Beagle Weekender Vol 294 January 20th 2023

Photo courtesy of Nick Peters Photography

Welcome to this week’s editorial,

To many elec ons are a pain in the backside and an interrupt to their otherwise poli c free life. First comes the TV coverage, next the name calling and backstabbing, followed by the prolifera on of corflutes along our roadsides with larger than life disingenuous smiles of want-to-be poli cal aspirants pretending to be more trustworthy than the next.

If you can manage to miss the visual barrage of the poli cal campaigns the elec on will s ll find you by way of the leaflet drop into your mailbox in a last ditch a empt to seduce you with point-form promises offering you all the reasons why you should vote for one team or candidate over another.

At a local level we will have candidates for the Red Team, The Blue Team and the Green Team with others who declare themselves Independent and as such, declare no colour. Typically by doing so these neutrally toned candidates become almost transparent and alas, don’t fair so well in the votes. The last Federal Elec on was an interes ng acknowledgement of the need to give colour to a team with otherwise Independents calling themselves Teal. As it turned out voters liked the colour as much as the sen ment, the promises and the mandates.

The problem with Teams is that if you are a member then you follow the Team Mantra. There is no stepping outside. You are either “With us or Against us”. The very no on of a team player ‘crossing the floor’ to take sides against you is abhorrent and intolerable to the point of consequence. Cross the floor and you are basically ostracised. And it doesn’t ma er if you are Red, Blue or Green. A er all it is a team thing and either you are a team player or not.

The problem I have with all of this is that there are some excellent ideas in the Red camp who are focused on social equity, some corker sugges ons in the Green camp that might help the environment (including the humans who live there as well) and some reasonable ideas from the Blue camp who seem to be fixated on money and na onal security.

Recently the local Liberal candidate told ABC "I don't believe in the team blue or team red. I'd just like to have a crack." That might be the sort of thing an Independent might say but it shows a complete naivety on the part of a boy from the bush entering the sordid world of nepo smic idealists who have a master plan requiring all its members to raise their right hand and say “Yes Sir, Three Bags full sir”.

This elec on I hunger for a final result that would put in Parliament a room of ra onal folks with one clear intent: to deliver to each and all of us the best possible outcome we can afford to provide the services we need so that each, and all of us, might live a life that is rich and rewarding. That might come from improving our social equity, improving our health and educa on services, reducing our impact on our environment, and thinking outside the square of financial modelling.

Elec on me frustrates me. I wonder how it is that, with such enormous wealth, such incredible intelligence, such amazing poten al we con nue to achieve so li le for ourselves other than the meagre scraps of mediocrity. It is our tribalism that halts it all. “My team is be er than you team”. “Your idea is rubbish and mine is be er”. “I represent my tribe and care li le for yours”.

It is tribalism that keeps us all unable to achieve so much more. One day, some day, we might recognise the fact that we are li le more than advanced apes on a very large Blue Ball hurtling through space and that we need to put aside our pe y differences of who’s God is be er, whose sexuality or gender is best, whose skin colour ma ers, and why and whose team will win the spoils of war or the vast bucket of money that returns li le more than ego and toys.

Un l that me, when we come together as humans living on the only planet we have access to, we will con nue our senseless tribalism, our blind patrio sm, the separa sm, the eli sm, the racism, the bullying and the ideologies that ensure we will never have One Voice, nor ever be One People on One Planet.

Bay trial, Rapid-response team target trash and toilets

Eurobodalla Council will trial a rapid-response team to deal with out-of-control li er should it arise during the Australia Day break.

The trial is a response to inadequate li er collec on over the Christmas and New Year break, primarily along Batemans Bay’s waterfront but also at some areas in Narooma. At the me, Council’s new general manager Warwick Winn said he did not want to see this happen again.

“Despite 22 extra bins and addi onal services by our contractor Cleanaway at Batemans Bay, we saw locals collec ng overflowing trash into shopping trolleys in an effort to keep their town dy,” Mr Winn said.

“For the Australia Day long weekend we will again have addi onal bins and have asked Cleanaway to do addi onal emptying in high-volume areas.

“We’ll also trial a rapid-response team to keep an eye on things and take ac on if the extra bins and collec ons aren’t enough. They’ll also act as a point of contact with the public to help Council be er understand why so much li er is being generated.”

The Council-staffed response team will be based at the Batemans Bay foreshore and CBD, enabling them to also assess public toilets –ensuring they are open and in good order – and respond to other areas if required.

“Public toilets are an ongoing issue that involves so much more than just cleaning them. They need broader considera on and real ac on,” Mr Winn said.

“The addi onal measures are a trial. We’ll review them a er the January long weekend and adjust our response for other busy periods, like Easter, to ensure our shire looks as good as it can for visitors and residents alike.”

Perro et arrives empty handed on housing solu ons

The Premier, Dominic Perro et, failed to have any solu ons to the Eurobodalla homelessness issues when he met with Mayor Hatcher today over a coffee.

In what should have been a well prepared response, prepared by the NSW Premier to address the Mayor's request for State assistance, was li le more than a token nod to indicate comprehension of the issue across the region, but specifically at North Head Moruya Camping ground. On Friday 13th of January, 2023, the Mayor said in a media release: “The NSW Government is responsible for crisis and social housing, and they must step in and help us solve this issue".

“These are primi ve campgrounds, meaning there is no permanent hot water or enclosed showers. They simply aren’t a suitable place for people to be living permanently.”

Council has been working with local homelessness agencies and case managers are visi ng the campground weekly, where more than 50 people experiencing homelessness are currently living.

