Mechanical Opening Lake Tabourie - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

21 June 2021

Shoalhaven City Council will be opening Lake Tabourie to the sea this afternoon, 21 June 2021. The water level in Lake Tabourie has reached a height of 1.21m, triggering the need to mechanically open the lake in accordance with the Tabourie Lake Entrance Management Policy.

The community are requested to stay outside of the work area and keep away from the edges of the dug channel and eroding banks following the opening, as these areas can be very unstable and unsafe. 

NSW Government's Proposal for Milton Ulladulla Road Bypass

Well, being new in the South Coast area, I have noticed all the towns north of Bomaderry - have got Bypasses away from the inland and seaside towns. The Pro's and con's of Bypasses could be debated for hours on end.

Personally, this is supposed to provide an easier and quicker flow of traffic in the areas of Milton and Ulladulla, whilst travelling on both sides of the Princess Highway.  Although in the towns North of Bomaderry, they tend to get traffic to and from their towns as they provide historical places and/or interesting places for anyone to visit.

By providing the Bypass, it may reduce the business economic returns for the area, with less traffic flowing into the towns. What the community of these towns need to do once a Bypass is in place is entice people passing by to stop and pay a visit, using and promoting the historical and local beauty of its areas. This is so that further vital funds could be injected into those local business communities.

Now, on the other hand, as a former public transport advocate in Western Sydney, I would strongly look at a dramatic improvement with local public transport bus timetables. As when I have travelled on the buses around the area, there are a handful of commuters using the services. 

The Reasons behind this is the 'everyone wants a car' factor because there are virtually little or no services available to promote the use of public transport. The trains stop at Bomaderry and I've heard from a young lady today, that it is better for her to travel to Wollongong University campus in Wollongong from Bomaderry, rather than using bus service to the campus to in Shoalhaven. This is also supported with the 'Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Awareness Network' offering taxi vouchers to the young and needy, needing travel access across the Shoalhaven River.

On that point, why we expanding with a new bridge across the Shoalhaven River to cover excessive and increasing rotor vehicle traffic, when the Iron bridge that caters for this traffic could be converted to carry passenger and industrial Rail. Yes, that's right extend the Railway line from Bomaderry to a dual carriageway travelling alongside the Shoalhaven River to Nowra and Stopping at South Nowra. 

By providing rail services extended into Nowra and South Nowra, would definitely be a positive step to help our youth, who need to get to work from Bomaderry to Nowra or South Nowra or who need to study and complete their tertiary education at Uni Wollongong, Shoalhaven Campus.

click here for the NSW Government Bypas  proposal video

A new book, a library, a new role, another storyteller, and much more - Sydney Story Factory

 

Cold Days, Hot Writing A polar vortex rolled into town last week, freezing the east coast and sending us all scuttling inside to stand as close as we can to the heater. In our extensive experience there's no better way to spend a chilly day than reading and writing, and we have both options covered here at Story Factory! In the newsletter below we’ve got updates on new publications, holiday workshops, job opportunities, recent student writing and updates from the wide world of writing. We hope it keeps you warm inside and out! Onwards, Story Factory

Our Storyteller Appeal This end of financial year we’re asking for your support to help fund more storytelling. To get a glimpse into just what our storytellers do for kids across Sydney we asked Russ to tell us about a typical day. ‘I’m Russ and I’m a proud descendant of the Ngarrindjeri people. I’m actually a graduate of NIDA and have been performing stories for the last 20 years. I’ve also got a Masters in Teaching from UWS. After a few years at NIDA as the National Program Manager for children and youth, I joined Story Factory as a storyteller.  My day usually starts with a car trip. Story Factory is lucky to have great relationships with a whole range of schools and their teachers spread throughout Western Sydney from Mt Druitt to Campbelltown, however it does mean lots of travel!’

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Simply the Best   Close your eyes and imagine you're us. You've watched your students deal with the disaster of the pandemic, schools closing, and life changing so dramatically. You've also watched them write through it, writing beautiful, vulnerable, funny, wise things. Then imagine you get the chance to compile this extraordinary writing into a beautiful book - our very first 'best of' anthology of student writing. You're imagining all that? Because then you'll know just how proud we are, and why you need this book (and writing) in your life. Butterfly by Muntana  (Birrong Girls High) My name is Muntana But you can call me Munti I may be young But I know who I am and who I wanna be One day I’m gonna travel the world and study dermatology I will become great and be there for my family I am full of joy, like a cup of ecstasy I am growing Growing like a caterpillar in a canopy Waiting for a new stage in my life Like a butterfly, I will learn to fly and be free

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School Holiday and Term 3 Programs School holidays are hurtling towards us and with them some free writing programs for students. Our free writing workshops are created specifically for young people in under-resourced communities and at severe risk of being left behind. If you know a young person who is struggling with accessing resources but who would enjoy participating, you can read about the options available on our website.

