Hello Members,
the latest SJA News below:
Housing update:
Shellharbour and Bega Valley Shire Councils: the housing debate.
They are trying something !!!!!!!!!
Following the Victorian example, I shared with members recently, we now have an example of a NSW council taking up the challenge of lack of suitable housing in our communities.
The Shellharbour council is trying to provide “affordable and flexible housing” housing options. A Pilot that will require change and has safety issues
BUT
it’s addressing the problem in a positive manner.
Please read this Shellharbour Council example for a Pilot scheme to attempt to address the housing and homelessness crisis in its shire.
This is so relevant for us in the Bega Valley and we hear in places like Jindabyne most recently.
This is how our Bega Valley council can respond for our residents.
Try to initiate a pathway to alleviate what IS a housing and homelessness crisis.
OUR recent discovery of the eviction of folks who have for some years sought refuge in the Golfview.
These people have few options available and face the prospect of again being homeless from October the 6th.
There are many others sleeping in our 8 crisis and 28 caravans every night of course.
So we should all urge our councillors to develop a similar Pilot scheme within our Bega shire.
Let’s start our own actions now.
What can I do ?? How may I help ??
Please speak up about the need for council, to take action not just platitudes.
Cheers and take care all
Mb
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Dear Valued Community Group,
Please feel free to share the following information with your respective members.
Council is proposing to rezone 279 hectares of land south of Bega, drawing on the recommendations of the Bega Structure Plan. If approved, the rezoning could enable the construction of more than 2,200 new homes over the next 25 to 30 years, along with shops, public spaces and essential infrastructure.
The proposed rezoning includes areas for low-density and rural residential development, commercial use and public open space.
Accompanying the proposal is a Draft Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, which applies to land where residential development capacity will increase. The scheme outlines how a small portion of the increased land value resulting from rezoning can be invested to help provide affordable homes.
The proposal and a draft Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme are now on public exhibition and we want to hear from you.
Details of the proposal can be viewed on Councils website or on the NSW Government Planning Portal at Planning Proposals in (reference: PP-2025-945)
Drop-in information sessions will be held at the Bega Commemorative Civic Centre on the following dates:
- Thursday, 2 October, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, 7 October, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Submissions can be made via:
Email: council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Post: Chief Executive Officer, Bega Valley Shire Council, PO Box 492, Bega NSW 2550
Online: Have Your Say page
Feedback closes on 2 November 2025.
Regards,
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Rochelle McArthur Mobile: 0481 451 127 |
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Bega Valley Shire Council acknowledges and pays our respects to the traditional custodians of the lands, waterways and airspace of the shire
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Dear Supporter,
A new philanthropic movement has begun in the Bega Valley – one that celebrates the power of women coming together to make a difference.
Recently, a group of passionate local women gathered at the Old Bega Hospital for the inaugural members’ gathering of the Bega Valley Women’s Giving Circle – a grassroots initiative focused on collective giving, community connection, and long-term impact.
This Circle is for women – but it’s something we can all support.
What is the Giving Circle?
The Bega Valley Women’s Giving Circle brings together local women who want to uplift others, give back, and amplify their impact through shared resources & generosity.
It’s built on a powerful idea:
Together, we can do more than any one of us can alone.
As the Giving Circle grows, it will fund and support projects that meet real needs in the Bega Valley – guided by the voices and values of its members.
For Women: Join the Circle
If you’re a woman who wants to be part of something meaningful, local, and collaborative – we’d love you to join us.
By joining now, you’ll be helping shape the future of the Circle and the future of giving in our region.
For Everyone Else: Help Spread the Word
Not a woman? You can still play a part.
- Share this with a woman in your life who values connection, purpose, and community.
- Let your workplace or organisation know – especially if you're committed to supporting women's leadership and local impact.
- Keep an eye out for future community events open to all.
Your support helps build momentum – and your voice helps this message reach the right people.
What’s Next
In the coming months, we’ll be hosting:
A formal community launch in early 2026
Social gatherings for women across the Bega Valley
Inspiring guest speakers and panel events
Local music and lively conversations
These will be spaces for connection, celebration, and collective action.
