Beagle Weekender Vol 288 December 9th 2022

Welcome to this week’s editorial,

It is not at all unusual for me to leave the editorial to the very last before publishing the latest Weekender. Some mes I have an idea of what the editorial might be, but in all honesty, each week’s editorial tends to reveal itself only by way of si ng at my computer and watching it unfurl.

Up un l half an hour ago I had no idea what the editorial might be this week. I looked over the rest of the edi on and felt sa sfied that there was a reasonable amount of news there and certainly a volume of Christmas events, concerts, markets and live music informa on. But as I do, each and every week, I acknowledge to myself the other news that didn’t make this weekend’s edi on, simply because I didn’t want to burden you further.

Twenty three years ago, in 1999, I created a Tuross Head news paper. It was the same format as the Beagle Weekender and, like the Weekender, it arrived by email to those who requested it. For Free. For the first 18 months it was a weekly mailout and then, as my overseas journeys demanded more of my me, I produced the Tuross Giant monthly.

At the outset I was told that a local Tuross Head paper wouldn’t last long as there wasn’t enough news to sustain it. As it turned out there is more than enough news. So much news in fact that it was some mes difficult to present it all. This week’s edi on is 50 pages, not including the trades lis ngs. And it could have been ten pages longer but there has to be a line drawn somewhere. So alas you won’t read that the first of the carnival rides have arrived at Corrigans Beach as Bells Carnival begins to assemble. Nor will you read of the local Liberal pow-wow in Moruya that saw past candidates and future candidates rubbing shoulders with local Liberal backers and supporters as the NSW State elec on approaches. Word has it that a previous failed Federal candidate will be standing again. Who knows? This me he might choose to be a Teal Independent.

There is much to report and I do my best. The Beagle is now read by an ever growing audience that reaches into the Shoalhaven and south into the Bega Valley. Being free, on-line, and generally mely the website a racts a high daily visita on. Created for the Eurobodalla in October 2016 The Beagle has become the leading on-line newspaper for our ever growing community.

Presently The Beagle remains within my capacity to deliver it and I hope that that con nues for some me.

I must thank all of those who help to provide content though. The Chambers of Commerce, the spor ng clubs, the social clubs, the contributors, the publicity officers and media personnel. All wan ng to inform, celebrate and share. Local news relies on these dedicated few to inform the many.

In 2023 I expect The Beagle to grow larger s ll. There are already posi ve signs of others south and north who want to set up their own independent newspapers, following the free to read model of The Beagle. This comes via a moun ng dissa sfac on of the poor content and the pay-to-read monopoly the tradi onal mastheads have in the region. It is a con nued disappointment to see the volume of news that these outlets don’t bother telling their readership. Maybe in 2023 the last remaining mastheads of a by-gone era might li their game. I hope so.

In the mean me The Beagle will do its best to keep you informed and entertained as there is much to convey.

"Our Friends" plaque unveiled in Moruya

In March 1797, five Bri sh sailors and 12 Bengali seamen struggled ashore a er their longboat broke apart in a storm. Their fellow-survivors from the wreck of the Sydney Cove were stranded more than 500 kilometres southeast in Bass Strait. To rescue their mates and to save themselves the 19 men must walk 700 kilometres north to Sydney.

That remarkable walk is a story of endurance but also of unexpected Aboriginal help. A ceremony was held on the banks of the Deua River to unveil a plaque commemora ng an historic mee ng between First Na ons people and shipwreck survivors in Moruya 225 years ago, in a remarkable story of survival and goodwill. The Plaque reads:

At a ceremony on December 9th 2022, elders Kerry Boyenga and Trish Ellis performed a welcome to country and smoking ceremony before the plaque was unveiled with the assistance of historian, Mark McKenna. Photo: Moruya Mail

"On 8 February 1797, the cargo ship Sydney Cove was wrecked at Preserva on Island in Bass Strait, a er travelling from Calcu a. Five Bri sh and twelve Bengali sailors (known as Lascar sailors), led by Chief Mate Hugh Thompson, le behind Captain Guy Hamilton and many other crew members on the island on 27 February to seek rescue in Port Jackson, Sydney. They sailed a modified long boat (sail and oars) to 90-mile beach on the coast of Victoria, 40-45kms south of Lakes Entrance, where they were marooned again on 2 March a er a southerly gale. All 17 made it to shore safely but with barely any provisions. They decided to walk to Sydney, some 700 kms away. On 14 March 1797, they set off, traversing rivers, rocks, bluffs and beaches. None would have survived without Aboriginal people showing them how to find food and water, guiding them along paths, taking them across rivers in their canoes and welcoming them to their camps.

One of those camps was here at Moruya. The brindja Yuin and djirringgandj Yuin people assisted the party to cross three rivers - Narooma on 13 April, Tuross on 15 April, and Moruya on 16 April.

A er these crossings, nine Lascar sailors fell ill and remained with the local Aboriginals, who William Clark, one of the survivors, describes in his journal as "Our Friends". It is not known what happened to those sailors, but the rest of the party moved on.

On April 17th, Thompson nearly drowned at Mossy Point, walbandja Yuin land, which slowed their progress. A er two months, three men completed the trek: William Clark, John Bennet and an unnamed Bengali sailor. On 17 May 1797 they were found at Wa amolla Beach, just south of Sydney. In early June, a rescue was launched by the vessels Eliza and Francis, which reached the stranded crew at Preserva on Island on 10 June.

2022 marks 225 years since this historic event.

The unveiling was low key with no media invited. A ending, represen ng the Eurobodalla Mayor who wasn't able to a end, was Deputy Mayor Alison Worthington whilst the Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, also unable to a end the unveiling, was represented by one of his senior staff.

Increased financial assistance and eligibility

Increased subsidies for travel and accommoda on are now available for appointments or treatment from 1 August 2022. Pa ents a ending high-risk foot clinics, non-commercial clinics trials, highly specialised publicly funded oral health clinics in NSW and ocularists are now also eligible to claim. What subsidies have increased and how is eligibility expanding?

New financial assistance rates and expanded eligibility now apply for travel and accommoda on appointments and treatment a er 1 August 2022. Accommoda on assistance will be paid at a rate of:

 $40 per night if you are staying with family or friends (Airbnb will be paid at this rate) $75 per night if you are staying in not-for-profit or commercial accommoda on for the first seven nights and $120 per night from day eight onwards. The me it takes to assess an applica on varies but payment should be made within 30 days from the date we receive your applica on, subject to the correct informa on and necessary documenta on being received by IPTAAS.

The private vehicle subsidy rate increases to 40c per kilometre.

Pa ents a ending high-risk foot clinics, non-commercial clinical trials, highly specialised publicly funded oral health clinics in NSW and ocularists are now eligible to claim.

Financial assistance remains the same for:  the full cost (including booking fees) of public transport is reimbursed less the GST  the full economy cost less GST is reimbursed for approved air travel.  taxi subsidy that is based on length of appointments/treatment.

Fly-Through Video Brings New Eurobodalla Regional Hospital To Life

A virtual tour is giving the community a look through the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, which is set to transform healthcare services for the Eurobodalla from Batemans Bay to Narooma.

The fly-through video provides a virtual tour of the hospital and surrounds, bringing to life the new, state-of-theart, purpose-built regional hospital.

Fly-Through Video at: h ps://youtu.be/HyBaJXS12U8

The community will also have an opportunity to view the fly-through at upcoming online forums where the hospital’s schema c design floor plans showing the layout of the hospital departments, will also be on display.

To register your interest and get the link for the online mee ng visit h ps://www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au/Get-Involved/Community-Informa on-Sessions

The floorplans and hospital design has been informed by extensive feedback from the community and it’s been great to see health professionals, staff, pa ents, Aboriginal community representa ves and the local community ge ng involved.

The first and important step in the early works construc on program will commence in early 2023 and involves Aboriginal archaeological works, which will be managed through a separate planning approval process.

