Members and friends,
Whilst we live in this fabulous Valley and some of us are lucky enough to listen to the classic rain on the roof,
I urge everyone to think of those without a roof !
The inequality of the lives, safety, dignity and security of our neighbours is simply appalling.
We are gobsmacked by overseas atrocities, but that we cannot readily support our own is simply unacceptable.
The SJA through the massive support of our community has attempted to support those facing homelessness and rental stress for the last fourteen years.
We have through our community generosity been able to provide tonight eight crisis transitional units in Bega and Pambula and currently 27 caravans provided to house those seeking shelter. (not including those 80+ vans with fire survivors).
With current evidence of incredible numbers of folks being without homes, others being displaced and even forced from their secure housing, the SJA wants to extend its advocacy.
We join with Josh and Manu in seeking a moratorium on actions being taken and threatened against those trying to adapt to their circumstances with initiatives such as these folks.
https://www.change.org/p/stop-tiny-house-evictions-time-for-bega-valley-council-to-act
SJA would like to learn about others being displaced, impacted by rental pressure, and or, being pushed by the council to seek more unsafe and insecure accommodation by leaving their situations.
Please contact SJA through our secretary and lodge a brief summary of your circumstances. secretary@sjasc.org.au
You can most assuredly remain anonymous if you wish but it is vital that we now know the full extent of the situation around crisis housing.
That this situation is dismissed as simply following the legislation is not good enough; and so often untrue.
Let s adapt our legislation to meet demands, needs and commonsense to bring about some safety and equality in the lives of our community.
The SJA is the community advocacy pathway.
Please contact SJA and log in with us just as you have so powerfully supported the petition (see below for link) for the moratorium as initiated by Josh / Manu.
Cheers
Mick Brosnan
Convenor SJA housing / homelessness group
0410697229
https://www.change.org/p/stop-tiny-house-evictions-time-for-bega-valley-council-to-act
The Social Justice Advocates have hosted the African Children’s Choir at the Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Monday May 19, 2025.
A group of 14 members plus a small support team arrived mid-afternoon in their coach and trailer as part of a Australian Tour. While they were not doing a public performance, the Advocates in attendance were treated to some informal songs including a Happy Birthday to Jack Gray, which was so special.
After the visitors spent time on the beach and playground, we did the Kangaroo tour on Pambula Beach Road followed by Spaghetti Bol, Wild Rye Carrot Cake and fruit for dinner.
In the morning, they were treated to a special Pambula Beach Sunrise followed by egg and bacon rolls in Panini rolls and were sent off with 4 packets of Tim Tams and fruit for their journey onto Vincentia.
The visitors were an absolute delight and were a great help in the kitchen, the BBQ and cleaning the Clubrooms.
A special thanks to Wild Rye for supplying the bakery goods, Col Funston Coastlife for the sleeping gear and the Advocate Volunteers for your assistance.
We are much better for the experience.
Gavin Bell, Convenor, Refugee and Migrant Subgroup
Sea Urchin Deep Dive
It’s on tomorrow May 23. Check for possible changes due to weather conditions
A great Volunteer
Expo at Club Sapphire where many local volunteer groups gathered to discuss and
promote their groups activities while encouraging volunteers to join.
Thanks Helene Garrett for organising our SJASC group we had three tables
showcasing the indigenous, Forces for Nature, Timor Leste and Social housing
groups. Annie, our new SJA van even made an appearance, so that was very
exciting. Thanks to all the organisers and the many volunteers in the BVS for
all you do.
Be on the
lookout for Annie the Info van: She made her debut at the
Volunteer Expo at Club Sapphire Merimbula tomorrow May 20.
Special thanks to Annie from Candelo for the van, Mark Smith, Denise Perry and
Jacqui Brosnan.
Regards,
Russell Jennings
Email: secretary@sjasc.org.au
Postal: PO Box 352 Pambula NSW 2549
https://www.facebook.com/sapphirecoastsja
https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeadvocates/
The Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast acknowledge the Yuin People as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
ABN 19 708 992 414