2508 JANUARY 2021

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District news

Celebrate 40 Years of Women in Life Saving

Waterfall / Helensburgh / Otford / Darkes Forest / Stanwell Tops / Stanwell Park / Coalcliff

Meet Our Contributors Benjamin Abeleven is the owner of Burgh Healthy Hub. For 10 years, Ben travelled Europe extensively.

Inspired by this, he bought Burgh in the hope of bringing his overseas experience to Helensburgh. Ben’s vision has always been to build a dynamic space that encourages healthy physical activities.

Visit our new website www.southcoaster.com.au

1 home for 3 publications

Rob Brander – aka ‘Dr Rip’ –

is a coastal geomorphologist and professor at the University of NSW in Sydney. A resident of Coalcliff, he’s been studying beaches for more than 30 years, starting in Canada where water temperatures convinced him to come to Australia. He is an international expert on rip currents and beach safety and runs a community education program called The Science of the Surf.

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Snakes alive!

John Arney was born in

Helensburgh in 1946. John comes from a mining family (his grandfather started his career at Helensburgh’s mine in 1895, at age 14) and, from 1976 to 2003, John was the Statutory Electrical Engineer in Charge at the Metropolitan Colliery. Now retired, John lives in Gymea but still has a toe-in at 2508 with a shack at Bulgo. He is a researcher for Helensburgh Historical Society; vice-president of the Friends of Royal National Park; secretary of the Bulgo Beach Protection League; and activities coordinator for the Australian Plants Society’s Sutherland Group.

Lena Huda grew up in Germany, where 30km/h speed limits were implemented in neighbourhoods in the 1980s. The Covid-19 crisis, gave her time to reflect upon contributions she could make to society, so she decided to launch 30Please.org – inspired by a research paper calling to reduce the default speed limit of 50km/h to 30km/h published by the British Academy and her own experience growing up in a neighbourhood where drivers looked out for kids.

Merilyn House is a bush regenerator and horticulturist, and she is passionate about enjoying and protecting of our local bushland. She moved to Helensburgh in 1973. In 1993, Merilyn, along with her husband Allan, started the Helensburgh & District Landcare Group, as they were concerned with the increasing presence of environmental weeds in our neighbouring bushland.

2 January

15

Coast news

The Summer Guide you s-s-simply must read!

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08

District news

south coaster Sharing local knowledge

Celebrate 40 Years of Women in Life Saving

Clifton / Scarborough / Wombarra / Coledale / Austinmer / Thirroul / Bulli

Waterfall / Helensburgh / Otford / Darkes Forest / Stanwell Tops / Stanwell Park / Coalcliff

New Year, New Look After the trials of 2020, we needed a fresh start. So 2508 & sister mag 2515 both have a new colour scheme, inspired by the bush and the beach we love. Happy reading, everyone.

Gen & Marcus, the editors

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NEXT DEADLINE Book ads for February by Jan 20

EDITORS Gen Swart, Marcus Craft CONTACT editor@2508mag.com.au. Ph: 0432 612 168 2508mag. PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508.

ADVERTISING 0432 612 168. www.2508mag.com.au.

T&Cs apply.

NEXT DEADLINE January 20 COVER 40 Years of Women in SLSC. Photo: Unicorn Studios 2508 is published by The Word Bureau, ABN 31 692 723 477.

DISCLAIMER: All content and images remain the property of 2508 Coast News unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Views expressed do not reflect those of the publishers.

Kids club is open!

Thursday - Sunday | Dinner service only Phone 4294 1122 to book your child’s spot!

20 years of selling homes ‘a privilege’

By Heather Eiszele

When Julie Humphries requested an appraisal on her Helensburgh home from PRD Nationwide’s enigmatic Doug Svensen, she could never have imagined she would be working as an agent in his office just six months later.

Twenty years on, the now Julie York is celebrating two decades of selling real estate in her adopted hometown, 14 years as Principal of her own agency.

Julie was born and raised in the Shire but her parents, Bill and Iris Davis, had lived in Helensburgh and many of her cousins still live here as well as her brother, Robbie.

As a newly single mum, Julie decided to take Doug’s offer as it meant she could work locally and be around for her two young daughters, Alana, then 5, and Laura, 14. Alana is now 25 and works

4 January

with Julie while completing her Masters of Public Health at Western Sydney University.

“I was the Director of Human Resources at Traveland for 20 years, which employed 5000 staff worldwide,” Julie says.

“I’d commute up to three hours a day to and from the city, as well as flying interstate and overseas on a regular basis, so it was a really attractive proposition. And my job had given me the skills to read people, negotiate and know when to stand firm – all great attributes for a real estate agent.”

Julie has negotiated dozens of multi-million dollar sales and achieved many record prices, but it’s her relationship with clients who usually become friends that gives her the most satisfaction.

“I really get a kick out of helping people,” Julie says.

“It’s thrilling when I call the buyer to say ‘Congratulations!’ The most exciting moment is when the buyers roll the Sold sticker over the sales sign and I take a picture of them. I feel so happy for both the seller and buyer – I’m just jumping out of my skin!”

An active community member (Julie was involved in nippers, soccer and football through her girls), she has a soft spot for the elderly.

“It’s quite a privilege to be invited into someone’s home (for a market appraisal) but it makes you realise that a lot of people are on their own and doing without.”

Julie has been known to do client’s shopping, make them dinners and lunches and remembers one particular man, Alan, who could only eat frozen jelly ice blocks which Alana made and Julie happily delivered to the hospital.

She also sweeps away leaves before inspections.

“Selling someone’s most important financial asset should be as stress-free as possible, so I do all I can to make that happen,” she says. “My goal is to make the sellers ecstatic, not only with service but the price achieved.”

Julie bought Coastline Real Estate from John and Robyn Venn in 2006, just after they took on the L J Hooker franchise. Julie quickly became one of the top 5% of agents in the national franchise. In 2015, she changed to Raine & Horne, which she believed was a better fit.

She is now one of the agency’s leading agents in NSW and consistently achieves higher prices.

“When people appoint me, they get me from start to finish, from the styling suggestions to attendance at Open Homes; from negotiating price to finalising paperwork at settlement.

“What you see is what you get.” 2508 Photo above: Julie York, pictured with her daughter Alana in 2000, when Julie first started in real estate.

J

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Julie York

0405 128 070

Wishing you all a very happy & healthy 2021.

Looking to sell? Talk to Julie.

Happy new year to all!

By Fran Peppernell, Publicity Officer for Helensburgh Lions Club

Helensburgh Lions President Rod Peppernell (far left) and Helensburgh Lions Treasurer Keith Hawkins (second from the right) with RFS crew members from the four fire stations.

We look forward to getting back to the new normal in 2021.

We wanted to let you all know that in December 2020 we donated four new Apple iPads to each of our local Rural Fire Stations at Helensburgh, Otford, Darkes Forest and Stanwell Park. The iPads are important equipment for our RFS crews and we thank our community for their generous support and kind donations. The Rural Fire Service were also very appreciative.

With Covid restrictions now beginning to ease, we are planning how we can get out and about in the community to enable us to lend our support to such events as the Easter Scramble, Brick Fair and Helensburgh Country Fair.

Library fun time

By Senior Library Officer Renee Benn

Helensburgh Library is excited to announce the return of programs in 2021! Working with Helensburgh Community Centre, the library is using the former youth room to hold School Holiday Activities in January. Due to limited numbers all activities must be booked through Eventbrite.

This can be accessed via the Wollongong Library website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library.

Wednesday, 13th January (bookings essential) 10.30am Aquarium in a Jar Craft activity 5+ Wednesday 20th January (bookings essential) 3.30pm Make and Take Craft activity 5+

6 January

Importantly, once a month we would like to let you all know how the Lions Foundation supports the communities at large, i.e. Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Foundation (ALCCRF) vision is 100% survival rate of childhood cancer. Today’s survival rate averages 80%. However, 800 children are diagnosed with cancer each year and we sadly lose an average of three children each week.

There is much work that still needs to be done and with your continued support and donations we can hopefully reach 100%.

In closing we’ll all look forward to a better and safer 2021.

See you all next time. 2508

Equally exciting is the return of regular Storytime and the monthly Knitting group, the Helensburgh Yarners!

These activities will kick off in February and will be held in the Youth Room at the Community Centre, so get ready!

Storytime will be at 10.30am on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, starting 12 February.

At present, this activity will require bookings through Eventbrite due to limited numbers.

The Helensburgh Yarners is a monthly group meeting on the first Friday of the month at 10.30am, starting 5 February. New members and casual visitors always welcome. Bring whatever you are working on and pop in for a cuppa and a laugh.

The staff at Helensburgh Library are looking forward to seeing you in 2021 in the library or at a program enjoying your local resource. 2508

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Make New Year resolutions come true

By Dr Trevor Kemper, of Equilibrium Healthcare 2021 is the year to turn things around. We’ve come through a pandemic and life has been shaken up, a whole lot. It’s not over yet, but we have worked as a community to keep each other safe and now it’s time to look after ourselves a little more.

Many of us have gained extra padding over 2020 and the start of the New Year is a great chance to reverse the trend.

New Year’s Resolutions such as “Do more exercise”, “Lose weight” and “Drink less”, are often quickly forgotten but they usually come from a place of insight.

This year, make resolutions to improve your health and follow them through with actual plans and a commitment to yourself and your family to make them work. As a team you’re more likely to be successful, so get everyone on board and feel great while you all improve your health.

If you’re wanting to start running, we have exercise physiologists and targeted running coaches locally to guide you or try the Couch to 5K app. Sign up for the EQHC Stanwell Park Ocean swim in March and get swimming. Need the social connection you’ve missed out on in 2020? Start a

regular exercise class or join a sporting team. The options are limitless, explore them now, before you turn the page.

The best dietary advice is from a dietitian, they know what carbs, proteins, fats and fibre are all about and which ones are your best options.

Having trouble making sense of where everything fits or how to get motivated? Have your mental health reviewed by your GP or psychologist.

The year is here for you to plan and make the most of yourself.

At Equilibrium Healthcare our focus on health promotion helps to make those New Year’s resolutions a reality. In 2021, we will launch Équipe Life, our lifestyle and weight-loss program using a full team of medical, nursing and allied health professionals to personally tailor a lifestyle program that works for you, for the long term.

We start off with a full health assessment and allocate you to a small group to kick-start a year of good health, with a one-on-one follow-up with our psychologist, exercise physiologist and dietitian helping navigate your way. It’s going to be a great year. If you need help, we will guide your way. 2508

TOP SUP SPOTS

By Bec Dunning, co-owner of Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour

1

Lake Illawarra Access from the south-east side of Windang Bridge at Reddall Parade: parking, sandy shores, and Lake Illawarra Kiosk for a coffee. There’s 36 sq km of water to explore. Best times are at least an hour after the high tide.

2

Minnamurra River It’s calm on this meandering river with tree canopy on each side. Venture up Rocklow Creek, get among the mangroves, and spot stingrays through the clear water. Minnamurra Café is a great local hidden gem.