The Eurobodalla Regional Hospital project team is con nuing to work closely with the Aboriginal community as well as the Cobowra Local Aboriginal Land Council and other Registered Aboriginal Par es in prepara on for this important work. The project’s State Significant Development Applica on is being updated to reflect this commitment and will be resubmi ed in January 2023, with construc on expected to boost skills and employment opportuni es across the region. The hospital is expected to open to pa ents in 2025.

Online informa on sessions will take place on Tuesday 13 December 2022.

· Session one Tuesday 13 December 2022 from 10.30am to 11.30am

· Session two Tuesday 13 December 2022 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Housing survey now open

Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher says buying or ren ng in Eurobodalla has become almost impossible for everyday people and it is vital Council properly understands community priori es around the housing crisis.

“Rents con nue to increase with nearly half of rental households in rental stress, while house prices have nearly doubled since 2020,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“Un l recently, Eurobodalla was rela vely affordable, with house prices significantly below the state average. This is no longer the case.”

Mayor Hatcher said there were no easy answers and it would take concerted effort at all three levels of government to remedy the shortage.

General Manager Warwick Winn said Council was developing a Local Housing Strategy to iden fy the ac ons required to meet the shire’s housing needs.

“We have a short online survey running right now and I urge residents to take part. The results will help us understand what the community see as priori es in housing and will feed into our dra strategy, which will be out for public exhibi on in early 2023,” Mr Winn said.

“The strategy will iden fy demand for new and different types of housing over the next 20 years and pinpoint ac ons to meet this demand by assessing the capacity of exis ng residen al land, the types and sizes of new homes, and appropriate loca ons for development.”

Eurobodalla’s housing and support agencies have been involved in the development of the dra strategy to date, along with NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the Land and Housing Corpora on, Southern Cross Housing and SEARMS.

The survey is open un l Tuesday 20 December. For more informa on and to par cipate in the survey, visit Council’s Eurobodalla Local Housing Strategy webpage. The community will have a further opportunity for input when the dra plan is exhibited early in 2023.

Ford Street, Moruya, closed for repair

Ford Street in Moruya will be closed for five nights from this Sunday 11 December while Eurobodalla Council repairs damage to the road pavement.

A new asphalt road surface will be laid between Queen Street and Ford Lane, with the work to be undertaken at night to minimise disrup on to traffic, businesses and customers during the day.

This me last year, the area was re-designed with a new roundabout and raised crossings to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. A 30 kilometre per hour speed limit zone was also introduced. Ac ng works manager Aaron Dunne said the road significantly deteriorated a er heavy rain and the pavement was near its end of life.

Above: Damaged pavement will be repaired at night to avoid disrup ons to the day me hustle and bustle along Ford Street.

“A sec on next to the IGA carpark is in par cularly bad shape and we’re keen to fix it,” Mr Dunne said. “Work involves removing poor quality material, providing a suitable base course and applying an asphalt surface. The completed project will provide a strengthened road capable of withstanding heavy traffic with minimal need for maintenance.”

The prominent bump at the Woolworths carpark roundabout will also be repaired. The work is scheduled from Sunday to Thursday, 11 to 15 December. Work will begin at 7pm each night and is expected to finish by 1am but may con nue through to 6am if necessary. The work is subject to suitable weather and could be delayed.

Car parks off Ford Street will remain accessible while local businesses are open. Detours will be in place and commuters should allow extra travel me. Where possible, efforts will be made to minimise the noise of heavy machinery in and around the worksite.

The Drom welcomes Luke Sankey

Just a few weeks a er Queen Chow in Narooma is awarded a Hat in the 2022 Good Food Guide we learn that the Dromedary Hotel are delighted to announce the arrival of their new Head Chef Luke Sankey!

Luke began his cooking career in London working at various Michelin-starred restaurants. He is a classically trained Chef who is passionate about both the art and science of cooking great food. Since arriving in Australia over 20 years ago he has led the kitchen in many great cafes and restaurants in Sydney before se ling on the South Coast six years ago.

The Dromedary say "We could not be happier to have Luke joining the Drom leadership team, working closely with our manager Rex to take our great food and great service to the next level, including further developing our rela onships with local producers and suppliers so we can con nue to showcase and celebrate the best of the region. "Luke’s hit the ground running and the team are now busy ge ng ready for what’s going to be another busy season on the South Coast".

Zookeeper Chad introduces Kaius - This weekend at Mogo Wildlife Park

FIRST-EVER PUBLIC DEBUT

Now that Kaius the Baby Gorilla is 7 weeks’ old, Zookeeper Chad is proud to finally introduce him to Mogo Wildlife Park visitors this Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December at 2pm.

Before you see him, visit Zookeeper Chad’s Instagram h ps://www.instagram.com/zookeeper_chad/ to catch up on Kaius’ incredible story.

Visitors wan ng to see Kaius will only need to purchase admission ckets to Mogo Wildlife Park for Saturday 10th or Sunday 11th December, or present a valid Mogo Wildlife Park annual pass for entry on the day.

Shade sails funded for the new South Durras Playground.

Some great news for Durras for the end of the year! The NSW Government has allocated a $13,000 Community Building Partnership grant to Eurobodalla Shire Council for installa on of shade sails at the new South Durras Playground. This project was requested by the Durras Community Associa on on behalf of the community.

Thanks to Dr Michael Holland MP - Member for Bega, and Eurobodalla Shire Council for their support.

Art on the Path at Broulee this Sunday, December 11th,

8am-12pm!

Pick up the perfect sustainable Christmas present (and some treats for yourself) from all the treasures you'll find - handcra ed wares, art, clothes and jewellery - many transformed or upcycled from discarded objects.

Stalls will be set up along the shared pathway at Broulee, opposite the supermarket on Corona on Drive Why not value add to your excursion to Broulee and have a delectable breakfast

Pacific Street, Mossy Point. See you there.

at Mossy on Pacific in

Cultural burning is cool burning

Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Bay lalc walbunja rangers undertook burning of the kangaroo grass headland at Kianga's Duesburys Point this week.

Condi ons were ideal early but a wind change later in the morning sent smoke townward, so they postponed addi onal burns at Duesburys Beach and Kianga Beach headlands.

The burns not only improve environmental outcomes for our local na ve grasslands but also help promote understanding of the rich cultural history and tradi onal land management for our region.

Funding to fix Eurobodalla’s potholes

A $378,000 funding boost from the NSW Government will supplement Eurobodalla Council’s ongoing pothole repair program.

Like most of the east coast, relentless rain has made a mess of Eurobodalla’s roads.

Council’s dedicated road maintenance crews have filled 9785 potholes and patched 22,102 square metres of road with 646 tonnes of premix so far this year.

Ac ng works manager Aaron Dunne said the temporary filling of potholes can only do so much.

“Passing trucks and further rain deteriorates temporary patch jobs, so it’s fantas c to secure funding to get on with some more permanent patching works,” Mr Dunne said.

The funding will go towards more pothole filling as well as heavy patching, where large sec ons of badly damaged road are cut out and replaced. Mr Dunne said crews were busily working to fix priority potholes before year’s end.

“We have allocated an extra crew to road pavement patching and potholes, which will speed up work before the Christmas holidays. Crews are working through repairs as fast as they can to improve safety and reduce wear and tear on vehicles.”

Further heavy patching work was scheduled to begin from February next year. The funding was part of the NSW Government’s $50 million Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round, where 94 regional councils, including Eurobodalla, were approved for grants.

Eurobodalla Council thanked Transport for NSW for the simple process to secure funding which was determined by kilometres of road per shire.

ON THE AGENDA for Council Mee ng Tuesday 13 December 2022

Adop on of Open Coast Coastal Management Program

Three new loca ons for Landcare a en on

Annual financial statements for year end June 2022

Code of Conduct complaint stats

PUBLIC ACCESS @ 9.30am – speak to councillors about any topic. Register to speak by midday Mondaycouncil.mee ngs@esc.nsw.gov.au or 4474 1358.