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Our Collections, Our Stories   In our partnership with the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) and the State Library of NSW, we invited our students to immerse themselves in a world of books and history. In regular site visits to the Library (pictured above), students created a collection of micro-fiction pieces inspired by rare artefacts housed at the State Library. At the end of this Big Project, video recordings of the student’s writing combined to create short films, presenting art, writing, film and history.

We're Hiring We’re recruiting for someone special to join the Story Factory team - could we be looking for you? We’re looking for an exceptional individual to be our first Aboriginal Liaison Officer, working with our fabulous Indigenous students and their families.  This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference, click through to read more about the role and how to apply.

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The Cherry on Top Our volunteers tell us every day how rewarding it is to feel like you're making a difference to young people - that you're earning trust, and how patient encouragement can yield spectacular things. But messages like the one above (given to our wonderful volunteer Sherine this week) really can make all the effort feel wonderfully worthwhile.

But Wait, There's More... Get yourself down to Gleebooks Sunday 27 June to catch our brilliant storyteller Priyanka Bromhead in conversation about her latest collection of writing - Mozhi.  21 - 27 June is Working With Children Week, and if you haven't completed your Working With Children Check, now's a great time to do it. Congratulations to our brilliant volunteer Dr Susan Lever who was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for Services to Literature. Well deserved recognition!

Birthday Fundraising Event

For some of you to know that my birthday (coming of age) is coming up, I have introduced a fundraiser for something that is close to my heart for Lifeline.

So far raised $265.00. Help us raise $500.00. That will be appreciated.

Click here for the lick to the Fundraiser event

Comerong Island Ferry Planned Refurbishment Works Set to Get Underway - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

18 June 2021

Shoalhaven City Council will commence refurbishment works to refurbish the Comerong Island Ferry and replace the concrete approach ramps on either side of Berry's Canal from Monday 21 June 2021.  

The works, which are expected to take 3-4 months to complete, will include renewal and repair work for the vessel including hull repairs, ramp overhaul, renewal of deck fittings, and landing and moorings. 

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said the refurbishment works are necessary to maintain the long-term safety and viability of the service.

“Council is regularly required to service the Ferry to maintain its Certificate of Survey in order to operate the vessel. This out of water survey is required to be completed every five years. However, on this occasion, work will also be undertaken to replace the concrete approach ramps on either side of Berry’s Canal.”  

“Council is completing both major projects at the same time to limit the disruption to residents, as both works prevent the operation of the ferry service.”

“Over the past few months Council staff have worked closely with residents to ensure they have been kept informed of the project and can prepare for the ferry closure period,” Clr Findley said.   

The normal ferry service will be out of commission whilst the works are being undertaken. A pedestrian ferry service will be provided for residents of Comerong Island during the refurbishment of the 'Cormorant' Ferry and reconstruction of the approach ramps. 

Members of the public will be unable to access Comerong Island during the ferry service closure. 

For more information on the refurbishment works visit Council’s website.

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Hotondo Helping Hands Donate to the Mayoral Relief Fund - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

18 June 2021

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley accepted a generous donation of $75,000 from Hotondo Helping Hands for the Shoalhaven City Mayoral Relief Fund.  

“It is an honour to accept this donation on behalf of the bushfire affected communities, such a substantial amount will make a huge difference and I thank all involved in their efforts in raising such a substantial donation”, Clr Findley said. 

“The funds raised will go a long way in helping Shoalhaven residents impacted by the Black Summer fires re-build their lives”, Clr Findley stated.  

“Since the Mayoral Relief Fund was opened in December 2019 nearly half a million dollars has been raised to support bushfire affected ratepayers and residents across the Shoalhaven”, Clr Findley said. 

Hotondo Shellharbour and Hotondo Southcoast founded Hotondo Helping Hands in response to the Shoalhaven bushfires, building three new homes and donating the profits from the sales to six Shoalhaven bushfire recovery related charities. 

Adam Sturt, Managing Director of Hotonodo Southcoast handed over the cheque to Clr Findley and stated “This was a cause close to our hearts. Like many Shoalhaven and Illawarra locals, we too were affected by the bushfires and devastated by the impact it had on residents, wildlife and the natural area. 

