SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES OF THE SAPPHIRE COAST
GENERAL MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2024
5.30 PM, CWA Rooms, Toallo St, Pambula 2549
Attendance – Wendy Wait, Martin McGee, Sue McGee, Jan Reynolds, Russell Jennings, Peter Gorton, Peter Reid, Jack Gray, Helene Garrett, Robert Kingston, Jayne Boughton-Manning, Geoff Manning, Sue Chancellor, Ann Lavender, Susan Bradley, Roz Hansen, Regina Osten, Suzanne Hagley, John Liston, Ray Tynan, Chris Tynan, Penny Oakes.
Apologies – Mick Pryke, Mick Brosnan, Peter Skelton, Pam Skelton, Robin McPherson,
Colin McPherson, Olwen Morris, Jo Riley Fitzer, Juliette Fontaine, Denise Perry, Simon Hoyle,
Arlene Cassel, Juliette Fontaine, Ann Wykes.
Chair – Acknowledgement of Country.
Welcomed Guest Speaker BJ Cruse.
Chair – Acknowledged last meeting of 2024 and thanked all who have contributed throughout the year.
– Welcomed newcomers to SJA meetings:
– Suzanne
– Regina
– Ann
Secretary – correspondence sent and received
– Renewed NSW Charitable Fundraising Authority
– Applied for Exemption Stamp Duty Insurance
– SJA Ute registration and CTP
– Insurance renegotiated with new insurer.
Chair – moves that we accept that the minutes of the previous general meeting have been circulated and posted on website.
Moved Peter Reid. Accepted Wendy Wait.
Treasurer’s Report: including significant donations received and made by SJA
***See attached document.
Moved Peter Reid. Accepted Gavin Bell.
Chair – sub-group reports have been circulated via email and after this meeting will be posted on our website.
Sub group Conveners present elaborated on their reports
Refugees / Multicultural (Gavin Bell)
Possible refugee visit Feb – see report.
Environment/Forces for Nature (Wendy Wait)
Highlight ‘netsout’ campaign. Postcards to Michael Holland.
Donations from SWAMP assisted by Sea Shepherd Sapphire Coast.
Working Bee Potoroo Wildlife Sanctuary Dec 7
Lucy Little, who has made very worthwhile contributions as Co-Convenor of the SJA Youth Group, has stepped aside.
We thank Lucy for her great work. Lucy will continue on as a key member of the Youth Group.
The group welcomes Juliet Fontaine, who has stepped up to work as Co-Convenor of the Youth Group alongside Jack Ewan Gray. Juliet is eager to bring fresh energy and new ideas to the role.
CHAIR – Introduced Guest speaker
BJ CRUSE is a Monaroo Elder and long standing Chair of the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Earlier this year BJ approached the SJA, seeking financial support for his proposed visit to Geneva to speak about the damage done to the many young First Nations children who whilst not necessarily members of the stolen generation, suffered at the hands of colonial institutions.
The SJA was honoured to help BJ make the journey to tell the truth about Australia’s shameful treatment of Indigenous children. By doing so, the SJA demonstrated its support for Truth Telling.
BJ outlined his, at times, traumatic childhood days.
Asking for redress /compensation and apology for physical, psychological and emotional abuse.
His United Nations visit created a story that was picked up by Koori Mail news.
Meeting lasted one week and delegates needed to attend for the whole week.
BJ got to speak for three minutes with no prior notice as to when he would speak.
Subsequently, he met with Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy after extensive ‘handballing’ around government departments.
BJ expressed appreciation to SJA after three years during which he has received NO assistance from any group.
Chair – GENERAL BUSINESS:
Certificates of Appreciation awarded since previous meeting:
Susie Vatcher for outstanding support of our fund raising concerts.
Joe Riley Fitzer for the energy she puts into so many SJA endeavours.
Board of Club Sapphire for support of this year’s concert.