PUBLIC FORUM @ 10.30am – speak to councillors about ma ers on the agenda. Register to speak by midday Monday - council.mee ngs@esc.nsw.gov.au or 4474 1358.

COUNCIL MEETING @12.30pm

Join in the Council Chamber or watch the webcast. Full agenda, public forum and public access info, plus online viewing here > www.esc.nsw.gov.au/mee ngs

Changed traffic condi ons on the Princes Highway, South Coast

Motorists are advised of changed traffic condi ons on the Princes Highway next week at the following three loca ons; between River Road and Blackbu Road at Lake Tabourie, between Murrays Road and Fishermans Paradise Road at Conjola, and near Tomboye Road at East Lynne.

Workers will be repairing segments of the Princes Highway in these areas to improve the safety and resilience of the network as part of rou ne maintenance.

Work will be carried out between 7am and 5pm from Monday 12 December to Friday 16 December 2022, weather permi ng.

A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h, traffic control and single lane closures will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.

Motorists are advised to allow five minutes addi onal travel me, drive to the condi ons, and follow the direc ons of signs and traffic control.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their pa ence during this me.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Tick Paralysis and Serum Shortage

Moruya Veterinary Hospital advise:

The ck serum shortage is now cri cal. We had two full bo les of serum and have shared one bo le with another clinic who had none.

If your pets are not on preven on and are afflicted with ck paralysis it is now likely that we will not have serum le to treat them.

Tick paralysis will result in the death of pets.

We have had one owner elect euthanasia this morning for their severely ck affected pet. It is heartbreaking.

Please use a reputable ck preven on on your pets. We recommend Bravecto.

Before And A er School Care Vouchers Now Available For Vaca on Care

Parents of school-aged children, including those star ng Kindergarten in 2023, now have more opportunity to claim a $500 voucher for Before and A er School Care (BASC), in me to help with the cost of vaca on care over the summer holidays.

More than 263,000 vouchers worth $500 have previously been claimed by parents throughout NSW.

Families are encouraged to download and redeem a BASC voucher to help cover the cost of vaca on care. The vouchers aim to alleviate some of the financial pressures that re known to occur a er the summer break and the start of school.

Every family with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can now download their $500 vouchers un l 31 January 2023 if they haven’t yet done so.

The Before and A er School Voucher Program is delivered in partnership with Service NSW. Customers can register and apply online via a MyService NSW account, in the app, or by visi ng their nearest Service Centre.

To apply or find out more informa on about BASC vouchers, visit: h ps://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher

ng).

Teensafe specialises in prac cal behind-the-wheel safe driver instruc on for L and P licenced drivers. To book a place and access a registra on form, email garys.home@bigpond.com or go to www.teensafemoruya.org for more info.

The Teensafe team is considering a driver course for seniors who feel the need to refresh their driving ability and skills using your own vehicle with an instructor alongside at Moruya Speedway.

Any enquiries or support for this road safety ini a ve welcome.

Teensafe is planning the next safe -driver course in the school holidays on Thursday 19 January 2023 at Moruya Speedway (weather and Covid permi

New Era for the Batemans Bay Sunday Markets

No ma er what city you visit, the local markets are always interes ng and a rac ve. The town market provides a window into the local economy, the culture and the way of life.

The weekend market provides a chance to mix and catch up, to trade and to find those special li le things made by the locals.

Did you know Batemans Bay has had a Sunday Market for more than 30 years?

It was established as a monthly market back in 1989 by the Batemans Bay High School Parents and Ci zens (P&C) Associa on who were keen to raise some funds for the newly established high school.

In those days, stall holders parked around the school oval before dawn and welcomed visitors and locals alike when they came to browse.

In 2011, the Batemans Bay Sunday Market moved to Corrigan’s Beach Reserve at Batehaven. Twenty six years a er it was established, the Rotary Club of Batemans Bay Rotary took over the Sunday Market and Marine Rescue Batemans Bay started a second market in the month at the same loca on.

In recent years, the weather and covid has played havoc with the Sunday Market, resul ng in the cancella on of more than half of the markets in the last three years.

Now, the Batemans Bay Sunday Market is back, bigger and be er than ever and moving to the waterfront precinct in Batemans Bay.

The first market on the foreshore will be held on Sunday December 18th 2022.

Market organiser Neil Simpson said ‘It has been a long, frustra ng period as we have not been able to hold regular markets for quite some me’.

Looking for a new beginning and a refreshed market, Rotary has decided to move the Sunday Market to the newly completed Batemans Bay foreshore waterfront precinct.

All the regular favourite stalls plus a few fantas c new addi ons will be spread along the Clyde River from the boatshed up to the new bridge.

The market is open from 9am to 1pm on the first and third Sunday of every month throughout the year. There is no charge for entry.

Visitors to the market are asked to park in one of the many public car parks throughout Batemans Bay centre and walk down to the waterfront precinct to enjoy everything the market has to offer.

As well as great market stalls, live music, food and coffee you should check out all the local shops in Batemans Bay on your Sunday morning stroll to the markets.

There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the music and the view. You can browse over 60 market stalls and then stay on for lunch in beau ful Batemans Bay.

‘We are looking forward to a huge market on December 18th to kick us of in the new loca on’ said Neil Simpson. ‘There has been huge interest and every site is booked. Locals who have never been to the Sunday Market now have no excuse’.

The Sunday Markets are proudly organised by the Rotary Club of Batemans Bay, and all proceeds go to local Rotary projects.

See you at the Markets!

The Christmas Gala by U3A in Batemans Bay Dec 18th

Believers, Agnos cs and Atheists all enthusias cally welcomed... On Sunday morning 18 th December at 10am, U3A are having a Christmas Gala, which will tell the story of the na vity in song and drama. The morning will feature The Three Tenors- Steve Johnston, Paul Marshall and Duncan McDiarmid, all having glorious and powerful tenor voices.

The U3A Singers, conducted by Lyn Brown, happily accepted the invita on to par cipate, and numbers swelled when they heard more about the morning’s events.

Members of the church congrega on gleefully agreed to dress up and perform the Christmas story. The much coveted roles of Mary and Joseph were given to Yemi and Oscar Gouillet; ideal candidates, since they produced twin babies earlier this year, Jada and Jus n. Of course the twins will star as the babies Jesus.

Obviously the Three Kings will be our tenors, and the angels will be the U3A Singers, with Gabriel being acted by Meredith.

We will not be reading from the bible. Instead the actors will be pu ng the message into their own words. As well, some favourite carols have been chosen to enhance the story.

In the tradi on of the Uni ng Church, this will be a fine example of Inclusivity, with Mary of Nigerian heritage, Jesus portrayed as a boy and a girl, and Believers, Agnos cs and Atheists all enthusias cally welcomed.

Come and have fun. Remember, 10am at the Batemans Bay Uni ng Church on Sunday morning 18 th December.

For further informa on, call Kay on 0438 717606.

St John's Commons Moruya An Evening of Carols

Come and join in the joy of the Christmas season by simply singing carols together.

Saturday 10th December 7pm St Johns Commons, Moruya (next to the Red Door Hall)

Mince pies and fruit cake to share a erwards.

www.iga.com.au/

This is a free event open to everyone, however you do need to register for catering purposes. There will be Food, Carols & a Jumping Castle for the Kids.

Come and Celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, the Greatest Gi of All.

City Church Batemans Bay

South Coast Community Colleges has Summer Skills funding available for these

skill sets:

 Statement of A ainment in Individual Support (Communica on and Empowerment of Older Power)



- Statement of A ainment in First Aid

- Statement of A ainment in Individual Support

CHCSS00081 - Introduc on to Disability Skill Set

CHCSS00097 Individual Support - Ageing Support Skill Set

To receive these courses fee free, you must meet this criteria: aged 16-24 not enrolled into school an Australian ci zen, permanent resident, Australian humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand ci zen Currently living in NSW

If you are interested in more informa on about these courses, please enquire with our administra on on 02 4472 9202 or visit the website www.southcoastcolleges.edu.au

The Shed welcomes males over eighteen with the aim to provide a safe place to be involved in joint projects, snooker, photography, cards, table tennis etc or just have a cuppa and a yarn.

