Editorial

As a boy I was fascinated with the story of Rip Van Winkle who meets mysterious Dutchmen, imbibes their liquor and falls asleep in the Catskill Mountains, USA, to awake twenty years later to a very changed world, having missed the American Revolu on.

In more recent mes there have been many Sci-Fi stories that have characters in stasis for weeks, years and decades to awake to a new order. In those stories there are marked differences. New technology, new fashions and even new leaders as was the case with Rip Van Winkle.

While we have all been ‘asleep’ with our Covid lockdowns across the planet things have changed. Many small things, li le things, that are barely worth repor ng in mainstream media, insignificant things to most folks that would see them as something nothing.

Take for example the massive log jam of ships of the coast of China with reports of 350,000 containers in limbo wai ng dispatch. Then there are the ships coming from the rest of Asia, from Europe, South America and North America. Add to those the tens of thousands of dispatches wai ng air delivery. And of those deliveries that do make it to our shores we then have the difficul es of our own transport logis cs. This weekend Australia Post will be a emp ng to deal the massive backlog of deliveries that they have caused by a culmina on of current COVID-19 restric ons, shortage of staff, and increasing volumes of online orders.

And what of those orders? Steadily, and very quietly, the cost of materials has risen. ABC reports that interna onal shipping container costs have increased by as much as 500% and materials such as plas cs (pipes, packaging etc) from China have increased by 20 to 30%. We can see the result locally with hardware supplies increasing at such a rate that trades are quo ng on day to day prices for wood, glass, aluminium and steel with provisos to account for changes in material costs. ‘Overnight’ rebuilding over 1000 homes lost in the bushfires has become a whole lot more expensive.

On top of materials we are now beginning to see the increases come in to our perishables as fruit and vegies climb (for want of pickers and increased transport costs). I’m sure that Rip Van Winkle would be surprised to encounter a $5.90 mango at the supermarket. You can now appreciate the difficulty that mango had in arriving at a Eurobodalla supermarket from a far off tree in Bowen, and its price. Normally picked by underpaid backpackers these mangos then make the journey south, crossing borders seamlessly. For the minute there is no cheap labour, transport costs are rapidly climbing and backlogs are building that has already caused spoilage. The divide between producer and consumer is becoming no ceable. But only if you have your eyes open. Sadly most folk are in a daze of it all.

One thing is for sure. When we do eventually come out of Lock Down there will be no ceable changes. Shops that were once vibrant now shut, homes sold because of foreclosed mortgages, venues that only allow entry if doublevaxed, shortages in stocks on shelves, increases in prices and, of most interest, new requirements around mandatory vaccina ons in the workplace. But what else happened while we were in slumber? What domino effect might we be in for? Only me will tell. All we can do is wonder and take each new day as it comes hoping someone is in charge. Un l next Lei

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community Do you agree with the proposed Bay Pavilions Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 fees and charges : Have your say

Closing date for submissions: Wednesday 22 September 2021, 4.00pm Council has developed a proposed schedule of fees and charges for the Bay Pavilions - Eurobodalla’s new regional aqua c, arts and leisure centre at Batemans Bay. The new facility is set to open in 2022 with pre-sale memberships and promo ons star ng in the summer. The fees and charges are based on a comprehensive analysis of similar facili es throughout the region with the aim of ensuring the facility is both compe ve and affordable. The fees and charges have been applied to the latest business model for the Bay Pavilions which forecasts revenue, costs and patronage over the next 10 years. It is a legislated requirement that Council provide public no ce before it can introduce any new fees and charges. The proposed schedule is therefore now on public exhibi on and community members have 28 days to make submissions. Submissions will help finalise and inform any adjustments before Councillors have the opportunity to vote to adopt. Read the rest of the proposed Fees and Charges here:

h ps://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/204983/Bay-Pavilion-fees-and-charges-schedule.pdf