Key activities since last meeting:
On September 19 we received news from the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) that the Bega Valley Council had behaved rather badly in trying to stop us having access to their legal opinions as to why we should not be able to keep our three transportable dwellings on the Bega Uniting Church land. NCAT said Council must share their legal advice with us.
There is more detail in the Housing sub-group report.
Decision is also on council website: SJA member Ros Hansen has regional planning experience spanning 40 years and has worked tirelessly on this issue. She and Mick Brosnan are working with councillors and speaking with lawyer and barrister pro bono.
NCAT decision “scathing” of BVSC.
Chair thanked Ros for support.
On September 27, members of the SJA Environment Group and the SJA Youth Group
Worked alongside the local Sea Shepherd chapter to screen the movie ‘Shark Cull’.
This Australian produced movie highlights the ineffective and damaging practice of shark netting on Australian beaches.
A great turn out.
The Social Justice Advocates are very pleased to work with Sea Shepherd and other community groups with whom we share mindsets and values.
On October 13, the Advocates presented our third concert as a fund raiser for crisis housing program. It was a huge success. Chair stood by the door as people left and noted everybody loved it. The performers were magnificent.
Club Sapphire and the Pambula Rotary Club were our key sponsors.
The atmosphere was brilliant – these concerts are a celebration of the great work of Mick Brosnan and the many people who help him provide crisis accommodation for so many people in the Bega Valley.
On October 24, Chair represented the SJA at a meeting with the Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club.
Also representing the SJA were Stephen Garrett, General Manager of Pyramid Power, a Bega Valley based company specialising in solar power installations, and Lindsay McPherson, Engineering Manager for Essential Energy.
Our mission was to convince the car club that it would be in their interest to work with the SJA to establish a solar garden on club grounds. An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) very likely to soon be signed with the club.
The signing of an MOU will be a monumental step for the SJA’s on-going campaigns to protect the environment and support struggling families in the Bega Valley. If this long term project comes to fruition the SJA will be able to subsidise local families struggling to pay their electricity bills.
Thanks to Janine Houghton and Jean Pollock, strongly supported by the above mentioned Stephen Garrett and Lindsay McPherson.
In the week beginning October 28, the SJA, assisted by EMHS Head Teacher Leif Bergersen addressed students at Eden Marine High School. These addresses were a key component of the SJA’s quest to establish a chapter of the SJA at Eden High.
We are somewhat confident that enough students showed interest in joining an SJA chapter at Eden High.
All part of our quest to establish SJA Chapters in all four secondary schools in the Bega Valley, the point of which is to prepare future generations of community advocates and champions in the Valley.
Chair thanked all SJA members who have worked hard to make this happen, including project leader Jack Gray, and Mick Brosnan.
Jack Gray stated that he met with Bega HS and they were most positive to establish SJA in BHS.
On October 19, following an approach by Sam Barratt, a case worker at Sapphire Health and Wellbeing Service, the SJA purchased a wheel chair to loan to a struggling client of Sam’s. It is on loan to Sam’s client but will soon be returned and be available to other people in need.
On November 4, SJA received a $20,000 donation from a local who wishes to remain humbly anonymous. The donor, who is passionate about nature and the environment, has expressly requested that the donation be directed towards the development of a program aimed at educating young people and the community more broadly about the importance of protecting ocean wildlife, and supporting all Sapphire Coast initiatives which aim to protect our marine environment. The draft program name is ‘Ocean Guardians’.
On November 6, Mick Brosnan handed the keys for the SJA Youth Group meeting space in Bega over to the Youth Group at ‘Grow the Future’ Auckland St Bega. https://growthefuture.com.au/
This is a major milestone for the Youth group who will soon host a ‘handover’ event and start on their interior fit out. So many people did such a lot of work preparing the space, but special mentions must go to Bill Foxwell and Mark Smith who along with Mick Brosnan worked tirelessly to transform the old stables into a paved, insulated, well-lit and secure home away from home for the Youth Group members.
