Beagle Weekender Vol 309 May 5th 2023

Arts ……………………. 28 to 30

Cinema ……………….. 20

Community ………………4 to 12

Reading ……………………..21 to 27

Real Estate…. 38 No ces…… 42

Food ………………………...31,32

Sport and Fishing………. 33 to 37

Editorial …………………..2,3

What’s On …………….... 13 to 19

Welcome to this week’s editorial, There is li le doubt that our elected councillors are about to find themselves between a rock and another rock.

While the greater problem for them to ponder over is the revela on that there is far less money in the bucket than we thought there was, that previous commitments will need to be reviewed, and most likely current prac ces ra onalised the major obstacle for the councillors will be to seen to best represent the community who voted them in.

But where are these councillors? And what exactly are they doing to show any evidence that they are listening and represen ng the community?

Let’s start with the Office of Local Government descrip on: “As a councillor you are expected to represent the views of the community while making decisions in their interests, demonstrate conduct that the community expects and deserves, and plan and oversee the running of a significant and complex business. Although challenging at mes, your service will have a profound impact on your local community.

One of the bugbears that raises its head all too o en is the bit that says “expected to represent the views of the community while making decisions in their interests”

Back in the dark ages of a previous Council there was a manipula on that set out to restrict the “views of the community” from being heard. Fortunately the draconian impediments put in place were li ed by this new term of Council and a burst of fresh air has filled the space that was once a toxic cloud. But alas, with the new term of councillors we are seeing some of the same old ways return that hint of laziness, indifference, obs nance and sadly mediocrity.

Council mee ngs are conducted within minutes rather than hours. Even the scheduled 20 mee ngs per year are now to be halved “ To enable more effec ve and efficient decision-making for Councillors, and to provide certainty for community members’ par cipa ng in mee ngs, it is proposed that Council move to monthly Ordinary Council mee ngs and Public Access and Forum sessions”.

What this means is that the community have even less opportunity to provide their views directly to Councillors during Public Forum. The previous term did their utmost in controlling any face to face public presenta on by saying Councillors had emails and phones and that was the best avenue for the community to raise issues. That may have been so however the majority of the councillors in that previous term failed to return either phone calls or emails. The only last-op on for the community was to present directly to the councillors during Public Forum or Public Access having first provided their presenta on 24 hours in advance.

Again, this was a procedure defined to in midate and to control under the guise that the presenta on would be provided to councillors to read and assist in their asking ques ons. But they rarely asked ques ons, some even le the room refusing to hear a speaker and the level of disengagement was so apparent that it cause the community to declare that term of Council the most loathsome ever.

But that was then…

This term of councillors is beginning to see a repeat of the last by way of apparent laziness, indifference or inep tude or all of the above. There is a creep of regret that the current term are not delivering the passion that was espoused on their soapboxes during the elec on period.

Very few engage with speakers at Public Forum and Public Access, offering up intelligent follow-up ques ons allowing the speaker to expand on their me limited seven minutes to present. Most o en the presenta ons are a reitera on of a wri en submission to an issue where councillors might say they have read the submission and there is li le reason to “regurgitate” it by laboriously reading it out one sentence at a me. But there is a MAJOR difference between the wri en and spoken word.

This week saw a Public Hearing held in Council chambers where an independent chair heard, one a er another a er another, the pleas of local community members defending the poten al loss of their valuable local reserves because they were considered by Council as “surplus to need”.

Had any of the councillors bothered to a end they would have heard the tears, the frustra on, the exaspera on, the anger, the dismay and the bewilderment expressed by members of the community who read heart felt presenta ons hoping that the independent chair might convey the sen ment of their presenta ons in his final report.

Yes, the councillors will have access to those submissions but there is a big difference between reading and listening. Alas, as has been discovered with some of our councillors, they rarely read submissions and chose instead to glance over them and accept the summary given to them by council staff.

As has been the case in the past the recommenda on by staff will be to reclassify the land and sell the public reserves to fill the council purse.

But need they do so? The Strategic approach is to look at a map and see poten al for sale, adding another house that brings revenue and reduces Council’s obliga on to maintain land it neither wants nor is prepared to accept the risk exposure of.

The Public Hearing heard speakers from Malua Bay, Broulee, Long Beach and South Durras describe with a passion, a longing, a respect and a love of their local reserve and the many reasons why they should remain as they were; gi ed as dedicated Public Reserves for the community, and for genera ons to come.

Each reserve being defended was described with words that captured the spirit of place. But there were no councillors there to hear the words. There was no recording. Only those who a ended could see first hand that the reserves that Council so blatantly called “surplus to need” played a significant role in providing the very reasons why they were first declared Public Reserve.

It is not known when the report of the Public Hearing will be presented, nor what it will say. But presented to Councillors it will be, to be read by some and scanned over by most. They won’t read the submissions of the day as they should, hearing the passion of delivery, the disappointment of the processes, the failed engagement, the bewilderment of why? Or Who? Or How?

Nor will most of the councillors bother to visit the reserves prior to the final delibera ons, to stand and see these community parcels of land for themselves and to hear the voices of those who stand to defend their Public Reserve, not for reasons of selfishness but selflessness for the wider community and for genera ons to come.

“As a councillor you are expected to represent the views of the community while making decisions in their interests….. “

Most likely the final report to Councillors will have the recommenda on that the parcels be sold. Councillors will most likely argue that while some in the community have represented their views their role is to plan and oversee the running of a significant and complex business. That being the case it will be argued that in the best interests of the community the reserves be sold to assist the quadruple bo om line.

Should Council agree with staff recommenda ons to reclassify and then sell these Public Reserves there will be no apologies to those who proper es will be devalued, there will be no apology for the community loss, nor will there be any apology for the underhanded manner in the way the process has been carried out and delivered.

Should this be the case then they will be endorsing the pi ful Council jus fica on that these dedicated Public Reserves, so passionately represented by their local community, are “surplus to need that have no evidence of use”.

Had the councillors bothered to a end the Public Mee ng they would have learnt otherwise.

But they will consider, in good faith, based on the informa on provided to them by staff, that the reserves are surplus and best sold. The report they receive will not explain that there is a need to ra onalise, to unburden, to ghten belts and find revenue where able, and most importantly to address the inevitable debt that faces us. No, instead the report will offer the baseless decep on that the reserves are have no evidence of use.

So much for the openness and transparency, the community engagement and the community representa on most of our current Councillors stood for.

And to those Councillors who vote to sell these much loved public reserves. You will deserve the full contempt from the community you claim to represent.

Un l next

The Fes val map is here!

You'll also be able to find a HUGE version of it at the fesval, and it's also included in our printed programs which you can find at our informa on booth and at the fes val gate.

Children under 16 enter free with an accompanied adult

The event is cashless, some stallholders may accept cash at their discre on

Please leave your pets at home, pets are prohibited Please place oyster shells, food waste, compostable packaging and recyclable containers into the appropriate bins.