3

Jervis Bay, Huskisson Currambene Creek has giant smooth rays that gently glide below your board. The water is clear and there are lots of waterways to explore. Say hello to our mate ‘SUP with George’ in Huskisson. 2508

8 January

This article is an extract from our South Coaster book. The ultimate guide to the bush, the beach and the villages in between, it’s action-packed with local knowledge and all proceeds go towards keeping local news alive in the Illawarra! $19.99 at Helensburgh Post Office, Darkes Apple Shack, Articles Art Gallery or www.southcoaster.com.au

Doctor Fiona Danson returns from Maternity Leave this month to hit the ground running in 2021. We are very excited to have her back on deck, joining our expanded team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. You can book an appointment with her now online. (Scan the QR Code below).

ĂŠquipe life

The Equilibrium Healthcare Stanwell Park Ocean Swim is set to run Sunday 21st March 2021. The stunning 2.3km course from Coalcliff to Stanwell Park Beaches is an event to start training for now. Check our social media for training sessions prior to the event. telephone

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Blue periwinkle is a trailing herb with runners up to 1m long. Photo: Merilyn House

Be Weed Wise With horticulturalist Merilyn House

Remove it: Vinca major, Blue periwinkle Blue periwinkle is an example of a garden plant that has ‘jumped the garden fence’. It is now considered an invasive species, not just in wetter areas of Australia, but in New Zealand and North America (USA and Canada).

It is a trailing herb with a woody crown and runners up to 1m long. The stems sometimes develop roots where they come into contact with the soil, and creeping underground stems are also produced. It has blue to purple tubular flowers (3-6 cm across) which are usually borne singly in the upper leaf forks.

Blue periwinkle’s broad-leaved runners form a dense mat, shading out native plants and competing for moisture and nutrients. Its growth is particularly vigorous in riparian and other moist habitats.

It is spread into bushland mostly by dumping of garden waste, but can also spread by broken stem bits being washed into a new area. It occasionally spreads by seed.

Digging every little bit out is the most effective way of removing it. Follow up will be required for some time.

Grow Me Instead Scaevola species, fan flower: An Australian native groundcover with prolific flowering of mauve, purple or white flowers.

Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Wanderer’, Native sarsaparilla: The pea-shape flowers appear in winter and spring and are usually violet in colour.

Convolvulus sabatius, Moroccan glory vine: An attractive evergreen perennial with a spreading prostrate habit with blue to violet flowers. 2508

10 January

Discover Wilsons Creek Dam The Helensburgh Dam is also known as ‘the Big Dam’. Lorraine Jones, Vice President of Helensburgh and District Historical Society, reports.

When the road up Bald Hill was blocked for residents of Stanwell Park last year, we either took the train to get to Helensburgh (12-minute trip) or had a 40-minute drive through Thirroul and up the Bulli Pass to get there.

With our mail being redirected to the post box, we took the train to the ’Burgh each week to collect it. One day, we met some hikers who got off the train from Sydney and told us they were going to Helensburgh dam. When the road opened, we also went to this dam.

To get to the dam, go just north of Helensburgh Public School to the sign that says Wilsons Creek reserve. The walk is rather rough for the first 500 metres. You will hear frogs croaking and see wild orchids. We met three mothers with babies on their backs walking back from the dam as we were walking down. When we got to the dam it was large and full of water. A beautiful spot to visit.

The dam formerly supplied water to the Metropolitan coal mine. It was constructed in 1902 in response to frequent droughts. Prior to the dam being built, the colliery had put in water pipes to Wilsons Creek. These were attached to the walls of the two railway tunnels. This was a temporary measure until the government approved the dam.

In 1928, a concrete plug was constructed in the southern entrance to the Metropolitan Tunnel to allow it to be used as a reservoir.

Before Helensburgh Pool opened, the dam was the local swimming spot. Sadly, there were several drownings there, including a mother and two children in December 1935.

So, go for the walk, look at the dam, but think twice before swimming. 2508

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With the support of Covid loans we were able to completely renovate both the group fitness and aerials room. We have also had the opportunity to upgrade several pieces of our gym equipment.

These changes meant that there was fresh carpet, a lot more functional cardio space for our members to enjoy, as well as more dedicated purpose spaces.

How Burgh survived the pandemic

Charlie Truscott and Ben Abeleven, owners of Burgh Healthy Hub, had just had their first baby when Covid hit. Here Ben’s shares the story of a tumultuous year.

Burgh has had a very steady build over the last few years. We have invested into running a strong and resilient business. The initial impact of Covid-19 was scary. We were told to close our doors with only 12 hours’ notice, without any indication of when or if we would be able to re-open.

The support of the Job Keeper and other resources provided by the government gave us an uninterrupted period of time to plan future changes to the facility. Fear became excitement.

We had the time to undertake renovations, without interrupting normal business.

12 January

So, how did we survive the pandemic?

The short answer is that we were fortunate enough to have access to government grants and support, including the Job Keeper payment.

Some of our loyal members even continued to pay their memberships even though the facility was closed (thanks again to those who could).

During this time, we hired a new trainer to continue to support and grow the group fitness classes, and also found a committed personal trainer. Without the continued support of our members and the Helensburgh community, we would not have been able to come out the other end stronger and more motivated than ever.

The Kids and Teens program also faced challenges, in how to keep students engaged, even if from home. In Term 2, we ran online classes to provide students with an outlet, but also to provide some trainers with income who were not eligible for government assistance.

The downtime also gave Charlie the opportunity to consider the future opportunity of gymnastics in Helensburgh and we are pleased to announce we will be launching gymnastics in 2021.

Teaming up with personal trainer Trevor Kissell was another opportunity that evolved during shut-down. This meant that we could transform our business into an ‘all-in-one facility’ that appeals to everyone’s preferences. Whether your interest lies in personal training, group classes or the gym floor, our facility has it all.

2020 was a blessing in disguise for not only the business, but for our family as we had our first daughter in January this year.

The pandemic allowed our family to spend much-needed quality time together. We are both extremely grateful and fortunate for the continuous support of the Helensburgh community.

This is one of the many reasons why we are lucky to call this place home.

We are always looking to be proactive community members, to contribute to the town as best we can while raising our daughter. We are here to stay, Covid or no Covid. 2508 Photo above: Charlie, Ben and Aphyre in the middle of one of the renovations. Aphyre is an ancient Arabic name meaning Goddess – this little girl was born on the day that it rained after the horrific Black Summer bush fires. She will turn one on January 6.

January 2021 also marks Burgh’s sixth year in business.

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January

13

Art of the Illawarra

By Stanwell Park painter Edith McNally

I am more than a little delighted that 2508 has agreed to support a regular contribution on local artists. I think everyone will be surprised and enchanted by what’s happening on our own doorstep. I am inviting any artist who would like to be profiled in the 2508 magazine to contact me ASAP so that I can get your story going.

In the meantime, as a local watercolour artist I will get started.

I was born in the Netherlands in 1949 and arrived in Australia in 1952. I was married in 1971, have three adult children and enjoyed a professional career in public education for more than 40 years. Nearly 20 years as the Principal at Menai High School provided abundant opportunities for exploring and enjoying creativity in myself and others.

My passion and love of nature was nurtured through long-distance walking, gardening and bushwalking. Retirement was a difficult reality for me but my husband Ron and I eased the pain of leaving a vibrant and all-consuming working life by immediately hitting the “Grey Nomad” caravanning road for the next four years.

Prior to retirement I had some great lessons in travel sketching and this served me well in transitioning out of a passion for public education and into a passion for watercolour travel sketching and later watercolour painting.

I have been back in residence for two years now and continue to paint from my studio at home in beautiful Stanwell Park, where I can find more than enough nature to satisfy a lifetime of painting and pleasure. Some of my paintings are on display at

14 January

Alcara Cafe in Helensburgh. My website profiles commissions and paintings for sale featuring our beaches and bush, florals in my garden, as well as painted stories about our endangered environment.

Watercolour painting is a joy to me and hopefully it brings joy to others. I look forward to sharing another artist’s story in the next edition. 2508 Visit edithmcnallyart.online or call Edith McNally on 0477 778 289.

Edith McNally is inspired by local scenes, including the Stanwell Park Viaduct and Sea Cliff Bridge.

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Students Need School Libraries. Really.

By Gina Krohn, national outreach coordinator for Students Need School Libraries

For many parents, the expectation is that at school your child has access to a library, but what does this actually mean? It should mean that your child has access to a diverse range of quality, popular and age-appropriate books that engage and extend their imagination but also create the desire to read more challenging material, exposing them to new concepts, perspectives and vocabulary; it should mean access to relevant resources appropriate to their learning needs; it should mean they become digitally literate, capable and confident researchers able to navigate the overwhelming online information environment and critically assess what is presented to them, identifying reliable sites and avoiding fake news; it should mean they understand their online rights and responsibilities and are ethical users of the virtual space, and they leave an ethical digital footprint. Your child should benefit from these amazing learning opportunities through programs in your school library delivered by your dual-qualified teacher librarian (TL). In NSW, every public school has a funded TL position, so it should mean that your child is benefiting from decades of international research that shows a clear link between schools with a qualified TL and higher academic achievement.

So, what’s the problem? Sadly, not all schools employ qualified TLs. Some schools have effectively closed down their library programs, meaning

Ethics teachers needed at Helensburgh Primary Could you be an ethics teacher for Helensburgh Public School?

We are seeking volunteers for 2021. We currently require teachers across all stages. In ethics classes, children learn how to think logically, disagree respectfully and support their arguments with evidence, rather than act according to blind habit or peer pressure.

No experience is necessary – all training is provided by Primary Ethics. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our school, please email ethics.helensburgh@gmail.com. For more information visit https://primaryethics.com.au/ volunteer/ethics-teacher/ 2508

16 January

students are not able to benefit from a strong library program. In some states and territories, school libraries have all but disappeared. The Students Need School Libraries (SNSL) campaign seeks to change this and is calling on all state and territory governments to ensure that every student has access to a well-resourced school library run by a qualified TL and library team. Parents have a role to play in this campaign, advocating on behalf of your children. SNSL (NSW) has an ePetition (https://bit.ly/37WoCmd ) and invites you to sign and share. “Every school needs a library – it’s a no-brainer. Reading underlies every area of the curriculum and the key is having a well-stocked school library and a passionate school librarian who can put the right book into the right hands at the right time.” – Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton.

School libraries, and the qualified staff who run them, are vital for ensuring that all students are equipped with the digital, research and literacy skills they need. For more on this campaign, visit studentsneedschoollibraries.org.au/ 2508

Neighbourhood Forum 1 Report

NF1 convenor Warwick Erwin reports on the Helensburgh Town Centre works Council has divided the proposed works into two phases: phase 1 is the roundabout upgrades and pedestrian crossing in Parkes St on the eastern side of the carpark exit.

A copy of the plan released by Council is now in the Cup Bearer exit door for viewing.

