Experience the Joy of Creativity at the TOGETHER Arts & Community Wellbeing Day

Mark your calendars for an enriching day of arts and culture at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) this May.

The NRCG, in collaboration with artist and educator Claudie Frock and the Ballina Shire Council Community Recovery Team, is excited to present the TOGETHER Arts & Community Wellbeing Day.

This special event is scheduled for Saturday, 11 May 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and is set to transform the NRCG & Ignite Studios creative precinct into a vibrant hub of artistic and cultural activities.

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Event Highlights:

• Natural Fibre Weaving: Join Tania Marlowe and Deb Cole from Jugan Dandii for a session of gentle natural fibre weaving.
• Pop Up Play Space: Experience the fun with Roundabout Theatre’s Lollipop Ladies in a colourful game’s installation in the NRCG green space.
• Collective Collage Workshop: Dive into a creative collage-making session with Claudie Frock & Mia Zapata.
• Inclusive Gallery Movement Tours: Move and groove through the gallery with dancer and performance artist Katie Cooper-Wares in the DANCE THE ART tour.
• Youth Virtual Reality and Digital Storytelling Workshops: Engage with cutting-edge technology in art workshops led by Sean Spencer from Social Futures Computer Clubhouse.

TOGETHER is designed as a free, fun, and accessible event where community members of all ages can engage with some of the region’s most imaginative artists and facilitators. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to explore their creativity, connect with others, and enjoy a playful day in the heart of Ballina.

Accessibility and Additional Information:

• Auslan Interpretation: The event will include Auslan interpretation to ensure accessibility.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible by wheelchair.
• Sensory Friendly Space: A quiet space will be available for those who might need a break from the sensory stimulation.
• No Bookings Required: There is no need to book in advance. Feel free to turn up and participate in any of the creative sessions that interest you.

This program is supported by both the Australian Government and NSW Government through the Community Recovery Program and represents a key arts and cultural initiative of the Ballina Shire Council.

For any accessibility queries or further information, please contact Ella Millard at Ella.Millard@ballina.nsw.gov.au.

Join us for a day of creativity and community spirit at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery & Ignite Studios Creative precinct located at the corner of Cherry St and Crane St, Ballina. Come along, and let’s create and connect TOGETHER!

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$500,000 Upgrade Set to Enhance Nursing Training at TAFE NSW Ballina

The NSW Government is ramping up its efforts to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in the Northern Rivers region with a significant $500,000 investment to upgrade and expand the nursing training facilities at TAFE NSW Ballina.

This funding boost aims to address the anticipated national shortfall of 123,000 nurses by 2030 by enhancing educational infrastructure and capacity.

The enhancements at TAFE Ballina Nursing Facilities include the addition of a state-of-the-art simulated nursing ward and a dedicated home care training room. These new facilities are designed to offer nursing students a more immersive and practical learning experience, preparing them for the realities of healthcare environments.

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Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, who recently visited the campus, emphasised the importance of the upgrade. “This investment will greatly enhance the training opportunities for our students, bringing simulation learning experiences up to the best practice standards,” said Minister Whan.

He noted that the upgrades would allow the campus to accommodate an additional 32 students per week across various nursing programs, including Certificates III and IV in Health Services Assistance and the Diploma of Nursing.

The project is set to begin construction in May and is expected to be completed by August 2024. The upgrades are not only a response to the growing healthcare needs but also a strategic move to support the largest employment sector in the Ballina Shire.

“The healthcare and social assistance sector is the largest employer in the region, and we are committed to investing in facilities, training, and industry-standard equipment at TAFE NSW to meet this workforce demand,” Minister Whan added.

He also highlighted that the investment would prepare local healthcare students for success and support the region’s critical skills needs.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the NSW Government to enhance the infrastructure at TAFE NSW, ensuring that it continues to deliver high standards of education and training to future generations of healthcare workers in the region.

For more local Ballina news, click here.