See www.naroomaoysterfes val.com for the full program

More Funding For Local Road Infrastructure Priori es

The Federal Government is delivering on our elec on commitment to provide an extra $250 million dollars for road projects in rural, regional and outer-urban areas under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Member for Gilmore announced that a number of local councils will benefit from this funding boost to support local road projects.

· Eurobodalla Shire Council will receive $1,039,292 plus an addi onal $599,487

.· Kiama Council will receive $323,344 plus an addi onal $186,512.

· Shoalhaven City Council will receive $2,141,844 plus an addi onal $1,235,463.

Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has already delivered $500 million to Australian councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects in their region, crea ng jobs and long-las ng benefits for communi es.

The addi onal $250 million investment is available to councils classified as rural, regional or outer-urban to spend on road projects. 466 of Australia’s 550 councils will benefit from the extra funding commi ed to by Labor at the last elec on.

The Government has drawn on the Australian Classifica on of Local Governments, as a robust framework underpinning the determina on of eligible councils for this addi onal $250 million in funding.

In March, the Government extended project construc on melines for Phases 1–3 of the program. Councils across Australia will now have un l 30 June 2024 to complete works, giving them a much-needed extra year on the LRCI construc on meframes for all three phases.

Individual council alloca ons are available on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program website.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“We are delivering our elec on commitment of a further $250 million through Phase 4 to priori se road upgrades in regional, rural and outer urban areas.

“We know many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks – especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent mes.

“We have listened to councils and are standing stand side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering cri cal infrastructure for their communi es.”

Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain added:

“Phases 1-4 of the LRCI program involve $3.25 billion of Australia Government funding, with Phases 1-3 suppor ng around 9,500 projects na onwide.

“We recognise the posi ve difference LRCI-supported projects make to communi es.

“We are steadfast in our support and recogni on for local councils as trusted delivery partners of the crucial infrastructure and services communi es need and deserve.”

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said of the announcement:

“I look forward to working with Eurobodalla Shire Council, Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven City Council to get on with the work of delivering the local roads and community infrastructure our communi es need.”

“I’m thrilled that the Albanese Labor government has provided much needed funding to improve and fix our local roads and community infrastructure.”

“This funding is a big win for our local community.”

Forestry thinks a 60m exclusion zone around the world's biggest Spo ed Gum will save it

The biggest known Spo ed Gum in the world is under threat on the NSW South Coast a er a 50 hectare compartment containing the tree in North Brooman State Forest has been added to the NSW Forestry Corpora on logging schedule.

While the tree itself has been set aside from logging opera ons, Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment, Sue Higginson, says "Forestry Corpora on have iden fied just a 60 metre radius exclusion zone around the tree - protec ng just 1.1 hectares of the forest.

Glenn Ellard of ACM reported in the Bay Post on May 2nd 2023, "The Forestry Corpora on says there is no need for environmental ac vists, Shoalhaven Council or the community to worry about the fate of Australia's largest spo ed gum, known as Big Spo y.

"I want to reassure the community that the tree known as Big Spo y is well protected within an area of forest that will never be harvested," said the corpora on's southern regional manager, Lee Blessington.

The tree, known as Big Spo y, is more than 70 metres in height and thought to be more than 500 years old. Big Spo y is in Compartment 50 of North Brooman State Forest which is the Compartment next on the Forestry Corpora on’s order of logging works.

Earlier this month Shoalhaven Council unanimously passed a mo on to advocate for the compartment to be excluded from logging opera ons.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said: “Big Spo y is a natural wonder that we must be doing everything we can to protect.

“I am pleased that the Forestry Corpora on agrees that the ordinary logging rules are not sufficient to protect Big Spo y, but the voluntary 60 metre exclusion zone is nowhere near sufficient to protect this giant and magnificent tree. Forest science shows that when we over harvest and destroy the canopy in forest ecosystems, the increased exposure to wind and drying condi ons increases the risk of harm to giant trees.

“This minimal logging exclusion zone around Big Spo y ignores the interconnected nature of forests and the cri cal rela onships within the ecosystem that allow giant trees to stay standing.

“We have seen in areas that have been impacted by logging and fire, giant trees collapsing as a result of increased exposure to wind. We cannot risk this happening to Big Spo y - the best case for Big Spo y is to remove the compartment from the logging schedule.

“The nature of industrial scale logging in these sensi ve forest environments is that harm is done and mistakes are made. In South Brooman State Forest there have been 74 protected trees accidentally felledwe can’t offset these trees or undo this damage.

“Big Spo y offers a unique tourist opportunity on the South Coast, but unless Compartment 50 is protected from logging visitors would have to travel through an area of heavily logged destroyed forest in order to reach the tree.

“We know that logging our public na ve forests is coming to an end, it is just a ma er of when. Big Spo y offers a worthy pivot point to work with the local community to develop a sustainable plan that harnesses the tourism opportuni es. This will work best if we protect Big Spo y and ensure that it is surrounded by a community of other trees that are growing into giant trees, like Big Spo y.” Ms Higginson said.

Safety upgrades to be carried out on Narooma Bridge

Essen al upgrades will be carried out on the Narooma Bridge next month to improve its safety and reliability for all road users.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the structure is a key link for locals and tourists, who use the Princes Highway on the South Coast each day.

“Upgrades to the Narooma Bridge include improving the safety barriers on the northern approach and the reloca on of traffic lights to improve visibility in both direc ons,” the spokesperson said.

Work will start on Monday 15 May 2023, with the pilling work around the bridge to be completed in the first two weeks. The upgrade is expected to take 10 weeks to complete, weather permi ng.

To minimise the impact on road users and the community, work will be carried out at night from 7pm to 4am. Transport for NSW aims to complete the noisy component of work before 11pm each night.

During work hours, there will be traffic control, reduced speed to 40 km/h and intermi ent single lane closures to ensure the safety of all those in the area.

Transport for NSW is contac ng nearby residents to provide informa on about the work and discuss how it can help reduce the impacts where possible.

Transport for NSW appreciates the pa ence of the community and motorists during this me.

Community members are encouraged to send any feedback or ques ons they may have regarding this work to Transport for NSW at southprojects@transport.nsw.gov.au

Narooma VIEW Club Takes a Train Trip

The Galapagos, Ecuador and Machu Picchu – these were the places that Narooma VIEW Club Presenter, Rosemary Towers, spoke about to her fellow members at the April Lunch Mee ng.

An avid train traveller, Rosemary described her trip on the Ecuadorian luxury train, the Tren Cucero. She showed pictures of some of the animal and bird life she encountered in the Galapagos Islands and explained/described how her visit to Peru culminated in the climb to the Sun-Gate at Machu Picchu.

The Tren Crucero is pulled by both a steam train and a diesel (for the steep bits!), travels for three days from the capital Quito (2850 metres above sea level), and then down to the gulf at Guayaquil. It is truly “an immersion in custom, cultures and tradi ons”. … and you don’t have to sleep on the train as historic haciendas provide wonderful alterna ve accommoda on. Obviously, there were many highlights – mee ng the people, seeing the costumes, watching the dances, visi ng the markets, and ea ng the local foods.

