in the ward numbers or the status quo. Results at time of printing were not available.

A ward’s most popular candidate thus far is Brett McNamara with 31.15% of the vote, followed by Kieran Somerville with 26.67% and long-standing councillor Janet Wilson at 18.40%.

B ward’s winning candidate is currently Olivia Taylor with 34.03%, then current councillor John Burley 25% and Robert Cullen on 19.29%.

In C ward popular councillor and previous mayor Danielle Mulholland holds 40.88% of the vote with Tom Cooper on 21.06% coming second and Robin Harley on 13.63% holding the bronze.

Lismore

There is no doubting the popularity of current mayor Steve Krieg who looks like holding his seat with 48.38% of the vote, trailed by the Greens Vanessa Grindon-Ekins on 21.13%.

The Independent Group A look like, not only getting their mayor back in but will fill a few seats around the council table with 42.39% of votes.

They are followed by the Greens Group D with 26.77% and ALP’s Group B holding 18.77%.

Richmond Valley

It looks like business as usual for the Richmond Valley with mayor Robert Mustow holding a comfortable lead to retain his role on 38.93%. He was given a run for his money by newcomer Lyndall Murray in the early part of counting before she settled around 27.17%.

There should be a mixture of new and old faces on council with Group D, led by the current mayor, Robert Mustow receiving 41.42% of the vote and newcomers, with Lyndall Murray, Group C, second with 25.69%. Group A led by previous Richmond Valley general manager, John Walker obtained a healthy 20.51%.

Tweed

A large number of parties were vying for all council positions with the current group with most votes being the Liberals with 28.74%. ALP are a comfortable second on 14.96% and Independent Group A, led by current mayor, Chris Cherry in third with 13.42%.

To keep up to date with the Northern Rivers Elections Results, click here.

 

For more local elections news, click here.

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Ballina News

Registrations Open for Second Hand Saturday

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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 Poster

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.

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Ballina News

12 Risk Factors For Dementia You Can Change

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12 Risk Factors For Dementia You Can Change
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12 Risk Factors For Dementia You Can Change

 

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12 Risk Factors For Dementia You Can Change

The Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance is excited to deliver its annual dementia symposium to the community of the North Coast. This inspirational and informative event for health professionals, carers of people living with dementia and interested parties will be held on Friday the 25th of October at the Ballina RSL club in beautiful Ballina. Local well known identity Mandy Nolan will MC the event. Mandy is experienced in working with people with high levels of dementia in a very innovative approach.

This exciting event brings together renowned international and local experts, including Professor Susan Kurrle Geriatrician; who is renowned for her 2023 ABC program ‘Old Peoples Home for Teenagers’, Professor Ian Cameron Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine; who has published Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Care of People Living with Traumatic Brain Injury in the Community, Associate Professor Sarah Russell; Healthy Ageing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Dr Suraj Samtani; Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, plus our local Geriatrician Dr Danielle Medek, Dr Tien Khoo; Staff Specialist General Medicine and local GP’s Dr Hilton Koppe, Dr Peter Silberberg to name a few.

12 Risk Factors For Dementia You Can Change

The theme for this year’s symposium is Fostering Resilience to Dementia: Recognising and Reducing Risk based on the 2020 report of the Lancet Commission which identified twelve risk factors into a life-course model of dementia prevention. The report advises ‘together 12 modifiable risk factors account for around 40% of worldwide dementias, which consequently could theoretically be prevented or delayed. It is never too early and never too late in the life course for dementia prevention’.

Our speakers will address the identified risk factors including obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, less education, diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, hearing impairment excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, air pollution, living in an urban area and how these factors impact dementia.

This event should not be missed, the organisers have been successful in gaining local sponsorship to keep registration cost to a minimum. The Ramada hotel Ballina has kindly offered a reduced rate for accommodation for delegates for Spa Room @ $225 per room per night. Please use the code 491499. When making your booking.

We look forward to seeing you on the day.

 

For more local Ballina news, click here.

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