Vol 16 September 15th 2017
28 December 7th,2020 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018 Vol 150 April 10th 111April July 12th 2019
Your FREE online Eurobodalla weekend magazine.
Your Beagle Weekly Index Arts ……………………. 0 Cinema ……………….. 0 Community ……………… 3 to 21 Reading ……………………..22 to 31 Food………………………… 0 Fishing ……………………. 32 Editorial ………………….. 2 What’s On …………….... 0
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editorial Welcome to this week’s editorial ant to the Beagle Weekender Volume 150, Volume number 150 represents a milestone for the Beagle Weekender as it is the 150th issue that has come Volyou 16 September 15thFriday 2017 without fail for the last 150 weeks. to every single Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
Many ask why the website is called the beagleweekly.com.au. This might be an opportunity to offer a li9le Beagle history… Before I edited the Beagle I published a monthly mailout pdf for the Tuross Head community called the Tuross Giant. The newsle9er was popular and was focused on keeping the Tuross Head community up to date on local and shire wide ma9ers that affected them. Tuross Head was con<nually overlloked in the local media and the Tuross Giant was created to remedy that oversight. A turning point came when the Bay Post decided it was going to go behind a pay wall. I looked at what content they were publishing and grew more and more aware of all the possible content they weren’t. I also saw local business adver<sing diminishing being replaced with na<onal adverts. Approaching local businesses I discovered few could afford the fees. So the Beagle was born. Ini<ally I had the inten<on of doing a mailout just like the Tuross Giant. Fortunately though I was able to work out how one person, with a laptop, anywhere on the planet, could run an en<re newspaper on a website, on social media and then add a weekly mailout op<on as well. The Beagle has now been up and running for three and a half years and has become the primary news source for the Eurobodalla as it is FREE, <mely and inclusive of all news, from jumble sales to Federal and State media releases and everything in between. The Beagle, YOUR Beagle, is brought to you by the local businesses who adver<se on the website and in these pages. We have very low fees so that our they can promote themselves to their community. At present I have waived most adver<sing fees for those, like the Tomakin Club, who are unable to trade. I thank the many Beagle supporters and donors who keep the overheads paid so that the ’paper’ can remain afloat and I thank the generosity of all of the contributors who bring you their news, views and ar<cles. Have a happy and safe Easter and may a chocolate egg find you on Sunday morning. Un<l next—Lei Beagle Editor…….. Lei Parker 0405100257 All Enquiries please email beagleweeklynews@gmail.com PO Box 3029 Tuross Head, NSW 2537 Copyright © South Coast Beagle Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. The Beagle Weekly is owned by SOUTH COAST BEAGLE PTY. LTD.
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community Local businesses save water to save money Despite an incredibly tough year, Eurobodalla businesses are jumping Vol 16 September 15th 2017 into a new water-saving 28 December 7th, 2017 ini<a<ve that Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019 is also saving them money. The Save Water Save Money program supplies commercial sites with targeted water-eďŹƒcient devices. Eurobodalla Council’s water eďŹƒciency oďŹƒcer Ciska White said simple ac<ons, like ďŹ Kng ow restric<ons on taps, was paying big dividends. “We trialled the program last year and now we’re rolling it out to businesses across the shire,â€? Ms White said.
Above: In tough mes Eurobodalla businesses are s ll embracing simple water saving devices like ow restric ons on taps – saving them money and saving the shire’s water.
“Save Water Save Money helps curb water consump<on, which helps secure Eurobodalla’s long-term water supply. In the current climate this is more important than ever. With our local businesses doing it tough we are thrilled to see such enthusiasm from owners and managers.â€? Ms White said Council’s sustainability team has been conduc<ng site audits at businesses across the shire. “We install water eďŹƒcient ow restrictors on taps on the spot. In high traďŹƒc areas such as public bathrooms, the water savings can really add up,â€? she said. “We also arrange for plumbers to install devices such as showerheads, and pre-rinse and spray nozzles for free – so businesses save on both installa<on and ongoing costs. That’s a win-win and now could be the perfect <me for businesses currently closed to the public to have such devices installed while their sites are empty.â€? Ms White said Save Water Save Money was part of Council’s ongoing plans to bring down water use in Eurobodalla. For more informa<on or to join the Save Water Save Money program visit h9ps://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/council-services/water-wasterecycling/water-and-sewer/water-saving-incen<ve-scheme.
Sydney Water has online water eďŹƒciency benchmarks, to compare how the water eďŹƒciency of your compares with others, visit h9ps://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/your-business/ managing-your-water-use/benchmarks-for-water-use/index.htm.
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Moruya bypass online Q&A session This week saw Transport Vol 16 September 15th 2017 for NSW 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 111 July 12th 2019 move community consulta<ons about the Princes Highway upgrade to online due to the public health risks associated with COVID-19. The State Government last year announced a $960 million dollar investment to upgrade the Princes Highway, which includes a proposal to build a Moruya bypass , however, the scheduled drop-in sessions in Moruya have had to be cancelled due to social distancing rules and considera<on for public health and safety. Community members this week were able to access a Facebook live Q&A session hosted by NSW Roads with par<cipants be able to write ques<ons and comments in the discussion area beneath the video feed while the live stream was taking place. You can access the session and the comments by following this link h9ps://www.facebook.com/NSWRoads/ videos/564694257483650/ NSW Roads say "We are commi9ed to engaging with the community as best we can during these challenging <mes and invite you to a9end our online Ques<on and Answer event. During this session, you will hear from the Moruya bypass project team, who will provide an overview of the feedback received to date and answer your ques<ons live." This Facebook event was recorded and posted to the NSW Roads website for your viewing. In addi<on to the Facebook event, you can ask ques<ons and provide feedback via: • the project website: nswroads.work/moruyabypass • email: princeshighway@transport.nsw.gov.au • the project informa<on line: 1800 719 759
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Shoalhaven proposal to rebate all rates no1ces by Vol 16 September 15th 2017 $300 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019 Terrific news for our northern neighbours in Shoalhaven this week when their council decided to prepare an urgent report for considera<on by the Council on the op<ons available to the Council to provide relief to ratepayers by making a payment under S356 of the Local Government Act 1993 as amended, of $300 per rate Photo: Shoalhaven Council Chambers assessment in the 2020-2021 financial year. The Shoalhaven City Council Councillors moved the mo<on to be in line with all other levels of Government in responding to the COVID 19 health and economic crisis commiKng to the principle of playing their part in the delivery of relief to their community. Note that they did applya 5% SRV in July last year for infrastructure backlog Eurobodalla Council this week our councillors moved to place on exhibi<on the recommenda<on to increase rates by 2.6% and to con<nue to overcharge on water and sewer to ensure that there is a dividend paid into Council's general fund to cover such things as wages. The Eurobodalla ratepayers have 42 days in which to make their submissions.
*NEW TRAINERS NEEDED!* South Coast Colleges are working on arranging courses for the next semester (because the world has to go back to 'normal' at some point!) and they'd love to add some fun, new lifestyle courses to their list! Can you teach others to paint or draw? Can you share your knowledge of jewellery making or natural skincare products? Can you inspire others to cook amazing new dinners? Can you share your love of making amazing crea<ons out of a plank of wood, or stained glass? They'd love to hear from anyone who has something they can teach others! Get in contact and let them know what knowledge you can share - send an email to Marke<ng@southcoastcolleges.edu.au and they’ll be in touch.
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Eurobodalla gets a FAIL in its environment report card Vol 16 September 15th 2017
28 December 7th, 2017 Vol Centre 48 111April July 27th 12th 2019 The for 2018 Water and Landscape Dynamics have released their Eurobodalla Environment Report card and it doesn't read well.
The ANU Centre for Water and Landscape Dynamics is a world leader in observa<on technology for real <me environmental informa<on combining satellite observa<ons, ďŹ eld data and predic<on models to measure, monitor, and forecast the world around us.
