Editorial

How goes your lockdown?

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Mayor Innes told ABC News (Thursday 26th 2021) in regards to the September 10th extension of the lockVol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 down that people "really are conscien ously doing the right thing so I think they are star ng to get sick to death of being locked down when there's no cases in our local area".

“Sick to death” was probably the wrong thing to say when talking about Covid but we will let that go by along with her idea last week on Facebook to begin a conversa on on poli cians and bureaucrats reducing their wages for an interim period to help people in the hospitality and retail trade who are doing it par cularly tough. The unfortunate spin on this is that Councillors had just voted themselves a 2% fee increase and had put up rates , water, sewer and fees and charges across the shire by an average 2%.

But are we “sick to death” of the lockdowns?

The general response The Beagle is hearing is that Eurobodalla residents celebrated the new rules that were finally set in place that prohibited open access into the Shire from the ACT and Greater Sydney. Once the Delta variant spread west the further restric ons on travel were appreciated by locals who were jus fiably fearful of just one case arriving in the Shire.

The Mayor was correct in saying that we “really are conscien ously doing the right thing” however, by evidence, it is clear that many are not. Church goers, beach par es, engagement par es, office par es, driving from Sydney to Bega to receive the Pfizer jab, abusing the holiday home loophole and ignoring the rules all together saying they don’t believe in Covid and it is all a hoax.

So here we are in Lock Down for two more weeks hoping that our Eurobodalla protec ve bubble isn’t burst. In the mean me we are generally doing the right thing, being polite and respec ul of each other when we go out for food, and we remain hopeful that a new normal might return where we can resume lives and livelihoods that have been put on hold.

It is encouraging to hear that our vaccina on clinics are being well a ended. Many of us now have our Covid Cer ficates and at some point we might actually be able to use them. Of interest is the growing discussion around their use in allowing access to stores, cafes, aircra and even the workplace. One wonders what might become of the 20% unvaccinated when we reach 80%? I, for one, appreciate being locked down and locked out of a world that is going mad outside our Eurobodalla border.

A Plea: If you have any Dine and Discover vouchers le please use them now to support our local businesses. It cost you so li le and it means the world to them. Un l Next, lei

Community Shire is complying though mes are trying

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Crossing the ‘t’s and do ng the ‘i’s isn’t the most glamorous part of local government but checks and balances are vital to the good governance of any shire. Over the last year Eurobodalla Council has quietly con nued working through its public and environmental health and compliance programs. During the 2020-21 financial year, Council took 9,749 phone calls and 636 items of correspondence. About 72 per cent of calls were resolved at the me, with the remainder genera ng 2731 formal customer requests around regulatory ma ers such as animal control, illegal dumping, public health, pollu on and illegal clearing. Despite the disrup ons caused by COVID-19, these numbers match those of previous years. It’s been a tough me for the shire’s 226 food outlets and Council assisted these businesses by waiving fees associated with the food inspec on program, thanks to funding from the NSW Government. Council staff have worked alongside these business owners with advice and assistance to meet food safety requirements. It turns out food premises in Eurobodalla have done a great job during trying mes, with 208 premises inspected with 97 per cent achieving ra ngs of very good or excellent. Council also worked with NSW Health to address any COVID concerns and breaches. Nearly half of the complaints made to Eurobodalla Council concern animals, par cularly dogs – on beaches, straying, or barking. With its Companion Animal Management Plan, Eurobodalla Council has worked hard to find the happy balance between the needs of dog owners and of people who prefer to be in dog-free environments. For example, the shire has 29 beaches and reserves that allow dogs off leash, 18 where dogs access beaches on a meshare arrangement, and 24 where dogs are not allowed. Onsite sewage management systems are those not connected to Council’s sewerage system – that’s 4,909 approved sep c tanks, pit toilets, wastewater treatment and greywater systems – and they require regular inspec ons. In all, 811 inspec ons were conducted last financial year, with 93% mee ng the required standard, that’s slightly up on previous years. Also, many of these systems were impacted during the 2019-20 bushfires and Council has assisted 360 repairs or replacements associated with bushfire rebuilds. Compliance data is presented to councillors annually and they have commended staff, traders and residents in helping to keep Eurobodalla safe and protected during these difficult COVID mes. Above:: Eurobodalla boasts 29 beaches and reserves that allow dogs off leash, 18 where dogs access beaches on a meshare arrangement, and 24 where dogs are not allowed. Even so, nearly half of complaints made to Council concern animals, par cularly dogs.