Our general open me is Monday and Thursday 8.00-12.00 am We also open Tuesday 2.00-4.00pm for cards (euchre)

Wednesday 2.00-4.00pm for snooker and the camera group meet Thursday 2.00-4.00pm.

For informa on contact brocky1967@outlook.com or ptuross@bigpond.com

Moruya and District Brass Band Summer Concert Series Uni ng Church

Batemans Bay Concert Hall

2PM Sunday 11 December 2022

Under the Musical Direc on of Bandmaster Peter Poole, the Moruya and District Brass Band is performing a variety concert, comprised of s rring marches, slow and up-tempo tunes, as well as showcasing our musicians as soloists, in our Summer Concert on Sunday the 11th of December 2022 commencing at 2pm and finishing around 3.30pm.

The concert is held at the Uni ng Church Batemans Bay Concert Hall (diagonally opposite the Catalina Country Club). Please note that the volume of a Brass Band is between so and loud.

The concert will feature Joel Waters performing on Cornet, “Bless This House”, David Marshall performing on Euphonium, “The Emperor”, Ashley Stanley performing on Tuba, “Bass in the Ballroom”, Garry Robertson performing on Trumpet, “Till”, and a special performance from Camden Community Band musician Geoffrey Sharpe. Geoff is an ex-member of our band, and recently performed at the Gulgong Prince of Wales Opera House.

Peter Poole, a music educator with the Australian Childrens Music Founda on has now commenced Learners Class, Training Band and Junior Band. These musicianship classes will con nue into the New Year, and Peter encourages anyone in the community who would like to commit to learning a brass band instrument to contact Band Manager Ashley on telephone 0409 907 713. In addi on to the Senior Brass Band, musicians in the Learners Class, Training and Junior Bands will perform in the concert.

Entry to the concert is by a dona on prior to the concert. The concert entrance will be open from 1:40pm. Dona ons raised will support the Band’s Music Fund and Pivot Point Welfare Relief Fund, providing much needed funding to support various services to our local community. Glenn Farquhar-Nichol, Chairman of Pivot Point Welfare Services will lead us as the concert compere.

Bega Funding Announced - 2022 Community Building Partnership Program

The electorate of Bega yesterday secured $400,000 in funding for a total of 17 projects through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland MP said these funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facili es, including upgrades to local spor ng clubs and helping purchase vehicles to deliver key community services.

“This is fantas c news for the Bega Electorate to see these funds for our groups, many of which are volunteer organisa ons that have very li le recurrent funding"

“This grassroots funding that I've been able to secure will directly help create a more vibrant and inclusive local community with posi ve social, environmental and recrea onal outcomes,” Dr Michael Holland MP said.

“I congratulate all the organisa ons that were successful in their applica on and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area.”

The full list of successful projects in the Bega electorate for the 2022 round are:

$31,419 for the Volunteer Marine Rescue to refurbish their Snug Cove Berth in Eden $57,836 for the Moruya Golf Club to replace their air condi oning units $40,000 to Candelo Go for a new electric community vehicle $14,728 to the Healthy Harold Mobile Learning Centre for new van installa ons $13,000 to the Eurobodalla Shire Council for a new shade sail over South Durras Playground $21,347 for the Evans Park Spor ng Complex to upgrade their car park $20,000 to the Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club to fit out their Nipper and Community Training Room

$40,000 for a Specialist Homelessness Service support vehicle for The Family Place $50,000 for the Social Jus ce Advocates of the Sapphire Coast for a new vehicle to help with the delivery of services $22,500 to the Batemans Bay Cricket Club to upgrade their cricket nets storage, fencing and new ligh ng $19,500 to The Disability Trust for recrea on and outdoor space for their supported accommoda on tenants

$7,183 to CareFlight for Vital simula on equipment for community educa on $5,597 to Muddy Puddles in Batehaven to install a new fence

$14,288 to Bimbimbie Park Re rement Village for a new electric community personal transport vehicle

$5,597 to the Bega Women’s Resource Centre for a solar system to help reduce energy costs $20,000 to the Pambula Tennis Club to assist with court infrastructure repairs $16,680 to the Bermagui Breakers AFL Club to help with ground upgrades including player shelters.

The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 18,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009. Applica ons for the 2023 Program open in May 2023. For more informa on about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp.

Moruya Community Shed

The Moruya Community Shed has had a busy year as we hurtle towards Christmas. We will be closing briefly from 16 December and will reopen on Wednesday 11 January 2023.

Members’ projects have been diverse this year and we have highlighted Jacqui’s work in construc ng a pot plant stand. This involved bending and cu ng metal under the tutelage of John and welding with the advice of our president, Bruce, who has had many years of experience with welding. All of our skilled members are happy to pass on their knowledge.

If you would like to check us out please feel free to join us for a cuppa and a chat. Our fees are $35 for the year which covers insurances. Contact Bruce on 0423 710 067.

You will also find us manning the Pink Gate and the Horse Gate at next year’s Eurobodalla Show which is our main fundraiser.

NAB Narooma closes its Narooma branch

NAB Execu ve Retail Regional NSW ACT, Tony Story advises:

“As more and more customers are choosing to bank online, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the Narooma branch on the 8th of December, 2022. "Increasingly Australians are banking digitally, with more than 94% of customer interac ons now taking place over the phone, by video or online. While the Narooma branch will no longer be there, we will s ll be there for our customers – just in different ways.

“Over the past few years, fewer customers are coming into branches to do their banking and foot traffic has lessened, which has been accelerated by COVID. More than half of our customers in Narooma have only visited the branch once in the last year and over 70% are already using other branches.

“The branch team will be working with customers over the coming weeks un l we close, talking with them about the various banking alterna ves available. These include our partnership with Australia Post and the Bank@post service as well as connec ng with our mobile bankers, home lending specialists or business bankers in person or for phone or video appointments".

Bank@post is available at Australia Post outlets including the Post Shop in Wagonga St, Narooma .

"Importantly, there will be no job losses. We have worked closely with our colleagues on opportuni es for them to con nue to support customers either through other branches or across phone and digital channels.”

"Our renewed Bank@Post partnership with Australia Post provides the community with a face-to-face alterna ve at 3,500 Australia Post outlets across the country where they can conduct a range of banking services including deposits up to $9,999 and withdrawals up to $2,000 per day. Under our newly signed 10year agreement, both personal and business customers are able to access this service".

Batemans Bay Hearing Loss Support Group

Hello to all, It’s nearly Christmas and it’s been decided that we will have a coffee, tea or whatever at the Catalina Sports Club. We can just sit and chat and enjoy a li le comfort and a chat amongst ourselves.

WHEN: Wednesday 14th December 2022 10.30am

WHERE: Catalina Golf Club

This Summer, Mogo Wildlife Park will present a series of special summer evenings to delight visitors and locals along - the first-ever TWILIGHT DINNER TOURS at Mogo Wildlife Park.

The events will kick off on Monday 19th December, and run for 5 nights in total.

Twilight Dinner Tour guests will arrive at Mogo Wildlife Park as it closes for the day, and guests will be met by keepers and taken on an exclusive tour to learn more about the animals that call Mogo Wildlife Park home - from lions and gers, amazing primates, our red panda, giraffes, gorillas and more.

Following the keeper tour, guests will enjoy a delicious picnic dinner on the park lawns alongside our lemurs and tamarins. The Twilight Dinner Tour evening includes the opportunity to hand-feed camels, ostriches, kangaroos and a bespoke White Rhino Encounter at the conclusion of the evening and a souvenir photo to take home. Book today at h ps://mogowildlifepark.com.au/twilight or call 02 9622 1644. Places are strictly limited.