On November 9, A good turnout of SJA members and friends volunteering for chores at the GIIYONG cultural festival.
Our congratulations go to all the Giiyong team for giving our community the fabulous Giiyong event and the massive sustained impact it has for our community.
Voluneering recommended.
Chair – SJA Positions Vacant
Manager, SJA Social Media Facebook/Instagram (Voluntary). Applications to secretary@sjasc.org.au Mentoring provided.
Chair – Coming key events…………….
November 18:
|
December 12:
SJA Christmas Party / get together
6 – 8.30pm Pambula Surf Club BBQ area. Informal catch up for all members and friends. BYO everything.
The playing of the Last Post Winds of Change.
The Last Post (Winds of Change) is a new arrangement of the ceremonial piece, which holds great significance to everyone who has fought for this country, their families, and for Australian citizens. Developed over two years by First Nations arts company Garrijimanha, the new work is performed by Mark Atkins, father of Bega Valley singer songwriter Chelsy Atkins, on didgeridoo, and James Morrison on bugle with production by Bega Valley musician Ricky Bloomfield. ‘The Last Post (Winds of Change)’ represents the unity that existed between First Nation soldiers and the regular Diggers on the battlefield, and is a healing acknowledgment to inspire a spirit of unity within communities. The film, recorded at dawn on the sails of the Sydney Opera House, highlights the important role art plays in reflecting and celebrating history and creating new traditions which enable us to understand our past better.
SJA, Rotary Club of Pambula and the Bendigo Bank contributed to this initiative and supported the trip by Chelsy to the Opera House with James Morrison.
CHAIR – Thanked all for attending
Next meeting:
Thursday February 13, 2025, 5.30 pm CWA Rooms Pambula:
Guest speakers – the Solar Garden Champions.
Chair wished all a great summer break, keep up your fantastic work, and we will see you again in February.
Meeting closed 7.15 pm.
Sub Group Reports
Youth Group
SJA Youth Group Recent Updates
The Social Justice Advocates (SJA) Youth Group has been actively expanding and making significant strides in community engagement:
- New Youth Chapter
at Eden Marine High School
The SJA Youth Group recently launched a new chapter at Eden Marine High School, providing students with a platform to engage in social justice projects and community initiatives. This chapter aims to empower students to advocate for change and contribute positively to their community. - Completion of
Youth Space Renovation at Grow The Future (GTF) Farm
The group has successfully completed the renovation of the youth space at the Grow The Future farm. This dedicated area is set to serve as a hub for youth activities, workshops, and community gatherings. A public opening is scheduled soon, marking a new phase of community engagement and youth involvement in the Bega Valley. - Leadership
Transition
After years of dedicated service, Lucy Little has stepped down from her role as Co-Convenor. The group welcomes Juliet Fontaine, who has taken over the position and is eager to bring fresh energy and new ideas to the role. This transition marks an exciting chapter for the youth group, ensuring continued leadership and growth.
Jack Ewan Gray
SJA Youth Co-Convenor | ECHO Project Lead
Bega Sub Group
September
Ross Williams spoke to MSF event organised by Bega sub group.
Over 500 high school students attended the MSF presentations.
Over 50 people attended the public evening event. About $3000 dollars was raised for MSF work with the Rohingya people in Cox’s Bazaar refugee camps. Dr Michael Holland State MP tabled a very positive report to parliament re the participation of the four local high schools.
October
Majority of those present agreed to continue bi monthly meetings in order to alternate with the SJA Pambula meetings.
Jo Riley Fitzer expressed willingness to organise fund raising dinners next year for the right cause. Profits to go to issues that are locally focused.
Ask Gavin to next Bega sub group meeting on Tuesday 10 December to talk about bringing migrant/refugee groups for visits now that MARS not able to access funding.
Discuss at future meeting the possibility of organising a public talk re domestic violence issues.
Offer support to the Youth SJA group
Gavin happy for SJA to pay membership to RAR.
