Ballina Shire celebrates multiple finalists in the 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards
Ballina Shire is celebrating its local businesses in the running for top tourism gongs after the town won silver in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards. See who made the cut.
Ballina
Don't miss out on the headlines from Ballina. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Several local Ballina Shire tourism businesses and initiatives have been named finalists in the prestigious 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards.
The awards acknowledge growth, entrepreneurship, and commend the success of tourism businesses throughout the North Coast Destination Network region.
Here are the finalists from Ballina Shire.
Ballina Visitor Information Centre has been nominated for Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Tourism Services, and Outstanding Young Tourism Business Leader, highlighting the centre’s innovative approaches, exemplary service standards, and the outstanding contributions to their local community.
Lennox Head Cultural Centre has been recognised for Event Venue of the Year, a category that celebrates venues excelling in business events, conferences, music events, and leisure events.
Ballina Contemporary Art Market (Northern Rivers Community Gallery) is a finalist for Festival/Event of the Year, a category honouring events that significantly enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the local cultural landscape.
Sugar Beach Ranch in South Ballina has earned a nomination for Excellence in Wellness Tourism, recognising their unique and compelling visitor experiences focused on wellness.
Bonito Peruvian Eatery in Wollongbar is a finalist for Excellence in Food Tourism, celebrating their outstanding culinary excellence and significant contribution to the region’s gastronomic appeal.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the shire is “incredible proud” of their local finalists.
Ms Cadwallader said their “hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit” has “elevated their own businesses and enhanced the overall appeal” of Ballina as a premier tourist destination.
“We wish them all the best in the upcoming awards.”
The Shire’s excitement comes off the back of Ballina winning silver in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, hosted by Business NSW and the NSW Tourism Industry Council in May.
Team Leader of Visitor Services, Alanah Ward said Ballina stood out in the category for towns with a population over 5,000 residents along with Kiama who took out the gold award.
“This award recognises towns across New South Wales that exhibit a strong commitment to tourism and deliver an exceptional visitor experience,” Ms Ward said.
Ms Cadwallader said “winning the silver award is a “remarkable recognition of the dedication and passion” of the Ballina Shire community.
“We are thrilled to have this award and are motivated to keep the momentum going.”
The winners of the 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards will be announced at an Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on August 1 at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges.
Pair busted after alleged pursuit followed by crash
A 33-year-old Kempsey man and a 25-year-old Kempsey woman remain in custody on remand after being charged with alleged property and driving offences following pursuit and crash on the Mid-North Coast.
Pair in court after dog killed in alleged police pursuit through paddock
A man remains locked up and a woman has been released on bail following an alleged police pursuit through a Northern NSW paddock which resulted in the death of a dog.