CWA Rooms 1/24 Toallo Street Pambula 2549
Attending:
Ann Wykes, Peter Reid (Chair) Peter Gorton, Mick Brosnan, Gavin Bell, Russell Jennings (minutes), Patricia Hamilton, Gisella Freitas, Robin McPherson, Colin McPherson, Ray Tynan, Chris Tynan, Lyn Wynn, Lucy Little, Jacob Shields, Edwin Kelly, Mick Pryke, Sue Chancellor, Marianne Kamboridis, Susan McGee, Martin McGee, Penny Oakes, Stuart Gyngell, Arlene Cassel, Simon Hoyle, Jack Gray. (26)
CHAIR – Welcomed everybody
CHAIR – Acknowledgement of Country
LET US PAUSE FOR A MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRUE OWNERS OF THE COUNTRY ON WHICH WE MEET. COUNTRY WHICH WE CONSIDER BEAUTIFUL AND CALL HOME. COUNTRY VERY MUCH SHAPED TO SUIT OUR LIFESTYLES AND NOW FAR FROM THE COUNTRY AS IT WAS BEFORE COLONISATION.
LET US CONTINUE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RESPECT THE WISDOM OF THE TRUE OWNERS BY MINIMISING OUR IMPACT ON THEIR COUNTRY AND THE WILDLIFE IT SUSTAINS.
SECRETARY – Apologies
Tracy Fleming, Wendy Wait, Roz Hansen, Jean Pollock, Janet Reynolds, Toby Jennings, Wendy Gorton, Jo Riley-Fitzer, Denise Perry, Ross Williams, Carol Bartlett.
CHAIR – Introduction around the group to acknowledge new members attending
New to SJA meetings: Marianne Kamboridis , Arlene Castle, Simon Hoyland, Stuart Gyngell, Lucy Little YISG, Giselle Freitas, Patricia Hamilton, Jack Gray.
SECRETARY – Correspondence sent and received:
- MBGLAC (Merimbula Big Game Lakes Angling Club) letter received re proceeds of annual fishing competition.
- ALDI Food Rescue Participation Agreement.
- Charitable Fundraising Authority email change to secretary.
- Bendigo Bank Statements.
- National Regional Housing Summit 2024.
- Draft Disaster Relief Fund Annual Report and meeting agenda 29/1/24.
- ‘Go Fund Me’ Stuart Gyngell Bega Snowy Classic (Link below)
- Rosters for Ushers at Fiddler on the Roof
- Rosters for Discovery Park Pambula Beach January BBQ’s x 4 Rotary/SJA partnership
- Arts Grant $500 to Tahlia Greenwell EMHS Final Assembly
- Request for donation MND Aaron Bermagui $500 donated.
CHAIR – Previous Meetings Minutes with Action Items have been circulated and posted. Any questions? Call for acceptance and secondment.
Moved: Peter Reid, Seconded: Peter Gorton
TREASURER – Report
- Private donation 11K van from Mallacoota.
- 25 vans occupied each night.
- 300 K movable dwellings assets. Insured.
CHAIR asked for acceptance and secondment of Treasurer’s Report
Moved: Peter Reid, Seconded: Gavin Bell
Sub Group Reports by Convenors: (See reports at bottom)
- Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste ( Dave Gallan )
- SJA Youth Initiatives Group ( Lucy Little )
- Indigenous Affairs ( Olwen Morris )
- Bega Group (Jan Reynolds)
- Refugees / Multicultural ( Gavin Bell )
- Forces for Nature ( Wendy Wait )
- Housing and Homeless ( Mick Brosnan )
- Youth Initiatives (Jacob Shields – outgoing)
- (Lucy Little – incoming)
- Youth Climate Action (Toby Jennings)
CHAIR Thanks, Convenors who have submitted reports. Advises that the sub-group reports that have been received have been circulated to all members for reading. Proposes that they be regarded as read by all and accepted.
Moved: Peter Reid, Seconded: Peter Gorton
CHAIR ASKED IF CONVENORS WISH TO ADD ANYTHING TO THEIR REPORTS:
Gavin Bell outlined Medieval Festival and Refugee weekends.
Bega Multicultural Centre morning tea Tuesdays at CWA Rooms 10 -12. All Welcome
Dave Gallan ; introduced himself, 6K to scholarships in Timor Leste (see report)
Mick Brosnan; Next Monday moving another portable dwelling (Unit 8) Tura to Reflections. 9.00am
Mick invited members and supporters Invite to inspect Unit 4 at Pambula Reflections Park and help with cleaning unit 7 Monday Feb 5 after 8:30 , please bring gloves , bucket , Jiff / other cleaning agents . Will not take long and is not hard .
Reminder folks are encouraged to come along and have a look at the unit and the delivery of number eight. Please park OUTSIDE the park. Thankyou
Peter Reid outlined some history of SJA vs BVSC on demountable portable dwellings.