Bega Valley and

Eurobodalla Greens

announced today Bega Valley Shire Councillor Cathy Griff as their candidate for the seat of Bega in the 2023 NSW state elec on.

“Cathy has been an effec ve councillor since 2016. She has been instrumental in major Council ini a ves including a Climate Emergency Declara on, Climate Resilience Strategy and the development of an Affordable Housing Strategy. She would be a strong representa ve for the Bega electorate in state poli cs,” said Eurobodalla Deputy Mayor Alison Worthington. Cathy’s career has been largely managing government research and policy in the Australian film industry. She has served as a South-East Arts board member for six years, promo ng arts development across Bega and Eurobodalla shires. Cathy is passionate about the environment and the arts, in boos ng the quality of life and health of our varied communi es.

“More Greens in state parliament priori sing climate ac on prompts an urgent transi on to renewable energy; net zero emissions by 2035; and certainly no new coal and gas projects,” said Cathy. She sees NSW also has a responsibility to act for climate by ending na ve forest logging in our State Forests, while suppor ng a just transi on to planta on forestry.

“Na ve forest logging in our State Forests depends on government subsidies, and costs taxpayers, while increasing the risk and intensity of bushfires, and the loss of habitat for endangered species. The Greens understand the science and economics, which make clear the value of leaving mature forests intact.”

Cost of living, affordable and crisis housing, regional health, equity in educa on and TAFE, protec ng marine sanctuaries and upholding the rights of First Na ons people, are also key issues to be brought to the March 2023 elec on. Cathy said she looks forward to discussing the Greens comprehensive policies and funding strategies with voters across our region over the summer.

real estate

South Coast Property Specialists (Carlene Franzen) Tips #1126:

Short Term Rental Code of Conduct for Owners

Christmas is an awesome me of year for most but for some it can become a nightmare. Living in a holiday des na on brings lots of visitors to our area. Most of these are deligh ul people who are looking to relax and enjoy the benefits that an area like ours can offer. However some are rude, disrespec ul, o en intoxicated and are prone to breaking things. This la er group o en congregate together in large groups as they move between short term rental houses, o en throughout the night, making life for the locals an absolute nightmare. Oh, and did I men on the loud music and cars doing burnouts?

If you own one of these short term rental houses, you need to know your obliga ons and if you happen to rent one of these houses, you need to abide by your responsibili es.

The NSW Department of Fair Trading introduced a new code of conduct to regulate short term rental accommoda on pla orms, hosts and guests which came into effect from the 18th December 2020. We suspect that due to covid, not a lot of focus was given to these changes as there were less people moving around at the me. Now that there seems to be less care about covid and people are holidaying again it may be me to brush up on the new code.

Basically, the new code of conduct strengthens protec ons against poor guest behaviour such as men oned above. Hosts are now required to:  Hold insurance that covers liability for third party injuries and death  Ensure neighbours are able to contact them (or their representa ve) with any concerns between 8am – 5pm EVERY DAY 

Provide the guests with their contact details (or their representa ve) as well as contact details of an emergency electrician, plumber and emergency services  Make guests aware of the code of conduct by providing them with a copy  Ensure it is not rented to someone who is already recorded on the new exclusion register

 From 1 November 2021, most hosts must register their STRA premises on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s STRA register. Relevant proper es must be registered before they can be adver sed or offered for short-term rental. There are fees associated with registra on.

Guests and their visitors must:  Ensure they don’t make unreasonable noise that disrupts, harms or offends neighbours  Not cause damage to the premises

 Not act in a violent or threatening manner towards neighbours or other occupants

A publicly accessible exclusion register will list hosts, premises and guests who breach a 'two strikes' rule against their obliga ons under the code of conduct. Any host, premise or guest listed on the exclusion register is effec vely banned from hos ng or booking a short-term rental for a period of five years. In addi on to being listed on the exclusion register, other penal es that can be applied for breaches of the code include warnings, direc ons to take or cease certain ac on, or fines.

So, if you have badly behaving schoolies or other undesirable short term holiday goers living nearby, you can do something about it and there is a framework for the problem to be resolved.

2022 Used Car Safety Ra ngs released

People looking to buy a second-hand car can make more informed choices with the release of the 2022 Used Car Safety Ra ngs guide by Transport for NSW today.

Tara McCarthy, Deputy Secretary Safety, Environment and Regula on at Transport for NSW said the Used Car Safety Ra ngs guide features safety ra ngs for 289 vehicles manufactured in the past 20 years.

“The guide is a great way for buyers to ensure they’re buying the safest used car available within their budget,” Ms McCarthy said.

“55 of the cars included in this year’s guide earned an excellent (5-star) ra ngs, while another 58 earned good (4-star) ra ngs.

“Your car choice could impact whether you survive a crash. A driver of the worst vehicle rated is eight mes more likely to be killed or seriously injured in the same crash than the same driver in the safest vehicle.”

Ms McCarthy said the best of the 5-star vehicles are marked as a ‘SAFER PICK’ in the guide to recognise their very high levels of safety and driver assistance technology.

“These provide be er protec on for the driver, are less likely to result in serious injuries to other road users and have a lower risk of being involved in a crash due to features such as electronic stability control, reverse sensors and cameras,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Some of the highest safety rated cars in this year’s guide include the Ford Ranger, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius V, Subaru Impreza/XV, and Holden Commodore VF.”

The guide was developed by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) on behalf of Transport for NSW and other members of the Vehicle Safety Research Group.

MUARC analysed around 9 million vehicles involved in road crashes and around 2.4 million injured road users in New Zealand and Australia between 1987 and 2020.

The guide is available at: h ps://towardszero.nsw.gov.au/safesystem/safe-vehicles

Get Skilled This Summer For Free

AT TAFE NSW

Eurobodalla school leavers can supercharge their skills ahead of summer by taking advantage of online short courses at TAFE NSW.

As part of the NSW Government’s Summer Skills program, TAFE NSW is offering free training to people aged 16 – 24 to gain the prac cal skills to launch a career or land a job for summer in high-demand industries, including hospitality and retail.

Tourism Accommoda on Australia CEO Michael Johnson, who heads up the na on’s peak body for the accommoda on industry, welcomed the new fee-free courses and said TAFE NSW was playing a cri cal role in supplying a pipeline of job-ready workers to employers.

“The collabora on with TAFE NSW and the NSW Government has been fantas c in what has been a very difficult me for industry,” Mr Johnson said.

“They have provided great opportuni es to design the training requirements we need now, both for exis ng workers and those just star ng out.”

In the Eurobodalla, accommoda on food and retail service industries account for 33% of the local workforce, which is the largest employer of young people in NSW with 39.1% of retail and hospitality employees aged between 15-24.

TAFE NSW Execu ve Director Educa on and Skills Kerryn Meredith-So ris said TAFE NSW was working closely with employers to deliver the skills needed to support a strong local economy.

“The Eurobodalla economy grew by 3.1% in the last year with more than 3000 businesses . We know nine out of 10 new jobs will require people to complete further study to build the skilled workforce we need to support con nued economic growth,” Ms Meredith-So ris said.

“The Summer Skills Program links school leavers and young people directly with local job outcomes and encourages them to undertake further study to explore careers in high-demand industries.”

TAFE NSW is offering free online Summer Skills courses in Statement of A ainment in Hospitality Skills, Retail Customer Service, and Cyber Security.

Alexandra King takes out NSW Environment Awards for Council's

We CARE

Program

The Eurobodalla Council has taken out an award in the Behaviour Change in Waste category at the 2022 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards for their We CARE Program

Held annually, the Excellence in the Environment Awards aim to recognise outstanding achievements by NSW councils in managing and protec ng the environment. The We Care Eurobodalla project works with local businesses including food, accommoda on and retail to reduce single-use plas c by helping them make the change to environmentally sustainable products and packaging. Having iden fied plas c li er to be a key issue in the Clyde River catchment, Eurobodalla Council launched the We Care engagement program to reduce single-use plas c and take away waste.