Shoalhaven City Mayor Amanda Findley receives a cheque donation from Adam Sturt to the Mayor’s Relief Fund from Hotondo Helping Hands 

 “We wanted to do something to help our community to recover, so Hotondo Shellharbour and Hotondo Southcoast together launched Hotondo Helping Hands.  This initiative would not have been possible without the backing of our trades and supplier partners who are just as passionate about helping us give back to the community”.  

For more information on Hotondo Helping Hands https://hotondo.com.au/hotondo-helping-hands/.  

For more information on the Mayoral Relief Fund, or to donate, visit: https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Projects-Engagement/Major-Projects-Works/Mayoral-Relief-Fund 

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Winter is the Time to Watch Out for Woody Weeds; Bitou Bush - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

18 June 2021

Shoalhaven City Council is encouraging the community to be on the lookout for Bitou bush as winter takes hold. June marks the start of Council's annual Bitou bush control program, with the aim to prevent the further spread of this invasive weed across multiple beaches across the region. 

Bitou bush is an introduced species that thrives in coastal environments with significant infestations in the Culburra, Berrara and Bendalong areas. Shoalhaven City Mayor Amanda Findley is encouraging everyone to play their part by locating these invasive weeds. 

“Council is commencing the annual Bitou bush control program. The program will aid in the protection of the Shoalhaven’s native flora and fauna and our Environmental Officers need the community's help in locating these plants.” Clr Findley said.  

“Integrated controlled techniques are used to provide targeted control of the weed. Spot spraying, hand removal, biological controls and licensed drone spraying of Bitou bush in manually inaccessible areas such as cliff lines at Bendalong: these are all methods being employed starting in June and continuing throughout the Bitou bush control season,” Clr Findley said. 

“It is important that the community report any isolated Bitou bush plants as they can potentially create large infestations within the area, resulting in significant environmental damage,” Clr Findley said.

"As a community we have put so much effort into controlling this ferocious growing woody weed, it would be sad to see us return to the infestation levels of the past. We really need our citizen patrol to be out there looking and even weeding if they have the knowledge to do so,” Clr Findley said.

Bitou Bush flower and seed

A Bitou bush can be identified by its multi-stemmed bush with bright green, round, fleshy leaves and distinctive yellow 'daisy' flowers, which are clustered at the end of branches. The main flowering season is May to July, which makes it easy to spot along coastal dunes. Further to this, the bush may also have ripe berries containing hard seeds which are black and fleshy. 

Community members are encouraged to report isolated Bitou bush plants or infestations they see along the coastline; residents are also reminded to not remove the plant themselves as this may result in accidental spread of the weed.  

To report a Bitou bush sighting please contact Council on 02 4429 3111 and ask to speak with the Bushland Management team.  

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Queensland drives Australia’s population growth while Victoria declines - .id Informed Decisions

 

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Media Release - New Control for Sea Spurge Weed - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

17 June 2021

Shoalhaven City Council is pleased to announce they are assisting the CSIRO in trialing a new important weed control endeavour. The CSIRO is researching a biocontrol agent to help contain the spread of the invasive Sea Spurge weed (Euphorbia paralias). 

Sea Spurge is an invasive plant that infests beaches and dunes across Southern Australia. Beaches often become heavily infested with this weed species, which limits beach access, ruins nesting areas for threatened shorebirds and creates a human health risk with the sap from the plant capable of causing skin and eye irritations. Currently, the Shoalhaven has been able to keep the infestation in check with regular, integrated controlled efforts. 

Shoalhaven City Mayor Amanda Findley said she is pleased to see the trial will take place along the Sussex Inlet and Manyana beaches.  

“The CSIRO’s new biocontrol agent trial is a project that could save our beaches from becoming inundated with the Sea Spurge weed. This will not only protect our beaches but also protect other beaches throughout Australia” Clr Findley said.  

When a Sea Spurge plants become established on a beach or dune, they eject a large number of seeds which can travel long distances in the ocean and survive for several years in the water. The CSIRO is researching this biological control agent as another means of reducing the spread of Sea Spurge , however, the community is being assured that the use of these agents is safe for beach goers.  

“I would like to assure the community that the research on releasing a biocontrol agent is extremely advanced and has been through a rigorous process before any environmental trials are engaged” Clr Findley said.  

“Shoalhaven is one of many regions around Australia that will be undertaking the trial. These biocontrol initiatives will reduce the need for chemical control measures, whilst also potentially saving our beaches from this weed ” Clr Findley noted.  

The CSIRO trial began in the Shoalhaven in early May and will continue throughout the year. 

  

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Watch and Act: The Black Summer Rock Opera pays tribute to those impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

16 June 2021

Watch & Act, a rock opera penned in response to the Black Summer fires, premiered with a cast of more than 50 South Coast musicians and singers on Friday night at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.  