CHAIR ASKED IF AUDIENCE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OF CONVENORS
No questions.
CHAIR – Introduced Guest Speaker – Jacob Shields
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, YOU WILL BE AWARE THAT FOR SOME TIME THE SJA HAS BEEN WORKING TO ENSURE ITS SUSTAINABILITY, INDEED THE SUSTAINABILITY OF NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS ACROSS THE BEGA VALLEY. WE RECOGNISE THAT IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE NEEDED TO ENGAGE WITH THE YOUNGER PEOPLE IN THE VALLEY WHO HAVE VALUES SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE SJA. TO ESTABLISH WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE AND SUPPORT THEM IN THEIR ENDEAVOURS.
HENCE THE SJA CONTINUES TO APPRECIATE AND SUPPORT THE WONDERFUL SJA ‘CHAPTER’ AT LUMEN CHRISTI. A GROUP OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS THAT MEET ONCE A WEEK, DURING THEIR LUNCH BREAK TO DISCUSS WAYS THEY CAN HELP THEIR COMMUNITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE SJA HAS ALSO ESTABLISHED A ‘YOUTH INITIATIVES’ SUB-GROUP. THIS GROUP ACTS INDEPENDANTLY, MUCH LIKE OUR OTHER SUB-GROUPS, CALLING ON THE SUPPORT OF THE SJA WHEN NEEDED.
OUR GOAL IS TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO MAKE SURE THIS GROUP STAYS TOGETHER AND GROWS, SO THAT THE NEXT GENERATION IS READY TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE OF CARING FOR COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT.
WE WERE BLESSED TO MEET A BUNCH OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO CONTINUE TO INSPIRE US !
THE FIRST, AND NOW FORMER, CONVENOR OF THE ‘YOUTH INITIATIVES’ GROUP IS JACOB SHIELDS. JACOB ATTENDED LUMEN CHRISTI COLLEGE AND INDEED WAS COLLEGE CAPTAIN IN 2022.
IN 2023 JACOB AND THE SJA TEAMED UP TO FOUND THE ‘YOUTH INITIATIVES’ SUB-GROUP.
TO ME, JACOB IS AWE INSPIRING. HE IS ENERGETIC, COURAGEOUS, AND A CHARISMATIC LEADER WITH MANY WONDERFUL IDEAS.
I HAVE TO CONTAIN MYSELF HERE………….PERHAPS LET JACOB TAKE OVER AND TELL HIS STORY AND HIS VISION.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME JACOB SHEILDS
Jacob spoke of four chapters:
- Lumen Christi Catholic College as an ex student: Teachers: John Liston, Eileen Reckord, Antionette Woods, Martin McGee. Inspiring Lunchtime meetings.
- Wendy Wait: Networker/connector. Meeting with other young people. Film on tour. Sydney visit. Parliament House.
- Zombie DA’s (Development Applications) emotional turmoil of loved forest being cut down/ Jordan Mundy film maker. Showing Crunchtime at Merimbula (on youtube)
- ‘Blue Wall’ of SJA members and supporters at DEC 13 2023 BVSC meeting.
Travel year for Jacob. To the top of Norway without plane travel (hopefully).
Link for Crunchtime movie: https://crunchtimeaus.org/crunch-time
CHAIR POINTS OUT LUCY LITTLE IS INCOMING CONVENOR OF Youth Initiatives Sub Group (YISG)
CHAIR – General Business.
Certificates of Appreciation awarded since last meeting.
A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WE MET WITH KEY MEMBERS OF THE YISG. OUR AIM WAS TO CONSOLIDATE A FRESH LEADERSHIP TEAM AND ELECT A NEW CONVENOR FOR THE GROUP. BROUGHT ON BY THE IMMINENT DEPARTURE OF KEY PEOPLE, INCLUDING JACOB, IN THE GROUP AS THEY MOVE AWAY TO PURSUE TERTIARY EDUCATION AND TRAVEL AMBITIONS.
I AM VERY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEY ELECTED A NEW CONVENOR TO TAKE OVER FROM JACOB SHIELDS.
CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCY LITTLE WHO WILL NOW REPRESENT ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE WORKING ON VARIOUS PROJECTS. EVERYBODY EXPRESSED GREAT CONFIDENCE IN LUCY WHO I AM SURE WILL DO A GREAT JOB. WELL DONE LUCY !!
2023 CONCERT – A MAJOR SUCCESS. A GREAT CONCERT. TOO MANY PEOPLE TO THANK, BUT A TRIUMPH OF SJA PEOPLE AND FRIENDS WORKING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT THE HOMELESS IN THE BEGA VALLEY. AGAIN FORCED INDOORS BY RAIN, BUT OAKLANDS WAS COMFORTABLY PACKED. RAISED IN EXCESS OF $20,000. THANKS TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO WORKED SO HARD TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. PLANNING FOR A 2024 CONCERT IS UNDERWAY. Dave Crowden and Ken Vatcher with Susie Vatcher Media.
