34 minute read
Editorial
Welcome to this week’s editorial, In a normal year there might be discussion around the Australian Census. But 2021 is a long way from normal.
Census 2021 night is August 10th. Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Sta s cs counts every person and household in Australia. They call this the Census of Popula on and Housing. Australian Bureau of Sta s cs tells us that:
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“The Census is the most comprehensive snapshot of the country and tells the story of how we are changing.” They tell us that Governments and businesses use the information to make important decisions about transport, schools, health care, roads and buildings and to help plan local services for individuals, families and communities. They say knowing the number of people living in regional and remote areas shows where doctors are needed and understanding how many babies are born in a local community links Australians to the community services they need. The Census is designed to compare apples with apples. But 2020/2021 is more of a lemon and the comparisons will mean li le as we look at capturing the data of one of the biggest upsets the Australian Bureau of Sta s cs could imagine. As it is a Census of Popula on and Housing the numbers will hopefully measure the mass exodus from Metropolitan to Regional. It will provide evidence that the Eurobodalla has swollen over the last year. It will provide the figures to support the outcry that we have a popula on that is not being met by affordable housing, is not being met by health services, schools, transport and all the other measures that a census takes.
The census might also document how many of our popula on are on fixed incomes, how many are living hand to mouth, how many are struggling with rent and u li es. It might also measure how many have le the area because of the financial struggles of bushfires, floods and Covid. Maybe the Census might provide evidence of how many babies are born in the area so that those who have decided to reduce maternity beds in the as yet to be built new hospital might reconsider. Maybe they might also reconsider the glaring need mental services. The figures might also allow us to lobby once again for the promised radiology service promised to the South East that has since been withdrawn because “we don’t have the popula on” and we can all drive to Canberra, Nowra or Goulburn. Be sure to do your Census. Tell THEM who you are. Tell THEM what you need and BE COUNTED. Remember that consultants told Council we don’t need a 50m pool because there aren’t enough of us and we are the wrong demographic and our Health providers have responded saying that we don’t yet meet their popula on matrix for local provision of care, sugges ng we go elsewhere. Both use Census data. To them we are numbers. On August 10th make your voice count and remind them that YOU are not a NUMBER. Un l next—lei
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Motorists on the South Coast can look forward to safer journeys with early work to begin next week on the $30 million South Batemans Bay Link Road project. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the project will create a safer and more efficient connec on between South Batemans Bay and the Princes Highway. “The work will deliver a new roundabout and new lanes on the Princes Highway as well as linking Glenella Road,” Mr Toole said. “This project will take pressure off Beach Road, relieve conges on in the Batemans Bay CBD and support future growth.” Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the project will provide a much needed economic s mulus to the South Coast, which is s ll dealing with the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and its bushfire recovery. “Most importantly, the project will support 30 jobs, as well as increase access and capacity to support future growth for all our South Coast villages,” Mr Constance said. “We’ve listened to the feedback from the community and design plans will be released shortly, with major work due to begin by October.” Early work, including moving water and telecommunica ons u li es to allow construc on to start, will begin on Wednesday 11 August and will have minimal impacts on road users. Transport for NSW will con nue to keep the community informed as they move into the next stage of the project. To learn more about the project visit the project webpage at nswroads.work/sbblr
Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Cobargo BlazeAid volunteers enjoyed the hospitality of Narrandera and Narooma Rotary Clubs at Cobargo Hotel on Thursday night. “We’re all so grateful for the job you amazing BlazeAid people are doing,” said Narooma Rotary President Andrew Lawson of Wandella. “What you’re doing really epitomizes this year’s Rotary theme of ‘Serve to Change Lives’.” Cobargo BlazeAid coordinator Peter Provost of Albany said their volunteers have clocked up 102,000 man hours since early 2020, mainly fencing proper es in areas burnt by the bushfires. They hope to finish in December. “The Cobargo camp peaked last year at 100-120 people and 666 volunteers have passed through,” Mr Provost said. “At the moment we have 15 volunteers; six live in the BlazeAid camp and the others are locals who do a few days a week. Some have been involved since day one. What we all get from helping in this way is the sa sfac on from helping people in their recovery as well as enjoying the camaraderie. “For some property owners, just having their fencing redone somehow seems to kick them into gear and help them move on from the fires.” Since the start, feeding everyone has been a mammoth effort with some food and meals provided by various community groups, par cularly Tilba and Cobargo CWAs, as well as contribu ons such as Thursday’s dinner by Rotary.