“The local agencies are doing great work in terms of providing support, but what no one can offer right now is a suitable place for these people to live,” the Mayor said.

“We need the Premier to act quickly. The NSW Government could buy a motel or a block of units to temporarily house people in a crisis.

“The situa on has become cri cal and now is the me for the NSW Government to do something.

“I don’t want people living in freezing cold tents again this winter and the local council installing temporary hot showers to provide some small comfort and dignity. In Australia in 2023, everyone should have a roof over their head and the security of a place to call home.

“I’m asking the Premier to provide this basic human right for the people living at North Head campground.”

The mee ng today could have been so much more than a coffee that had the Premier say he would have a response within a week. The Premier has known for over a week that he was coming to the Eurobodalla. His office had already locked in a mee ng with the Mayor and Blind Freddy would have known the number one issues on the table would have been the State's obliga ons around the NSW Government being responsible for crisis and social housing, and their failure to step in and help solve the issue in the Eurobodalla, and Moruya in par cular.

The failure in preparedness by the Premier to show respect of the local Mayor in preparing a variety of solu ons for discussion only added to the lack of respect in invi ng the Eurobodalla Mayor to the official opening of the new Emergency Department demountables in Moruya, just a stone's throw from the Council Chambers.

Instead the Premier chose to invite the Mayor of Bega to assist with the ribbon cu ng, a move that was li le more than cheap adver sing for the Liberal Candidate in the upcoming NSW Elec on.

The stunt has been seen for what it was and does li le for the reputa on of either the Premier or his candidate. It will be interes ng to see what immediate solu ons the Premier offers in one week.

Cliff rescue at Surf Beach

South Coast Police District, NSW SES Moruya Unit and the NSW SES Batemans Bay Unit team were responded last night to Surf Beach where a 12 year old was feeling adventurous and became a li le stuck on a cliff face.

NSW SES Batemans Bay Unit say "He did the right thing and contacted emergency services. We were able to provide him with a quick tethered abseiling lesson, down a ver cal face near White Sands Place, Surf Beach.

"The young adventurer and our SES #volunteer safely made it to the bo om of the cliff unscathed".

Are

with NSW SES Batemans Bay Unit ?

h ps://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer

Photo: NSW SES Batemans Bay Unit

you interested in volunteering

Free Saturday show entry

There’s free entry for all to the 2023 Eurobodalla Agricultural Show at the Moruya Showground on Saturday 21 January, 2023.

Eurobodalla Council’s community recovery officer Linda Wilton said the complimentary entry was possible thanks to bushfire recovery funding from the Na onal Emergency Management Agency and the NSW Government, which also funded a Community Preparedness Expo to be run in conjunc on with the show.

“This is great news for our community and should encourage people to get out and enjoy our wonderful annual show, which has always been a crowd favourite and now back up and running a er a few difficult years,” Ms Wilton said.

“This funding means anyone and everyone can come along for free on Saturday, from 9am to 8pm, and enjoy all the show ac vi es: from the livestock judging to sideshow alley, from the motorcycle gymkhana to dog high jump.”

Ms Wilton will be coordina ng the Community Preparedness Expo during the show from 9am to 4pm and located just outside the basketball stadium.

“This is an opportunity for the community to get up-to-date with personal and community preparedness around emergencies and natural disasters,” she said.

“We’ll have a range of services and providers on site with informa on, demonstra ons and ac vi es. For example, the new fire-danger ra ng system, bushfire survival plans, flood awareness and how to get involved in community-led resilience. There’ll also be fun, down-to-earth or light-hearted ac vi es for kids and kids at heart, like drama games, community art installa ons, smokehouse demonstra ons and virtual reality headsets.”

Free entry is for Saturday only – normal gate fees will apply on Sunday 22 January 2023. For more informa on on the Community Preparedness Expo visit www.esc.nsw.gov.au/events or contact Linda Wilton on linda.wilton@esc.nsw.gov.au

BATEMANS BAY YOUTH FOUNDATION 29th Grants Presenta on

The Batemans Bay Youth Founda on hosted an inspira onal presenta on func on at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club last night (Tuesday 17 January 2023).

Ninety special guests, including family members congratulated eleven students from four local high schools who received grants of $3,500 to assist them in making the transi on to living away from home.

The successful students this year are:

Emma Moses B of Nursing UOW

Alana Gallen B of Law/Int. Studies UOW

Dylan Golden B of Film Produc on UOC

Tayissa Brieley B of Teaching UOW

Phoebe Kinnane B of Nursing UOW

Drew Hubbard Carpentry trade TAFE

Joel Vedouw Barbering trade TAFE

Nieve Blackman B of Psychology CSU

Bonnie Rouch B of Nursing CSU

Tara Doran B of Arts / Teaching Macq

Makadde Ethell B of Health Science ANU

On receiving their grant each student gave a short speech outlining their ter ary educa on plans, their accommoda on plans and how the grant would be used to support their transi on to ter ary study. Each student story was unique in many aspects. Examples included: a student who has a passion for photography who over summer has been protec ng swimmers by providing drone patrols on our beaches; two students who are well on their way to comple ng their trades through the school-based appren ceship program; three students who are pursuing careers in nursing. All students were very excited about this major step in their lives.

Two Excellence Prizes named a er the late Chairman Alex Taylor OAM, and the re red Chairman Peter Wood OAM were also presented. Each prize of $1,000 is paid for excellent scholas c performance in the first year of university, restricted to Grantees of the previous year.

The prizes were awarded to Cate Shea, studying for a Bachelor of Primary Educa on at the University of Canberra, who achieved 2 high dis nc ons, 6 dis nc ons in her first year. Damia O’Loughlin received an award for her achievement of 7 high dis nc ons and 3 dis nc ons at Sydney University Conservatorium of Music. Damia also entertained the func on with a deligh ul musical recital.