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First stage of shire’s bushfire relief funding closes this month Eurobodalla residents impacted by bushfire have un<l the end of the month to apply for funding from the Eurobodalla Disaster Relief Fund. Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
Shire Mayor Liz Innes said applica<ons for the first phase of relief funding would close on 30 April. “This ini<al phase of relief is about ensuring nobody falls through the cracks,” Clr Innes said. “So far we’ve approved 23 grants for $1,000 dollars for Eurobodalla residents in genuine hardship.” The Eurobodalla Disaster Relief Fund was established in response to the devasta<ng 2019-20 bushfires to provide assistance exclusively to shire residents. To date, 110 donors have contributed to the fund. Clr Innes said the fund had some very generous benefactors from across Australia, “including a significant contribu<on from Fremantle in Western Australia a[er the Waifs played at Fire Aid concerts there”. “Big or small, we appreciate every cent of every dona<on. Every li9le bit helps and the fund will remain open for dona<ons un<l November 2021.” For more informa<on, to apply for a grant from the relief fund, or to make a dona<on visit www.esc.nsw.gov.au/recovery or contact dona<ons officer Bruce Kennedy on 4474 7427 or dona<ons.officer@esc.nsw.gov.au
Are you self isola1ng and bored? Would you like to have a snuggly cat to watch tv with, curl up and read with, but without a permanent commitment? Animal Welfare League has the answer. How about becoming a temporary carer while you have the <me at home? You get a playmate and we pay for everything they need. It’s not just Vet bills but also food, bedding, dishes, flea/<ck and worming medica<on. Everything! What have you got to lose. Give us a call 0410 016 612 and let’s chat about cats.
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community The Royal Australian College of General Prac11oners (RACGP) is urging pa1ents to embrace telehealth and telephone consulta<ons with their GP. Vol 16 September 2017Government announced the expansion of Last Sunday the 15th Federal 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019 Medicare-subsidised telehealth and telephone services for all Australians to help combat COVID-19.
It now applies to GP services and some consulta<on services provided by other medical specialists, nurse prac<<oners, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, services to people with ea<ng disorders, pregnancy support counselling, services to pa<ents in aged care facili<es, children with au<sm, and a[er-hours consulta<ons. The changes followed strong advocacy from the RACGP for this Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item to apply more broadly to cover all types of pa<ents who need to speak to their GP. However, reports are surfacing that some pa<ents are avoiding consulta<ons because they don’t feel comfortable using new technology such as video conferencing. RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon said that it was important for all pa<ents to take up telehealth and telehealth consulta<ons. “The reason the RACGP has been pushing so hard for subsidised telephone consulta<ons is that it is a technology that everyone has and will help limit the spread of COVID-19. It’s important to emphasise to all pa<ents that the MBS item does apply for telephone consulta<ons, not just Skype, Zoom and FaceTime and the like. “We can’t have the public or GPs think that this MBS item is limited to video consulta<ons; an old-fashioned phone will do just fine. General prac<ce is the first port of call for people when it comes to their health and plays an essen<al role in helping pa<ents with chronic condi<ons and in preventa<ve healthcare. “It’s important that this doesn’t change and that people realise that telehealth and telephone consulta<ons actually make it easier for pa<ents to access their GP and get the same quality care for a wide range of concerns.” Dr Nespolon said that tackling COVID-19 required adjustments that would save lives. “I am mindful that many GPs may not have not par<cipated in telehealth video consulta<ons or telephone consulta<ons before. Prac<ces should do their best to adapt and implement these changes in a way that works for them. The reason we have been pushing so hard for the telehealth and telephone consulta<on expansion is because GPs on the frontline ba9ling COVID-19 know that it will make a real difference in limi<ng the spread of the virus. “So we need to get this right and that includes being 100% technologically agnos<c on how pa<ents speak to their GP.”
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The Virtual Tilba Fes1val As we all know, there will be no Tilba Fes<val on Easter Vol 16 September 15th the 2017organisers wanted to do Saturday, however 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
something a bit different to support the businesses and the musicians who had been booked. So they are running a Virtual Tilba Fes<val instead with scheduled posts every 10-15 minutes on the Tilba Fes<val Instagram and Facebook. The posts will basically walk through a day at the Fes<val. The majority of Bate Street businesses will feature (and some other locals), along with links to their socials and online stores (if they have them).
The musicians that had been booked for this year will have material from any online clips or tracks scheduled at the <me that they would have played, along with links to their sites where some have merch etc for sale. Also wedged in will be a few video clips and slideshows from last year’s Fes<val. The schedule will start at 9am and end at 4.30pm. Claire Leonard, one of the event organisers told The Beagle "It would be great if the community could enjoy and share a couple of the posts throughout the day, par<cularly the first one at 9am to keep the spirit of the Fes<val alive". "Hopefully most people will enjoy the concept and support the businesses and musicians."
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CWA members put ‘virtual’ scones on menu to help keep assistance flowing This <me each year, Vol 16 September 15th CWA 2017 of NSW members from 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 111 July 12th 2019 across the state are preparing to volunteer at the CWA Tea Room at the Royal Easter Show, but with no show this year, the Narooma branch of the CWA of NSW is urging the community to get behind an alterna<ve fundraising opportunity, with a very 21st century feel. The CWA of NSW has run the Tea Room at the Royal Easter Show for more than 70 years, raising on average in recent years $150,000 from the sale of about 50,000 scones, tea, coffee and products made by members. However, when the decision was made to cancel the show earlier last month as part of control measures around Coronavirus, the organisa<on started to think of some ways to help bridge the funding gap and came up with the ‘virtual scone’. “There’s no doubt the show’s cancella<on was an enormous disappointment and not only from a fundraising perspec<ve. The Easter Show Tea Room is a big part of our heritage and this year would have been our 73rd year in running it. Hundreds of volunteers from across the state, and from our area, assist over the two weeks the Tea Room is opera<onal each year,” said Louise Starkie, president of the Narooma branch. “Obviously it’s also a big disappointment for show-goers, too, and the organisers who work so hard to stage the event each year. “But, at the moment all of our lives have had to change and we are adap<ng along with everyone else. So, with technology playing such a huge role in helping us make the changes required, we decided to use it to our advantage and are now offering people the chance to buy a ‘virtual scone’ from the CWA of NSW website, or even a whole ‘virtual’ Devonshire Tea.” Friday April 3rd was when the 2020 Royal Easter Show was to have opened its gates. Instead people can now go onto the CWA of NSW’s online shop and purchase a plate of ‘virtual scones’ for $5, a ‘Devonshire Tea’ for $10, a dozen plain ‘virtual scones’ for $20 and a whole batch of cyber delicacies for $50. Anyone who makes a dona<on in this way will receive a PDF copy of the CWA of NSW’s famous scone recipe to try their hand at home at whipping up some of these much-loved treats – a great ac<vity for those who will be spending Easter at home rather than enjoying a day out at the Show. “It’s certainly not the same as visi<ng our famous Tea Room and enjoying morning tea, but this year - more than ever perhaps - we have to find new ways to fundraise because the assistance offered by our organisa<on and members is just so important right now,” Louise said.
To purchase a ‘virtual’ sweet treat and scone recipe, go to h9ps:// shop.cwaofnsw.org.au/ beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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www.iga.com.au/catalogue
community
Isola1ng on the Coast? How good is your Reasonable Excuse? Police will be checking licences that advise where you LIVE. If Vol 16 September 15th 2017 you are on the South Coast staying somewhere that has a 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019 different address to your licence you best prepare your 'reasonable excuse'.