Council has stated that no work on the carpark in front of Charles Harper Park will be undertaken in the short or medium term. This is due to the community feedback on what was proposed. Thank you to all who gave feedback to Council.

The angle parking and the one-way traffic through the carpark remains in place. Council will monitor the impact and traffic flow of the new pedestrian crossing and carpark exit.

Council has stated that no work will take place during school holidays and will try and minimise impact of morning and afternoon peak periods. 2508

Photos: Jo Fahey

Summer – time for local fruit & cider fun!

Discover real fruit, real cider – real fresh, real local. Jo Fahey reports.

While kicking back over the January school holidays check out some of the ‘real’ things to do in our own Northern Illawarra backyard.

1. Book a fruit-picking experience. Line up a few mates and pick some white peaches early in January.

2. 2021’s first apples will start late January (just in time for school lunch boxes, yippee!)

3. Use fresh fruit to dress a cider cocktail/ mocktail.

4. Blitz your fresh-picked peaches with a sprig of fresh mint. Freeze in ice-cube trays and serve in your non-alc apple cider.

5. Serve a ‘cider spider’, great fun with the kids as a dessert. Mix 1/2 glass of Little Blue alcohol-free apple cider + 1 scoop vanilla ice-cream (dress it up for adults with a fresh strawberry and a sprinkle of cinnamon… tastes like apple pie in a glass!)

6. Cook up a storm with fresh fruit as a centrepiece or garnish. 2508

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January

17

‘On behalf of the people of NSW, we thank you’

By Iris Huizinga, Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Officer

The bravery and dedication of our Helensburgh firefighters has been officially recognised, with 23 members of the local volunteer fire brigade being awarded citations for their work in last season’s horrific bushfires.

The citations, which take the form of a certificate and an insignia worn on dress uniforms, came with a personal letter from Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

“Your selflessness, courage and resilience caused all of us to pause and think about the true meaning of family and community,” reads the letter.

“Your compassion, courage and generosity have earned you a special place in the history of our State.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, we thank you.”

The honour was handed out by Illawarra District Officer David Hitchens, who told the group to “wear them with pride, you deserved it, you earned it”.

Receiving the citations brought back memories of that “Black Summer” for some of the recipients: Deputy Captain Aaron West The devastation out at Balmoral ... was very similar to what it was like here after 2001. It was like a

18 January

moonscape. Everything flattened, charcoaled, no trees, no nothing ... as far as the eye could see you could see straight through everything. I was there to do a job but I suppose for the residents it would be very depressing ... but I don’t allow my mind to actually go to that kind of place. I’m there to do a job. You do what you can to help.

Firefighter Peter Kiddier On the days of catastrophic fire danger, we manned the station at Helensburgh. We were patrolling around. The roads were so quiet. A lot of people did adhere to the warning and left town on those catastrophic days. They got out of the danger zone.

It was quite eerie. I remember seeing all the other brigades patrolling here and the police. To me that was quite memorable.

Firefighter Karen Elward The most traumatic thing I remember is listening to a call from a local captain on the radio because he was so devastated, it was horrible to listen to ... they lost houses and they thought there was an old couple in one of the houses that burnt down. Their

car was in the driveway, the car doors open. They thought the people were incinerated in the house ... much to our relief it came over the radio two hours later that they found the two people ... they had walked to another property.

Senior Deputy Captain Michael Pratt It is good to speak about what we have seen and experienced. To get it out there, don’t hang onto it.

It can affect you if you don’t talk about it. My biggest memory of last season’s fires is the resilience and the support we got from the locals. Even amongst all the devastation they were still happy to come out and shake your hand, saying thanks.

Firefighter Tony Keep Green Wattle Creek Fire was the most intense.

I remember the fire engulfed either side of the truck as we drove down the road. It was pretty intense. You feel the heat straight through the windows. Serious heat. The fire turns day into night for about five minutes. Pitch-black, then daylight and back into firefighting.

Firefighter Stephen Brockett I was in the truck, we had to drive out. Both sides of the road were burnt. We had to get back to Blackheath to get water. We had to weave in and out of the road. We had to avoid falling trees that were on fire. That was pretty horrendous, that day.

Every night shift is funny because everyone is trying to stay awake. So jokes are flying left, right and centre. You got to have fun.

Deputy Captain Marc Rayner The biggest thing I always hate at a job, is where you have been to a job where you haven’t been able to do the job that you were intended to do, you do a poor job – well, not a poor job, but you can’t save everyone, you can’t save every house and you can’t change things back to normal. Then you come back into civilisation and everyone goes: fantastic job, wonderful job and you go: No, it wasn’t. That was a really crappy day. We lost stuff and people are affected by that and their lives are now in tatters and we’re now going home. We have just tried to do our best.

Captain Greg Chrystal We were in a convoy returning after protecting property all day and night. We were driving along a dirt road for 15-20 km and only travelling about 10km/h. Having to constantly stop to remove burnt trees off the road with hot embers and ash all round. You didn’t know if a tree was going to come down on your vehicle. As an officer you are aware of what is happening around you all the time and I have to make sure that my crew is safe.

Above: Craig Robertson, Annette Gribbin.

Below: Phil Driver, Craig Robertson, David Hitchens

Firefighters from Helensburgh Rural Volunteer Fire Brigade who received the citation: Louise Andrews, Tristan Austin, Shannon Austin, Stephen Brockett, Karen Elward, Luke Cough, Annette Gribbin, Tony Keep, Peter Kiddier, Barry McNeil, Anthony Rusten, Rebecca Rusten, Brett Skiller, Matt Wardle, Kathleen West, Graham Williams, Greg Chrystal, Michael Pratt, Stephen Andrews, Paul Brownjohn, Philip Driver, Marc Rayner, Aaron West. 2508 Check out the video – follow @NSWRFSHelensburgh on Facebook

Make a plan: Go to https://www.myfireplan.com.au

January

19

Helensburgh’s mine has played an integral role in the town’s development since the discovery of coal in 1884. One theory is the town is named after Helen, daughter of the first mine manager, Charles Harper.

Historical perspective on troubled times at the mine

By John Arney, of Helensburgh and District Historical Society The recent announcement of a proposed twomonth pause in production at Metropolitan Colliery during January and February, 2021, is perhaps reason to reflect on the history of cutbacks at the mine.

Major production downturns and stoppages due to reductions in demand for coal since the mine first began production in 1888, have been a relative rarity.

Early Setbacks The Depression of the mid-1890s was the first minor setback.

The Great Depression of the 1930s was far more serious, and caused hardship for the miners and the township; the ramifications of which were to last several years.

In 1973, after two long strikes at the mine, the then owners, Australian Iron and Steel (a fully owned subsidiary of BHP), chose to downsize the mine and send several of its workers to other collieries within its Illawarra grouping. In 1983, 100 workers were retrenched.

20 January

The turbulent 1990s Employee numbers were reduced in 1993 when 97 were retrenched. Reductions in 1996, first by 100, then followed by 140, closed the mine for two months. The mine restarted in early 1997.

Another shut-down with full job losses occurred in 1999 and lasted for four months. The mine restarted and employee numbers were gradually increased.

In 2006, Peabody Energy purchased the mine and therein commenced a large-scale upgrade of its aging equipment. The planned 2021 production stoppage seems to be the first major setback since 1999.

It appears that the current downturn in both orders and prices for coal worldwide, due significantly to the effect of the Covid pandemic, and partly due to brinkmanship by China, has left the mine management with little option other than to curtail production.

To all employees at the mine, I wish them well for their futures. 2508

Hard year for miners 2508 reports

In May 2020, Peabody Energy, owners of Helensbugh’s longwall metallurgical coal mine, announced it would have to let go a third of its Metropolitan Mine workforce.

In June, following on town rumours of a sale ahead, a Peabody spokeswoman told 2508: “The Metropolitan Mine is not for sale and will continue its community sponsorship program.”

In December, a final blow for 2020 came in the lead-up to Christmas. “Due to challenging coal market conditions Peabody has decided to idle its Metropolitan Mine for an eight-week period beginning January 4, 2021,” read a Peabody statement issued on December 2.

“Mine managers have openly conveyed this decision to our employees, including the ability for them to access paid leave for the idle period.

“The company is offering employee assistance and counselling services to our workforce and their families.”

As 2508 went to press, the ABC was reporting that Chinese state-owned media outlet The Global Times appeared to have confirmed a ban on Australian coal imports. 2508

For local, experienced and educated real estate advice, call Ian today!

Ian Pepper 0403 570 041

ian.pepper@raywhite.com raywhitehelensburgh.com.au

Renovate to add value Book online* via our website: bullimedicalpractice.com.au or call

4284 4622

*if you have respiratory symptoms please call for an appointment

Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm Saturday: 8am-12 noon 74 Park Road, Bulli

QUALITY PERSONAL HEALTHCARE AND TRAVEL MEDICINE

With the summer school holidays now in full swing, and most of us staying home this year, many homeowners are busy undertaking or planning a renovation on their property.

In most cases this is money well spent and should provide an equal or greater return on subsequent sale of the property. Generally adding another bedroom, say from three to four bedrooms and an ensuite, can add substantially to the value of a property.

New kitchens, bathrooms and painting are also good value adds.

But there are some works that may not necessarily add value. Swimming pools are one such major item that can cost around $50,000 these days and not necessarily add the same amount to the value of a property.

Going up a level, say from one story to two stories, can add living spaces but the costs involved are usually high and may not add the same value to the property.

If in doubt, please seek the advice of a real estate professional.

January

21

Guides’ tips for a staycation

By Helensburgh Guides publicity officer Sophie Miller That’s 2020 wrapped at the Helensburgh Girl Guides! We are still sweeping up the pine needles from the annual Christmas trees!

After a busy few weeks of crafting and cleaning and organising the Christmas trees sold in record time. Apologies to anyone who missed out and our thanks to everyone who came along to support us.

We would like to give a special thank you to John Carlson from Helensburgh Small Business Accountants for his generous donation to our guide unit. It means so much.

As we are all holidaying at home this year, the Guides would like to share some local ideas.

The Guides’ Favourite Places Tilly’s favourite place is Barcoos Farm in Bathurst and this holiday she would like to visit the Wodi Wodi track.

Lilly’s favourite place is Parkes, especially when the annual Elvis Festival is on and she wants to go bushwalking at Wattamolla beach this holiday.

Lucy’s favourite place is the Hunter Valley and this holidays she’d like to go to Huskisson.

Maya’s favourite place is Narooma and she’d like to visit Symbio and the Coalcliff sea pool during the holidays.

Nelli’s favourite place is Jamberoo, I’m sure there will be a lot of 2508 kids heading there this summer. Nelli also wants to visit the CBD to hunt down some Pokémon.

Charlotte’s favourite place is Myola and she would like to visit Kelly’s Falls during the holidays.

Liana’s favourite place is Orange and she wants to visit Stanwell Park beach during these holidays.

Stay safe and see you all in 2021! 2508

Join the Cubs!

