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On Wednesday we had six rinks of triples. Winners, decided by Lucky Rinks, were Peter Dillon, Peter Hattam and Terry Lewis (skip) who were on top of their game to lead 16 to eight after 11 ends and kept John Voytas, Tony Gors and Rob Coulson (skip) at bay in the second half to take their match 23 to 20. Second place went to Rex Dunn, Garry Burke and Les Waldock (skip) who had a low scoring lead of nine to six after 11 ends and after a similar second half of close scores they won their match 18 to 15 against Don Caldwell, Peter Hawker and Rod Holman (skip). Thank you to Rapley and Sons for their continued support. On Saturday we played two games of 12 ends with winners playing winners and the combined score of the teams added to determine who took home the chocolates. First place went to Cindy Newell and Peter Murton (skip) who had two good wins for a combined score of 29 shots. On Sunday we had three games of triples and the winners, decided by Lowest Winning Margin were Jean Vos, Susan Wales and Darrel Goodridge (skip) who were behind seven to 14 after 11 ends before they staged a remarkable recovery to get up on the last end for a 21 to 19 win against Rob McIntyre, Olwyn Mayer and Cindy Newell (skip). above: Allan Chisholm and Ken Burrows check out the head before changing ends

47 players registered for a Multiplier two person Stableford competition. Individual scores on a hole were multiplied to give a result which led to one group having 16 points on a hole and another group 12 points on a single hole. The winners were Neal Watson and Greg Smith with a score of 38 points, runners up were Terry Lunn and Barry Hoban on 32 points. 3rd and 4th were Peter and Paul Coffey on 30 points and Jennifer Gray and Steve Johnston on 27 points. Minor prizes went to P.Green & R.Davidson, R.Hendy & R.Nash and G.Moore & D.Jackson. The Bradman award went to D. Hoare and G. Bush. Nearest the pins went to R.Hendy, M.Coffey and S.Collins and the accuracy award went to N.Watson

Our social bowlers were keen to get out on the green to enjoy the competition and camaraderie. There were two game of triples this week the winning team for the day, decided by Lucky Rinks, was Jenny Coulson, Alison Maloney and Cindy Newell (skip) who had a great game where they led 10 to nine after 11 ends before they knuckled down to draw clear for a 21 to 10 win against Jenny Coulson, Suzanne Dainer and Barbara McNamara (skip). Cindy’s team was aided by scoring on each of the double point ends (ends 7 and 13). Heater McGourty won the Rapley’s Meat raffle with Marg Naylor picking up second prize. The 50Club was won by Barbara McNamara and Jenny Coulson had the first resting toucher confirming her consistent top bowls. Thank you to Rapley and Sons for their continued, valued, support. Photo - Susan Wales and Cindy Newell anxiously watch the progress of Susan's bowl.

