Lots happening;
Keep up to date HERE and on our social media pages (links at end of email)
From Housing and Homeless Sub Group Convener Mick Brosnan;
Hi Members and friends
I hope we are all travelling well and warm.
1. As we head into Winter, please check with neighbours as to the warmth factor as I can deliver some wood for those who need this support – with help from others
But the wood is ready, and we can rustle up heaters as required.
Also keen to support families who need blankets and or heating for this winter.
FYI, we have decided to add reverse cycling air con to our Pambula crisis transitional units (moveable dwellings).
This to help warm and cool BUT most importantly to lessen condensation.
The air con units have proven very effective in Bega where we installed them two years ago – harsher conditions !!
So, this winter warmth support is something we have been trying to encourage since our commencement, and we certainly have enough members energy and community involvement to continue this process of awareness and direct action.
Please be aware of our neighbour’s needs, young or older.
2. Transitional Housing and our Council from SJA perspective:
Council seeking State Govt action !? – so much can be said ??
Link to 'About Regional' article:
https://aboutregional.com.au/bega-council-calls-for-immediate-action-on-tiny-home-reforms
First of all, I want to congratulate and thank Josh and Madu (eviction notice from council) for being so steadfast and resilient in their fight for a commonsense approach to our legislation; so very articulate with the demand for a moratorium most considered by them.
– well over 21,000 supporting their petition.
So –
We have had some seriously disingenuous comments from the Mayor and the BVSC Director of Planning in the last two weeks.
The Director of Planning has been reported saying that moveable dwellings might provide a solution to our housing crisis.
Let’s not forget who has said, and I paraphrase, that they will never accept our crisis transitional units in our shire.
Let’s not forget that they have reportedly said that crisis accommodation is the responsibility of the state government through its legislative process.
Let’s not forget they have rejected the LAP as presented to council that was designed to have council control and advance crisis accommodation provision.
Let’s not forget that they have reportedly pushed the Crisis Accommodation elements of the Strategic housing plan off to the state government out of the implementation group’s purview.
The Mayor refers to confusion, but I believe he is playing even more with the legislative definition of moveable dwellings.
It is convenient for him to play party politics and semantics with this crisis housing issue as it takes the onus from the council to house our most needy.
Let’s not forget that he has endorsed council’s spending to hide the legal advice given to council about our crisis transitional units . The advice in fact was very convoluted and conflicted.
Let’s not forget that he has supported council spending our rate money to finance legal bills and go to the land and environment court to try to stop our use of the three crisis transitional units in Bega.
Let’s not forget that he accepted council staff advice to reject the fully detailed LAP as presented to council.
Finally, let’s not forget that on his watch there have been no / NIL new crisis accommodation facilities provided in our shire.
Apart from the existing four beds in our rather inadequate women’s refuge, the SJA provides the only designated crisis transitional accommodation in our shire.
Or yes, there are other forms of housing being built, BUT, nothing to shelter our homeless today!
3. Update on our Housing work:
The SJA continues to have fabulous support from Tony Pickup who will again provide pro bono legal services in our upcoming Land and Environment Court
action against the Bega Council.
This hearing to take place in early August after we, SJA, have tried for the past three years to find an alternative resolution.
Our SJA member Roz Hansen has again been tirelessly providing her professional guidance, advice and support for this case.
This action is being undertaken to try to resolve the impasse that has stymied our rollout of more crisis transitional units.
Our community continues to regularly support us with this quest to house our homeless; financially, as well as with advocacy.
Remember please members:
These crisis transitional units in Pambula and Bega are working with fabulous results.
They provide safe and dignified accommodation for those unable to find, or remain in, suitable housing.
These crisis units have provided rental references and support to permanent rentals for the vast majority of our tenants.
Most importantly, almost every service provider in our shire works collaboratively through our management committee to operate this programme on a daily basis.
4. Car support needed
A call out for drivers who can volunteer time to help our community learn to drive.
Through the Eden Access Centre, a programme has started with two new cars to ensure that we can mentor new drivers.
Should you be able to offer an hour or two let me know. (email annmickbrosnan@gmail.com)
Should you know someone who might have time, chat with them please.
If you know someone at the Historic Car Club in Pambula, with whom we are liaising on the Solar Garden Project, chat with them please.