Target COVID vaccina on rates within reach for South Eastern NSW

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 COORDINARE, the South Eastern NSW PHN, expects most LGAs in South Eastern NSW will reach the Government’s 80 percent COVID vaccina on target soon if the combined efforts of the health workforce and the community con nue. Data released by the Department of Health on 28 August highlights the percentage of people aged 15 and over who have received first and second COVID vaccine doses in each Local Government Area. At least 70 percent of people aged 15 and older have received their first dose and 40 percent have received their second dose, in Kiama, Bega Valley and Eurobodalla LGAs. Queanbeyan-Palerang and Goulburn Mulwaree LGAs have lower vaccina on rates compared to other parts of the South Eastern NSW region to date. “We are grateful to all staff working within general prac ce, Aboriginal Medical Services, pharmacy and Local Health District Clinics who are daily going above and beyond to help get our community vaccinated. We are an cipa ng increased supply of vaccines very soon, which should help more people to get an appointment as soon as possible,” said COORDINARE’s CEO, Ms Dianne Kitcher. “Please con nue to use the Department of Health’s eligibility checker as that is the best way to be alerted of new appointments, eligibility and increased vaccine supply,” said Ms Kitcher. View COVID-19 vaccina on – Geographic vaccina on rates - Local Government Area (LGA) report here. h ps://www.health.gov.au/resources/publica ons/covid-19-vaccina on-geographic-vaccina on-rates-localgovernment-area-lga

UOW RANKED AMONG WORLD’S BEST IN TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2022 The University of Wollongong (UOW) has consolidated its place among the world’s best universi es, again being ranked among the top 250 universi es in the world – and 13th in Australia – in the Times Higher Educa on (THE) World University Rankings 2022, announced today (Thursday 2 September). It marks the fourth year in a row that UOW has been ranked among the top 250 ins tu ons globally. The University’s biggest improvement came from increased recogni on in the global research reputa on survey. UOW also gained a significant improvement in its score from the global teaching reputa on survey. An improvement was also recorded in UOW’s score for research income per staff. UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson welcomed the rankings result. “Research and teaching are our core business so I am delighted that we have been able to improve our scores in those key areas,” Professor Davidson said “Given the many challenges of the past 12 months, the fact we have been able to consolidate our overall ranking in this survey is a testament to the commitment and resilience of the University’s staff. I thank them for their dedica on to excellence.” In April this year, UOW was ranked 6th in the world in the 2021 THE Impact Rankings, which assess universi es around the globe against the United Na ons’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across three broad areas: research, outreach and stewardship. In June, the University was ranked 23rd in the world in the 2021 THE Young Universi es Rankings for the world's top universi es aged 50 years and under. UOW is consistently ranked among the top 1 per cent of universi es in the world and its academics and graduates are recognised as some of the best in the world.

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Community Surf Beach facili es, convenient and accessible

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 When COVID restric ons li and visitors can return Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 to Eurobodalla’s popular Surf Beach, they’ll find a brand new ameni es block in place. Si ng within the footprint of the old toilet building, there’s two extra cubicles plus a new accessible toilet sited front and centre. Also added are two free-standing outdoor showers, protected by a privacy screen. The site has been reworked to resolve previous issues with drainage and pooling water and the facility uses sla ed mber panels to improve natural light into the building. The ameni es building sits alongside the Surf Beach playground, which was upgraded last year from a loved but worn pirate ship to a two-story tower with slides and see-saw. Along with grassy areas, picnic tables and a water fountain, Surf Beach is the perfect spot for beachside family fun.

Above: The new ameni es block at Surf Beach includes an accessible toilet, two addi onal standard toilets and two outdoor showers.

Let’s do our bit – MP calls for Eden-Monaro residents to get tested and get vaccinated

Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain is urging people across the Eden-Monaro to get tested and to get the vaccine. Fragments of COVID-19 have now been detected in Merimbula’s sewage three mes, Cooma’s sewage twice as well as Bega and Thredbo’s sewage. Ms McBain said although there are no known cases in these areas, the detec on of fragments in the sewage could mean there are unknown cases in the community. “I know how important it is for everyone to keep our communi es safe,” Ms McBain said. “The last thing anyone wants is for an outbreak in our area. This is why it is vitally important that anyone with even the mildest of symptoms gets tested and if you haven’t already, please get vaccinated. “Last week, a er COVID-19 was detected in the sewage, I went into Merimbula and got tested and this week I was able to get my first vaccine dose.

