9 minute read
Tania Magon - Women in Business
moved back into his wet flood-damaged caravan after a short stay in emergency accommodation, it broke my heart. He stayed in that caravan for 3 nights before we found him and quickly relocated him. We are now friends and he is getting the care and support he needs and deserves.
What were some of the things needed within the community immediately after the floods hit?
Apart from food, temporary accommodation was the most immediate need after the floods. Unfortunately, there has been a chronic shortage of affordable rental accommodation in the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA for some time, so the floods just exacerbated this crisis.
To help address this, the Parish enabled The Francis Retreat conference centre at Bonny Hills to be repurposed into an evacuation centre; accommodated displaced elderly members of our community in St Agnes’ House; and provided accommodation in our retirement village to those who needed it whilst their homes were rebuilt.
The Parish committed significant resources and finance to a program that has rebuilt 45 homes, cabins and caravans. This rebuilding program has assisted more than 130 people return to their homes.
What has the response been like from
The Parish committed significant resources and finance to a program that has rebuilt 45 homes, cabins, and people receiving help caravans. This rebuilding from the group? program has assisted The RSS has received more than 130 people positive responses from return to their homes. residents affected by the floods who required ongoing support. Our team has also built great relationships by networking with other charities, Government agencies and suppliers to assist with flood recovery. At a ‘Return Home’ gathering at Riverside Retirement Village it really hit home when residents thanked the Parish saying “if it was not for the Parish, many of the Riverside residents would be destitute”. Another example was when we had electrical work completed with funding provided by the Lions Club for a young family at Dunbogan who were struggling after the flood. It became apparent during this work that the home had unsafe wiring and the electrician believed there was a potential risk of a house fire. The young Mum said “I have peace of mind knowing the house is safe electrically. My toddlers are safe, and I can sleep at night now.” It is so good to know that we are helping people move on with their lives.
You were recently awarded a 2022 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Australia Day Award in the Community Group of the Year category. How did it feel as a group to receive that recognition?
Eleven short months ago our region was hit by the worst floods in living memory. For those who were not affected, this seems like a long time ago. Unfortunately, for those who were affected, the consequences of this event had, and continue to have, long term impacts on their lives.
We were honoured and humbled to receive the Australia Day award in the Community Group Category.
Without the support of organisations like Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Resilience NSW, Make a Difference Foundation, Lifeline, Australian Red Cross, Rotary Sunrise, GIVIT, Legal Aid, Community Housing Limited, St Vincent De Paul and Samaritan’s Purse we would not have been able to achieve such great outcomes for the people who needed it most.
It is an award shared by staff, parishioners and volunteers from across the Parish who selflessly gave their time and resources to help people through the initial loss of their homes and in their long-term recovery process.
Seeing a need and doing something about it is at the core of what St Agnes’ Catholic Parish is all about. We are very fortunate to be part of a community that constantly rallies to support those most in need in times of crisis.
If you, or anybody you know, are in need of assistance as a result of the floods, please contact St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Recovery Support Service on (02) 6588 7444.
BUSINESS VOICE
with ALEX GLEN-HOLMES
PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
10th February was our first network event for the year, Breakfast with the Animals at Billabong Zoo.
Thank you Mark Stone for his insight into working through the challenges of COVID. Mark highlighted the importance of businesses in the community supporting each other. Easy as thinking of local venues when giving a gift to staff or friends. We all benefit when we keep our money in the community.
Billabong Zoo now has their licensed function room open and available. Fantastic location for weddings and all functions. 22nd March Luminosity Launch. Looking forward to this event coming back in 2022 supporting our leaders of the future. If you haven’t heard of Luminosity and the sponsorship opportunities available to businesses, I strongly urge you to get involved. Evening event at
Rydges starting at 6pm and always books out fast, so keep an eye open for the invites or contact the Chamber office. Speaking of students, it’s great to see students back at our university campuses at CSU, UNSW and
Newcastle Uni. We hope that having students return will also help hospitality businesses with staff shortages as we all return to normal.