The photos of the Galapagos animal life were a treat for VIEW Members to see, especially the different ‘Boobies’ (a word which apparently caused great hilarity for her grandchildren - think blue-footed!). She recounted the tale of Lonesome George, a male Pinta Island tortoise found in 1971 who was the last his kind. Many a empts were made to try to mate him but without success. He was the rarest animal in the world at the me and when he died on June 24, 2012, at 8:00am, the world witnessed a documented ex nc on.

A er reassuring the members that she hadn’t eaten any guinea pig (a local delicacy), Rosemary finished her presenta on with her visit to Machu Picchu. The first day in the city brought wheezing and gasping as she and her party acclimated to the al tude but on the second day they ascended to the Sun-Gate, the last leg of the Inca trail and famous for its view of the ancient city. A special moment indeed!

The Narooma VIEW Club meets on the 4th Friday of the month for lunch at Narooma Golf Club. It’s a great way to meet others, to form friendships, listen to interes ng presenters and support the Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program, (which assists disadvantaged school children in the local area to reach their academic poten al.)

Please contact Rosemary on 0418619725 or Kath on 0437744567

ON THE AGENDA for Council

Mee ng Tuesday 9 May 2023

- Exhibi on of Dra 2023-24 Opera onal Plan, 2023-24 Fees and Charges, and the 2023-33 Long-Term Financial Plan

The report to Council says "Similar to most councils throughout the state and indeed the na on, Council faces significant financial challenges in the coming years. Cost of living pressures affect local government just as they do households. It is more expensive to build things, to maintain them, and to run the services our community expects. In March 2023, Councillors and senior staff spent two-half days reviewing the Council’s financial situa on to iden fy a path forward for the shire in response to these challenges. A finance strategy will be developed during 2023-24 with a ‘finance-led and delivery-focussed’ mindset."

"Councils across New South Wales are facing financial challenges due to increasing costs and policy that limits the ability to increase revenue. The dra 2023-24 Opera onal Plan projects significant opera ng deficits in the General Fund, resul ng in an opera ng deficit for Council".

- Council's 2023-24 work plan ready for public exhibi on and community feedback

- Acceptance of $5 million in funding for coastal protec on works in north Batemans Bay The $5 million has been allocated to the following ac ons : • Protec on of Wharf Road and remedia on of adjoining land for public use and access • Protec on of Surfside from coastal inunda on

• Protec on of Bay Road, Long Beach from beach erosion. This ac on may also receive contribu on of funds from Council and the NSW Coastal and Estuary Grants as required. The report to Council says "The works have been iden fied in the Open Coast CMP which involved substan al community and stakeholder engagement over the course of several years to ensure that all those who value the coast and could be impacted by change were involved, heard and part of the solu ons".

The regular report about Council's investments

Traffic Commi ee update

Youth Ac on Plan recommended for adop on a er community feedback

PUBLIC ACCESS @ 9.30am - present to councillors about any council-related topic

PUBLIC FORUM @ 10.30am - present to councillors about items on the agenda

Register to speak at Public Forum or Public Access by 12pm Monday at council.mee ngs@esc.nsw.gov.au or call 4474 1358.

COUNCIL MEETING @12.30pm

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

Volunteers needed for Sculpture on Clyde’s Return to The Batemans Bay Foreshore May 27- June 4

Sculpture For Clyde is truly a grass roots, community event and is only made possible by a large team of volunteers who front up to supervise the exhibi on, sell catalogues and be the friendly face of the event In just four weeks, Sculpture For Clyde will be back on the Foreshore in Batemans Bay for 10 days from Saturday, May 27.

“The Bridge is finished, COVID no longer closes events and Eurobodalla Shire Council has supported our return to The Bay,” said SFC Commi ee member, Frances Harmey.

So, volunteers are needed to wander the foreshore, hang out in the marquee (where all the Indoor Sculpture will be exhibited) and be available for chats with visitors.

“Our volunteers always enjoy their involvement,” Ms Harmey said. “They relish the opportunity to be up close and personal with the sculptures and ar sts and the ability to showcase our town and our event.”

“Friends and partners o en sign up together and treat it as an ou ng. And new friendships are o en made during the 10 days of the exhibion.

“We need four people in each of the two me slots over the 10 days: 9am-12.30pm and 12.30pm-5pm. In addi on we’d like a presence near the sculptures from 6am-9am and then from 5pm-7pm. You can help out once or mul ple mes, whatever commitment you’d like to make,” she said.

If you’d like to join the team, please contact Frances Harmey by email at frances.harmey@gmail.com or text 0405 150 496. We’d love to have you join us.

Above: Frances Harmey (le ) with valued volunteer Kerri Carmichael (right) at “Portal”, one of the seven sculptures that have been acquired for the Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk from the Sculpture For Clyde exhibion. The walk will grow again with the addi on of this year’s winning sculpture.

Ray White Batemans Bay and Ray White Moruya want to help raise money for the Cancer Council and help kids and adults affected by cancer.

They will be hosting the event at their Ray White Batemans Bay and Ray White Moruya offices!

If you can’t make the event and would like to donate, please click on the link below!

https://bit.ly/ BiggestMorningTeaRayWhite

They would love your support to help raise money for this amazing cause and look forward to seeing you soon!

www.iga.com.au/

The Probus Club of Batemans Bay recently held its Changeover luncheon at the Catalina Golf Club at Batemans Bay. Pictured Right is the new President Joyleen Ki o with her newly elected commi ee for 2023/24.

Probus clubs promote fun, friendship and fellowship and warmly invite any re rees in the area to come along and join our friendly group.

Prospec ve members are most welcome to a end our regular monthly mee ngs.

The Club meets on the 4th Monday of the month at 10 am in the CWA Hall on Edward Road, Batehaven. Enquiries please contact Jan on mobile 0488 727 004.

Don’t miss the Blues at the Kinema

Beat the ‘Winter Blues’ with the first of the Blues at the Kinema concerts on 27 May, hosted by Narooma School of Arts. It features The SunBears, voted favourite blues ‘Emerging Ar st 2022’ by Sydney Blues Society members last year, and Kara Coen, one of the south-east’s most exci ng new female soul ar sts.

Tickets cost $40. Sufficient ckets must be bought by 12 May to ensure the concert goes ahead, so get in quick.

The SunBears are not just another blues band. They have a huge sound that blends George Thorogood passion, a crunch of AC/ DC rawness and a sprinkling of John Mayer soul. Each show is a fully immersive, energe c with an original contemporary blues rock sound. They will entertain you, make you move and most definitely make you love the blues. They opened for Suzie Quatro at The Enmore Theatre, have taken their high energy original contemporary blues sound all over Australia, achieved a number one hit with their latest single ‘Naughty Boy’, and have locked in a European Tour this year.