A few years ago, one of the members of Eurobodalla Writers’ day group came up with the idea of writing a novella together. We had published a few anthologies, so this was a new challenge, but we thought it would be fun. Eleven met to discuss the possibility. Five dropped out for various reasons. That left six: Rhonda Casey, Eileen Dillon Smith, Stafford Ray, Rosie Toth, Judy Turner and me, Gillian Macnamara. Before we embarked on ‘The Light’, Stafford had published two novels: ‘Cull’, a political thriller, and ‘Australian Gulag’, a love story. Rhonda had a novel on the go: ‘Hessian’, historical fiction about Aboriginality and personal reconciliation. The rest of us had written only short pieces of prose or poetry. One of the five who dropped out had recounted the true story of the mysterious disappearance over a century earlier of three lighthouse keepers from a remote Scottish island. This became the basis of our plot. We moved the story to northeast Tasmania in 1949 and placed our imaginary lighthouse on a small island close to the fictional town of Littleton. The book opens with the light going out, a boat sinking, a man drowning and a lighthouse keeper vanishing. Rather than writing a straightforward mystery, we were interested in exploring the impact of the tragedy on the locals, which meant inventing a cast of characters. One challenge we had been considering was how to produce a cohesive work written by multiple authors. As we fleshed out the characters, the answer became obvious: we would each write from the point of view of one or more characters, which would allow for different ‘voices’. This was not as straightforward as it seemed. We all had to write scenes that included other writers’ characters, and character consistency mattered. So, an important part of our regular reviews was to check: ‘would he say this?’ or ‘would she do that?’. It was interesting to observe how real our characters became to us and how much this mattered. We wrote in the third person, which made transitions from one character’s point of view to another’s clearer to the reader. The only exception to this was the free verse written in the first person in the voice of the lighthouse. Several more decisions were needed before writing could begin, such as whether to write in the past or present tense. All decisions were made democratically. Tense was one decision that engendered considerable discussion before we had a majority in favour of writing in the present tense. We also needed to research the setting and the period, to avoid errors of geography, and anachronisms such as having characters saying ‘OK’ or drinking coffee. We experienced plenty of hold-ups, some for happy reasons, others not so happy, such as serious illnesses and family emergencies. Then, of course, Covid arrived. Luckily, we had agreed that we didn’t need a deadline. There were many read-throughs and some time-consuming re-writes. Three of us took on editing as we wrote. Gradually, the novella became a novel. Most differences of opinion regarding the plot were resolved easily and amicably. The ending was the hardest to resolve – some wanted all loose ends tidied, some didn’t. So, we compromised with a few of each. I took on the final slog of re-editing, formatting for printing and fixing the inevitable glitches. Of course, some of those glitches remain in the final version, which was published in 2022. But I think we can be proud of it. We are now considering readying it for epublishing when we have some spare time. Since we embarked on ‘The Light’, Rhonda has published ‘Hessian’, Judy has published ‘Watermelon Days’, a collection of memoir and short stories and Stafford has a third book, ‘Pregenesis’, climate/science fiction set in Antarctica, ready for publication. If you are interested in finding out more about any of these books or would like to purchase copies, please email the authors: Rhonda: yarandoo@skymesh.com.au Judy: turnersparadise@gmail.com Stafford: staffordray@optusnet.com.au And for ‘The Light’, email me at gillian1951@bigpond.com Gillian Macnamara

Moruya River. Cold and uninviting would be the best way to describe the river at the moment. With very little action to report on, there isn’t a lot I can say that is different from last week. The start of the wattle blooming, is traditionally the signal that the bream will be starting to repopulate the rivers after their spawn has been completed. We can expect them to be starting to look at having a feed after their activities. Bladed style lures or small soft plastics will tempt a hungry post spawn fish. Tuross River. The same can be said for Tuross as can be said for Moruya, cold and uninviting! Over the next few weeks the bream activity will start to increase as in Moruya, with post span fish starting to look for a feed. You will find that a lot of the bream will be light in condition as the spawn does tend to knock the weight off them. Bladed lures and small soft plastics worked along the deeper holes will go along way to finding a fish. Rock and Beach. The salmon schools have been thick and consistent this last week, with the majority of the fish action concentrated along our vast and spectacular coastline. A pilchard rigged on a paternoster rig and gang hooks is the standard rig for most of your beach fishing. While metals cast and retrieved in the suds can also be a productive and fun way to find a fish or two. The salmon have all been in great condition, with fish to 60cm the norm. The drummer also continue to be on the chew off the local rock ledges, as are the crays for those keen to get wet. Offshore. Snapper have been the main stay for those going out for a fish this last week. The winds and seas are on the rise a bit for this weekend, so conditions won’t be the best if you are planning on heading out this weekend. Looking at the sea surface temp charts today, I was surprised to sea a strong push of warmer water all the way down past the Victorian border. This is something we don’t normally see till later in the year. I’m not sure what it will mean for those heading out wide, but Yellowfin tuna could be on the cards still. We have just had 2 pallets of Kings gear arrive today, along with the start of a few bits from our fishing suppliers. As previously seen on our socials, I have started to make space on the lure wall for new items that are on the way, so all that stock to be moved has hit the 50% off bin. Get in now and check out what is there. The bait freezer is stocked again, with whole mullet, 1kg salted pilchards and small tubs of worms unavailable at the moment. But we have ample stock of everything else. Stay safe and remember, “every days a good day for fishing…” Team Tackle World Moruya. +10 All reactions: 77