Stay at home rules You must stay at home, unless you are going to: work (where you can’t work remotely) school or an educa<onal ins<tu<on shop for food and essen<als get medical care or supplies exercise. You may only leave home with a reasonable excuse, including to avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm deal with emergencies or on compassionate grounds access childcare provide care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or to provide emergency assistance a9end a wedding (limited to a total of 5 people) or funeral (limited to a total of 10 people, excluding the person/s necessary to conduct the funeral e.g. funeral director) move to a new place of residence, or between your different places of residence (a holiday is not an acceptable reason) NOTE: If you have a holiday house on the coast you are staying in you had best be prepared to tell the police exactly how you reside there as well. donate blood undertake legal obliga<ons access social services, employment services, services provided to vic<ms (including as vic<ms of crime), domes<c violence services, and mental health services con<nue exis<ng arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children for children who do not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents if you are a priest, minister of religion or member of a religious order, go to a place of worship or to provide pastoral care. Penal1es for breaching orders Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and a9racts heavy penal<es. In the case of an individual, the maximum penalty is $11,000, or imprisonment for 6 months, or both and a further $5500 penalty may apply for each day the offence con<nues. The NSW Police may also issue on-the-spot fines of $1000 for an offence. In the case of any corpora<on, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day the offence con<nues. These restric1ons are enforceable under the Public Health (COVID-19 Restric1ons on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020, effec1ve 31 March 2020, and the Public Health (COVID-19 Restric1ons on Gathering and Movement) Amendment Order 2020, effec1ve 4 April 2020. beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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community SERIOUSLY......If ANYONE is not working/not geGng a pay cheque and runs out of food, or 1mes are just tough...please don’t go to sleep or let your children or pets go to sleep with an empty stomach. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send South Coast Dona<ons Logis<cs (SoCoDoLo) a message. (Click the link below for the on-line registra<on form to let them know what you need) Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
Although the group are primarily for bushfire affected communi<es they're happy to help! They will drop and go and pretend it never happened! South Coast Dona<ons Logis<cs (SoCoDoLo) is a volunteer organisa<on and run by volunteers from the community. The So group formed to help our community with logis<cs and the handling of goods. As the organisa<on has grown they have become the largest group in this region on the ground daily. They are a community-based organisa<on helping the community directly where it’s needed. They have set up a website to assist the community with their requests for goods and services. The page can be found at socodolo.com. To assist us with helping the South Coast get back on their feet and con<nue to help so many families in need, SoCoDoL) are seeking funding. The organisa<on is covering a large distance from Lake Conjola and surrounds to Mallacoota. Your dona<ons will help families get back on their feet, with 100% of funds going to the community with $0 admin fee from the group. LeJ. If ANYONE is not working/not geGng a pay cheque and runs out of food, or 1mes are just tough...please don’t go to sleep or let your children or pets go to sleep with an empty stomach. Register at hKps://socodolo.com
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Bushfire Care Naviga1on Support – suppor1ng your recovery It’s common to feel stressed in the a[ermath of a disaster, and the recent bushfires are no excep<on. The good news is that for most people these feelings will subside with <me. However, if these reac<ons are Vol 16 September 15th 2017 seriously affec<ng 28 December 7th,your 2017 ability to par<cipate in day to day ac<vi<es, it's important to reach out for help! Vol 48 27th 111April July 12th 2018 2019 A new service is now available in the Shoalhaven and Southern NSW to help people connect with the right support services, through funding from COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN. “We want to make it easier for those in need to be connected with <mely and appropriate care services,” said Ms Dianne Kitcher, CEO of South Eastern NSW PHN. “The Care Navigators will offer advice on service availability and work with people requiring support for their physical and/or mental wellbeing. They will also be able to support people to connect with services to address other needs as required, such as housing, financial or prac<cal assistance.” Care Navigators are available via telephone and online, and where appropriate within the community. Support will be provided to individuals and families affected by the bushfires. “Care Navigators will also liaise with local organisa<ons including general prac<ce, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisa<ons and Local Health Districts, ensuring services are delivered in a culturally safe manner and support the needs of the local community,” she added. Ms Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore, said this funding is welcome news for the community, with anyone affected by the bushfires eligible to access the service. “There is so much support out there and some<mes it’s difficult to know what’s best for you and your family. You may require only short term support or something more ongoing, either way this new service will help to connect you to the most appropriate support for your needs,” she added. To reach out or for more informa<on, please contact Barnardos Australia (Shoalhaven) by emailing familyreferral@barnardos.org.au or calling 1800 663 863, or contact MacKillop Family Services (Southern NSW) by emailing bushfiresupport@mackillop.org.au or calling 1300 736 384. This ini<a<ve is supported by funding from the Australian Government through the PHN Program.
Message the Na1onal Bushfire Recovery Agency today! Their Bushfire Recovery Support Officers are now online to answer your ques<ons, hear your concerns, and share info and resources. You can now contact them via Messenger to talk privately and confiden<ally about your individual circumstances. They will help you access the support you need. For more informa<on visit: h9ps://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au
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Entries open for $20K Basil Sellers Art Prize Prepara<ons are15th underway at the Bas for one of the Vol 16 September 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 arts prizes. Vol 48 27th country’s biggest regional 111April July 12th 2018 2019 Eurobodalla Councils arts coordinator Indi Carmichael said the Basil Sellers Art Prize exhibi<on had grown from humble local beginnings into a significant award with a $25,000 prize pool for NSW and ACT ar<sts of excellence. Above ‘Jamboree Morning’ took out the 2018 “The major prize is valued at $20,000 with the winner’s work Basil Sellers Art Prize for Wollongong’s Anh Nguyen. acquired for the pres<gious private collec<on of philanthropist Basil Sellers AM,” Ms Carmichael said. “Local ar<sts are also eligible for the $5,000 Eurobodalla Prize, with the winning work entering the permanent collec<on of sponsor Eurobodalla Council.” Ms Carmichael said the Basil Sellers Art Prize exhibi<on was about excellence and had provided a pla`orm for visual ar<sts in the region for almost 20 years. “What be9er way for ar<sts to spend their COVID-19 lockdown? Entries should be submi9ed online through the Bas website by Friday 5 June, with the finalists announced on Friday 3 July,” she said. “Like everyone else, we’ll be looking forward to shaking off social isola<on, so the exhibi<on of finalists’ works at the Bas from Saturday 10 October to Sunday 8 November is well <med.” More informa<on, entry and condi<ons can be found at www.thebas.com.au.
For those thinking about taking a boat out or engaging in other water ac<vi<es - as applies to everyone in NSW at the moment - if you don’t need to leave your home, stay home. A ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home to use your boat could be to: 1. exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling/fishing etc); 2. get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home; 3. get groceries; and 4. provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of your family. Socialising or cruising on the water is not a reasonable excuse. If you have a reasonable excuse to leave your home, social distancing rules always apply – including at the boat ramp and on your boat. Skippers must also remember their other safety responsibili<es regarding safety equipment, alcohol consump<on, keeping a proper lookout and proceeding at a safe speed. For the latest informa<on about boa<ng during COVID-19, please visit h9ps://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/mari<me/covid-19update.html beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020 14
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Sugges1ons For Exercise On Our Seashores Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
Unfortunately Nature Coast Marine Group is unable to organize rock pla`orm walks or beach rambles during this <me of social isola<on but maybe you or your family may like to get some exercise and enjoy our marine inter<dal areas when the weather is warm. Check the wind and swell condi<ons before going and always keep an eye on the waves while exploring. This photo was taken a few years ago – Bill Barker was using a shiny wire to try to tempt an octopus out of its hiding place at Broulee
ROCK POOL RAMBLES Over the next few weeks the best low <des are in the early a[ernoons from. Most of the rock pla`orms in the shire are upended rocks which make walking difficult, however, Broulee rock pla`orm and Broulee Island are easier walking and have interes<ng pools. Congo rock pla`orm is also fairly level but is exposed to larger swells. Narooma’s rock pools are worth exploring when the <des are very low. Access is best near Australia Rock at the start of the southern breakwater (park at the lookout). Take the <me to stand and stare as many creatures are well camouflaged. Encourage the kids to look in crevices, under rock overhangs and among the seaweeds and cunjevoi as these o[en hide crabs, colourful anemones and starfish. But don’t put your hands in these hiding places in case a blue-ringed octopus or an eel is at home there. BEACH SCAVENGING From Wednesday 15th un<l Sat 18th April the low <des are around 0.6m in the mornings. These <des are more suitable for exploring the strand line of our beau<ful beaches especially if the seas have been rough. Check out the root-like holdfasts of any kelps that have washed ashore, they o[en hide <ny creatures. It is also the season for giant cu9lefish ‘bones’ to wash ashore, as well as the ‘bones’ of many smaller species of cu9lefish. If the beach is not in a sanctuary zone you may like to collect one or two a9rac<ve seashells. SEND YOUR PHOTOS AND QUERIES. Nature Coast Marine Group would like to have photos of people and families enjoying our Marine Park. If you are willing for these to be used on the Group’s Facebook page please send the snaps with the names of the people. If you find anything that is very interes<ng or puzzling please send NCMG the photos. Someone will try to iden<fy them if necessary, let you know, and feature them on the Group’s Facebook page or website (www.ncmg.org.au) You can email photos to info@ncmg.org.au
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Pedestrian and motorist access changes in Batemans Bay Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Road will be put in place later this month as part of the construc<on work for the Access changes 7th, for Wharf 28 December Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 20192017 Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project.Transport for NSW Regional Director Southern, Jo Parro9, said the changes will be in place up to mid-2021, weather permiKng.
