Ballina Man is supported by Ballina community to continue charitable donations

BALLINA’S community continues to support local hero Mark Ross, who is on a mission to assist people, such as those suffering from housing insecurity, affected by disaster, survivors of domestic and family violence or living with a disability.

For the past seven years, Mr Ross, a tiler and member of the Ballina community for 40 years, has put a call out on social media asking businesses and individuals within the Ballina community for donations and items that have made life-changing differences.

Community and business donations have included cars, building materials, kitchen items, food, water, warm blankets, camping equipment and children’s items.

After the 2022 floods, Mr Ross increased his support requests to help the many people in Ballina and surrounds who were affected and in need.

Mr Ross’ goodwill lead has had a positive flow-on effect across social pages despite some followers of Ballina Crime Reports taking issue with Mr Ross spreading his message on the page.

In a show of unity and support, the administrator changed the page to include community support and renamed the page Ballina Crime Reports and Community Services. The community responded overwhelmingly with words of support.

Local filmmaker Marcus O’Brien met Mr Ross a couple of years ago to shoot a mini-doc about his tireless and invaluable community support work.

“I really wanted to demonstrate to the local audience how humble, generous and considerate he is, and how much he loves the community of Ballina and surrounding areas,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Simply put, the world would be a better place if there were more Mark Rosses.”

The documentary, Ballina’s Home, can be viewed at mobvisuals.com/documentary.

People in need of support or wishing to donate can phone Mark Ross directly on 0427 869 536.