Helensburgh Scouts report.

Helensburgh Scouts Group is looking forward to a busy year. Scouts are embarking on their road to Jamboree in January 2022. It is the largest outdoor adventure for Scouts, and it takes over a year to prepare for it. During this time the Scouts will be gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence required to be away from family for 10 days while they camp out and take part in non-stop activities.

Cubs continue to be the core of our group. Ages 8 to 11 will continue to cover subjects such as outdoor survival skills, first aid, cooking over a fire and safe fire skills, knots, navigation and Morse code. With a large number of our Cubs progressing through to Scouts during 2020, we now have plenty of room for new members to join in the fun.

Joeys restarted back in late 2020! For ages 6 to 8, it is a good starting point for learning some basic outdoor skills and teamwork.

Facebook @1stHelensburghCubsAustralia 2508

22 January

YOUR GUIDE TO

Snake Season By ecologist Kylie Madden

Whether you’re new to the Northern Illawarra, or just need a refresher on our local snakes, here is a definitive guide to what you might see in your backyard.

There are different types of snakes in the suburbs above the escarpment (i.e. Helensburgh, Darkes Forest, Otford and Stanwell Tops) to below (i.e.

Stanwell Park, Coalcliff, Clifton, Scarborough, Wombarra, Coledale, Austinmer and Thirroul). There are a lot more types of snakes above the escarpment – sorry Helensburgh!

Keep this guide handy as a reference. Neighbourhood Facebook groups are notoriously unreliable for snake identification.

Spoiler alert: it’s almost certainly not a Death Adder.

Snakes have been loosely ranked from most-common to

least common for our area: > Golden-crowned Snake > Red-bellied Black Snake > Diamond Python > Marsh Snake > Blackish Blind Snake > Small-eyed Snake > Eastern Brown Snake > Yellow-faced Whip Snake > Green Tree Snake > Mainland Tiger Snake > Death Adder Other snakes: There are a couple of other species in the bushland of the water catchments and national parks above the escarpment, such as the bandy bandy, red-naped snake, mustard bellied snake and broad-headed snake but the likelihood of them coming into yards is slim to non-existent.

This guide has been compiled with the assistance of the Illawarra Snake Catcher (phone 0418 162 441), a professional service you can call on to help relocate any snakes that are causing concern. Visit www. illawarrasnakecatcher.com.au If your snake is injured, you could also call WIRES on 1300 094 737. They will generally not relocate a healthy snake, for that you’ll need the snake catcher.

Most Fire and Rescue crews don’t relocate snakes any more.

Above left: Millie Schulz watches a diamond python slither by in Coledale.

These snakes are neither venomous nor aggressive. They eat rats, so are useful too. Photo: Jamie Madden Above right: Diamond python.

Photo: Kirsten Emma Dalgleish

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Photo: Martin Schulz

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Photo: George Madani

Golden-crowned snake NOT DANGEROUS – all suburbs, but more common below the escarpment

If the Northern Illawarra had a wildlife emblem, it would be the golden-crowned snake. Being a snake that happens to be brown, they’ve been freaking out new arrivals since time immemorial.

However, the ‘Golden-crown’ is about as harmless as they come.

They are a little rainforest dweller, mostly eating small skinks.

If you’re not a skink, you’re not in danger.

Golden-crowned snakes are very common in the Northern Illawarra, more so than perhaps anywhere else in Australia. They are often seen in the bushier parts of suburbs like Thirroul, though they can turn up just about anywhere. I once found one in the carpark at Aldi in Fairy Meadow. They are not aggressive, though if cornered they will try to put on a bit of a show and convince you they are a brown snake. They aren’t. It’s all bluff and not a particularly convincing bluff at that. They have an orangey-red belly that is part of their show, but it looks very different to the blood-red of a red-bellied black snake.

What to look for: The pretty golden crown. It’s an obvious feature letting you know it’s one of the harmless ones.

Photo: George Madani

Red-bellied black snake DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS – all suburbs

Glossy black with a blood-red belly, though sometimes the belly isn’t as red as you’d expect. Fairly common along the creeks and coastal strip, even in the more developed parts of Thirroul. They are most at home along the bushy edge of the escarpment.

Red-bellies are a ‘good’ big venomous snake to have around due to their placid nature, and they do eat other snakes! But their strong venom is dangerous to people and pets – be extremely cautious.

What to look for: Shiny black with that flashy red belly. Our area’s only big, jet-black snake.

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Photo: Alex Dudley

Marsh snake

NOT DANGEROUS – all suburbs

Marsh snakes (or Black-bellied Swamp Snake), are another brown snake that aren’t a ‘Brown Snake’. They’re actually more greeny-grey than brown, but look alike enough to warrant a shovel to the head more often than is deserved. They’re only a little snake when fully grown, eating skinks, frogs and insects and not at all aggressive. You should be able to leave this guy where you found it, and your cat or dog is more of a risk to it, than it is to them.

What to look for: The little white lines around the eye – that is a definitive sign that it’s not a brown snake.

Photo: Martin Schulz

Photo: Helen Jessup

5

Diamond python

Blackish blind snake

Diamond pythons are totemic and long-lived. We still have big ones locally, but they’re very vulnerable to being hit by cars due to a propensity for warming their bellies on the tarmac. They eat rats, which is useful. They’re not venomous or aggressive, but can inflict a nasty bite if you get a cranky one. Don’t pick up these gentle giants – this may damage their fragile spines.

What to look for: ‘Starry starry night’ skin pattern and diamondshaped head. Mostly they are black with yellow/green spots (making them look greenish) but can also have white spots. Very rarely, they can be plain black.

Blind snakes are cool. They are strictly nocturnal and look like giant worms – ignore the ‘blackish’ bit of their official title, they’re actually pink. They eat termites, so perhaps we should set up a breeding facility? They’re safe to pick up as their mouth is termite sized. But they make up for a lack of jaw strength with a disgusting odour they can emit from their anus – you will be trying to scrub formic-acidsmelling skank from your hands for a week, so as with all snakes, just leave it be.

What to look for: Is it a worm, is it a snake?

NOT DANGEROUS – all suburbs, but only close to bushland or creeks

NOT DANGEROUS – all suburbs but only close to intact bushland

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Photo: Martin Schulz

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Photo: Harry Cotterall

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Photo: Kirsten Emma Dalgleish

Small-eyed snake

DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS – all suburbs

These are only little, more rarely seen than red-bellies – and difficult for most people to tell apart. They’re strictly nocturnal.

You don’t want to muck around with it – keep your pets away too.

A simple mnemonic for our area is “if your snake is black, step right back!” – it’s either a red-belly or a small-eyed snake and they’re both dangerous.

What to look for: A small, plain black snake out at night. It has very small eyes compared to a red-belly… and it’s more of a matte black. Its underside can have a hint of pink, but there’s no distinctive “red belly”.

Yellow-faced whip snake

NOT DANGEROUS – Darkes Forest, Helensburgh, Stanwell Tops, Otford

Slender and long, like ridiculously long. Brown but with yellowwhite marking around the eye.

Whip-snakes aren’t dangerously venomous and not aggressive.

But they look enough like a brown snake that you’d want to know what you were doing before going near one. If you try to pick one up you’ll get bitten and your hand will puff up and you’ll look like an idiot and you’ll be in lots of pain. Leave it alone.

What to look for: Long greybrown snake with a whip-like tail and yellow markings around a very large eye.

Photo: George Madani

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Eastern brown snake DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS – Helensburgh, Stanwell Tops, Otford and Darkes Forest only

The one we’re all scared of. Can be defensive and fast moving.

Live below the escarpment?

Relax, they don’t like rainforest.

They prefer the plateau’s drier sandstone environment. Never say never: the Snake Catcher found one in Wollongong that’d hitched a ride on a truck from Appin. Adults are plain brown; though the shade varies a lot – they can even be silvery.

What to look for: Big plain brown (any shade) snake. Young ones can be banded. The coffin-shaped head is distinctive and a reminder of where you’ll be if you try to kill one with a shovel.

Photo: George Madani

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Green tree snake

NOT DANGEROUS – Stanwell Tops, Otford, Helensburgh, Darkes Forest

As the name implies, green tree snakes are usually green, though can sometimes be brownish.

If your snake is up in a tree and a plain green-brown colour, this is a good bet. These guys aren’t down on the coast, only up on top on the plateau.

What to look for: Green or green-brown long, thin snake, usually with a yellow belly. Often in a tree or climbing something.

Illawarra Snake Catcher 0418 162 441 www.illawarrasnake catcher.com.au

Mainland tiger snake DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS – all suburbs

Another one you don’t want to muck around with. Look out for the ‘tiger stripes’ – banding down the body – and a yellow belly.

If the snake has banding, definitely call a professional!

Having said this, this snake is extremely rare in the Northern Illawarra and mostly keeps to itself deep in the bush. They do seem to be having a bit of a time this summer, and I’ve seen three babies recently, having never seen one before ever.

What to look for: Tiger stripes!

None of the harmless snakes in the Illawarra have stripes.

11 Photo: George Madani

Death adder

DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS – Helensburgh, Darkes Forest and Stanwell Tops and Otford only

Death Adders are so rare you’ll likely never see one. However, given how dangerous they are, they do need to be included for completeness. They do not occur below the escarpment. If you think you’ve got a Death Adder in Thirroul, you have a Blue-Tongue Lizard – though the Illawarra Snake Catcher assures me that more than one person has been bitten thinking a Death Adder was a Bluey, so perhaps call a professional anyway!

What to look for: They look like a big, fat Turkish carpet in the shape of a snake. 2508

Cover feature

of women in surf life saving Forty-one years ago, Tanya Potter became the first woman to achieve her Bronze Medallion at Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club.

Back then, Tanya was known as a Nipperette but examiners showed no favouritism in the sea – when it came to swimming, surfing and life saving, Tanya was just as good as the boys.

But she did have to prove it.

Since then, 237 women have gained their Bronze Medallion through the club. Today, the surf club has 99 active Bronze members, 33 of whom are women. Today, more than half the Nippers are girls. And no one is called a Nipperette.

On Sunday, January 31, the club is celebrating changing times with a special ‘40 Years of Women In Surf Life Saving’ event, with an all-women beach patrol followed by a luncheon.

To chronicle this landmark moment in sporting history, 2508 District News will run a three-part series on local women in life saving. First, meet the club’s original female Bronze holder, Tanya Potter.

Next month, we’ll introduce two Stanwell Park mums, Liv Casben and Paula McLarnon, parents of young nippers inspired to take an active role.

And in March, we’ll meet three teenage stars, Sabina Rogers, Madison Agnew and Kiara Manning, who have risen through the Nippers program to become state and Australian medallists.

Tanya Potter is Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club’s first female Bronze Medallion holder.

A lifetime resident of Helensburgh and principal of Coledale Public School for the past nine years, Tanya grew up in the surf, but wasn’t allowed in the club until age 20 – when she carved a path for others to follow. Over the past 40 years, Tanya has been a life saver, a competitor and an instructor – there’s even an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) named after her.