Now is the time to get involved.
Whether you join, share, or support – your action matters.
Together, we’ll be turning generosity into action!
Warm regards,
Mumbulla Community Foundation &
the Bega Valley Women’s Giving Circle Team
P.S. Know a woman who cares deeply about her community? Forward this email to her. Sometimes, a simple nudge is all it takes to spark a powerful ripple of generosity.
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THE 2025 SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES OF THE SAPPHIRE COAST ( SJASC ) FUND RAISING CONCERT FOR THE HOMELESS PEOPLE OF THE BEGA VALLEY
MEDIA RELEASE
“IT’S STILL UP TO US”
Everybody in the Bega Valley is aware that the Valley remains in the midst of a major housing crisis. The crisis continues to worsen. More and more people, mostly women and children, many of them victims of domestic violence, approach the Social Justice Advocates seeking emergency shelter.
You can help! The most enjoyable way to assist the homeless people of the Bega Valley is to come along to the SJASC’s annual fund raising concert.
Our 2025 concert will be presented on November 9, at Club Sapphire Merimbula. It will run from 3.30 until 8 pm.
In line with the Advocates ‘For the Bega Valley, By the Bega Valley’ mantra, the 2025 concert will again feature an all local line-up featuring some of the very best Bega Valley musicians.
The talent line-up for 2025 includes headliner Daniel Champagne, and The Figmentz who will perform the best of their Talking Heads tribute show. Featured acts include top local acts Geese Fly South and Goldie.
Daniel Champagne was born and raised in the Bega Valley. A founding member of the brilliant local guitar combo ‘Guitarama’ Daniel is now playing to sell out concerts world wide. Recently described by the Canadian Calgary Herald as 'the finest guitar player of this generation' Daniel spent his late teens and early twenties touring the world with the likes of Ani DiFranco, John Butler, INXS, Lucinda Williams & Rodrigo y Gabriela! PRESS QUOTES from the Calgary Herald of Canada : “Today I saw the future of Folk – Festival goers flocking in their thousands towards the main stage to witness a young musical phenomenon from Australia dish out an absolute show-stopper. The word Prodigy seems to entirely fall short of this soft-spoken young man’s skills. He coaxes sounds and melodies out of his instrument that literally drop jaws.”
And of course we all know about, and have enjoyed dancing to the pumping beats of the mighty Figmentz, a band that features the best of local musicians.
The SJA’s generous sponsors have already covered the concert expenses, so ALL ticket proceeds go directly to housing the homeless in the Bega Valley.
So don’t miss out. Tickets are available NOW from the Sticky Tickets website. Google ‘Sticky Tickets’ and search for Daniel Champagne. Get your friends together, create your own party and get in early while the best tables are still available.
Tonight, and every night, sixty people in the Bega Valley enjoy shelter and comfort in caravans or crisis transitional units provided by the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast. Nobody disputes the fact that the Advocates do more for the homeless in the Bega Valley than the three tiers of government combined. The SJA has helped over 400 homeless people and provided over 6000 ‘bed nights’ for people in crisis.
If you can’t make it to the concert, remember that tickets make great gifts. Or you can make a tax deductible donation via the SJA website.
NOBODY DOES MORE TO SUPPORT THE HOMELESS IN THE BEGA VALLEY THAN THE SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES…………ALL MADE POSSIBLE BY YOUR GENEROSITY.
Tickets link:
https://www.stickytickets.com.au/enews/daniel_champagne.aspx
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GOING TO WANDERER FESTIVAL OCT 4/5?????
Come and visit Annie the blue information van, and the SJA Youth tent.
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DIARY DATE
Come along to the free Rising Tide free screening
'Turning the Ship', the documentary about the 2024 People’s Blockade of the world’s largest coal port will be screening at Pambula CWA Hall 1/24 Toallo St, Pambula from 5pm: SUNDAY OCTOBER 12
A Q&A session will run after the screening. All are welcome.
A small contingent of SJA members and youth are attending the Rising Tide Newcastle Protestival event again this November 2025 .
Come along and learn more.
Climate Action needed NOW more than ever.
see https://www.risingtide.org.au/film
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