Taste of Spring is on this Saturday at Wollongbar TAFE
November 2, 2011
North Coast TAFE Wollongbar is hosting a Tastes of Spring Festival this Saturday, November 5, 2011. Admission is by a gold coin donation.
The Tastes of Spring Festival is an example of the capabilities of its Events students and showcases the region and its produce by incorporating elements of spring such as family, food, wine, garden and sustainability into an interactive event.
The event is run by students completing a Diploma in Event Management and showcases their passion and enthusiasm for the industry with an energetic array of activities and exhibitors.
Tastes of Spring is an opportunity for regional exposure and collections from the day will be forwarded to the Our Kids charity.
Far North Coast people asked to nominate their favourite lifesaver
August 24, 2011
As we prepare for summer and those lazy weekends spent at the beach with friends and family, spare a thought for those who make it all possible – the surf lifesavers who give up their time, and sometimes even risk their lives, to make our beaches safer, happier, family-friendly places.
Nikon Australia and Surf Life Saving are urging people on the Far North Coast to nominate a local surf lifesaver for a chance to be named the first ever Nikon Clubbie of the Year.
Go to Hell for the Helicopter!
August 17, 2011
Mountain bike enthusiasts have until this Friday, August 19 to secure a place on the 2011 Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Yellow Pages Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour.
Tour Director and event founder Tony Keogh said the Tour truly is Hell on Wheels.
Can laughter help people with dementia?
August 17, 2011
Can taking part in stand-up comedy performances have therapeutic effects on people with dementia?
An innovative Southern Cross University research project is investigating the link, in partnership with an aged care provider and a comedian.
State Government delivers changes for clubs
August 3, 2011
Member for Ballina, Don Page, says he is pleased to see yet another election commitment delivered by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government today.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Clubs NSW prior to the March election,” Mr Page said.
“I was pleased to sign the MOU in December last year, and even happier today to see key aspects of that commitment delivered with legislation introduced to Parliament today.”
The Gaming Machine Tax Amendment Bill reduces tax paid by registered clubs and introduces changes to the Club Community Support Scheme.
“Local clubs in the Ballina Electorate currently donate more than $5 million annually to community groups and activities, and this will increase by an additional $112,000 from September 1 this year,” Mr Page said.
The new ClubGRANTS Scheme will provide an estimated $85 million, in additional community support across NSW from registered clubs over the next four years.
“The reduction in club taxes will save clubs in the Ballina electorate more than $300,000 a year,” Mr Page said
“Clubs make a major social and economic contribution to our local communities. They provide funding to community and sporting organisations, employment opportunities and high-quality facilities that are accessible and affordable for everyone.”
The 18 clubs in the Ballina Electorate employ more than 400 people and make significant contributions to the local economy.
Under the former State Labor Government, more than 100 clubs had to shut their doors due to tax increases.
Further reforms outlined in the MOU will be announced shortly.
“When a club in a small community is forced to close, it has an enormous impact. The NSW Liberal and Nationals want to support regional and rural communities and we understand the important role that clubs play. This legislation will help support clubs both large and small,” Mr Page said.
Alstonville the venue for Australian Working Cattle Dog Trial Championships
July 21, 2011
Alstonville will host the Australian Working Cattle Dog Trial Championships at the Alstonville Showground on Friday 2nd Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2011.
This event is hosted by the Alstonville Agricultural Society Inc and it is also the first time it will be held in the Ballina Shire Council area.
Friday’s action-packed program gets under way at 6am, with Saturday’s events starting at 6am and Sunday’s at 7am.
The first main event will get under way in ring No 1 which will be open classes followed by the second ring No 2 set to start at 8.00am with the maiden/novice classes.
Ring No 1 is set for all of the finals being held on Sunday.
Alstonville Centre for Tropical Horticulture to stay, says Page
June 29, 2011
Member for Ballina and Minister for the North Coast Don Page has allayed any concerns about the possible closure of the Alstonville Centre for Tropical Horticulture.
“The Alstonville site will be retained and staff will continue to have access to the various tropical fruit plantings for research purposes. The important research work will continue as normal,” he said.
“However, the staff currently working at the Alstonville Research Station will be moving at the end of July, from the demountable buildings on the Alstonville site to the Wollongbar Agricultural Institute.
“While the facilities at the Alstonville site consist of demountable buildings, the facilities at Wollongbar include state-of-the-art laboratories which will provide a more comfortable office environment for staff.
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SES members respond to requests from communities
June 13, 2011
As rain continues to fall in northern NSW, the SES has so far responded to more than 250 requests for assistance.
Most of the calls have been for leaking roofs and roof damage but there have been five flood rescues completed.
“With more weather on the way, it is really important that people stay out of floodwater.” Incident Controller Scott Hanckel said.
“If people come across a flooded road, we are urging that they turn around and find another route. It just isn’t worth the risk to people and their families.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that further rain is predicted in the area and there are still four Flood Warnings, a Severe Weather Warning and a Flood Watch in place.
Arts Northern Rivers announces young creatives
June 6, 2011
On Saturday, June 4, Arts Northern Rivers announced the 12 young creatives who will take part in their new Young Creatives Mentoring Project, at a special event held at Newrybar Hall.
Coming from as far afield as Grafton, Bonalbo, Lismore, Ballina, Lennox Head and Byron Bay, the group represent a diverse range of interests including music, film, visual arts, fashion, creative writing, dance, street art, installation and videography.
Katherine Hicks to hold drama workshops in Lismore
June 2, 2011
Former Byron and Alstonville High student, actor Katherine Hicks, is planning to teach a series of drama workshops in the Northern Rivers area over the July school holidays.
She will be teaching similar workshops in Sydney, at the New Theatre in Newtown, prior to coming to our area.
“The workshops will focus on primary and highschool students, but if enough adults were interested, I would also offer an acting intensive for that level, over two nights and a Saturday,” Katherine said.