Kara Coen plays a unique fusion of blues and roots, smooth jazz and pop with a message of love, empowerment and inclusion. Her vocals are intoxica ng with a dynamic powerhouse voice, and lyrics compelling and straight from the heart.

Kara has been called a modern Aretha Franklin and been compared to Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin and Sarah Blasko. She is currently working on her debut album of original songs and gearing up for her first Australian tour.

The SunBears and Kara Coen Blues concert is at the Kinema on Saturday 27 May.

Doors open 6pm; show starts 6.30pm. There will be bar with wine, beer and cocktails and noodle boxes for vegans, vegos and meat eaters.

Buy ckets online through www.naroomaschoolofarts.com.au, not at the Kinema.

Right: Kara Coen

Coming to Narooma Kinema 27 May – Kara Coen, one of the south-east’s most exci ng new female soul ar sts.

Above: SunBears Coming to Narooma Kinema 27 May – The SunBears are CC Hall (guitar and vocals), Dylan Harding (drums), and Craig Marshalsey (bass).

THE RADIATORS are coming to The Moruya Waterfront Hotel Motel!

In just four weeks on Saturday 3rd June - THE RADS are cranking it up live and loud!

Tickets on sale from Mondayspread the word - this is going to be a big one!!

May 6th - Rick Bamford – Club Tuross (7.30pm)

May 6th - Karaoke at Tomakin Social Club

May 6th - Chris McGrath – Club Malua

May 6th - Nancy and the Jam Fancys/The Darrans/Mudmen/Seeker

High Energy Rock and Roll is again coming to the shores of the Moruya river as Nancy and the Jam Fancys play their first home town show since 22’.

May 6th - Chango Tree at One Tree Tavern, Tuross Head

May 6th - Fractured Minds, Too Slow Joe, Midnight Jukebox and Flavuh at Smokey Dan's

May 7th - Bodalla Bowling Club -Carlie Remm Music from 1pm to 4pm

May 12th - Joshua Veneris – Club Malua

May 13th - Joshua Veneris – Club Malua

May 13th - Rick Bamford at Tomakin Social Club

May 13th - Roddy Reason at Club Tuross

May 13th - Steve Jackson at Moruya Golfy

May 13th - Stru – Club Malua (7.30pm)

May 19th - Mick McGrath – Club Malua

May 20th - Suede Cats – Club Malua

May 20th - Joe Driscoll at Tomakin Social Club

May 20th - Parmy Dillon at Smokey Dans

May 21st - Eurobodalla Live at Moruya Golfy

May 26th - Tim Freedman is coming to Smokey Dan's in Tomakin

been busy playing their organic take on classic 1980’s Australian punk rock throughout sweat filled bars and pubs

Gadfly 284 By Robert Macklin

Last week’s decision by the Australian Government to acquire a strategic sovereign partnership with the na on’s most advanced defence technology company, CEA Technologies is the culmina on of an extraordinary Canberra saga.

The deal, nego ated by governments on both sides of the poli cal aisle, will have profound consequences for Australia’s standing among its close allies. It will also con nue and expand the financial returns to the na onal treasury from a company that employs many of Canberra’s best and brightest among its more than 600 employees in its four Fyshwick buildings.

The government bought out the former partner, the American defence contractor, Northrop Grumman. It will become the majority owner of a fully Australian en ty. The announcement, by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, was deliberately and appropriately low key.

It was typical of a business started on 8 August 1982, by two young RAN Lieutenant Commanders –Ian Croser and David Gaul – who le the Navy to strike out on their own. Ini ally, they had one employee, David’s wife Carey and their first premises were a mere 80 square metres at 14 Fyshwick Plaza where Carey’s father, who had re red from the family’s Riverina farm and moved to Canberra, rallied to the cause. ‘He worked out the back making benches,’ Carey says.

They also had a silent partner, the ‘will to succeed’. Indeed, in the early days they spoke of him so o en that he became a lifelike figure. ‘My birthday is 6 August,’ Gaul says, ‘Ian’s is 7 August, so Will’s is 8 August.’

They were off and running. Just where they were running to was a totally unknown des na on. ‘All my friends thought I was mad,’ Gaul says. And there were occasions in the very early days when he was inclined to agree. However, the two men – Croser a near genius with the manipula on of electromagne sm to create, among many other things, the world’s most advanced phased array radar, and Gaul, the former Naval A ache officer in Washington DC with his warm personality and business orienta on – were perfect foils for each other.

Despite some near run disasters in the complex world of government defence procurement, they not only survived, they created an organisa on that supplies the most cu ng edge technology to all three Australian armed forces and a remarkable range of materials and services to the United States and other close allies.

Con nues….

Con nues…..

High on the company’s priori es is the CEA treatment of staff where Gaul and Croser adopted the naval standard of care, a en on and respect. Prior to the official government announcement, for example, Ian Croser who unlike David Gaul, remains an ac ve element in the company’s opera ons, addressed the staff.

‘I intend to remain ac ve in the company on a day to day basis, for as long as the company, the board and I feel that I am s ll contribu ng. I do wish to thank you all for your con nuing contribu on to Australia’s strategic and sovereign capabili es. I remain proud and in awe of the collec ve and cumula ve achievements of you and your predecessors.

‘I would also like to recognise and have you understand that there have been many predecessors to our current staff profile. These include the other part of the founding group of three, David Gaul and his wife Carey. Without this rela onship we would not have survived the rigours of transi on from a start-up company to where we are now.’

In 2018, I was approached by the then CEO of the company with a commission to write a book on its remarkable rise from the founding trio (or quartet if you include Will) to its then becoming Canberra’s biggest private employer.

I spent a year on a massive research and wri ng regime – one of the most enjoyable of my career. The atmosphere at CEA was friendly, helpful and intellectually thrilling. The staffers were coopera ve, the subject fascina ng, and both Ian Croser and the Gauls were trus ng and respec ul.

But once the work was completed, suddenly there were new elements arising, not least the realisa on that because of its partnership with the American Northrop Grumman, the sovereignty element of the company’s technology would require an Australian altera on to the shareholding.

Un l that could be resolved, the book was put on ‘hold’. And for the last five years it has been necessary to speak not a word of CEA even to one’s closest associates. For an author trained as an inves ga ve journalist, that is a special torture.

Whether the full story can now be told hangs in the balance, but it’s a huge relief to at last break the silence.

robert@robertmacklin.com

Reading—Have a beer with Bazza

Bazza leaned back in the passenger seat and marvelled as the reds, oranges, golds and yellows of autumn splashed from trees. Mick focused on the road, cursing at the uneven surface as they approached Braidwood.

“It’s an insult to the King to call it the Kings Highway, Bazza.”

Bazza sighed.

“Well it matches our rela onship with the Royal Family but It’s actually named a er a bloke by the name of King who worked with Thomas Mitchell, the NSW Surveyor General back in the Nineteenth Century……..anyhow, Mick we are almost in Braidwood……we need to play The Rolling Stones ‘Brown Sugar’.

Mick shook his head but complied.

“Your musical tastes are all over the place, Bazza.”