“While we recognise these access changes will impact your journeys, they are required to build be9er connec<ons for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists,” Ms Parro9 said. To minimise impact to locals and road users, this work will not take place un<l a[er the Easter long weekend and school holiday period. Old Punt Road pedestrian footpath will also be re-opened for the Easter long weekend from today to Monday 13 April and will then temporarily close un<l late 2020, weather permiKng.Construc<on of the new Wharf Road and Princes Highway intersec<on and related ac<vi<es on the northern foreshore will include realignment earthworks, construc<on of a new shared pedestrian and cyclist path, and installa<on of drainage and a permanent water quality basin. The first stage of work – including early work for a new roundabout and the reconstruc<on of Korners Park as part of the northern foreshore upgrade – will start on Monday 27 April, weather permiKng. Traffic changes include the permanent closure of southbound access to the Princes Highway from Wharf Road and the temporary closure of southbound access to Wharf Road via the Princes Highway.From the Princes Highway, motorists will be able to access Wharf Road via Peninsula Drive. Pedestrian, beach and private property access will be maintained at all <mes and a temporary bus turnaround area will be established near Korners Park. Signs will provide pedestrian detour informa<on and direc<ons to an alterna<ve disabled toilet facility near the bus stop on Clyde Street when the Korners Park toilet facility is closed.For pedestrians travelling from Wray Street to Korners Park or the town centre, the exis<ng Old Punt Road pedestrian detour route will remain in place, except during the Easter long weekend period. The new Wharf Road roundabout will be completed in two stages to ensure property access, pedestrian and beach access, and a safe turnaround area for buses is maintained at all <mes. For more informa<on, go to rms.nsw.gov.au/BatemansBayBridge.
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community In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAFE NSW, in conjunc<on with the NSW Government, is offering a number of fee-free* short courses that can be completed in just days or weeks, offering prac<cal skills and experiences across a range Volindustries. 16 September 15th 2017 of Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
If you’re considering a new direc<on, why not explore some of the fee-free* short courses as well as learn more about our Mature Age Scholarships, Des<na<on Australia Scholarships and Women in Business program, among many others. Whether or not you’ve studied at TAFE NSW before, we encourage you to explore some of the courses available today. Our course list is updated o[en, so be sure to check back regularly to find a fee-free* short course that's right for you. h9ps://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses
Return to the wild for vulnerable species The yellow-bellied glider is a large, but rarely seen, and secre<ve glider species. They are classed as vulnerable in NSW. They are s<ll found in small patches in the Eurobodalla Shire. WIRES Mid South Coast branch have had three gliders in care in the last three months which is very unusual. “These animals are so secre<ve we usually only get one into our care each year. This year with all the added pressures of the bushfire and the decima<on of their habitats, we have had three recently,” said Chairperson Sandy Collins. Of the three one was an adult with badly burnt feet. The other two gliders were juveniles who were s<ll milk dependent. “Luckily for us we have had great support from our local vets and our carers with all the burnt animals that have come into care a[er the bushfires. The burnt glider needed daily bandage changes and special burn cream applied,” said Mrs Collins. Two have returned to the wild. The final juvenile is being prepared for release next week. These animals are unique in a lot of ways. Their food requirements and nest boxes are par<cular to their species. “We had an amazing offer from the WIRES South branch working with a wood working shed in Sydney to make the specific nest boxes these gliders required whilst in care. Without this combined effort,” Sandy Collins said. beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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Changed condi1ons on Thule Road at Nelligen Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Motorists are advised of changed traffic condi<ons on Thule Road at Nelligen next week as work 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 111 July 12th 2019 con<nues to prepare for u<lity reloca<ons as part of the Nelligen Bridge replacement. Thule Road will need to be closed either east or west of Bridgeview Road, depending on work loca<on, from 14 April between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
The closure will involve a detour and residents will always have access from one end of Thule Road via the detour. Traffic control will be in place during work to hours to direct motorists to the appropriate Thule Road entry. Motorists are advised to drive to the condi<ons and to follow the direc<ons of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW expects to complete the work in three weeks, weather permiKng, and thanks the community for its pa<ence while work is carried out.
Entries open for Mayor’s Wri1ng Compe11on The <me is right for the budding young writers of Eurobodalla to win great prizes and have their works published in the 2020 Mayor’s Wri<ng Compe<<on. Held for the past eleven years, the compe<<on has celebrated and encouraged the literary talents of our community's young people aged between five and 18. This year, entrants can write on any theme and should let their imagina<on run wild. The compe<<on is for children and youth who live or go to school in Eurobodalla. Entries can be of any style of crea<ve wri<ng, with the judges looking for imagina<ve wri<ng with a unique plot. The compe<<on offers great prizes with book vouchers for the winner and runner up in each age group, and all shortlisted stories will be published in the Mayor’s Wri<ng Compe<<on Anthology 2020; all finalist will receive a copy. Mayor Liz Innes said the compe<<on was a treasured event. “It’s all about encouraging our young people to sit down and get wri<ng. I’m always impressed with how crea<ve the stories and poems are,” she said. “With current events playing out locally and across the na<on, it is more important than ever for kids to have a crea<ve opportunity to express their feelings. Entries are open now and we’ll announce the winners in the Council Chamber on Friday 31 July.” Entries close at 5pm on Friday 15 May. For more informa<on or to enter visit h9ps:// www.esc.nsw.gov.au/home/news-and-events/mayorswri<ng-compe<<on, or call in to one of the shire’s libraries.
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These surfers have the righty idea. In Eurobodalla, we have no inten<on of closing beaches or parks, but to make sure that doesn’t Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 111 July 12th 2019 need to happen, every one of us needs to take responsibility for stopping the spread. Even this Easter weekend, remember, you must stay at home unless you’re going to: work or school, where you can’t do that remotely shop for food and essen<als get medical care or supplies exercise (two person limit 1.5 metres apart, unless from the same household) Our indoor and outdoor recrea<on facili<es have been closed since public health orders were introduced on 30 March, and today with heavy hearts we taped off more of our picnic and bbq shelters around the shire. Tennis courts are closed for casual hire, but if you no<ce someone having a hit, that’s because approved coaches are allowed to con<nue one-on-one lessons to maintain their livelihood. And when it comes to caravan parks and campgrounds, the people you see in them are approved to be there, mainly because they’re long term tenants or have nowhere else to go. Our region's mayors, members of parliament and health chiefs could not have done more to tell visitors to stay home, but if you're convinced someone is ignoring the advice, contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
NSW Police will be out and about this weekend and an on-thespot fine will be yours if you’re doing the wrong thing. Here’s what you can and can’t do h9ps://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Eurobodalla’s confirmed COVID-19 cases stayed at 10 this week. There are 53 confirmed cases in Southern NSW Local Health District and none of these folks have required hospitalisa<on – all are at home in self-isola<on. No new cases have been reported in the last few days. Let’s keep doing the right thing and stay vigilant. We don’t want to see a spike in these numbers.
Council services will close for Easter, reopening Wednesday 15 April (we have our union picnic day on Easter Tuesday). Household rubbish collec<on won’t stop. Our website has all the informa<on you need about COVID-19 and how we’re doing things differently to help stop the spread www.esc.nsw.gov.au/ coronavirus beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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community Oh! Pooh...I’m so worried.. said piglet, in a trembling, fearful way. Pooh replied: Don’t be frightened li9le friend, what is it that worries you most? Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
Piglet gulped, shook his li9le head and said: ‘It’s the woozels, heffalumps, and those that won’t stay home - they are killing people Pooh!’ - Pooh sighed, his head bent forward in a sad way... ‘I know, he said.... Trouble is you can’t cure stupid can you...... xx
The Batemans Bay Museum suffered a robbery on the night of April 7th. Thieves cut through a security fence, loaded up the museum's 8 x 4 galvanised box trailer. There is some concern the thieves may return. If you are going into town, drive past the museum and report anything you see out of the ordinary. Also let the police know if you see a Bri<sh Seagull outboard engine that has been lovingly restored for sale, an<que blacksmith tools, and other iron objects, or if you see a trailer, with the rego X19648. The museum is run by volunteers and is a local treasure. The whole community should be outraged at this act. Batemans Bay Police Sta<on - 02 4472 0099.
Monty’s Place is open, takeaway only Montys Place in Narooma provides a hot lunch for their guests every Wednesday 12.00-1.30pm at the Uni<ng Church Hall under the water tower. While their goal is to support the more needy people in the community, they welcome everyone. Montys Place has been running for 6 years, and we the volunteers are commi9ed to their guests and are now providing takeaway meals to guests at the same <me, 12.00-1.30pm Wednesday. And they follow all the COVID19 rules strictly.