community

Opportunity to Improve

Community Par cipa on in Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Emergency Management Hello Beagle Readers, my name is Bre Henderson and I am looking for members of the Eurobodalla community to share their ideas and experiences rela ng to disasters. I have successfully completed a Masters in Emergency Management, and am now studying for my Doctoral degree in emergency management. The focus of my studies is how the Eurobodalla community par cipates and shares in emergency responsibili es in their area. I have a long family history in the Eurobodalla area and volunteered in post bushfire recovery ac vi es in early 2020. I am now undertaking University endorsed research into the Eurobodalla region using it as a case study. My research is examining how communi es par cipate in all aspects of emergency management, whether it be planning, preven ng, responding to or recovering from disasters of any type. I thought this was important a er I listened to so many people post the fires and then the floods talk about how things could be done differently. My focus is about communi es, so it is very important to capture the voice of the people, to understand the ways that communi es can have a say in how disasters are managed before, during and a er they occur. I am therefore seeking help from the Eurobodalla community to par cipate in this research. Only you have the answers. Your par cipa on in the project will involve answering two or three ques ons, and can be done over the phone, by Zoom or email. Your involvement will remain strictly confiden al. If you want to par cipate or are interested in further informa on, please contact me directly through my email address : bhenderson@csu.edu.au I look forward to hearing from the Eurobodalla community. Bre Henderson

Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Development Amanda Rishworth advise in a media release issued this week that "the Morrison Government Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 finally gave in to pressure from Labor and families across NSW to implement an urgent support package for the early learning sector." The Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain, and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Development Amanda Rishworth, said they were pleased the Federal Government had finally responded to calls from the Australian Labor Party to provide this essential support to families. "Unfortunately, the Morrison Government dragged its feet to make this announcement. The delay cost the sector millions, cost educators’ jobs, and cost families across NSW hundreds of dollars in childcare fees they shouldn’t have been paying." With families, educators and services still working through the detail of the Morrison Government’s announcement, there remains a lot of confusion. Both Ms McBain and Ms Rishworth will be hosting a community zoom for people in Eden-Monaro to understand what these changes mean for people on the ground, and to hear about the consequences of the Morrison Government’s delay in providing a support package. “People in the Eden-Monaro are committed to following health orders and staying at home, but this lockdown has been another blow to our businesses and our communities who have been battling disasters and border closures for far too long,” Ms McBain said. “Families across the electorate have really felt the financial effects of this lockdown and unfortunately many local families have been carrying the financial burden of keeping services afloat, by having to continue to pay fees for childcare they weren’t accessing. “The belated announcement by the Morrison Government is welcome news to many childcare services and families in my electorate, and we hope it will help to ease the financial pressure many families, services and educators are facing. “Amanda and I understand the importance of childcare. This is why we’re inviting the community to join us as we share information on what these lockdowns mean to childcare services and our families.” Childcare services across the Eden-Monaro can now waive gap fees for all families whose children are not attending and in doing so, services will be able to access business continuity payments of 25 per cent of their pre-lockdown revenue. Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services will be eligible for payments of 40 per cent. Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Development Amanda Rishworth said she had been calling on the Morrison Government to implement an urgent support package for the early learning sector for many weeks. “It has been clear in our ongoing talks with providers and educators how dire the situation has become. Providers have been telling us their viability has been seriously at risk,” Ms Rishworth said. “The government’s senseless delay has come at a significant cost for the sector, educators, and families.” Ms McBain and Ms Rishworth’s childcare community zoom will take place on Tuesday 31 August at 6pm. Register to attend the event by visiting https://www.kristymcbain.com.au/events/events/

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Tomorrow, Saturday, 28 August, Queen Street Medical Centre Moruya has planned a walkin AstraZeneca vaccina on clinic from 9.00am to 12.30pm. Pa ents and non-pa ents 18 years and over are welcome to a end – as this is a walk-in clinic, please be prepared to wait your turn. Please note: If you have any respiratory symptoms or are unwell, you will not be vaccinated. If you have been to a COVID-19 hot spot including the ACT since 5 Aug, please advise our team upon arrival – you will receive instruc ons about where you will receive your vaccina on.

