• Population 46,287 people, 9% of the North Coast population. Projected to increase by 6% by 2031 (compared to 5% increase North Coast). 
• Population density: 97 residents per km2 (17 per km2 North Coast).
• 4% identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (6% North Coast).
• Median age 48 (47 North Coast, 39 NSW).
• 4% of population born in non-English speaking countries (1% North Coast, 19% NSW, 16% Australia).
• 26% aged 65 years or over, projected to increase by 19% by 2031 (18% increase North Coast and 29% NSW).

• Less than 1 in 5 children in Ballina LGA were assessed as vulnerable in one or more areas of early childhood development.

Fully immunised children rates:

• 92% of 1-year-old children (94% in NSW and Australia)
• 88% of 2-year-old children (92% NSW and Australia)
• 94% of 5-year-olds (94% NSW and Australia).

• 58% of people aged 65 years and over have at least one long-term health condition.
• 3% of the population live with dementia (2% NSW and Australia). Expected to increase as the 65 years and over population increases.
• 59% of respondents to the survey reported the ageing population is one of the most serious health concerns in the community.
• 47% of respondents found accessing services for older people difficult. Challenges were difficulty in organising services and not knowing what is available.

Did you know: Care Finders is a free service. It exists to support vulnerable people – who have no one else who can support them – to learn about, apply for and set up support services. Find out more about Care Finders.

Healthy North Coast works in partnership with Aboriginal Medical Services across the region to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal peoples, families and community. Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service provides services to the Aboriginal communities across the LGA.

• 23% of people had an Aboriginal health check in Richmond Valley – Coastal SA3 

Connection to country and culture is key for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples social and emotional wellbeing. Programs that Aboriginal peoples identified to help keep Aboriginal communities healthy and strong:

• Exercise and fitness
• Support with daily living/personal care
• Yarning circles
• Community health education events
• Men’s health
• Training programs

• 67 per 1,000 people need assistance due to age or severe disability (75 per 1,000 North Coast, 58 per 1,000 NSW).
• Median total weekly personal income $737 ($652 North Coast) (NSW $813). Second highest average personal income in the region
• Less than 1% of people report very low proficiency in English (5% NSW)
• 3 per 1,000 people experienced domestic and family violence (NSW 4 per 1,000). Lowest in the North Coast region and has reduced by 6% in recent years.
• Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) score 1,015. Ballina is placed as the second highest ranked LGA in the region, and is in the eighth decline nationally, indicating higher levels of socio-economic advantage.

• 2 per 1,000 people experience homelessness (4 in 1,000 in North Coast and NSW, 9 in 1,000 in Australia)
• 3 per 1,000 people at risk of homelessness (4 in 1,000 in North Coast, NSW and 7 in 1,000 in Australia).
• 28% single or lone households (25% NSW, 26% Australia) and 4% group homes (4% NSW and Australia). Social isolation can increase health risks.

Adequate access to affordable housing is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. There is extremely limited availability of affordable housing in the Ballina LGA. Of the 72 rental properties available:

• 3 were affordable by a couple with 2 children on minimum wage and receiving family tax benefits
• No properties were affordable for singles or couples on age pension, job seeker, youth allowance or a single person on minimum wage.