Above: Narooma Rotary President Andrew Lawson at the dinner for Cobargo BlazeAid volunteers on Thursday sponsored by Narrandera and Narooma Rotary Clubs.
[The Australian Bureau of Sta s cs values 102,000 volunteer hours at $4.26m.]
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George Bass Surf Marathon 2022 POSTPONED
The George Bass Commi ee met on Monday, 2nd August 2021, and as a result have made the decision to postpone the GBM2022. This decision has been made in consulta on with several key stakeholders, with the current COVID-19 situa on in mind the Commi ee’s decision was unanimous. With the uncertainty around movement across Australia and New Zealand we cannot guarantee the safety of our compe tors, their families and support teams, our Officials and each of our respec ve Communi es. Several other factors were taken into considera on: - sudden, lockdowns, border closures and enforced quaran ne - COVID-19 compliance – considera on of public health order around sport and events - Lack of training, many of you have been unable to train for in the past year - Square meter restric on campgrounds eg. at this point Tathra Country Club can only accommodate 70 - Campground facili es – rostering mes for everyone to use them, cleaning etc - Presenta ons - numbers of persons able to a end venues is extremely limited or non-existent - And selfishly, the Far South Coast region has had very li le exposure to COVID-19 and with the introduc on of the large numbers of persons from the mul tude of regions we were expec ng to a end the GBM2022, the risk to our community, which has limited respiratory resources, is considerable. We are also highly aware that many crews journeyed to the Far South Coast for the GBM2020 did so at great personal and financial expense only to have the event cancelled due to the bushfire emergency. We wish to avoid having to cancel it again and would much prefer to welcome you all back for a well-supported event, with high par cipa on in all divisions and training regimes at their peak. As a commi ee we have worked hard for the past 18 months to make the GBM2022 event something extra special a er the bushfires and we share the disappointment that many of you will be feeling, we thank you for your understanding. We are also aware that some of you may not agree with our decision, we will not enter any debate regarding this ma er.
Stay well. Yours in Surf Lifesaving Sue Hunt On behalf of the George Bass Marathon Commi ee
Ar st and educator, Professor Denise Ferris, will be this year's judge of the River of Art Prize. Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Head of the ANU's school of art and design un l last year, Denise will be the sole judge for this year's compe on. As head of the school and as a con nuing member of the Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools as well as the Australian Council of Deans and Directors of Crea ve Art, Denise contributes to the development of visual art, cra and design ter ary educa on in Australia. Living on the Monaro in the high country of NSW, Denise is a photographer and advocate for inclusive educa on and culture, which recognises art and design as invaluable social ac on and cri cal knowledge. Co-chairs of the River of Art Fes val, Di Jay and Vicki Lascelles, are delighted that Denise has agreed to be the judge. "This compe on is a major highlight of our fes val. We are delighted that Denise with her extensive experience and exper se has agreed to be the art prize judge. We're hoping for a record Professor Denise Ferris, former head of the number of entries.," Di said. ANU’s School of Art and Design "While many of last year's works highlighted the impact of the region's bushfires, we're expec ng a COVID-theme to run through this year's entries." Vicki added. Ar sts across all media, from within and beyond the region, are encouraged to submit their work for this year's prize. The deadline for entries has been extended to midnight, Sunday 22 August. All work must be submi ed electronically via a digital image of the work, using the online applica on form which can be found on the fes val’s website, www.riverofart.com.au. The cost of entry is $40 per work. Artworks must be the original, unassisted work of the entrant, completed within one year of the exhibi on date and not previously exhibited. Around 25 shortlisted works will appear in the River of Art Prize exhibi on to be held at Gallery Narooma run by SoART. Ar sts whose work is not shortlisted will be invited to exhibit their submi ed artwork