The Black Summer had disastrous effects on the physical, psychological, emo onal and financial wellbeing of thousands of people across our region. The sustained impacts of covid have also inhibited the healing and recovery that would normally occur. Please find below the link to a survey for two local Community and Wellbeing Recovery projects: • Resilience NSW has funded the Family Place to undertake a series of community art installa ons • Coordinare (PHN) has funded Marymead to deliver a flexible range of wellbeing and recovery programs Both of these projects are in the early community consulta on phase and are designed to support postdisaster recovery in the community. Please complete the survey monkey to provide your input. The closing date of survey is 13 Sept If you have any ques ons, please contact Sam at the Family Place on 4474 2907. h ps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Eurobodallarecoveryprojects

Moruya Branch of the CWA

of NSW would like to advise our community, who give us such wonderful support, that in line with the current Regional lockdown restric ons our tearooms & Handicra Shop are temporarily closed. Keep reading the Beagle to see when we are opening again.

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community Water main renewal - Ford Street and Queen Street, Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Moruya As part of Council’s Water Main Renewals Program they are preparing to upgrade the water infrastructure around the intersection of Ford Street and Queen Street in Moruya. Work involves replacing water mains, stop valves and service connections.

Work will begin this week and Council expects the project to be complete in late October, weather permitting. Initial work includes pre-cutting large sections of concrete pathways and driveways. The cut concrete will remain in place and useable until excavation works begin. The main areas directly impacted include:

the entrance off Queen Street to the Mitre 10 access road the entrance to Moruya Muffler Centre and Moruya Mower & Chainsaw Centre the pathways outside Moruya Medical Centre The site supervisor will liaise directly with affected businesses regarding property access as required throughout the project. Similarly, if it is necessary to interrupt water supply, they will notify individual properties in advance. During construction the area will be operating under traffic control and heavy machinery will be active on the nature strip and along the road. It will be necessary to close Queen Street and Ford Street to through traffic at separate times to safely undertake parts of the work. Council will provide further details regarding the road closures when they have determined timeframes. The improvements to the infrastructure will ensure greater reliability of water supply for the local community

Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) will run a series of “walk-in” vaccination clinics in Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Batemans Bay and Cooma next month, in partnership with local GPs and Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 pharmacists. Anyone aged 18 years of age or older can attend one of the advertised clinics without a booking, to receive a free AstraZeneca vaccine. SNSWLHD Chief Executive Margaret Bennett says she hopes the clinics will provide an added boost to local vaccination rates simply by making it easier to get a vaccination. “Our staff will ensure that people register on site on the day they attend so that they get a record of their vaccination. They can also book in a second vaccination date at the same time. “We urge everyone in the community to come forward for their jab as high vaccination rates are essential to protect our loved ones and the broader community from the threat of this virus.” All clinics will open 9am – 4pm. Venues and dates as follows: - Queanbeyan, Morriset House, Morriset St, Queanbeyan. Thursday 2, Friday 3, Saturday 4 September -Goulburn, Old RTA building, Bourke St, Goulburn. Sunday 5, Monday 6, Tuesday 7 September - Batemans Bay, Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, 6 Beach Rd, Batemans Bay. Thurs 9, Fri 10, Sat 11 September - Cooma, Multi Function Centre, 10 Boundary Street, Cooma. Sun 12, Monday 13, Tuesday 14 September All people aged 18 and above are eligible for the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine. Staff at the clinics will assist with: - an appropriate assessment of suitability; and confirming your verbal or written consent.