Gear up and get comfy for this special episode featuring Eurobodalla’s mountain bike trails and popular places in between. Trail Towns is a tourism program on SBS showing all the top places to ride, stay, eat and play in Australia and New Zealand. The season starts next week on Saturday 26 August and the Eurobodalla episode airs at 4pm on Saturday 16 September. Trail Towns Presenters Dieter Kahsnitz (Deetz) and Paul van der Ploeg (Vandy) said Eurobodalla was one of their most unique episodes to film. “The Eurobodalla region sums up everything wonderful about the Australia we are famous for, with stunning beaches, gorgeous coastal towns and welcoming people,” Deetz said. Vandy and Deetz toured beaches and bush between the towns of Narooma, Mogo and Batemans Bay. “Exploring the new trails was eye opening!” Vandy said. “The vision to expand on the community-built trails is genius; the whole area is about to be transformed into a must-visit global tourist destination.” Eurobodalla Council partnered with Trail Towns to showcase the region as a mountain biking destination. With almost 100km of trails at Narooma and 150km underway at Mogo, Eurobodalla is set to become Australia’s mountain biking coast. Some local legends took Vandy and Deetz under their wing to show off their home turf. President of Narooma Mountain Bike Club Georgie Staley was one of many local faces to feature in the episode. She can’t wait to see all levels of riders hit up the freshly carved trails at Narooma. “The new zones added to our existing network is truly unique,” Ms Staley said. “Families can explore the wilderness single track and keen downhill riders can hit up the flowy, long jump lines of the gravity zone.” Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher watched a sneak peek of the episode and was impressed by how much Vandy and Deetz packed into one episode. “They are two high-energy guys who truly got a taste of what Eurobodalla has to offer in between riding the new trails at Narooma and Mogo,” Mayor Hatcher said. “Aside from Eurobodalla’s 250km of trails, the episode shows so much more for the non-riders too. “My advice for those coming to visit … make sure you take the time like Vandy and Deetz did to check out great places to eat, our coastal headlands walking trail and local history of the Yuin people as well as the wildlife on Barunguba Montague Island.” For those who missed the debut, Trail Towns season three will be available on SBS On Demand and SBS. Narooma’s trails will open this spring, while Mogo trails are set to open autumn 2024 by Eurobodalla Council and Forestry NSW. The Coastal Headlands Walking Trail opens spring 2024. These Eurobodalla projects are made possible thanks to funding from the Australian and NSW Governments’ Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. Watch the Eurobodalla Trail Towns episode trailer on Council’s YouTube. VIDEO: Eurobodalla locals join in the fun and take part in the action of the SBS program, Trail Towns.

Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP is pleased to announce that 53 local healthcare providers have taken a share of over $1.44 million through the Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program. Grants have been officially awarded to 53 General Practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) within our region. "I am incredibly happy to be able to deliver such a strong investment in our local medical services," Fiona said. Fortifying GP practices was a crucial election commitment from the Albanese Labor Government. Each of these grants ranged from $25,000 to $50,000, and will be used to help health organisations invest in their practices and staff. “This funding will enable our local General Practices and ACCHOs to enhance their services, broaden patient access, and ultimately contribute to a healthier and more resilient community." Fiona said. “We know that local primary health services are under significant strain – this $1.4 million investment supports them so that they can keep supporting our community,” Fiona said. The Strengthening Medicare – General Practice Grants Program empowers healthcare providers to expand their capabilities, improve their infrastructure, and ultimately deliver better care to the community. This successful implementation of the program is a significant step towards improving patient access to GPs, and to improving the quality of services provided by medical practices across our region.

August is going to be a big month for the Montague Choristers and Visiting Artists. At 2:30 pm on Sunday, August 20, the Montague Choristers will be singing Songs of Sundrie Natures - a selection of wonderful music by William Byrd, including several movements of his Mass for Four Voices, as well as some of his shorter works. As an instrumental interlude we'll present the Trio Sonata in G major BWV 1039 by JS Bach performed by Cathie Doherty (flute), Philip Hartstein (violin) and Lada Marcelja (cello). This concert is at All Saints' Anglican Church, Bodalla and entry is by donation. Then, at 2:30 pm on Saturday August 26 the Affinity Quartet returns to Narooma fresh from their triumph at the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition where they won the Grand Prize for best ensemble, first prize for best string quartet and the audience prize! More about the competition here https://www.musicaviva.com.au/media-releases/affinity-quartet-announced-as-winner-of-musica-viva-australia-s-melbourne-international-chamber-music-competition-2023/ Affinity will be playing Haydn's quartet Op 50 No 5 - The Dream and Beethoven's Op 59 No 2 - the second of his Razumovsky Quartets. Affinity will be playing at St Paul's Anglican Church, Tilba St, Narooma. Tickets are $28 from Mitre 10 Gifts, Narooma and Nested on Wallaga, Bermagui, or $30 at the door or from Trybooking from https://www.trybooking.com/CKHLQ

