Editorial

The ques on this week is “How do you talk about elephants in the room if the elephants are si ng there and the rules say you can’t talk about the elephants?”

This week saw the first Public Access session held by the new Eurobodalla Councillors. There were eight presenters to the session that lasted around an hour and a half. And what a session it was. Chaired by the new mayor, Mat Hatcher, the Public Access session was streamed on Zoom for anyone who wanted to tune in. It was a breath of fresh air in comparison to how it had been conducted by the previous council. For a start all the councillors were present. Not only were they present but, with the excep on of one, appeared to be genuinely engaged in the presenta ons.

The new Council will cast their first vote next Tuesday to a Mayoral recommenda on that Public Access and Public Forum sessions be live streamed, recorded and archived. This will overturn the shu ng down of community engagement that was set in place by the last Council, based on a staff recommenda on. This vote, possibly unanimous, is bound to infuriate those who were complicit in the intent to disengage the community from being included and informed in the democra c process; but these are new days with new ways and the new Council is moving forward rapidly to bring the community back to the chamber and to the decision making process in an open and transparent way that ensures them being informed and included.

In me the Code of Mee ng Prac ce policy will also be reviewed and that too will see considerable reform. For example Councillors and speakers are advised that they are not, as described as an Act of Disorder, to say anything that is likely to bring the Council or the commi ee into disrepute.

So how does one present to Council raising concerns around apparent failures of process that have seen community consulta on and agreement over planned subdivisions made a mockery of, or to reveal that staff have possibly failed in their du es, or taken ma ers into their own hands, and as a consequence have caused considerable disadvantage to the community, and considerable embarrassment to Council.

The new Councillors will need to reconcile the long term gagging of the community who have been under threat of never men oning ‘the elephants’ (who are more than o en ‘in the room’) with the legisla on (LGA Sect 10B(4) )that in determining whether the discussion of a ma er in an open mee ng would be contrary to the public interest, it is irrelevant that the discussion of a ma er may cause embarrassment to the Council or commi ee concerned, or to Councillors or to employees of the Council, or cause a loss of confidence in the Council or commi ee. So long as it isn’t a personal a ack everything, and everyone including employees, can be challenged, ques oned and brought to account. Most likely Congo Road and the proposed Broulee subdivision extension will lead the way with a new transparency.

There are a herd of ‘elephants’ that need to be brought out into the public eye and under a new council the chances are that they will be.

When this happens there may well be embarrassment to the Council or commi ee concerned, or to Councillors or to employees of the Council, but should it happen I am sure it will serve to restore the loss of confidence in the Council that has brought the Eurobodalla Council to an all me low in public favour and the loss of the respect that it once had well before the last term took office. Let the new days begin. Un l next—lei

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

community SHASA providing help for the Batemans Bay Region Community Sector

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 The Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) successfully secured $30,000 from the Founda on Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Inves ng in Rural Communi es Future funding to employ a Batemans Bay Community Coordinator with the task of growing a more resilient Batemans Bay region community sector. The President of SHASA, Kathryn Maxwell says: “The FRRR held Community Roadmap workshops in Batemans Bay last year for local based community groups. These discussions highlighted the need for all our hard working volunteer based groups to have some assistance, in things like seeking grant funding; improving their capacity to communicate through websites and social media; succession planning and governance ma ers.” “SHASA undertook to take the lead to ensure the outcomes of the Community Roadmap workshops are met and that we can invest in our Batemans Bay community groups and enhance their effec veness,” Kathryn said. “We are pleased to announce that we now have Wendy Wilson on board the SHASA team as the Community Coordinator for the Batemans Bay region. Wendy brings with her years of experience in Public Sector governance; her own experiences volunteering with community groups; and prac cal knowledge of modern forms of informa on technology”. Kathryn says Wendy will also take the lead on engaging with community service providers to develop project plans with cos ngs for future grant applica ons to upgrade community-building facili es to keep opera ng during heatwaves and bushfires. And, encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles and electric vehicle chargers in the region. “These projects will also result in significant reduc ons in running costs for these organisa ons,” she says. Wendy, Kathryn and SHASA member Andrea Charlton have already provided assistance to the Uni ng Church in Batemans Bay, submi ng a grant proposal under the Preparing Australian Communi es Funding Program to upgrade the Uni ng Church facility in Batemans Bay to func on as a heatwave and bushfire haven during extreme weather events. “I’m really pleased to be working in such a broad range of tasks across the community,” Wendy says. “The more I can find out about the needs of each group, the more I can have a fuller picture of what is happening in the community and how we can all connect. This may result in sourcing funding to run workshops to help build the capacity of organisa ons to plan for future events. I look forward to hearing from any not for profit groups in the Batemans Bay area.” So far, more than 20 not for profits and seven community service providers have signed up to be part of Wendy’s projects. To take part, or find out more, please contact Wendy on 0412125546 or wendy@adminpro.org.au