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Electric bicycles are an excellent way to keep fit in these challenging 1mes The Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) supports Vol 16 September 15th 2017 electric bikes as2018 a very carbon friendly way to get around. In addi<on 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2019 electric bikes (e-bikes) are an excellent way to keep fit and healthy in these challenging <mes. Riding an electric bike isn't chea<ng: you s<ll have to pedal and you s<ll burn calories. It's like riding a normal bike, just a bit easier. Riding an e-bike is good exercise. A typical ebike motor might have assistance levels of 50%, 100%, 175%, and 250% said Kathryn Maxwell, President, SHASA. For the last two years SHASA has, in collabora<on with Moruya Bicycles, been running an e-bike hire service to give people the opportunity to trial an e-bike at a modest fee. We encourage residents to give electric bikes a go said Kathryn Maxwell. “I have been riding e-bikes for the last 10 years and have seen significant improvements in the comfort and opera<on of e- bikes. I recently purchased a mountain e- bike which I use to go shopping, ride around town and go mountain biking” said Kathryn Maxwell, President, SHASA. SHASA also encourages Eurobodalla residents to donate their unwanted bikes to Moruya Bicycles. Angus Murphy from Moruya Bicycles started Bikes for Bush Fire Relief on 20 January 2020 and since has given away more than 70 bicycles to families and property owners devastated by the recent bushfires. Angus Murphy said, “Help us help others. Bring us your old bicycles, we will fix them up, and give to anyone impacted by the fires. The community response was instant and overwhelming."
The Beagle COVID-19 LOCKDOWN WRITING COMPETITION is NOW OPEN The Beagle announces its COVID-19 LOCKDOWN WRITING COMPETITION To coincide with the Mayor’s Wri<ng Compe<<on (ages 5 to 18) that is currently open for entries THE BEAGLE is announcing the 2020 Beagle Wri<ng Compe<<on is also OPEN Just like the Mayor's compe<<on entrants can write on any theme, using any style of crea<ve wri<ng, and the judges will be looking for imagina<ve wri<ng with a unique plot. Entries close at 5pm on Sunday April 26th. Winners announced therea[er. RULES: 18 + (anyone younger can enter the Mayor's contest - this one is for adults ) Max of 1000 words. Any subject that is Eurobodalla related. Can NOT be defamatory, inflammatory or too lavatory Published at the editor's discre<on on The Beagle website and in Beagle FB Judges have final say. No bribery allowed. Real names are not required for entrants. Nom de plumes accepted. First Prize $100 voucher from Moruya Books Entries to be emailed to beagleweeklynews@gmail.com Get cracking beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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Covid-19 Doubles Publishing Frequency of ‘Recollec1ons’ The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are forcing south coast businesses and community organisa<ons to radically adjust the way they are interac<ng with the public. Vol September 15th 2017 Society, who normally publish the free south coast history magazine The16South Coast History 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 111 July 12th 2019 ‘Recollec<ons’ every second month, is one organiza<on that has had to rapidly adjust to the change in
condi<ons and it, perhaps surprisingly, has decided to double the frequency of publica<on of ‘Recollec<ons’ to once every month. But there is a catch. ‘Recollec<ons’ will, for the next few months, only be available on-line. Peter Lacey, the President of the South Coast History Society, explains: ‘The April-May 2020 issue of ‘Recollec<ons’ was printed about 10 days ago and was about to be distributed when that became impossible. So, I now have (to my wife’s annoyance!) 3,500 copies siKng in boxes on our loungeroom floor. They’ll be distributed some day, but who knows when!’ ‘At least the great informa<on they contain will not become ‘stale’ in the interim!’ ‘We know, however, that many people really enjoy receiving and reading the informa<on included in ‘Recollec<ons’ and that many of these people now have extra <me that could be spent reading ‘Recollec<ons’. So we have decided to produce mini-issues of Recollec<ons each month and email these to everyone on our email list.’ ‘The first of these monthly issues will be the May 2020 issue. This will become available at the end of this month. Anyone interested in receiving copies can email ‘Send Recollec<ons’ to southcoasthistory@yahoo.com and we will immediately add them to our ‘Recollec<ons’ emailing list.’ South Coast History Society, however, is not completely turning its back on those who normally read paper copies of the magazine. ‘Even though it will be an addi<onal cost to us, we will print a strictly limited number of these monthly ‘Recollec<ons’ on-line magazines, u<lising a small print run facility, and con<nue to post these to those who are paying for paper copies to be delivered to them. And we will also post paper copies, on request, to organisa<ons (such as schools, libraries and museums) that are archiving issues of ‘Recollec<ons’.’ ‘And, as soon as things return to normal and we are able to resume distribu<on of paper copies of ‘Recollec<ons’, we will also reprint some of the ar<cles that have been included in these monthly on-line ‘Recollec<ons’ in a future paper issue of ‘Recollec<ons’.’ South Coast History Society has already witnessed a very significant upturn in interest in the south coast’s local history in recent weeks, which it can only a9ribute to the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘The April-May 2020 issue of ‘Recollec<ons’ can be accessed on-line at www.bit.ly/Recollec<ons19 and already the number of people who have visited that site up by an incredible 1928% when compared to the number of people who viewed the previous issue on-line. And visits to www.bit.ly/Recollec<ons3- , where there is an excellent ar<cle on the effects that the last major pandemic in Australia (the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1919) had on the NSW south coast, are about triple the number of visits to other issues of ‘Recollec<ons’.’ The South Coast History Society can be contacted at southcoasthistory@yahoo.com or by phoning 0448 160 852. beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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100 Years ago -April 10th 1920 OPEN COLUMN - It must be dis<nctly understood that we are not responsible for the opinions expressed by our Correspondents. Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
To the Editor “Moruya Examiner.” Sir, - Should the Moruya Progress Associa<on wish to become a live body for the advancement of the town of Moruya one of their first aims should be to get the old town back to a Municipality, or get the ratepayers of Moruya to pe<<on the Minister of Local Government to have the old town represented by two or three Councillors. There is no denying the fact that Local Government is an u9er failure, but when we were in a municipality we were in a king’s paradise to the posi<on we stand in to-day, as far as the Shire Council is concerned. When the old town lost her status as a Municipality she was doomed to decay, and it would not have taken much brains to have seen what a posi<on she was in with one representa<ve in six, especially with a hos<le lot of Councillors. Under a Municipality the town would have her own aldermen to spend her own taxes for her own development in her own manner. ……If some of our hard-worked business people want to take a rest for a day or two to our favored spot, Broulee, see what a beau<ful road they have to travel, not fit for a dog. Ask the Shire Council to do anything and the answer is “no money!” Who is paying all these office fees, and who is paying the men you pass doing the work of filling-in gu9ers on the Tilba road for fear a Shire Councillor would get a bump crossing? Someone is foo<ng the bill as I am sure it is not done by suc<on….. New Progress Associa<on, buck up, and get the old town back to a Municipality, and take your hats off to your own townmen and not to outsiders who have the old town at heart as much as the man in the moon. Then as far as Moruya is concerned the Shire Office can be removed further south. Yours etc. OBSERVER. NAROOMA (From our Correspondent) Considerable excitement was caused through out the district on Sunday last when it became known, that a large steamer was ashore on Corunna beach, some 6 miles south of Narooma, the name of the steamer being the s.s. Aughinish, be9er known as the late s.s. Bright Wings. It appears that while the vessel was proceeding north between Montague Island and the main land she struck some submerged obstruc<on and began to sink forward rapidly, whereupon Capt. Maxwell, the master, decided to beach the vessel to save foundering. This opera<on took some considerable <me, and by the <me the beach was reached the foredecks were well awash. On striking the beach the vessel swung around broadside where she s<ll lies in a dangerous posi<on. Fortunately the weather is keeping fine; should it con<nue to do so it is hoped that the cargo will be taken out and the full extent of the damage ascertained preparatory to re-floa<ng. When it was observed by Mr. Cyril Fuller that a steamer was ashore 2 miles south of their farm, he at once came into Narooma and no<fied the Pilot, who requisi<oned Mr. Jones’ launch Waratah, and when prac<cable proceeded over the bar accompanied by the Police Officer and Captain Temperley of the dredge Antleon to the scene of the beached vessel. The unfortunate mishap le[ no doubt in the minds of the people of the district as to where to picnic for their Easter holidays, that por<on of the coast being well patronised from all points of the compass. Capt. Darley, Marine Superintendent, with 2 sons of the owner of the vessel came through from Sydney by their own car arriving here on Tuesday morning at Dawn. They at once proceeded to the steamer by Mr. Jones’ launch. The ss. Bermagui is chartered to be in a9endance on the vessel and is expected to leave Sydney this week with the necessary gear etc. beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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Reading: Beagle Covid-19 Lockdown Compe11on entry By Thomas of the Shire For a Queen, she appeared less regal than you could imagine. Her hair was dank, her glasses askew and her royal robes had long been replaced with her preferred grubby riding britches and a ta9y flannel shirt though she a9empted to honour her posi<on by occasionally wearing royal beads. Gathered around were her Vol 16 September 15th 2017 knights, jesters, courtesans, her advisors and her scribes. 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 111April July 12th 2018 2019 “What do you mean they won’t pay more taxes?” she whined, reaching across the bowl of lark’s tongues for a fist full more of roast pork and slopping her overfilled chalice as she gestured her disgust. Around the table came the toady snorts of subservient agreeance. But not all snorted. There was one among them, the Green Knight, who dared to differ, siKng quietly, biding his <me. The Blue Knight, a runt of a man renowned for his terse gems of wisdom, offered “If they can’t pay their taxes then we shall take back their communal spaces and declare them surplus to their need. Let us sell these lands instead for our own purposes”. The table erupted in “Here Here’s” with a round of hearty toas<ng as the wine flowed.