Noted …SJA November 14th meeting 5.30. CWA Building Pambula
Bega Valley Advocates for Timor Leste
BVATL recently secured a grant of $5342 from the Bendigo Community Bank for our community development program including a recycling workshop project, a bachelor scholarship for one of our graduating teachers as well as funds for toilet repairs and water infrastructure in remote mountain areas.
We also have a new first year student undergoing teacher training in 2025. Our second and third year students are proving to be high achievers.
Surprisingly we have 35 teachers signing up to our language training course next year conducted by two local trainers. We anticipated under ten participants so this demonstrates the need for upskilling was even greater.
Thanks to Dave Crowden for his recent contribution to SJA’s concert in Merimbula. Dave will be heading up the recycling workshop and ongoing permaculture activities.
The video of last year’s Koru Lian Timor tour is now on Youtube. The link is here:
I’m sure you’ll enjoy revisiting these wonderful moments from 2023 plus getting an overview of BVATL’s friendship activities from the last 20 years.
David Gallan Chair
Homeless and Housing
” It’s a boy !!!! “
Following a recent zoom meeting with our very generous legal advisor, we will not be making any efforts to immediately address the two unresolved DA applications SJA has lodged with the BVSC. First application on the 8th Dec 2022, about 700 days old and the more recent application now over 55 days old ! Council staff clearly have an agenda they are following and it is most certainly not based around care for, and safety of, those sleeping on our streets; in the sand dunes or in their cars. Instead we have decided to discuss with the newly elected councillors some alternative options through which they can help our homeless. We will be meeting them all at various times in the coming weeks and presenting such alternatives and seeking direct support. I encourage all Members to vociferously and continually debunk the notion put out by the BVS CEO Mr Mac Mahon that council “decided” to release their vague and inconclusive legal advice from their BAL lawyers about our crisis transitional Same Day Granny Flat Bega units .
IN ACTUAL FACT …
For the third and final time BV Council was “ORDERED” to release the advice to the community. First having been advised to release the advice through the freedom of information request (GIPA) and then very definitively advised by the Privacy Commissioner to release the advice. Such obfuscation and denial over really very inconclusive advice has simply set the needs of the homeless further back and denied the Bega Valley community its concerns to help those seeking the safety and dignity of a roof.
“Bega Valley is in the midst of a housing crisis” A McMahon April 5 2023 .
Our legal advice that we have published is clear and succinct.
Our council has responsibilities to the whole community including the marginalised and needy.
IT’S UP TO US …
** all the while at the time of writing our caravans are fully occupied (25) and our crisis transitional units are in high demand and currently housing a two day old baby boy !!!! A caravan situated last Tuesday housing a young couple expecting early new year.
Safety and dignity.
PS …
We have been offered another fully refurbished caravan from the Rotary Club of Hall – this will be their fourth.
AND
Offered another registered caravan from as far away as Somers in Victoria this week.
FINALLY
At time of writing I have requests for two more crisis caravans today .
THIS tells us all so much about the state of and the need for crisis / ALL housing in our shire
Where are these people sleeping tonight folks ????????????
What is our council doing to help alleviate this crisis that should NOT BE.
** We are still looking at the possibilities for SJA crisis transitional accommodation in Eden through the consideration being undertaken by the Eden Uniting Church congregation. We thank them for their commitment and understanding.
It would be so important to have access to the provision of sustainable crisis housing in Eden.
PS. We have not given up on the return of Nullica Lodge to the Eden community with renewed focus in the near future.
WRC
** we welcome to the crisis transitional unit management committee the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC). They join the Anglicare and St Vincent DePaul service providers on our management committee In offering access to our crisis units. A great honour to have these services join with us.
** a thank you to WRC for inviting me, on behalf of the SJA for its support over the years, to meet the Governor of NSW, Hon Margaret Beasley, later this month and the opportunity to discuss the work of the WRC, the SJA , and specifically the housing crisis in our shire.