Representa ves from Fix our Fire Service a ended the Bateman’s Bay Fire Sta on to draw a en on to the Vol 16 September 15th 2017 fact that the sta on, like many on the south coast, are Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 cramped, outdated and, as buildings, no longer fit for service. They are calling for funding for:  Firetrucks responding to bushfires to be retrofi ed with burn over protec on (sprinkler systems)  Fire sta ons to be equipped to meet basic standards and extrac on systems to remove hazardous fumes Fit-for-purpose sta ons for local communi es including Batemans Bay. Representa ves said "In recent years, Fire and Rescue NSW Career Firefighters have ba led through Australia’s worst bushfire season on record, increases in popula on and the pandemic, while con nuing to serve and protect our communi es. "The number of Career Firefighters has only increased by 0.6% in a decade. Funding has not kept pace with the needs of local communi es and the situa on is now desperate. Fire sta ons in NSW are outdated and, in some cases, unsafe and fire trucks lack vital safety equipment. More firefighters are needed, with modern training to meet the demands of the growing popula on. A message to Bega by-elec on candidates: Firefighters in your community need you. In recent years, Fire and Rescue NSW Career Firefighters have ba led through Australia’s worst bushfire season on record, mass increase in popula on and a global pandemic, while con nuing to serve and protect our communi es. Did you know that in the last decade, the popula on of NSW has grown by approximately 12% but the number of career firefighters has only increased by just over .06%? Funding for Our Fire Service has simply not kept pace with need and the situa on is now desperate. Local fire sta ons are outdated, not fit for purpose and in some cases unsafe. Fire trucks lack vital safety equipment. And we urgently need to recruit more Career Firefighters with access to modern, state of the art training to meet the demands of our growing popula on. This year has already been one of the ho est on record and in the midst of a pandemic we are extremely concerned that we are not sufficiently resourced to provide the communi es you wish to represent with the protec on they deserve. We are calling on you as a candidate in this by-elec on to pledge to Fix Our Fire Service. Below is a list of commitments we are seeking from each candidate in this by-elec on: Protect Protect us so we can protect you by making sure we have what we need to keep our community safe. Locally, this means we need you to commit to publicly seek funding so all our firetrucks that respond to bushfires are retrofi ed with burn over protec on (bushfire sprinkler protec on systems) to keep us safe if we’re trapped in a bushfire before of the next fire season. Invest Invest in our fire sta ons to ensure they meet basic standards such as ameni es for our growing workforce, along with delivering on improved health and safety infrastructure including extrac on systems to remove hazardous fumes in our workplace. Resource We urgently need to recruit more Career Firefighters and ensure they have access to modern, state of the art training to meet the demands of our growing popula on.

community

Batemans Bay Youth

Founda on 28th Grants Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Presenta on Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

The Batemans Bay Youth Founda on hosted an inspira onal presenta on func on at the

Batemans Bay Soldiers Club last night (Thursday 3 February 2022).

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

The successful students this year are:

Photo supplied

L-R Back: Kai Crosby, Xander Hurley, Declan Holmes, Joshua Vanze Front: Cate Shea, Sinead Edwards, Taylah Wright, Leila Patyus, Damia O’Loughlin, Rachel Pollard

Damia with her Cer ficate On receiving their grant each student gave a short speech outlining their ter ary educa on plans, their accommoda on plans and how the grant would be used to support their transi on to ter ary study. Each student story was unique in many aspects. Examples included: a four-day road trip to Townsville, brothers moving out form mum an dad and in with grandparents in Canberra etc. All students were very excited about this major step in their lives. Two Excellence Prizes named a er the late Chairman Alex Taylor OAM, and the re ring Chairman Peter Wood OAM were also presented. Each prize of $1,000 is paid for excellent scholas c performance in the first year of University, restricted to Grantees of the previous year. The Humani es prize will be awarded to Emily Dickinson, studying for a Bachelor of Primary Educa on at the University of Canberra, who achieved 3 high dis nc ons, 3 dis nc ons and 2 credits in her first year. The Science prize will be awarded to Jade Briggs who is studying Engineering, at the University of Wollongong, who achieved 5 high dis nc ons and 4 dis nc ons in his first year. Jade gave an address about

his experiences during his year at university. The BBYF was established in 1994 for the purpose of providing financial assistance to students leaving high school to pursue personal development and advancement in an unlimited range of worthwhile fields of endeavour. It is supported by a partnership between Batemans Bay Rotary, RSL and Soldiers Club. Since 1994 the Founda on has given Grants to 239 students, worth a total value of $749,000. Every cent was locally raised, privately donated, or as part of a bequest. The BBYF selec on panel had the daun ng task of determining the 10 grantees from a field of 32 applicants. This was completed through December with interviews held in January. For those receiving a grant, it is a vote of confidence by the Batemans Bay community. The founda on wishes all applicants every success for the future.