Saturday 19 August 2023 There will be two timeslots for families to attend on the day, either 10am-12pm or the 11am-1pm session 10am - 1pm Where: Moruya Basketball stadium, Albert Street Moruya, 2537, NSW Cost: Free UOW Science space is coming to the Eurobodalla Shire for Science Week. There will be Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities for all the family. STEM activity zone for hands-on science fun and learning for the whole family. Dress up as an astronaut, meet our baby dinosaurs, build the tallest tower, crash test vehicles, code a robot, investigate insect specimens and much more! An all-ages science show featuring our biggest and most spectacular demonstrations e.g. fire tornadoes, giant bubbles, liquid nitrogen clouds, fire bubbles. There would be an opportunity for question time at the end of the show. 20 minutes science show at 10am for session 1, and 20 minute Science show at 12pm for session 2. Terms and conditions • Your attendance at events supported by Eurobodalla Children's Services may be digitally recorded through photographs and/or video recordings. Images may be used for promotional purposes on council’s websites, publications, social media or by newspapers. By attending this session you agree to these terms. If you do not wish your image (or the image of your child) to be published, please notify staff before the event. • Bookings are essential and spaces are limited. • Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow the event to run on time.

Mayor Mathew Hatcher says free, green waste drop off at the shire’s tips next month will help residents prepare for the fire season. “Between 11 and 24 September we’re waiving fees for green waste dropped at the Surf Beach, Moruya and Brou waste management facilities,” Cr Hatcher said. The free drop off runs alongside the Rural Fire Service’s ‘Get Ready’ weekend on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September says the Mayor. “It’s a service you have been asking for – a great opportunity to clear leaves and twigs from gutters and around buildings, prune back trees and shrubs, get lawns mown, and then get rid of that waste,” Cr Hatcher said. “I’ve also been asked why there is a fee for green waste disposal at all and, in a nutshell, we need to recover costs because processing green waste to Environmental Protection Agency standards requires specialist contractors with fit-for-purpose machinery.” Once processed, the mulch created is made available to the community. “This mulch is in high demand and while most councils sell it, we give it away for free,” Cr Hatcher said. “Council has found this model to be the most equitable for our shire, the free mulch benefitting ratepayers and with the extra bonus of reducing landfill.” Green waste is accepted at Council’s three waste facilities. The Surf Beach and Brou tips are open from 7am to 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 3.45 on weekends. The Moruya tip is open from 8am to 3.45pm, Thursday to Monday. Follow directions on site as drop-off areas can change. Rural Fire Service Batemans Bay’s Courtney Binder and Brad Italiano unloading green waste at the Surf Beach tip. Green waste is mulched and made available to Eurobodalla residents for free – demand is high.