The show is ABC Illawarra radio presenter Nick Rheinberger's musical response to the stories he heard from frontline workers, volunteers and people impacted by the fires. 

The Shoalhaven City Mayoral Relief Fund received $245 in donations as part of the event.  

Many who attended the show were frontline members of combat agencies and support workers. The performance was made possible with the support of Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Resilience NSW and IMB.

Patrons who attended the event were invited to donate to the Mayoral Relief Fund as part of their ticket purchase. The Mayoral Relief Fund was opened by Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley on 4 December 2019 in response to the Shoalhaven bushfires.

Since being opened, nearly half a million dollars has been raised to support bushfire affected ratepayers and residents across the Shoalhaven.

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley expressed her gratitude to those who donated.

“The generosity of the community never ceases to amaze me. Recovery takes time and it’s heart-warming to know that the community are there to provide support”, Clr Findley said.

Councillor Findley was thrilled to feature in the show and felt honoured to play a part in the re-telling of the Black Summer Bushfire story.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable and at times emotional show, with outstanding performances by a stellar cast. I am sure everyone in attendance will agree there can be healing through music and humour”, Clr Findley said.

The performance featured music arrangement by Nick Rheinberger and Paul Greene | Guitars: Nick Rheinberger and Rick Falkiner | Bass: Paul Greene | Drums: Adrian Herbert | Keyboard: Rob Laurie | Vocals: Eva Leone, Tia Wilson, Kay Proudlove, Nick Rheinberger, Paul Greene, HMO, Hamish Richardson, Tina Broad & The Glorious MUDsingers | Video & Stills: Sara Moss, Matthew Thane, Jake Lapham and ABC News.

The Mayoral Relief Fund, Bushfire Fund is open until 30 June 2021.

For more information on the Mayoral’s Relief Fund, including how to make a donation, visit Council’s website.  

For more information on the musical event visit Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre’s website.  

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Council sets up Sanctuary Point Oval for success this athletics season - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

Shoalhaven City Council is delivering on its commitment to provide improvements to Sanctuary Point Oval for the upcoming athletics season.

The oval’s $326,000 irrigation and drainage project is nearly complete, with irrigation work finished and drainage works set to be completed by next week.  

Councillors Bob Proudfoot, Mark Kitchener, Patricia White, John Wells, and Joanna Gash met with the St Georges Basin Little Athletics Centre President, Tracy Mandavy recently to discuss ongoing support of the oval. 

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley is excited about how the oval is shaping up: “We’re really looking forward to working closely with St Georges Basin Little Athletics Centre to have the oval ready for next season.” 

“Beyond the irrigation and drainage works, we plan to assist with new line markings, and over the next year we’ll be working to improve the soil and address weed issues so that Sanctuary Point Oval is a great resource for our little champions-to-be and the whole community,” Clr Findley said. 

The irrigation and drainage works were funded by a grant from the NSW Government. 

For more information on Little Athletics visit the 

 L-R: Clr Bob Proudfoot, Clr Mark Kitchener, Clr Patricia White, Clr John Wells, Clr Joanna Gash with Tsar Mandavy and President of St Georges Basin Little Athletics Centre Tracy Mandavy at Sanctuary Point Oval  

St Georges Basin Little Athletics website

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Join us as we officially open the Warrick Lane precinct! - Blacktown City Council

 

Be one of the first people to walk through this world-class facility, featuring the first multi-level car park with Darug language and first nations artworks throughout. The precinct also features 2 tree-lined public parks, children’s play equipment, street furniture, breakout spaces and a plaza. Date: Sunday 20 June 2021 Time: noon – 4 pm Location: Warrick Lane precinct, Main Street, Blacktown Cost: Free. Get your free ticket here. Celebrations will include a traditional smoking ceremony and welcome to country, food trucks, roving entertainment, family art workshops and an official opening by Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM. There are a number of spots available for exclusive artist tours with artists Blak Douglas and Skunk Control. These can be booked when reserving your tickets. Get in quick, as there are very limited spots. Parking on the day will be available in the Colo Lane car park, Colo Lane, Blacktown. Wet weather hotline: 9839 6577.

NSW Rail Museum - Day Out With Thomas Returns!

 

Day Out With Thomas Returns! 16—18 July 2021

Day Out With Thomas returns to the NSW Rail Museum!

Meet the Fat Controller, climb into Thomas' cab, take a ride behind Donald and more. It's a great outing for the whole family.

Book now before tickets go on general sale this weekend! 