The Banquet in the Pine Forest Sandro BoKcelli (1445-1510)
“But Madam,” said the Green Knight, “the peasants have suffered dearly. Firstly the Long Drought that scorched their fields, next the raging fires that burnt many of the kingdom’s villages and denied income for the lodges, taverns and bordellos reliant on passing travellers. Then came floods followed by the plague that drove all indoors leaving pockets empty and families crippled.” “Our good people can barely pay for food, if they can find it, and while the money-men offer loans, surely the intent is to aid recovery and not to see it spent on increased taxes. Our neighbours are being frugal, yet we set to move to another hole in our already sumptuous belt” “Fiddly dee” said the Blue Knight. “It is our given right to demand taxes and impose increases. If they can not pay, then we shall sell their lands”. Into the discussion came the Southern Knight, once respected as a leader but now relegated to join the rabble of squabbling toady’s endeavouring to gain the a9en<on of the Queen’s powerful advisor siKng at her right hand. “We have the Royal Court to support,” said the knight “We have needs and a lifestyle to preserve. Our royal steeds need feeding and grooming, the soldiers, the royal cooks, servants, cleaners, ar<sans and hangers-on rely on our employ. In fact, we employ the most people in the land, paying their meagre wages with their generous taxes”. Much to the surprise of the servants’ present, this last comment brought the table to a momentary silence as each stopped gorging to look around the table, and then burst into fits of laughter” “Here’s to the generous peasants” the most elderly of the knights said, adding "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche" as they raised their goblets. The Queen’s personal advisor acknowledge the toast with a casual hair flick of her fringe, nodding to the con<nues…. beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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Reading: Beagle Covid-19 Lockdown Compe11on entry con1nues….. Queen that she might reply. “Good knights” he said “if we sell the kingdom’s lands then we will lose control of our realm. There would come foreign merchants, money men, blaggards and worse and we would lose control”. Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
“It would be us who would then pay them, and it would be them at this fine banquet we so enjoy”. “We shall only sell to those we trust. We shall not sell to those who have brought this pes<lence upon us. Damn their eyes”. “But good queen” said Sir Valiant, “we are at peace with that Kingdom. Even one of our own knights has married a northern princess which seals our bond”. “They already own so much of our nearby lands, they own the waterwheels and windmills, the breweries and even the fields in which our best ca9le graze”. Without giving any hint of thought the Queen snapped back “We shall demand they give it all back” seKng her Right Hand to offer a wry pursing of her lips as agreement. The Green Knight persisted “But if we take such measures they will not trade, and we shall no longer have the many goods we enjoy. The ploughs in the fields, the horse buggies, our many carts, even our clothing and household wares. And what of our food?” “If we con<nue as you suggest seeking higher taxes we will become an impoverished place where no one will wish to live and where no travellers will come. Ours will be a wasteland devoid of hope, care or charity driving away any who might wish to raise a family within such gloom and such greed”. But the knights at the table ignored him as they con<nued to scoff at the fine fare laid before them. With bellies full and wine aplenty, their eyes glazed over at the musings of the Green Knight. It was then that the knight realised it was only he who was prepared to ride the royal stallion into ba9le on behalf of those in the kingdom less able. And, as the knights, the toadies, the queen, her jesters and scribes supped on, half entertained by the obsequious advisors with their pandering prose, hoping to join in the feast there was movement, ever so quiet, on the quiet streets far below. From shadow to shadow passed a flash; the dash of one, then another of the kingdom’s peasants, scu9ering along with rags on their feet to muffle their footsteps. At first it was just a few, then more and more, muffled and scurrying holding bags and children, leaving the kingdom as quick as they could, having finally realised that the leaders they had wished for during such calamitous <mes were no leaders at all. Now was the hour to leave; before the next apocalyp<c event might descended. And as they all exited the failing kingdom, those who dared looked back, hearing the merriment of the royal court, unaware that they supped their last feast.
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Gadfly 106 By Robert Macklin Horrific as it is, the C-19 pandemic does have compensations, perhaps the most remarkable being the sudden revelation of our amazing capacity for change. All this time, our Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 have herded us into separate, ever-narrowing conservative and political and27th social systems Vol 48 2018 111April July 12th 2019
progressive pathways, with barely a tunnel (let alone a bridge) between them. We’ve come to believe that this is the way of the world; we’ve even made a virtue of it, this centrist doctrine that trumpets the same old same old like the silly dirge we call the national anthem and the ridiculous nonsense of an English aristocrat as our head of state. (How nutty is that!) But overnight, it seems, we’ve watched in wonder as an entire continent has transformed its modus vivendi. Together, a conservative Federal Government and progressive state premiers and chief ministers – with the genuinely constructive assistance of the Federal Opposition – have nationalised great swathes of industry and the health system to the applause of the nation. They’ve even closed the beaches and the footy ovals without the people taking to the streets (which are pretty much off limits anyway). And why? Well, it’s to save lives. Nothing more important than that. So here’s my question. Why have we not taken the opportunity to save the lives of the women being murdered in their homes by the vile bastards who shelter under the euphemism of ‘domestic violence’? In the old days – ‘Pre-C’ – these murders were occurring at the rate of one a week. That is, each year more than 50 women were bashed, hacked to death or set alight, often in front of their children, by a male murderer. There are no new Australian figures, but since the arrival of C-19 in France their incidence of ‘home violence’ has risen by one third. There’s no reason to believe that we aren’t seeing at least the same increase in Australia. That brings the annual number of murder victims to about 70 in our land. Coincidentally, at time of writing, the number of C-19 deaths stands at just under that annual figure for domestic murder; and while no one knows the cumulative figure it’s in the thousands. Yet while we have turned Australia upside down for one tragedy, we’ve done virtually nothing for the other. In today’s world, more money for women’s refuges is wrong on every level. They should not be forced out of their homes, and certainly not to live in groups where the virus can so easily spread. Regular readers will recall my Gadfly of several weeks ago when I advocated a new system of Apprehended Violence Orders which involved naming and shaming perpetrators initially, then putting them in jail for breaches of the Order. Now is the time to take them out of the home immediately and put them in a special facility until their cases can be heard. It is not beyond the power of Federal Parliament to design an interim legislative Bill to bring such a system into force. And when we cross that post C-19 bridge that Scott Morrison talks about so hopefully, we can revisit the system and iron out the bugs. But right now it’s urgent and C-19 has taught us that we have the power to make the change. Or is the murder of a woman somehow less important than a death by disease. robert@robertmacklin.com beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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reading
On-line drinking … whisky a-go-go by Trevor Moore I’ve been reading stories in the press in which “experts” warn of the perils of working at home and excessive drinking. I love the word “expert”: we always used to say that an “ex” is one that used to be and a “spurt” is aVol drip pressure. 16 under September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
