Phil Wilson
Nov 4, 2026
The Weekly Shout-Out |
Hi neighbours!
This week we’re giving a nod to some local legends around Ballina, finding a few things to put in the diary, and taking a look at where the water goes when heavy rain arrives.
There’s a surfing morning at Lennox, music in town, a Sunday market browse and a little culture before coffee. And if you like planning ahead, there’s an outdoor movie night coming up too. |
A little local trivia |
What is the other name for Ballina Head Lighthouse? Have a guess. The answer is waiting at the bottom. |
Your week, in 30 seconds |
|
 BOM Ballina forecast, issued 4 November 2026 at 9:45am AEDT. Tap the graphic for updates. |
Thursday is forecast to reach 33°C before things cool down on Friday. Saturday looks warmer again, with a 30% chance of rain, while Sunday brings a cooler top of 22°C and a possible shower. Keep an eye on the forecast before outdoor plans, especially with a chance of storms in the broader Northern Rivers on Saturday afternoon and evening. |
This week’s Ballina Shout-Outs |
This week’s Ballina Shout-Outs gives a nod to five local people and groups making a positive contribution.
We congratulate WardellCORE’s Joel Orchard and Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance on their regional volunteer awards announced in October.
There’s also a shout-out to Johnny Hewett and the Morning of the Mo crew, with Bob McTavish, Chris Brock and Gunther Rohn joining a Lennox live podcast on 6 November.
Disabled Surfers Association volunteers and Lennox Lions are preparing for a supported surfing morning on 7 November.
And local primary students have been getting hands-on with water science through Rous County Council’s Young Water Leaders programme.
A mix of recent recognition, community effort and people worth knowing about. |
Local news and conversations |
Where does heavy rain go once the drains can’t keep up? Draft overland flood studies for Alstonville, Wardell and Lennox Head are now open for community feedback.
Residents have until Friday 27 November to review the material and respond.
Council drop-in sessions run from 5pm to 7pm at Wardell War Memorial Hall on 9 November, Wollongbar Hall on 11 November, and Lennox Head Community Hall at Epiq on 18 November.
You can also view the studies and submit feedback online.
Ballina Island and West Ballina have a separate stormwater study and masterplan in preparation, with exhibition expected between December and early 2027.
If you have questions about water moving through your street, this is a useful time to raise them. |
Fancy a small outing without planning a whole day? Ballina’s Northern Rivers Community Gallery has four exhibitions on show at 44 Cherry Street through 17 December.
The programme features Rachel Dun, Kirsty Marshall, Antoinette O’Brien, and a collaboration by Isobel Knowles and Van Sowerwine.
The World Came Flooding In includes a free VR experience relating to the 2022 floods, recommended for ages 15 and over with parental guidance and advance bookings.
Weekend hours are 9.30am to 1pm, with Wednesday to Friday opening from 9am to 3pm.
Meet a friend, take your time looking around, and leave room for a coffee afterwards. |
Your weekend guide |
Still deciding what to do on 7 and 8 November? There are a few easy options around Ballina this weekend.
Saturday starts with Disabled Surfers Association’s free Lennox Head surfing morning, with volunteer sign-on at 9am and participants at 10am.
Participant numbers are capped, so organise registration beforehand.
Music of the Night brings Andrew Lloyd Webber and West End favourites to Ballina RSL at 2pm on Saturday, with tickets listed at $57.50.
On Sunday, take your shopping bags to Ballina Farmers and Producers Market at Commemoration Park between 7am and 11am.
The gallery on Cherry Street is open both mornings from 9.30am to 1pm, while Mullumbimby Show offers a bigger outing further afield.
Check organiser updates and booking availability before setting off. |
Sunday breakfast and a few groceries can fit into the same outing at Ballina Farmers and Producers Market.
The market is listed for 8, 15, 22 and 29 November, from 7am to 11am at Commemoration Park beside Missingham Bridge.
Entry is free, with seasonal produce, locally made foods, coffee and breakfast options advertised.
Stallholders and availability vary, so go with a shopping bag and a little room to see what looks good.
Bring an insulated bag for chilled purchases and check organiser updates if the weather looks doubtful.
The next listed date is Sunday 8 November. |
Coming up: put it in the diary |
Lennox Alive returns on Saturday 14 November, with a free outdoor screening of Back to the Future advertised at Ross Park.
Live music is also planned in the park and around town, making it an option for an afternoon catch-up that rolls into the evening.
The current organiser page lists overall event hours of 3pm to 11pm at 73-75 Ballina Street.
That isn’t a confirmed movie starting time, so check the final programme before making plans around the screening.
Look for updates on registration, what to bring and wet-weather arrangements closer to the day.
An early meal and a film could make a fairly simple evening out. |
For your group chat |
Know someone who’d enjoy a market morning or a browse at the gallery? Send them this week’s round-up and see if you can turn “we should catch up” into an actual plan. |
Who deserves a Shout-Out? |
A helpful neighbour, a local volunteer, a new business or someone quietly doing good around town? We’d love to hear about them. Reply to this newsletter with your suggestion, and include a public link if there’s one we can check. Enjoy your week, Ballina. The Ballina Shout Outs team |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Richmond River Light (also called Richmond River Lighthouse). The current lighthouse was first lit in 1880. Source: NSW Government, NSW lighthouses. |