Ballina Chamber of Commerce

27/05/2026

Hi All,

Unfortunately, tonight’s (27th May) Ballina Chamber Business After Hours event with hosts Northcott has been cancelled due to illness affecting the Northcott team.

We apologise for the late notice and any inconvenience this causes. Northcott has advised that they are very keen to host the Chamber at a later date, and we will work with them to identify a suitable replacement date.

No action is required from you at this stage. We will share updated event details once a new date has been confirmed.

Thank you for your understanding.

19/05/2026

📣 Chamber Update: Have Your Say on Ballina Shire’s Future Plans

The Ballina Shire Council has released its Draft Delivery Program 2026–2030 and Operational Plan 2026/27 for public exhibition.

These key documents outline Council’s priorities, major projects, services, and infrastructure investments that will shape our community over the coming years.

Why this matters to local business

These plans directly impact:
- Roads, bridges & transport — critical for connectivity, freight, tourism and daily operations
- Infrastructure & services that support a growing shire
- Community facilities, open spaces & economic enablers like the airport and resource recovery

Key proposed investments for 2026/27 include:

- $87.4 million for roads and bridges
- $14.5 million for wastewater
- $2.9 million for water

Significant allocations for open space, sports fields, resource recovery, the airport and stormwater

Major projects flagged include:
- Alstonville Cultural Centre Upgrade, - Fishery Creek & Canal Bridge duplications,
- Ross Lane Flood Resilience, and - Stage 2 of the Wardell Town Centre Master Plan.

Council has also applied for a Special Rate Variation (SRV). We find out about whether that will proceed as proposed sometime this month. Hopefully we'll before...

Submissions close: Monday 1 June 2026

✅ We strongly encourage all Chamber members and local businesses to review the documents and provide feedback. Your input helps ensure the plans support a thriving local economy, strong infrastructure, and sustainable growth.

👉 Review and submit here:

yoursayballina.com.au

The Chamber will continue to advocate constructively on behalf of business throughout this process.

If you have specific concerns or opportunities you’d like the Chamber to raise, please reach out to us via email [email protected]

Together, we can help shape a Ballina Shire that works for business and community. 💼🌱

19/05/2026

The Ballina Chamber of Commerce encourages all local business owners and operators to take the time to read through Ballina Shire Council’s draft plans currently on exhibition.

Too often, businesses only hear about changes once new fees, policies, restrictions or planning decisions are already in place. This is the opportunity to understand what is being proposed before decisions are finalised and to have a say while feedback is still open.

These plans will help shape the future of business in Ballina including growth, infrastructure, priorities and the overall direction of our region.
If local businesses want a stronger voice in the future of Ballina, we need to be part of the conversation early, not after the fact.

The Chamber encourages businesses to read the plans, ask questions and provide feedback.
Submissions close 1st of June 2026

https://www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-Careers-and-Feedback/Media-Releases/Draft-plans-shaping-Ballina-Shire-now-on-exhibition

18/05/2026

Nomination window extended.

The Business Awards nomination window has now been extended until Wednesday May 27th at 5pm.

Business NSW has extended the nomination window for the Ballina Business Awards by an additional week. There is now no excuse not to complete your entry. You can even work on it over the weekend!

Entries now close May 27th. Wednesday - NEXT week!

*|https://www.ballinachamber.com.au/awards-2026/|*

15/05/2026

Ballina Business Awards - Nominations Closing Soon -

Don't Miss Your Chance to Enter

Entries are rolling in and the deadline is fast approaching.

This is your opportunity to:
🏆 Gain recognition
📣 Showcase achievements
👥 Celebrate your team
🎉 Join the region’s biggest business celebration

👉 Submit your entry HERE

🏆Learn more about the Awards HERE

Entries close May 20.

*|https://www.ballinachamber.com.au/awards-2026/|*

15/05/2026

Business After Hours Networking at Northcott

Join us Wednesday the 27th of May for a relaxed Business After Hours at Northcott - 14 Martin Street. The fun starts at 5.30. Register at the Chamber web site.

*|https://www.ballinachamber.com.au/events/ #!event/2026/5/27/may-business-after-hours-save-the-date|*

13/05/2026

Join one of our online submission writing masterclasses on how to structure, strengthen and refine your entry for the 2026 Northern Rivers Business Awards.

12/05/2026

Help Us Celebrate Local Excellence!

You don’t have to wait to be nominated!

Did you know that close to 100% of Business Awards entries are self-nominated? Don't wait for someone else to recognise your achievements.

Enter your own business
Enter yourself as an inspirational leader
Recognise a colleague or a valued employee
Encourage a client or supplier to nominate
Encourage a business you admire

*|https://www.ballinachamber.com.au/awards-2026/|*

09/05/2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business! All details below:

📣 How to Benefit from Love Lennox Festival 2026 – After Hours

Want to make the most of the festival weekend? This session focuses on practical ways to increase sales, attract more customers, and show up in a way that stands out.

We’ll share simple, proven ideas local businesses can apply straight away to turn festival foot traffic into real results.

🗓 Thursday, 14 May 2026
⏰ 5:30 – 7:30 PM
📍 Lennox Hotel

Drinks and snacks will be provided by our venue sponsor, .

Stay after the session to connect with other local business owners, exchange ideas, and build new partnerships.

👉 RSVP via link in bio or here:
https://www.businesslennoxhead.com.au/after-hours-2026

07/05/2026

Ballina Business Awards - Find Your Category & Enter - *|https://www.ballinachamber.com.au/awards-2026/ |*

Did you know the Ballina Business Awards feature 26 categories recognising businesses of all sizes and industries?

From emerging businesses to long-established organisations — there is a category that is perfect for you. You can also nominate individuals - reward your hard working employee or recognise an inspirational leader.