“Ahhhhh Mick……..Braidwood is the place Mick Jagger wrote Brown Sugar back in 1969.”

Mick raised an eyebrow.

“One of the world’s biggest rockstars was in the area for a couple of months playing our very own Ned Kelly in a movie.”

Mick raised both eyebrows.

“All due respect to Mick Jagger, Bazza…… but I cannot think of a more unlikely person to play Ned Kelly. He hardly strikes me as a strapping bushranger. I mean …. really….. Mick Jagger’s lips on our Ned Kelly. He must have worn the iron mask for the whole movie. Now….. if it was possible to manipulate me, it is as ridiculous as cas ng Ned Kelly as Mick Jagger in the Rockstar’s biopic.”

Bazza chuckled.

“Yeah…… it is a comment on our film industry back then. On top of that, Mick….. a ‘stand in’ was required because he could not ride a horse, he was also injured when a prop gun backfired and he sipped on green ginger wine rather than schooners at the Royal Mail Hotel, to the bemusement of locals. However, he did put on the odd impromptu performance at the pub.”

Mick slowed to turn right as Bazza con nued.

“Anyhow Mick, during filming, stayed on a property called ‘Palerang’ about thirty kilometres out of town. One night they had ten federal police at the property because some students from Canberra were threatening to kidnap Mick Jagger and demand a ‘ransom’ for charity. The threat proved false and according to one source, the police ended up unwi ngly ensuring there were no gate crashers to a cannabis party raging in the living room.”

Mick laughed.

“We were played for mugs all round, Bazza…… and the film……..how did the film rate?”

Bazza grinned.

“An absolute dud, Mick. The imported Rock Star even canned it”

Acknowledge: h ps://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-02/mick-jagger-ned-kelly-filmingbraidwood/10129120

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

Return to Vale o

by Dominic Smith

A cap va ng and moving new novel from the interna onal bestselling author of The Last Pain ng of Sara de Vos.

A nearly abandoned Italian village, the family that stayed, and long-buried secrets from World War II.

On a hilltop in Umbria sits Vale o. Once a thriving village-and a hub of resistance and refuge during World War II-centuries of earthquakes, landslides and the lure of a be er life have le it neglected. Only ten residents remain, including the widows Serafino - three eccentric sisters and their steely centenarian mother - who live quietly in their medieval villa. Then their nephew and grandson, Hugh, a historian, returns.

But someone else has arrived before him, laying claim to the co age where Hugh spent his childhood summers. The unwelcome guest is the cap va ng and nononsense Elisa Tomassi, who asserts that the family patriarch, Aldo Serafino, a resistance fighter whom her own family harboured, gave the co age to them in gra tude. Like so many threads of history, this revela on unravels a secret - a betrayal, a disappearance and an unspeakable act of violence - that has impacted Vale o across genera ons. Who will answer for the crimes of the past?

Dominic Smith's Return to Vale o is a rive ng journey into one family's long-buried story, a page-turning excava on of the ruins of history and our commitment to jus ce in a fragile world. For fans of Amor Towles, Anthony Doerr and Jess Walter, it is a deeply human and transpor ng testament to the possibility of love and understanding across gaps of all kinds - even me.

From the interna onal bestselling author of The Last Pain ng of Sara de Vos.

Inheritance: Kath's manuscript completed by Inga Simpson

Kath O’Connor was a general prac oner, writer, swimmer and medical editor with essays and ar cles published in Eureka Street, The Australian Family Physician and the Medical Journal of Australia

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015 Kath wrote this novel while living with cancer, through many treatments and their side effects. A er Kath’s diagnosis, she discovered that she shared a BrCa1 gene muta on with her grandmother, who died from the same disease in 1950.

In 2019, writer and Kath died from ovarian cancer while working on the final dra of Inheritance. Her partner and family, with Kath’s wri ng mentor, Moruya resident, Inga Simpson, completed the manuscript so that Kath’s dream of publica on could be realised and this beau ful novel could be shared.

Royal es from the sale of the book will be donated to WomenCan: Funding Gynaecological Cancer Research. In stock at Moruya Books.

Inheritance by Kath O’Connor A profoundly moving novel about two women in very different worlds, whose lives are shaped by a single fatal gene. In 2016, while in the early stages of IVF, Rose is shaken by the discovery that she carries a dangerous muta on of the BrCa1 gene.

She begins to ask ques ons about her family history, and par cularly her grandmother Nellie, whose early death le a hole in their family that was never quite filled. As the certaines in Rose’s life start to crumble around her, she becomes fixated on the shadowy figure of Nellie.

Who really was this woman, and could her secrets reveal the way forward for the granddaughter who may share her fatal gene?

Inheritance tells the stories of two similar women in very different worlds, exploring how our circumstances – and the me and society we live in – can collide with what we’ve inherited to shape our lives.

It’s a breathtaking and profoundly moving explora on of love, death and the dignified beauty of a quiet life.

The follow-up to the interna onal bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees, offering compelling insights into the lungs of our planet and the fragility of our intertwined futures.

Trees can survive without humans, but we can't live without trees. Even if human-caused climate change devastates our plant, trees will returnas they do, always and everywhere, even a er ice ages, catastrophic fires, destruc ve storms and deforesta on. It would be nice if we were around to see them flourish.

The Power of Trees is forester Peter Wohlleben's follow-up to his interna onally bestselling The Hidden Life of Trees. It is as fascina ng and eye-opening as it is trenchant in its cri que- on the one hand, Wohlleben shares astonishing discoveries about how trees pass knowledge down to succeeding genera ons that helps them survive climate change; on the other, he is unsparing in his cri cism of those who wield economic and poli cal power - who plant trees exclusively for the sake of logging and virtue-signalling, even as they ruthlessly exploit nature. The Power of Trees is a love le er to the forest and a passionate argument for protec ng nature's boundless diversity - not only for the trees, but also for ourselves.

'Into the underland we have long placed that which we fear and wish to lose, and that which we love and wish to save...'

From the vast underground mycelial networks by which trees communicate to the ice-blue depths of glacial moulins, and from North Yorkshire to the Lofoten Islands, Robert Macfarlane traces a voyage through the worlds beneath our feet.

He reaches back into the deep history of the planet, through the layers of rock and ancient buried objects, and forward to the future, the legacy of the anthropocene and the world we bequeath our descendants.

Underland is Macfarlane at his dazzling best - the lyrical, the poli cal and the philosophical come together in this profound explora on of the rela onship between landscape and the human heart.

100 Years Ago—5th May 1923

Mr. Byrne has taken over Greenway Farm, at Bodalla, vacated by Mr. Marsden.

A mee ng of the Moruya Football Club took place on Friday night last. Present: - Messrs. O. J. Armstrong (chair), J. Nicholson, G. Roger, W. Armstrong, J. Benne , F. Macintosh, P. J. Feneley, D. de Saxe and C. Carter. It was decided to re-form the Moruya Football Club. The membership was fixed at 15/-, the club to supply guernseys and socks. …

The motor traffic in Sydney will soon be one of the greatest difficul es of the Sydney traffic problems. The weekly average of licenses for new cars is nearly 250, and there are signs of increases in this direc on.