www.iga.com.au/catalogue

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips told The Beagle, when asked about Thinking Local and Buying Local, “One of the things I love about the Batemans Bay, Moruya, Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Tuross Head and surrounding areas is the community spirit. Think Local – Support Local is a massive part of that. Wherever I go I’m lucky to find local outstanding small businesses, passionate workers and the best products and services. “While it’s been a difficult 18 months, what’s stood out is the compassion and dedica on of people in this community. More than ever buying local and suppor ng local jobs is about helping each other. “As your federal Member for Gilmore, I have had the absolute honour of helping people through one of the most difficult mes we could have seen. We’ve seen the hard mes, the heartache. But we’ve also seen people rise above, join as one and help each other. “I o en get slightly confused when mee ng so many people in their different “day job” roles… in small business, in care industries etc. and then again when volunteering and o en a completely different job descrip on! But I reckon that’s just what makes this place so special. “Over the last year I’ve had so many opportuni es to give back and help organisa ons in our community. Because I know that people in our community groups support our local businesses and local jobs. “I felt extremely proud seeing the fully federally funded Headspace open in Batemans Bay – a true community win! It will provide a long-las ng legacy to help our young people and their families. “Suppor ng River of Art Inc with a $10,000 grant to provide murals as part of the ‘2021 River of Art’ was high on my list of priori es. I figured that if we provided some “colour” and promoted that rich history, then we are opening up, helping each other and encouraging more people to fall in love with our area and hoping they stay. “Like our small businesses and workers, our community organisa ons have also done it tough. First bushfires, those mul ple pesky floods, and then ongoing COVID, has put a dampener on many fundraisers. It’s for this reason I have concentrated on suppor ng our community organisa ons with federal grants to help in a small but important way. “I have found addi onal federal funding for terrific local organisa ons like Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels, Hope House, Rotary Batemans Bay, the Clyde River Historical Associa on”. “We’ll always fund roads like upgrades to Beach Road and George Bass Drive, but increasingly it’s about suppor ng our local community organisa ons, our selfless volunteers and workers that go above and beyond every day. It’s these volunteers and workers that spend money in our local shops and support our local organisa ons and businesses. “I take my hat off to everyone for all their efforts during this difficult me. We will get through this together. Think Local – Support Local.”

community “I need to be at the top of my game to be able to help and Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 lead my team” – Danielle Brice

First published 23/08/2021 by Fortem Australia On the eve of one of the biggest days in our Black Summer, Rural Fire Service (RFS) Captain Danielle Brice wrote to her team, “Tomorrow will be a challenging day.” “The response from all our brigades has gone beyond and above the call of duty. We wait and watch with the community and pray that you, your team and everyone stays safe. Our thoughts are with you all tomorrow.” That was January 3, 2020. The days that followed lived up to the fears Danny spoke of in her email. The Border Fire in the far south of the Bega Valley made a fast and furious run toward Eden, claiming dozens of homes south and west of the famous town. By that stage, Danny and many other volunteers and paid staff from the Rural Fire Service in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley had already had a long summer, figh ng fires in other parts of Australia. “I’d already done a lot of out of area deployments. I’d been down to Tasmania, and worked as an avia on radio operator, I went out to Tumut and did the same thing. I went up to Armidale then backup to Gra on and then into Shoalhaven. Then the Currowan Fire took off in Eurobodalla and I came back home to Eurobodalla,” Danny remembers. In the 10 weeks that followed around 1000 homes were destroyed in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley, not to men on lives like those of Robert and Patrick Salway at Cobargo. Eighteen months on si ng in Danny’s garden at Tuross Head the experience is s ll raw and one that Danny and her husband Nick step through every day. “It does seem like a blur. There are mes when you see pictures or reports in the paper, hear things on the radio, or see footage on the TV, and a lot of feelings and memories do come flooding back,” she says. Danny is the Team Leader of the Eurobodalla RFS Volunteer Opera ons Support team, “they’re an amazing team that take all the radio calls,” she says. “But then my role became an avia on radio operator. I ended up working with the crews that came out from America and Canada. But also working alongside my team that we’re taking all the calls from the fire ground. All the radio reports and cha er comes in. You can

Danny Brice, in her Tuross garden.

