Shoalhaven City Council Summary Update

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Finance update for June 2025 Acting CEO James Ruprai gives his monthly update on our finances. Highlights include savings of $3.9 million towards our target of $10 million in the Sustainable Financial Futures Plan. We’ve also made major improvements on our internal reporting, by marrying up our asset data with our finance systems. This has resulted in a much clearer picture of the true cost of our assets over their lifecycle and means better financial reporting and better asset planning. WATCH VIDEO

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Acting CEO James Ruprai resigns Council's Acting Chief Executive Officer James Ruprai announced his resignation at the beginning of July, after serving in the role for the past eight months. Mr Ruprai, who was the Director of City Development for nearly three years, made the decision to step down to pursue new professional opportunities and spend more time with family. Mr Ruprai will remain in the position until 31 July, when the recruitment process for the new CEO is expected to be complete. MEDIA RELEASE

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Shoalhaven Water open day Bring the kids or come with friends, Shoalhaven Water is hosting a free open day at the Nowra Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Join us on a guided tour and discover how your wastewater is collected, treated and delivered back into the environment.  Tickets are complimentary but bookings are essential.  BOOK YOUR SPOT

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Shoalhaven NAIDOC events a huge success We hosted our annual flag raising event as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations. We'd like to extend a huge 'thank you' to local Aboriginal Elders, community members and staff who joined us for the symbolic ceremony that honoured the resilience and contributions of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also set up a stall at the NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Wednesday 9 July. It was a vibrant day of celebration and we were delighted to attend and connect with community. Thank you to everyone who came along and said 'hello'.

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Work to progress on Nowra Riverfront Council will progress the next stage of collaborative work to activate the Nowra Riverfront Precinct after finalising the funding deed with the Australian Government in June.    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Shoalhaven in January this year to announce $5 million in funding under the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.   The funding will initially allow Council to finalise an Open Space Masterplan before it is exhibited for public feedback. READ MORE

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Celebrating our local mangroves  Our mangroves have done some serious heavy lifting following the wild weather that lashed the Shoalhaven recently.   Did you know they help protect our coastline during extreme weather events and filter stormwater runoff, which improves the quality of our waterways? We’re lucky to have several mangrove ecosystems in the Shoalhaven and these types of forests are protected in NSW because of their incredible importance to our environment. Saturday 26 July is International Day of the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, so we thought it was a good time to give these humble plants a shoutout.  MARVELLOUS MANGROVES

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Have your say on management and use of local showgrounds Residents are now invited to provide feedback on our New Plans of Management (PoMs) for the Shoalhaven’s four showgrounds until 18 August.  The draft plans outline how Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Milton and Nowra showgrounds are managed and used by residents and visitors.  The four documents are created in consultation with the community to ensure that the land is managed in a way that meets the community’s needs and expectations, including its use and development.   HAVE YOUR SAY

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New application process to hold events on Council land Community groups wanting to deliver projects on Council land will be guided through a new streamlined process to ensure their proposal has the best chance of success.  The Guidelines for Community-Led Projects and an online application portal will help groups prepare and pitch their initiative so that key information critical to gaining Council support is included for assessment.   Visitors to the page can also find a comprehensive guide on how to plan and apply for a Community-Led Project. MORE INFO

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Homegrown theatre that crosses the world The Merrigong Production, A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen is headed to the Shoalhaven in August. Theatre-maker and singer-songwriter Josh Hinton fills the theatre with music, memories, and exotic smells as he attempts to make his grandmother’s chicken curry, live on stage.  Charming, funny and moving, don’t miss this work of sensory storytelling with an international palette. Plus, all patrons can enjoy a post-show curry tasting. TICKETS

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Local tree planting days happening in July Dozens of local school students will be supported by Shoalhaven Bushcare and Dunecare volunteers to plant native trees, shrubs and grasses across the city later this month. The initiative coincides with Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day, held at the end of July. The event aims to teach students how to care for the natural environment and give back to their community.   Residents are also encouraged to attend a community tree planting at Mollymook Beach on Sunday 27 July from 10am - 12pm. A barbeque lunch will follow.  REGISTER NOW

