Hello members,
Welcome to the first update for 2026.
Members have been busy on:
>The highly successful Samaritan Shop over the holiday period (more information at the next General Meeting).
**** We would like to invite you to a Social Justice Advocates get-together and barbecue at Pambula Beach on Sunday 1st of February, from 5.30pm onwards.
This is a chance to come together, share some food and stories, and connect with the amazing community around the Social Justice Advocates Samaritan Op Shop. Whether you’ve volunteered recently, volunteered in the past, or haven’t volunteered yet but feel connected to what we do — you are very welcome.
Please bring your own everything, including:
· Food and drinks for yourself (and to share if you like)
· A chair
· Anything else you might need for a comfortable beach evening
We hope you can join us for a lovely summer gathering by the sea.
>Painting the Bega Crisis Accommodation Units in 'heritage colours' this week as part of the Land and Environment Court ruling in favour of SJA in late 2025.
>The publicity shy food collection crew are always busy in the background redirecting food from local supermarkets to people in need. Get in touch if you are interested in joining the crew.
> There are rumblings at Reflections Pambula Holiday Park as our FIVE crisis accommodation units have been left vacant over the peak holiday period as Reflections NSW management and SJA negotiate terms of occupancy.
These units were purchased with community donations from the 'It's Up To Us' campaign and installed by volunteers.
We are searching for pro bono legal advice to assist with this process. Please get in touch if you know of anyone.
** Reflections Holidays is the trading name for NSW Crown Holiday Parks Land Manager.
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Next General Meeting Thursday Feb 12 @ 5.30 pm CWA Rooms 1/24 Toallo St Pambula.
Find out the detail on all the latest news first hand, and meet like-minded people.
CALL FOR AGENDA ITEMS:
Please forward to Secretary@sjasc.org.au
Meetings are always busy, so if there is anything you would like to discuss in any detail please let us know in advance.
Alternatively, you can try 'Any Other Business' at the meeting for limited announcements.
Guest speakers Robbie Townsend and Marcus Mundy will present on the highly successful Indigenous Youth surfing program 'Surfing with the Mob'
ALL WELCOME!
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OTHER NEWS:
Women's Resource Centre Bega February calendar of events.
https://mailchi.mp/8e0cf1ba548c/monthly-zine-17279320?e=e649d37ade
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March in March for the Forests – March 22 Bega Littleton Gardens.
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Proposed Bournda Quarry information attached so that we all can stay up to date with inappropriate development in the shire.
There is a DA for a quarry and rock crushing Industry on privately-owned land at 1399 Sapphire Coast Drive, Bournda before Bega Valley Shire Council.
Please note you can contact the BV shire councillors asking why this is even being considered given the zoning. Also why have this group heard nothing over the last 4 years. Please share and write to BVS councillors.
Regards,
Russell Jennings
Email: secretary@sjasc.org.au
Postal: PO Box 352 Pambula NSW 2549 Web: https://sjasc.org.au/ 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