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

Photo supplied

L-R Back: Kai Crosby, David Ashford (Chair), Xander Hurley, Declan Holmes, Joshua Vanze , Jade Briggs Middle: Front: Cate Shea, Taylah Wright, Leila Patyus, Damia O’Loughlin, Rachel Pollard Seated: Commi ee Bronwyn Geppert, Tricia Wheeler, Judy Filmer-Smith, Keith Brewster, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips

Kai addressing the audience Tricia Wheeler, Graham Brassil, and Judy Filmer-Smith

Rachel Pollard and MC Judy Filmer-Smith

Photo

Community TAFE NSW Can Put You In The Captain Seat Of Growing Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Mari me Industry Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

As people explore their career op ons following the disrup on of the pandemic, TAFE NSW is offering mari me qualifica ons that open doors to an industry of growth on the high seas. The Na onal Skills Commission’s Job Outlook has forecast an increase in employment opportuni es in the mari me sector over the next three years, including growth in boatbased tourism. Falls Creek re ree Warren Zamai is contribu ng to the community while fueling his passion for boa ng, as a volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW in the Shoalhaven. He made the most of his me in lockdown to earn two TAFE NSW mari me qualifica ons, which he intends to use in his capacity as a volunteer. In 2021 he enrolled in Cer ficate II in Mari me Opera ons Coxswain Grade 1 at TAFE NSW Nowra. He also enrolled in Cer ficate III in Mari me Opera ons Marine Engine Driver Grade 2, through the TAFE Digital virtual classroom. “To operate the tenders from the mother boat or any of our rescue vessels we need to be a qualified coxswain. I studied that course face-to-face at TAFE NSW Nowra,” Mr Zamai said. “I also decided to enrol in the engine driver course to give me some extra skills and knowledge about maintaining and opera ng vessel. It was interes ng. We learned about fuel and electrical systems, engines, propulsion, and auxiliary systems. The course also took us through survival at sea and fire-figh ng on a vessel.” “The big plus for me studying this course online was that I could do it while I was stuck in Papua New Guinea for a while due to border restric ons. It meant I was able to complete most of my course around whatever was happening in my life at the me. “The teachers were well informed, and they were always there to answer ques ons. We also had online tutorials which was a good chance to speak with the other students.” TAFE NSW Mari me Head Teacher Nicole Gillies said with COVID restric ons easing, the boa ng industry has been reignited and there is strong demand for cer ficated crew of all levels. “Addi onally, with ten per cent of the world’s sea trade passing through Australian ports and more than 95 per cent of Australian exports transported by sea, there is also a strong demand for skilled and qualified mari me professionals.” Enrolments are now open for Semester 1, 2022. To learn more about the range of Mari me courses at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601. 

Photo supplied

Photo supplied

A en on all men – When was the last me you had your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked? Vol 16 September 15th 2017 The Men's Health Check van will be in Moruya Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Wednesday 16th February between 9.30 & 3.30pm Head down to the Moruya Mower and Pump car park near the Post Office, no need to book and it's FREE Another great Rotary health ini a ve The Men's Health Educa onal Rural Van (MHERV) was developed by the Community Nursing Team at Mudgee Health Service. MHERV is a mobile, men's health check up and informa on service. The modified van travels to men's workplaces and community sites within a 50km radius of Mudgee NSW. This flexible service has improved men's access to health informa on and appropriate support services.

BBay walk-in COVID-19 vaccina on clinic

A walk-in COVID-19 vaccina on clinic will be available in Batemans Bay over the next four weeks. The Pfizer clinic will be open on Thursdays and Fridays un l 4 February from 10am - 3pm. Thursdays will be for people aged 12+ to get their first or second doses, and for people 18+ to receive their first, second or booster vaccina ons. Fridays will be for children aged 5-11 to get their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. No bookings required, just walk in! Parental consent is required for people aged 5 - 15 to get their vaccina ons. Venue: Batemans Bay Community Centre, SEARMS building, Museum Place, Batemans Bay Dates: Ages 12 years and above: Thursday 13, 20, 27 January and 3 February Children aged 5-11: Friday 14, 21, 28 January and 4 February Time: 10am – 3pm Available vaccine: Pfizer Eligibility: 5 years and older Bookings: Not required For informa on about parental/guardian consent visit: bit.ly/vaccina onconsent