Joshua Vanze entertained the gathering with an address about his experiences during his year at ANU studying Engineering.

The BBYF was established in 1994 for the purpose of providing financial assistance to students leaving high school to pursue personal development and advancement in an unlimited range of worthwhile fields of endeavour. It is supported by a partnership between Batemans Bay Rotary, RSL and Soldiers Club.

Since 1994 the Founda on has given Grants to 250 students, worth a total value of $780,000. Every cent was locally raised, privately donated, or as part of a bequest.

The BBYF selec on panel had the daun ng task of determining the 11 grantees from a field of 26 applicants. This was completed through December with interviews held in January. For those receiving a grant, it is a vote of confidence by the Batemans Bay community. The founda on wishes all applicants every success for the future.

Bega Mayor opens new Moruya Emergency Department ? aided by

Premier ?

Oddly the opening of the Moruya Emergency Department demountable extension was opened by The Premier and his sidekick, the Mayor of Bega, well outside his LGA boundary. There was no sign of the member for the electorate, Dr Michael Holland, nor was there the presence of the Mayor of Eurobodalla, Mat Hatcher.

Along with The Beagle it appears that neither the State Member for Bega or the Mayor of Eurobodalla were invited to what can only be seen as a secre ve, under the radar visit known only to handpicked media. The Premier was in the region to a end an invita on only lunch in Narooma in support of the Mayor of Bega, a Liberal candidate for the upcoming State elec on.

This explains why the said candidate was present at the opening of the demountable wing in Moruya. The wing has been provided as a temporary transi on to the provision of a Level Four Emergency Department in the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital. Like the previous Prime Minister, the NSW Premier and his Minister for Health are both cau ous of visi ng the South East. This explains why they visit to Moruya Hospital today was kept under wraps, in order to control the narra ve that has been the bane of the NSW Governmentbeing a lack of resources, understaffing, and a failure to deliver on promises.

Making their presence known were a small assembly that stood outside the hospital grounds displaying protest placards that raised, once again, the issue of pa ent ra os and understaffing. In order to bypass the protestors the Premier and his entourage were has ly taken through a back entry where hospital staff had been assembled for a meet and greet handshake opportunity with the media given li le opportunity to ask the hard ques ons. The surrep ous move was orchestrated from the start given that a red ribbon, posters and lectern decoy had been placed at the front of the hospital to a ract the protestors while NSW Police in black t-shirts manned the emergency door entrance to bustle protestors who might dare follow the Premier as he entered via the rear doors.

It was clear to those who observed that the visit was planned to reduce the media exposure of any nega ves and to control the narra ve by evading the hard ques ons that might be asked by less informed and more acquiescent journalists.

Ques ons such as:

Premier, it is less than a week since the South East lost its maternity services. Now we are facing the reality that most fractures suffered in the region will now be treated outside of the region. Staffing shortages across the have not improved as were promised. What is your response? Will you support Labor's Safe Staffing Levels commitment?

Premier, the new facility is now open. Can you advise who will be staffing it given that the current ED is understaffed.

Premier, an inquiry called for this upgrade in 2018. Why has it taken 5 years for this temporary fix to open? And why is it being opened a er the holiday season of 2022-2023 rather than before to service the peak demands the region experienced?

Premier, there is double talk around the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital opening as a Level Four. In December 2021 your Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, said that the services "will PROGRESS to a Level 4 role delinea on" then, 1 month later on January 21st, 2022, stated that commi ed to opening the new Eurobodalla Hospital as a level four facility ahead of the Bega and Monaro by-elec on.

Now the response is: “The Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be built to accommodate a Level 4 health facility” (response from the Frequently Asked Ques ons - Eurobodalla Hospital and Health Services Redevelopment)

But these ques ons weren't asked.

The opening of the extension may well have been all the jus fica on the Premier needed to officially cover the costs of the visit to the South East where the singular purpose was to garner support for the Liberal Candidate in the upcoming State elec on.

The embarrassment of the day was the presence of Bega Mayor Russel Fitzpatrick who said nothing and served only to hold one end of the ribbon, reminiscent of the nodding backdrop we saw when Minister Hazzard came to the region to make yet another vacuous health announcement as a means to gain media exposure for the then Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs

The uninvited Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, told The Beagle "The opening of the Moruya emergency department extensions are a valida on of my 20 years service to the Eurobodalla health system and my advocacy for improvements to services to the community". "In 2017, I organised a mee ng of emergency specialists, surgeons, anaesthe sts, GPs, and a former SNSWLHD board member to express our concerns regarding services in the Eurobodalla.

"This led to the agency for clinical innova on performing a review in 2017

"The findings of the review recommending improvements to cri cal care and periopera ve care were not released un l 2018

"Because of this delay and inac on, in 2018 a pe on of 3500 signatures was achieved in 3 weeks.

"The pe on sought improvements in cri cal care, emergency services, and periopera ve services". "It requested the building of a single new Level 4 Eurobodalla regional hospital."

In regards to the staffing of the new facility Dr Holland said "I have previously been informed by emergency doctors and nurses in Moruya regarding the shortage of registered nurses to staff the exis ng emergency department and the inordinate length of me for applica ons to be processed for appointments. This has led to applicants applying elsewhere".

AUSTRALIA DAY IN THE BAY

A er a three year break, the Batemans Bay community will gather again on the morning of Australia Day to reflect, respect and celebrate being Australian.

