Community College seeks new directors
February 20, 2013
Ballina Region Community College is calling for board members to see their dynamic business through the next phase.
Having recently moved to new larger premises in Alstonville, the college is expanding.
“New blood is what we are after,” director Tony Gilding said.
The owner of Macadamia Castle, an active conservationist and president of Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia, Tony has been an active Board Member. “And we strongly encourage women to apply,” he said.
“There is an underrepresentation of women on our board which we would like to address. We are committed to a director composition which reflects the community the college serves. We are losing Marilyn Perkins, an experienced female director who has been incredibly active in the community for decades.”
A well-known community advocate, Marilyn Perkins is the longest serving member of the board.
After joining the college Committee in 2003, she later became deputy chair and then chair of the board in 2007. She continued in that role until 2011. At the upcoming AGM Marilyn will retire, making way for at least one new board member and possibly more.
“Making strategic decisions about the future of the college is exciting,” Marilyn said. “The rewards are always there – it is great to be part of a dynamic and interesting team. I’ll miss that.
“Our college is proactive in pursuing innovation, including new ways of teaching and learning. So we must have new people with fresh ideas to ensure the continuation of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation.”
A not-for-profit education facility, the Ballina Region Community College has campuses in Ballina, Alstonville and Yamba. The college offers courses in three streams – vocational education and training, work skills and general lifestyle. Courses cover diverse areas including business, IT, fitness, health and wellbeing, languages, hospitality, visual arts, cooking and photography most subjects are VET accredited.
Board members attend meetings every two months, serve on board sub-committees and occasionally represent the college at functions. Participation in the board enables members to gain valuable experience in governance, actively participate in the community, be part of a committed team and undertake college courses free of charge.
Applications close 10th March. Potential applicants may contact Richard Hughes on admin@ballinarcc.edu.au
PICTURE: Marilyn Perkins and Tony Gilding.
Missing Alstonville teenager found safe and well
October 13, 2012
A teenager reported missing on the state’s Far North Coast earlier this week has been found safe and well.
Quinn Kelly, 16, disappeared from his Alstonville home on Wednesday (10 October 2012).
Inquiries were conducted by police from Richmond Local Area Command in a bid to locate the teenager.
He was found safe and well in the care of a relative at Lightning Ridge, in the state’s north-west, late yesterday (Friday 12 October 2012).
$9.5 million boost to housing affordability in Page
June 30, 2012
Housing Minister Brendan O’Connor, Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean and Member for Page Janelle Saffin have announced funding for Lismore and Ballina under the Australian Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program.
Lismore City Council will receive a $5 million grant and Ballina Shire Council a grant of $4.5 million for local infrastructure projects to support new housing developments, Mr O’Connor said.
Ballina will use its $4.5 million BBRC grant towards the construction of the Wollongbar Sports fields which will incorporate AFL, rugby, cricket, tennis and netball facilities. The fields will service the Wollongbar Urban Expansion Area which will provide housing for approximately 2500 people.
“We know that housing shortages are creating challenges in growing regional communities, now and into the future,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Through Building Better Regional Cities, 16 communities across Australia will receive funding to help reduce the cost of local infrastructure needed for new housing developments, such as roads, bridges, water and sewerage works, parks and community centres, so that those savings are passed on to home buyers.”
Armed robbery of pizza shop – Alstonville
May 23, 2012
Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred in Alstonville yesterday.
About 9pm (Tuesday 22 May) three males armed with knives and baseball bats entered a pizza shop on Robertson Street, Alstonville, and threatened two male staff members.
One of the staff members was struck with a baseball bat during the incident and suffered swelling and bruising to his left leg and wrist.
The men were handed an amount of money and also stole a wallet and mobile phone from the staff members.
The three men then fled the store, driving away in a stolen silver Subaru Liberty, being driven by a fourth person.
The car was later found burnt out on Skyline Drive, Goonellabah.
Police from Richmond Local Area Command attended the scene and commenced an investigation.
The men are described as Aboriginal/Torres Straight Islander appearance, about 18-20 years of age and they were wearing balaclavas and hooded jumpers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Alstonville Plateau Working Cattle Dog Trials
May 19, 2012
The Alstonville Agricultural Society Inc will be hosting this event at the Alstonville Showground on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June 2012.
Saturday’s program gets under way at 6.30am, with Sunday’s events starting at 7am, with completion sometime Sunday afternoon.
The first event will get under way in main ring which will be maiden/novice classes.
All finals will be held on the Sunday in main ring.
Admission for spectators is free, with food and refreshments available at the showground.
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.