The wonderful Blues at the Kinema concerts continue in August, hosted by Narooma School of Arts (NSoA). Highly acclaimed blues-root guitarist Geoff Achison of Melbourne will feature at Narooma Kinema on Friday 18 August supported by local legend Tony Jaggers. Geoff Achison is “super excited” about playing at the Kinema. “The experience of performing with simple acoustic guitar and voice is extraordinarily liberating,” he said. “I soon settle into flowing with the music and telling my stories about these songs. “The most exciting thing is seizing the opportunity to set the music free. The plan goes out the window, the chords change when they want to, the arrangement evolves as you bear witness, and the audience comes along for the ride. “It’s hard to get the same vibe in the studio. That’s why live music is the best.” Geoff has been hailed as one of Australia’s finest blues players, a brilliant lead guitarist and a gifted songwriter. “Geoff draws on deep blues, soul, funk and acoustic folk influences and his music has been compared favourably to Eric Clapton, JJ Cale and the Allman Brothers,” said NSoA concert co-organiser Petti McInnes. “Geoff is invited to music festivals around the world and he’s coming to Narooma Kinema. Why would you miss it…” Ms McInnes said response to the series of Blues at the Kinema concerts from both musicians and patrons has been exceptional. “All enjoy being up close and personal, and our musicians all say they love a listening audience,” she said. “The School of Arts is passionate about supporting all the Arts. Bringing quality musicians to the Kinema is also attracting people from far and wide, even from the ACT, Queensland and Victoria.” Tony Jaggers needs no introduction to Blues fans across the south-east. He has supported many top line bands playing rock and blues over many years, and performed at many major Blues Festivals in Australia and onstage with some Blues greats. He also hosts the community radio Blues programme ‘Mojo and JellyRolls’. See Geoff Achison and Tony Jaggers at Narooma Kinema Friday 18 August. Purchase tickets online through www.naroomaschoolofarts.com.au, not at the Kinema. Early Bird tickets cost $35 if bought by 1st August, or $40 after 1st August. If you want to risk missing out by buying on the night, tickets will cost $45 at the door. Doors open 6pm; show starts 6.30pm. There will be a bar with wine, beer and cocktails and noodle boxes for vegans, vegos and meat eaters. Geoff Achison One of Australia’s finest blues guitarists Geoff Achison is “super excited” to play at Narooma Kinema Friday 18 August. Tony Jaggers Local legend Tony Jaggers will also play at Narooma Kinema Friday 18 August.

An excellent turn out for this evening’s run with 50 runners and walkers. It certainly was a family event. Leading the charge was mum and the four Gunn boys: Katrina Birks and her three children; the three Richards boys; the three Bissell boys; mum and the two Mackay boys; the two Shannon boys; Scott and Sophie Carver; Stephen and Caitlin Seidel; Jackie and Anthony Snowball and Otis and Elise Remling. In the 2-kilometres personal best times were recorded by Violet Turner, Reggie Winter, Alyssa and Katrina Birks, Otis and Elise Remling and Julie Amphlett. In the 3-kilometres Angus Delaney smashed his personal best. In the 4-kilometres personal best times were recorded by Brad Turner, Henry Bissell, and Kelita Bourke Ross Wilson made a very welcome come back. He is one of the originals having had his first run in February 2008. 2 Kilometres James Gunn 8.37 Lewis Gunn 9.00 Violet Turner 9.36 Harper Burke 10.22 Alexis Carver 10.28 Arden Shannon 10.36 Charlie Shannon 10.37 Reggie Winter 11.45 Ross Wilson 12.05 Erin Domeny 12.17 Alyssa Birks 12.35 Theo Birks 12.36 Tommy Birks 12.37 Katharina Birks 12.37 Bernie Lambert 12.49 Otis Remling 13.00 Elise Remling 13.01 Max Gunn 13.16 Julie Amphlett 14.13 Sophie Carver 15.56 Max Richards 16.29 David McCann 17.25 Harvey Gunn 18.26 Sara Norgate 18.30 Leo Richards 23.31 Marcus Richards 23.31 Alfie Mackay 24.20 Eva Mackay 24.26 3 Kilometres Benji Mackay 14.54 Angus Delaney 14.57 Andrew Greenway 16.12 4 Kilometres Scott Carver 16.30 Brad Turner 17.29 Caitlin Seidel 17.37 Stephen Tangney 17.46 Paige Connaughton 17.53 Barry King 17.56 Andrew McPherson 18.29 Stephen Seidel 18.38 Ryan Bissell 19.44 Sammy Bissell 19.59 Michael Filmer-Smith 20.03 Jackie Snowball 20.41 Anthony Snowball 20.42 Henry Bissell 21.02 Kelita Bourke 21.23 Deb Connaughton 21.48 Dave Connaughton 22.52 Julie Davis 22.58 Steve Phipps 23.18

