Earlier this year Council endorsed the generous initiative of Narooma's Councillor Lindsay Brown to adopt Cobar Shire as a sister shire and to engage in a friendship arrangement between the coastal and inland shires. In August a further initiative was presented to facilitate a drought relief working group with a number of community leaders. From this came Raindance Eurobodalla, three community events held concurrently on Friday 23 November 2018 at Narooma Golf Club, Moruya Golf Club and the Catalina Country Club. With considerable effort by local groups such as Batemans Bay Lions and Narooma Quota to name just a few more than 450 people went along to the event and $44,065.05 was raised from ticket sales, raffle and charity auctions for drought relief. The Eurobodalla Mayor, Liz Innes said "It was an incredible night of wonderful community spirit. I thank the community for supporting this cause, including over 100 local businesses who generously donated items and services for the night. It was incredible to have Wilbur Wilde, Frankie J Holden and Josh Cunningham donate their services for the event. These wonderful acts were organised by event promoter David White." "It was wonderful to have Cobar Mayor, Ms Lillianne Brindley OAM attend the Moruya and Batemans Bay events. We have forged a great relationship with Cobar Shire Council over the past few months and I look forward to enhancing this relationship further." At Council's meeting today it was agreed by Councillors to direct 75% of the funds raised to the Cobar Shire and to redirect, as had been widely advised, with the residue of funds distributed to Eurobodalla farmers in need. The move for 75% distribution came from Councillor Pat McGinlay to assist the graziers of Cobar. The Mayor had recommend that 50% of the funds raised, be forwarded to the Cobar Shire Council to distribute to farmers however it was very effectively discussed and debated today that the Eurobodalla community, from the outset, were showing their support in kind by donation and time for those in Cobar facing a torrid time. Rising to the support of Councillor McGinlay's ammendment fellow councillor, Lindsay Brown, advised that "In my community (Narooma) there was strong support and reiteration by MC's that we were "Raising money for Cobar" and the 50% suggested split by the Mayor was never mentioned." In a show of majority solidarity the vote gave endorsement to Councillor McGinlay's amendment that, to wide supportive applause from the gallery, saw the vote of 75% contribution go through. The Mayor of Cobar, Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM, was delighted with the news when contacted by The Beagle this afternoon and passed on her heartfelt appreciation on behalf of her community saying that she and her daughter had a marvellous time when they visited, with the Eurobodalla community showing wonderful hospitality and warmth. "I look forward to visiting again in the future to explore the area and thank those behind the Raindance event." she said. Councillor Lilliane Brady, we look forward to having you return.
