SJASC GENERAL MEETING APRIL 16, 2026
5.30 PM, CWA Rooms, Toallo St, Pambula 2549
MEETING : commenced 5.32 pm
ATTENDANCE:
Rev Andrew Collis, Peter Buggy, Jayne Boughton Manning, Geoff Boughton Manning, Penny Oakes, Susie Proudman, Susan Hambleton, F Friegh, Peter Gorton, Susan Bradley, Peter Reid, Russell Jennings, Colin McPherson, Robin McPherson, Lisa Miller, Dr Michael Holland, Gavin Bell, Martin McGee, Sue McGee, Mick Brosnan, Barry Stevens, Tracey Austwick.
Secretary – Apologies
Helene Garratt, Chris Ralfs, Merril Ralfs, Tayah Hill, Sue Chancellor, Astrid Kearney, Wendy Wait, Jo Riley Fitzer, Denise Perry, Jan Reynolds, Christine Welsh, Mick Pryke, Nellie Pryke, Ros Hanson.
Chair: “Thank you for coming along this evening. Welcome to the SJA Sub-Group Convenors, all SJA members, and all the people who in one way or another contribute to the great work that the SJA does for our community and our environment.
The contributions that the SJASC make to our community are the result of the commitment of so many people. We always appreciate all you do.”
Olwen Morris : Acknowledgement of Country.
CHAIR – Introduced Guest Speaker Dr Michael Holland.
** Dr Holland’s speaking notes summary attached.
Dr Holland, by profession an obstetrician, has served as the Member for Bega in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly since 2022. A former senior specialist at Moruya and Batemans Bay Hospitals, he advocates for regional health services, affordable housing, and environmental protection on the NSW South Coast.
His current priorities include upgrading emergency and perioperative services, addressing mental health, increasing affordable housing, and supporting post-bushfire recovery.
Michael is a long term supporter and friend of the Social Justice Advocate
Spoke on the importance of community organisations.
Mick Brosnan asked questions re Nullica Lodge being vacant for several years whilst suitable for occupation. It is on ‘Crown lands’.
Reflections Caravan Park Pambula (also managed by NSW Crown Lands) – five crisis accommodation units vacant from December 2025.
Dr Holland to have “conversations” in Parliament House.
NSW Crown Lands will not reply to SJA enquiries.
Chair -welcome newcomers
Reverand Andrew Collis: Uniting Church Ministry Merimbula
Susie Proudman advocate for Pambula Community Health service.
Secretary – correspondence sent and received
SJA News Updates via email
Correspondence received:
-Registration renewal SJA Ute
-Registration renewal Annie Information van
– Renewal PO Box 352 Pambulka
-Service NSW
From 1 April 2026, the operation of charities and fundraisers in NSW will become simpler under a nationally harmonised framework.
“These changes modernise the regulatory approach, improve the customer experience, and better align NSW with national fundraising arrangements through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) whom SJA reports to via Public Officer.”
Chair – moved that the meeting accept that the minutes of the previous meeting have been circulated to all paid up members.
Seconded: Peter Gorton
Treasurers Report: circulated to those in attendance. (attached)
CHAIR – moved that the meeting accept Treasurer’s report
Seconded: Martin McGee
CHAIR – Sub-Group reports emailed to members. Moved that sub-group reports received.
Seconded: Sue Hambleton
Chair: sub-group convenors present were given the opportunity to expand upon any current sub-group activities.
Refugees / Multicultural (Gavin Bell)
Introduced a motion regarding BVATL report (Timor Leste)
The April 2026 report from David Gallan for BVATL stated:
“We learnt that our $9000 water infrastructure project involving polypipe and water tanks is underway but still needs US$400 ($559 AU @20/04/26)for extra cement, sand and steel reinforcing to complete the work. Locals are taking pride in this project and want to make sure the job is built to a high standard in places prone to soil instability.”
The motion To pay US 400 to BVATL to assist with this project was passed.
Housing and Homeless (Mick Brosnan)
From the housing homelessness report April 2026:
1) Affordable Housing Committee has an SJA rep . I will be stepping down and seek a person who may be able to, interested in, taking up this advocacy role at the three monthly meetings.
**Note that Roz Hansen is a community rep on this committee.
2) Crisis Transitional unit management – 8 units to be managed through the Management committee , in conjunction with our facilitator Shuana Enoka , at the monthly meetings which SJA chair .
Very important- imperative – liaison with all the service providers who make up the bulk of this committee’s membership .
3) Caravan co ordination which involves collection and delivery and refurbishment as required.
Apply to Mick Brosnan annmickbrosnan@gmail.com
Chair – Member’s Forum was carried over due to time constraints.
Chair – Certificates of Appreciation awarded since previous meeting :
For their generous donations in support of our SJASC Pilot Solar Garden Project.
Rob Zelley,
Dr Matthew Nott,
Cliff Wallis,
Libby Hepburn.
And to the musicians who performed on the night
Chris Ralphs,
Candy McVeity,
Felicity Dowd,
Frankie J Holden
Garry Carson Jones.
Chair – GENERAL BUSINESS :
Martin Mc Gee has volunteered to take on the role of SJASC Envoy to the Bega Circular Valley Program https://begacircularvalley.com.au/
Bega Circular Valley is a high-impact regional development program designed to help accelerate the region’s transformation into a more circular economy.
A circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.