HOUSING UNITS WIN OVER BVSC 13/12/2023
A LARGE CONTINGENT OF BLUE SHIRTED SJA MEMBERS TURNED UP AT A GENERAL MEETING OF THE BVSC. THE AGENDA INCLUDED THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE COUNCIL’S RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO APPROVAL OR OTHERWISE OF OUR DEMOUNTABLE HOUSING UNITS AT THE BEGA UNITING CHURCH.
IN SHORT, THE COUNCIL ANNOUNCED THAT THEY COULD SEE NO LEGAL PATHWAY THAT ALLOWED THEM TO APPROVE THE UNITS. DISCUSSION FOLLOWED INCLUDING VERBAL SUBMISSIONS BY MICK BROSNAN AND ROZ HANSEN, A PROFESSOR IN THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND PLANNING.
BUT ONE BY ONE, LED BY GREENS COUNCILLOR CATHIE GRIFF, THE COUNCILLORS GREW BRAVER IN QUESTIONING THE ORIGINAL INTENT TO NOT APPROVE OUR UNITS. DELAYING THE DECISION BECAME AN OPTION AND EVENTUALLY COUNCILLORS VOTED FOR A NINE MONTH DELAY WHILE THEY AWAITED A NSW STATE GOVERNMENT DECISION ON THE STATUS OF DEMOUNTABLES.
TO US, THAT IS A MAJOR RELIEF AND WE CONSIDER IT TO BE A VICTORY.
HENCE – A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION HAS BEEN AWARDED TO PROFESSOR ROZ HANSEN FOR OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE IN OUR BATTLE WITH THE BVSC OVER THE HOUSING UNITS
Certificate of Appreciation to MAHLIA SMITH MACPHERSON, A YOUNG CASE WORKER WITH SOUTH EAST YOUTH ACCOMODATION SERVICE, AND A FABULOUS EXAMPLE OF A YOUNG PERSON WHO PUTS LOADS OF TIME AND ENERGY INTO MANY CAUSES SUPPORTED BY THE SJA.
Certificate of Appreciation to MERIMBULA BIG GAME AND LAKES ANGLING CLUB WHO DONATED PROCEEDS IN EXCESS OF $2,600 OF THEIR 2024 FISHING COMPETITION TO THE ADVOCATES
Certificate of Appreciation to BLACK DAISY TRADING (Pambula) AND BONNIE DAY TAKEAWAY COFFEE (Spencer Park Merimbula) FOR HAVING FILLED SEVERAL SJA COLLECTION TINS. Please support our supporters!
I SHOULD MENTION THAT THANKS ARE DUE TO JAYNE BOUGHTON MANNING AND GEOFF MANNING, WHO HAVE KINDLY VOLUNTEERED TO MANAGE THE SJA COLLECTION TINS PROGRAM – THAT IS A BIG HELP THANK YOU JAYNE AND GEOFF.
WILD RYES BAKERY (Pambula) ALREADY HAVE A SWATHE OF SJA CERTIFICATES, ALL WELL EARNED BY THEIR UNWAVERING, SUPER GENEROUS SUPPORT. AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR CHRISTMAS DAY OPENING OF THE ROASTERY AND DONATING ALL PROCEEDS ( NEARLY $3000 ) TO THE SJA. THE STAFF ON THE DAY ALL VOLUNTEERED TO WORK WITHOUT PAY. AMAZING.
SINCE LAST MEETING THERE HAVE BEEN LOTS OF EVENTS, WORKING BEES AND FUNDRAISERS. WE HAVE CONTINUED OUR PARTNERING WITH PAMBULA ROTARY. THANKS TO ALL MEMBERS WHO HELPED OUT WITH THE HOLIDAY BBQ’S AT THE PAMBULA BEACH CARAVAN PARK IN JANUARY.
THANKS ALSO TO THE DREAMCOAT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS CREW FOR DONATING FUNDS RAISED FROM THEIR ‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ SHOWS LAST WEEK
FINALLY, WE RECEIVED AN ANONYMOUS $10,000 DONATION FOR THE HOMELESS CAMPAIGN A COUPLE OF WEEKS BACK. AMAZING THAT PEOPLE PLACE SUCH TRUST IN THE SJA.
Mick Brosnan:
Thanks to Mumbulla School Grade 6 bike ride proceeds 1600 towards homelessness.
Ian at Za’s Mobile Coffee is a Long term supporter for many years.
CHAIR – Speaks to coming key events, NONE AS FAR AS I KNOW, asks if anybody else would like to speak about coming events.
Stuart Gyngell Gofundme : raising donations for SJA
https://fundraising.snowyclassic.com.au/page/Stuart-69334929 Please forward to friends.