The next stage of the Tomakin Road safety upgrade begins Vol 16 September 15th 2017 next week, part of a $3 million of work to drive down road Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 related trauma and service future traffic increases. Ini al work will focus on the sec on of Tomakin Road between James Street and Mogo Wildlife Park, before extending toward Tomakin later in the year. Eurobodalla director of infrastructure Warren Sharpe OAM said the work would widen traffic lanes, centrelines and road shoulders, enhance clear zones, build addi onal stormwater infrastructure, strengthen road pavement, add new signage and guardrail, and upgrade key intersec ons. It would also provide be er on-road cycling. “This major arterial road between Mogo and Tomakin has seen a 30 per cent increase in traffic volume in recent years. That growth will con nue with increased tourism and the development of coastal villages like Broulee, Tomakin, Rosedale and Malua Bay,” he said. “Proac vely providing in-built safety measures keeps us ahead of the game when reducing road-related trauma, rather than wai ng for an inevitable cluster of crashes to occur. “It’s possible thanks to a three-year NSW Government’s Safer Roads Program grant. So far, we’ve already put in the Tomakin roundabout, upgraded the road from Dunns Creek Road intersec on to Tomakin, upgraded sec ons near the zoo and at a notorious crash site, as well as most of the roadside clearing.” Mr Sharpe said Council would con nue advoca ng for a Princes Highway and Tomakin Road intersec on upgrade, and had applied for state and federal grants to improve the Charles Street intersec on. “The work along Tomakin Road will proceed in stages to match available grant funds. We aim to finish the work by Christmas,” he said. Heavy machinery will be ac ve along the road and traffic control will be in place. Commuters should use the alterna ve route along George Bass Drive or allow extra me to travel through the area. For more informa on visit h ps://www.esc.nsw.gov.au and search for Tomakin Road safety upgrade. Above: Work resumes next week on the $3 million upgrade of Tomakin Road.

Eurobodalla Botanic

Gardens monthly guided Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 walk Sunday February 6th

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens volunteers offer guided walks on the first

Sunday of each month. are always delighted to explain how the gardens work, who does what, and how visitors can make the most of their me.

The next walk at 11am on Sunday, February 6th. It's FREE Bookings are not required for the walk however plan to arrive before 11 o’clock. Walks last for about an hour and are tailored to meet the energy levels of guests. The trails are accessible to all ages and varying abili es and it makes a great day out for the family, with a special children's trail, barbecue and playground For more informa on visit h p://www.friendserbg.org.au or call the Centre on 4471 2544. The garden is open from Sunday to Wednesday Don't forget coffee and cake from the Garden cafe from 9am, or treat yourself to a post-walk lunch. It can get busy so it is suggested you consider booking on 4471 2400.

NSW Tourism awards recognise Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 outstanding Visitor Informa on Centres

Congratula ons to Visit Bathurst NSW Visitor Informa on Centre who’ve won Gold in the Visitor Informa on Services category for 2021!

Well done to Mudgee Region Tourism who took out Silver, Visit Shoalhaven Visitor Services taking home Bronze, and finalists Eden Visitor Informa on Centre The Judges' Tourism Star Award acknowledges the resilience shown by the tourism industry during a year impacted by floods, bushfires and COVID-19. Out of all of the incredible finalists, the South Coast's very own Eden Visitor Informa on Centre, were named as the winners in that category. Clair Mudaliar from the Eden Informa on Centre says the team couldn't be happier to receive the special accolade. "It's definitely a nod to our hardworking team," Ms Mudaliar said. "Our Visitor Informa on Centre is one of only five per cent in the en re state that's independently run, it's not run by a council or na onal parks or a government body," she told 2EC. "So we're staffed by a really hardworking team of dedicated and passionate volunteers, and we're also overseen by a board of volunteers and run by a non profit group," she con nued.

"To get where we are, for us it's a real mean feat, we're really happy and very proud." In a tough year for tourism judges were looking at resilience and innova on an area the Eden Visitor Informa on Centre has flourished.

"I think we did a good job in that area in the last year," Ms Mudaliar said.

The Eurobodalla Council chose to close down its Visitor Informa on Centres in May 2021 claiming, on advice from consultants, that no-one used them any more and that Council could no longer afford to run them.

This came as a shock to the Narooma Visitor Centre that, like Eden, was run by passionate local volunteers and fantas cally managed by Montague Arts and Cra s who used the space to show case and sell quality local arts and cra s.