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COVID restric ons have provided Eurobodalla Council with an opportunity to tackle infrastructure upgrades in Moruya, minimising their impact on the community and businesses. The school crossings on Church and Queen Streets that service St Mary’s Primary School will be upgraded to 24-hour raised pedestrian crossings. Church Street will be closed, between Vulcan and Page Streets, from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 September and Queen Street will be closed, between Vulcan and Page Streets, from Monday 20 to Saturday 25 September. Through traffic will need to detour during the work. Residents will be able to access their proper es but may need to detour to reach their correct side of the crossings. Traffic control will be in place. Pedestrians will be able to use footpaths but may be directed around work sites. The school crossings will not be available during the upgrades. Funded under the Federal S mulus NSW Road Safety Program, the crossings are a part of Council’s drive to improve pedestrian access across the CBD and the safety of all road users. Council will also begin work to renew water infrastructure at the intersec on of Ford and Queen Streets during September; reloca ng the water main from beneath to outside the roundabout. Ini al work will involve cu ng sec ons of concrete paths and driveways, although these will remain in place and useable un l excava on work begins. During construc on heavy machinery will be ac ve along the road and on the nature strip, and it will be necessary to close Queen Street and Ford Street at separate mes to allow work to be undertaken safely. Traffic control will be in place.

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Above: School crossings at Moruya’s Church and Queen Streets will be upgraded to 24-hour raised crossings during September as part of Council’s drive to improve pedestrian

community IT'S TWINS! Rare Golden Tamarin Twins Born at Mogo Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Wildlife Park This week Mogo Wildlife Park have welcomed the arrival of TWIN Golden Lion Tamarins - the first babies from a new pair at the park. Golden Lion Tamarins are very rare, are na ve to Brazil, and there are only about 2000 individuals remaining in the wild. Mogo Wildlife Park has been involved in their breeding program for many years and are jus fiably very excited at this new double arrival! (Twins are in fact common for first pairings) Lockdown 2.0 is especially challenging for Mogo Wildlife Park. Without regular visitors their resources are stretched and they are calling out to the community to support them in even a small way. h ps://mogozoo.com.au/

www.iga.com.au/catalogue

Pelvic Health Post Baby is an upcoming free two-part Zoom series hosted by the Australian Breas eeding Associa on (ABA) - Eurobodalla Group. Have you recently had a baby? Do you want to learn more about your pelvic floor and how to strengthen it and help support op mal func oning?

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Then these Zoom sessions are for you! The pelvic floor is an area that o en is overlooked in the early months a er having a baby. But it is an area where problems can arise a er pregnancy and childbirth. ABA Eurobodalla Group Leader Michelle Hamrosi is excited to host two local physiotherapists, who will present this two-part series. “Every year, local mums who come to our mee ngs request that we cover this topic. It's certainly an area of confusion or worry,” Michelle says. “We are so pleased to be able to offer two sessions with a focus of pelvic health from two local experienced health professionals. Because of lockdown, we have had to take this event online. This means mums can take part from the comfort of their home, in their pyjamas if they wish!” Gabrielle Cunningham, a group member and mother of two is looking forward to listening to the presenta ons. She says “A er giving birth, I got asked a lot of ques ons. What is your pain like? How are you feeling? Are you ge ng much sleep? How is baby feeding? How is your mental health? Nobody ever asked about my pelvic health. I think this is a really relevant topic to a lot of mums.” Part one was presented by Roya Speight on Friday 3rd September. Roya is returning from her own maternity leave soon. She will be working specifically as a physiotherapist in women’s health. She has a keen passion for suppor ng the health and wellbeing of mums. During the Zoom session, Roya covered common ques ons about pelvic floor, discussing why it is important, and how pregnancy and childbirth can affect its func oning. She also discussed a range of common issues experienced by mums. Part two, of the series will be next Tuesday 7th September from 9am. Joelle Karam from Tidal Physiotherapy (Batemans Bay) will lead a endees through a series of Pilates exercises to strengthen core and pelvic floor. Joelle has specifically designed these exercises for new mums (she teaches weekly via Soul Tribe Studio in Batemans Bay). Joelle, who is passionate about Pilates, says: “I love helping people connect to their body through mindful movements. Pilates offers a space to do that; connec ng body and mind safely to support movement for life.” This prac cal session is for beginners. A yoga or exercise mat is also useful if you have one. This mee ng can be accessed via the zoom link: h ps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86484692905 Mee ng ID: 864 8469 2905 Everyone is welcome to a end these free Zoom sessions! To join the ABA Facebook group please go to: h ps://www.facebook.com/ australianbreas eedingassocia oneurobodalla

Group Leader Michelle with members Gabrielle, Jacqui, and Narelle at the last face to face mee ng before increased restric ons and lockdown temporarily paused ABA Eurobodalla group gatherings.