in the Salon de Refusés at Narooma’s School of Arts’ studios. Both exhibi ons will run throughout the fes val. Now in its 16th year, the 2021 River of Art Fes val will run from 17 to 26 September. Apart from the art prize, the fes val will feature 119 events and ac vi es. The big favourites will include Open Studios, REVIVE public art, Art on Parade, music gigs and workshops ranging from poetry and wri ng family histories through to weaving and bicycle repair. A fabulous new event is the Wa le Walk - a collabora on between the University of Wollongong and the Eurobodalla Botanical Gardens. This will be an all-day event at the gardens featuring a walk of kni ed wa le represen ng renewal as well as an exhibi on by the renowned wood workers group, Splinters as well as performances by the Eurobodalla Chamber Orchestra and the Thugs Ukulele Band. The full program for the fes val can be found on the River of Art website at www.riverofart.com.au
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community
New Tresillian Family Care Centre And Gidget House For Eurobodalla
Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Member for Bega Andrew Constance has today announced an exci ng partnership with the NSW Government, Gidget Founda on Australia and Tresillian Family Care Centres that will see local support available to expectant and new parents across the region. The new co-located facility will be based in Moruya providing much needed access to specialist early paren ng services. Mr Constance said, we know that up to 50 per cent of mums whose babies have sleeping or feeding issues, suffer from post-natal anxiety and depression. “These amazing centres have Tresillian nurses and a Gidget Founda on perinatal mental health clinician working together to help the baby and parents. I know how difficult it can be adjus ng to life with a newborn and having services like this close to home really will be life changing for regional families,” Mr Constance said. Tresillian is the largest early paren ng service in Australia, providing advice, support and evidence-based programs to families in the early years as well as leadership and support for other agencies and organisa ons. Gidget Founda on Australia is a not-for-profit organisa on that helps expectant and new parents to receive specialist care through a range of programs, including face-to-face and telehealth psychological counselling by experienced perinatal mental health clinicians. Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor highlighted the importance of the integrated care approach and said it will ensure that counselling and paren ng support are provided for local families. “There can be no doubt that babies are a blessing, but when a baby arrives it can also be one of the most challenging mes in a mother or father’s life. Some mes we can forget that it can be a stressful, lonely and overwhelming me caring for a newborn. This is all about helping families in their hour of need and services like this can have a really posi ve impact on the wider community as well,” Mrs Taylor said Robert Mills CEO Tresillian said Tresillian's services have transformed the lives of thousands of families. “Parents will be able to access a range of invaluable services at the new Family Care Centre, providing support to families for early paren ng issues including breas eeding support, infant se ling, toddler behaviour and peri-natal anxiety and depression; suppor ng parents to build confidence and enjoy the cri cal early years of their child's life’.” Arabella Gibson CEO Gidget Founda on Australia said, we know that 1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads will suffer from perinatal depression and anxiety. “When you throw into the mix, the recent experiences of natural disasters such as the bushfires and a pandemic, it makes for a highly anxious me as a new parent. During the last 18 months we’ve seen demand for our services increase by 127% so we are really looking forward to opening a Gidget House in the region so that we can support NSW families in the Eurobodalla to be mentally healthy and well again.”
community A local perspec ve on Solar – from Micro Energy Systems, Bodalla
Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Note: This is not an adver sement: Micro Energy were asked by The Beagle to offer readers Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 neutral quality advice on Solar in light of the endless social media offers being made by out of town operators with all manner of claims and incen ves.
