The Ballina Babblers: A Model of Female Friendship and Community Building

The 2026 City2Surf is just around the corner, and among its participants will be a group of women who embody the spirit of camaraderie and resilience. Meet the Ballina Babblers, a Northern Rivers collective that has been defying age and convention for over two decades.

At first glance, these “golden girls” might seem like an unlikely bunch – 85-year-old matriarch Anne Sharpe and her 67-year-old counterpart Narelle Fahey lead the charge. Yet, their story is one of remarkable strength, forged in the fires of shared experience and a deep-seated commitment to each other.

The Ballina Babblers’ roots stretch back to 2001, when they first entered the City2Surf as a group of 10. Since then, they’ve more than doubled in size, lost loved ones, and gained new generations of “bubblers” – their affectionate term for the younger members who join them on their adventures.

But what’s truly remarkable about this group is not just their athleticism or their sheer numbers. It’s the profound impact they’ve had on each other’s lives. For Anne Sharpe, the loss of her husband 14 years ago was a devastating blow, but the Babblers proved to be a lifeline.

The Ballina Babblers serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the growing concern of social isolation and loneliness in older age. As Jenny Seymour notes, “Some people get lonelier as they get older… you can’t beat that having a connection of friends.” This sentiment speaks to a fundamental human need – one often overlooked in our increasingly individualized society.

The Babblers’ bond has allowed them to transcend age-related challenges and build a sense of community that extends far beyond their immediate group. Their unique friendship is built on shared experiences, mutual support, and a deep commitment to each other. This is no small feat, particularly given the rapidly changing demographics of rural Australia.

Their success also highlights the importance of intergenerational connections in building strong, resilient communities. As the Australian population continues to age, it’s becoming increasingly clear that traditional models of social support are no longer sufficient. The Ballina Babblers offer a compelling alternative – one that prioritizes shared experience, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to each other.

As they take on this year’s City2Surf course, the Ballina Babblers will be among over 90,000 participants from all walks of life. While some might view their decision to tackle the 14-kilometre route at a leisurely stroll as unambitious, it’s precisely this attitude that highlights the true value of their approach.

The Ballina Babblers’ story challenges us to rethink our assumptions about aging, community building, and social support. It shows that with determination, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to each other, even the most unlikely group can achieve remarkable things. As we watch them take on the City2Surf course this Sunday, let’s remember that their success is not just about completing a grueling physical challenge – it’s about building bridges between generations, fostering connections in rural communities, and creating a more compassionate society for all.