Cr Sharon Cadwallader was elected to Council in March 2004, was first elected as Mayor in December 2021, and is now in her second term as Mayor.
Sharon is a community leader and experienced professional with expertise across governance, local government, and community engagement. She is a company director, Justice of the Peace, Registered Civil Celebrant, Chair of the Australian Coastal Councils Association, Deputy Chair of both Rous County Council and the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation, and serves on the Executive Board of the Country Mayors Association of NSW.
A former Regional Manager of the Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber and past director of Summerland Credit Union, Sharon holds qualifications in dental nursing, marketing and management, and a UTS Executive Certificate in Local Government. Sharon is an active Patron of Far North Coast Legacy - Ballina Division, Ballina Schools Historical Society Inc, and the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary, as well as an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond (2024/25). She has also contributed to numerous committees, including 17 years on the Essential Energy Customer Council and leadership roles with the Richmond Tweed Regional Library and regional chambers of commerce.
Sharon is focused on affordable and accessible housing, preserving local heritage, enhancing the natural environment, and promoting sustainable economic development. She is focused on initiatives for beautification, walkways, cycleways, and regional collaboration to secure equitable State and Federal funding. Sharon realises the importance of making it simpler to deal with council by removing layers of bureaucracy and having a ‘can do’ culture that prioritises environmental stewardship and addressing climate challenges.
Married to Bruce, Sharon is proud to call Ballina Shire home, sharing life with their five children and 11 grandchildren across three generations living in the area. Her open for business policy encourages input from the community, preferably by text or email.
mobile: 0428 339 023
email: sharon.cadwallader@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Damian is a retired Detective Sergeant of the NSW Police Force having served for 35 years; and a former Police Negotiator and senior investigator. Damian was an inducted officer of the NSW Crime Commission and has worked in various locations across NSW specialising in the cold case unsolved homicides of Lynette Dawson and Cheryl Grimmer. Damian has extensive experience in community safety, bush fire crime management and held the role of Forward Commander for the Black Christmas Bushfires in 2001/2002 across the Shoalhaven on the states South Coast. Damian has received the National Police Service Medal, NSW Police Commendation (service), the NSW Police Medal and the NSW Police Commissioners Emergency Commendation (2018/2019 NSW bushfires).
phone: 0438 463 710
email: damian.loone@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Erin brings 25 years of expertise in corporate real estate, sustainable building design, and construction to her role as a Councillor. Erin has worked and lived in global cities including New York, London, Stockholm and Sydney, now calling Ballina home. Her professional experience with leading organisations such as CBRE, JLL, American Express, Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, Intel, Google, and KPMG has shaped her expertise in driving value through strong risk management and governance, with a strategic focus on getting the best long-term outcomes for Ballina shire. Erin looks forward to utilising her background in finance, operations, and governance to support decision making.
In addition to her corporate experience, Erin comes from a family with a strong sense of civic duty, inspiring her lifelong involvement in community-focused initiatives. From her early days in 4-H, a youth agricultural leadership program, to leadership roles with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in the UK and NSW, she has championed mentorship and inclusion. Erin has served on diversity and inclusion boards, conservation councils, and as a mentor for programs like iLead, which supports professionals in the security sector. She also sat on the Town of Montgomery Conservation Advisory Council in New York to support intelligent environmental decisions around local development applications.
Erin has been actively involved in annual charity work raising funds through endurance sports like marathons and adventure races to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the US and The Smith Family in Australia. She looks forward to now giving back to her community in a new way, through public service as a Councillor, striving to deliver sustainable and impactful outcomes for the region.
phone: 0427 723 880
email: erin.karsten@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Councillor Meehan was first elected to Ballina Shire Council in 2016. This is his third term representing A Ward and Ballina Shire. He is a long term Ballina resident with four generations of his family living here.
Phil had a career as a PDHPE Head Teacher, High School Deputy Principal, Education Consultant and Regional Equity Programs Manager with the NSW Department of Education. He is currently semi-retired, operating a Bed & Breakfast with his wife Susan and is also a Director of The Ballina Jockey Club.