Two stories from my past keep recurring as I endure the isola<on and social distance and con<nual hand-washing that is our lot today. Some years ago, I gave a talk at a public service conference on the future of work. The future of work, I suggested, was one where physical proximity was increasingly less important, and possibly unnecessary. The flip side of that is that managers need to set objec<ves and manage progress. At the end of the talk some asked what would be one thing that the public service should do. That was an easy one: use laptops and not desktops. Now I hear that our public servants are taking their desktop computers home with them. But taking your computer home doesn’t fix the remote working problem; you also need ensure that people have a way of geKng to their employer’s intranet (the bit of the internet that is private to them). At least one federal government department with several thousand employees had remote working licenses for only slightly more than a handful of them. The second story was another talk that I was asked to give. This was to a group of State MPs - I will not say what State - and it was about what I expected the impact of technology to be on their local economy. Again, I was asked what one piece of advice I would give. I said that their economic development strategies should avoid too much dependence of anything that weighs anything. In other words, because Australia is not large in world terms building things meant export which might be good for the balance of trade but is also expensive. Anything that is digital is weightless. The idiots in the Coali<on might have reflected on that when they decided to downgrade the NBN’s capability to scale … but that’s another story. These two recollec<ons came together when my son called me and told (note: told, not asked) me to sign up for an on-line whisky tas<ng. Now, I am not a big drinker, but I do like the occasional wee dram, so I duly signed up. In these difficult <mes I thought this was just the kind of enterprising thing that people should be doing today. Here is an event that normally you would need to be physically present for and that would mean going to Sydney … and that wouldn’t be that likely even in normal <mes. Although I have been a technology dude nearly all my life I am s<ll delighted when I see technology used properly. This <me the technology was the Zoom video conferencing app. The app itself is not par<cularly exci<ng, it does what you would expect (though there are some things to be careful about - see note at the end). Technology is good when it is used properly, otherwise it is usually hopeless. Our friends at Oak Barrel in Sydney had teamed up with an English whisky bo9ler called That Bou<que-y Whisky Company. His name was Dave and he was siKng - isolated of course - in Bedford, UK and we were the other side of world, perhaps 20 people who might never see one another but connected by a common interest. Oak Barrel sent out five li9le 50 ml bo9les with advice (that I took but I think my son may not have) that a 15 ml dram is a reasonable size for tas<ng. It was 0930 in the morning in the UK which may not be the wisest <me of day to lead a group of Australians beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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reading On-line drinking … whisky a-go-go by Trevor Moore con1nues… through a whisky tas<ng, but Dave was certainly up for the job. I think at one stage he referred to a whisky as a “good breakfast whisky”, and he wasn’t a Vol 16(who, September 15th 2017 Scot of course, put whisky in their porridge). On the other hand, he was 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019 working from home. For a small business, innova<on is what’s going to get them through the current crisis. The ability to innovate - and to make money out of innova<on is what’s going to set some small businesses apart from others as we emerge from life in isola<on. Streaming things is one way of doing that and Oak Barrel proved it to be an entertaining new way of doing things. In fact, it was so good I signed up for the next on-line tas<ng. A note on Zoom: you need to inform yourself on the technology you use and on the applica<ons (or “apps” as we call them these days). There has been some press about Zoom sugges<ng that it is not safe. Any communica<ons so[ware has the poten<al to be “not safe”. If you use Zoom, then (a) always use a password for any Zoom mee<ng (b) don’t share your screen and (c) if you set up an account do not do this through Google or Facebook; use an email address and an account password.
FROM THE HEART by Bernie Perre9, Narooma Men’s Shed Remember the fires? Last January a Hunter Valley miner, a mines supervisor, Pat Archer contacted the NAROOMA MEN’S SHED to see if they could act as a recep<on /distribu<on centre for a tools dona<on by the Glencore Bulga open cut miners of Ravensworth. Narooma Men’s Shed knew things were happening but on April 3rd a truck rolled into town with six pallets of tools conserva<vely valued at $36,000. A massive dona<on of new and used tools. How did this happen? Pat was asked; “well I was watching the box, saw the devasta<on caused by the fires and as I watched one report and I thought, hell the sheds are gone too. They will have no tools now. So we started the collec<on effort. The maintenance manager at Ravensworth Darren Meyer, took up the cause and dona<ons came from Atom Tool Supplies and Ausmech Industries totalling $15000, and together with miners sor<ng out their home sheds, six pallets arrived into the welcoming arms and smiles of Danielle and helpers at the Cobargo Relief Centre. The centre has taken on the job of recep<on/distribu<on as the Narooma men’s shed is closed due to the pandemic. From a distance and from the heart, the kindness and concern of strangers has made a difference. The tools are already on their way to a wide group of affected people and their communi<es A massive SHOUT OUT to the Bulga mob and their wonderfully generous contacts. You have li[ed spirits down south as we go through these, the most tes<ng of <mes in all our lives.
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Reading—LeKer to the Editor
EďŹƒciency promises of Community Ac1on Alliance, Community Voice, and others have come to nothing Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019
The Beagle Editor, This Innes budget has been prepared in reduced circumstances following the bushďŹ res and moving into the unknown environment of Covid 19. It is a “plan for the future, based on prudent assump ons, commi4ed to maintaining ďŹ nancial sustainability and risk, eďŹƒcient and eec ve services and value for money.â€? This budget follows both 1. a slight easing of IPART's indexa<on arrangements and 2. a further con<nua<on and indexa<on of the ever permanent SRV . IPART's indexa<on allowance of 2.6% would seem close to ina<on. Over the last decade or more indexa<on was less than CPI . This previous tougher quantum was designed to encourage eďŹƒciency and produc<vity gains by local government. Technology has resulted in cheaper goods and services, this should include Council services. Water, as usual has increased at a greater rate, 3% and 2.7%, designed to hit inland owners more. The boiling frog principle is alive and well. Broadly speaking the budgets ins and outs are more of the same plus 2.6%. Many responsible organisa<ons are planning for reduced income and are planning to align this with reduced expenditure. ESC help for businesses and individuals in trouble by way of rate relief or other help is negligible. While Covid19 is recognised by the ESC from a health perspec<ve there are no budget concerns expressed in these papers. Early planning and ac<on around reduced income could prevent a later crisis. Perhaps it is assumed State government will assist councils in trouble OR the ESC believe they can take the easy way out and run to IPART again for yet another SRV. The ESC has a responsibility to do be9er than this. They need to communicate their thinking to residents. Councillors and senior sta have rights and responsibili<es, they need to think harder about the la9er. We are coming into the year 5 of this council , the eďŹƒciency promises of Community Ac<on Alliance, Community Voice, and others have come to nothing. The last annual report referred to expenses associated with “increased sta eortâ€? . Does this con<nue in 2021, what does it actually mean , or is it commercial in conďŹ dence? So , another Innes budget, no change in direc<on, no response to uncertain <mes, all very disappoin<ng ,again. Owen Cartledge.