hear and you can feel what’s going on. It was just unbelievable what was happening out on the fire ground. “We were covering radio opera ons for both Eurobodalla and Bega Valley. There were fires everywhere. Every brigade was out, there were calls from crews coming in trying to save property, trying to save lives. Vol 16 September 15th 2017 One descrip on that really s cks in my mind was a call saying that the condi ons were cyclonic. Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 “We all just had to keep doing our job. There were a lot of firefighters out figh ng the fires knowing that at the same me their own property was under threat. One of our members actually lost her house.” Sadly, for Danny and Nick, grief and trauma shadow their every day. The sudden death of their two young sons, three years apart drives Danny’s passion and community contribu on. “Trauma and grief are really hard things to go through, if you are feeling any sort of feelings that don’t feel quite right, then ge ng help is really important,” Danny says. “It’s 13 years since we lost Chris and 10 years this August since Nicholas, you s ll have memories that keep coming up all the me, but you just try and address what you can. Talk to people, it may be talking to a doctor or a psychologist, talking to a good friend, talking to your family, just to help you through some of those really hard mes. Things don’t happen overnight. It is really a work in progress.” The compounding experience of Black Summer adds to Danny’s mental fitness challenge. “I’d wake up and just have this wave of sadness go over me and feel sick in the stomach. I can get a dry mouth, I can startle easily at different things. You forget things, and par cularly a er the fire I found I was just walking around in circles.” Connec ng with other first responders through Fortem Australia has been important. Danny and Nick took part in an RFS v SES Mystery Box Cooking Challenge at Eastwood’s Deli and Cooking School in Bermagui earlier this year. “One of the reasons I wanted to have a go was when young Nicholas was alive, all he wanted to do was go on Masterchef. And I thought, I might be able to fill that li le niche for him,” Danny smiles. “It helped me deal with the trauma of the Black Summer and also remember my son and Winners are grinners – Nikki, Chris and Danny from Team RFS. con nue to deal with that grief and trauma. “I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a couple of fellow RFS members – Chris and Nikki, and we we’re up against nine fabulous SES members. There was a lot of teamwork, and a lot of laughs, it was great mateship, and a chance to learn and try something new.” For the record the RFS team won by two points with their quail dish and chocolate filled crepes, hot on the

heels of an SES pork belly laksa. “It gave us something to look forward to, something to take our mind off everything. Nick and I really want to thank Jacqueline and Hayley from Fortem and Kelly Eastwood at the cooking school, for the opportunity Vol 16 September 15th 2017 to par cipate in this amazing cooking challenge.”

Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 At the heart of Danny’s resilience and strength is her service, that sense of “giving back to our community, being part of that community and being there when there is need.” “Par cularly for myself and Nick, when we lost both our boys the community was absolutely amazing and I really feel a heavy debt to the them,” Danny says. “I really want to give back, and both Nicholas and Chris had special dreams and contributed to the community in their own way through the RFS, SES, St John Ambulance, Surf Life Saving, and Army Reserves, I am also helping their memories live on.” For someone who gets so much from helping her community, Danny understands that she can’t look a er others if she doesn’t look a er herself. “I felt pre y shi y a er the fires and just felt I needed to do something. So I’ve lost some weight and I’m exercising more. But I’m s ll really trying to work on my mental health at the moment,” she says. “Look at the devasta on that has occurred, the loss of life, the loss of people’s homes, loss of property, and the environment – you see it every day. “I love to volunteer and I love serving with the Rural Fire Service, but I need to be at the top of my game to be able to help and lead my team. “It’s really important that I set a good example and try and look a er myself and the people around me.”