Councillor Meehan is an active sportsperson, passionate about surfing, walking our coastline and mountain biking. He is dedicated to maintaining and protecting the natural environment of our coastal zone. As a Councillor, Phil believes that working hard to represent the Shire's residents in a responsible, informed and equitable manner is paramount to his role. He is very focused on Council working within its means, providing quality core services and maintaining 'what makes Ballina a great place to live.'
Councillor Meehan welcomes contact from residents right across Ballina Shire..
phone: 0408 349 833
email: phil.meehan@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Michelle was elected to Council in 2024. A local born and raised in Ballina Shire, with a family history that stretches back generations in farming and the establishment of some of the Shires buildings and infrastructure. Michelle and her husband have raised two children here, both now adults, reflecting her long-standing commitment to the Shire.
For over 25 years, Michelle has been a dedicated local business manager, actively supporting the community through event sponsorships, charitable donations, and creating employment opportunities for local residents. Her extensive experience in community service is reflected in her involvement with school, sports, and charity committees, as well as fundraising initiatives. She currently serves as President of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Support Group for Ballina Shire, among other significant roles.
Experience working within the local government sector for many years, provides Michelle with a solid understanding of local government operations. This knowledge, combined with business and administration and event management skills, supports the platform to advocate for business, economic, and development growth, working as part of the Council to implement change and seize available opportunities.
Michelle envisions a Council that operates with a sound business structure, fostering a synergy between business and community to achieve collective progress.
phone: 0429 279 482
email: michelle.bailey@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Kiri grew up in the Ballina Shire, attending Lennox Head Public School and Ballina High School, later returning to raise her family in Lennox Head.
Her career has been dedicated to working in the social and community services sector in a diverse range of roles and contexts, including case management, community development, policy analysis and management consulting. Her work has taken her all over the world, including over a decade spent working in the aid and development sector in the Asia Pacific region, providing technical advice to governments, UN agencies and not-for-profit groups. Kiri currently works as the Community Impact Manager for the Northern Rivers Community Foundation where she oversees the organisation’s grants and research portfolios across seven Local Government areas.
Kiri holds a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/Behaviour Science (Griffith University), a Master’s Degree in Community Development and Emergency Management (Southern Cross University) and a Graduate Certificate in Gender Mainstreaming, Policy and Analysis (Flinders University). Kiri’s key interests include environmental protection, sustainable waste management, climate action, affordable housing, and diversity in local government.
You can read more about Kiri’s work on Council and sign up to receive her emails at www.kiridicker.com.
phone: 0419 493 898
email: kiri.dicker@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Eva Ramsey has been a resident of Lennox Head for more than two decades, having moved to the coastal village with her husband in 2000.
Since relocating to the Ballina Shire, Eva has been an active member of the community. A keen sportsperson, coach, referee and mentor of young athletes, Eva was instrumental in the successful campaign to fund and build the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre. Eva received a Community Recognition Statement in the NSW Parliament for her tireless work to make the sports centre a reality.
Eva brings to the Council extensive experience in Asset and Project Management and has widespread knowledge of administration. For a period, Eva was also NSW Secretary for the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADD). Having a history of teamwork and collaboration, Eva will work constructively as part of the Ballina Shire Council to set the vision and direction for the shire to continue its growth and thrive in its diverse location.
Eva is excited that her appointment to Council will give her the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of vital services and the prosperity of the community. She is passionate about her community and the privilege and opportunity being a councillor presents. She is open to listening to community members and a sincere activist who will represent the views and needs of the community. Eva is available to discuss and explore any issues of community concern.
phone: 0419 542 905
email: eva.ramsey@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Simon Chate and his partner, Shirley, have a shared love for Ballina Shire, having lived in Alstonville for the past 20 years. They love the warm and friendly community, the easy-going lifestyle and spectacular landscape. As well as being a family man, Simon is a musician, a choir director and music educator. He has had extensive community interaction through his role as a teacher at Alstonville High School where he has been in a position to affect change through his membership of the school P&C committee. Simon is also a member of the Rous Mill Hall committee and the Summerland Toastmasters Club.
