Editorial What’s On …………….... 23 to 28 FIND ALL YOUR DAILY NEWS @ www.beagleweekly.com.au

Welcome to this week’s editorial, Recent weeks, recent events will have you looking at your budget. We know that fuel costs have climbed dramatically and that the cost of food, services and materials are in a continued upward climb. Around us the real estate prices have risen at an eye-watering rate as have rental prices, if you are able to secure a vacancy at all. There is little doubt that home budgets are being reviewed, and as a consequence we are collectively pulling in our belts and trying to anticipate where the next increases will be as we watch our incomes remain static. In Eurobodalla we have a high proportion of older folk on fixed incomes and we are well aware that we have one of the highest rates of under-employment in the State for those who are working. Basically man in our community are just making ends meet. For those who are doing it hard the consequences are that they drop what they can. Cheaper cuts of food, bulking up on carbohydrates, less fruit and vegies, generic brands and the removal of non-essentials. So long as you can keep a roof over your head. But many now don’t even have that. We all accept that things cost more. There is supply and demand and we accept that fruit and vegetable supplies have been hammered by the recent floods. We accept that timber is hard to source after the bushfires and we accept that fuel prices are driving up the cost of materials. Those building a house know that any quote they request is only good for seven days as material supplies are as rare as hen’s teeth and their prices fluctuate from one week to the next. While we are all considering how we will be able to afford the increases in insurance costs and the escalating increases we are seeing at the checkout those who have properties are now dreading the looming rate notices. As a community we acknowledge that Council also has a budget that they have to juggle. Recently they invited the community to play an online game of juggling the budget where you could rearrange priorities by taking from Libraries and giving to roads or taking from mowing and giving it to painting toilet blocks. The tool was pretty rudimentary but you got the idea soon enough that with a set budget there were the costs you had to cover such as wages and any subsequent cut meant a cut in services provided. The Council relies on our rates to cover the costs of overheads, services, maintenance and renewals. Usually it goes up by around 2.5% per annum but this year the Independent Pricing Tribunal, for one reason or another, decided to cap that increase at just 0.7%. Terrific!! I hear you call. Or is it? The problem with this miniscule increase is that it reduces the money we have in our bucket and, as a consequence, there WILL be cuts. What cuts? Well Council can’t get rid of staff all that easily. Staff are people, they have families, they live here, they are us. The cuts will be elsewhere. Instead of resealing a road every 12 years they will extend that out to 15 years, instead of grading four times per year they will cut it back to two, maybe they might limit mowing in your neighbourhood or define a new level of service where they mow when it gets to a certain height rather than every month. Potholes might not get fixed as fast and the renewal of buildings might be slowed. In time more an more will show wear and tear and evidence of being at, or near, the endo of asset life rather than just economic life. By the time the average ratepayer notices the reductions it will be too late. If you look around out road network now you will agree that we need more money rather than less. But that means we might have to accept a Special Rate Variation that will see us paying the 2.5% we usually pay. So, what to do? Let it all run down or make a cut in our own household budget to pay for the services and facilities we expect? My immediate expectation is that Council needs to show us that it too can trim some fat. Until next—lei

Community Merivale Adds Lynch’s Hotel To South Coast Collec on

Merivale has purchased its fourth venture on the iconic New South Wales South Coast – Lynch’s Hotel, one of Narooma’s oldest and most historic buildings.

Located in Narooma’s town centre, Lynch’s Hotel features a casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining areas, a classic bar as well as tradi onal hotel rooms with common ameni es.

Jus n Hemmes, CEO of Merivale, says: “Every great town needs a great local pub.” “We have been looking for a heritage pub to further our con nued investment in the region and our commitment to the wonderful people who call it home. Lynch’s Hotel presents great poten al in a township I have a strong personal connec on with, and I am looking forward to bringing this project to life alongside the local community.”

Lynch’s Hotel joins three other iconic South Coast venues owned and operated by Merivale, including the ki -inspired Quarterdeck, The Whale Inn, including Queen Chow, and The Inlet. Merivale will receive the keys to Lynch’s Hotel later this month.