Mick Pryke 2024 Mumbulla Community Foundation Community Grants open now applications on website: applications close at 5pm on Thursday, February 29th, 2024.
Dave Gallan : Thanks SJA for 5K to Timor Leste.
Dave spoke about the forest issues on NSW South Coast Shared and particularly the Tallaganda State Forest issue ;
A survey was undertaken looking for Greater Gliders. Rich habitat. NSW Forestry Corp pulling out of that forest due to repeated stop work orders. Greater protection required. Dave and Wendy recently attended a meeting in Moruya
(See Environment Sub Group Jan 2024 Report)
SE forest rescue fundraising: https://sefr.org.au/
Aim to cease native forest logging in NSW in line with Victoria.
Request for funds from SJA: SJA have approved a donation of $1000.00 towards this issue
Mick Brosnan: request for more caravans, no leaks? towable.
GIPA application lodged Dec 2023. (FOI) through council for their legal advice on portable/moveable dwellings.
Important to go through this process.
Lucy Little: documentary filming in progress on housing issue.
CHAIR thanked everybody for attending
CHAIR set next meeting date:
April 11 4.30 pm CWA Rooms 1/24 Toallo St Pambula 2549
CHAIR closes meeting: 6.03 pm
SUB-GROUP REPORTS
SJA ENVIRONMENT Sub-Group FEBRUARY 2024
- Supported SJA fundraising:
# Koko Maia : over $7000 made in one morning through selling Karen Grindrod’s clothes not sold after the closing down sale. Thanks to Sue McGee and Kerryn Granger for helping on the day and for Karen’s incredible generosity in allowing SJA to receive all of the proceeds. Karen also donated much of the left over stock after the sale to SJA. # Juliet Fontaine from the youth SJA group took some of Karens clothes and has been repurposing them and on selling at various opp shops during the school holidays. I have been on-selling some of the left over clothing that Juliet did not take and have also placed some of the clothing in Black Daisy to on- sell. Thanks to Michelle Pettigrove and Michelle Collins for allowing us to do this. All money made has gone to SJA.
# Fiddler on the Roof – donations and volunteer roster
# Rotary and SJA Bbques at the PB caravan park over summer break #SJA coffee: Thanks Sue McGee for coordinating this. We still have about 6-8 packets to sell. We will not continue with this venture in 2024, once the existing coffee is sold.
- Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Kate Smith at Bonnie Day coffee and Michelle Pettigrove and Michelle Collins at Black Daisy for their wonderful efforts raising money for SJA through the donation tins at their organisations. Thanks Jane for organising and Michelle for sorting the certificates.
- Kim Churchill concert: Thanks to Sue and Martin McGee, Jayne Manning Boughton and Geoff/ Gecko Manning for organising the waste free event at Longstocking and Oaklands
- NSW National Park Association (NPA): Wendy Wait in support of Dave Gallan attended a group meeting in Moruya looking at extending our Southern National Parks and the State Forests and wildlife corridors that could potentially be a part of this National Park. An end to Native logging in NSW and the return of State forest to National Park is the ultimate aim.
- Solar meeting with Renewable Cobargo: Janine Hougton Jean Pollock and Wendy Wait met with Frank Muller, Vice President of Renewable Cobargo www.renewablecobargo.com. We learnt more about what this group were doing in Cobargo. He was a clever and knowledgeable man who had worked in Government in the solar area for years. He spoke of grants available: EV destination grants, RRCRF (regional and remote community funds), ARENA grants and the cost of a feasibility study (1.2 million), local ownership retailer and their micro grid and battery set up to make Cobargo more resilient after a natural disaster. He offered to assist our group as required.
- Ongoing support for SJA youth members: Mentorship, ideas, meetings, forum attendance.
Their many initiatives to date include:
A locally produced film about climate and social housing: Lucy Little and Jacob Shields,
Crunchtime: Jacob Shields, Juliet Fontaine, Freya and Niamh Occleshaw and Poppy Collins, Local Opp shop: repurposing clothing: Juliet Fontaine, Poppy Collins: women tree planting day, Palestine education, movie and meal,
BushnUs: School program: Bianca Bellicanta:
Youth Climate action group coordinator: Toby Jennings, Jack Gray: one of 12 youth chosen from across the state to act as direct advisors to a wide range of NSW ministers of parliament ( including Rose Jackson). Check out SJA Facebook for more details here.
SJA Environment group focus for 2024
- SOLAR PROJECT: Community Battery/Microgrid for Pambula beach and environs. Janine Hougton, Jean Pollock and Wendy Wait. Please read record of meeting attached.
- WASTE FREE EVENTS: The Environment sub group encourages that all of our SJA events minimise the waste produced through using our own recently established melamine plate kit (Thanks Ann Wykes and Sue McGee) and being thoughtful about what food and drink is served. Several Enviro group members volunteered at the Wanderer and Candelo Festivals; where we learnt a great deal from the B-Alternative organisation and the Candelo Arts Society: who own their own wash station and have purchased utensils gained from a BVSC grant. We loaned some of the Candelo plates for the Kim Churchill music event.
