Greetings Members,
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Those who missed out on attending the July 9 AGM should note that at the AGM, Gavin Bell officially stepped down as Convenor of what was the Migrants and Refugees Sub-Group.
Gavin has tirelessly served the SJASC since its inception in 2011. He has been a forever smiling advocate for our community, a beacon of enthusiasm.
Gavin has demonstrated a passion for promoting the Bega Valley as a welcoming neighbourhood. He has given so many newcomers to our shores a glimpse of the Bega Valley, encouraged them to settle here, and made sure that those who do settle here are made welcome and assisted as they find their feet.
Gavin has been a true friend to our new neighbours.
Gavin Bell – Thank you so much. We salute you sir !
And I am very pleased to announce that Christine Welsh, herself a longstanding member of the SJASC, has stepped up to take over Gavin's former role of Convenor of what has been retitled the SJASC Multicultural Sub-Group.
Thank you Christine !
It takes faith and courage to take on senior roles in the SJASC. But those who do step up are provided with significant support and encouragement from all their SJASC colleagues.
Gavin will be there to assist Christine, as will all SJASC Office Bearers and members of the SJASC Executive.
I have no doubt Christine will prove an excellent SJASC Sub-Group Convenor. Christine can be contacted at
Multicultural@sjasc.org.au
Now, about that help for Mick Brosnan as he continues his quest to find people willing to take on some of his workload. What can you do ? How may you help ?
Contact Mick at 0410 697 229
Cheers
Pete
Chair
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Hi all,
Come along and help us support Potoroo Palace at our next Friends of Potoroo Palace working bee on Saturday 25th July starting at 9.30am- 11.30am.
Bring along a friend?
BYO water and gloves and please stay afterwards for a cuppa at the Potoroo cafe.
We look forward to continuing our support of Potoroo Palace and the amazing crew who care for our native animals.
Hope to see you there.
Please let me know if your coming? email : forcesfornature@sjasc.org.au Wendy
SJASC Environment Convenor
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Hello,
Thank you for welcoming me to your recent meeting. I am genuinely inspired by your commitment to supporting our local community and the positive impact your organisation continues to make.
Through my work, I regularly meet families experiencing financial hardship who would greatly benefit from practical support as they prepare for the arrival of a new baby or care for their older children.
The concept I am proposing has already been implemented successfully by several not-for- profit organisations in other communities. Based on my previous experience, I have found that community members are often very willing to donate quality children's clothing, nursery furniture, and other essential items.
To ensure donations are suitable for families, clothing would need to be sorted by size, gender and season, and checked to ensure cleanliness and condition. Furniture and other equipment would also need to be inspected to confirm they meet current Australian safety standards.
Referrals for assistance could be coordinated through the organisations that already work alongside SJA, such as Mission, SEWACS, the Women's Resource Centre, and other appropriate community services. This would help ensure support reaches families with the greatest need through established referral pathways.
If anyone feels they would have a small amount of time to assist, I would be very grateful. https://dandelionsupport.org.au
https://roundaboutcanberra.org
Things I anticipate would be needed:
- Time!!
- Storage area/Sorting space
- Storage Tubs – labelled with season, gender, size
- Someone to inspect and possibly repair furniture
- Coordination of donations and referrals – I am happy to do this!
I am happy to be contacted via email: beth.sandstrom@gmail.com or phone 0403615861 Kind regards,
Beth Sandstrom
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Hi all SJA members,
As you probably know each Friday morning SJA collect excess groceries from Merimbula Aldi, Woolworths Tura, and Wild Rye Pambula.
The groceries are then taken to Eden Community Pantry, where Pam and her team of volunteers make around 20 hampers which they deliver to families in the area.
It takes two people to do the run each week and we usually take a month each then swap to another team.
We start around 8.30ish and finish a couple of hours after that.
We are only four teams now and would welcome any other members who would like to join in.
There is no obligation as to how many pickups you do, and we happily swap around if someone has another commitment.
Please let us know if you feel like joining in. Cheers – Jayne 0408000426
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NEXT MEETING SEPT 3
Thankyou to those members who have recently renewed membership. Membership for 2026-7 is now overdue
To continue to receive updates from us beyond July 30 please renew now. https://sjasc.org.au/product/sja-membership/
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Regards,
Russell Jennings
Email: secretary@sjasc.org.au
Postal: PO Box 352 Pambula NSW 2549
Web: https://sjasc.org.au/
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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.
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