Anzac Day Services Northern Rivers – Comprehensive Guide for the Region

This Thursday April 25, 2024, communities across our region will come together to commemorate Anzac Day with various services and marches. Here’s what’s planned for each area:

Richmond Valley

Casino:

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• Dawn Service: Assemble at 5:15 AM on Canterbury Street at the Casino RSM Club. The march to the Mafeking Lamp starts at 5:30 AM.
• Mid-morning Service: Gather at 10:00 AM in Graham Place for a 10:15 AM march to Casino RSM Club.
• Evening Retreat: A brief service at 4:55 PM at the Mafeking Lamp.

Coraki:

• Assemble at 10:00 AM at the Coraki Hotel for a 10:30 AM march to the cenotaph in Riverside Park.

Broadwater:

• Community Dawn Service at 5:30 AM at Broadwater Community Hall, followed by a community breakfast.

Evans Head:

• Dawn Service: Gather at 5:20 AM on Woodburn Street near the bus stop, marching to Memorial Park for a 5:30 AM service. Breakfast at the RSL Club Evans afterward.
• Day Service: Assemble at 10:00 AM on Park Street, marching at 10:30 AM to Club Evans in McDonald Place.
• Additional Services: A bus departs the RSL at 8:00 AM for services at the memorial aerodrome and war cemetery, with a special flyover by the Amberley Air Force.

Rappville:

• Dawn Service at 5:30 AM at the Anzac Memorial on Nandabah Street.
• Day Service: Gather at the Rappville Post Office at 10:30 AM for an 11:00 AM service at the same memorial.

Woodburn:

• Assemble at 9:45 AM at the old Woodburn Post Office, marching at 10:00 AM to the memorial in Riverside Park for a service.

Kyogle LGA

Kyogle:

• Dawn service at 5:30 AM at the cenotaph.
• Assemble at 9:15 AM for a 9:30 AM march through the town center, concluding with a 10:00 AM service at the cenotaph.

Woodenbong:

• Dawn service at 5:15 AM at the Woodenbong water tower, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast.
• Gather for a 10:40 AM march to the Woodenbong Public Hall for an 11:00 AM Anzac Memorial Service. The day concludes with a wreath-laying at 11:45 AM and a Diggers Luncheon at 12:30 PM at the RSL Hall.

Bonalbo:

• Dawn service at 5:30 AM at Patrick McNamee Anzac Memorial Park, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at the Bonalbo Bowling and Recreation Club.
• An 11:00 AM service at the Bonalbo Community Hall.

Old Bonalbo:

• A 9:30 AM service at Old Bonalbo Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

Tabulam:

• Gather at 10:30 AM on Clarence Street for a march to the Light Horse Memorial, where a service and wreath laying will take place at 11:00 AM, followed by refreshments at noon at the Tabulam Hotel.

Mallanganee:

• A service and wreath-laying ceremony at 11:00 AM at Memorial Park.

LISMORE

Returned and Services League of Australia – City of Lismore sub-Branch ANZAC Day Committee wishes to invite the community to Lismore’s ANZAC Day March and Services, commemorating the fallen from Gallipoli and all other subsequent wars and deployments in which Australian Defence personnel have been involved.

At 5am the traditional Dawn Service will be held at the Lismore Cenotaph, following the March from the “Old Post Office Corner” on the corner of Magellan and Molesworth Streets.

The main March will commence at 9am and will depart Browns Creek Carpark, proceeding along Molesworth Street to the Lismore Memorial Baths. Followed by the ANZAC Day commemorative service at the Lismore Cenotaph.

The Lismore City Bowling Club will host a breakfast for veterans, families and community members.

Clarence Vally

Below is information that has been provided to Council by RSL Sub-branches across the Clarence Valley. If you are wishing to lay wreaths, please contact the sub-branch organiser for your area.