- WORKING BEES: First one for the year was at Potoroo on Saturday in early Jan 9am -11.30am. We cleared an old chook pen and area where 3 x SJA vans are currently situated for accommodation for backpackers into the future. Great way for Potoroo to fund itself. Thanks to Mick with his Bobcat we were able to achieve a great deal. Next Potoroo working bee will be in February to complete the job and erect a tepee and work on improving the entrance to Potoroo.
- SUPPORT FOR SJA YOUTH MEMBERS: Mentorship, ideas, meetings, forum attendance.
ENVIRONMENT GROUP IDEAS FOR 2024:
An effective group I believe, requires an overall leader but where each and every member takes on a role in an area of interest. Each area needs a plan moving forward, and sharing responsibility enables everyone to feel involved. We are always encouraging others to join you our group.
ENVIRONMENT SUB GROUP ROLES FOR 2024:
- SOLAR MICROGRID AND BATTERY FOR PAMBULA: Jean Pollock and Janine Houghton, Wendy Wait
- LIAISE WITH OTHER LOCAL CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT GROUPS: Wendy Wait
350.org, Bushfire survivors for climate action, Climate groups in Bega,
CEFE (Clean Energy for Eternity), Grow the Future, Black Duck Foods, The Crossing Land Education centre
- WASTE: We already have a vast knowledge in this area and it makes sense to continue on with reduction of waste reaching landfill and our rivers, beaches and ocean being a priority. Some suggestions for this coordinator would be to keep in touch and support other local groups like Clean Curalo, Kate Liston and Clean up Australia day on Sunday 3rd March 2024. You can register online and make this a date to put in our Environment plan for 2024 and onwards. Research and learn more about the BVSC’s new Wolumla tip: (Kimberley Rushbrook; is the Coordinator). Stay in touch with council as to any initiatives in this area and education: screenings? Coordinator/s to be determined
- CLIMATE AND YOUTH: Support: Wendy Wait
- NSW NATIONAL PARK ASSOCIATION (NPA): Wendy Wait in support of Dave Gallan
- WORKING BEES: Coordinator: Ann Wykes: Timetable, coordinate work with Mick and stake holders, promote and advertise prior to and after each working bee. Hold a working bee every 6 weeks? Saturday? Mid-week sometimes? Liaise with the Youth Climate Action group.
Ideas of places for future working bees could include?
• Potoroo Palace: Alexandra Sedden, Anna
• Grow the Future: Bega: Callum Champayne ( later in 2024)
The Crossing Land Education centre- Bermagui: Dean and Annette Turner
• Black Duck Foods: Chris Harris Manager
- SJA DONATION TINS: Coordinator: Jayne Boughton Manning: Advertising and thank you certificates to supporters. Purchase new tins as required.
- Cats (domestic and feral) and Kangaroo safety: Coordinator: Marianne Kampouridis education, grant writing and signage
- COUNCIL ELECTION: Coordinator/s: Helen Garrett and Cheryl Dillon Local council election campaign: Emails to prospective counsellors asking about climate change, social housing and Education: ask counsellors where they stand on these 2 issue? Saturday 14th September 2024 is our local BVS council election day. Publicity: informing the public about where each counsellor stands on these 2 issues and whether they respond or not. Attend the public forums: where prospective counsellors outline what they have to offer.
- GRANT RESEARCH, WRITING: No nominations
- MEDIA: social, radio, newspapers: No nominations
- EDUCATION: screenings, talks, sharing information: No nominations
Thought I’d sum up this report, with a stark reminder to all that time is ticking and real action on Climate Change is needed NOW. I encourage you all to look at the Climate Council suggestions below on ways to be a climate activist.
Climate council: How to be a climate activist. Top eight suggestions:
Join the Climate council and other climate and environmental groups and keep up to date with the myriad of environmental issues occurring world-wide?
At the Climate Council we’ve collated our top actions you can take to make 2024 the biggest year yet for climate action. These resolutions will help to reduce Australia’s emissions, positively influence the national conversation on climate change, and pressure decision-makers to step up their climate game in 2024.
1. Take collective action
Banding together with others in our community to join a petition, or contact local MPs with an email or phone call can all be powerful ways to demand action from decision makers and keep climate action in the public eye. Start the year off right by signing our petition asking the Federal Government to pause fossil fuel project approvals until we’ve fixed Australia’s national environment law!
2. Make climate action your lasting legacy
3. Move your money so it doesn’t support the fossil fuel industry
Do you know where your personal finances are invested? Many banks, super funds and share portfolios are still investing in coal, oil and gas projects and companies. Making informed choices about where to invest your hard-earned cash will put pressure on financial institutions to do better. Find out where your bank stands here, examine your super fund here, and find out more about how our financial institutions are fuelling the climate crisis here.