Simon has extensive national and international performance experience having sung tenor 2 with acclaimed SCU group, Isabella A Cappella for almost 10 years, and since 2004 he has held the position of musical director for Coolangatta-based entertainers, Men Wot Sing. Since 2012, Simon has taken strong leadership roles within the community, both through the creation and running of Alstonville’s community choir, Awesome Voices, and through co-founding and organising the monthly, fund-raising community performance event, Rous Unplugged, which has raised over $30,000 for local charities and causes.
Simon’s qualifications include Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Southern Cross University), Graduate Diploma of Education (Southern Cross University), Diploma in Music Technology in Education (Newcastle University), Cert III – Live Production and Services (NIDA) and Cert IV – Training and Assessment (Aust. Forensic Services).
Simon feels passionate that protecting our environment (an ultimately finite resource) is of the utmost importance and he joined the Greens in 2019. He feels that environmental factors are too often given insufficient consideration or are dismissed outright. He believes we need to find the right balance in addressing the climate emergency and protecting our environment whilst facilitating our community’s continued growth and change in a sustainable, family-friendly, and culturally sensitive way.
As well as providing infrastructure and recreational facilities, Simon believes Council must look at increasing the availability of longer-term rental properties and find a way to make local housing more affordable. Simon is also keen to ensure transparency around big decisions in Council and straightforward access to community consultation.
phone: 0419 593 233
email: simon.chate@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Therese was elected to Council in 2024 and is a retired Medical Scientist who is involved with a number of community organisations including Alstonville Rotary Club, Ballina Surf Life Saving Club, LinC Alstonville, St Vincent de Paul and the Ballina Shire Concert band. Therese is also a member of her Church's Pastoral Council.
Therese is a keen swimmer and is a Life Member and past President of Queensland Masters Swimming. She also enjoys kayaking, walking with her Jack Russell, Cecille, and going to the gym. Therese loves to travel and has seen a lot of Australia and the world. She is also a historic car enthusiast and a proud owner of a 1969 MGB Roadster with the Ballina Historic Vehicle Club.
phone: 0437 947 859
email: therese.crollick@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Simon was elected to Council in 2024. He is a former resident of Alstonville and more recently a resident of Lennox Head. Simon's four children all attended Alstonville High School and two still live in the local area. Simon ran a successful orthopaedic surgical practice in Lismore for some 28 years and is now retired. In the past he was also a volunteer medical crewman serving on the Westpac Lifesaving Rescue Helicopter service. Having run a small business, and now being retired, he has both the experience and the time to give back to the Ballina Shire community.
Simon is keen to see local infrastructure improved, within the wise and efficient use of Council’s limited financial resources. He believes that projects should not be done piece-meal and that Wardell and Newrybar should not be ‘forgotten villages’. He feels that the Dunoon Dam should go ahead for flood mitigation as much as for future water supply needs. Simon believes that Council is more than ‘roads, rates and rubbish’ and, while these will always be important, there also needs to be continued forucs on footpaths, cycleways, parks and green space.
phone: 0427 410 192
email: simon.kinny@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Ballina Shire is divided into three wards, A, B and C ward for election purposes. The Mayor is popularly elected, along with three councillors from each ward, resulting in a total of ten councillors.
In accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy, detailed reports including expenditure summarised by individual Councillor are now publicly tabled at a Council meeting every six months and published in full on Council’s website.
Clause 4.21 (in part) of the Council’s Code of Conduct states: A councillor or designated person must complete and lodge with the general manager, a return in the form set out in schedule 2 to the code, disclosing the councillors’ or designated person’s interests as specified in schedule 1 to the code within 3 months after:
(a) Becoming a councillor or designated person, and
(b) 30 June of each year and
(c) The councillor or designated person becoming aware of an interest they are required to disclose under schedule 1 that has not been previously disclosed in a return lodged under paragraphs (a) or (b).
Clause 4.27 of Council’s Code of Conduct states: Information contained in returns made and lodged under clause 4.21 is to be made publicly available in accordance with the requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2009 and any guidelines issued by the Information Commissioner.
Council has identified its designated persons as Councillors, the General Manager and members of Council’s Executive Team.
The General Manager
Ballina Shire Council
PO Box 450
Ballina NSW 2478
40 Cherry Street
Ballina NSW 2478
Opening Hours
8:15am - 4:30pm
Monday to Friday
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