Editorial

Welcome to this week’s editorial, You can’t help but no ce the enormity of our night sky. On a clear night with the Milky Way in full display the Universe above is simply breathtaking. Over the years of looking skyward you become familiar with the planets and the constella ons. They become the friends that you look for when you venture out at night and the friends that you o en miss when you find yourself on the opposite side of the planet. Vol 16 September 15th 2017

Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 I remember one night, on a far off Keralan beach, being delighted to see the top of the Southern Cross and its two Pointers peeking over the horizon. This single constella on that sits high in the Southern hemisphere sky draws an emo onal e to those who know it. While it points to the South Celes al Pole it also resonates in the hearts and minds of Australians and New Zealanders as they proudly display it on their flags. I marvel at the nightsky. I am in awe of the fact that we live on a small blue planet speeding at around 1000 miles per hour through space. I am amazed at the incredible diversity of life on this Earth and the infinitesimally insignificant relevance that we have in the scheme of all things Universal. The probability of Earth exis ng as it does is nearly incalculable but we do exist. Not only do we exist but we do so with a strange belief that the Earth was created purely for us to use as we wish. The water, the land, the plants, animals and fish. All there for us to enjoy. And enjoy it we have. So much so that we have managed to turn it into a cesspit with open gaping wounds, of foul waters and lands, of ex nc ons and muta ons and best of all ongoing plunder that knows no bounds in the face realised calamity. I sat one night high in the Himalayas, at the feet of its giants with the stars so close you felt you could pluck them from the sky. At dawn, as the sun revealed the vast plains of India that lay 4000 metres below all you could see was the endless layer of thick brown haze that shrouds the con nent with a toxic atmosphere that burns your lungs as you descend into it. But descend you do from your silent mountain retreat into a world filled with humanity. And what an incredible diversity we have. So many cultures, so many customs, such an amazing assemblage of languages and so many gods. On this li le blue planet there is a god for everyone who wants one. For those who look up at the Universe some mes the no on of a God crea ng it all is o en the easiest explana on without lending yourself to an inevitable headache. As you stand at the feet of Kanchenjunga and look out over South East Asia, China and India you can’t see any borders. Nor can you see them from 33,000 feet as you fly over. It isn’t un l you are on the ground that you see the divisions we have created for ourselves. Christmas is one of those opportuni es for humanity to recount a God story, handed down genera on a er genera on. For those who don’t follow that par cular God then Alternate Christmas is the me of year to indulge in another ’god’ with decora ons, carols, shared meals and gi giving that apparently brings joy to everyone. The Santa God. If you were out there in space and looking down you would see most of the planet buzzing around spending an es mated ten trillion dollars during the season of HoHo. Of interest a survey for Netherlands-based bank ING found 15% of Europeans were unhappy with what gi s they received last year, while 10% couldn’t even remember their gi s. The nice thing about Christmas is that generally our wars over whose God is be er, whose genes are be er, who wants more land (or more sea) stop for a week or so while we extend season gree ngs and take holidays before ge ng back to the serious business of being the Big Blue garbage p we have become. Amazingly, in just a few centauries, humans have transformed our once incredible masterpiece of a planet into something quite sad. With our popula on at 7.9 billion it might be me to have a rethink. I for one am looking forward to 2022. Maybe, just maybe, it might bring about a collec ve thought that, irrespec ve of our many Gods, our many borders, our many tribes and languages, our poli cians, our governments, and our collec ve unstoppable desire to consume, we need to call a halt to the way we treat this Big Blue and ALL the life forms that, with us, call it HOME. Un l next –lei

community It's masks and QR codes again NSW

The NSW Premier Dominic Perro et has Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 announced that masks will be made mandatory in indoor se ngs from midnight Dec 22nd, and density limits will be reintroduced from 27 December un l 27 January as the state con nues to record numbers of COVID cases. The state's COVID and economic recovery commi ee met on Thursday, a er authori es announced 5,715 new COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday. The NSW Government is reintroducing the COVID Safe check-in for retail and other workplaces to assist with case management and help keep the community safe. QR codes are registered to each business venue. Businesses that have removed their QR codes do not need to reapply but can reprint their QR code or retrieve it from the NSW Government website. This was a record for any state in Australia and represented a 51 per cent increase on Wednesday's figure. "As of midnight tonight, we will be requiring that masks are worn in indoor se ngs," Mr Perro et said at a press conference in Sydney on Thursday a ernoon. Hospitality venues will move to a two-square-metre rule from 27 December. Both of these changes will be in place un l 27 January. The premier also urged those who can work from home to do so, par cularly over the holiday period. "We do want to limit mobility, just as we get through this period of me and par cularly in rela on to ensuring that our health workers are able to be on the job and provide that care and support for those who are unwell," he said. QR codes will also be brought back "in a limited way" in retail and lower-risk se ngs, the premier said. COVID-19 restric ons eased in NSW on 15 December for all residents, including the unvaccinated. Mr Perro et had in recent days urged residents to take "personal responsibility" and resisted pressure to impose mandates.