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community

The Theory of

Evolu on, Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Climate Change Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 and the

Eurobodalla

Health Service

Clinical Services

Plan

This week, members of our community a ended the Eurobodalla Health Service Community Informa on Session Webinars produced by the SNSWLHD. The sessions were promoted to inform our community of the plans, progress and development of the new level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital project. We were euphemis cally informed of forward movement and development, all in good me. It could well have been the last words of dinosaurs as they watched an approaching comet or the grinding of an advancing glacier. There was no commitment to a new level 4 hospital with Intensive Care, major orthopaedic or paediatric services on opening. Charles Darwin appreciated the geological me frame for evolu on. However, the SNSWLHD and Health Infrastructure advance at their glacial rate without the necessary recruitment measures to establish Intensive Care and paediatric services as they are not obliged to fulfil the commitments of the Eurobodalla Health Service Clinical Services Plan un l 2031.

In that ten years, there will have been 3,500 births in the Eurobodalla without adequate newborn or paediatric services. There is already a 12-18 month wai ng me for children for paediatric appointments two hours away in Bega. There are 4000 more people in the Eurobodalla than the Bega Shire who possess between them 24,000 shoulders, knees and hips that might require major orthopaedic surgery. There are hundreds of Eurobodalla on the SERH wai ng list whose surgery should be performed locally in a new Eurobodalla hospital. Meanwhile, the Inconvenient Truth of the COVID pandemic hangs like Damocles' sword over the Eurobodalla. The glaciers are mel ng. It is not excusable to hesitate, procras nate and prevaricate on the provision of level 4 health services in the Eurobodalla.

This week's informa on sessions were an exercise in explana on in true Yes Minister style. "Clarifica on is not to clarify things. It is to put one's self in the clear" Sir Humphrey Appleby. The responsibility for ac on on our hospital services stops in St Leonards at the desk of Sir Humphrey Hazzard. More to come…. lei

The “ONE” New L4 Eurobodalla Hospital Advocates group advise: In late 2018, a community-wide Pe on from the people of Eurobodalla lobbed into NSW Parliament with Vol 16 September 15th 2017 an unambiguously clear 3-part Plea asking our NSW policymakers and planners to URGENTLY address Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 shamefully long-standing healthcare services gaps and shor alls. The 3,300-signature Pe on centred around the desperately needed provision of a proper, fully-func oning Level 4 Hospital, en rely propor onate to the size and excep onal demographics of the Eurobodalla LHD (Local Health District). 3 years later, all the subsequent talk and public posturing aside, incredibly, those issues remain mostly unresolved and the pleas s ll largely unaddressed with healthcare services and resources seemingly s ll stuck on a totally outdated 1970’s-type departmental ‘se ng’. With a medical frontline workforce o en (and unwisely) asked to work extra shi s and dangerously strained to cri cal breaking point, Eurobodalla’s na onally preeminent seniors demographic and its very significant First Na ons popula on now present a target in current Covid-Delta Variant circumstances, made much more vulnerable by the failure to act on the community’s URGENT 2018 call for a proper Emergency and Intensive Care capability. Other distant SNSW Health Districts with smaller popula ons are nonetheless resourced with L4 Hospitals including Intensive Care Units! The recent “transfer” ven lators hurriedly brought into the Eurobodalla are designed for transpor ng seriously sick pa ents out of the Eurobodalla to enable access to adequate treatment elsewhere! Could there be any reasonable excuse for this half-baked solu on given our 3-year pre-Covid appeal? The “ONE” New L4 Eurobodalla Hospital Advocates group has been running a New (2021) Pe on, reitera ng all the demands of the 2018 Pe on. Despite all the lockdown obstacles it is steadily closing in on the 2018 3,000+ signature threshold. To meet the community’s growing demand for the security of a Pe on tool which is both easily accessible and COVID-safe, “ONE” New L4 Eurobodalla Hospital Advocates is now launching an e-Pe on on the NSW Parliamentary website Pe ons Page (Link: Signing ePe on (nsw.gov.au). h ps://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/Pages/ePe on-details.aspx?q=jZUgSVU/ocsrJKjSRNuOZQ== Very importantly, all Pe oners are legally en tled to sign both types of pe on, print-on-paper and electronic! This me around, made that much more relevant by Covid-19, the call is for an aspira onal 20,000 signature total, to trigger a debate on the NSW Parliamentary floor. Go the Eurobodalla!