We have always advocated for renewable energy in our community and contributed ar cles over the years providing prac cal and honest advice to consumers when considering effec ve and affordable solu ons including solar. O en however, this advice is usurped and or smothered by the razzle dazzle of large sales companies engineered for that ‘perfect sale’. As a local business, we can tell you that each me a new sales company targets or moves into the South Coast, the industry loses some of the integrity that local trades based businesses who install solar have been building on. In a recent ar cle authored by a sales company protagonist which we were asked to review, the author highlights advice that customers should themselves work out if solar is right for them and determine where the panels should best be installed. This seems to us to be a prime example of an office based sales tac c. One which places an unnecessary burden on the customer who should be able to an cipate reliance on the proven experience, exper se and qualifica ons of the individual tradesperson they have engaged to assist with advice and quota on for Solar. Further the same ar cle recommends that the reader should check out reviews to research the integrity of the sales business. In our view on-line reviews will never have the efficacy that parochial word of mouth offers to poten al customers. In our experience, this has been a common sales approach to use social media mis direc on to build an apparent integrity. Reviews by advocates on social media pla orms are intrinsically worthless. They are easily self-generated or cul vated, with no oversight allowing poten al customers to cross check their veracity. Designing and installing solar systems is the province of an electrician with Clean Energy Council [CEC] accredita on. The electrician is a tradesperson; this is o en forgo en. A salesperson without electrical trade qualifica on and CEC accredita on is not competent to design a solar system installa on regardless of any other industry qualifica ons they may hold. The claim that the salesperson has an engineering qualifica on is also irrelevant. Unless they are ac vely engaged in the day-to-day installa on ac vi es and actually have qualifica on and experience as an accredited electrician, that individual is was ng their hard won degree, as in the sales applica on, they are only competent as a sales person, not an electrician accredited for Solar PV design and Installa on. So it stands that if the person at your door or on the telephone cannot furnish proof that they are an experienced CEC accredited electrician, consumers should not give any veracity to the advice or design incorporated in the quota on they are being offered. There is o en a disconnect between the customer and the installer when a system has been purchased via a sales company approach. Con nues…...
It’s irrelevant if a sales company using either contract or PAYG installers claims that they are local. In our experience, these installers o en have no real concern or obliga on for a er sales support. They are in fact, usually too busy resolving issues at the me of installa on, rela ng to incompetently designed systems sold by salespeople which have le customers with unrealis c expecta ons.
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Consumers should remember that a successful sales person must be primarily focussed on “ge ng” a sale or “closing” a deal. A good trades person is predominately focussed on crea ng a solu on and solving a problem. It is a conundrum that o en a consumer will be seduced into engaging with a sales person to create problems for a trades person to solve, when they have the op on to avoid the middleman and engage the problem solver in the first instance. So now we have deconstructed the normal sales based paradigm for purchasing a solar panel generator, here is our simple list for sensible shopping when it comes to residen al and small commercial Solar and storage systems; 1. Avoid or refuse to entertain door knockers or cold callers or indeed anybody flogging ‘free energy’, ‘no money down, pay as you go’, get in quick otherwise you will miss out’ deals. 2. If the business selling you a complex electrical installa on that’s going to be part of your home for many years has its principal(s) living so far away that your never likely to meet them at the local beach or shops, perhaps you should ask around about local tradesfolk who can offer you a compara ve quote. 3. Don’t purchase site unseen; if there is no on site survey, there will probably be no warranty support either. 4. Ask the person before or during the site survey to prove their creden als. If they are not CEC accredited for Solar PV system design and installa on, ask yourself why you would take a risk on their proposal. If you’re looking at having a ba ery installed, that person will also need storage or off grid endorsement on their CEC accredita on to have any integrity. 5. Don’t believe the hype. If you keep seeing online pop ups or adver sements selling specific solar products or sales companies offering cheap energy solu ons or huge rebates (if you act right now) it’s really just a con. The principles are a emp ng to convince you to buy something based on emo ve tweaks and repe on. Trades work sells itself in a parochial environment. The business of designing and installing Solar Systems is trades work, first and foremost. Therefore its a good idea to employ an experienced local trades company you trust to do good work and look a er you, based on real world word of mouth referral not virtual world chicanery and sales hype.