4. Change how you get around
Personal transport is one of the fastest growing sources of carbon pollution in Australia. Cars and light commercial vehicles (like utes and vans) are responsible for more than 60% of Australia’s transport pollution
5. Make your home more energy efficient
Check out our top tips for improving your home’s energy efficiency here, and find out how much you could save in power bills and emissions each year by making basic changes around your home with our energy savings simulator.
• Pete Gorton: Make your home more energy efficient: A Course hopefully to be offered in 2024. Wendy to contact
6. Ensure the climate information you consume is credible and science-based
7. Commit to having more conversations about climate change with your nearest and dearest.
Read our web article to learn how to have impactful climate conversations. Here are a few top tips to get you started
8. Become a Climate Council Member
Now is a crucial time to push hard and fast to develop new climate friendly policies to slash emissions and keep us safe from worsening extreme weather.
HOUSING HOMELESS .Sub-Group
*** Many will know that the seventh crisis transitional unit has been purchased and is well on its way to being fully installed .
Thanks to so many volunteers and especially to Mark Smith and Bill Foxwell who have been instrumental in the development.
Again thanks to our friends and support from LIONS partners.
These folks have helped with installations from the very start .
*** WE have sought to have the legal advice given to council regarding our crisis transitional units through a Freedom of Information application.
This to understand how the council staff decision to reject our moveable dwellings as having no pathway is reached given our legal advice shared with council staff .
This advice from Tony Pickup Legal whom we thank so very much and Tony Pickup who is personally working very closely with Prof Roz Hansen .
We thank Roz who is working tirelessly to achieve some sanity to what is happening to thwart our efforts to provide practical , economical and fast accommodation for our homeless .
Roz has offered to lodge a second DA for SJA .
We thank her and her expertise is so much appreciated.
Please note that there is a State Government review of moveable dwellings and other regulations . This two phase review is vital to the support of our homeless and at risk folks in our Bega community.
The outcome of this review is what helped our councillors unanimous decision on December 13 to delay the Council staff report on the status of the moveable dwellings in our shire .
THANKS TO ALL who were available to be at council .
Having 65 plus blue shirts certainly empowered our councillors and impacted the whole council meeting .
The council staff notion of “ no legal pathway “ for our caravan units is very much the decision the SJA sub group challenges .
This especially as we just towed one of these caravan units / moveable dwellings with registration and number plate to Reflections !?!?!?
*** Number eight will follow in the second week of February being installed at the Reflections caravan park .
*** We now have 24 caravans out each night as well sleeping about 48 folks every night .
*** We have just donated another very old van to Potoroo Palace to help accommodate their staff . – this the third and we help to home about six volunteers!!!!!!
Mark Smith again works tirelessly to refurbish and seal our older vans .
We have to start to look for ways to raise practical solutions for our homeless and at risk folks .
THIS IS our aim .
Cheers
Mb
MIGRANT / REFUGEE Sub-Group
This has been a quieter time after the excitement of the October refugee visit
Upcoming Events
Medieval Festival
As part of the Pambula Rotary Markets, Sunday Feb 11th, 2024 the Advocates are holding a Medieval festival. We have a local group organising the medieval activities including sword fighting, Spoon making, lathe work and other period activities.
Harmony Day
I have contacted Cayce Hill from the Bega Multicultural Centre to offer our assistance to have a Harmony Day this year. She is awaiting support from Council to run the event.
Feedback from Previous Refugee visits
Karen Tarpey has let me know a couple of refugee guests that she had previously hosted had been back to the Far South Coast over the Christmas holidays with over 45 family and friends. This is a wonderful example of the effect the Refugee visits have on people’s lives.”
SJA RENEWABLE ENERGY Sub-Group
Community Battery/Microgrid for Pambula Beach & environs
Discussion for Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast Inc.
Record of Meeting 11th January, 2024, 10.30am at Aqua, Pambula Beach
Present
- Jacob Shields (Youth sub group)
- Mick Brosnan (SJA)
- Stephen Garrett (Pyramid Power)
- Pete Reid (Chair SJA)
- Jean Pollock (SJA)
- Janine Houghton (SJA)
- Lindsay McPherson (Essential Energy)
- Wendy Wait (SJA Convenor FN)
- Gavin Bell (SJA)
- Penny Oakes (SJA)
- Peter Gorton (SJA Treasurer)
PINK text indicates statements that Jean was unsure of or misunderstood their meaning.
Introduction: Jean thanked attendees for their time to discuss ways forward for development of the Community Battery/Microgrid project and gave a Welcome to Country.
Janine Asked everyone to introduce themselves, then gave a description of why we were meeting today.