For the second year in a row, Legacy Week (29 August – 4 September) will look different across the country. New South Wales, ACT and Victorian Clubs are unable to fundraise in the streets due to lockdown restric ons.

Please consider suppor ng these Clubs by dona ng or purchasing a Legacy Badge or Bear online.

And the winner is …….

Dee Meek of Tuross is the lucky winner of this beau ful quilt Vol 16 September 15th 2017 donated to Tuross Head Ladies Golf by Shirley Quinlan. Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Approximately $600 was raised in the raffle which will be go to the Moruya Hospital Auxiliary. Many thanks to all those who par cipated.

real estate OUT NOW—your latest Beagle Abode :

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Eurobodalla’s leading real

Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 estate guide

The beagle abode is an online weekly Eurobodalla real estate guide showcasing the current Eurobodalla market and our many realtors.

The beagle abode is the new addi on to the South Coast Beagle that owns The Beagle and the South Coast Travel Guide: The Nature Coast of NSW : from Durras to The Tilbas The Beagle Abode has been established to provide that service while also providing our readers with a glossy overview of latest proper es on the market each week. You can find Beagle Abode on the Beagle website under REAL ESTATE

The latest Beagle Abode lis ngs are also available each week as a FlipBook on the website and also distributed to readers via our social media pages and our twice weekly mailouts.

Housing Affordability – A 20 Year Analysis - by REIA

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 What percentage of your income are you spending on your home loan repayments? Is that percentage more or less than 20 years ago? These are the ques ons that have now been answered by the Real Estate Ins tute of Australia’s (REIA) “Housing Affordability Report: the past 20 years”. With the excep on of a short period in 2008, the REIA has found that housing affordability has been on the decline for the past two decades and will con nue to be an issue if household income does not increase. The Report shows that at the start of the 21st century, the weighted average propor on of income required to meet loan repayments has increased from 27.2% to a staggering 35.7%. REIA President, Adrian Kelly said while housing affordability is on the decline, it was least affordable back in September 2008 where 45.8% of income was required to service a loan however as property prices climb, it looks set to become a greater issue in the future. “Go back two decades to March 2002, Australia was at its most affordable at 26.8% of family income required to meet repayments,” he said. Mr Kelly said that housing affordability has declined in most states and territories throughout Australia. Over the past 20 years, the number of first home buyers has also increased 67.7% from 25,782 in September 2002 to 43,226 in June 2021. Meanwhile, the number of first home buyers’ average loan increased by a staggering 165.3%, from $169,789 to $450,467. The big problem is that Housing Affordability is ge ng worse, yet interest rates and the cash rate are at their lowest point this century. In June 2001 the cash rate target was 5.0% and, by June 2021, it decreased to 0.1%. Mr Kelly commented “If policy se ngs fail to change and without a boost to household disposable incomes through, for example, tax concessions for first home buyers, affordability is likely to get worse as interest rates rise.” Mr Kelly said that over the past 20 years, the propor on of income required to meet loan repayments increased by 8.5% from 27.2% to 35.7%. Over the same period, family income increased by 112.8% while the average home loan repayments increased by 179.4%. Average home loan amounts have increased from $157,239 to $548,323. Most of us can probably remember the “heady days” where home loan interest rates were around 17%. Although we are not likely to see rates at that level any me soon, any increase in rates will con nue to have a significant impact in housing affordability unless wages and government policy move in line with the changes.