FURNITURE
** We continue to recycle furniture to those fortunate enough to find a rental and also help folks move units and clean up properties .
This a ‘side hustle’ to help the service providers do their vital work.
DV
** A domestic violence podcast is being recorded for a blitz in November. Council is liaising with community groups to raise thinking and awareness. Ange McKechnie and service providers are initiating this for international domestic violence awareness starting on the 25th November for a fortnight. Follow up to find the podcast through the council sites.
BLUE TREES
** A Blue Tree campaign is coming to our shire courtesy of Colin Dunn’s recent travels. Gavin and I are starting to make it happen here. A real story with amazing impact and please know that this concentration on mental Health has long been part of the SJA agenda with many events and activities over the years. Everyone can join this powerful project with a dead tree/ branch, or an artificially placed tree, painted blue on your property to constantly remind us to ask
—- Are You OK ???????\
NB . —Gavin and I can install one for you and I can supply many branches
SKILLBOT
** A Skillbot youth app has been passed on to the SJA through the courtesy of Kylie Furnell before she moved north to work. I really hope that this practical – skills for life very practical app – will be embellished and become known through the shire with the help of some tech savvy young folks.
EDEN
** Eden Marine High School ( EMHS ) has been visited by Jack G and myself each day last week to introduce students to our volunteer work in the Bega Valley community. SJA hope to establish a working group at the school now that we have support from the principal and senior teacher Leif Bergenson from the social science dept fully engaged. Whilst we have been presenting in the school for years, this is a great opportunity to develop a sustainable group .
** At EMHS I have been asked to transport some students to the Pambula pool each afternoon this last week
This is a wonderful teacher and school initiative in conjunction with Eden Marine High school. This helps young students who have recently come to live with us in our shire through the Snowy 2.0 scheme to learn to swim before summer. Thanks to teachers, Pambula Surf Life Saving club and swim teachers at the pool for this simple but important collaboration.
What can I do ?… How may I help ?????
Cheers
Mb
Migrant and Refugee Sub Group
I met with Jeannie, the MARSS (Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services) South Coast Representative last week. She has indicated they would be interested in doing a modified weekend visit next February. This would be in the second week of February, coinciding with the Pambula Rotary Markets. We anticipate there will be 4 families involved, so when more details are confirmed, I will be asking for up to 4 host families and some helpers.
If anyone is interested in becoming involved in the Migrant and Refugee Sub Group, please reach out to Gavin Bell on 0411 564120.”
SJASC Environment Sub Group Report
Thanks to Helene Garret and Cheryl Dillon, for all your work compiling all the questions to prospective applicants applying to be future Bega Valley Shire Council counsellors at the elections in September. Peter Haggar was elected for the Greens which was fabulous.
Solar Garden Pilot Project: The SJASC Environmental group were successful with the Sapphire Coast Historical Car Club (SCHCC) in getting the go ahead to establish a solar garden on site at the club facilities in South Pambula.
Members from the Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club (SCHVC) met last Thursday 7th November and voted in favour of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the SJASC Environment Group to develop and establish a Pilot Solar Garden & Energy Storage System ESS on the rooftops of 3 of the SCHVC buildings. The Energy Storage System is yet to be determined, however it won’t be Lithium battery storage. One of the projects objectives is to help subsidise power bills for financially struggling families in the Bega Valley Shire. The number of subsidised families is yet to be determined. In return the SCHVC will receive energy created from the solar garden array for their use.
*** PLEASE NOTE: While we work through the various stages of developing this solar garden pilot project, we wish that that no publication, (paper, digital) or verbal interviews, that relate to this project be shared without prior approval from the SCHVC.
The solar garden projects next steps are to establish a:
· Feasibility study and outline the scope of the project.
· Breakdowns of costs for development, equipment and labour from all agencies involved
· Equipment to be used: (flywheel or ?).