26 January

This is her story.

I always wanted to be a Nipper. When I was a little girl, you’d watch the boys, they would come down from Helensburgh on the bus and they’d take them up to the beach, but we weren’t allowed.

So I never came down with my parents or anything; I was at Bulgo a lot of the time. I had two brothers, but they didn’t do Nippers, they were more footballers. But they surfed.

I started surfing around Bulgo as a kid. All the boys would help you. Michelle Gilmore and I would always go out on the Midget Farrelly boards, the foam boards.

Girls were never allowed in the surf club until I was in my first year at teachers college. And it wasn’t called Nippers, it was called Nipperettes.

A terrible name.

A bunch of my friends, Michelle Gilmore, Anne Cook and I did it and we made the branch team.

We won that. But there are no records of it. There

Bronze Medallion holders, from left: Madison Agnew, Sabina Rogers, Paula McLarnon, Tanya Potter, Liv Casben, Kiara Manning. Photos: Unicorn Studios

were no digital cameras, hardly anyone took photos. I think we got a t-shirt out of it. But it was fabulous. That would have been 1979.

In 1980, they let females start doing their Bronze.

That was very different to today’s Bronze because we had to do it in the belt – the line and reel.

You would swim out with the belt on and people would feed the line to you. Then when you secured your patient, you would have to hold on to them.

And people on shore would drag you in by pulling your line. It was hard work, because you’d pick up all the seaweed on the way, also if it was big seas.

It was hard yards, so not a lot of the girls decided to do it.

The day I did my Bronze, it was here at Stanwell Park. And we were determined that we would make it. It was big seas – six-foot sets.

I cried all the way to the cans. I had people beside me, egging me on, to keep me going,

because it was a big sea. It was not easy.

[Robert] ‘Bobo’ White was there and Bobo wouldn’t let anything happen to you, but he wanted to make sure I got it fair and square. There was no favouritism. We had to prove ourselves to a degree.

I got my bronze.

Doors opened then.

I was at teachers college and I needed a second job, so I became a life saver at Sutherland Pool.

I was put on trial as the first female life saver, when it was the old pool, not the indoor complex.

I would start work at 4.30 in the morning, do my shift, then race off to teachers college in the afternoon and catch up with all my lectures. But it was good.

It was just before my 20th birthday that I got my Bronze. I was the only girl, initially. The boys supported me, they didn’t knock me.

Then more and more girls started to become January

27

involved [in the surf club]. So it was fun.

The club was big into IRB racing. I was tiny then, so I was the patient – the men always left me out at the can though; the boat would break down or somebody would get injured … we went all around the state doing that.

Michelle Gilmore and I were great buddies – she actually got my pool job after I left to go teaching.

They kept girls on.

I went to Heathcote High and I was the only person from my school that went south to Wollongong – and I didn’t go to the university, I went to the Institute of Education in the foothills, which has now become part of the university.

All of a sudden, the girls just got on board.

Everything changed, basically after the first lot of female Bronze holders. It’s always questionable who got their Bronze first, because it wasn’t a big It opened up doors for girls in everything. thing then. We didn’t recognise it then.

You couldn’t even play soccer back in those days, The biggest challenge was the strength that was you weren’t allowed. You couldn’t play rugby league needed in your swimming. Because back in those – now, it’s so lovely that the girls can grow up doing days you had to be able to drag that belt. anything they wish.

So if you weren’t a strong swimmer, it was very I wouldn’t have been a teacher. I wanted to be a difficult to do. It wasn’t dangerous, but you were carpenter and I couldn’t be a carpenter because no wary … because the sea is a powerful thing and it one would take me on as an apprentice. So that’s can turn you around. why I had to just put my head down and studied.

It was never the men versus the ladies. I never, If I had my way again I’d probably have turned ever saw it as that. They just let us join in. out a lot different – I’d be a carpenter.

My husband, Paul, was with me all the time.

Cover feature 28 January

Tanya Potter with You Know Who.

We were going out since we were 16. So he was there when I was doing my Bronze and supporting us. And all the guys who I did it with, they’re still friends today.

Kevin Morton and Dave Anger – they were in my patrol. It was fun.

Since I’ve got my bronze, I learned that way back, like in the ’40s, women were involved. So I wasn’t the first. Those women need to be recognised too.

It was during the war – they did more than just be Ladies Auxiliary. They were in the water, saving people. And, back in those days, they had to be covered up because they weren’t allowed to be seen on the beach in their costumes. So it was a lot harder for them. At least I could just wear a cossie.

My favourite part of surf life saving?

The teamwork.

When we went to masters, we were a little club competing against the big clubs – all pitching in, becoming a team, showing real team spirit.

Collection days were always fun, going around in groups collecting, and then celebrating afterwards with a sausage sandwich.

The social aspect – it was nice just having a big family atmosphere. Having somewhere where you could bring the kids when they were tiny tots.

I was an instructor as well. That was a nice feeling – to instruct people how to do the surf club procedures and learn new skills and then put those skill-sets into action when the beach was full of public members – wanting them to keep safe.

When I become a principal, even leading up to becoming a principal, it was a struggle to find the time. So I had to devote my time to my job, and my family. I had to give up patrols.

It’s something I might come back to though.

Women In Surf Life Saving Luncheon Date: 31 January 2021 What: An all-female patrol from 9am-noon, followed by a special luncheon at the surf club. Any proficient women patrol members are invited to attend on the day.

Guest Speaker: Professor Ngiare Brown, a Yuin nation woman from the South Coast, a senior Aboriginal medical practitioner and one of Australia’s first Aboriginal doctors.

Remember: Only swim at Patrolled Beaches and only swim between the “Red & Yellow Flags”! Stanwell Park Beach is patrolled from 9am-6pm daily by Council Lifeguards and Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC Lifesavers.

Visit: www.stanwellparksurfclub.com/web/

I’ve lived in Helensburgh all my life.

The surf club has been a wonderful thing for my whole family. Raising my boys here as Nippers, in the family atmosphere, then as teenagers – there was always lots of people watching out for them.

So they couldn’t get away with much.

It’s not an easy beach.

They have ended up wonderful adults – kind and Because it’s got currents and strong currents generous and knowing the right values, so I’m underneath. Some days it can be beautiful and very proud of that. And the surf club has helped pristine, but other days it can be dangerous. That’s also a challenge because you turn up to do training, with that.

Stanwell Park’s renowned for being familyand you’ve just got to do it.

There’s been tragic times, when people lost their orientated, a team-spirited place.

It’s fantastic for the kids of today. And it was lives in the lagoon, but not when I was on duty. great back in those days, we’d have lots of social I was more preventative. I would blow the whistle and get them to into the flags so they didn’t outings here at the surf club. We had balls – that was nice, the debutante’s ball. There was always get caught in the rips. That was when people something going on. And the friends that we’ve respected the life savers and I don’t believe it’s so developed here are still our friends today. that way all the time today.

It’s not sexist at all and it never was sexist. It was There’s definitely, definitely more gear today. It’s more the hierarchy wouldn’t allow females. It loaded down there in the boat shed, you know, wasn’t our particular club – our club was all for it. with rubber duckies (IRBs) and they’ve probably Now it’s good. There’s probably more girls down got a drone sitting around. Well, when I first here at Nippers than boys in summer. started, we just had the belt. The girls are in more It’s so wonderful now when you look and see the fitted clothing now. We would just have to wear the girls are involved in everything. 2508 men’s gear; they have ladies shorts now.

January

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‘Vale Brett Harris: we will miss your smiling face’ Heather Eiszele reports, with photos by Mike Malherbe

As 100 or so surfers paddled out off the north end of Stanwell Park beach to form a commemorative circle for the late Brett Harris at 6pm on December 1, a wicked southerly hit at the same moment.

It was gone as quickly as it came and the mourners were left in no doubt Brett was among them.

Lightning forked the sky repeatedly and thunder rumbled as the surfers splashed the water to farewell a friend whose life was cut short by tragedy.

And as more than 200 people gathered at the Stanwell Park Surf Club to celebrate his life, a double rainbow caressed the cloudy sky.

A complete arch leading to the pot of gold Brett called home for more than 40 years.

His friends and family were awe-struck by this display as they came together to toast a kind man taken too soon and so randomly.

The community of Stanwell Park is grieving his loss but it was clear his spirit soared above them.

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man.

Vale Brett Harris. We will miss your smiling face and the generosity you bestowed on so many. 2508

30 January

Sleepless in Stanwell Park

Dangerous late-night driving continues to disturb residents. 2508 reports.

PROBUS CLUB WELCOMES NEWCOMERS

By Helen Durham, Publicity Officer

We are still unable to hold general monthly meetings, but our club has been busy enjoying many activities. We have welcomed four new members who have joined Combined Helensburgh and District Probus.

Carol and Chris opened up their home and garden for a lovely morning tea. Their garden was full of colour, with a pond and waterfall, and the veggie patch was plentiful.

Our bus trip to Burragorang and surrounding areas was a great day out.

First stop was Camden for morning tea by some of the ladies. Then Peter gave us a tour of Camden’s backstreets, viewing the many lovely older buildings and houses. Next stop was Burragorang Lookout for great views of the valley. We had an enjoyable lunch at the Oaks Hotel, then returned to Helensburgh.

Thirteen of our golfers recently enjoyed a game at Liverpool Golf Course.

Our November bowls game was washed out but we were able to play a game in December. Thirty bowlers joined in for the morning session and, after a lovely lunch, 21 continued for the afternoon. It was good bowling weather – not too hot.

Our last walk was along the foreshores of Kurnell, viewing the sculptures and the information platforms. Then a few members did some rock-hopping around the headland.

We all met up to enjoy lunch under the shade of some lovely big trees.

To end the year we held our Christmas Party at the Headlands Hotel. Everyone had a great time catching up with friends. A big thank you to the hotel as the food was delicious and the service great.

Thank you to our committee for keeping our members in touch and organising activities during a difficult year.

Best wishes to everyone for Christmas and hopefully we can resume regular meetings in early 2021.

Call Brent Percy on 0419 604 576 for any member enquiries. 2508

Wednesday, December 9, was another noisy night for residents near Lawrence Hargrave Drive, with late-night hoons tearing up and down the road.

“The crazies are out again,” Stanwell Park resident Ian Stevens reported.

The owner of Ocean Blue B&B – a Tripadvisor award-winning business that promises guests “a relaxing getaway” – Ian said he tried to call Wollongong Police but the number rang out.

“We instead rang the Police Assistance Line, who advised that their number of 131 444 will always be answered, a job logged and sent to a patrol car in the area.”

On December 8, Member for Heathcote Lee Evans called on residents to keep reporting dangerous driving over the busy festive season.

Mr Evans recently met Wollongong Police Commander Superintendent Quarmby to discuss ongoing problems along Lawrence Hargrave Drive.

