Seven rescued after outrigger vessel capsizes on Ballina bar
February 4, 2010
Surf lifesavers have rescued at least seven people in extremely hazardous conditions on the Ballina bar after their outrigger vessel capsized.
Surf Life Saving NSW said that at around 6.30 this morning, Surf Life Saving NSW received a call for assistance at the entrance to the Richmond River. The Ballina Jet Rescue Boat and surf rescue jet skis were immediately tasked, along with the Westpac Rescue helicopter.
When they arrived on the scene, the Jet Rescue Boat retrieved four people from the water and transported them back up the river to waiting ambulances, while the jet ski remained with another two people still in the water.
The boat returned to pick up the two and another person, who had managed to clamber up the breakwall at the rivermouth.
Planning approval given for Tintenbar-Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade
January 29, 2010
Ballina MP and Shadow Minister for North Coast Don Page has welcomed the announcement today of planning approval and construction funding for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade of the Pacific Highway.
He especially welcomed the announcement of construction money at the same time as planning approval was given, as quite often this is not the case.
“Usually planning approval is given and it can be years before construction money becomes available,” Mr Page said.
These delays occurred for both the Ballina bypass and Alstonville bypass projects.
Memories sought for oral history of Northern Rivers
January 28, 2010
A Southern Cross University researcher is searching for older people living from Tweed Heads to Kyogle who can share their memories of the region’s early history.
Theresa Mason has embarked on her PhD research project – an oral history of the Northern Rivers – and already has many a fascinating tale to tell, thanks to locals sharing their stories for her earlier Honours project.
Her interest in the region’s history began when she was editing and writing for The Village Journal, a local newspaper based in Rosebank, serving the rural areas between Dunoon, Federal and Bexhill.
“I came across all of these older people who had fascinating stories to tell,” she said. “Many of the stories around people’s experiences during the Great Depression and in times of war were particularly interesting.
$12.65 million infrastructure boost for Ballina Shire
January 27, 2010
Ballina Shire Council has successfully applied for $12.65 million through the NSW Government’s Local Infrastructure Fund.
This fund is designed to provide interest-free loans that will assist in the delivery of roads, sewerage treatment and water reuse facilities.
In announcing the funding, Premier Kristina Keneally said: “This funding is designed to serve dual purposes: providing an economic stimulus, and providing infrastructure for NSW’s growing number of homes.
“We are directing the funding at areas that will grow in population, with a specific focus on fast-tracking projects that will stimulate urban development and local jobs. This is a practical and immediate step the State Government is taking to help councils respond to their changing communities.”
The projects approved for the council are:
Police seek information on Ballina school fire
January 26, 2010
Police are appealing for public assistance following a fire at a school in Ballina overnight.
About 2.50am today (Tuesday 26 January 2010), officers attached to Richmond Local Area Command were attending a motor vehicle collision when they saw smoke and flames coming from buildings at a school in Horizon West Drive.
Police contacted Fire Brigade units and attempted to extinguish the blaze, which was located in the toilet and cleaning storage room block of the facility.
The area was extensively damaged by the fire, causing damage in excess of $100,000.
Page electorates gets respite funding
January 22, 2010
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, and Page MP Janelle Saffin have announced more than $127,000 in one-off funding grants for eight services that provide respite for carers across the Page electorate.
The funding is part of the Rudd Government’s commitment to carers through the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) which this year will provide more than $200 million for respite services and programs in Australia.
Ms Saffin said local respite services provide valuable time-out for people who care for family members or friends with a disability, chronic condition or who are frail aged.
“This funding will help important local services continue to meet the needs of carers in our community,” she said.
Funding for Ballina Electorate 2010 Seniors Week programs
January 21, 2010
Seven Ballina Electorate organisations have been awarded funding under the 2010 NSW Seniors Week Grants Program, Ballina MP Don Page announced.
Mr Page said the programs would be held during NSW Seniors Week from 21 to 28 March 2010.
The successful recipients are:
- Ballina Coastal Quilters Inc. $400 for Seniors at the Gallery – Creativity in Action
- Ballina District Community Services Association $400 for ‘Celebrating Our Seniors’
- Brunswick Valley U3A $400 for ‘Picnic in the Park’
- Byron Shire Council $500 for ‘The HIP-hop Replacements’
- St Andrew’s Village Ballina $400 for ‘Seniors Gathering Together’
- The Merrymakers Inc: $870 for Seniors Week Concert
- Tintenbar Community Aid Network: $400 for ‘Stepping out in Tintenbar’
Fund established for South Ballina drowning victims’ children
January 20, 2010
A fund has been established to assist three surviving children following the tragic drowning of their parents at South Ballina yesterday.
About 7pm, the family of five from Orangeville, Sydney, who were holidaying at a local caravan park, went to the beach at South Ballina for a swim.
Police have been told the mother, 44-year-old Carole Sherry, got into difficulties in the water while swimming and her 42-year-old husband, Joseph Sherry, entered the water in an attempt to rescue her.
It is believed the couple got into difficulties in a strong rip and were unable to make it to shore.
Richmond electorate Caring for Our Country grants
January 20, 2010
Seven community-based organisations on the Far North Coast are set to benefit this year from more than $97,000 in funding from the Australian Government.
Richmond MP Justine Elliot said the community organisations had received funding through the 2009-10 Caring for our Country Community Action Grants program.
She said the funding would enable the groups to undertake important local environmental activities, such as planting and revegetation, weed control, field days and community workshops and education.
Applications for the 2010-11 Community Action Grants are expected to open mid year.
Sydney couple die in South Ballina drowning tragedy
January 20, 2010
A couple have died after a swimming tragedy at South Ballina last night.
About 7pm, the family of five from Sydney who were holidaying at a local caravan park went to the beach at South Ballina for a swim.
Police have been told the mother, a 44-year-old woman, got into difficulties in the water while swimming and her 42-year-old husband entered the water in an attempt to rescue her.
It is believed the couple got into difficulties in a strong rip and were unable to make it to shore.