community COORDINARE launches 'Innovate' Reconcilia on Ac on Plan

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN will launch its 'Innovate' Reconcilia on Ac on Plan with a virtual event a ended by staff, members of the Board and the RAP Working Group along with key community members. According to Dianne Kitcher, CEO of COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN, the 'Innovate' Reconcilia on Ac on Plan (RAP) has been officially endorsed by Reconcilia on Australia. “It is our commitment to the organisa ons and communi es we work with to be truthful in our work together with a vision to progress and celebrate health, well-being and equity for and with First Na ons peoples,” said Ms Kitcher. “Reconcilia on, in COORDINARE’S context, represents equal health outcomes for members of First Na ons communi es in our region and an inclusive and diverse workplace that is culturally safe, culturally rich and proud. “Building on the learning of our REFLECT RAP, we have undertaken an authen c journey that has involved staff across the organisa on as well as members of the Aboriginal community. We have focused on deepening our understanding of the reconcilia on process, cul va ng rela onships, welcoming truth telling and iden fying opportuni es to gain be er understanding,” she said. Developing the RAP has enabled COORDINARE to develop a framework that will keep the organisa on accountable in con nuing to build rela onships, trust and respect across its programs. This includes having be er understanding and empathy and improving access and safety for Aboriginal people. “Our RAP working group, including PHN staff and members of regional Aboriginal communi es, working together have proudly led this ini a ve in consulta on with our Board and execu ve, and we are delighted to launch it,” said Ms Kitcher. “The South Eastern NSW region is place of many diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communi es. Given our significant cultural footprint, it is very important that COORDINARE works closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communi es to ensure we are culturally sensi ve, respec ul and meaningful in all that we do.” “We hope the Innovate RAP will con nue to draw our staff and the community into the story of reconcilia on over the next 24 months. It provides our staff with a set of priori es and guidelines to help us engage more meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communi es, histories and cultures,” said Ms Kitcher. You can read the Innovate RAP here. You are invited to join the launch event When 11am – 12 noon, Thursday 26 August 2021 How via GoToWebinar h ps://a endee.gotowebinar.com/register/3272359226651497488 You will receive a return email with the link to the Webinar.

This year's River of Art Fes val which was due to be held next month is going virtual. Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Faced with the ongoing COVID restric ons across NSW Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 and the ACT, the fes val can't proceed with its live events. Instead, it will showcase the Eurobodalla’s vibrant arts community online. "It’s obvious that we can’t hold face to face events this September as the safety and comfort of our ar sts, community, visitors and supporters is paramount," said co-chair, Di Jay when she and fellow co-chair, Vicki Lascelles, announced the decision. "We will run a virtual fes val showcasing many of the amazing 120 events we had programmed including pain ng, tex les, woodwork, sculpture, performance, music, film and poetry, " Di added. "We're also looking to reschedule some of the cancelled live events early in the new year," Vicki said. A main feature of the 2021 Virtual River of Art will be the Arts Directory which was introduced at last year's fes val. This year, the directory to be launched on 17 September, will feature works of the regions’ ar sts who were to have opened their studios during the fes val. This will enable people to s ll see the work of these ar sts by simply visi ng the fes val's website on www.riverofart.com.au. People will be able to contact them directly to view, purchase or commission works directly. Determined that COVID won't knock out the op mism and enthusiasm which has been a hallmark of the fes val, the dates for next year's fes val have already been fixed. "We are already planning a spectacular River of Art Fes val from 16-25 September 2022 featuring lively arts programs as well as the exci ng Luminous: Art A er Dark event with projec ons, site illumina on and loads of colour, sound and ac vity at Riverside Park," Di said. "But for now, River of Art looks forward to welcoming the many visitors to the Eurobodalla who would have joined us for the fes val a er the ongoing lockdown across NSW and the ACT is at an end," said Vicki. River of Art will con nue presen ng and promo ng local and visi ng ar sts across all art forms and our 2022 fes val will be even bigger and be er with fresh new possibili es in a post-Covid world. For updates on the virtual program, stay in touch via the website and to see what events will be running in the new year. You can also subscribe to our E-news and join River of Art on Instagram or Facebook. The fes val is a community-led ini a ve run by volunteers with support from local ar sts and local business. Thanks to the NSW Government through Des na on NSW and the Eurobodalla Shire Council for funding and our 2021 sponsors - Southern Phone, Moruya Golf Club, Horizon Bank, Excell Prin ng and Lincoln Downs Resort.