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Reading—LeKer to the Editor
Feedback on the proposed Moruya bypass by Deb Stevenson In December 2019 and January this year the south coast of NSW experienced the worst bushfires in living memory, both in terms of their extent and ferocity. Over 500 homes were lost in the Eurobodalla alone and Vol 16 September 15th 2017 the on businesses 28 December 7th, 2017 and the community was devasta<ng. In the year leading up to these fires, our Volimpact 48 111April July 27th 12th 2018 2019 region experienced its worst ever drought with the lowest Soil Moisture Index readings since records began over 100 years ago. This severe drought had already badly impacted our community and, in par<cular, our farmers who struggled to maintain produc<on under acute water shortages. Then in March, the impacts of COVID 19 began to be felt in our region with each passing day seeing further restric<ons on social interac<on that has in turn led to the closure of many small businesses and other community enterprises. This, on top of the drought and bushfires, has had a huge economic and emo<onal impact on our region. In late March, we were told that our State government intends to proceed with its plans to upgrade the Princes Highway and build a Moruya bypass. The Princes Highway upgrade and Moruya bypass was talked about by our local member when he launched his campaign at the rotunda in Moruya’s Riverside Park prior to last year’s state elec<on. There was no consulta<on with the Moruya Chamber of Commerce or the community prior to this announcement. The highway upgrade will cost taxpayers $15 billion, although it is likely to actually end up cos<ng a whole lot more based on the blowouts that are typical of most infrastructure projects (e.g. Sydney’s Light Rail). The Moruya bypass alone is projected to cost $960 million. Although there is virtually no informa<on about exactly what is proposed and, according to Transport for NSW, there is no preferred corridor for the bypass, the director and project manager said in a recent Facebook Q and A session that they expect to have selected a corridor by December. They noted that it was a massive investment for the Moruya community and assured us that they wanted to make the community ‘feel like it was being heard’. Given all that has happened in our region since our local member spoke about the Princes Highway upgrade in March last year, perhaps the community should have been asked whether they want a Moruya bypass at all and, if so, whether now is the <me. I don’t recall that ques<on having ever been raised. What I do know is that there has been very li9le of the promised government recovery funding reaching those in our community who lost so much as a result of the drought, then the bushfires and now COVID 19. What I also know is that our hospital struggled to cope with the fallout from the bushfire crisis and that we have no Intensive Care Unit, let alone ven<lators, anywhere in the Eurobodalla should COVID 19 infec<on rates start to rise. Although we have had pre-elec<on commitments of $150 million for a new hospital in the Eurobodalla, we have been wai<ng pa<ently for any concrete ac<on from the government to progress the construc<on of this hospital, let alone decide where it will go. We have an aging popula<on and the current medical facili<es/resources are grossly inadequate. People are literally dying unnecessarily while our government obfuscates. The community has spoken out strongly about the need for a new hospital, but we feel that we are not being heard. Why not? Why is it that there is plenty of money for road infrastructure, but very li9le for a desperately needed hospital? Why is it that the construc<on of the Moruya bypass can be expedited without any problems, but a new hospital seems to be a ‘bridge too far’? No one yet knows what the economic fall out will be as a result of COVID 19, nor whether adequate funding will be available to rebuild our communi<es post the January 2020 bush fires. Our local member has stated publicly that post-fire recovery of the Eurobodalla region is his priority and that he will re<re once this has been achieved. Well, there is s<ll a massive amount of work to be done. The Moruya bypass can wait, now is not the 1me to proceed with this infrastructure project. Instead, let’s spend the money on rebuilding our community a[er the bushfires/COVID 19 and a new level 4 Eurobodalla hospital, both of which are much more urgently needed. What we need is a strong and resilient community together with a well equipped and resourced hospital which brings with it long term jobs for medical and allied professionals. The Moruya bypass cannot offer either of these. beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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Reading—history
Family History Corner FAMILY HISTORY CORNER No 1 April 2020 I Vol am16 sure that you have September 15th 2017thought of researching your family 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 111 July 12th 2019 history many <mes in the past, something to do when you have the <me.. Now that you are stuck at home perhaps this is a good <me to start. Where to start? Try to write down as much as you know about your ancestors. Your grandparents are a good place to start. What were their names, when were they born, when did they marry and when did they die? Where did they live? Who were their brothers and sisters? Do not at this stage worry about what you do not know. Once you have collected together what you know it is <me to start researching. RESEARCH RESOURCES. 1. Family Search. h9ps://www.familysearch.org/search/ h9ps://www.familysearch.org/search/ This is a free website. It does require you to sign up. Family Search provides access to records from many countries, including Australia, the UK and the USA. 2. Ancestry. h9ps://www.ancestry.com.au/ It does not cost anything to join Ancestry.com.au and to start your family tree. However you would need to subscribe (pay) in order to access Ancestry’s extensive database. 3. Findmypast h9ps://www.findmypast.co.uk/ This Bri<sh website also has an extensive database. This is also a subscrip<on website. I find their database of Bri<sh and Irish newspapers par<cularly useful. TROVE . h9ps://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/search?adv=y Trove is a very useful resource for Australian researchers. This database from the Na<onal Library of Australia allows you to search Australian newspapers,Government Gaze9es, photographs etc.for men<ons of your ancestor. You can also get a free membership card for the Na<onal Library which will allow you to use their other online resources. See h9ps:// www.nla.gov.au/getalibrarycard/ 5. Google. h9ps://www.google.com.au/?gws_rd=ssl A good place to start is to google your ancestor’s name. Place the name in inverted commas, followed by a place name. Eg “John Frederick Smith” Moruya. If you get too many results then add more informa<on (eg year of birth). If you obtain no relevant results then remove some of the informa<on. Try for example “John Smith” Moruya. Do your own research to verify the informa<on found online. 6. Individual Countries. Many countries have their own resources. I am aware of sites for Wales, South Africa, Netherlands and Scotland. I am sure that other countries have dedicated family history sites. Some of these websites are free, some partly free and others require payment. We hope to publish regular Family History ar%cles for the dura%on of the Coronavirus lock-down period. I welcome ques%ons rela%ng to Family History Research and will do my best to answer them and I also welcome the opportunity to help readers develop their Family Tree. My email address is lupton@westnet.com.au Happy Researching! Roy Lupton. Interested in Local History then visit h9ps://www.mdhs.org.au beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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Your Up to Date fishing report from the team at Tackle World Moruya Moruya River 15th 2017 Vol 16 September 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 111 July 12th 2018 2019 This week 27th has seen a decrease in the water temps within the river system which has slowed the bite just a bit. There is s<ll lots of tannin stained water pushing down from the mountains, which has helped with the temperature drop. This has meant that the majority of catches have been, again, been towards the front of the system. With the lower temps, the fish require a bit more temp<ng to bite, especially with ar<ficial. Slow your retrieves down to keep your lures in the strike zone longer. Repeated casts in the same spot may also be required to tempt, wake up or annoy a fish into bi<ng. Baits as always can be the undoing of a picky fish. Small pilchards or white baits rigged on small gang hooks with a small ball sinker, cast and slowly retrieved is a deadly method on both bream and flathead. Further up the system under the bridge a[er dark has seen a marked increase of the numbers of estuary perch hanging over the weed beds and rocky edges. Surface presenta<ons and small so[ plas<cs are a sure way to get into some of these fish as they start to school up. Tuross River Cooler waters and plenty of suspended runoff have played a big part in the slower bite in this system this week. Graham reported lots of ash debris almost coa<ng the bo9om of the upper reaches around the Bodalla bridge. Reports of this same debris have also come in from the front of the system as well, but to a lesser extent. Time is going to be the only thing that will fix this fire a[ermath. Having said this reasonable numbers of bream, flathead, luderick and whi<ng are s<ll being taken down the front of the system. Similar techniques for Moruya will also work here. Hopefully with last Wednesday’s full moon, and an increased <de height, the extra water in the system will help flush it out. Rock and beach Again, as has been the case for the last few weeks, these areas have been the standout for consistent catches. Really good salmon to 70cm have been caught on the beaches around Tuross this week, with several fish falling vic<m to large surface style lures. Strada Tempest 140mm S<ck baits cast on medium weight rods accounted for several very healthy fish this last week. Lure cas<ng for working schools of salmon is a great way to fish, as you are constantly moving looking for fish and covering plenty of ground. Good exercise right there!! In amongst the salmon there have also been good catches of bream, whi<ng and flathead in the close gu9ers. These have been tempted on live beach worms. Mixed in for good measure has been a healthy popula<on for tailor also. On the rocks, good numbers of drummer, bream and salmon have also been encountered. The squid seemed to have shown back up around Shelly beach also. Both a great feed, and great baits, now is the <me to stock up on squid heads for the upcoming snapper season as the weather starts to turn cooler. Offshore This has been a li9le quiet with the strong winds that we had last weekend and the Covid restric<ons that are currently in place, but for those that have got out good flathead have con<nued to come over the side for those fishing in about 30m of water. As the a[er temps drop, we can expect to see an increase in the numbers of snapper that will start to move from their deeper water summer loca<ons into their winter home in shallower water. We are open all this Easter long weekend as per normal. We s<ll have a maximum customer limit of 5 people in store at any one <me to maintain distancing requirements. So, from all of us here at Tackle World Moruya, we wish you all a safe, healthy and happy Easter. Tight lines my friends and remember “every day’s a good day for fishing … “ Team Tackle World Moruya beagle weekly : Vol 150 April 10th 2020
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Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 50 May 111April July11th 12th2018 2019
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The Beagle business and trades Directory a to z Carpet Cleaners
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The Beagle business and trades Directory a to z Garden Landscaping
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The Beagle business and trades Directory a to z Pest Control
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The Beagle business and trades Directory a to z Trees
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