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Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018
Renewal of Moruya Labyrinth
Recently the labyrinth in the grounds of St John’s Anglican Church in Moruya has been renewed and made more sustainable thanks to the work of Batemans Bay Community Correc ve Services. The pa ern or pathway of the wholly grassed labyrinth was lost during the fire period of 2020. The labyrinth commi ee realized that a more permanent path would need to be made. This work has now been completed and the labyrinth is once more open for walking. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual act that is being rediscovered during our me. Against the backdrop of modern living, labyrinths provide a way to peace and balance in life. As an ancient symbol that represents wholeness it combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering and purposeful path. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no dead ends. You cannot get lost. You just follow the path to the centre and out again. Walking a labyrinth is a way of centering oneself. It is a medita ve path, or a prac ce of medita ve walking open to all. “We are so grateful to Tony and the correc ve services team who have done such a great job on restoring our labyrinth” said commi ee members Fiona Sessions. All are welcome to come and walk the labyrinth at any me. It is situated near the corner of Campbell and Page St, Moruya with access from St Johns Way. As Claudia Ferrier, another commi ee member says, “it’s such a perfect me to be able to offer the labyrinth back to the community as a place of healing.”
community Torched car alarms Guerilla Point residents
Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Residents of Guerilla Bay were alarmed this morning to discover that a car, understood to be stolen, was torched at Burrewarra Point. Having sped along Burri Point Rd at high speed the vehicle was driven into a sec on of bush close to houses and torched. The fire was alerted across the region by the Fires Near Me App a er a resident no ced smoke and reported it to emergency services. Fortunately emergency services were able to promptly a end, ex nguishing the car and adjacent burning na ve bushland. It is understood that the driver absconded and was apprehended by Police at Broulee.
Photos: Beagle Pup
www.iga.com.au/catalogue
EUROBODALLA HEALTH SERVICE PROJECT ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION
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NOTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF ABORIGINAL INTERESTS The NSW Government has announced a total of $200 million towards the development of the new Eurobodalla Health Service. The project will provide a new hospital facility on a greenfield site that services Moruya, Batemans Bay and surrounding towns. The preferred site is located at Lot 6, Princes Highway, Moruya within the Eurobodalla Shire. It was once agricultural land that was part of Braemar Farm. The Eurobodalla Health Service Project is planned to be assessed as a State Significant Development (SSD) under part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This requires Aboriginal community consulta on to be undertaken in accordance with the Aboriginal cultural heritage consulta on requirements for proponents 2010.
The proponent, Health Infrastructure of 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards, NSW, proposes the prepara on of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report prior to the redevelopment Lot 6, Princes Highway, Moruya. It will also be necessary to undertake Aboriginal archaeological excava on prior to the development.
Registra ons of interest are sought from Aboriginal people or organisa ons who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the significance of any poten al Aboriginal objects at this loca on. This will assist in the assessment of the proposal by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Please note that the details of Aboriginal people or organisa ons who register an interest will be shared with Heritage NSW and the Cobowra Local Aboriginal Land Council (CLALC). If you do not want your details shared with either of these organisa ons, please specify this when registering your interest in the project.