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

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 leading real estate guide

Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

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

The Housing Affordability Vs Government Revenue Dilemma

Vol 16 September 15th 2017

Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Housing affordability has become a hot topic, particularly as housing prices continue to soar around the country. If you are regular reader of this column (and who wouldn’t be), you would remember that we reported the Real Estate Institute of NSW recently saying that increased revenue from stamp duty has effectively kept the NSW afloat during the covid pandemic. So, we have this dilemma, stamp duty increases the overall cost of purchasing a property, thus impacting housing affordability, yet the government(s) make so much money from stamp duty it will be difficult for them to let it go (or change it dramatically).

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has now reported that “Families across all the states and territories, except the ACT, are paying more stamp duty today than 20 years ago….” and “Australia has had the fourth-fastest house price growth out of the world’s advanced economies over the past 20 years.

REIA President, Adrian Kelly said “Politicians cannot on one hand gripe about housing affordability; and then on the other say we need this income from home buyers and owners to fund public sector operations. “REIA has called on the Council of Federal Financial Relations to take on board this issue seriously and nationally rather than just shift this responsibility off to States and Territories,”

Mr Kelly said the massive market entry from First Home Buyers in both 2009 and 2020 show the power of waiving taxes and stimulus programs in boosting house ownership. “The lack of national coordination has led to limited supply of both new and existing listings across the board “Now more than ever we need fact based and bi-partisan support on policy issues for home buyers and home owners,” he added.

REIA has welcomed the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue inquiry into housing affordability and supply in Australia. Adrian Kelly said the inquiry will address property taxation in the form of stamp or transfer duties and land tax which are among the largest barriers to housing affordability and consistently performing markets.

REIA will also release, in the final week of August, its “Housing Affordability Report - the case for home ownership - a 21 year analysis”.

community Eurobodalla Health Service Community Informa on Sessions Go Online

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 The informa on sessions to learn more about the Eurobodalla Health Service (EHS) including the new $200 million Eurobodalla Health Service Project (EHSP) have moved to an online webinar format. Community informa on sessions will now be held online: -Tuesday, 31 August 2021, 5:00pm – 6:00pm -Wednesday, 1 September 2021, 5:00pm – 6:00pm Southern NSW LHD Chief Execu ve Margaret Benne said the strict measures in place to keep the local community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, have necessitated the sessions being moved to an online webinar format. “The safety and wellbeing of our local community and staff is our number one priority. While it’s an uncertain me, we’d like to ensure the sessions s ll go ahead and the community get an understanding of what we have planned and how it will support the region’s health care needs. Community members will s ll be able to submit ques ons as part of the webinar. “We were very much looking forward to mee ng our community in person and hope to run face to face sessions in the near future,” said Ms Benne . The new $200 million Eurobodalla hospital at Moruya will provide an overall increase in bed and service capacity than both exis ng Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined. It will be designed with the capacity to grow as demand for health services changes In the future. Once completed the new hospital will deliver high quality, contemporary and accessible healthcare. The building will feature an emergency department, cri cal care services, opera ng theatres, a day-stay surgical unit, ambulatory care services, increased capacity for chemotherapy and, paediatrics and maternity, as well as educa on facili es. All members of the community are welcome to a end the informa on sessions. Those who have already registered have been contacted and will be priori sed for webinar bookings. People are also encouraged to submit ques ons in the lead up to the sessions via HI-EurobodallaHospital@health.nsw.gov.au. Session bookings can be made here: - 31 August: h ps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/168205524251 - 1 September: h ps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/168205676707 Southern NSW Local Health District is working with Health Infrastructure to deliver the new hospital in Eurobodalla to meet the current and future health needs of the region from Narooma to Batemans Bay.

The Australian Government is extending the closing date for the $280 million Black Summer Bushfire Recovery (BSBR) Grants program to 6 October 2021, giving communi es more me to apply. Minister for Emergency Management and Na onal Recovery and Resilience Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said extending the applica on period by an extra month will enable communi es impacted by the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires to recover and rebuild. “We have listened to extensive feedback from the impacted communi es, and are providing them with this extension to put forward their best ideas and projects that will meet local needs,” Minister McKenzie said. “We’re pleased to have commi ed $2.8 billion of Commonwealth support towards the recovery from the devasta ng 2019 20 Black Summer bushfires, with $2.4 billion already spent to get people back on their feet. I encourage those who are eligible and have a great project ini a ve to submit an applica on by 6 October, with all applica ons from the 110 eligible Local Government areas to be assessed on merit and demonstrated need.”

