Bega TAFE Diploma Tourism, Travel and Events students approached the Bega Lions in February with the concept inspired by Cooma’s roof top decorations. 

This is Stage One of our revitalisation plan for Bega at Christmas initiative. 

The Bega Chamber of Commerce and Industry is overseeing our work every step of the way as is project manager and Bega TAFE Tourism, Hospitality and Events head teacher Deirdre Jory. 

Stage Two of revitalising the Christmas spirit in Bega will be the decorating of the town Christmas tree outside the court house on December 7.

This is the first time Bega has had its own town Christmas tree and the excitement is building. 

Stage Three is the main event, Christmas Wonderland, which will be held on December 11 from 3-9pm and includes something for the whole family.

Peppa Pig will be there along with Elmo, Fairy Holly in Elves Arcade and performances from Candelo and Bemboka primary schools. 

Carols by candlelight and the Bega Band will entertain us along with local bands Driveway and The Blue Ruins. 

Many food vendors, gift ideas and Christmas wrapping stalls will also be there.

The Bega Cheese $5000 will be drawn on the night. 

Come along, bring a chair or blanket and join in the fun!

Tourism Travel and Events students

TAFE Illawarra Institute Bega campus

Bendigo Bank has once again proved that it is truly a community bank with a big heart. 

The local WIRES branch would like to thank Bendigo Bank for providing funds for our latest purchases of two bird cages and one aviary.  

This equipment will be used to house native birds that are injured, sick or orphaned until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

Many of the birds that come into the care of WIRES volunteers have been injured in attacks by cats that are allowed to roam freely about the neighbourhood.  

Cats are natural hunters and cannot change their instincts. 

It is the owners who must show responsible behaviour by keeping their pets under control in their home or in a cat containment/play area.  

Aside from the obvious danger by cats to smaller animals, there is the threat of animals dying from infection.  

Cats have a very high degree of bacteria in their mouths.  

When a cat’s sharp teeth pierce a native animal, this bacteria is injected.  

If the animal that has been attacked is not given an antibiotic needle within a few hours, it will die a sad, painful death from the infection.

It is also important to note that cats that live indoors live longer lives.  

These cats are not subjected to cats fights (from which they can catch feline virus which can be transmitted to humans), dog attacks, car accidents or cruel people.  

Thanks again to Bendigo Bank for helping so many of Bega Valley’s volunteer organisations.  

It really has had a huge impact on our community.

Lois Katz  

WIRES

As we come to the end of another year it is time to mention the great work of Community Transport.

The cheerful, helpful staff in the office and the wonderful volunteer drivers who look after me so well, thank you so much.

Marie Wickenton

Brogo