Supt Quarmby will be taking up the dangerous driving matter with the Commander of Illawarra Highway Patrol, Mr Evans told 2508.

“However, Supt Quarmby reiterated that it’s crucial that all residents continue contacting Wollongong Police to report these illegally modified vehicles, noisy exhausts and speeding vehicles at the time of the disturbance. This will develop a record of the presence of these vehicles at particular time and place which enables them to conduct specific operations to target the area.”

Call Police Assistance on 131 444 or Wollongong Police on 4226 7899. Readers can follow Wollongong Police District news on Facebook but do not report crime via this page.

To suggest a location for a speed camera, go to www.saferroadsnsw.com.au COUNCIL RESPONDS TO CALLS FOR SAFER ROADS “On Monday 7 December, Council resolved to investigate the options available to install traffic calming measures in Stanwell Park,” a Wollongong City Council spokesperson said.

“These calming measures could include, but are not limited to: possible speed zone reduction supported by speed humps, blisters and side barriers. This investigation will inform a report that outlines the different options and costs to enable the identification of any future works being included in Council’s 2021-2022 Works Program.” 2508

January

31

30 Please

By Lena Huda, founder of a campaign to lower neighbourhood speed limits Sandon Point mum Lena Huda wants safer streets.

My Aussie husband convinced me to move to Australia just a year ago. Now I am grateful to live in such a beautiful place. But I am surprised that kids are not free to ride through their neighbourhoods. I have met many parents worried about road safety; many don’t allow their kids to walk to school due to these concerns.

I grew up in Germany, which is a car-loving nation, where the car industry is influential.

However, I felt much safer there when I walked or cycled. Car drivers did not feel that they “owned”

Mental Health First Aid Course A Great Success

By CWA president Carol Pugh

The first Mental Health First Aid training program in Helensburgh received fantastic reviews. Thirteen people participated over two Saturdays to complete the 12-hour course. They are now eligible for a certificate similar to a general First Aid Certificate.

Participants were asked to give written feedback.

Comments were all positive and included: “This course has been brilliant. The content is powerfully presented and I feel better equipped to support the people in my life. Thank you deeply to Peabody for supporting this.”

“Very empowering and helpful.”

“Great presenter, very useful information and resources. The case studies were very helpful.

Everyone should do this.”

32 January

neighbourhood streets. They were watching out for kids and people riding bikes.

I believe this has less to do with people’s general attitudes than with a sensible road hierarchy and according speed limits put in place by road authorities decades ago.

There is less than a 10 per cent risk that somebody walking will be killed at an impact speed of 30km/h but a 90 per cent risk at 50km/h.

80% of streets in Munich (and most other German cities) have 30km/h speed limits where cars have to share with people on bikes — how come this is widely accepted by drivers?

Given drivers only spend a small percentage of their journey on these neighbourhood streets, impact on travel time is minimal.

I founded 30please.org, a campaign for 30km/h to be the speed limit in neighbourhoods.

Of course, we can have higher speed limits on arterial roads and main streets. On those streets, we need separation: cycle lanes, footpaths and pedestrian priority crossings.

Councils can now trial 30km/h limits. In Wollongong, many streets have no footpaths. We need a strategy to create a safe, connected walking and cycling network. Sharing existing streets by driving slowly on those that are not very important for cars is a sensible solution, not only from a cost perspective.

Visit https://30please.org 2508 Mental Health First Aid aims to give ordinary people the knowledge and skills to support someone with mental health problems until they can be linked to professional help.

The presenter, Rowland Hay, works as a senior psychologist with the Department of Education and has decades of experience.

Peabody Energy provided a grant that enabled the course to be held free of charge. The Anglican Church provided the excellent venue, Stanwell Park CWA put on the refreshments and Coles and the local newsagency provided resources. A big thank you to all of these organisations – this is what community is all about!

Former school counsellor Carol Pugh and Ron Le Mesurier facilitated the course. Both would like to see it presented regularly and are seeking government funding. To register interest, contact Carol (0432 385 524, carolpugh50@dodo.com.au) or Ron (0409 062 466, ron@lemesurier.info). 2508

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Record sale for ‘the Hill’ at Clifton

By Ian Pepper, of Ray White Helensburgh In October 2020 a record sale price was reached for a property called “The Hill” at Clifton.

The Hill belonged to the Harvey Family for almost a century when the current owner’s father, Jack Harvey, bought two blocks circa 1927 and built the original house the following year when he got married. The couple started a dairy farm early in the Great Depression, when the local coal mine (where Jack was employed in the stables) closed.

Coalcliff Colliery was not to open again until just before the outbreak of World War II. The original slab dairy is still standing on the property. Jack and his wife Gladys started out milking 15 Jersey cows purchased from the north coast. The dairy expanded over the next few years, peaking at 28 cows. The remaining three blocks were bought over the ensuing decade, bringing the land area to about an acre.

The dairy cattle were grazed along the roadsides as far away as Wombarra, but returned to Clifton morning and night to be milked. Jack sold the milk out of metal cans and into householders’ billy cans from the back of a horse-drawn dray.

The dairy closed a few years after the Colliery re-opened, but horses and cattle have always been kept on the Hill. The current owner has lived on The Hill for almost

86 years, being the only child of Jack and Gladys.

When he married in the late 1950s, he and his wife moved in with his parents, before building the second house to the south of the original house in 1962.

The current owners have lived in their house since then, raising a family and working in the local area but needed to downsize. The Hill was sold by local real estate agent Simon Beaufils from Ray White Helensburgh for a record price of $4.51m. 2508

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VIRTUAL REALITY

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» 20/40’ Storage Containers » Lock Up Units » Hardstand Storage

1

This story is an extract from the South Coaster.

Our new book is action-packed with local knowledge and all proceeds go towards keeping local news alive! It’s $19.99 at Helensburgh Post Office, Darkes Apple Shack, Articles Gallery or www.southcoaster.com.au

1. Steve Wilson climbing a route called Worm on a Razor. Grade 19.

2. Kieran Volk climbing a route called TSPG. Grade 22.

2

Where the

Journey begins

By Max Gordon

Rock climbing on the South Coast has pockets of extremely good quality. It’s famous among climbers locally and overseas for being burly and powerful.

The type of climbing that causes one to grit their teeth and try their hardest.

Climbing became a part of my life the way it does for many, spending afternoons at my local climbing gym, Hangdog in Wollongong. After five days spent in the gym, I knew two things.

1. My forearms felt like they were about to fall off.

2. This was about to become a part of my life.

Though I never could have guessed just how much things were about to change.

I was 17 years young and enrolled at the University of Wollongong to undertake a fine arts degree. Whilst sketching nude models was a great experience, I found myself daydreaming about the next time I’d be free to go climbing again.

Fast-forward six months and I had dropped out of uni and begged for a job at the gym. My interview went well, but I was denied the role of ‘party host’ over the phone during a car drive to a festival. It wasn’t the greatest start to my weekend.

Two weeks later, I was given a second interview.

When I arrived at Hangdog I was welcomed not

with questions but with a uniform. I was ecstatic!

During the next few years I spent most of my spare time rock climbing outside in Australia and overseas. I became completely addicted to the adventure. Rock climbing intertwined itself into every aspect of my life.

Five years on, I am still working with Hangdog, though a few things have changed. I’m now a qualified guide, route setter and coach. The thing that remains constant is my excitement to go climbing every chance I get. It feels fantastic to be a part of an incredible community of people who just want to experience adventure in the outdoors.

My tips for you to start your climbing journey: 1. Don’t hold back! Being afraid of heights is totally normal and makes it all so much more rewarding when you finally conquer your fear.

2. Having fun is top priority. If it is making you smile, you’re on the right track.

3. Come to Hangdog. Our friendly staff will guide you through your first experience. When you’re ready, we’ll take you climbing outside. 2508 Visit hangdog.com.au and follow Max on Instagram @southcoastclimber January

43

Have a question for Dr Rip? Email rbrander@ unsw.edu.au

Spot the rip: it’s the dark green gap between the whitewater. Photo: Rob Brander

Dr Rip’s

By Rob Brander. This month – Summer Beach Safety Tips.

It’s summer and time to enjoy the beach, but beaches can be dangerous, even for experienced beachgoers and swimmers, so here are my top 5 beach safety tips: 1. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.

It’s so important, particularly if you have kids, are not a confident ocean swimmer, and don’t understand much about waves and rip currents.

Lifeguards and lifesavers do an amazing job of keeping you safe. So please try and find a patrolled beach and swim between the flags, or at least close to the lifeguards.

If they can’t see you, they can’t save you.

2. Always THINK about beach safety.

Even if you go to a patrolled beach, you must get in the habit of always spending a few minutes thinking about beach safety when you arrive.

What are the conditions like? Is the surf too rough? Is there a nasty shore dump? Are there rips?

Do you know what a rip is? Are there flags further down the beach? Who can help if you get into trouble? You don’t cross the road without looking both ways and you should never go in the ocean without spending some time thinking about beach safety.

3. Know your rip currents.

All surf beaches have rips. These strong, narrow seaward-flowing currents often occupy deeper channels along the beach and against headlands

44 January

and rocks, and some can suddenly appear out of nowhere when large waves break. Do you know how to spot rips? If not, look at my Rip of the Month feature at www.scienceofthesurf.com There’s also lots of fantastic educational information at www.ripcurrentsafety.com including the National Geographic documentary Rip Current Heroes.

4. Keep your eyes open.

Never turn your back on breaking waves when you are coming out of the ocean, especially dumping waves.

Look for bluebottles (jellyfish) washed up on the beach. If they’re on the beach, they’re probably in the water. Just being a little bit more observant can end up saving you a lot of pain.

5. Don’t rush in.

If you see someone in trouble, don’t just run in to help them. Tragically, many bystanders drown trying to save others in the surf. If you do see someone in trouble, even if it’s a family member, it’s important to not rush in, but take 10 seconds to think about what you should do. Get someone to go get a lifeguard or call for help. Look for something on the beach that will float that will give the person you are trying to save (and yourself) something to hold onto.

Thinking about beach safety will go a long way to making sure you have a great and safe time at the beach. Make it a lifelong habit! 2508

Grey nurse shark & red rock cod.

Photos by Duncan Leadbitter

Hello Fish

By Duncan Leadbitter

At the eastern tip of Bass Point, Bushrangers Bay is one of the few parts of the coast totally closed to all types of fishing.

It is well protected from wind and swell and offers relatively easy access, if you don’t mind a few stairs. It is a very popular site for scuba divers and for dive training, including free diving. Its safety makes it a great place to take young children for their first taste of snorkelling in the ocean.

The quickest access is from the car park via the stairs down to the cobble beach. A track from the southern end of the carpark runs along a ridge on the southern side of the bay. From here it’s possible to walk down to the rocks and head further east to find a number of easy access points.

As one heads out of the bay, it gets deep very quickly and ocean predators like kingfish and the occasional seal can come in close.