The Australia Day bacon and egg roll breakfast has long been part of our local scene, sponsored by the local service clubs.

The Australia Day Breakfast used to be held at Corrigan’s Beach Reserve in Batehaven, but bushfires, covid and wet weather put a stop to that for the last three years.

Now, the breakfast is back at a new loca on, and everyone is invited!

From this year, the Australia Day Community Breakfast will be held on the waterfront foreshore precinct in Batemans Bay.

Parking is available in the many public car parks in Batemans Bay town centre, and it is just a short, enjoyable walk to the foreshore.

Bring a picnic rug or fold up chairs, your hat and sunscreen plus a bo le of water. Plan to spend a few hours and enjoy our wonderful waterfront.

Breakfast ckets are available from the Rotary tent for $5 each from 8am. Rotary and Lions are serving 1000 breakfasts, so don’t be late!

There will be free games, ac vi es and face pain ng for the kids and all our emergency services will be on display and would love you to say hello!

Broulee Sand Modelling Compe on Jan 26th

IT'S ON AGAIN!

The Broulee Sand Modelling Compe on has become an annual ritual for locals and visitors alike... Grab your shovel and buckets and join in the fun

Due to a high de we were unable to run the event on NYE, however the des are favourable late on AUSTRALIA DAY Thursday 26th of January 2023

Meet at North Broulee Beach ameni es block between 3 & 4pm to register, compe on will begin at 4pm and all crea ons must be finished by 5pm ready for judging.

Categories as follows:

1. Junior Sandcastle (12 years and under)

2. Open Sandcastle (all ages)

3. Junior Sculpture (12 years and under)

4. Open Sculpture (all ages)

Plenty of prizes for the top 3 places in each category generously donated by our local business sponsors.

Pre-register your team online here: h ps://www.trybooking.com/CFLSP

TAFE NSW Helping South Coast Farmers Harvest Success With

Fee-Free

Chemical Course

TAFE NSW is suppor ng the South Coast by offering farmers an opportunity to renew a compulsory licence – online and at no cost - allowing them to use chemicals on their property.

TAFE NSW has recently made its Statement of A ainment in Agricultural Chemical Skill Set fee-free to eligible locals, including farmers and any other worker with a requirement to use pes cides and herbicides on the job.

According to a report by Deloi e, almost 70 per cent of crops grown in Australia are a ributed to pes cides with farmers required to renew their licence to use chemicals every five years.

TAFE NSW primary industries teacher Kelly Upton said the fee-free course applied to a number of different professions in the community.

“There are literally thousands of workers in the primary industries sector that need this licence, and also many people that work in parks and gardens,” Ms Upton said.

Above: TAFE NSW is offering local farmers and other land managers an opportunity to update a compulsory chemical licence for free.

“By offering it fully online, TAFE NSW is allowing workers to access the course when and where it suits them best, nega ng the need to travel to a TAFE NSW campus at a specific me.”

Ms Upton said students had a three-month window to complete the course once they enrol.

The course, which normally costs $350 to study at TAFE NSW, includes two units of study: transpor ng and storing chemicals, and preparing to apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases.

Moruya RSL Sub Branch are having a stand at the Moruya Show on 21st January next to the School Army Cadets stand & would be pleased to meet you there.

Please come along & introduce yourself to the members on the stand.

Remember the Moruya RSL Sub Branch mee ngs are held at the Moruya RSL Memorial Hall at 11Page St Moruya on the third Tuesday of the month. We welcome any visitors to our mee ngs who are veterans or serving personnel from the Armed Services.

Read the Beagle for further news of the Moruya RSL over the coming months towards Anzac Day

The Narooma VIEW Club

Narooma VIEW Club Breakfast & Book Stall

On Saturday January 2st the Narooma VIEW Club will be hosting a book stall. Lots of interesting titles available, and all proceeds go to support The Smith Family.

The first Meeting of the year will be breakfast at the Narooma Ice Creamery. Please contact Carlien 0411408269

Moruya Airport To Soar Thanks To New Funding

Moruya Airport has received $300,000 to improve safety and accessibility thanks to the Australian Government’s $100 million Regional Airports Program, Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP has announced.

The funding boost will mean Moruya Airport can renew its security fencing, improve the windsock ligh ng, add addi onal runway gables and replace the taxiway ligh ng poles.

Fiona Phillips said the Albanese Government con nues to invest in our regions, suppor ng people on the South Coast and improving local assets.

“I am absolutely delighted to see Moruya Airport ge ng the support it deserves to service our community safely and effec vely,” Fiona Phillips said.

The Gilmore MP said regional airports are a lifeline for our economy, cu ng commu ng mes for local people and ge ng our local produce to na onal and interna onal markets.

“Not only that, but many people rely on air services for healthcare, emergency services and more,” she said. “This investment will create more jobs, help local farmers, and support our social and economic connec ons across Australia – great news for local people.”

Photo: ESC

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 8.0012.00 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

NSW Seafood Innova on Program Grants NOW OPEN

NSW seafood businesses will be able to net a share in $500,000 worth of grants in a new push to drive further innova on across our local seafood industry.

Expressions of interest are officially open for the NSW Seafood Innova on Program which is aimed at crea ng more jobs and boos ng the value of the sector. All proposals put forward must address one or more of the three key challenge areas including supply chain innova on, product innova on and product quality.

The program will: provide innovators with a new avenue to propose ideas and technologies to increase the value of NSW seafood

offer $10,000 in seed funding and expert advice to individuals, coopera ves and companies to develop their ideas

offer up to $130,000 in financial assistance and mentoring to scale a new product that is already advanced in development iden fy ways to improve efficiency, services and outcomes for NSW fishers, fisheries and the seafood supply chain.