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community Dr Michael Holland to stand in Bega by-elec on

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns was in Batemans Bay this Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 morning (December 24th, 2021) with Dr Michael Holland to announce Dr Holland’s candidacy for the electorate of Bega and Labor’s commitment to open the Eurobodalla Hospital at level four status. NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said "Community demand is already overwhelming health services in the region. However, Eurobodalla Hospital – the culmina on of the merging of the Batemans Bay and Moruya District hospitals – is currently not planned to open with level four status. "The government’s exis ng plans for the hospital already includes cuts and reduc ons to services and capacity. "With the Eurobodalla Shire Council popula on forecast to grow from just under 40,000 to more than 45,000 by 2036, local community demand is already overwhelming health services: Dr Holland has been a strong advocate in his pe oning and representa ons to see improved health services in the region, con nuing to place a spotlight on the fact that Eurobodalla Health Services has to send more than 40 per cent of its pa ents to hospitals outside the region. Dr Michael Holland, Labor candidate for Bega said this morning “A level four service is needed to meet the increasing demands of our aging popula on as well as our youngest and most vulnerable residents. “It will reverse the ou low of residents to other regions for elec ve care and the more than 100 emergency road or aeromedical transfers per month. “The Eurobodalla and Bega communi es should have equitable access to level four specialist hospital services across all clinical streams; access to outpa ent specialist services; shorter wai ng mes for surgery; improved transport services to health facili es; and the best paramedic and ambulance services.” From the outset of the announcement for a new Regional hospital in the region it has been iden fied that the planned hospital will be inadequate before it even opens. As it is currently planned, the hospital will not be adequate to meet the community’s already growing needs. Despite ongoing community campaigning and pleading, the government refuses to commit to opening the doors at level four. This was especially evident in the recent visit by the NSW Premier to the district who once again failed to commit to opening the doors at Level Four. Both the Premier and Brad Hazzard have con nued to evade the issue by saying the hospital will become a Level Four service but offer no meline. Below is the latest correspondence from Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard. It is quite clear there is no inten on to "Open the doors at Level Four".

Eurobodalla hospital emergency departments already have the highest number of presenta ons and resuscita ons in the Southern NSW LHD. Its maternity services have the largest number of births for a rural maternity service in the LHD, and there is a 12 – 18 month wai ng me for paediatric consulta ons. Meanwhile the government con nues to cut services from what they originally promised. The government’s delay in releasing the final business plan for the hospital has further fuelled specula on amongst the community and staff of cuts and reduc ons in services and capacity.

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Cuts to the proposed new Level Four hospital Already revealed: The originally planned 10-bed intensive care unit promised in the 2020 Clinical Services Plan will be reduced to eight. The Clinical Services Plan indicates that projected renal and oncology beds would normally reach 18 and 12 respec vely by 2031, but the government’s new plans proposes cu ng those to 15 and 10. The Eurobodalla Medical Staff Council as well as emergency specialists and nurses have emphasised the need for 20 emergency beds, but the government will only increase emergency department capacity by a measly single bed – from 16 to 17. The opera ng theatres have also been cut from three to two theatres plus a theatre sized procedure room in the new model, and the Central Sterilising Unit will be removed, resul ng in job losses. Labor is calling on the government to open the doors of the Eurobodalla Hospital at level four status saying "In order to realise this, the government needs to urgently commence a comprehensive recruitment process to develop the workforce necessary for medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health staff". Labor is also calling on the government to release its final business plan for the hospital before elec on day, so that the community can make an informed decision. Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said “A level four hospital would mean residents of the Eurobodalla and Bega communi es can have the vast majority of their care in a local hospital without the need for travel or transfer between hospitals, to the ACT or Sydney. “The community has been united on this. Nurses, midwives, doctors and the community stood up to the Government on a cold and wet Saturday in November to demand opening the doors with level four, and they will not stop un l that demand is met.” Ryan Park, Shadow Minister for Health said “The government has ques ons to answer about its planned cuts and reduc ons to hospital services and capacity. “Will there be cuts to the total hospital beds? Will there be cuts to the beds in the emergency department? Will maternity, paediatric and neonatal beds be cut?” Dignams Creek local Dr Fiona Kotvojs, who has twice run unsuccessfully for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro was endorsed as the Liberal candidate for Bega last week during a flying visit by the NSW Premier.

