Shopping centre turns into kids holiday hub

BALLINA Fair Shopping Centre has seen a surge in visitor numbers this week as families take part in free school holiday activities.

The centre’s Easter at the Fair program included face painting, hot cross bun decorating, a colouring competition and an Easter egg hunt with a roaming bunny.

Centre management estimates around 90,000 people have visited this week, with school holidays in both NSW and Queensland and an influx of Bluesfest visitors boosting crowds.

Administration officer Louisa Ross said Ballina was a popular destination during the Easter break.

“Ballina is a holiday destination for Easter, this year we’ve ramped up what we do and offered a bit more,” she said.

“You have to give the kids something to do when it rains and families shouldn’t have to pay for everything.”

There will be more activities this week, including the popular Build-A-Bear initiative.

The centre will also feature artworks and decorations from local schools in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

Centre manager Shaun Haysom said Arthur Raptis and the owners of the complex were thrilled to be able to subsidise the holiday activities.

“They’re family orientated people who have run fish and chip shops and now they’ve had the shopping centre since 2015,” Mr Haysom said.

“They’ve always been about supporting the community and we’ll cover 70 per cent of the cost with the Build a Bears this week, too.

“I spoke to Arthur and he said seeing the kids happy and smiling is enough for his return on the investment.”

The Build a Bear initiative starts on Tuesday, April 22 with three one-hour sessions from 10am.

It will run over four days and is held in front of the TK Maxx store.

For information on holiday activities, contact centre management on 6686 8555.