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Community makes its voice heard  We recently asked you to tell us what is most important to you when it comes to our places and spaces - and your feedback was overwhelming.  During the 7-week campaign more than 3,305 surveys were completed and the project team is now busy considering what you had to say. Thank you to all who provided feedback. We'll consider what you've told us and will update you about the next steps soon.  VIEW RESULTS

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Mini Emergency Management & Recovery Expo Join us for our Mini Emergency Management and Recovery Expo this week.  Meet with the RFS, SES, Police, Marine Rescue, Fire Rescue and more. Get your questions answered and hear about emergency management and recovery services. The event will be held at the Huskisson Community Centre from 5pm-7pm on Thursday 24 July. Click below to let us know if you're coming so we can cater.  REGISTER TO ATTEND

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Become a library member and win If you've been on the fence about whether to become a Shoalhaven Libraries member, now's the time to climb down and run, don't walk, to your nearest branch.  Throughout July and August all new members go in the draw to win a book bag filled with literary treasures. Winners, like Dennis Frost (pictured) are picked weekly. Congrats Dennis!  If you're already a member; you can still join in the fun. Recommend a friend to join and both you and the new member will be entered into a draw to win a Dymocks book voucher. It's a win-win. Join for FREE today. JOIN NOW

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Raised crossings to be installed at Huskisson Four raised, pedestrian crossings will be installed at Huskisson following community consultation in June.  Council received 113 unique responses to the survey, with 63 per cent of respondents supporting the proposal to install the four crossings on Owen Street and Hawke Street, to improve the safety and movement of pedestrians. Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent survey. The project, including design and construction will be fully funded by Transport for NSW under the Get NSW Active program. SURVEY RESULTS

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Recycling calendar now available

The 2025-26 Recycling Collection Calendar is now available. Stick it on your fridge so you will always know when to put out your bins.

Pick up a copy from our admin buildings in Nowra or Ulladulla, our libraries, or call Council on 1300 293 111.

DOWNLOAD NOW

 

The Highest User of Filler words known to me!

So what are 'Filler Words', you may be asking? Are they the words we say that continue sentences?  What are they?

Well, simply the filler words or also known as filler sounds are, 'Um, uh, oh, er, & ah,' - You see they are short words we say when we are gathering our thoughts together for a short moment. It gives time for the speaker to quickly think about what will be said next. It makes the audience extend their focus on the speaker, wondering what will be said next. 

It's used to prevent a sentence from ending, a slight hesitation, and a temporary pause to restart a new sentence without finishing speaking.

If I hear professionals do it: politicians, owners and CEO's of large companies, reporters, and their interviewers, I always wonder if are they that professional.

Don't get me wrong as a radio DJ, I started off with so many filler words over 2 1/2 years ago and now I hope there are fewer filler words in my 2-hour show.

At my former work, we had end-of-month meetings and on one of the last ones our then-CEO said  86 filler words/sounds (counted by myself and a co-colleague), in a space of 10 minutes, just under 9 per minute.

Other filler words/sounds that are not as bad as the ones mentioned before are, 'Like, basically, actually, supposedly, totally, you know, so, literally, therefore, anyway, well, sort of, I mean, kinda, all right' as well as many others.

A Message From Westfield CEO on Coronavirus COVID-19....

As the owner and operator of 42   in Australia and New Zealand, we appreciate the ongoing community concern about the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

I want to let you know what precautions and actions my team is taking to prioritise your wellbeing whilst managing business continuity in our centres which are regarded as essential services in the community.

Cleaning and hygiene

We apply the highest standard of cleanliness and hygiene across our Westfield Centres. We have increased the routine cleaning of frequently touched hard surfaces.

We expect our retail partners to apply the same principles to their cleanliness and hygiene.

If a retail partner becomes aware of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 within their customer facing teams in our centres, they must contact their local Westfield centre management immediately. We would then work with our retail partner and the relevant health authority to support any required public communication and advice on deep cleaning.