The Seafood Innova on Program has been developed by NSW DPI, in partnership with the Fisheries Research and Development Corpora on (FRDC) and an industry-led steering commi ee, made up of members with experience in the NSW seafood industry, product development and innova on processes.

All interested businesses and individuals should register to receive updates on the Seafood Innova on Program. Get more informa on or apply for the Seafood Innova on Program

Photo: BJ & HD Coxon Oyster Farmers in Narooma : the best of Wagonga

We Are Back This Summer!

The Never Ending 80s OUTSIDE River Side STAGE

At Moruya Waterfront Hotel JAN 21st

Tag The Gang And BOOK NOW

It was THE era of BIG HAIR, BIG HITS and BIG FUN. NEVER ENDING 80’s take you back to Party Like It's 1989 with a night packed full of the biggest hits by the greatest ar sts ever.

The 80s were RAD with THE GREATEST soundtrack, and we are bringing it back to Dance The Night Away.

Now, Australia’s number one retro band the Never Ending 80s are bringing that soundtrack to the stage as they carve their way through the music of Prince, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, INXS, Bon Jovi, Huey Lewis & The News, Whitney Houston, as well as so many other giants, you’ll be dancing and singing along to all of your 80s tunes LIKE TOTALLY..!

an 21st - Dave Newman – Tuross Club (7.30pm)

Jan 21st - Ian Treloar – Tomakin Club (7.30pm)

Jan 21st - Dust and Echos at One Tree Tavern, Tuross

Jan 21st - Never Ending 80s Party -Moruya Waterfront Hotel

We Are Back This Summer! The Never Ending 80s OUTSIDE River Side STAGE At Moruya Waterfront Hotel - JAN 21

It was THE era of BIG HAIR, BIG HITS and BIG FUN. NEVER ENDING 80’s take you back to Party Like It's 1989 with a night packed full of the biggest hits by the greatest ar sts ever. The 80s were RAD with THE GREATEST soundtrack, and we are bringing it back to Dance The Night Away.

Now, Australia’s number one retro band the Never Ending 80s are bringing that soundtrack to the stage as they carve their way through the music of Prince, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, INXS, Bon Jovi, Huey Lewis & The News, Whitney Houston, as well as so many other giants, you’ll be dancing and singing along to all of your 80s tunes LIKE TOTALLY..!

Jan 22nd - Country Pumpkins – Eurobodalla Show (noon) Jan 22nd - Steve Benic – Tomakin Club (2pm)

Jan 26th - Stru Trio – Club Tuross Jan 26th - Vinyl Rain – Club Malua (4pm)

Jan 27th - @agirlar st will be at Moruya Golf Club

Jan 28th - Legoman at One Tree Tavern, Tuross

Jan 28th - Dave Berry – Tomakin Club (7.30pm)

Jan 28th - DJ Jo Jo Karaoke – Tuross Club (7.30pm)

Jan 29th -Rick Bamford – Club Tuross (4pm)

Reading—A beer with Baz

Bazza flicked through the news on his iPad, let out a very audible “Bloody hell’ and slid it to one side as a blurry eyed Mick approached, armed with schooners.

“I’ve had a late night watching Kokkinakas take it to Andy Murray in the tennis, Bazza.”

“Yeah, yeah, Mick. I like watching the tennis but the sports betting advertisements are a turn off for me. I’ve just been reading about gambling companies offering bets on matches involving minors. The insidious spread of gambling pisses me off.”

‘Well you are back to your cranky self, Bazza. Holidays over eh?”

They both took decent sips and Bazza half smiled.

“Anyhow, Bazza, I do need to have another chat to you about the Voice to Parliament Referendum. You might of swayed me last time we had a yarn about it, but I reckon they need to release more details.”

Bazza’s face reddened.

“It’s a pretty straightforward proposal, Mick. A simple question;

‘Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?’

You vote YES or NO.”

“Yeah….but the detail, Bazza.’

Bazza took a deep breath.

“Mick……. we have a Parliament we elect. If we do not like the Parliament we elect, we vote them out. Simple. Its job, in this case, is to make good the outcome of the referendum. We pass judgment at the next election.”

A long pause and Bazza furrowed his brow as he leaned in.

“It’s in the interests of opponents of the Voice to make the referendum as scary and as complicated as possible. The same tactics led to the defeat of the Referendum on the Republic. Even the same sex marriage debate was reduced to claims people could marry a sheep at one stage. It’s bloody hard to get a referendum up in Australia, as you not only need a majority of the Australian people to support it, but a majority of the States to do the same. It’s pretty easy to sabotage it.”

Mick rubbed his bald head a number of times and Bazza closed his eyes for a moment.

“Ignore the hysteria and stick to the question, Mick;

‘Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?’

There is nothing in the question about third chambers, over representation, the right of veto and so on.”

Bazza rubbed his chin.

“Now tell me, Mick, how do you tell our First Nation’s People 60,000 plus years of living here does not deserve a voice? How do you explain to an international visitor, let alone your own grandchildren, that you voted NO?”

Mick bit his bottom lip repeatedly.

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

Reading

Moruya Books—Customer recommenda on

Moruya Books regular and book aficionado Frank Ross says: The best poli cal book he’s ever read! Especially for those who would like an introduc on to poli cal history, from pre-se lement indigenous systems to present day.

A landmark book – the first full poli cal history of Australia

In this compelling and comprehensive work, renowned historian Frank Bongiorno presents a social and cultural history of Australia’s poli cal life, from pre-se lement Indigenous systems to the present day.