Alexandra King (le ) received her award this week for the We Care Eurobodalla project

We Care has helped over 100 local businesses and community groups to switch to environmentally sustainable products and packaging. A Local Li er Check showed a 50% reduc on in li er at hot spots in town centres a er the first year.

Local Government NSW’s predecessor organisa on ini ated the environment awards in 1997, aimed at the work councils do on behalf of their communi es. The awards in 2022 celebrated 26 years of inspira on from NSW councils in programs, projects and people across 14 award categories, culmina ng in two pres gious Local Sustainability Awards, For overall council performance, and To recognise the individual achievements of a council staff member or elected councillor in the field of sustainability.

Above:

Tilbrook Plaque to be unveiled in Tuross Dec 14th

On Tuesday 22 March 2022, during the Ordinary Mee ng of Council, Councillor Tanja Dannock gave no ce that Council recognise John Tilbrook for his reless work on behalf of and for the residents of Tuross Head over many years (as a senior officeholder and Secretary of the Tuross Head Progress Associa on) by way of incorpora ng John’s outstanding contribu on on the plaque that commemorates the opening of the Tuross Head Highway Bus Shelter with the plaque being designed and preferably cra ed within the community.

The plaque is to be affixed to the new Tuross Head Intersec on Bus Shelter.

COUNCIL’S UNVEILING OF A PLAQUE RECOGNISING JOHN TILBROOK’S SERVICE

Wednesday,

14 December 2022, 2pm

At the bus shelter at the highway intersec on

All interested members of the community are cordially invited to a end a public ceremony at the new Tuross Head /Highway intersec on bus shelter on the occasion of the official dedica on of a plaque proposed and funded by council in recogni on of long-serving THPA Secretary John Tilbrook’s advocacy for the interests of our community in many areas including the bus shelter as well as the previous and further ongoing road safety improvements at the junc on.

This event allows all those who would like to express their apprecia on of John’s reless advocacy and service to our community over many years the perfect opportunity to make that acknowledgement in company of fellow residents and the mayor and councillors.

Tuross Head Progress Associa on Inc.

Come to a mee ng! Mee ng are held the first Thursday of each month at the Kyla Park Community Hall Tuross Head. Mee ngs commence at 2pm and are followed by a free a ernoon tea. h ps://thpa.com.au/

Cobargo Innova on Hub to be officially opened Dec 10th 2022

Paul West, host, ABC South East NSW was joined on the line by Jennifer Westaco , the chief execu ve of the Business Council of Australia on December 9th 2022 regarding the opening of the Cobargo Innova on Hub, the bushfire recovery and BizRebuild

The innova on hub is to be officially opening this weekend with Jennifer Westaco telling Paul:

"It has taken a couple of years obviously, the fires ravaged Cobargo on New Year's Eve in 2019. It's taken us to tomorrow, to get the innova on hub going. We've contributed as BizRebuild, the project that hangs off the Business Council, about $880,000. The community has raised about $100,000. But most importantly, the project has created about 1800 hours of paid work for tradies in the community. Commi ee members have volunteered about 2000 hours of their me.

"So, it's really been a great community-business effort to get us to this point where we are tomorrow, where we open this this innova on hub and really con nue the journey of recovery and rebuilding from the devasta on of those fires in 2019/2020".

"It's going to be an all-purpose hub. So it's basically going to be retail, but also people wan ng to do innova ve things. We're going to have Sally Wilson, who is a local ar st there; Zoe Pook, a local Jeweller; Life’s Li le Pleasures, a gi ware shop; Robyn Williams, Ledlight by design. So it'll be a place where people can come together, do different things, whether it's art, whether it's retail, whether it’s wan ng to get together in community spaces.

"The most important part of this BizRebuild is making sure that a er these devasta ng local events, and we're going to have a lot more of these, that we don't lose the community. The community is really driven around what happens in town centres, what happens with local businesses.

"Our job is to make sure that we get the money into communi es, to make sure that people keep the glue of the community going, which is local businesses, local ar sts, local communi es ge ng together. So that's the role the hub will play. As of course, the work con nues to restore what was taken away in those in those terrible fires." Paul asked

"And about the building itself, I believe it's quite a resilient piece of architecture?"

Ms Westaco responded "It is, it's quite beau ful, actually. It will become a permanent feature of the town. But it's been done by an organisa on called FormFlow. So it's using new products, new design methods, very sustainable building products. It's actually quite beau ful. And I think it will be quite a landmark and quite a tourist des na on. I hope that people from around New South Wales will come and look and visit and not only see a beau ful building, but also see what it means to keep the community going and get a community working together and be a real gathering place for people. So that whilst we mourn the loss of what was taken away in those terrible fires, we kind of renew and we rebuild, and we get that sense of the community coming back."

Dec 10th - Mark Dabin at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club

Dec 10th - Jeff Aschmann at Grumpy's Mogo, 11:30

Dec 10th - Flock of Haircuts at One Tree Inn , Tuross

Dec 10th - Steve Benic – Tuross Club (7.30pm)

Dec 10th - Josh Mason at The Patch, Tomakin Social Dec 10th - Moondog at Moruya Golfy 5pm - 8pm

Dec 11th - Solo West at Tukka Cafe, Moruya

Dec 11th - Ben Fowler—The Patch, Tomakin Social 2-5

Dec 16th - Gedupndanz at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club Dec 16th - Pearlerz – Club Malua (8pm)

Dec 17th - Gedupndanz at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club Dec 17th - Dave Berry – Club Tuross (7.30pm)

Dec 17th - Big Mama and the Hanged Men at Moruya Golfy

Dec 17th - Leigh Barker Band featuring Heather Stewart - St Johns Anglican Church Moruya - Tickets: $35 @ the door, cash or Tap-n-Go

Dec 18th - Eurobodalla Live Music at Moruya Golfy

Dec 23rd - Driving Sideways at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club

Dec 24th Rod Folpp at Club Tuross Dec 24th - Driving Sideways at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club

NYE Party Moruya Waterfront Hotel 19-Twenty • Fractured Minds • Eklypse • Angus Murray. Orphan Music & Moruya Waterfront Hotel presents - 2022 New Years Eve Party ! Over 5 hours of live music! 19-Twenty, Eklypse, Fractured Minds & Angus Murray. Original Rock & Roots + one of the best covers bands ever to grace the stage at the Moruya Waterfront. Watch the sunset & enjoy the best way to bring in 2023, LIVE MUSIC & CLOSE FRIENDS!

Dec 31st - Drive Time at Club Tuross - Drive Time is a 4 -piece band based around the vast experience of lead guitarist and singer Rick Bamford who is a regular at Club Tuross as a solo ar st. Other members of the band are Adam Twyford on drums, Paul Leeder on bass and James "Hoogie" Hoogstad on harmonica and saxophone.

Dec 31st - This New Years Eve Bay Soldiers is going back to the 80's with a fun 1980's themed party. Tall Puppy Syndrome will be performing live from 8pm on the night, playing a great range of 80's hits and party rock through the night. there will be fun prizes for 80's themed fancy dress on the night too, so come back to the 80's with us this New Years Eve!

Future Bird presents a fantas c Stand Up comedy showcase night at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on Saturday January 14th. A great night of fun and laughter with four great comedians on show.

Rob Andrews Is an award winning Sydney Based comedian who will have you laughing at a range of situa ons faced by those with mul ple children and mul ple chins. Rob will also MC the evening.

Michelle "Be sy" Be s - Semi-finalist for Quest for the Best and winner Comedy Court compe ons. Michelle has been performing Stand-Up comedy since 2009 a er gradua ng from Stand-Up comedy school in Sydney.

Chris na Van Look - Chris na has performed extensively in Australia and overseas including in London, Las Vegas and New York's iconic Gotham City Club. Her debut solo show was nominated for "Best Comedy' at the Sydney Fringe Fes val in 2019.