Refurbishment plans will be announced in due course.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious infection spread by mosquito bites. It has been detected in parts of southern, western and New England areas of NSW following recent heavy rains. To avoid mosquito bites and prevent infection: Cover up while outside with loose, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk Apply insect repellent on exposed skin that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos Cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens Remove water-holding containers outside your house where mosquitoes can breed. More info at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevirus

Community Work ahead of schedule on the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project

Work on the Batemans Bay foreshore areas is well underway with many of the key features now coming to life including recently completed public art murals, and the beginnings of a floa ng pontoon and new playground. A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the project was on track to be completed ahead of schedule with major work now planned to be finished by late 2022 instead of early 2023. “We are excited to announce that the Batemans Bay community will have access to the new foreshore facili es sooner than we an cipated. The northern and southern foreshores of Batemans Bay are progressing well with facili es planned to progressively open from mid-2022,” the spokesperson said. “When complete, locals and tourists will be able to enjoy be er connec vity within the foreshore area, improved access to the river as well as community friendly facili es and spaces that celebrate the local Aboriginal culture. “Early work has started on a new floa ng pontoon on the southern foreshore, which will increase berthing capacity and access to the town for a variety of vessels. “A draw card for local and visi ng families is a playground that will include an accessible in-ground trampoline, mega swing, climbing towers and slides. The playground is being built in partnership with Eurobodalla Shire Council and has been inspired by feedback from local children and community members. Work on the new playground has started and is expected to be open for the public to enjoy in April, weather permi ng. “In April we will see the install and unveiling of a six metre tall sculpture on the southern foreshore made from steel sourced from the old Batemans Bay Bridge – an appropriate commemora on of the bridge that was removed last year. “Locals can already enjoy two completed public art murals inspired by stories of Bhundoo (Clyde River), which feature local flora and fauna sacred to the Walbunia people. An Aboriginal heritage interpre ve area will also be installed near the playground to create a space for reflec on, recrea on and connec on. “Transport for NSW has worked closely with the local Aboriginal community to ensure we celebrate the local culture and significant heritage of this site.” Transport for NSW will also be reinsta ng a number of facili es including toilet blocks, picnic and barbeque shelters, a contempla on seat, boat ramps and parking. Access changes and restric ons on the foreshore will con nue for the safety of workers and community un l work is complete. Signs, traffic control and temporary fencing will be in place to guide the community around the work areas. Transport for NSW thanks the community for their pa ence as this community space is upgraded. For more informa on on the project, go to nswroads.work/batemansbaybridge

NSW Seniors Card Wri ng Workshop and Compe on Eurobodalla Writers (a branch of the Fellowship of Australian Writers) is hos ng a workshop for NSW Seniors Card holders with an interest in wri ng. Eurobodalla Writers Workshop presenters: Karen Kentwell - Communica ons specialist, speechwriter and aspiring novelist. Her novel (her first) is a fic on based on her ancestral history. Sharon Halliday – Author of ‘Postcards from the Heart: 39 Answers to YOUR Life Ques ons’ and joint presenter of the podcast, ‘Kris and Shaz in the Mother of All Roles’. The compe on is open to all NSW Seniors Card holders. Par cipants write a story, relevant to ageing, of up to 1000 words on a theme provided prior to the workshop. Past themes have included ‘Posi ve Ageing’, ‘Love your Life,’ ‘Resilence’ and ‘What’s Age Got To Do With It’? Submissions can be lodged between April 9 and 6.00pm May 21. The top 100 stories selected will be published as Senior Short Stories Vol 8.

Date: Thursday 24 March, 2022 Time: 10.30 am – 1 pm Place: Moruya Library Bookings: 4474 1333 or eventbrite via the ESC libraries

Moruya RSL Sub-Branch is making prepara ons for ANZAC Day and were very disturbed to discover that 8 box plants planted around the flagpole area to get it ready were stolen 4 soon a er plan ng some me about the 28th February and the last 4 were stolen by the 5th March. We ask if anyone saw anything suspicious to let the police know as it is desecra on of a dedicated area not just the from a garden. The office at the RSL Memorial Hall at 11 Page St. Moruya is open on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7.30am to 12 noon or phone 02 4474 3513 during office hours. Read the Beagle closer to ANZAC Day for full details of the March & Services on 25th April.