Comber Consultants Pty Ltd has been appointed to undertake Aboriginal consulta on, the archaeological assessment and prepare the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report. You can register your interest by phone or in wri ng to: Veronica Norman Comber Consultants Pty Ltd 76 Edwin St North, Croydon NSW 2132 Mobile: 0419 118 399 Email: veronica.norman@comber.net.au REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 23RD AUGUST 2021
real estate OUT NOW—your latest Beagle Abode :
Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Eurobodalla’s leading real
Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 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 #1056: Record Government Stamp Duty Helping NSW Get Through Covid
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A few weeks ago, we posed the ques on of “where is all the money coming from?” to support the NSW government’s assistance for businesses etc during the Covid pandemic. In that ar cle we commented that record sales, and the corresponding stamp duty, was a major contributor to keeping the state afloat.
The Real Estate Ins tute of NSW (REINSW) has just released details of just how significant this contribu on has been:
“A month ago, when the NSW Budget was handed down, it was clear the real estate industry was rescuing the economy. However new figures show that the rescue effort has been even more profound than first realised,” REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin says.
The latest NSW transfer duty data shows the number of du able transac ons in June 2021 was 26,137, the highest number ever recorded in any month in Revenue NSW’s online recorded history. This translated to the collec on of $1,161,990,894 in revenue for the month - $370 million more than the Treasurer predicted. It was also the second highest amount of transfer duty revenue ever collected in any month in Revenue NSW’s online recorded history.
Perhaps most strikingly, the data shows total transfer duty revenue for the full financial year 2020- 21 was $9,748,371,524. “It’s clear that the COVID recovery is being led by the real estate industry.” says Mr McKibbin. Having such a significant and vital role, the REINSW is very keen to capitalise on the Property Services Council Bill which has been passed by the Upper House and being consider shortly by the Lower House (once normal si ng recommences).
The REINSW says this bill will give consumers confidence in the way real estate is bought, sold and regulated. It will create a be er environment for engagement between consumers, the industry and Government promote the development of good policy to address issues before they cause consumers’ harm. It will also mean the state’s economic powerhouse will be overseen by a regulatory authority exclusively focused on the industry.
Durras Community Associa on - General Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Mee ng - Sat 21 August at 4pm
Please note that there will be a Durras Community Associa on (DCA) General Mee ng on Sat 21 August 2021 at Durras Hall commencing at 4pm. To ensure it is COVID-safe, if you are feeling unwell in any way, or have been in a declared hotspot in the weeks before the mee ng, please DO NOT a end the mee ng. Also please provide a contact phone number when you sign the a endance book or use the QR code for the Hall on arrival. The mee ng will be held in the main Hall with social distancing.
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Scaled back version of Moruya Market is ON - Aug 7th
Moruya Country Market advise: NSW Health have been consulted and all the rules below are required to operate an outdoor market in a regional area in NSW at this current me. Please do not a end if you are feeling unwell, or cannot comply (unless you have an exemp on - bring your paperwork please, you will be asked to show it.) A scaled back version of the market will be opera ng this coming Saturday (7th August) ALL persons a ending the market (including stallholders) need to wear a mask for the en re me you’re on site. If you have an exemp on, please bring your paperwork as you will be asked to present it ALL persons a ending the market must check in using your QR code - there will be 5 placed around the market at all entries Stallholders will have hand sani zer at the front of their stalls, please use it
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community Breas eeding during a pandemic – Partners implored to build the founda ons for a ‘virtual village’