All but Rob Pollock voted that Council receive and note the Bay Pavilions Financial Performance Review, Final Report, 27 June 2023. The Final report has been placed on Council’s website and is available to the community The KPMG Review report outlines seven (7) Key Findings, supported by an evidence based sub-set of points under each Finding in relation to financial, governance and management issues. The seven Key Findings were: 1. Bay Pavilions’ operating loss for the 9 months to 31 March 2023 was $1.2m per reconstructed actual financial results from Council compared to a baseline financial model forecast loss of $563K. Financial performance was weaker than anticipated due to revenue targets not being met, and higher than forecast expenditure in the first 9 months of operations. 2. Bay Pavilions was forecast to operate at both an operating and total loss in all of the examined documents since the original financial model and business case was prepared in 2017. Council was presented forecast depreciation charges in March 2020 and July 2021. 3. Council had considered the operating loss (excluding depreciation) in February 2020, based on the documents provided for this review. No explicit consideration of how to fund the ongoing operating losses has been noted in any meeting minutes. 4. No Council briefings sighted as part of this review included the full OLG assessment letter from July 2020. In this letter, the OLG suggested Council should ensure it is satisfied with the community demand for the facility, and its ability to subsidise ongoing losses. 5. The management agreement with the third-party operator of Bay Pavilions does not align with key recommendations relating to the management and operating model endorsed by Council. 6. No documentation sighted as part of this review demonstrates critical review of financial model assumptions by Council. 7. Externally prepared financial models indicate the facility will continue to operate at both operating and total losses over the 10 years forecast period, with many costs being fixed in nature. Council must identify options to minimise the ongoing losses and consider reprioritising or eliminating projects in its long-term financial planning in order to continue to fund the facility. Opening discussion Councillor Pollock decided the best way for him to taint the report that put much of the blame for the failures on the past term of councillors was to attack it. And attack it he did, offering up firstly his general comment about the KPMG report was that the Mayoral report called for a thorough review of operations saying "this report hasn't covered that". He then went on to list the inaccuracies of the report. Of specific interest was that he said "The inaccuracies that are covered in this report include "that no evidence was provided showing the council was provided with a copy of the OLG assessment which is factually incorrect". Source The OLG letter He goes on to say "it was sent to all councillors in the Councillor Newsletter. It was also discussed at length in the briefing. I distinctly recall my saying at the briefing that the comments by the OLG were insulting considering the detailed efforts undertaken by the council, especially in regard to community need. Its a factually incorrect statement to say that council had not satisfied community demand for the facility, Council had undertaken in depth community consultation" Possibly the reason he said this was because findings stated in the report to Council said "No Council briefings sighted as part of this review included the full OLG assessment letter from July 2020. In this letter, the OLG suggested Council should ensure it is satisfied with the community demand for the facility, and its ability to subsidise ongoing losses. Unfortunately for Councillor Pollock he wasn't aware that I had lodged an Informal GIPA for the OLG’s assessment referred to at the 28 July 2020 meeting as well as asking the then General Manager a very specific question. Below is the question and the General Manager's reply to The Beagle: With no notes taken at briefings I am happy to trust the response from the General Manager, as she was the only person in the organisation who held a copy of the OLG letter. Councillor Pollock said today that the KPMG statement "that no evidence was provided showing the council was provided with a copy of the OLG assessment which is factually incorrect". Really Councilor? Really. How was it you discussed at length, with a vehemence, the contents of the letter with your peers at a briefing given the General Manager is clear in saying none of you saw it before. Further reading: Did the General Manager breach the Local Government ACT. And who shall decide? He then asked during the meeting today "does anyone think that Council would have received grants of $51m from the state and federal governments to build a facility that council had not demonstrated genuine community need". In saying this the councillor appears to have forgotten that the community had demonstrated a genuine community need for a hydrotherapy pool. Yes, there was a wish put forward by the Perfex group for an exhibition space. At the time of initial "consultation" the community had no idea the plan was to remove their 50m pool and replace it with a 25m pool. Councillor Pollock appears to have forgotten that the requests for letters of support from schools and sporting groups failed to advise they were supporting a 25m pool. When it was revealed the 50m pool would be removed many withdrew their letters of support. He said drama groups had lobbied. What drama groups? Yes, "Council had undertaken in depth community consultation" and most of it was rhetoric.