Depic ng a wonderful parade of dreamers and schemers, Bongiorno surveys moments of poli cal renewal and sheds fresh light on our democra c life.

From local pubs and mee ng halls to the parliament and cabinet; from pamphleteers and stump orators to party agents and opera ves – this enthralling account looks at the poli cal insiders in the halls of power, as well as the agitators and outsiders who sought to shape the na on from the margins.

A work of poli cal history like no other, Dreamers and Schemers will transform the way you look at Australian poli cs.

‘With acuity and grace, Bongiorno divines the soul of the na on … All told with a cheeky eye for detail and nose for skullduggery by a historian in full archival, narra ve and rhetorical flight. A landmark work’ —Clare Wright ‘Bongiorno is one of our premier historians and this is his masterwork. An original take on our poli cs and people, wri en with an open mind and warm Australian heart.’ — George Megalogenis

‘From First Na ons poli cs to the democracy sausage, Dreamers and Schemers never disappoints. It will stand as one of the most essen al works in Australian history for decades to come’.

Mark McKenna

Reading—history

100 Years Ago—20th January 1923

WHEN will the Shire Council repair the disgraceful dressing shed at Moruya Heads?

A revival in gold mining hereabouts is predicted, and, needless to say, it is feverishly looked forward to as a means of absorbing our unemployed as well as infusing some life into the community.

AS Bateman’s Bay and Narooma freigh ng is slack, the s.s. Kianga is engaged carrying mber from the Northern Rivers to Melbourne.

THE L.S.N. Co’s steamer Bodalla which le our port on Sunday, called at Bawley Point the same day, and when loading mber there, broke from her moorings and swung on to the rocks. The vessel sprang a leak, and made for Ulladulla, where it was found she was leaking badly. The live stock was transhipped to another steamer. A er effec ng temporary repairs the Bodalla proceeded on her journey but on reaching Jervis Bay there was 6 of water in her and she immediately returned to Ulladulla and unloaded her cargo. She was a erwards beached in Ulladulla Harbor in a safe place.

MRS. P. Mylo is collec ng clothing for Digger Earle and family. [The Earle’s of Turlinjah lost their home and belongings in the bushfires.] All those who wish to contribute are kindly requested to leave same with her. TO organise a benefit for Mr. E. Earle and family a mee ng was held on Monday night, at which Mr. T. Flood presided. A er discussion it was decided to hold a concert and dance on the 26th inst., Misses M. Bull and N. Parbery were appointed joint secretaries, and Mr. Flood treasurer. We understand that the people of Turlinjah, where Mr. Earle resides, are also inaugura ng a fund in aid of their fellow resident in distress.

THREE thousand motorists, who were compelled to use the punt across the George’s River at Tom Ugly’s Point last Sunday week signed a statement to the effect that they would be willing to pay a toll charge if a bridge were built by private enterprise.

THE SHEIK is coming to the Amusu Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 30th. Book now. Prices 3/- & 2/-.

THE dwarf retaining fence around the local Court House ground has been completed by Messrs. A. Williams and B. Coppin, and in every stone and paling erected is reflected the excellent workmanship of these capable tradesmen. The fine finished appearance of the new construc on is decidedly an improvement to the Queen -Vulcan St. corner.

MRS. J. Johnson, the excep onally capable teacher of the Eurobodalla Public School, has just completed 43 years of faithful service in the Educa on Department. Extracted from the Moruya Examiner by the Moruya and District Historical Society Inc. h ps:// www.mdhs.org.au

Spare Prince Harry

It was one of the most searing images of the twen eth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow— and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.

For Harry, this is that story at last.

Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.

At twenty-one, he joined the Bri sh Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-trauma c stress and prone to crippling panic a acks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love.

Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinema c romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repea ng itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .

For the first me, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publica on, Spare is full of insight, revela on, self-examina on, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.

Narooma Gallery presents: Frida & Feathers

Perpetua (Pe ) McInnes and Donna Goulding exhibit new work together for the first me at the Narooma Gallery. Diverse works, both ar sts explore character, belonging, and personal strength.

Un l Sunday, January 29, 2023 4:00 PM

Narooma School of Art & Soldier's War Memorial Hall Inc92 Campbell Street, Narooma

Goulding’s works are an interpreta on of Frida Khalo’s life. Khalo is a muse, model and leader for many women and a source of inspira on for countless ar sts. Goulding states: I am interested in the life of Frida Kahlo as she is a strong woman like me, and she inspires me to create and be honest. Frida Kahlo’s strong poli cal, intellectual and deeply patrio c views always sought to be a strong voice for oppressed women. Self-taught, her pain ng allowed Frida to overcome and alleviate severe physical and psychological pain caused by a debilita ng accident.

A er a 30 year career in Fes val and Event management, McInnes has recommi ed to her con nued love of crea ng and pain ng. The works for this exhibi on are an explora on of colour movement. They express McInnes’ fascina on with birds, which on observa on are like humans, each bird has their own clans and personali es.

Ar st talk gathering

All are welcome to come along and listen to the ar sts talk about their work and stay for drinks and a sausage sizzle immediately a er.

Saturday 21 January 5:30 pm - 7:00pm

Image credits:

Le : Donna Goulding, Frida (detail), 2022, acrylic, 300 mm H x 150 mm W. Photograph the Ar st

Right: Perpetua McInnes, Inquisi ve (detail), 2022, oil, 610 mm H x 1220 mm W. Photograph the Ar st

Jus n Pearson's outstanding collec on of landscapes "A Cluster of Green" runs un l Sunday 5 February.

Expressive and invi ng, Jus n's rich oils are full of movement and nuance, brought together skilfully with the most beau ful use of colour.