Inside the bay, the eastern central part is about 13m to 15m deep and, if you’re on scuba it’s

New lock box and online court bookings

By Lyn Fetherston, Stanwell Park Tennis Club treasurer

We have installed a lock box at Stanwell Park Tennis Courts, so members can access the keys to the courts.

This is a service for our members; casual players will still need to go to Hargrave Café or Stanwell Cellars to collect and return keys.

Annual fees are: Single $60; Family $100; Student $30. Here are our banking details:

possible to see sea tulips, sponges and bryzoans growing on the rocks. Most of the area from about 6m to 13m is urchin barrens.

In the shallows are small forests of kelp and cray weed. At the head of the bay is a small forest of the seagrass, Posidonia australis, also called strapweed.

This is a true grass, not a seaweed and this particular species is fully protected in NSW. The fish life is abundant, with some large bream, red morwongs, black reef leatherjackets, mado, grey morwong and the occasional beardie.

There is also a small colony of grey nurse sharks, also a fully protected (and endangered) species.

They tend to hang out in the deeper areas but I have seen them in depths of 4m so they would be easily visible to snorkellers on the surface.

They are quite timid and are best viewed by not chasing them around. If you’re on scuba is best to lie quietly on the bottom and they may come in for a close look. 2508 Account: Stanwell Park Tennis Club Inc; Bank: Commonwealth Bank; BSB: 062-624; Account: 00910095 (forward confirmation of payment to adrianf@bigpond.com) Court bookings can now be made online. To book, go to our Facebook page or www. stanwellparktennisclub.setmore.com Bookings can be made by both members and casual players and fees for casual play are paid online. Casual players will need to take confirmation of payment to either venue when collecting keys. Members are reminded there is a $5 fee for friends who are not club members.

Contact: Lyn on 0409 044 243, 4294 1245 or email adrianf@bigpond.com 2508

January

45

2111 Time 0.35

m

2129 Time 0.552354 2231 Time 0.52 m 0.41

m

2223 Time 0.692004 m 1

1.39 0.50 0408 0453 1.330632 0515 0517 1.60 1.420132 0.49 1.70 0007 1.35 0 0.420.58 0001 7 0339 22 1029 221.530510 1 0356 16 10 125 16 10 0935 0.60 1.80 0.721318 1210 0.45 1214 0.600808 1122 1.787 0555 0.537 1030 1139 1.78 0.35 0645 1

1.40 0.26 1.131907 1800 1.16 1803 1.071459 0.26 1.49 1816 0.21 1.27 1337 0.50 0 TH 1536 FR 1608 SU MO SU FR 1717 SA 1809 MOMO TU 1206 SU WE 2204 2315 0.37 1.22 2219 0.58 2335 0.53 2327 1830 0.672052 0.42 1 1922 1.13

1.48 0.51 0503 0009 1.390047 0619 0024 1.67 1.500223 1.26 0.41 0045 1.35 0 1.390.56 0049 8 0438 23 1144 231.620608 17 11 17 11 2 0439 226 1055 0.55 1.78 0.670727 1316 0.36 1307 0.510855 0537 0.538 0638 0.598 1111 0609 0.44 1.80 0729 1

PORT KEMBLA – NEW SOUTH WALES Port Kembla Tidal Chart

1.32 0.26 1.101417 1909 1.19 1901 1.13 1.67 1.38 1225 1.69 0.25 1420 0.42 0 FR 1648 SA 1721 MO TU MO SU 1201 WE 1243 SA 1800 TU TU MO TH 1541 2300 0.39 2312 1847 0.592008 0.33 1.27 19012135 0.49 1 1859 0.261.17 2008

LAT 34° 29ʼ S

LONG 150° 55ʼ E

0536Times 1.59 1.23 0556 1.46of 0.51 0.620309 1.36 0 0051 1.25 0000 1.410.53 0140 0132 and2021 Heights High and 0114 Low Waters 9 January 24 90.420036 24 0023 0125 9

3

18 12

327

18 12

1211 0527 0.46 0.53 1246 0622 0.590818 0716 0706 1.75 0658 0729 1.590939 0.64 1 0.59 1.88 0.481.70 0810

1800 1.28 1.75 1.10 1412 0.28 1351 0.41 MARCH FEBRUARY 1324 1.26TU 1241 1.55 1315 1.55 1459 0.34 0 SATIME WE TH MOTIME SU 1154 WEWE TU 1510 FR 1620 TIME JANUARY M M SU 1828 MTU0.18 TIME M 0.41 0.27 2004 1.23 1946m1937 1.202215 0.55 0.40 0.33 1.28 2050 1.21 1 Time m 1944 Time 2354 m 1845 Time Time m19242102 Time Time m

1 0356 1030

0.580230 0132 0.48 0112 0.550352 1.70 1.24 0211 1.36 1.44 0136 1.25 0215 0.49 0007 1.35 0207 0.490050 0453 05170001 0417 10 0632 25 100.42 25 1001 190.31 190.42 4 0618 428 13 13 1 16 0453 16 16 1.53 0808 1.81 0743 1.69 1318 0.3510.55 0829 0.68 0711 0.65 0811 0.53 0850 1.77 1018 0908 1.92 0555 0.53 1122 1.78 1102 11390645 1.78 1036 1.83 0.50 1.42 1459 1412 0.23 1.41 1430 1415 0.32 1.16 1907 1241 1.27 1.68 1337 1320

2 0439 1111

0.41 1.27 0.560320 0223 0.45 0158 0.480433 0222 1.26 1.48 0305 1.36 0259 0.45 1.260143 0045 1.35 0306 0532 00240049 0508 11 0047 26 110.43 26 1101 201.39 5 0715 529 200.31 14 14 17 17 0009 17 2 0727 1.8020.58 1.62 0855 1.83 0826 1.78 0806 0.70 0927 0.55 0943 0.70 0955 1.91 0930 1.82 1056 0537 0.53 0638 0.59 1137 06090729 0.44 1123 1.75 1417 1332 0.25 1.59 1420 1405 0.42 1.30 1541 1520 0.21 1.27 1508 1523 0.24 1.08

3 0000 0527

0.42 1.31 0.530407 0309 0.43 0243 0.400514 0314 1.29 1.53 0406 1.38 0343 0.42 0125 1.36 0410 1.250240 0000 01140132 0602 12 0140 27 1201 120.45 27 6 0821 211.41 630 210.34 15 15 18 18 0051 18 3 0818 1.8830.60 1.70 0939 1.82 0908 1.84 0913 0.73 1051 0.52 1103 0.67 1040 1.86 1012 1.85 1131 0729 0.64 0622 0.59 0615 07060810 0.48 1212 1.61 1510 1430 0.18 1.49 1459 1500 0.34 1.20 1620 1640 0.22 1.18 1546 1645 0.18 1.05

4 0050 0618

0.49 1.33 0.43 0330 0.35 1.42 0.42 1.39 0408 1.60 0510 0429 0.41 0211 0352 1.36 0515 1.250339 0036 02070215 0045 28 13 1018 28 13 0230 13 7 0935 221.44 731 221.59 19 19 0136 19 4 1.77 1.78 0952 1.86 0908 1.9240.60 1029 0.72 1210 0.45 1214 0.60 1055 1.84 0829 0.68 0711 0.65 0701 08110850 0.53 0701 0.40 0.27 1.13 1656 1800 0.25 1.16 1625 1803 0.15 1.07 1559 1536 0.15 1.40 1537 1608

5 0143 0715

0.43 1.48 0.45 1.39 0.45 1.67 0503 0608 1.50 1.260438 0117 0139 1.59 03060259 1.48 0305 0433 1.36 0619 14 0320 29 14 14 8 23 8 20 0222 20 0955 1.9150.55 1.82 1056 1.7050.36 ©20 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 1055 1144 0.67 1316 1307 0.51 0806 0.70 0757 080923 0.46 09270930 0.55 0943 0.70 TIMES AND PORT KEMBLA – NEW SOUTH WALES 1645 0.16 1.32 1615 1721 0.22 1.10 1729 1909 0.30 1.19 1648 1901 1.13

6

21 15 9

0.50 1.80 FR 1717 0.26 2315 1.22

0.51 1.78 SA 1800 0.26 1.23 0.53 SU 1154 1.75 1845 0.27 1.24 0.55 MO 1241 1.68 1930 0.29 1.27 0.58 TU 1332 1.59 2020 0.32

SU 0.26 MO SA 1809

0.27FR 1656 0 1559 0.151.49 1206 1713 1816 TU 0.21WE TU 0.17SA TU WE TH WE TH TH 1537 MO 1704 MO MO 1.132153 2052 1.28 2027 1.272254 2020 0.61 0.46 1930 0.29 1922 2001 0.41 2130 1.25 1 1.28 1830 0.42 2033 2326 2312 1.55

1645 0.161.38 0.22SA 1729 0 1243 1740 1.69THWE 0.22SUWE MO 1.67 TU WE TH FR TH TU FR FR 1615 SU 1201 TU 1225 TU 1745 1.27 0.32 1.172240 2135 1.31 2106 1.352330 2042 0.51 0.48 2116 0.66 1 1.28 2211 1.29 1847 2008 0.332020 1901 0.49 2129 18592008 0.26 2357 1.58

1728 0.201.26 0.19SU 1800 0 1324 1215 1315 TH 1.55FR TH 0.31MO TH TU 1.55 FR FR SA WE SA SA 1655 MO 1241 WE WE WE 1826 1.28 0.35 1.212325 2215 1.33 2146 2223 1.42 0.69 2129 0.55 0.521.33 1.27 2253 1937 0.55 2231 1924 2102 0.402111 1809 19442050 0.33

0.19MO 1.41 FR 1415 1.45 FR 1257 TH FR SA 1.16 SU WE 1.42 SA TH SU SU 1735 TU 1320 TH 1412 TH 1305 1.25 0.58 1.35 2228 1.49 0.67 1.28 0.37 2219 0.53 2327 2337 1.36 2020 2254 0.61 2335 2001 2153 0.462204 1843 20332130 0.41 1911 0.41

SU SA 1347 Astronom 1924 LOW WATERS time (UTC + Times are in AND local standard 0 LAT 34Low 29’ 0514 0.49 0.45Times 0.42 1.46 1.59 0556 0036 0.51 0023 0.62 0208 0240 1.31 0314 0407 1.290536 04100343 1.53 0406 1.38 0238 1.58 and Heights of High and Waters New 1.59 Moon Moon Phase Symbols 0 55’ 1.601501.75 1.86 0.46 1.85 0.59 1246 0716 0658 0903 0821 0.60 0913 1040 0.731211 10511012 0.52 1103 1131 0.67LONG 0927 0.49 MARCH FEBRUARY 0.36SA0.28 0.20SA1.28 0.19SU1.10 1828 1351 1453 1.20 1640 1.18 1645 1.05 1519 WE 1.17 MO 1800 FR 1728 SA 1655 MO SA 1800 SU TU 1412 SU0.41 WE 1430 1.49JANUARY TH 1500 2111 Time 0.35