Coordinator-General for the Na onal Recovery and Resilience Agency the Hon Shane L Stone AC QC said the new closing date buys people much-needed me. “Many Australians are facing a major disrup on to their lives due to COVID-19 and a lot of the communi es impacted by the Black Summer Bushfires are now in lockdown. It’s understandable that filling out a grant applica on may not have been someone’s highest priority. It made sense to shi the closing date to give them a bit more me. We want people to have the me to think of projects that will bring the greatest benefit to their communi es, and to get as much informa on and support as they can before pulling their applica ons together,” Mr Stone said. The NRRA is con nuing to support people in a range of ways to prepare their applica ons, for example online workshops are s ll available, as well as short videos and answers to Frequently Asked Ques ons on the NRRA website. Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grants are available in every Local Government Area that was disaster declared as a result of the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires.

For more informa on on the assistance that is available, including workshops, visit: www.recovery.gov.au/ black-summer-grants. To start your applica on visit: h ps://business.gov.au/bsbr

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Last week saw the running of the Annual Narooma Legacy Golf Day, which was a huge success. It was another beau ful day at the Narooma Golf Club, and we had an enthusias c field of over 112 starters. The course was as always, at its best, and the shotgun start ensured the BBQ supplying sausage Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 sandwiches 0n the 14th hole was very popular, overall, it was a fantas c day, the best weather, inspiring views and of course some golf (plus missing lock down by 24 hours). The winning team was Ann and Bill Durnam, John Murray and Rex Dunn with a blistering score of 51.3. Your local Legacy group would like to thank all of the players and sponsors for their amazing ongoing support. Legacy Australia strives to ensure that the partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health in recognised military service can fully realise their poten al. Our vision is that no dependant of a veteran suffer financial or social disadvantage as a result of their loved ones' death or injury from service. In these uncertain mes the support of the community has been incredible, Legacy like so many other chari es rely on the generosity of locals, and once again, our area from Bermagui to Moyura has delivered. The next challenge for our group is our Legacy Week, where tradi onally we sell Badges, Bears and Pens to the public face to face, in street stalls. Just like last year, this is no longer possible, so we are once again asking you all to help. Our BSB and Bank Account details are as follows: BSB: 082-057 Account number: 695300893

Thanks Narooma District. For more informa on or to request a receipt, please contact our Treasurer Stephanie, on 0413 229 133.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing nature of the current COVID-19 restric ons, UOW Batemans Bay has made the decision to postpone the Wa le Walk display planned for the 17th-26th September 2021. Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 We will confirm a new date in the coming weeks for a 2022 event. The good news is that we have more me to make wa les which will make our display even grander. We thank all of the wonderful members of our extended community who have been busy making wa les this year and assure you that they are all packaged up safely in readiness for a spectacular display at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens when it is safe to proceed. Please keep making wa les and stay tuned for further details about dropping off your wa les and our display next year.

Window Pain It's always there bringing light, Even on a starry night. Seasons come and seasons go Now, with not a lot to show! An iron fence hides the view Once it was so new to you! Tall gums would stretch to the sky With li le birds flying by. Now they perch upon a fence Looking for their own defence From neighbours’ cats eyeing them Looking for a climbing stem. Maybe that ladder might be right, As the cat plans his fight. But as he climbs to stalk his prey The li le birds fly away! By Mary Murray

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SHASA AGM Tuesday 14 September 10.30am - 12 noon by ZOOM. All are welcome.

Please contact Steve Colman, Vice President, SHASA to arrange a ZOOM link on 0414 491 375 or email steve@globallearning.com.au SHASA is a Eurobodalla community organisation committed to achieving more resilient communities and helping make the Eurobodalla a better place to live, work and play.