Brief
Following the 2019/2020 bushfires Jean and I both volunteered on the Pambula Beach Community Bushfire Protection Committee with Peter Reid as our Chairperson. It was a long-drawn-out process taking 3 years to complete the Community Protection Plan. Coal, Oil and Gas are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for +75% of greenhouse emissions & 90% of carbon dioxide. All of which are wreaking havoc with our global weather patterns with more fires, floods & cyclones etc. For us it felt like a natural progression to address our community’s reliance on the fossil fuels and to increase our resilience.
We got together with SJA’s Forces for Nature convenor, Wendy Wait to discuss the idea.
We then met with Stephen Garrett from Pyramid Power to pick his brain about how we might approach this project.
We then met with Lindsay McPherson from Essential Energy to gather an understanding of how a community battery might work using rooftop solar generated from Pambula Beach.
Recently we met with Frank Muller, the Vice President of the Renewable Project in Cobargo.
“Cobargo experienced an extended power outage after the 2019/20 bushfires burnt electrical infrastructure across the region. Without power, the town’s water supply, sewerage and petrol pumps were not operational. No battery backup for telephone and internet services (including banking/EFTPOS) meant these services were also quickly unavailable and many homes and businesses were affected by the power outages for months” https://energyinnovationtoolkit.gov.au/knowledge-sharing/cobargo
This is why we believe that we need not only a Battery, but a Microgrid that would be protected from bushfire risk.
To sum things up……..
- We need a suitable site, therefore there’s a need for a discussion with BVSCs Emily Harrison, the director of Community Environment & Planning and Russell Fitzpatrick.
- Then we’ll need a feasibility study for which we’ll need funding. ITP received a grant for $1.4m for the Cobargo project.
- Jean and I feel we have reached our “Technical capacity“ in driving this project forward and believe that we need to source volunteer-knowledge-based-professionals to help push forward this project. We will be their support from an administration and communications aspect
- And just to note that David Neyle the Renewable Cobargo Community Energy Coordinator emailed to say that he would like to offer SJA a 1 hour information session called: Demystifying Electricity. This could become a potential community session to be held at the surf club.
Let’s open the table up for discussion.
Mick
- Asked about the proximity required for land used for battery/microgrid (MG) to existing electrical infrastructure?
NOT DIRECTLY ANSWERED? But Stephen said later, the proximity needed to be approximately 100metres.
Lindsay
- Asked Stephen about solar hours available during recent cloudy, rainy conditions, alluding to western NSW having perhaps greater access for solar charging of photovoltaic (PV) roof top arrays.
Stephen
- Commented that predictions for weather influence on PV charging capacity is becoming harder. 4.21 peak hours a day, but now it’s more like a wet season.
- Also commented that he believes the Cobargo project will be opposed by neighbours within the community, as infrastructure development will cause environmental damage.
- Whether it’s a mini-grid &/or battery, it can still be destroyed by bushfire.
Lindsay
- Discussed incorporating/coupling an Electric Vehicle (EV) fast charging station with the community battery as an idea of making the project economically more sustainable. Pambula is in an ideal geographical location on the Princess highway. A 5-Megawatt (MW) battery being able to fast charge up to 100 cars without having to increase the local network capacity. Finding a suitable, accessible location to house both the battery and charging station may be difficult.
- Current prices for EV charging seem to be opportunistic, surprised to see friends who visit with their EV paying 56-58 cents / kWh which is roughly twice the current domestic rate.
Penny
- So what is being proposed, a battery and microgrid?
Lindsay
- With Pambula Beach and Pambula being on the same circuit, using a 5 Megawatt (MW) battery, there would be approximately 5 hours of electricity available in the evenings, when the sun was no longer able to power the PV panels.
- Note EE has ~400 ‘hubs’ or substation sites around the State. EE is a Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) and does not have a Generator or Retailer license to generate and trade energy (import/export) from a battery. The only current benefit for EE installing a battery is where capital expenditure for system augmentation can be deferred. Currently trialling sites (proof of concept) ATM with other gen/retail partners.
- NB $1M-1MW ish.
- Question the viability of associating a solar farm with a community battery within a “microgrid” at Pambula, our location in my opinion is less viable due to sunshine hours and suitable land availability.
- There is already a substantial amount of rooftop generation to support a community battery with 1.8 MW of rooftop PV on the Pambula / Pambula Beach circuit and a total of 11.8MW in the local Pambula, Merimbula areas.
Peter Gorton
- EV charging: DCRC (does this mean “solid power”?) is a good use of a local battery. Suggested raising money from EV charging.
Stephen
- The size of land required to build this infrastructure would be 10 – 20 acres, within approximately 100 metres of the electricity grid connection.
- Asked about planning for the EVENTUAL OUTCOME i.e. IDENTIFY THE GOAL. He raised the idea of building an evacuation centre, which could double as a car charging venue, during non-evacuation periods. This may take 10 years to complete.