The spor ng fraternity will be pleased to hear that Mr. J. Turnbull will again take over the Criterion Hotel, Mullenderree, and will no doubt shortly have another string of horses in prepara on for the coming racing season.

On Tuesday morning about 8 o’clock the three-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Holmes, of Mogo, who for a few days had suffered from tonsili s and for a few hours from croup, passed away. The funeral was held at Mogo on Wednesday 2nd, when, in the presence of a large and sympathe c gathering, the remains were interred.

What might have proved a very serious accident happened a few days ago at one of the mining shows at Dwyer’s Creek. The wire rope broke at, or near, the hook, just as a heavy bucket hit some por on of the sha and overturned, thus throwing out the contents. Some of the pieces struck the man below, causing injuries that laid him off duty for eight or nine days. If the bucket had not overturned, and hit the man when it was full of stone, something more serious might have happened.

St. Michael’s Church, Stanmore, was the scene of a wedding on Saturday, 28th ult., when Michael, third surviving son of Mrs. W. Ryan, of Mynora, Moruya, was married to Miss Agnes Walsh, of Stanmore, and niece of the late Father Garvey, of Moruya. … On arrival in Moruya, the future home of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan, a cordial welcome was given the happy pair at Mr. and Mrs. P. Mylo ’s, where a sumptuous spread and a large number of well-wishers were in wai ng.

A er being nearly three weeks without a steamer into our port, owing to the bad state of the bar, the Benandrah arrived on Wednesday with the largest cargo ever landed here.

Adver sement. REWARD - Lost some months ago at Moruya, one Key of a safe. Substan al Reward on returning it to: OFFICER IN CHARGE OF POLICE, Moruya.

Extracted from the Moruya Examiner by the Moruya and District Historical Society Inc. If you are interested in history why not join us and become a volunteer at the Museum or our library. Check us out at h ps:// www.mdhs.org.au

Fes val Launch & Call For Entries

The River of Art Fes val is back from Friday 15 to Sunday 24 September 2023. Now in its 18th year, the 10-day fes val will feature culture, music, visual art, theatre, and crea ve workshops around the fes val theme Celebra ng Place.

The River of Art Fes val is now invi ng proposals from ar sts, the community and business to be a part of this year’s fes val by producing crea ve works or providing a venue or gallery to host events.

The deadline for proposals is Wednesday 12 July.

Of Embers, Epicorm II

Featuring works by:

Walbunja/Ngarigo

Cheryl Davison-Overton

Mirabel Fitzgerald

Jennifer Hawkins

Julie Mia Holmes

Raewyn Lawrence

Amy Schleif

Jo Victoria

Curated by Nicole Wallace

Basil Sellers Exhibi on Centre

Corner Vulcan and Campbell Streets, Moruya

Exhibi on runs from 6th May to 4th June, 2023

Open Daily, 10:00am to 4:00pm

ARTIST TALKS: Saturday 13th May, 11am

Six Shades of Difference”

exhibi ng at The Clyde Gallery, Bay Pavilions, Batemans Bay for the month of May

.

Six local ar sts who regularly get together and paint. These ar sts are all different in their approach to pain ng, style, technique, subject ma er, medium and colour pale e. The artwork is diverse and ranges from realis c local scenes, impressionis c work, s ll life, abstract expressionism, as well as semi abstract landscapes and seascapes. Various media is used, some of which explores acrylic paint, mixed media, ink, pastel and much more.

The exhibi on is open 7 days per week 8am to 5pm for May.

Above: Abstract by Kristen Arraye

Le : Awakening by Pam Edwards

Right: Fishing Hole by Sue Barr.

Last week I wrote about one of my favourite herbs, Moringa. What an exci ng nutrient packed leaf this is. The more I have researched Moringa oleifera over the years, the more excited I have become. It is believed one of the most notable benefits of Moringa oleifera is the ability to detoxify the body, par cularly the liver.

Moringa oleifera may assist in reversal of toxic damage to the liver together with preven on of damage by hepa c toxicity caused by chemicals. In fact it is believed there are several chemical elements to Moringa oleifera which may shield liver cells from toxicity damage.

When we think of detoxifying the body, for many it is all about detoxifying the liver from too much alcohol and rich food. Of course, that is a good reason to detox and in fact Moringa is believed to help reverse liver damage caused by unhealthy foods and alcohol. Many will not realise however the detrimental effect of heavy metal toxicity on our health. Even if we are following a healthy lifestyle, we may s ll be absorbing a certain amount of heavy metals in our body. Toxic heavy metals regre ably exist in our environment and are absorbed into our body every day. Think about it – we are on a daily basis exposed to heavy metals through the food we eat par cularly if processed, the utensils we use to cook or store our food, cleaning products in our homes or workplace, insec cides used on or around our food and even some mes the air we breathe. Our cosme cs and personal care products o en contain aluminium, we may have mercury fillings in our teeth, smoke cigare es or be exposed to second hand smoke. The list goes on. Exposure to heavy metals seems inevitable in the 21st century.

Unfortunately, heavy metal toxicity may contribute to many diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, brain and neurological disorders, Parkinson’s disease, mul ple sclerosis and many more.

I have o en wri en about the necessity to regularly detox our body with a liver supplement or maybe a specific supplement formulated for detoxing the liver and bowel. What I find exci ng about Moringa is it may not only assist in detoxing and maintaining a healthy liver, Moringa also has so many other added health benefits.

In light of our ongoing exposure to toxins, it just seems common sense to take Moringa oleifera as a daily supplement. And whilst we are ensuring these toxins are being eliminated from our liver we may have the added bonus of our blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol being maintained at a healthy level. If you’re not convinced yet about the benefits of a daily dose of Moringa, just think about the energy boost and the health benefits you may receive just by taking this nutrient dense supplement. Moringa oleifera contains over 92 nutrients, enzymes vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, an oxidants and micronutrients which quite o en are no longer available in our soil, par cularly in Australia. The leaves also contain 46 an oxidants to help fight free radicals in the body. It has been used for centuries by

Food—bought to you by GOVITA Batemans Bay

Ayurvedic prac oners in India and recently highly accredited ins tu ons such as John Hopkins School of Medicine in Bal more have undertaken research finding many posi ve results.

For more informa on on Moringa oleifera call to see Bev and the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop in 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune into Bev 2EC every Wednesday at 12:30pm

OMEGA SEED MIX NOW IN STORE!

I have wri en o en about the health benefits of various seeds. We now have a new product instore which I’m very excited about. This Omega Seed Mix contains organic pepitas, sunflower seeds, linseeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds. It’s a great combina on which can be sprinkled over breakfast or used in baking such a breads, biscuits, or cakes. I always like to experiment when we stock new products and have discovered this delicious recipe which is perfect for this Omega Seed Mix. It’s really tasty and of course super healthy with all these great ingredients. It’s also gluten free and vegan which cks lots of boxes.