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As reported in The Beagle in September 2019 In addi on to the provision of a Level Four hospital the South East is long overdue for the radia on therapy that was promised. The lack of such a facility in the South East has resulted in millions of dollars being expended by local residents having to leave the region to seek treatments. Radia on is underu lised in Australia, with just one in three pa ents offered the treatment compared to one in two in North America and Europe. That means approximately 15 per cent of Australian cancer pa ents

who would benefit from radia on therapy miss out. In 2020, the Federal Government iden fied Eurobodalla as one of 10 regions to receive funding to deliver regional radia on treatment centres for local cancer pa ents. Contracts were signed for those regions where suitable tenders were received. As the tenders received for some regions, including Eurobodalla did not ' ck the boxes' the provision for regional radia on treatment for local cancer pa ents has faltered. The response of the NSW Minister for Health in September 2019 concerning radia on oncology services in the Eurobodalla is li le short of buck passing from a Minister who appears to have li le interest in chasing up the promises made by the now Federal Government who made a series of elec on promises to deliver radia on services to the Eurobodalla. On the 11th April 2019 The Na onals published the following (in part)

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"Yet we also know that a key barrier to radia on therapy in Australia is not cost, nor its effec veness. It’s lack of access. Too many Australians – especially people in regional and rural communi es – cannot access radia on therapy because they live too far from their nearest radia on therapy centre. A long drive or bus trip for therapy means me, money and inconvenience for pa ents at this stressful me in their lives. Through this funding, we can help pa ents to overcome these issues, so they and their families can focus on what ma ers – figh ng and bea ng cancer. The Liberal Na onal Government is commi ed to suppor ng regional Australia, and is working with key stakeholders to ensure that the investment is well targeted to support regional popula on centres that can service their surrounding areas. Rather than mee ng their elec on promise Mr Hazzard instead advised Eurobodalla resident s there are other op ons such as Canberra or Shoalhaven and if they qualify he might give them a travel voucher. That is a long way from a Federal promise of provision of service IN THE EUROBODALLA. Ms Kotvojs has been given the opportunity to respond. The Seat of Bega by-elec on is set to take place in February 2022.

community Eurobodalla’s new council in place

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Eurobodalla’s new council has been finalised, with Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 seven fresh faces for the 2022-2024 term. Mathew Hatcher is mayor and the eight councillors are Tanya Dannock, Pete Diskon, David Grace, Anthony Mayne, Tubby Harrison, Rob Pollock, Amber Shutz, and Alison Worthington. The NSW Electoral Commission declared the result today following local government elec ons on 4 December. Councillor Hatcher is the shire’s fourth popularly elected Mayor, and the youngest at 39 years of age. He is one of seven new councillors, with Cr Anthony Mayne and Cr Rob Pollock the returning councillors this term. The new councillors start work in January with an induc on program that covers the local government legal and policy framework, Council’s services and budgets and the challenges facing the sector. The first mee ng of the new Council will be held in the Council Chamber at Moruya on Tuesday 8 February 2022. Covid-19 twice forced the delay of local government elec ons, extending the previous term to five years and shortening the new term to September 2024 to re-align the elec on cycle. Councillors and council mee ngs h ps://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/council History of Eurobodalla Council h ps://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/council/councillors/history

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A 40km/hr speed limit will be in place, along with traffic control, and motorists are asked to drive to condi ons. Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Yesterday’s planned opening was delayed following a pre-opening inspec on that revealed small sec ons of the 1.2-kilometre upgrade had been affected by Wednesday’s overnight rainfall. Pavement tes ng revealed a small amount of moisture has penetrated the top 15-20mm of gravel under the new seal, just enough to destabilise the surface. Tes ng also showed the sub-surface gravel was hard and sound, confirming quality compac on had been achieved. A spokesperson for Council said this means opening the road to heavy traffic is likely to cause potholing in the surface. “Nonetheless, we appreciate the need to re-open this sec on of George Bass Drive over the busy Christmas period and so the road will open under a 40km/hr roadworks speed limit and extra traffic control measures put in place to divert traffic onto the road shoulders near Denise Drive.”

www.iga.com.au/catalogue

community Three new Covid cases in Eurobodalla bringing it to 8

Seventeen new COVID-19 cases have been Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 confirmed in Southern NSW today. Of the 17 new cases: Three are in the Snowy Monaro LGA, in Jindabyne. Four are in the Queanbeyan Palerang LGA. Two are in Googong, one is in Queanbeyan and one is Jerrabomberra.

