There’s plenty happening around Ballina that deserves a little more attention, especially when it involves people quietly getting on with something useful.

For this week’s Ballina Shout-Outs, we’re giving a nod to local volunteers, some familiar names from the surfing world and a younger generation learning to care for our waterways.

This is our roundup for the week of 2 to 8 November 2026, mixing current activities with recent recognition.

1. Joel Orchard: a well-earned nod for Wardell

WardellCORE co-founder Joel Orchard was named Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year at the regional awards announced in October.

He also received the Adult Volunteer of the Year award, recognising work that includes food relief, disaster preparedness and helping people stay connected.

Through Wardell Neighbourhood Centre, Joel helps coordinate volunteers, fundraising and partnerships.

That might sound like a long list of tasks, but the practical outcome is straightforward: people getting support when they need it.

A shout-out to Joel, and to the people working alongside him to keep that help available.

2. Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance: recognition for the whole team

The same regional awards named Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance Volunteer Team of the Year.

The alliance’s 15 members organise awareness activities, social opportunities and support for people living with dementia and their carers.

That work deserves a mention beyond the award itself.

Regular opportunities to meet people and feel included matter, particularly when everyday life has become more complicated.

Congratulations to the team for the recognition, and thanks for the ongoing work behind it.

3. Johnny Hewett and the Morning of the Mo crew

Morning of the Mo is marking 21 years, with organiser Johnny Hewett and the crew continuing their fundraising focus on men’s mental health.

Bob McTavish, Chris Brock and Gunther Rohn are joining a live podcast at Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Friday 6 November.

Hosted by Zac Wightman and Finley Jones of the LAGO Podcast, it brings together generations of surfboard-making experience.

The podcast leads into the Morning of the Mo surf competition on 28 November.

A good reason to recognise both the people sharing their stories and the organisers turning local surf culture into support for a worthwhile cause.

Check the event’s ticket information if you’d like to go along.

4. The volunteers helping more people catch a wave

Disabled Surfers Association Far North Coast has a free surfing morning planned at Lennox Head on Saturday 7 November.

The volunteers make supported surfing possible for people with disability, with training provided for those lending a hand.

Lennox Lions Club is helping too, providing a free barbecue lunch.

Volunteer sign-on is at 9am and participant sign-on at 10am at Lennox Head-Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club.

Participant places are limited, so arrange registration beforehand.

Here’s a shout-out in advance to the people giving their Saturday morning to help others enjoy the water.

5. Ballina’s young water leaders

Local primary students recently took part in Rous County Council’s first Young Water Leaders event during National Water Week, reported on 31 October.

Students in Years 4 to 6 investigated waterway life, tested water and explored how drinking water is treated.

They also considered cultural connections to waterways and caring for water into the future.

Well done to the students getting involved, and to the water and catchment staff making the learning practical.

It’s encouraging to see local knowledge being passed on through something children can investigate for themselves.

Someone we should know about?

Know a local person or group doing something worth celebrating? Send Ballina Shout-Outs a tip for a future roundup.

Details checked on 4 November 2026; check organiser updates for upcoming events.

Read more and event details

Joel Orchard and Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance awards

Morning of the Mo fundraising and live podcast

Lennox Head surfing morning and registration details

Young Water Leaders report