DRIED FRUIT, SEED AND NUT LOAF

(Vegan and Gluten-free)

Ingredients: 1 cup Natural Road Almond Meal, 1 cup chopped Go Vita Australian Walnuts, 1 cup chopped Go Vita Dried Peaches (or figs), 1 ½ cup Go Vita Omega Seed Mix, ¼ cup Go Vita Psyllium Husks, 2 tsp baking powder, 3 tbsp Organic Road Maple Syrup, 2 tbsp Organic Road Coconut Oil, 2 cups boiling water.

Method: Preheat over to 180c. Mix all dry ingredients in bowl, then mix in maple syrup, melted coconut oil and boiling water. Mix through and leave for 15 minutes un l moisture is absorbed and mixture is thickened. Press into a lined loaf n and sprinkle over extra sunflower seeds and pepitas. Bake for 50 minutes, then a er removing from oven turn upside down onto baking tray. Leave overnight in oven (turned off) to dry out.

Broulee Runners’ Results Wednesday 3 May 2023

The wind dropped in me for the run, which allowed the runners to extend themselves and as a result there were 14 personal best mes. The star was young athlete Audrey Knobel, who set a new course record in the 2 kilometres. She reduced the old record of Lily Mcintosh by 3 seconds.

In the 2-kilometres other PBs were recorded by Lewis Gunn, Ben Rosenbaum, Regina Knobel, Ashlee Beby, Theo De Frenza., Sara Norgate, and James Tangney.

In the 3-kilometres Julie Amphle recorded a personal best me. This was an impressive return to form a er recovering from an injury.

In the 4-kilometres PBs were recorded by Barry King, Andrew McPherson, Gary Ashton, David West, and Daniel Greenway.

Last week we neglected to men on that Taryn Carver recorded her 100th run. For good measure she come back this evening and did her 101st run. Well done, Taryn!

Tuross Head

Veterans Golf Results

Tuross Head Vets golfers played an American Foursomes event on Wednesday 3 May 2023. Winning pair on the day were Ken Hush combining with Ross Hendy on a nett score of 37.625.

They beat home Jane Eglitis & Robert McKirdy with 38.37, Paula & Peter Coffey on 39.50, and Paul Coffey combining with Greg Bush with a score of 40.125.

Other minor prize winners were Warren Hodder & Steve Gardner on 40.25, together with Des Jackson & Graham Moore with 40.5.

Shirley and Ted Quinlan had the distinction of taking out the infamous Bradman award, whilst nearest the pins went to Noel Downie on the 4th and Warren Hodder on the 6th. Warren Hodder capped off a good day by also taking out the Accurate drive.

Winners Ken Hush & Ross Hendy

Help send Raph to Glasgow

Eight year old Raph Cummins has been selected to represent Australia in the UCI BMX world championships which are being held in Glasgow Scotland and will span 11 days (3-13 August).

For the first me, all cycling codes will meet in the same spot at the same me crea ng the "biggest cycling event ever"! A total of 13 UCI world championships will be combined.

Raph's mother, Corina Cummins, says "This is an amazing achievement for such a young boy and would be such a wonderful opportunity for him to represent his country! However, with the es mated cost looking at $20-$25k, it is completely out of reach for us as a family.

"So that brings me here…with the hope that with your help we can make our boy's dreams come true!!

"Raph has raced BMX bikes since he was 3yrs old, last year compe ng in his first Australian tles from which he gained his selec on into the Australian team. He loves the sport, it is his greatest passion!

"All funds raised will go directly to airfares, accommoda on, insurance and uniforms.

"Any dona ons are greatly appreciated and we thank you for suppor ng Raph to show what he can do on the world stage." h ps://gofund.me/90068965

Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdra Championship 2023

In its seventh year, Willinga Park at Bawley Point on the South Coast NSW, will host the richest campdra compe on from 17th May to 20th May 2023, a rac ng the best compe tors and horses from around the country. With a prize pool of $400,000 in cash and prizes, the winner of the pres gious Gold Buckle will take home a $100,000 cash prize.

Campdra ing is a quintessen al Australian sport, born over 100 years ago where drovers would challenge each other to see who the be er stock and horse riders were. Today, it has grown from an outback sta on ac vity to a highly successful na onal sport which con nues here at Willinga Park.

With more than 550 horses expected to compete at Willinga Park, the Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdra Championship 2023 will hold six events, over four thrilling days, it is not only exci ng for compe tors it has also become a major drawcard for spectators.

“The Willinga Park team are excited that this event con nues to be an annual highlight for campdra compe tors and spectators across Australia. This year’s event will again a ract the best riders and horses across Australia and will be livestreamed so viewers can catch all the ac on no ma er where they are” Terry Snow said.

“Campdra ing is important for Australia; it’s an Australian sport for Australian horses and we are proud to con nue to grow the awareness of it here at Willinga Park”.

This year’s Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdra Championship 2023 program is full to the brim with events and ac vi es including the iconic Gold Buckle Championship, the State of Origin contest, the Cut-Out compe on, and Ladies Dash for Cash. The event will also showcase some of Australia’s finest upcoming dra ers in the junior and juvenile dra .

Experience campdra , entertainment, street food and more at the renowned Willinga Park.

EVENT DETAILS Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdra Championship, 17 to 20 May, 2023

Spectator ckets available via www.willingapark.com.au

Narooma Women’s Golf

Monday 1st May 32 Narooma ladies competed in round 1 of our Women’s Championship event. A er all the rain on Sunday, we were very lucky to have the course in great condi on.

Two divisions

Div 1: 0-25

Div 2: 26-45

Div 1 winner was Diane Knoll with ne score of 73 off her handicap of 18

Runner up was Chris Fader with a ne 75 off her handicap of 13

Div 2 winner was Madeline Robinson with a ne score of 69 C/B off her handicap of 29

Runner up was Lynne McDonald off her handicap of 34

Balls to78 C/B

NTP

Hole 3, div 2 Margaret Brown

Hole 9, div 3 Jane Blomfield

Hole 17, div 1 Sylvia Donohoe

Wednesday 3rd May

31 ladies competed in Round 2 of our championships and monthly medal.

Two divisions - same as Monday.

The medal winner and the overall winner was Chris Fader with a ne score of 71 off her handicap of 13. Runner up was Tina Wilson who also posted 71 off her handicap of 21.

The division 2 winner was Marion Brooks who posted a ne score of 72 off her handicap of 26

The runner-up was Lynne McDonald who posted a ne score of 73 off her handicap of 34

Balls to 74 C/B

NTP

Hole 3, div 1 Jayne Hotchkis

Hole 9, div 2 Marion Brooks

Hole. 3, div 3 Marea Clarke

Next week will be rounds 3 and 4 of the championships.

Moruya River.

Last weekend certainly was a reminder that winter is coming! While Saturday wasn’t too bad weather wise, Sunday was cold. This had more of an effect on the numbers of anglers out and about, than the fish activity. There were still some nice fish taken on the weekend, with Saturday obviously being the better day.

