Ballina families are set for a big day out this Sunday as the popular Our Kids Day Out returns to the Missingham Bridge Amphitheatre.

The annual event raises funds for paediatric equipment across the Northern Rivers and will run from 9am to 2pm on May 3.

A packed program of free entertainment is planned, with characters including SpongeBob SquarePants and NBN’s Big Dog, alongside live music, magic shows and the popular Wildlife Twins.

The main stage act, SpongeBob SquarePants, will run at 10am and again at 12.15pm.

Local businesses have backed the event, with Clarence Property presenting the day, Bennett Construction supporting the Wildlife Twins and Cherry Street Sports backing Little Miss Cherry.

Families will also be able to get up close with local emergency services, with police, fire and rescue vehicles on display. SEE Civil will bring a digger for children, while staff from the children’s ward at Lismore Base Hospital will also attend.

The Ballina Lions Club will kick off the morning with a barbecue from 9am.

A key moment in the program will be the presentation of the Suzie Levot Memorial Our Kids Bravery Award at 10.30am.

This year’s recipient is two-year-old Kyogle girl Charlotte White, recognised for her courage during a serious and ongoing health battle.

Charlotte was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis at just 18 months old after her mother noticed unusual symptoms and sought medical advice.

The condition is life-threatening and required urgent hospital treatment. Since then, Charlotte has been admitted to hospital six times and continues to receive care through the children’s ward at Lismore Base Hospital.

Her mother, Larissa Scarlett, said the support from staff had made a difficult journey more manageable.

“The kids ward staff have been incredible, so supportive to us all,” she said.

The award recognises the resilience of young patients, while also highlighting the role of families and frontline healthcare workers.

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista said the event was about both fun and community support.

“The Clarence Property Our Kids Day Out is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy free entertainment and connect with emergency services – all while raising funds for sick children,” she said.

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and make a day of it.

Event program – Sunday May 3

Missingham Bridge Amphitheatre, Ballina

9.00am – Welcome to Country
9.15am – Sarah Moore and Ella the Elephant
9.30am – The Juggling Liam Show
9.50am – Little Miss Cherry
10.00am – SpongeBob SquarePants
10.30am – Bravery Award presentation
10.45am – NBN Big Dog
11.00am – Blaze Magic Show
11.15am – SpongeBob meet and greet
11.30am – Paw Patrol meet and greet
11.45am – Wildlife Twins
12.15pm – SpongeBob SquarePants
12.45pm – DJ Gooy games and dance party
1.15pm – MC’s fun and games
1.45pm – Finish