Exciting news that we are welcome Bonza
Airways to Port Macquarie with flights from Port to Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Melbourne announced. Not only great for locals but also a boost to our Tourism sector.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has moved a motion to discontinue nine council committees. The Chamber lobbied the council on the behalf of businesses to try to prevent this. Community consultation and participation are an integral part of ensuring that the best services are delivered for our community. A blueprint moving forward has been promised, however we would have hoped this would have been made available prior to any decisions being made. Chamber has been a supporter and advocate of the triple bottom line tiered structure of the community consultative groups, led through the Economic Development Steering Group, the Cultural Steering Group, and the recently formed Sustainability Group.
Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce is actively represented on the Economic Development Steering Group, the Town Centre Master Plan Committee, and the Cultural Steering Group. These groups are all essential conduits for the Chamber to effectively represent the strategic interests of our membership.
With specific reference to the Town Centre Master Plan (TCMP), the TCMP has achieved significant tangible results over the years and the delivery of improvements to the Port Macquarie CBD streetscape under this model has been a stellar success. It is also important to note that the TCMP committee is currently managing project work and needs to continue this project administration until the works are finalised.
We acknowledge the need to continually review the effectiveness and operation of these consultative groups, however not discontinue them BEFORE any consultative review process has been undertaken.
Discontinuing these committees is a huge loss especially for the TCMP committee as they are in the middle of the project on Town Green and have been delivering a fantastic space for all to enjoy and really lift our area to the next level. Group members should be congratulated for all they have achieved not be dissolved mid-project. Some other groups that have been affected include Aquatic Centre Committee who have been making great inroads, the Cultural Steering Group and also the Economic Development Group.
We deserve the expertise these committee members bring to the table. We believe this represents a threat to democracy and are concerned the motion was put forward without consultation. Failed amendments offered by councillors Lipovac, Intemann and Sheppard to allow some committees to continue, pending a review, however council moved the original motion to discontinue the nine committees.
We will keep you updated on developments as they come to hand. As Dolly Parton says “If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain”.
PS: We have also started a Facebook group called Chamber Chats, for businesses to come together share experiences and help each other out. Join us and share your business wisdom with others.
Don't Worry Be Happy
As we age, health problems, carer responsibilities and the loss of loved ones can increase our health risks.
Here are our five top tips to supporting your mental health.
Health comes first
As we age, our physical health can decline which can cause loss of independence and we don’t need to be told twice that our physical health affects our mental health.
A balanced diet, daily exercise and a good night sleep are the foundations of a healthy lifestyle and benefit everyone regardless of their physical condition.
Ingenia Gardens offer residents a choice of meal plans and exercise groups that offer residents assistance on a temporary or ongoing basis.
Stay involved
Ingenia Gardens’ Activate program provides residents opportunities to participate in regular activities and social events. It’s a great way to discover new hobbies, meet residents with similar interests or spend the afternoon with some fun and laughter.
Stay connected
One of the best things about community living is that you are surrounded by people from similar walks of life. Striking up a conversation with a fellow resident is a great way to build new friendships.
A safer place to live
and a great place to be.
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR NOW
Experience the feeling of belonging and connection at our independent seniors rental community.
Take a virtual tour today or call our friendly Community Manager Keiron on 6581 5223. For further information, visit ingeniagardens.com.au.
12 SHERIFF WAY, PORT MACQUARIE ingeniagardens.com.au
ROB TATE Family Homes
ROB TATE FAMILY HOMES - soveriegn hills display home of the month
Rob Tate Family Homes have
been building locally for over 40 years, introduce us to the team.
• Rob Tate – Builder and Managing Director • Chris Underwood – Accounts and Director • Raymond Chapman – General Manager • Carli Underwood – Operations Manager • Brendon Wood – Building Supervisor • Teresa Spiller – Office Supervisor
Tell us about all the various builds you do.
• Single and dual occupancy homes • House and land packages
What is the history behind Rob Tate Family Homes?
Rob Tate Homes is the longest established locally owned building company on the Mid North Coast. A builder who has a consistent reputation for excellence in design and construction, with modern multi-award winning designs including the prestigious HIA ‘Top Homes Award’.
We pride ourselves on being 40 years local, so we love using local trades, suppliers and consultants to ensure we support the local community.