community Children’s services at crisis point

Hundreds of Eurobodalla families are wai ng months or even years for local childcare as centres struggle to recruit and retain staff. A grim picture was painted at a children’s services forum on Saturday, run by Eurobodalla Council, which discussed the emerging crisis for childcare services and children of the shire. About 394 local children are on waitlists for care and almost all centres have staff vacancies. Some have even been forced to close their doors with li le no ce to parents due to Covid compounding staff shortages. Eurobodalla Council’s community development manager Kim Bush said a range of factors were at play in the sector; lower-thanaverage pay rates for qualified staff, no locally-based training op ons, a na onal opera ng framework placing addi onal administra ve burden on centres, as well as a dis nct lack of health and support services for families in the region. She said the impacts went far beyond mums and dads scrambling to find care – there were flow-on effects to the mental health of staff, children’s wellbeing and development, and to our local economy. “Research is clear that a child’s early learning environment plays a key role in their development, and those who go without access to early educa on are automa cally behind when they start school,” Ms Bush said. “Add to this an increase in children presen ng with behavioural issues, and li le to no access to appropriate allied health services. “If you invest in the early years you get a be er community outcome long-term – instead we’re con nuing a cycle of disadvantage.” At Saturday’s forum representa ves from care centres, health and non-profit organisa ons workshopped ideas for a brighter future.

Representa ves from early learning centres, health services, nonprofit organisa ons and poli cians came together in Batemans Bay on Saturday to discuss the emerging crisis for the childcare services and children of the Eurobodalla

www.iga.com.au/catalogue

Priori es detailed in the resul ng ac on plan include advoca ng for government subsidised wages, more collabora on across the industry, and reinsta ng early childhood courses at the local TAFE, to name a few. “We’re calling for more government investment in our most precious assets – our children – and for universal principles so everyone can access early learning,” Ms Bush said. “We’re at a moment in me when our sector needs leadership. Council will be demanding ac on and advoca ng to anyone who will listen.” Meanwhile, as local services come together on advocacy and solu ons, a no ce of mo on will also be presented to Tuesday’s Council mee ng on the issue. Eurobodalla’s Deputy Mayor Alison Worthington will seek councillors’ support for the Thrive by Five campaign, an ini a ve of the Minderoo Founda on calling for na onal early learning and childcare reform. The mo on seeks to write to Prime Minister Sco Morrison, the Leader of the Opposi on Anthony Albanese, the Minister for Educa on and Youth Alan Tudge, the Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Educa on and Youth Amanda Rishworth, and to our local federal MPs Kristy McBain and Fiona Phillips seeking bipar san support for the campaign’s objec ves.

Tech Savvy is designed for seniors to develop skills and confidence to access informa on and services online. This program provides training in computers, tablets and smart phones, allowing them to stay connected to their families, friends and communi es, never missing a moment! Tech Savvy Seniors NSW is partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra. It is a key ini a ve of the NSW Ageing Strategy, helping bridge the gap between those seniors who can use technology and those who cannot.

This course delivers seniors with real health, social and community benefits, especially for those in rural and remote areas.

Community Disability inclusion plan on exhibi on

Eurobodalla Council is proposing a range of measures to improve inclusion for people with disability in the shire in a new dra plan. On exhibi on for public comment from Wednesday 16 March is the Council’s dra Disability Inclusion Ac on Plan, which is based on feedback received from the community last year through an online survey and workshops. The plan looks to remove barriers and improve outcomes for people with disability across four key areas: A tudes and behaviours, liveable communi es, employment and systems and processes. New ac ons proposed include delivering disability and demen a awareness training, upda ng the Good Access Means Good Business program, and developing an Affirma ve Measures Recruitment Strategy to increase the number of people with disability Council employs. The Council also plans to more frequently consult people with disability and carers to iden fy issues and opportuni es, conduct accessible and inclusive events and work with Southern NSW Local Health District to support residents undergoing home haemodialysis services. Eurobodalla Council’s community, arts and recrea on director Kathy Arthur said the plan was an important one, especially considering the increasing numbers of people in our community with mobility, cogni ve and sensory disabili es. “It is es mated 11,460 people, or 28.8 per cent of all residents, have a disability,” Ms Arthur said. “This plan outlines a range of ac ons Council can take to improve outcomes for people with disability, but everyone, not just Council, has a role in building a community that is accep ng and inclusive of all people, regardless of ability.” Council will hold online workshops next month to gather community feedback to help improve the specific ac ons in the dra Plan. Held on Wednesday 13 April, 10am-11.30am, and Thursday 14 April, 4pm-5.30pm, the workshop will feature an AUSLAN interpreter and text cap oning is also available. People wishing to par cipate can register by contac ng Council’s inclusion plan review officer Steve Picton on 4474 9222 or emailing Steve.Picton@esc.nsw.gov.au To view the plan and provide your feedback before the plan is formally adopted, head to www.esc.nsw.gov.au/publicexhibi on Resources for businesses and organisa ons interested in improving accessibility and inclusion are also available on Council’s website. Above: Resident of Council’s residen al facility for people with disability, Amy Lockton, says she loves animals and drawing them. “One day I would like to have my own business and make money from my screen prin ng,” she said.