Three are in the Eurobodalla LGA. One is in Batemans Bay and two are in Batehaven.

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Three are in the Bega Valley LGA. One is in Kalaru, one is in Bermagui and one is in Frogs Hollow. Two are in the Goulburn Mulwaree LGA. One is in Goulburn and one is in Taralga. Two are in the Yass Valley LGA. One is in Yass and one is in Springrange.

Landcarers have been sowing the seeds for renewal to ensure the future of the last remaining species of Warty Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Ziera in the Eurobodalla.

Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 A small bush with delicate white flowers, there are only 3,000 remaining in the wild meaning that the work undertaken by Eurobodalla Landcare is crucial in its recovery and reestablishment. It’s been two years since bushfires ravaged much of the east coast of NSW, and since the fires invasive species such as Lantana have flourished without any compe on hindering the recovery of the more delicate species. Funding through the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants will ensure that local landholders will have the resources to remove the hardy invasive species and work to ensure widespread recovery of Warty Ziera. Eurobodalla Shire Council Environment Project Officer, Tom Gear, says the involvement of a collabora on of private landholders and widespread community engagement will mean that habitat opportuni es may increase for Warty Ziera. “This project is about building community collabora on and par cipa on in protec ng and suppor ng threatened species. “Most of the habitat of the remaining plants is on private land and so community-led involvement means we are helping everyone take a targeted widespread approach to recovery,” says Tom. The project, held at Tilba on the South Coast of NSW, will be held at six key management sites and involve the managers of all land tenure where the species is known to exist. Tom said the project will work with landholders to deal with invasive species such as Lantana and Blackberry and help support and iden fy exis ng sites. “Warty Ziera is very habitat-specific, and its distribu on isn’t wide. It can be found primarily on rocky habitat with shallow soils and a northerly aspect so we will be working directly with private landholders with weed control to help free up habitat areas so that exis ng plants can thrive. “The wider Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba community, including residents and local landholders, Tilba Landcare and business owners will also be engaged in this project through educa on events and opportuni es.” The Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery project has been supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.

community Pay it Forward with your Discovery Vouchers : for Vol 16 September 15th 2017 deserving families to visit the Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Mogo Wildlife Park

Most of us have 3 unused NSW Discover Vouchers that might not, for one reason or another, be redeemed before they expire on 30th June 2022. If you do have Discover Vouchers that you feel won't be used here is a wonderful Christmas sugges on The good folk at Mogo Wildlife Park invite you to "PAY-IT-FORWARD with your DISCOVER VOUCHERS" Mogo Wildlife Park is calling on the Eurobodalla community to rally together in the support of local groups suppor ng foster families, our indigenous community and mental health this month. Locals are encouraged to ring a member of the Park team on 02 4474 4930, or visit the park, and present their valid remaining Service NSW Discover vouchers, so that it can then be redeemed and donated to three deserving local groups: Anglicare Moruya (caring for foster families) Mogo Aboriginal Preschool (caring for indigenous children and families) Rural Counsellor (suppor ng mental health needs) Mogo Wildlife Park have also offered to Beagle readers the opportunity to let us know of deserving family you think might appreciate a 2-child entry voucher to Mogo Wildlife Park. To enter please email to beagleweeklynews@gmail.com Your nominated Family's surname, your contact number and 25 words or less why you believe the family should be given a 2-child entry voucher to Mogo Wildlife Park. Entries will be passed on to Mogo Wildlife Park and winners advised. The Mogo Wildlife Park say "A big thanks to everyone for ge ng behind this new ini a ve for our Eurobodalla community. Ring us on 02 4474 4930 between 9am-4pm daily to offer a voucher or for further informa on." "Our Discover Voucher redemp on drive will run un l 31 December 2021, and then the vouchers will be distributed to the groups in January to enjoy throughout 2022..