· Rolls and responsibilities for all 3rd party agencies, staff, the SJASC & SCHVC
· Time frames and other requirements needed to apply for Grant Applications
Janine HK- Pilot Solar Garden Project Coordinator
We were unsuccessful with our cattery grant application to the Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC). The grant was to have funded the construction of new catteries for cat owners to support local animal welfare efforts, while protecting native animals, by containing cats. Thank you Marianne Kambouridis for all your efforts in writing this grant application.
Screening of Envoy shark cull with Sapphire Coast Sea Shepherds (SCSS) on Friday 27th September with over 50 people in attendance. Thanks To Tara Brown for co – hosting this event. In collaboration with SCSS and thanks to SWAMP (Sustainable Water Actions Merimbula Pambula) for donating 500 dollars to the Shark Nets out campaign. The funding was used to create a postcard educating the public about the impacts of shark nets to many other non-target species like whales, turtles, stingrays….and pushing for the need to get the Nets out up and down the east coast ASAP. These postcards once completed will be sent to our local MP Michael Holland. These postcards are available from Wendy Wait: wendywait1@gmail.com and sapphirecoast@seashepherd.org.au- Tara Brown
We screened The First Wave; A Rising Tide Film and Bob Browns Tarkina on Friday 25th October CWA hall: The purpose was to promote the Rising Tide Protestival and Bob Browns Bega Rally on 3rd November. SJA and some of the youth group are attending the Risingide Protestival- November 21st-24th November in Newcastle in support of the people’s blockade of the world’s largest coal port. The peoples Blockade 2024 will be a mass mobilisation of peaceful action for a climate revolution. Join us to demand an immediate end to new coal projects and an end of coal exports from the Newcastle coal port.
SJASC supported the Bob Brown info tent and Rally for Forests on Sunday 3rd November. This event had over 300 people attend in support of the end to native forest logging in NSW.
Ocean Guardians Marine Education Program: A Bega Valley resident who wishes to remain anonymous, has generously donated $20,000 to the SJASC Environment group and the SCSS to develop a Marine Education program after attending our Envoy shark cull screening recently. The generous donor saw the need to better educate the community about the importance of protecting oceans, marine waterways and wildlife, and the importance of collaborating with other Sapphire Coast marine groups to make this happen. We have appointed 2 of our youth group members: Zoe Pentin and Heath Balodis to coordinate this part time Marine Educator position. The program overview, mission statement, objectives, funding… are currently being developed with our new Marine Coordinators. Watch this space.
Our Environment group is engaged in various local activities always with the focus of environmental conservation, preservation and community support. We would love more active members and have recently aligned with the new Sapphire Coast Sea Shepherd group. Your participation and support are vital for the success of our various initiatives. Please reach out if you can contribute in anyway.
Financial Report
SJASC Two Monthly Financial Report. (rounded) Balances at Oct 31st:
October August
General Account: $ 20,000 ish $ 34,500
It’s Up To Us: $ 62,000 ish $ 41,100
Youth Team: $ 23,000 ish $ 27,600
Timor Leste: $ 5,000 ish $ 3,000
Term Deposit: $ 32,334 $ 32,000
Term IUTU: $ 57,870 $ 57,200
Total banked assets: $ 200,204 ish $ 195,400 ish
(+Disaster Relief Fund: $ 110,480 $ 109,000 ish)
Major donations received: approx. $6,000, with major contributions for the following projects:
Timor Leste: (Dave Gallan & Tathra UC Op shop)
PNG Projects: (Mary Lightfoot)
IUTU: (Club Sapphire -Brian Cadd concert)
Other Advocacy: (Get Smart Consultancy, Celi Kennedy, Andrea Olsen, G & K Miller)
Major expenses/donations out:
PNG Projects: (WeCare – toilets)
Crisis Housing Facilitator: ~$2,500
Pambula Units: $2,200
Bega Units: $95
Youth Team software: $660
Administration , printing, bookkeeping etc. $6,600
Vehicle costs, incl. fuel: $ 600