Marine Rescue donation held until Ballina jet boat is operational

Marine Rescue NSW will have to wait for a proposed $4,250 donation from Ballina Shire Council until the Ballina Jet Boat BA21 is operational. Council approved other community funding, including $800 for hockey player Jan Saul, on 24 September.

The donation to Saul will cover travel expenses to compete at the 2026 World Masters Hockey competition in Belgium. It was approved under Council’s Donations - Australian Representation Policy, with all councillors voting in favour. Cr Therese Crollick was absent.

Council also amended its Financial Assistance for Community Groups policy to include an annual donation to the Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond. The payment will cover the weekly set-up and pack-down of the Richmond Room for the Ballina Lighthouse Day Club.

The Rotary payment will be set at the maximum amount allowed under the policy and formalised through a signed agreement. That agreement is to be renewed within nine months of the start of each Council term. Council did not specify the dollar amount.

The proposed Marine Rescue payment was held in 2026-27 rather than rejected. It will remain on hold until the BA21 is operational, tying the allocation to the vessel’s operating status.

Councillors also supported continued discussions with the Girl Guides Association of NSW and the Ballina Shire Concert Band about making better use of Wigmore Hall.

Cr Sharon Cadwallader declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in the community-groups item because her husband is a Rotary member. Cr Erin Karsten declared the same type of interest because she is friends with a Ballina Shire Concert Band member. Both remained in the room and voted.

All councillors present voted unanimously on the community funding item. Cr Therese Crollick was absent.