Christmas Day is a special day and jolly well should be. You know that song “Christmas - the most wonderful day of the year”? Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Some mes Christmas and Christmas Day is a difficult me for many. It’s an expensive me; it may be a lonely me. The combined churches in Moruya are holding a Community Christmas Day Lunch at the Red Door Hall in Page Street in Moruya. A meal will be served and it’s a me when we can come together and have fun, friendship and fellowship and......... full tummies. If you are alone, or a couple alone, or a family alone, and what to join this Special day, please think about coming along. You can offer a dona on for the day, or if you can’t do that, that’s fine too, but................... ...................... please - don’t be lonely, come and have all that Christmas Day should be - a special Birthday party to celebrate the most special birth day of the year. Where is it again? Red Door Hall, next to the Anglican Church in Page Street, Moruya What day? Saturday 25 December - Christmas Day What me? From 11.30 a.m. for 12 noon lunch What do we bring? Smiles and warmth and love Expect surprises. You never know, there might even be a special visitor, from ....... not going to tell you that, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it? If you are double vaccinated, you are welcome in the hall. If you are not double vaccinated, there is plenty of room for you to enjoy the grounds of the lovely Church. It would be ideal to have numbers, so if you would like to come, please contact Fran Sanders on 0428894091

Broulee Surf School presents the 2021 'The Broulee Sand Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Modelling Compe on' Located on North Broulee Beach on NYE Meet at the North Broulee Toilet Block from 1pm for check in - Compe on runs from 2pm-3pm ********************************** 1 - Junior Sandcastle (12 years and under) 2 - Open Sandcastle (13 years and over) 3 - Junior Sculpture (12 years and under) 4 - Open Sculpture (13 years and over) *************************************** Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for each sec on. Friday 31 December 2021 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM LOCATION North Broulee beach Corona on Drive, Broulee NSW 2537 h ps://www.trybooking.com/BWLNT - Register Now

Clearing up your Christmas clu er

Council offers a quick pointer on how to get rid of Christmas Day packaging and rubbish: For recycling (yellow bin) - wrapping paper, ssue paper, moulded hard plas c packaging. If you've got more than fits in your yellow bin, excess can be dropped in at the ps for free. For landfill (red bin) - plas c Christmas decora ons, nsel, foil (or save for kids' arts project or to use again next Christmas), broken plas c toys So plas cs can be bagged and taken to par cipa ng supermarkets for recycling. Used ba eries can be taken to the ps or recycling sta ons at the libraries and Council's administra on building in Moruya. For more complex items be sure to check out Council’s comprehensive waste and recycling guide.

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Community Boaters Urged To Play It Safe Ahead Of Busiest Week Of The Year

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Ahead of the busiest boa ng week of the year, Marine Rescue NSW is asking boaters and paddlers to play it safe and ensure they are well prepared before heading out on the water. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said over the peak summer period Marine Rescue’s over 3,000 professionally-trained volunteers would be on watch right along the NSW coastline from the Queensland border to Eden and on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama, with extra boats on the water to cope with the projected demand. “With travel overseas and to some interstate des na ons remaining challenging, we expect boaters to again flock to our spectacular NSW coastline in record numbers in coming weeks,” he said. “We are also expec ng many inexperienced boaters and paddlers trying out their first boat, jet-ski or kayak. Coupled with a spike in boa ng traffic, this means an increased risk of boaters running into trouble on the water, with Marine Rescue’s volunteers ready for an increased demand on their life-saving services.” Mr Tannos said all MRNSW units had focused on increased training in recent months to ensure their crews were rescue-ready for the peak summer season, with prepara ons made to boost capability and response mes over the summer. “Marine Rescue volunteers will be a strong visible presence on the state’s waterways this summer, par cularly during the peak Christmas – New Year period.” “We have extra patrols scheduled in high-traffic loca ons, with rescue vessels and Rescue Water Cra predeployed to areas of known risk such as hazardous coastal bars, to ensure crews can be quickly on the scene of an emergency. “As we do every summer, senior staff will be based in the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command base at East Balmain to ensure the seamless coordina on of emergency response opera ons.” Mr Tannos said the extra boa ng traffic on the water meant boaters needed to take extra precau ons to stay safe, including: Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW via VHF Channel 16 or the free MarineRescue App. If you’re not back as scheduled, our professionally trained staff will start to search for you saving vital seconds in an emergency. Ensure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket. Carry safety equipment such as flares, first aid kit and EPIRB and know how to use them. Check the sea and weather condi ons before heading out and throughout your trip.

Ensuring that your vessel is serviced and in good order, and there is plenty of fuel for the journey

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real estate OUT NOW—your latest Beagle Abode : Eurobodalla’s

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 leading real estate guide

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

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. CLICK HERE: h ps://www.beagleweekly.com.au/real-estate