RAMORNIE (Sunday, 21 April)

• 10:45am – Ramornie Cenotaph
  Contact: Barry Whalley – 0428 432 014

GRAFTON (ANZAC DAY Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:50am –  Muster at Memorial Park
• 6:00am – Dawn Service at Memorial Park
• 6:30am – Gunfire breakfast at GDSC – $10pp (donated to charity)
• 9:30am – March from Market Square
• 10:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph, Memorial Park
  Contact: Denis Benfield – 0412 410 474

SOUTH GRAFTON (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 4:50am – March from New School of Arts
• 5:00am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph, Lane Boulevard
• 7:00am – Gunfire breakfast at South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club
• 10:50am – March from New School of Arts
• 11:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph, Lane Boulevard
• Contact: Barry Whalley – 0428 432 014

ULMARRA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 10:40AM – Muster for march at Ulmarra Cenotaph
• 11:00am – Commemoration Service at Memorial Park
• Contact: Robert McFarlane – 0407 415 923

CHATSWORTH ISLAND (ANZAC Day, Thursday 25 April)

• 5:15am – Dawn service at the Cenotaph
  Followed by a sausage sizzle
  Contact: John Goodwin – 0419 282 555

COPMANHURST (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 10:45am – Commemoration Service at Copmanhurst Memorial Cenotaph
  Contact:  Denis Benfield – 0412 410 474

GLENREAGH (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:30am – Dawn Service at the Glenreagh School of Arts
• Followed by a cooked breakfast in the hall (donation)
  Contact: Noel Backman – 0434 197 994

HARWOOD (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:15am – Muster at Harwood Hall
• 5:30am – Dawn Service at Harwood Cenotaph in River Street
• Followed by Gunfire breakfast in the Harwood Hall (donation)
  Contact: Helen Briscoe – 0431 677 110
  Barry Smith – 0427 469 495

ILUKA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:30am – Commemoration service
  BBQ provided after service – outside hall (donation)
• 10:30am – March from Iluka Public School
• 10:45am – Commemoration Service and wreath laying
  Followed by free morning tea
• Contact: Phil Bradmore – 0448 465 269

LAWRENCE (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:45am – Muster at Lawrence Hall for march to Memorial Park
• 6:00am – Dawn Service at Memorial Park
• 9:45am – Muster at Lawrence Hall for march to memorial park
• 10:00am – Commemoration Service at Memorial Park
• Contact: Bryan Whalan – 0417 232 809

LOWER SOUTHGATE (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 3:00pm – Commemoration Service at Lower Southgate War Memorial, Doust Park
  Contact: Pauline Glasser – 0419 986 554       

MACLEAN (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:30am – Dawn Service at Cenotaph
• 10:40am – March from Esplanade
• 11:00am – Commemoration Service at Cenotaph
  Followed by lunch at Maclean Bowling Club (members only)
• Contact: Trevor Plymin – 0415 400 658

TULLYMORGAN (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:15am – Muster for march at Tullymorgan School
• 5:20am – Dawn Service at the Tullymorgan School
  Followed by gunfire breakfast (gold coin donation)
• Contact: Sue Searles – 0408 408 749

WOOLI (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:30am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph
• 6:00am – Breakfast for those attending the Dawn Service at Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club (gold coin donation)
• 10:45 am – Assemble at Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club for march
• 11:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph
  Lunch for ex-service personnel and partners at the Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club
• Contact: Brian Frederiksen – 0421 077 718

YAMBA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:45am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph
• 9:30am – Assemble for a 9.30am march in Clarence Street opposite Stella Motel, Clarence Street, for march to Cenotaph
• 9:35am – Commemoration Service to commence at completion of the march
  Followed by morning tea at Yamba RSL Hall
• Contact: Donna Ford – 0498 330 024

CHATSWORTH ISLAND (ANZAC Day, Thursday 25 April)

• 5:15am – Dawn service at the Cenotaph
  Followed by a sausage sizzle
• Contact: John Goodwin – 0419 282 555

Byron Shire

Thursday, 25 April 2024 04:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Services will be held across the Byron Shire to commemorate ANZAC Day.