- Bega is in the process of building an evacuation centre at the pavilion at the Show Grounds.
Jean
- Commented that building an evacuation centre would immediately open up a funding stream from resilience sources, rather than just renewable energy sources:
Gavin
- What are the problems associated with this project?
Stephen
- Not in my backyard, unless community is OK with the idea. See Hepburn Community windfarm (https://www.hepburnenergy.coop) and Canberra Community solar farm (https://solarshare.com.au)
- Insurance – don’t under-estimate! (location/investment etc.)
Peter Gorton
- Would Pambula/Pambula Beach be more amenable than, say Tura? Consider electoral booth results … & local demographic. NB Jean Census 2021 for Pambula Beach (https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL13152), Pambula (https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL13151), Merimbula (https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL12586) and Tura Beach (https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL13991) . Next Census is 2026.
- Anyone on Council to assist?
Janine
- Emily Harrison, Director Environment and Planning BVSC.
Jean
- This project would require BVSC and major input from the RFS.
Mick
- If this project was driven by community, with Council support, it could be built.
- We need to reconvene the “Cultural Burning” group to consider Indigenous support also.
Lindsay
- Block behind Mitre 10 (Dawson’s) could be a good site as it is central, for a continued supply to Pambula and Pambula Beach.
Stephen
- This makes sense with 5 routes out of town, ability to load PV panels on Robert Smith’s and Mitre 10.
- However, there’s a 90% failure rate of project completion.
- 10,000 – 20,000 potential project.
Mick
- Keen on the idea of a bigger community purpose for the project.
Stephen
- Yes, the commercial side could maintain infrastructure.
Janine
- Raised the issue of recruiting more local people with industry knowledge
Stephen
- You’ll need to buy in consultants, with an established idea for them to develop.
Mick
- Resilience NSW (https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrants-category-3-fund/clubgrants-infrastructure)
Stephen
- Suggested Yarra Valley person/project (https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-communities/Microgrid-Projects)
Jacob
- Happy that a commercial design will be changing from simply generating money, to seeking security for the times ahead.
Wendy
- Reported comments from Marianne Kambouridis who was unable to attend the meeting:
Disadvantages:
- High initial costs for material and installation and long ROI (however, with the reduction in the cost of solar over the last 10 years, solar is becoming more cost feasible every day)
- Needs lots of space as efficiency is not 100% yet
- No solar power at night so there is a need for a large battery bank
- The energy spent on liaising with community, council, industry for a large 17+M project outweighs the ease and relatively low cost of applying for funding to provide generators to those in our community who would benefit from using one. Whether that be on a permanent basis or on a loan basis. We could have a generator ‘bank’ where local members can borrow.
- Picking the battles we can win over those that, in theory, are in line with the ‘climate warming’ issue.
- I personally feel that fossil fuel is the least of our worries. Methane and deforestation are causing the earth to heat.
- IF our main goal is to provide communities with power, then let’s do this in the most efficient easiest way rather than take on such a massive project. IF people feel overwhelmed they simply turn off.
the following link has costs for generators.
Pete Reid
- For location advice, perhaps ask BVSC where they would consider giving access, rather than us applying for all the sites that we come up with. This could be a big time and energy saver.
- Need a defined outcome and whether Commercial and /or Pambula Beach/Pambula?
Gavin
- Do both: Pambula Beach and Pambula
Janine
- Wider areas could include Yowaka, Nethercote, Bald Hills, Lochiel, Millingandi etc for benefit of evacuation centre.
Penny
- Didn’t we want more renewable energy?
Jacob
- So is the logo now redundant?
Peter Gorton
- In view of the potential change in possible outcome for this project, Peter suggested a change to the name used on the logo to:
- “Building community sustainability and resilience”
Wendy & Janine
- To invite David Neyle (CaDET), to a Community information event.
Stephen
- Start with a hub (?)
Mick
- For broader purpose than just industrial
Pete
- Building Community Resilience
Gavin
- Likes the idea of a Disaster Centre.
The Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste January Report
After a successful tour by Koru Lian Timor in 2023 plans are underway to take a choir from here to Timor in August/September 2024.
Dave Crowden is liaising with Dave Gallan and Nikolas Klau in Natarbora to finalise the dates, which will probably connect with the International Permaculture event and an International Musical Festival in the capital Dili. Both Daves have been in contact with Fran from the Australian Union and Solidarity Choir who are also going over to Dili at that time.
We are in the process of sending scholarship funds to the Baucau Institute via the Marist Brothers.
BVATL members are looking forward to catching up with all our friends, the news scholarship holders, the choir members who came out in 2023 and new administrators.
As has been reported before, there will be several sporting and educational activities in Natarbora celebrating 20 years of friendship with the people of the Bega Valley Shire.
It’s great that some of the SJASC membership will be travelling to Timor-Leste for the first time.
David Gallan
Chair
BVATL