Flathead, bream and the last of the summer whiting were all available to those who got out. The whole system still seems to be holding fish, although the lower sections of the river are holding more fish, as the upper reaches are already starting to cool off as a result of the rain last weekend. Not by a lot, but enough.

So look at the airport flats, hole in the wall and the areas around the town bridge and the hospital, as these all are still warm and holding fish.

As the water starts to cool, the water clarity will increase, making finesse presentations to go. Longer, lighter leaders will be the go to get the bite as we move into the cooler months.

Tuross River.

Much the same as the Moruya system, Tuross is fishing the same, with the bottom half of the system up to and above fourways being the most active, fish wise. The flathead are still very present within the system, and are spread far and wide, so searching for them maybe required. As the system cools, you can start to fish for them in the deeper sections of the river.

There are some good reports of tailor in the system, as they move in off of the beach. Fish to 45cm have been reported all week. Look for surface bust ups as the tailor hit bait schools. Don’t forget that under most tailor bust ups, will be a flathead or two lurking, to pick up any scraps that fall to the river bottom. There is always the chance that a mulloway may also be lurking as well.

Rock and Beach.

The salmon and tailor have been the main stay on the beaches this last week, with some very nice sized fish being taken. There have also been reports of some good sized mullet schools around. The mullet run this time of the year, has the mulloway guys keen to cast a bait or two, trying to connect to a slab of silver. Fresh baits of salmon or tailor are best, but a stack of live beach worms also can tempt the mighty mulloway as well.

Offshore.

With Saturday being the pick of the days this weekend, no doubt the snapper and flathead crews will be on the hunt for a feed of fish. The snapper have continued to be caught in waters ranging from 15m through to 50m depth, so all locations will be viable options this weekend. Sunday looks to be a blow out, with the winds and swell ramping right up to very uncomfortable levels. Make the most of the weather window on Saturday would be my advice.

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

Team Tackle World Moruya.

beagle abode: the leading online weekly Eurobodalla real estate guide, showcasing the current Eurobodalla, and wider South Coast property market

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

South Coast Property Specialists (Carlene Franzen)

Tips #1145:

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Well, what a week it’s been with a little bit of everything:

The Good: Last week saw confirmation that the property market has stopped its decline and is showing signs to improvement in most states and territories. That is of course unless “The Bad” bits (see below) change the current trend. Prices rose by a combined average of 0.5% in April following a rise of 0.6% in March. The leader of the pack was the Sydney market with a rise of 1.3% and the other major contributor to our local market, Canberra was steady.

Tim Lawless (CoreLogic’s Research Director) says the lift in values is a result of a number of factors including an increase in consumer sentiment, the rental crisis prompting more first home buyers in the market and a significant lift in the net overseas migration rate, where migrants are fast tracking their purchasing decision again due to the lack of rental properties available.

The Bad: We really haven’t enjoyed going on and on about interest rates but yet again we pretty much have to as the RBA has confounded nearly all the analysts by increasing the cash rate yet again. The analysts were almost unanimous that the rates would probably be left on hold this month as the fundamentals really hadn’t changed much. However, the RBA considered that the inflation rate needs to get back into the target range of 2-3% (currently around 7%) more quickly than the current 2025 timeframe that they are forecasting. When this increase flows through to mortgage holders it will continue to put strain on those with variable rates and make the cliff even higher for those coming off their fixed term loans.

The Ugly: This one is obvious. It is the desperate need for rental properties. Currently there is record low rental availability which in turn is pushing rental prices through the roof. About a third of Australian households rent, and the number is growing as “the great Australian dream” of owning your own home gets harder and harder to obtain. Nearly 28% of people aged 45 to 54 rent today, compared with fewer than 20% in 2001. Among those aged 55 to 64, 21.6% are renters, compared with 15.7% more than two decades ago.

In addition, a recent Sydney Morning Herald article stated that a “report by online property settlement platform PEXA and property business Longview found Australia is one of the worst countries in the developed world to be a renter, due to insecure tenure and an inability for renters to make the house a home, through having pets or making minor alterations.”

Rent Freeze Will Not Fix The Rent Crisis

REIA President, Mr Hayden Groves, has implored the Federal Government ahead of Budget 2023 to keep their eye on the prize of helping renters, and avoid knee-jerk policy reac ons like rental freezes and rent controls.

"Let's focus on the things we can do now to help renters with the current crisis.

"One of the obvious things the Federal Government must do this Budget is li Commonwealth Rent Assistance which over the past 20 years has simply not kept pace with the cost-of-living. "The second thing we must do is build more rental stock. This will be achieved in part through the Housing Accord and the Housing Australia Future Fund."

Mr Groves said that focusing on the Greens rent freeze snap and fiddling with rental prices, whilst well inten oned, will do nothing for rental supply now or into the future.

"The introduc on of a rental freeze would have far-reaching consequences with renters as the biggest loser.

"It has a sexy short-term effect for poli cians but as the market adjusts the consequences turn out to be dire.

"We know from interna onal experience that rent freezes or controls will immediately reduce rental supply, discourage ins tu onal and private investment in housing and reduce investor income needed to improve exis ng rental stock for essen al things like hea ng, cooling and energy-efficient improvements."

Indigenous Community Facilitator - Eurobodalla

Job No.: 650855

Loca on: Eurobodalla, New South Wales

Employment Type: Part- me, frac on (0.6)

Dura on: Fixed-term appointment un l 28 August 2024

Remunera on: Pro-rata of $96,320 - $105,645 pa HEW Level 07 (plus 17% employer superannua on)

The Opportunity

The purpose of the Indigenous Community Facilitator role is to work in close partnership to organise and facilitate mee ngs, workshops and gatherings of community members. The primary goal is to ensure local perspec ves and knowledge are leading resilience and community capacity building ac vi es in the delivery of the Fire to Flourish program.

The posi on will be responsible for managing and establishing rela onships with key indigenous stakeholders that will be inclusive of Tradi onal Owners, community Elders, adults and young people, Land Councils and other relevant Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisa ons.

The posi on will see you:

 Foster informal rela onships with the view to building and deepening connec ons within the community

 Give voice to the community by enhancing opportuni es for a diversity of community perspec ves, values and aspira ons through meaningful par cipa on

 Ensuring that resilience building ac vi es are inclusive of Indigenous, Non-Indigenous, young people, seniors, LGQBTI+, CALD and people with disabili es

 Working as a highly effec ve member of a team of community facilitators while maintaining a strong community-led focus

Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this posi on is exempt under the Measure Provision, Sec on 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).

Enquiries

Ms Kizzy Nye, Community Lead - Fire to Flourish, +61 497 262 442

Closing Date

Wednesday 10 May 2023, 11:55pm AEST

Apply at:

h ps://careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/650855/indigenous-community-facilitator-eurobodalla

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

presidentTHMS@gmail.com

secretaryTHMS@gmail.com

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