An ini a ve to increase awareness of support available for mental health, or drug and alcohol concerns in South Eastern NSW was Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 recently launched by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN, in partnership with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, and Southern NSW Local Health District, as we work together across the region to keep our communi es safe and well. According to Dianne Kitcher, CEO of the South Eastern NSW PHN, the awareness campaign aims to encourage people across the region to reach out for help and is par cularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In mes like these people can feel stressed, anxious, sad or overwhelmed by uncertainty. If a person’s mental health is suffering, now is the me to reach out, even if they’ve never felt like this or asked for help before. “Many aspects of the current situa on are stressful, it’s important for us all to be reminded that life doesn’t always go according to plan. “If you’re not feeling okay, the sooner you talk about your mental health, the sooner you’ll get the help and support you need, to help you move forward and feel stronger,” Ms Kitcher said. “Whether you or someone you care about has concerns with mental health or drug and alcohol, you are not alone. You may want to help someone who has never felt this way before, or already has a diagnosed mental health condi on. Help is available, and you can reach out, at any me.” The campaign includes extensive television, radio, online and social media adver sing urging people to talk to someone they trust, visit their doctor, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or visit www.reachoutany me.info for informa on, resources and help. “There are op ons which don’t involve seeing a psychologist or taking medica on. Your doctor will be able to inform you about online therapies and self-help op ons available in your local area,” said Adam Bryant, Ac ng Director Mental Health Services at Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. The campaign will run in South Eastern NSW un l the end of September. “We hope the campaign will increase awareness of support and contribute to be er public knowledge and understanding of the range of services available,” Damien Eggleton, District Director, Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs, Southern NSW Local Health District said. “It means that people in the community, including families and carers, can now more easily find prac cal informa on and advice to support them through this challenging me,” he said.

community Southern NSW vaccina on clinics to welcome “walk-ins” in September for AZ

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) will run a series of “walk-in” vaccina on Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 clinics in Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Batemans Bay and Cooma next month, in partnership with local GPs and pharmacists. Anyone aged 18 years of age or older can a end one of the adver sed clinics without a booking, to receive a free AstraZeneca vaccine. SNSWLHD Chief Execu ve Margaret Benne says she hopes the clinics will provide an added boost to local vaccina on rates simply by making it easier to get a vaccina on. “Our staff will ensure that people register on site on the day they a end so that they get a record of their vaccina on. They can also book in a second vaccina on date at the same me. “We urge everyone in the community to come forward for their jab as high vaccina on rates are essen al to protect our loved ones and the broader community from the threat of this virus.” All clinics will open 9am – 4pm. Venues and dates as follows: · Queanbeyan, Morriset House, Morriset St, Queanbeyan. Thursday 2, Friday 3, Saturday 4 September · Goulburn, Old RTA building, Bourke St, Goulburn. Sunday 5, Monday 6, Tuesday 7 September · Batemans Bay, Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, 6 Beach Rd, Batemans Bay. Thursday 9, Friday 10, Saturday 11 September · Cooma, Mul Func on Centre, 10 Boundary Street, Cooma. Sunday 12, Monday 13, Tuesday 14 September All people aged 18 and above are eligible for the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine. Staff at the clinics will assist with: · an appropriate assessment of suitability; and confirming your verbal or wri en consent.

community COVID fragments detected in Bega Vol 16 September 15th 2017 sewage plant Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 2 September 2021 NSW Health has advised that fragments of the COVID-19 virus have been detected at the Bega sewage treatment plant. Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said undetected COVID19 cases within the Bega Valley Shire remain a strong possibility. “The detec on of virus fragments at the Bega and Merimbula sewage treatment plants within a space of two weeks is of growing concern,” Cr Fitzpatrick said. “If you live in Bega, Merimbula, Pambula or any area bordering these towns, and you have the slightest hint of cold-like symptoms, get tested. It’s the only way we will work through this as a community. “This means if you are experiencing symptoms such as headache, nausea, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loss of smell or taste, or fever, you should be ge ng tested and you need to isolate un l a nega ve result is received.

“Since the virus fragments were first detected in Merimbula, the number of people ge ng tested remains low.

“There is much specula on about where these fragments have come from, but the fact remains that if we want to know if there are COVID-19 cases in the Bega Valley Shire, we need to get ourselves tested.” The Bega sewage treatment plant serves approximately 4,200 people in Bega and parts of North Bega. Council is sending samples from the sewage treatment plants in Eden, Bermagui, Merimbula and Bega, twice weekly to NSW Health for tes ng. South East Regional Hospital’s COVID-19 drive through tes ng clinic is open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 4pm. For the latest COVID-19 updates and advice, please go to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19