We remind all customers to practice regular hand washing, use hand sanitiser and cover sneezes or coughs with your arm, not your hands. Hand sanitisers are available at the Concierge desks and other locations around our centres.

If you have flu-like symptoms, you should seek your doctor’s advice.

If you have returned from overseas effective 16 March 2020, you are required to self-isolate. You should not visit a Westfield centre during this period.

Following the advice of health authorities

When it comes to the health and wellbeing of our customers, retail partners and people, we follow the advice of the Australian and New Zealand health authorities.

We have shared regular updates with our people and other stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the latest travel advice and guidance on what to do if they have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

In our centres and across our digital channels, we have provided guidance and advice for customers as well as signage focused on good hygiene practices. We will update these messages as needed.

Focused on delivering for our customers and retail partners

Our Westfield centres are open and trading.

We are working with our retail partners to ensure our forward program of in-centre activations addresses the necessary wellbeing precautions whilst supporting business continuity.

Confidence when you visit

Members of the community should be confident to go about their day-to-day activities including shopping at their local Westfield.

As circumstances continue to develop we will update our approach to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our customers, team members and communities is our highest priority.

If you'd like more information, please click here.

Thank you for your support,

Peter Allen
CEO Scentre Group


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A Message From The CEO of Woolworths On Accessing Stocks & Editor's Notes

These remain challenging times and with the situation evolving, I'd like to share what Woolworths is doing to support our customers, team members and the community. Helping you get access to what you need We've been working hard to keep our shelves stocked and Delivery and Pick up windows available. However, as you are no doubt aware, demand is still very high and products are being bought more quickly than usual when they arrive in store. To help everyone access the essential things they need, limits are now in place on toilet paper, wipes, paper towels, serviettes, rice and some other items. It also, unfortunately, means that toilet paper won't be available for Pick up orders for the time being, but our team will be happy to see if toilet paper is available in store when you come in to pick up your order. Our toilet paper suppliers continue to work on meeting increased demand, and we're working with some suppliers to prioritise the production of smaller pack sizes, so we can make more packs available to you this week. For more details about limits, please go to woolworths.com.au/updates We're actively helping seniors in our community We’ve now partnered with Meals On Wheels to begin the delivery of toilet paper directly to seniors in need. The first deliveries were made in NSW today and we’re doing what we can to expand this service in the weeks to come. Our stores are being cleaned more than usual As a food retailer, we already have very high standards of cleaning and hygiene in place. However, as a precautionary measure and out of care for everyone’s wellbeing, we've added an extra 4 hours of proactive deep cleaning in each Supermarket every day. Keeping you updated if there is a case in one of our stores If one of our customers or team members is confirmed with COVID-19, we’ll let you know in that store. We continue to take advice from the Department of Health to make sure we’re taking all the necessary steps to ensure ongoing safety, including additional detailed cleaning in store where necessary. Looking after our team members This week we announced a number of extra ways we're supporting our teams during this time. This includes making sure we look after anyone impacted by the outbreak, whether they are full-time, part-time or casual. We will, of course, keep our focus on our team members as the situation changes. In the meantime, I'd like to thank you for your continued patience and for showing respect and support for our team as they work hard to support you and our local communities. Brad Banducci CEO Woolworths Group To find out more, please visit woolworths.com.au/updates Click here for previous post on Coronavirus COVID-19 myblogaboutanything&everything Editor's notes on the Pandemic Coronavirus COVID-19: So, we have people panicking and emptying shelves of toilet papers, tissues, wipes, paper towels and serviettes from all supermarket stores, stock piling their own homes. Some people would call it sensible, others  will call it crazy and irrational behavior. I call it greed. Simply greed, looking after one's own interest. It could also be called being selfish. It reminds me of when I met my grandfather from Czechoslovakia (at the time known country name) and he was telling me how he was living in a communist country how everything was rationed off - tickets given for ordinary milk, break and butter. And your ID will be checked so you don't over buy or get a double  ration. It would be better if people who have bought in bulk in the past give these items away or at least sell to others neighbors, friends at the price they bought it for and keep what is needed for their weekly or fortnightly shopping. Just a thought how people could be kind.

EdED