0339 0356 1.39 0935 1030 0.60 1.40 FR 1717 TH 1536 2204 2315 0.37

7 1

1.30 1.27Datum 1.08 TH 1.30 FR SA SU FR MO TU WE 1405 FR 1406 FR 1520 SA 1523 of Predictions is Lowest HEIGHTS HIGH 1.28 0.39 2211 1.29 0.59 1.35 OF2000 2312 2042 2240 0.512300 2129 0.48 0.66 LAT 34° 29ʼ S 2116 2330 LONG 150° 55ʼ E0.52

m

0.50 1.80 0.26 FR 1.22

630 24 21 15 9

2325 1.27 2129 Time 0.552354 22312253 0.521.33 Time m m 0.41

6

24 21 15

1946 2020 2223 Time 0.69 2004 2101 Time 0.60 m 1.23 m 1.20

0.41 1.35 0.48 0.49 1.70 0517 0.420.58 0.310.55 0001 0112 0408 0453 1.330632 05150429 1.60 0510 0007 1.42 0132 0347 0417 1.57 0310 1.84 0.53 1.81 1.78 0.35 1139 1.781.53 1.831.69 0645 0743 1029 1122 0.721318 12101055 0.45 1214 0555 0.60 0808 1050 1036 0.48 1020 0.19 1.49SU0.23 0.26SU1.27 1816 0.21 0.17 1337 1430 1608 1.13 1800 1.16 1803 1.07 1459 1647 1.12 1617 SU MO 1704 SA 1809 MO1735 TU 1206 TU SU 1907 MO WE TH MO0.50 MO0.32 1.36 1.13 0.42 1.28 1.551.27 1922 2027 2219 0.58 23352337 0.53 2327 1830 0.67 2052 2215 2312 0.65 2135

22 16 10

731125 22 16 10

7 125 22 16

1.35 0.45 1.26 0.41 1.390.56 0.310.48 0049 0158 1.48 0.51 0503 0009 1.390047 0619 0024 1.67 0608 0045 1.50 0223 0500 0508 1.59 0420 17 17 17 2 0439 226 2Bureau 11 11 26 © Copyright of Australia 2020, of Meteo 8 0438 23 23 8 23 0638 0.59 0537 0.538Commonwealth 1111 0609 0.44 1123 1.75 1.80 0729 1.62 1.83 0826 1.78 1055 0.55 1.78 1144 0.670727 1316 0.36 1307 0.51 0855 1206 0.43 1130 1.38 0.21 17451508 1201 1417 1.67 0.25 12251420 1800 0.26 1.690.42 1243 1541 0.220.24

SA 1.32 FR 1648 2300 0.39

1.10 1.19 1.13 1.15 TU 1737 WE SU WE TU TU TU FR MO of Predictions TH SA 1721 MO 1909 TU 1901 MO 1807 Datum is Lowest Astronomical Tide 0.49 1.31 0.33 1.27 18592008 0.261.17 1901 2135 1.581.35 2106 2312 1847 0.592008 2328 2357 0.64 2252

0536 0000 1.59 1211 0527 0.46 1.28 SU 1154 SA 1800 2354 1845 0.41

1.36 0.43 1.25 0.42 1.23 0556 0051 1.410.53 0.340.40 0140 0132 0309 0243 1.46 0036 0114 0.51 0023 0.62 0607 0602 1.63 0526 New0125 Moon First Qua Moon Phase Symbols 0.64 1.82 0.59 1.88 0.53 1246 0622 0.481.70 1.611.84 0810 0908 0.590818 0716 0706 1.75 0658 0729 1.59 0939 1306 1212 0.37 1226 1.26TU0.22 1.55TU0.18 1.75 1315 1.55 0.31 1459 1546 1.10 1412 0.28 1351 0.41 1907 1.21 1833 TH 1324 MO 1241 TH WE WE WE 1826 TU 1510 FR 1620 SA SU 1828 WE0.34 WE0.18 0.55 1.33 1924 2102 0.40 1.28 0.27 0.331.21 2050 2146 1.42 2004 1944 1.23 1946 1937 1.20 2215 2355

9 3

Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savin

24 18 12

9 327 24 18 12

9 327 24 18

1.25 0.42 1.36 0.43 0.49 0.35 1.70 1.24 0001 0136 0.580230 0132 0207 0112 0211 0.55 0352 0032 0045 0622 19 13 19 13 19 4 0050 4280.4802151.44 4280.5903301.59 10 0632 25 10 25 10 25 1320 1559 1.42 0.15 14121537 1.16 0.25 13051625 1241 1.68 1.410.27 1415 1656 1.450.15

0711 0.65 0.68 0.55 0645 0811 0.401.86 0850 1.77 1.92 1018 1.78 0952 MOON 1318 PHASE0618 SYMBOLS New Moon First Quarter 0.53 Full Moon 1.69 Last Quarter 0.35 1.530908 0808 1.81 0743 0829 0704 0701 1.68 1312

1907 1.27 MO 1337 0.50 1459 0.23of Predictions 0.32 1355 0.32 TH 1917 TU2020, FR FR MO TH Datum TH SU TH WE SA ©SU Copyright Commonwealth of Australia Bureau ofWE Meteorology. is Lowest Astronomical TH 1430 WETide.

0.46 2020 0.61 1930 time 0.29 2033 0.41in1.25 0.411.49 Times are in local standard (UTC1922 +10:00)2001 or1.13 daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when effect.

Bureau of Meteorology 2130 2153 1.28 2254 1.35 2228 2052 1.28 2027The 1.27 1955 1911 1.28 gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability of the information or that the information will be1.48 fit for0.45 any particular purpose or will not 0222 1.26 0143 1.27 0049 0139 0306 0305 1.36 0433 0.45 0.43 0259 0047quality 0.41 0.560320 0223 0.45 0158 0.48 0128 0.53 1.59 0049 infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights.

The Bureau’s for any loss, damage, cost or expense use of, 0806 0.70 liability 0927 0.551.82 0943 resulting 0.70 from 1056 1.70 0955 1.91 0930 0727 0715 1.80 0.58 0729 1.62 0855 1.83 0754 0809 1.71 0.46 0711 or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded. 0826 1.78

14 11 529 26 20 14 11 5 11 5 1332 1.59 26 20 1405 26 20 1.30 0.16 15201615 1.270.22 1523 1729 1.08 0.30 1406 1.30 1645

0.21 FR 1508 WE 0.42 SA TU 0.25 TU 1420 FR 0.29 FR 1352 FR FR SA 0.24 SU TH MO 1417 TH 1541 TH 1436 0.51 1.28 0.481.29 0.66 1.35 2211 2008 2020 1.27 0.32 2008 2042 1.172240 2135 2129 1.31 2106 2116 1.35 2330 2035 2000 1.34 0.52 1958

0140 0240 0.42 46 January

1.31 0132 0314 1.29 0.45 1.530.42 1.38 0.49 0343 0.530407 0215 0238 0.48 1.58 0138 0309 0410 0.43 0243 0406 0.40 0514 21 6 0821 21 0913 630 21 1103 6 0927 15 15 12 0818 27 12 27 0757 12 27 0.73 1051 0.52 0.67 1.86 1012 1.85 1.60 1.88 0.60 0810 1.701040 0837 1.72 0.49 0939 1.82 0908 1.84 1131 1430 1.49 1500 1728 1.20 0.20 16401655 1.180.19 1645 1800 1.05 0.36 1519 1.17

0.22 SA 1546 0.18 SU WE 0.18 WE 1459 TH 0.34 SA SA SU MO SA 0.29 SA 1431 FR TU 1510 FR 1513 FR 1620 0.55 1.27 0.521.33 2253 2102 2111 1.28 0.35 2050 2129 1.212325 1.39 0.60 2037 2215 2231 1.33 2146 2223 1.42 0.69 2113 2101 0339 1.39

0408 1.33

0515 1.60

0510 1.42

0347 1.57

Golf news

Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports

Our last event for 2020, on December 6th, celebrated Norm and Brenda Bell and was followed by our annual festivities.

The N&BB Plate went to Peter Gardner, with 34 points, closely followed by Michael Emmett (33), and Frank Zuccala (32). A recent recruit, Josh Riley, showed form to notch several prizes, whilst Mark Buckley got within a putter length to secure the Eagles Nest on the 8th. I am reliably informed witnesses were nearly seeing a hole in one.

The day was rounded off in style at the Kareela Golf Club, with well over 50 members and guests treated to a fine spread, presentations and the generous roasting by our beloved president.

The 2020 Champions were: A Grade: Scratch Mark O’Connor A Grade: Net Tony English B Grade: Scratch Jose Hernandez B Grade: Net Tony Gersback C Grade: Scratch Blake O’Connor C Grade: Net Debbie Ross.

Our early 2021 events will be on January 17th and February 7th at Kareela. New players are always welcomed – please call Tony on 0418 863 100 for membership details and to secure a spot. Read our reports here in 2508 and via emails to members.

Thanks to our sponsors: Christian’s Premium Meats and the Helensburgh Golf Range, and other local businesses that support the local community.

HELENSBURGH POST OFFICE

Happy New Year and resolve in 2021 to … play more golf, swear off slicing and hooking, and putting more than 3.

Tradies Social Golf John Towns reports

To say it was an interesting year would be an understatement, however, it is great to have good friends with a common interest to help each other through the year. We are all looking forward to 2021 as the restrictions ease on the social side of our games, with the post-game meeting and BBQ at the Tradies Club possibly back on the agenda.

Our final game of the year was a Stableford event with the proceeds and donations going to NINA. Ron Easton claimed first prize with a credible 43 points from Paul Morahan (40) and Greg Bell (36) in third. (Full results on our Facebook page.)

The presentation of our annual awards was held at Tradies to finish the year and the results were: Uptown vs Downtown: Uptown won Handicap Awards: C Grade Handicap winner: Craig Murphy B Grade Handicap winner: Iain Birss A Grade Handicap winner: John Towns Clug Handicap Champion: Iain Birss Club Champion (scratch): Iain Birss Match Play Champion: Barry Thompson Sanders Cup: Paul Morahan Pointscore Champion: Iain Birss Eclectic winner: Ron Easton Thank you to our sponsors: Helensburgh Tradies; Neville (Golf Driving Range); Cristian (Gallardo’s Pizza); and Jason (Helensburgh Butchery).

Full details (with photos) are on our Facebook page – Tradies Helensburgh Sports and Social Golf Club. 2508

Helensburgh Car Services

4294 2930 Tune & Service • E Safety Checks All Makes & Models LPG Rego Checks • Blue Slips Licence no. MVRL 17877

INK AND TONER SUPPLIES IN-STORE OR BY ORDER

Child Restraints Fitted

4294 1008

John Hine (Proprietor) 187 Parkes St Helensburgh 2508 January

47

Ray Shaw 0432 633 679 “Does your bathroom need a renovation?”

Call today for a free quote.

LIC. 299327C