community Rotary Film Night for Flood Appeal

Help Narooma Rotarians raise funds for Rotary Australia’s Flood Relief Appeal for people impacted by the recent floods by coming to Narooma Kinema to see the deligh ul movie ‘The Duke’ on Thursday 31 March 6.30 for 7pm. Bring your family and friends to Narooma Kinema on Thursday 31 March to enjoy a fun evening while also suppor ng a local business. Dress up as maybe Bunton, his wife Dorothy, the Spanish ar st Francisco de Goya or even the Duke of Wellington, or anyone related to this event. Prizes for the best ou it. Tickets $20 (includes wine and nibbles) plus a Rotary raffle on the night. ‘The Duke’ is the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the Na onal Gallery in London in 1961. It was the first and only the in the Gallery’s history. The Flood Appeal was launched last week by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS). “Money raised will go through local Rotary clubs to directly and quickly support those impacted by the floods, providing essen al items and financial support that Disaster Relief and Insurance may not cover,” said RAWCS CEO Andrew Woodward. “The money raised will be crucial in helping families get back on their feet as soon as possible.” Narooma Rotary President Andrew Lawson said RAWCS has previously raised money for Bushfire and Drought affected areas. “This flood disaster is just another where the network of Rotarians can step in to assist,” he said. Rotary Australia World Community Service is a not-for-profit charity that aims to be the leading Australian charitable organiza on for people’s wellbeing, suppor ng Rotarians and Rotary Clubs undertaking humanitarian projects in Australia and overseas. Tax Deduc ble Dona ons to the appeal can be made on the Rotary Australia World Community Service website at h ps://rawcs.org.au Rachel and David McInnes and Gero Mitchell from Narooma Rotary get in the mood for the film fundraiser The Duke for Rotary’s flood Appeal on Thursday 31 March.

Celebra ng Youth Week - Currents at Moruya on Apr 9th

Currents is back! Celebra ng Youth Week in the Eurobodalla with a ba le of the bands compe on and live music performances - all ages and substance free LIVE MUSIC FOOD TRUCKS GIVEAWAYS FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH DJS FREE – all ages Drug and alcohol free Date and me Sat., 9 April 2022 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm Loca on Moruya Riverside Park Riverside Park This year local bands will ba le it out live on stage with a huge a ernoon of tunes and beats. Each band will perform a fi een minute live set - the winning ar sts will win a huge trophy and a guaranteed performance slot for Currents 2023. A er the ba le, local support acts will hit the stage and local DJs will close out the night.

Beauty and bounty from the forest

From the Forest is a celebra on of the beauty, bounty and resilience of forests. Set in the grounds of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, the two-week fes val is rich with exhibi ons and storytelling, music and workshops. The celebra ons begin at 10am on Saturday 9 April with the opening of the Wa le Walk, and outdoor art installa on featuring thousands of hand-kni ed wa le flowers, followed by a sausage sizzle and great live music.

Garden Manager Michael Anlezark said the Wa le Walk was a powerful community art project – created in partnership with the University of Wollongong – that really packed a punch. “Wa les represent resilience and regenera on. This exhibit is all about recognising the immense and ongoing impact of the Black Summer bushfires,” Michael said.

“That’s just the start. From the Forest will deliver all kinds of treasures and memories for visitors to take home.”

Other fes val highlights include local bands The Phil Cullen Ensemble, The Catalina Clarinet Collabora ons, THUGS Ukulele Band, Dri wood, and Deep River Choir. Free art workshops give both children and adults the chance to express their own response to the unfurling leaves and plants around them. Or go behind the scenes with Michael to learn what actually happens at the propaga on nursery, seed bank and Wallace Herbarium.

Michael said the Visitors Centre Banksia Room would be given over to the exhibi on Natural Resources, with more than 100 works by 19 of this region’s best ar sts. “Inspired by our life giving forests, this exhibi on reveals the partnership of resourceful crea vity with beau ful natural materials – wood, tex les, paper and ceramics,” he said. “We also have some great talks, walks, displays, kids’ ac vi es, and informa on about the importance of forests to Indigenous culture and local early-se ler industry. Crea ng na ve gardens and crea ve public art workshops also feature. The fes val ends with a talk by popular local author John Blay.” For more informa on on all the events visit www.erbg.org.au

The From the Forest fes val opens at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden on Saturday 9 April with the Wa le Walk, an arts installa on featuring thousands of hand-kni ed wa le flowers.