Gallery Bodalla is open Thursday to Sunday 11am - 4pm and by appointment, post office 66a Princes Hwy, Bodalla ph 0421 238 174.

Visit the exhibi on at www.gallerybodalla.com.au

Tuross Head Tennis Club,

in associa on with Tennis NSW, will be having an open day on Sunday 29th January.

We invite all to par cipate with the tennis community between 9am and 1pm for free tennis, sausage sizzle and drinks. So bring all the family and racquets and come share the day with our members. We will also have the opportunity to officially open our new sun shelter.

Please refer to our page - Tuross Head Tennis Club

Free Tennis Family Fun day at Malua Bay Jan 28th

Malua Bay Tennis Club will be welcoming people of all ages and abili es, who enjoy a game of tennis, on Saturday 28 January from 4pm to 8pm. Come along for a fun filled free a ernoon of tennis, free refreshments for all players, thanks to Anne e and Henry Thompson in their Squid ‘n Round Van serving Squid and Chips, Sausage Sizzle and so drinks also Mar na Ciccarelli in her Coffee Van serving Coffee and cakes!

Come along and join in the fun!

Close Finish in Tuross Vets Golf Stroke & Pu s Event

With warmer weather and members returning from holidays it was good to see a field of 58 players register for the Tuross Head Veterans Golf Stroke & Pu s event held on Wednesday 18 January 2023.

Winner on the day was Vets Captain Ian Miller (above) with a below handicap score of 33 ne . Next best was Ian Manton on 34, followed by Anne e Manton and Peter McRae with 36s. Minor prizes went to Bruce Harding on 36, Greg Thornton, Paul Pereira, Neil Mather and Len Rogers on 37, Ray Downey, Ann Ware, Blaise Madden and Steve Swanbury with 38, and finally David Williams, Margaret Downey, Rob Nash and Bruce Mar n all on 39. Peter McRae took out the pu ng compe on in a very ght finish with just 10 pu s for the 9 holes played Nearest the pins went to Peter Coffey on the 4th, Lars Gaupset on the 6th, and to Anne e Manton and Neal Watson on the 7th. Julie Barningham won the Accuracy drive whilst Mike Birks was the winner of the weeks infamous Bradman award.

Broulee Runners Wed

18th January 2023

The rain came before the start of this evenings run and out came the young people. The rain and the water on the path did not worry them. When they finished, they all headed for the water in the creek and to jump off the bridge. It seems to be a must for any young person coming to Broulee to jump off the bridge at Candlagan Creek.

In the 2-Kilometres Personal Best mes were recorded by Audrey Knobel, Andrew Greenway, Max Gunn, Elsie Fleming, and Lily Williams. In the 4-Kilometres PBs were recorded by James Gold and Chloe Tangney. Special men on must go to the people that make the event a success and carry on even in the pouring rain. Deb Connaughton got the event underway and stood her ground ming each runner. Richard Fisher managed the se ng up the course and gave out the finish tokens. Robyn Kennedy, as she has done for years recorded each finisher. David McCann and Mike Kennedy were there to help with the course management.

Tuross Womens Bowls off to a “Crackerjack” start.

Club Tuross was alive with cha er as a great group of 25 ladies a ended the return of bowls last Tuesday, for the 2023 bowling year.

It was a magical day for bowls with the sun shining and the greens playing so well.

It was wonderful to welcome three new ladies, who had a great lesson with Club Coach Jim Madden. We wish them the very best as they begin their adventure into the great sport of lawn bowls and we thank Jim for his dedica on and enthusiasm as he brings out the very best in each bowler.

The next major events to be played are the Nader Shield, which is a longstanding compe on against many District clubs. Ten of our women will play in the coveted Shield on the 9th and 10th February.

The District Open and Senior Fours will be played at Bodalla on the 1st and 2nd February and the District Singles at Dalmeny on 16th and 17th February. We wish all teams and individuals who have entered these compe ons the very best of luck. Several women will be joining the Men’s Club this Saturday to play in the Club “Lightning Singles” at Tuross and then, in early February lots of ladies will also be joining the men playing in the Open Gender pennant compe on, which will be played on Saturdays around the various District bowling clubs. This compe on will run un l May.

What a busy calendar! We are also busy preparing for the annual Easter Fair which will be held on the green at the Club on Easter Sunday.

All ladies are welcome to come along to bowls on a Tuesday morning, upstairs at Tuross Country Club. Names need to be in around ¼ to 9 with the Match Commi ee. Bowls commences on the green at 9:30 am. Come along for fresh air, fun and friendship.

Moruya River.

With holiday traffic slowing up, we can finally start to take stock of a fairly busy Xmas period. A big thank you to everyone that paid us a visit over the holiday period, it was much needed and very much appreciated.

Taking a look at the sea surface temperatures this morning, wow is all I can say! That northerly warm current is fairly ripping down the coast, bring water temps way up. There are s ll a few pockets of cooler water stuck along the coast, but for the main, temps are up.

The flathead and bream have been on the chew this week, with most areas holding fish. The airport flats for good flathead and the odd whi ng, the oyster racks and any structure for good bream, and the weed beds for good estuary perch.

Preddy’s wharf has seen several nice fish to entertain a lot of visi ng families, while theses bigger fish are generally the excep on, the local wharfs are a great place to start a young angler on their life me fishing journey. They offer a safe loca on and lots of school sized fish that young anglers can learn the art of fishing on. Small hooks, very li le weight and a bait that stays on the hook, will keep everyone entertained.