Click here for the booking details

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Morrisett Rotary Donate to the Mayoral Relief Fund - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

10 June 2021

The Mayoral Relief Fund is continuing to help bushfire affected residents in the Shoalhaven, following a recent $700 donation to the Shoalhaven Rising from the Ashes community group, on behalf of the Morrisett Rotary Club.   

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley accepted the $700 donation to the Mayoral Relief Fund in April from the Morrisett Rotary Club who requested these funds were provided to a local community group.  

Clr Findley was proud to see the New South Wales community still has the Shoalhaven in their thoughts.  

“I want to express my gratitude to the members of the Morriset Rotary Club for this generous donation to help bushfire affected residents in the Shoalhaven.” Clr Findley said.  

“The Morriset Rotary Club asked that these funds were given to a small community group, which I am pleased to say they have. The Shoalhaven Rising from the Ashes community group provide many events which support mental health and wellbeing within our community, with events aimed at all ages. 

“These funds will allow them to continue the important work they are doing within the community, helping our community heal.” Clr Findley said.  

Shoalhaven Rising from the Ashes is a collaboration of the Catholic Communities of Milton, Ulladulla and Sussex Inlet, St Mary's Star of the Sea, and with volunteer organisations, community service groups, local clubs, businesses, schools and churches. For more information visit the Shoalhaven Rising from the Ashes Facebook Page.

Mayor Amanda Findley, opened the Mayoral Relief Fund, on 4 December 2019, in response to the Shoalhaven bushfires.  

For more information or to make a donation visit the Mayoral Relief Fund web page.

Left to right, Vivienne Benson Hodge, Sherrie Swallow (Coordinator), Michael Tompkin, Trish Tompkin, Carol Hardie, Brian Hardie, John Hodge, Mayor Amanda Findley and Deacon Justin Stanwix

CALD community lose $22 million to scams in 2020 - SCAMWATCH ALERT - ACCC SCAMWATCH

 

Last year scammers stole close to $34 million collectively from people who identified as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability, and Indigenous Australians. Figures from the ACCC’s latest Targeting Scams report released earlier this week shows losses to the CALD community represented a 60 per cent increase compared to 2019, across 11,700 reports. “Last year we saw a big increase in losses to scams affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said. “Some members of CALD communities suffered higher losses on average than the overall community, accounting for one in every eight dollars lost.” “Unfortunately, scheming scammers try to target people who by virtue of their background, disadvantage, language skills or disability may experience vulnerability, and be more likely to fall for their tricks,” Ms Rickard said. Investment scams were responsible for $6.3 million in losses, the most costly type of scam for the CALD community. This was followed by threat based scams, and people from CALD communities lost $6 million to these scams up 248 per cent from 2019. The Chinese authority scam is a common threat based scam which cost people from the CALD community $4.3 million last year. These scammers impersonate Chinese authorities and accuse their victims of committing a crime, such as sending a parcel with illegal goods like fake credit cards, and threaten them with deportation or arrest unless they paid money or provided their personal information. “We received over 2,000 reports about Chinese authority scams in total last year with $7 million lost, and almost a quarter of these were from people with a CALD background,” Ms Rickard said. “This shows that these scams continued to disproportionately target Mandarin speakers in Australia.” Other threat based scams involved scammers impersonating Australian government departments such as the Australian Tax Office saying you will be arrested for unpaid tax and the Department of Home Affairs threatening to arrest you and have you deported. “Australian governments will never threaten you with immediate arrest. Always stop and think about who you might be dealing with, and if you’re not sure whether the call is legitimate, hang up and call the organisation directly using contact details you independently source,” Ms Rickard said. Scams also impacted Indigenous Australians in 2020. Last year Scamwatch received 3,455 reports with over $2 million in losses from Indigenous Australians. While the losses were 4 per cent lower than those in 2019, the reports increased by nearly 25 per cent. The most financially damaging scams for Indigenous communities were dating and romance scams, followed by investment scams and online shopping scams. People who identified as having disability made more than 7,500 reports to Scamwatch, and lost close to $10 million to scams last year. Dating and romance scams accounted for about half of these losses. More than one third of reporters also said they had lost personal information. Meanwhile, 25 per cent of people without disability reported losing personal information. “Unfortunately scammers do target all sectors of the community so it is important to stay alert,” Ms Rickard said. “Remember, never give your credit card details or personal information to anyone who contacts you out of the blue no matter who they say they are, as scammers can do an excellent job impersonating the government and private sector organisations like banks and telephone companies." "If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately,” Ms Rickard said. The ACCC has translated the Little Black Book of Scams into ten languages to help the community understand and avoid scams. The ACCC regularly engages in Indigenous outreach programs and shares scam warnings on the Your Rights Mob Facebook page. Find out more in our media release.