I will then explain further and link you to the programme facilitator Mel Page who is the coordinator of this Bega Valley L2 drive programme.
Cheers and enjoy community
Mb
Upcoming Event Sunday June 22
On behalf of the Social Justice Advocates we would like to invite you to join us to paint the gorgeous eucalyptus tree outside the Pambula Surf Life Saving Club, Sunday June 22, 2025 anytime between 10am and 2pm.
There will be a whole group of us, a sausage sizzle and a great community vibe.
Please come along and be a part of this important event.
https://bluetreeproject.com.au/
Gavin Bell, co-organiser.
Allies and Mob Sub Group News:
(Formerly Indigenous sub group)
After consultation with the members of our subgroup we have recently changed our name to Allies and Mob. Allies and Mob are always keen for new people to join us.
Our next meeting is 5pm Tuesday 24th June 2025 Tura Marrang Library, Tura Beach Drive, Tura Beach 2548 Djiringanj Country
We hope our SJA membership likes our new name, we want to be active Allies with our local Mobs and support and encourage membership within the group. We see real opportunities to collaborate together.
Allyship is a verb—an action. It’s not about being an “Ally” as an identity—it’s about committing to allyship as a behaviour every day. It’s about shifting the way you see the world, your approach to educating yourself and the actions you take in each moment – big and small.
For more information on Allyship we encourage our members to read the attached article
article credit:
Clothing the Gaps Aboriginal Social Enterprise
NEXT MEETING
5PM TUESDAY 24th JUNE 2025 TURA MARRANG LIBRARY 19 Tura Beach Drive, TURA BEACH We welcome new members to Allies and Mob please do reach out to Olwen and Helene and join us at our next meeting.
Upcoming events to add to your calendar
Calling on our Volunteers for Bega and Eden NAIDOC community events please let us know if you can help
Contact Helene or Olwen
Helene Garrett Mob: 0428590084 Email: AlliesandMob@sjasc.org.au
Olwen Morris Mob: 0419209027 Email: olwenmorris@gmail.com
NAIDOC 2025
The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy
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NAIDOC is an important time in the yearly calendar with Mobs across the country creating celebration events open to all to attend. This year marks the 50th year of NAIDOC what better time to come to an event. Come along to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.
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BEGA NAIDOC Community Event
Friday 11th July 2025 10am to 3.30pm at Bega High School Gymnasium and Top Oval
SJA is running a stall with a collaborative artwork space
SJA is helping with catering on the day and catering preparation on the day before
SJA is assisting with the setting up and packing up
EDEN NAIDOC Community Event
Eden Community have commenced planning for their upcoming event which will be held on Friday 12th September as the weather warms up.
Stay tuned for updates on location
SJA is helping with catering, setting up and packing up More to come……
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A successful 'Long Spine Dining' event was held at Merimbula Fishing Club Saturday June 14 as part of the Ocean Guardians Marine Education Program – under the auspices of SJA Environment sub group.
The event was to continue on from the recent showing of the movie 'White Rock' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2rqlbk7Nc
and the recent Urchin Dive event at Merimbula Wharf with Dive Eden.
Many thanks to Dave Arens and his team from https://www.freerangecatering.com.au/ and John Smythe of the NSW Abalone Association for the delicious food showcasing Sea Urchin Roe.
Everyone who attended the event came away educated in the issue of long spined sea urchin infestation locally and globally, where to source the roe locally, (South Coast Sea Urchins 190 Arthur Kaine Drive Pamula) https://www.southcoastseaurchins.com.au/ and some delicious serving suggestions.
Thanks to our all our SJA volunteers on the day.
Some photos from the event are attached below.
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Next meeting AGM
Thursday July 3 5.30 pm
CWA Rooms Toalla St, Pambula
ALL WELCOME!
All positions declared vacant.
(For sub groups contact current conveners)
Nominations for positions close 5 pm Thursday June 26.
email: Secretary@sjasc.org.au
post: PO Box 352 Pambula 2549.
Guest speakers: SJA Youth conveners Jack Gray and Robin Spinks.
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Regards,
Russell Jennings
Email: secretary@sjasc.org.au
Postal: PO Box 352 Pambula NSW 2549
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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.
ABN 19 708 992 414
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