Developed and led by the Regional Circularity Co-operative Limited (RCC), the program aims to help guide the Bega Valley’s transition to first become Australia’s most circular regional economy by 2030 and then target becoming a world leading circular region by 2050. This transformational shift towards circularity will make the Bega Valley an even more vibrant, sustainable and resilient community for all those who live, work and visit here.
Clearly this program is closely aligned with values held by the SJASC. At the moment though, the SJASC is not playing an active role.
RECENT KEY ACTIVITIES :
“First, I’d like to mention that on occasions we send out all member emails that include calls for people to help out with existing projects or take on roles within the SJA
These have a very good success rate – people often respond very positively and put their hands up.
There are two recent examples…………Roz Hansen graciously agreed to support me in my role as primary liaison person with the Lumen Christi school chapter of the SJASC. Thank you for that Roz.
Second Martin McGee was very quick to volunteer to act as SJASC envoy to the Bega Circularity Program. Thank you so much Martin.
It is this sort of volunteering, by so many people, to take on roles, tasks, or just turn up to help on existing projects that is the life blood of the SJASC. It helps us achieve so much for our community.”
On February 18 and 19, SJA volunteers joined Merimbula Lions volunteers in cleaning up the backyard of a single mum renting a NSW Department of Communities and Justice house in Pambula. Previous tenants had left the house in a disgusting and dangerous state. Many trailer loads of rubbish went to the tip.
March 13-15, Wendy Wait led a team of SJA people in conducting a Youth Leadership weekend Workshop at Bermagui. A group of young people were introduced to the concept of leadership and took part in a number of activities designed to encourage leadership. A big success.
Sunday March 22 saw a strong SJA contingent turn up for the annual Bega March for the Forest event.
March 28 Power to the People event at Pambula surf Life Saving Club. A fun and rip-roaring success raising close to $20k for the Solar Garden. Thanks to everybody who helped out. Our work in seeking prizes from the business community resulted in a $10,000 donation to Solar Garden from Tathra Hotel
April 15 Working bee at Bega Housing units. Poured a parking slab and dug holes for shrubs as required by our agreement with BVSC. Planting is set for tomorrow 17/4.
Chair – Coming key events…………….
SJA Executive approved purchase of two transportable units for sites in North Bega as crisis accommodation.
Working BEE at 13 Weemilah Cres Pambula Beach Wed 22 April @ 9am. Bring Gloves and appropriate clothing for property cleanup. Stay as long as you like.
Contact Mick Brosnan annmickbrosnan@gmail.com
Homeless/ housing conference. If you would like to attend see previous News Updates or email annmickbrosnan@gmail.com
Gavin Bell
– advised the meeting re refugee visit 15-18 October. Volunteers required for hosts, support drivers, or to assist with multicultural event at Merimbula Rotary Market. gabell@yahoo.com
– Success Story: Settled Home for Ethiopian family formerly employed by Snowy Hydro.
Assisted by Mick Geoff John SJA moved and makeover house in Bega.
– Certificate of appreciation for Geoff Hodge.
CHAIR – Thank you for attending, and thank you all for your contributions large and small.
Next Meeting AGM July 9.
No guest speaker.
All positions declared vacant.
Nominations to secretary@sjasc.org.au or PO Box 352 Pambula 2549.
Closing date July 2 2026.
Meeting closed 7.00 pm
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Dr Michael Holland recently addressed a meeting of the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast, highlighting the vital role community organisations play in advancing fairness, wellbeing and accountability across the region.
Opening his remarks by acknowledging the Traditional Owners and thanking the group for its longstanding advocacy, Dr Holland said social justice begins not in parliaments, but in local halls and community spaces where people come together to support one another and raise issues that matter.
He praised the Social Justice Advocates for asking difficult questions, connecting isolated people and ensuring governments remain grounded in the realities faced by everyday communities.
Dr Holland reflected on the history of social justice advocacy in the Bega electorate, particularly the legacy of local leaders who challenged inequality affecting Aboriginal communities. He noted that while progress has been made, many of the same structural challenges remain.
He spoke about the importance of strong relationships between community groups and elected representatives, describing advocacy as essential to good government. Community organisations, he said, bring local knowledge, lived experience and practical solutions, while elected representatives have access to ministers, departments and parliamentary processes. When those strengths combine, better policy outcomes follow.
Dr Holland also focused on the “social determinants of wellbeing” — the conditions that shape health and quality of life, including housing, education, transport, employment, connection and dignity. He said these factors often have a greater impact on health than the services people occasionally use.
In regional communities such as the Sapphire Coast, he said, these challenges can be sharper due to distance, workforce shortages, lower incomes, an ageing population and fewer services spread across large areas.
Locally, he pointed to housing stress, transport barriers, rising living costs and limited access to mental health care as examples of pressures that often overlap and compound disadvantage.
Dr Holland said community organisations are frequently the first line of response, filling service gaps, supporting vulnerable people and holding systems together in ways that are not always visible in budgets, but deeply visible in people’s lives.
Drawing on his medical background, he compared the role of a doctor and a local MP — both listening to problems, gathering information and working toward practical solutions. He said politics, at its best, is about improving the conditions that shape people’s lives.
He concluded by thanking the group for its persistence, integrity and commitment to fairness, saying democracy lives not only in Parliament, but in community conversations and the ongoing work of engaged citizens.
Dr Holland said he looked forward to continuing to work with local advocates to build a community where wellbeing is shaped not just by services, but by justice.