Down the coast at our little Tuross bolthole we have a regular visitor. She’s no trouble, either to us or to the paying guests who help with the rates, the mortgage and all the other seemingly endless expenses that come with a coastal hideaway.

She makes her own bed, feeds herself, entertains the occasional cousin, but very discretely. In fact, she comes from quite a large family. They’re a bunch of lay-abouts who come and go as they please.

She’s not a pet exactly. In fact, if she thinks about at all – and I’m not sure just how deeply kangaroos contemplate such matters – but if so, she would be the official resident while we were her occasional roomies.

Either way, it works for both sides. Usually I pretend she’s not there, even though her bed is in a little bush alcove beside the back deck, and when I emerge in the mornings with my bowl of Crunchy Nuts and sliced banana I sit on the steps in a non-threatening manner before starting a fairly one-sided conversation.

I generally pick a non-controversial topic. ‘Another lovely day…forecast is pretty good too; maybe an afternoon shower…’ I give her a quick glance as she flicks her ears back and forth while looking straight ahead. And after a while she either hops out to the grassy back lawn for her breakfast or leaves for what I fondly hope is her morning exercise by the nearby golf course.

She’s one of the many reasons I’ll be campaigning for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum for an Aboriginal Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution. For while I have met and become instant mates with a fair number of Aboriginal people since I was a jackaroo in Western Queensland all those years ago - and have written books about the vile whitefella treatment of them – it’s my little marsupial friend who epitomizes the personal shame I feel for what went before.

At the end of a day’s mustering, we shot them from the back of a Land Rover. We did it, we told ourselves, to feed the dogs on the legs we sliced from their carcasses. But in truth, we did it for the thrill, and to show off our expertise as riflemen, even though the ‘targets’ were usually standing quite still only 60 metres away.

But that’s just us. The truly great joy of the Christmas-New Year break is the way it reconnects a whole nation with that Australia of the bush and the coast where despite the ravages of civilization, we’re again exposed to the natural world of yesteryear. For so long we’ve tried to bury it in the Big Fib we call the British history of our country.

The religious stuff is not very convincing, and the mad buying spree makes even less sense. But somehow, the real Australia has been surviving in the Aboriginal people and their unique totemic creatures – the glorious birds, the reptiles, the fish and the mammals - that populated their world. And it’s so refreshing to make their acquaintance again, even if they cause a pang of conscience.

To me, they’re the real meaning of Australia’s holiday season; and happily, I’ll soon have the chance to make what small amends are symbolized by the simple casting of a vote for my gentle marsupial visitor.

Looking forward to that.

robert@robertmacklin.com

Reading—A beer with Baz

Bazza flicked open the screen door and padded across the lawn to greet the pos e. He blinked at his bright yellow fluro, electric gadgetry on his hip, and paused for a moment to take in the large box structure on the back of the motorcycle.

Bazza half smiled. Decades ago he had delivered telegrams as a holiday job to either smiling faces or trembling hands for Australia Post.

“It’s all parcels these days, Bazza. Online shopping is the na onal pas me, but…. here you go….. a le er for you. It’s hand wri en…….ahhh….. that explains the spring in your step.”

Bazza was expec ng the le er. Every December an old sweetheart from his youth provided an update on her life in London.

He made a cup of tea, sat at the kitchen table and, as per his ritual, used the le er opener to reveal its contents. He inhaled the hint of familiar perfume and unfolded the heavy paper.

The handwri ng was calligraphic and elegantly sloped to the right.

As always, he paused a er ‘Dear Barry” and rubbed his chin. Bazza’s mother and his wife were the only other people who called him ‘Barry”.

She provided details of her family in the opening paragraph and boasts about the various achievements of their three daughters. The imminent arrival of grandchild number five had him smiling and a touch envious.

He half groaned at her annual, deliberate reference to the Royal Family and could picture her smug smile.

The tone of the le er changed on the second page. Her sentences shortened and he noted a slight tremble in the handwri ng as she recounted the death of her father during the year. Bazza closed his eyes to capture a memory of her Dad…… and bit his thumb at a less pleasant one……. when he had ques oned young Bazza’s ‘inten ons’.

The remainder of the le er was more upbeat. She recounted in detail the wonderful summer they had spent together on the South Coast of NSW. A carefree me of sun, surf and sand. Bazza closed his eyes again and his nose crinkled at the memory smell of ‘Reef Coconut Oil’ applied liberally to each other’s back. He laughed at her recollec ons of fun evenings at the annual carnival at Batehaven.

She signed off with Christmas wishes, a ‘love’ and a single ‘kiss’ and Bazza carefully folded the le er back into the envelope. He would reread it a number of mes. His thoughts were interrupted by the beep of his iPad.

Bazza opened the large group email from his niece, now living in New York. His eyes flashed across an array of emojis;

The wri en text was li ered with abbrevia ons from ‘LOL’, ‘OMG’ and ‘BRB’ to quite a few ‘WTF’s. He shook his head, s ll wondering how her life was fairing. He closed the iPad.

He picked up his favourite pen, carefully dated the top of the page and began “Dear…”

Have a beer with Bazza at john.longhurst59@gmail.com

Reading—history

100 Years Ago—December 9th 1922

THROUGH the axe he was using gliding off the wood, Mr. George Bele e, of Mogo, severely gashed his leg.

SOME of our local anglers had excellent sport on Sunday on the shores of Broulee. In a short me three lines were responsible for 44 sand whi ng and bream being landed.

PILOT Chapman, who was reported to have been killed in his flight from Braidwood to Bateman’s Bay arrived safely in his Sunbeam aeroplane at the la er town on 29th inst. Mr. Chapman con nued his flight to Milton the following day.

THE Gloria light has been installed in the Holt Trinity Church, Tilba

CONGRATULATIONS to Midshipman W. Bull, elder son of Den st R. N. Bull, who has successfully passed his final examina on at Jervis Bay. Our clever young Midshipman is now ready for an appointment on a warship.

VERY li le interest was taken in the Shire Elec ons on Saturday. Only two Ridings were contested for, viz, E. and F. on the Southern end of the Shire. In the former Riding 50% of the ratepayers voted and in the la er only 33%. Mr. H. J. Bate of Tilba, was re-elected for E. Riding, defea ng Mr. F. E. Grenenger by 48 votes. Mr. John Bate was not seeking re-elec on for F. Riding, Messrs. S. W. Bate and A. G. Sutherland contested the seat, with the result that the la er was returned with a majority of 3 votes. …

VALE! VALE! – One of the pioneers of N.S.W., in the person of Alfred Edward Webber, passed away recently at Nelligen. The late Mr. Webber was born in Bristol, England, nearly 80 years ago. When very young he came to Australia with his father, who had opened a wheel-wright’s business on the historic slope of Brickfield Hill – somewhere near the present site of Anthony Hordern’s, Ltd. (Incidently I might be permi ed to men on here that o en the li le English boy sat on the three-railed fence which passed along where the Sydney Town Hall now stands, and watched the grimy bullock-drivers urging their teams along straggling George Street).

In December, 1860, the father and son came to Nelligen in “the good old days,” when the gold rush was booming. Again they opened a wheel-wright’s business, which they carried on for many years. Gradually this trade was merged into the saw-milling industry, with a branch yard in Sydney. The depression in business about 20 years ago caused the selling of this, and since then wheel-wrigh ng was again carried on in a small way. … He died as he would have wished – busy at work ll a few days before his death. His wife, four sons and two daughters survive him.

FOR SALE. – A LADY’S MARATHON BICYCLE, Coaster Hub, almost new. £7 or near offer. ‘Phone 7. MRS ROSE, Pilot Sta on, Moruya.

Extracted from the Moruya Examiner by the Moruya and District Historical Society Inc. h ps://www.mdhs.org.au

The spellbinding Fairmile series con nues as the fiercely independent Alinor and her family find themselves entangled in palace intrigue, poli cal upheaval, and life-changing secrets in seventeenth-century England.