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden manager Michael Anlezark with some of the hand-kni ed wa le blooms that feature in the Wa le Walk, part of the From the Forest fes val in April.

community Tuross Country Club Easter Mini Market Raffle

It’s very close to our annual Easter Mini Market which in now in the 7th year of opera on. It has tradi onally drawn many people to this fundraiser at the Country Club on Easter Sunday. See the poster for the Fair in the Beagle. The organisers have put together a magnificent raffle which is on display at the club. Volunteers from the Women’s bowling fraternity will be selling ckets upstairs at the club on Wednesday and Friday evenings and ckets can be bought at club recep on as well. The ckets are $2 each or 3 for $5. The ckets will be drawn at the Easter Mini market on Sunday April 17th . The ladies have excelled in the content and presenta on of the raffle prizes. There are 7 great prizes ranging from a coffee machine and associated coffee products, an electric barbecue with tools, a great prize of protec ve fishing clothing, a lovely “Day at Moruya Races package” and several other lovely Easter themed prizes of chocolates and wine and more. Thankyou for the wonderful support that the Tuross community gives to this raffle. We look forward to seeing a great crowd of people at the market which now spreads out along the bo om green. Come along to enjoy live music, a yummy barbecue, Devonshire teas, plants, Honey bee products, bric -a -brac, books and a great variety of handmade cra and food products. The Easter bunny will be making an appearance with eggs for the li lies.

Next Teensafe course Tuesday 12th April at Moruya Speedway - book now

The next Teensafe course for L and P plate young drivers is being planned for the school holidays on Tuesday 12th April, 2022 at Moruya Speedway – subject to Covid restric ons at the me. Cars and instructors provided. For registra on form and more info visit www.teensafemoruya.org The locally volunteer-run TeenSafe program is conducted during school holiday periods at the Motor Sports Complex on Donnellys Drive, Moruya by a group of dedicated driving instructors. The TeenSafe program commenced in 1999 as a request from members of the local community to provide young people with informa on and prac cal experiences in safe driving. 'L' and 'P' plate drivers develop driving skills in a controlled environment and under the supervision of trained instructors. Their aim is to give 'L' and 'P' plate drivers basic driving skills and experiences in a safe and controlled environment. The courses are held over 1 day 10am-3pm with a maximum of 6-7 students. The program consists of both theory and prac cal elements and teaches basic skills as well as safety aspects of driving. It is a detailed presenta on teaching driving skills in a fun, posi ve and safe manner with emphasis being placed on slowing down, hazard percep on and the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Tui on is on a 'one to one' basis in the vehicles - all supplied by TeenSafe. Approximately 85% of the course consists of actual driving me and students are able to concentrate on basic driving skills without the added distrac on of normal road traffic. Vehicle maintenance and safety checks are demonstrated and discussed. Volunteers are always being sought to assist in all aspects of the organisa on of TeenSafe Courses, and all training will be provided for prospec ve volunteers. If you enjoy driving and inter-ac ng with young people volunteering with TeenSafe could be for you. Teensafe welcomes mature licenced drivers to help out for a day every couple of months by si ng in the passenger seat while a student drives, or by helping any me with admin or car maintenance. Teensafe have a fleet of cars at Moruya Speedway. Gary Smith, Teensafe Manager says "If we can help teenagers drive safely, then the roads are safer for all of us" The next Teensafe course is planned for the school holidays on Tuesday 12th April at Moruya Speedway –subject to Covid restric ons at the me. Cars and instructors provided. at Moruya Speedway. Providing teenagers with a safe driving experience and educa on behind-the-wheel in a supervised environment. Just $80 !! For those interested in the course go to www.teensafemoruya.org for info and to register. Enquiries to garys.home@bigpond.com Teensafe works because of volunteers.

Ziggy is a confident, easy going boy. He is very affec onate and is OK with children and other pets. At just 2 years old, he has a lot of companionship and affec on to give. He is microchipped, vaccinated, desexed, wormed and flea/ ck treated. Yours for $150. Phone 0410 016 612 Animal Welfare League NSW, Eurobodalla Branch Rehoming Number: R251000222

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