The Narooma Lighthouse Museum and old Visitor Centre remains closed and has done for nearly a year as Council try to find a lessee prepared to rent the building while commi ng to being a quasi tourism outlet and allowing and supervising any visitors who might like to visit the wonderful Montague Light House museum that remains closed indefinitely.

State by-elec ons – postal vo ng COVID measure Bega, Monaro, Strathfield and Willoughby districts to vote 12 February Voters in four NSW districts will vote in by-elec ons on Saturday, 12 February 2022 to return members of the Legisla ve Assembly of the New South Wales Parliament. As a COVID-19 safety measure, the NSW Government has empowered the NSW Electoral Commissioner to determine that all electors in these districts are en tled to vote by post. John Schmidt, NSW Electoral Commissioner said postal vo ng packs would be sent to every voter enrolled in those districts, and vo ng in person would start from Monday, 31 January. “To help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, postal vo ng will be open to everyone on the electoral roll in these districts, and postal vo ng packs will be automa cally sent to them. “Voters can choose to vote via post, or in person at our vo ng centres. People using postal vo ng are encouraged to make sure they follow the instruc ons in the pack to complete their postal vote before 6pm, Saturday, 12 February, and get their ballot papers back to us by the cut-off for accep ng postal votes on Friday, 25 February,” he said. All vo ng centres will be run in line with COVID-safe elec on guidelines including wearing of masks for staff and voters, physical distancing, single-use pens, queue management and QR code check in. Signage and staff will direct a endees to check in using the Service NSW app and comply with NSW Health advice on physical distancing. Voters are encouraged to visit elec ons.nsw.gov.au for the most up-to-date informa on and should keep up to date with the latest NSW Health advice. Vo ng op ons Voters can vote in person early or on elec on day or vote by post. Postal vo ng packs will be sent to all people on the electoral roll as a COVID-19 safety measure. Vo ng is compulsory at these by-elec ons. Postal ballots must be completed on or before elec on day and received by the NSW Electoral Commission by Friday, 25 February 2022. Early vo ng (pre-poll) will be available to all voters at these elec ons as an addi onal COVID-19 safety measure. Early vo ng opened on Monday, 31 January 2022 and closes at 5pm on Friday, 11 February 2022.

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

iVote will not be available to voters at these elec ons.

Telephone vo ng will be available to voters who are blind or have low vision only. Vo ng on elec on day Vo ng centres will be open from 8am - 6pm on Saturday, 12 February 2022. Coun ng and results The count and final declara on of results for these by-elec ons will take longer than in previous elec ons due to the extended deadline for the return of postal votes (25 February 2022), and the an cipated increase in postal vo ng volumes. Results cannot be declared for a by-elec on un l a er all votes have been received and counted.

The newly elected Eurobodalla Councillors will a end their first Council mee ng next Tuesday 8 February. First item on the agenda is Mathew Hatcher - Mayor Eurobodalla Shire calling for the reinstatement of live streaming of Public Forum and Public access. Mathew says this will provide an important opportunity for community members to watch and listen from their homes, as fellow community members make their presenta ons to councillors. The amendments recommended to be made to the Code, which do not conflict with the mandatory provisions of the Model Code, are as follows: Clause 3.12 be amended to read “Public Forum will be webcast” and clause 3.30 be amended to read “Public Access sessions will be webcast and commence at 9.15 am unless there are no registered speakers. RECOMMENDATION THAT: 1. The live streaming of Public Forum be reinstated, effec ve from 22 February 2022 2. The live streaming of Public Access be commenced, effec ve from 1 March 2022 unless a speaker opts out, and 3. Prominent no ce of both Public Forum and Public Access, and of the mee ng itself, including iden fica on of the items to be presented on, be placed on Council’s website and Facebook page, by 4 pm on the working day before the scheduled presenta ons. It is expected that the vote for the changes will be unanimous given that all of the mayoral candidates being Mat Hatcher, Tubby Harrison, David Grace and Alison Worthington immediately raised their hands when asked if they would support the reinstatement during ques on me at the Meet the Mayoral Candidate Forum in Tuross Head. Rob Pollock, a councillor who originally voted to remove the live streaming of Public Forum, a er some delibera on, also raised his hand.

Also on Tuesday's agenda: Oaths of Office Should Councillors get super? Nomina ons for a second rep on the Joint Regional Planning Commi ee Cer fy Council’s investments Councillors to express interest in upcoming conferences Get involved, Eurobodallans! 1. Read the agenda papers 2. Speak to councillors about items on the agenda at Public Forum 3. Tune in next Tuesday on the livestream from 11am

Do it all here > www.esc.nsw.gov.au/council/mee ngs

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018