It is 1685, England is on the brink of a renewed civil war against the Stuart kings and many families are bi erly divided. Ned Ferryman cannot persuade his sister Alinor that he is right to return from America with his Pokanoket servant Rowan to join the rebel army. Instead, Alinor has been coaxed by the manipula ve Livia to save the queen from the coming siege. The rewards are life-changing: the family could return to their beloved Tidelands, and Alinor could rule where she was once lower than a servant.

Alinor’s son, Rob, is determined to stay clear of the war, but when he and his nephew set out to free Ned from execu on for treason and Rowan from a convict deporta on to Barbados, they find themselves enmeshed in the crea on of an imposter Prince of Wales – a surrogate baby to the queen.

From the last ba le in the desolate Somerset Levels to the hidden caves on the slave island of Barbados, this third volume of an epic story follows a family from one end of the empire to another, to find a new dawn in a world which is opening up before them with greater rewards and dangers than ever before.

New from the author of Confessions of a Bookseller and Seven Kinds of People You Find in Bookshops, another hilariously grumpy year behind the counter at The Bookshop. Though diaries of daily life, Shaun Bythell has created an endearing and cozy world for booklovers, a warm and welcome memoir of a life in books.

The Bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland is a book lover's paradise, with thousands of books across nearly a mile of shelves, a real log fire, and Captain, the portly bookshop cat. You'd think that a er twenty years, owner Shaun Bythell would be used to his quirky customers by now. Don't get him wrong, there are some good ones among the an quarian porn-hunters, die-hard train book lovers, people who confuse bookshops for libraries, and the toddlers just looking for a nice cozy corner in which to wee. He's sure there are some good ones. There must be . . .

The new historical novel from Philippa Gregory, the Number One bestselling author of Tidelands and Dark Tides.

The 38th Annual Art and Cra Exhibi on will be on at the Batemans Bay High School Auditorium from December 23rd to January 8th, except for Christmas Day.

Open from 10am to 4pm daily, over 100 pieces of art, plus sculpture and cra to admire and also for sale.

The official opening will be held at 6pm on December 23rd, free entry, drinks and nibbles too!

Moruya Women’s Golf Results

Wednesday, 7th December

Compe on finitoed for the year with the 6th Hamper round with some great scores recorded by the 21 par cipants.

Joanne Dixon excelled herself, securing 1st place with an outstanding 40 ne . Runner-up Margaret Douglas had another enviable round coming in with 38 ne .

Balls went to: V Goodwin (34 C/B), M Bingham (34 C/B), B Swain (34 C/B), D Meek (34), C Becker (33 C/ B), S Knight (33 C/B), N Cowdroy (33), B Kennedy (33), L Doolan (30 C/B), J Hosking (30).

NTP: Div.2 5th Hole Val Moore

Broulee Runners

Wednesday

December 7th 2022

A very warm Summer a ernoon greeted our runners this evening. We welcomed the Duncan family and it was wonderful to see the Mitchell family make a return and join us.

The highlight of the evening must go to Jamie Edwards and Mia Atkin who had a very tough tussle to the finish line and le nothing in the tank to cross the line within a second of each other.

A big thank you to David McCann and Richard Fisher for all their ongoing help in keeping the event running smoothly.

We will be having our Christmas party a er the run on Wednesday 21 December. If you are free and would like to join us we will kick off the a ernoon with the run and then gather a erwards for a catchup. Bring a picnic rug or chair and something to eat and drink. Everyone is welcome.

Above: Joanne Dixon

sports Players Find It Tough Going At Tuross Vets Golf Par Event

Despite the course playing well in drying condi ons, Tuross Head veteran golfers found the going a li le tough at their Par event on 7 December, with scores lower than normal. Winner on the day was Jeane e Miller with a score of -1. Greg Bush and Peter Coffey followed on -2, with Ian Wra en rounding out the major winners with a score of -3 on count back. Minor prizes were awarded to Bruce Mar n, Ken Brown, Anne e Manton, Ken Hush and Rob Nash on -3, followed by Julie Barningham, Sandra Hanlon and Richard Kelly on -4.

Nearest the pins went to Leonie Snodgrass on the 4th, Ken Hush on the 6th, and to Anne e Manton and Ken Hush on the 7th. Jeane e Miller won the Accuracy drive.

Winner on the day Jeane e Miller

Mollymook and Narooma Golf Courses make it into top ten

During the past three months, thousands of Golf Australia readers submi ed their votes for their favourite three Australian golf courses and the response was overwhelming.

The top course selected by each voter was awarded 10 points, their second choice was given five points and the third, three points.

h ps://www.golfaustralia.com.au/ was swamped by responses and 296 courses received at least one vote.

The top ten were:

Bonville Golf Resort, Bonville NSW

Mollymook GC (Hilltop Course) NSW Maroochy River GC, Queensland

Barnbougle Dunes, Tasmania

Coffs Harbour GC, NSW

Cape Wickham Links, King Island, Tasmania

Gosnells GC, Canning Vale, Western Australia

New South Wales GC, LaPerouse, NSW Narooma GC, NSW

Royal Melbourne GC (West Course) Victoria

Moruya River.

Apart from the wind, and slightly cooler days we have had the last week, the fishing con nues to improve. Throughout the system, anglers have been finding good numbers of fish. The flats areas con nue to see flathead working bait schools with the bream and the very odd whi ng also showing up. Fingers crossed we see some surface ac on on whi ng this summer. The deeper holes in front of the Moruya hospital have been holding nice bream and Trevally, while the flats on the northern bank have had good numbers of flathead. Under the town bridge, there have been nice flathead, bream and the odd estuary perch around the weed beds edges and the drop offs. The tailor con nue to be prevalent in and around Preddy’s wharf to wards the front of the system, with bream and Trevally in front of the hole in the wall, and flathead in the main channel and adjacent to any weed bed edges.

Unfortunately water ways, have not yet removed the signs from the hole in the wall, as they have stated they would. I urge all Moruya river anglers to contact transport NSW to have this rec fied. They can be contacted on 13 12 36, select op on 2 to speak to the correct department. They will probably say they know nothing about the signs, this isn’t the case, as they have been contacted by several concerned Moruya fishos all ready. For the me being, ignore the signage and fish the area behind, nut please show full respect for the oysters leases that also occupy that area.

Tuross River.

While the flathead dominate the captures this week in Tuross, the whole system is coming to life. From all the way up the back of the system around Bumbo lake and the associated creeks, to the areas around fourways and down around the front of the system, bream, flathead, estuary perch, trevally, salmon and tailor have all been encountered.

Such a large and expansive system as Tuross is, offers anglers plenty of op ons to fish and explore this excep onal waterway.

There have been reports of a few whi ng turning up around the flats under the Bodalla bridge, with the areas around Bumbo creek holding an estuary perch, flathead and bream or two.

Down towards the front of the system, the boat shed has been producing some nice flathead, bream, trevally and the odd mulloway.

With the whole system fishing well, there are plenty of areas to try your luck. Rock and Beach.

Salmon have been the mainstay along most beaches this week, while there have also been the odd school of tailor mixed in amongst them. The bream and whi ng will also start to become more accessible as the water temps con nue to rise. At present there seems to be a back eddy happening in the costal currents that is bringing slightly cooler water in close to shore. This will even out as the summer con nues.

Moruya breakwall has been difficult to fish this last week, with strong winds playing havoc with anglers. Fingers crossed we seem to have a be er weekend forecast this weekend. Offshore.

The snapper are con nuing to be bi ng in around the 30-40m mark while the flathead are holding in good numbers in around the 15-20m mark. There con nues to be plenty of bait hanging off the ar ficial reef in 40m of water, so if lilies are what you are chasing, make this a stop.

The shop is looking great with lots of new stock in store ready for the holidays. If you are looking for something for the angler or camper in your family, we have you covered. If you are not sure what to get, don’t forget we also offer gi vouchers. The perfect gi for the hard to buy for!

Stay safe everyone and remember, “everyday’s a good day for fishing…”

Team Tackle World Moruya.

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