Beagle Midweek Edition August 16th 2023 OUT NOW https://mailchi.mp/49e9a9a3b9e8/your-beagle-midweek-edition-august-16th-2023

Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips is delighted to announce that the community of South Durras will now have more secure communications in the event of bushfires and extreme weather events. This project was a key election commitment for Fiona Phillips, with the Albanese Labor Government committing $221,000 to improve the resilience of power and telecommunications infrastructure for South Durras. A portion of this funding has been used to relocate the power cables to the local NBN fixed-wireless tower, ensuring more resilient communication in the event of an extreme weather event or bushfire. Previously the cable had been above ground close to trees and other hazards. This meant that the cable could be easily severed or damaged during the event of a bushfire or other extreme weather event. Relocating the cable underground greatly reduces the risk of damage and provides more reliable NBN to the surrounding communities. “I saw the terrible circumstances South Durras faced during the bushfires. That’s why I made improved power and telecommunications for this community an election commitment,” Fiona said. “They said plain and simple they need their NBN connectivity to be more disaster resilient, and I made it a priority to get it done,” Fiona said. “The Durras community is an organised, resilient and reliable one, and I want their power and telecommunications to reflect that,” Fiona said. “I’d like to thank the Durras Community Association, Essential Energy, and the broader community, for their monumental efforts – well done,” Fiona said.

The Beagle Editor For over two hundred years our First Nations people have been ignored by various governments with paternalistic, colonial attitudes. Governments have failed to listen. They thought they knew better. History has shown that they were wrong. The result is the current situation of inequality and lack of support where our First Nations are the most incarcerated people on the planet. In 2017 our First Nations people got together and produced the Uluru Statement From The Heart, requesting the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution. The Federal Government listened, for once, and has agreed to hold a referendum; “A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?” It’s politics. You either vote Yes or No. Hopefully after learning and understanding the options. There is no third alternative. Yes or No. Eurobodalla Shire Council has in the past seen the failure-to-listen problem and set up a Eurobodalla Aboriginal Advisory Committee to make recommendations to Council. Today’s Council meeting addressed one of those recommendations; “We the members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee recommend that the Eurobodalla Shire Council supports a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. Also, that the Council advises all residents of Eurobodalla Shire about this decision and advertises this decision in signs on the council’s properties.” Following two hundred years of paternalistic colonial practice, Councillors refused to listen. Many Councillors claimed to support the Yes case, but also claimed that they could have a third option and not act as Yes or No supporters. They are clearly not well educated about politics and binary referenda questions. An amendment was proposed; to receive the recommendation but to take no action. Only Councillors Alison Worthington and Anthony Mayne voted against the amendment, and thus return to the original recommendation. The other seven, including the Mayor voted for the amendment, or in effect to refuse to act on the recommendation of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. At that point, about twenty members of the public gallery left the meeting with calls of Shame, Shame, Shame. Eurobodalla deserves better from our Councillors. Charlie Bell Tomakin.