Further up the river, the town bridge and the flats under it have been holding all the usual suspects, with bream, whi ng, flathead, estuary perch and the odd Trevally all readily available.

Up in the fresh, the sweet water guys are having a heap of fun on bass, with the cicadas in fine voice on those hot summer evenings.

Tuross River.

Plenty of whitebait in the river, has seen good flathead yet again on the chew, with a few mulloway also joining the dinner invita on. Whitebait has been the bait of choice obviously, so much so that several bait freezers have sold out this week. Good news, we have it back in stock. I prefer to fish my white bait on a small gang of hooks, as it can be a very so bait, and prone to being picked off, the gang hooks offer protec on if there are any tailor around also.

Four ways has seen some nice bream in the snags and flathead on the drop offs and flats being taken, not to forget the chance of Mr mulloway in the deeper holes.

The metal bridge at Bodalla con nues to see the bream holding on all the available snags that line the river bank along this sec on, with a good mix of estuary perch up around the Bumbo creek intersec on. Whi ng and flathead are also available on the rivers copious sand flats. Rock and beach.

There con nue to be good salmon on the beaches this week, with several small bronze whaler sharks caught and released around Pedro point as well. With the warming currents now in full effect, the whi ng and bream can be reliably chased using live nippers, pipis and worms as baits in the gu ers in close to the shore line.

Moruya breakwall has s ll been the focus for a lot of anglers chasing a few salmon, trevally, bream and flathead. The rocks at south head con nue to hold a few drummer, and what has been speculated at as bonito brought down with the warm currents. Fish early for the these fun li le tuna, with cast lures being very effec ve in fooling them. As with all tuna, bleed them straight away, and enjoy a very firm white flesh. Offshore.

The run of Marlin for the game boats con nue to ramp up, with many more boats out this week, and several fish caught tagged and released. The flathead have been happy to oblige the inshore crews, while the snapper will be heading to slightly deeper cooler waters of around 50m now that the warm currents have really kicked in.

Weather wise, looks like we are in for a bit more rain on Sunday leading into Monday, with the wind looking to top out at under 20ks, which will make a more comfortable change this weekend. Mid 20’s for day me temps, not too hot not too cold. The swells are dropping to almost non existent this weekend, so boa ng looks to be on the cards for those wan ng to get out this weekend. As always, check the weather condi ons before heading out, as we all know you can’t really trust what the BoM tells us.

On a side note, we are again looking for someone to join the Tackle World Moruya team on a weekend casual basis. We are ideally looking for some a bit more senior, as being able to work alone on the weekends will be required. If this is something you may be interested in or know of someone that would be suited, please get in contact with me in store.

Stay safe everyone and remember, “every days a good day for fishing…”

Team Tackle World Moruya.

estate

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

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

The beagle abode is the new addi on to the South Coast Beagle that owns The Beagle and the South Coast Travel Guide: The Nature Coast of NSW : from Durras to The Tilbas

The Beagle Abode has been established to provide that service while also providing our readers with a glossy overview of latest proper es on the market each week.

You can find Beagle Abode on the Beagle website under REAL ESTATE

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

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

Government Programs Having an Impact

With the start of the new year, we are now seeing the impact of some of the recent government programs which affect the property market. At a Federal Government level, it is reported that hundreds of families are coming into the new year in a new home thanks to the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee being launched three months earlier than planned by the Albanese government. The program commenced on the 1st October and since then 1,200 Australians have been able to buy a new home in regional areas as a result of the government assistance. The program enables eligible first home buyers to get up to 15% of government guarantee, to purchase a property with a deposit as li le as 5% to avoid lenders mortgage insurance. They can therefore borrow up to 95% of the property’s value with the federal government providing the lender with a guarantee of up to 15% of the property’s price. The scheme was ini ally announced in the lead up to last year’s elec on and was fast-tracked to get it up and running as quickly as possible.

In addi on to the above program, the Federal Government has released dra legisla on to establish the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund. This fund aims to deliver 30,000 new social and affordable homes in the fund’s first five years. This includes 4,000 homes for women and children impacted by family and domes c violence or older women at risk of homelessness.

At a State Government level, the NSW first homebuyers land tax scheme came into effect from the 16th January. First me home owners who bought property in the past two months and now want to opt into the NSW government's land tax scheme will have their stamp duty refunded within two weeks. The program allows first homebuyers to choose between paying stamp duty or an annual land tax on proper es up to $1.5 million. Revenue NSW es mates that 2,500 people are likely to ask for a retrospec ve refund of their stamp duty and pay an annual fee instead. Premier Dominic Perro et said, "This na onal-first will significantly reduce up-front costs, reduce the me needed to save for a deposit and will see most first homebuyers pay less tax overall." Under the scheme a home owner will pay $400 plus 0.3% of the land value each year.

NSW Labor has opposed the change, announcing they would scrap the scheme if elected in March and have revealed its counter-policy, promising to abolish stamp duty on homes up to $800,000 and provide a reduced rate on homes up to $1 million.

Locksmith

TV Antenna

Trees

The Beagle business and trades Directory a to z

Waste Management

Late entries

The Beagle Trades and Business Directory provides local Trades and Businesses a free lis ng in a hope that they might gain work from it, and con nue to provide employment and economic benefit to their families and our communi es. Adver sing is usually outside the affordability of many smaller businesses and sole traders. The Beagle supports locals. These lis ngs are FREE. If you are a local business and would like to be listed please contact us as we o en turn over these lis ngs to give everyone a fair go. Email beagleweeklynews@gmail.com Trades and Businesses can also list themselves on the Beagle Trades and Business Group in Facebook at h ps://www.facebook.com/groups/1303512213142880/