Bangalow

• 10:30am – March from the Bangalow Hotel to the Cenotaph

Brunswick Heads

• 4:30am – March from the RSL Hall to the Cenotaph

Byron Bay

• 5:30am – Meet at the memorial Gates in Tennyson Street
• 10:30am – Meet at the memorial Gates in Tennyson Street

Mullumbimby

• 4:30am – Meet at the Cenotaph in Dalley Street
• 11:00am – March from Railway Station to the Cenotaph in Dalley Street.

Ballina Shire

• 5:30 AM – Dawn Service

Join us at the RSL Memorial Park Cenotaph for the first commemorative event of ANZAC Day. This service marks the time men of the ANZAC approached the Gallipoli beach and honors the traditional ‘stand-to’ ritual.

• 6:00 AM – Poppy Collection / Ballina RSL Breakfast

After the Dawn Service, collect your poppies from the ANZAC structure and enjoy a “In The Trenches Breakfast” at the Ballina RSL club for just $5. Open to the public – no bookings!

• 10:30 AM – ANZAC March

The ANZAC Day March will start at the far end of River Street, near Woolworths, moving towards the RSL and Memorial Park.

• 10:55 AM – ANZAC Day Service

The main service will be held at RSL Memorial Park adjacent to the Ballina RSL Club.

• 11:18 AM – RAAF Fly Past
• 11:30 AM – Ballina RSL Lunch

Conclude the morning’s commemorations with lunch at the Ballina RSL Club.

• 2:00 PM – Brownie & Friends’ Two-Up

Join us for a game of two-up at Brownie’s. Learn the rules and participate in this traditional ANZAC Day betting game. Open to all of legal gambling age.

Additional Information: Open to the public. All are welcome to join in remembrance and honor of our veterans.

Tweed Heads & Coolangatta

Dawn Service 5.45am

Held at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Anzac Day Service 10.55am – 11.45am

Held at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Burringbar – Old Bakery at 0845hrs for the march to the Memorial. Service to commence at 0900hrs. Refreshments and Bowls at the Sports Club after the service.

Cudgen – Assemble at Crescent Street at 0410 hrs. March to service at Collier Street Cenotaph at 0428hrs.

Kingscliff dawn – Assemble at Turnock Street at 0555hrs. Service at Kingscliff War Memorial. Breakfast at the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club at 0700hrs.

Kingscliff main – Assemble at 1000hrs. March commencing at 1020hrs. Service at the Memorial at 1100hrs. Cars available for non-marchers.

Murwillumbah dawn – Assemble at War Memorial at 0520hrs. Breakfast in the Services Club at 0615hrs. Veterans and children under 12 free, others $5.

Murwillumbah main – Marchers assemble in Brisbane Street. Schools and other organisations assemble Main Street, opposite the Post Office at 1010hrs. March off at 1030hrs for Cenotaph Service at 1045hrs. Transport available for non-marchers at the assembly area.

Pottsville – Assemble at 0730hrs at Pottsville Beach Chemist. March off 0745hrs for the service at 0800hrs at the Cenotaph ANZAC Park. Breakfast at Pottsville Beach Sports Club after the service.

Tumbulgum – Memorial Gates 0430hrs. Breakfast in the hotel after the service.

Tweed Heads – Assemble on pathway behind Chris Cunningham Park at 0545hrs. Short wreath laying service at Chris Cunningham Park at 0630hrs.

🎖 Tweed Heads – Assemble in Boundary Street at 1000hrs, march off at 1030hrs down Boundary Street, left into Wharf Street and left to the Memorial in Chris Cunningham Park. Service of Remembrance from 1100hrs.

Tyalgum – Memorial 0515hrs. Breakfast in the hotel after the service.

Uki – War Memorial 0420hrs. Breakfast in the hall after the service.

These services offer a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our armed forces and provide an opportunity for community members of all ages to come together in remembrance.

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