Vol 16 September 15th 2017 With more than half of Australia locked down due to COVID-19 restric ons, the Australian Breas eeding Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Associa on (ABA) is calling for dads, partners and loved-ones to champion the prac cal support needs of mothers this World Breas eeding Week (1 to 7 August 2021). The theme for World Breas eeding Week 2021 is ‘Protect breas eeding: a shared responsibility’. ‘For infants, mothers and the community at large to enjoy the health benefits associated with breas eeding, including the immunity against respiratory illnesses via breastmilk, support from ‘the village’ is essen al. As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into its 18th month, ABA is calling on expectant parents and, especially, dads and partners to build the founda ons for a ‘virtual village’ ahead of their newest arrival. ‘It’s as simple as booking yourself and your partner into an ABA breas eeding educa on class (online or in person) and saving the Breas eeding Helpline number into your phone’, states Ms Hull. ‘Once armed with prac cal breas eeding knowledge and backed by the support of our free LiveChat service and 24/7 Breas eeding Helpline, prospec ve parents are well posi oned to navigate the newborn phase together, with or without the support of their usual ‘village’, explains Ms Hull. ABA Eurobodalla Group Leader, Dr Michelle Hamrosi, is welcoming new members to come along to join the fortnightly COVID safe mee ngs around the shire, the group have endeavoured to con nue despite the pandemic. Michelle says “I cannot imagine a more important me to support mums to breas eed than in the middle of a global pandemic. Human milk not only provides op mal nutri on for growth and development, it provides personalised medicine for babies, protec ng them from infec ous diseases. It takes a village to raise a baby - and the pandemic is a major disrup on to that. "ABA is endeavouring to con nue providing a wide array of support via online educa on classes, live chat and the phone help line. Please reach out if you need support.” To find our more about the Eurobodalla group go here: h ps:// www.breas eeding.asn.au/node/24999/ events or email ABAeurobodalla@gmail.com
$2 million government grant awarded to local aged care provider Banksia Villages
Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Broulee based aged care provider Banksia Villages has been awarded a $2 million Federal grant to be er support residents living with demen a at its residen al aged care facility, Banksia Lodge.
The grant was announced last week as part of the 2020 Aged Care Approvals
Round (ACAR) program, which provides capital grants to build or upgrade facili es operated by eligible residen al aged care providers.
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Philips MP, congratulated Banksia Village, Broulee on their successful applica on for the federal grant.
“I’m delighted with this outcome,” Fiona said. “The Gilmore electorate has one of the highest numbers of residents aged 65+ in Australia. Banksia Villages Limited is a leading provider of independent re rement living and is a fully accredited government funded residen al, respite and in-home carer for older people.”
“I can’t wait to see the finished work!” the local Federal member said. “Thank you to the amazing staff, par cipants and supporters of this wonderful, not for profit, charitable organisa on.”
The $2 million funding awarded to Banksia was the fourth highest capital grant alloca on in NSW in the 2020 ACAR round, out of a total of 26 successful applica ons from across the State. Banksia CEO Graham Wise was thrilled to receive the news late last week.
“More than 50% of our residents at Banksia Lodge are living with some form of demen a. This funding will enable us to implement significant improvements in the physical and service environment at Banksia Lodge to be er support residents and contribute to their quality of life and enjoyment,” he said.
The works will be er connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, giving residents greater access to the beau ful gardens and surrounds of Banksia Lodge. They will also address internal spaces, crea ng smaller, more in mate and home-like areas for residents to enjoy.
Orienta on, way-finding and subtle changes to the environment will make Banksia Lodge more comfortable for residents, par cularly those living with demen a.
Earlier this year, Banksia worked closely with Demen a Training Australia (DTA), Australia’s peak demen a research and educa on body, through an environmental consultancy to explore how the Banksia Lodge environment, including buildings and gardens, could be used to be er support people living with demen a.
Around 40 Banksia staff also par cipated in a comprehensive demen a training program delivered by DTA, designed to improve the lives of Banksia residents and clients who are living with demen a. Several of these staff were also involved in development of the project plan that will now be funded by the ACAR grant.
Banksia Village Project Manager Liz Paterson-Finlay led the planning for this exci ng project and developed the successful ACAR applica on.
“As an organisa on, Banksia aims to deliver quality of life, dignity, choice and independence for older people. I am so excited that we can now deliver addi onal benefits for our residents living with demen a, and we are very grateful to DTA and their lead architect Nick Seemann for their support as we have con nued to develop our demen a training and resources,” she said.
With funding now secured, Banksia’s management team is focusing on developing melines for the project and is hopeful that works can commence later this year.