Held on 12TH and 13TH August The Eurobodalla turned on perfect weather when MGC hosted the annual Moruya Women’s Golf Open, welcoming players from Bega, Bermagui, Bonnie Doon, Burns, Catalina, Coolamatong, Eden, Federal, Highlands, Jamberoo, Kiama, Mollymook, Moss Vale, Murrumbidgee, Narooma, Pambula-Merimbula, Royal Canberra, Tuross Head and Yowani Clubs to the region. Congratulations to all winner’s of this two-day event: SATURDAY 12th – 4BBB Stableford Div.1 – Winner: J. Furnell & E. Cuzner, Bega 46 Div.1 – R/U: J. Lumsden & V. Nixon, Moruya 42 Div.1 – 2ND R/U: L. Snodgrass & D. Madden, Tuross Head 41 Div.2 – Winner: P. Lawrence & M. McLean, Nowra 48 Div.2 – R/U: T. Howarth & F. Hanks, Bermagui 44 C/B Div.2 – 2ND R/U: M. Bingham & J. Dixon, Moruya 44 Photos: Janet Furnell & ElizeCuzner, Bega, Div,1 Winners; Leonie Snodbgrass & Dorothy Madden, Tuross Head, Div.1 3rd Place; Pauline Lawrence & Maree McClean, Nowra,Div.2 Winners; Trade Howarth & Fiona Hanks, Bermagui, Div.2 R/U; Marilyn Bingham & Jo Dixon, Moruya, Div.2 3rd Place Jan Lumsden & Val Nixon, Moruya, Div.1 R/U SUNDAY 13th – Individual Stroke: OPEN CHAMPION: MELINDA ASBURY, Moruya Gross: 79 Division 1 Gross Winner: W. Hergenhan, Bega 86 Gross R/U: D. Finlayson, Highlands 90 Nett Winner: L. King, Moss Vale 74 Nett R/U: J. Furnell, Bega 76 Division 2 Gross Winner: M. Muriwai, Moruya 94 Gross R/U: P. Lawrence, Bonnie Doon 97 Nett Winner: S. Wilder, Bermagui 75 C/B Nett R/U: M. Delham, Mollymook 75 Division 3 Gross Winner: R. McCulloch, Belconnen 104 Gross R/U: V. Goodwin, Moruya 106 Nett Winner: M. Bingham, Moruya 76 C/B Nett R/U: L. Waine, Jamberoo 76 C/B NTP’s: Div.1 J. Lumsden, Moruya Div.2 P. Nash, Tuross Head Div.3 J. Melville, Narooma Veteran’s Trophy: T. Howarth, Bermagui 76 C/B Visitor’s Trophy: P. Woodberry, Belconnen 77 C/B MGC Member’s Trophy: J. Lumsden, Moruya 78 C/B Challenge Salver Winner’s: B. Wiffen, S. Wilder and T. Howarth, Bermagui 229 Melinda Asbury, Moruya 2023 Open Champion Brenda Wiffen, Sharon Wilder and Tracy Howarth, Bermagui, Salver Team Winner’s Wendy Hergenhan,Bega, Div.1 Gross Winner, Marie Muriwai, Moruya, Div. 2 Gross Winner, Robyn McCulloch, Belconnen, Div. 3 Gross Winner, Lynn King, Moss Vale, Div. 1 Nett Winner, Sharon Wilder, Bermagui, Div. 2 Nett Winner, Marilyn Bingham, Moruya, Div. 3 Nett Winner

President Sue Beavan welcomed 32 bowlers on a cold and windy Winter’s day. Sue informed all present news of our Constitution and By-laws, also the upcoming Special General meeting and AGM. Also needed from our lady members 3 positions on Management committee 2 on Selection. Bowls Educator Robyn Butcher continued explaining further Rules of Bowls and Etiquette this week. Bowls Organiser David Thomas selected teams using a Deck of Cards . Each team member bowled with the person with the same number card or suite in 4 Triples and 2 Pairs matches. Winners Rink 9, Sue Palmer and Paula Hancock in a Pairs game. Runners-up Rink 12, Judy Armstrong, Helen Rees and Alison Innes. Lucky Losers Rink 14, Shirley Edwards, Lisa Grice and Margaret Bridges. Lucky number winners , 1 Connie Anderson, 32 Yvonne Huddleston, 20 Patricia Weekes. Other winning teams, some with very close scores, Bev McKague, Anna Stewart and Yvonne Huddleston. Carmel Price, Sonia Frey and Pat Bill. Jeanette Roberts and Sue Morgan. Money Club winners Lisa Grice and Ellie Crompton . Congratulations to Yvonne Huddleston, Noleen Taylor and Olga Geshwend Runners-up last week in District Seniors Triples Championship held at Club Dalmeny , in cold rainy weather I heard . District Fours will be bowled at Club Malua in September so get teams in for this event . Ladies Club Pairs nominations close on Tuesday 29th August .Open Gender Fours postponed until further notice. Winners, Sue Palmer & Paula Hancock.

On Tuesday 15 August 2023, 19 ladies played a Stableford competition, sponsored by R & R Hardware Results were: A Grade: Winner was Annette Manton with a score of 35 points. The runner-up was Leonie Snodgrass with 33 points. B Grade: Winner was Jane Eglitis with a scrore of 36 points and the runner-up was Pam Alexander with 33 points. C Grade: The winner was Di Brown with a score of 27 points and the runner-up was Jenny Reilly with 24 points. Balls went to Marilyn Bingham, Pauline Nash and Dorothy Madden. Nearest the pin on the 7th was Samantha Dryden (A grade) and Kerrie Sands (B Grade). Nearest the pin on the 6th was Elsa Shearer and on the 15th was Leonie Doolan.