The Funhouse Studio project is championed by creative director Cayce Hill and is the result of months of collaboration with stakeholders on a grassroots level.

The two-storey building at 3 Hill St (formerly Top Video) will host a program filled with classes, workshops, exhibitions, projects, and theatrical and musical performances.

Current members of the studio include Far South Coast Flamenco, Flip the Script Youth Collective, Hola Bega, Mallacoota Motion Arts, Family Dance Jam, Pilates an Nisa, Police Citizens Youth Club, Red Boat Wing Chun Kung Fu, Theatre Onset and The Little Night In.

Complimentary refreshments, local band performances and a party atmosphere will launch the space into its first schedule-filled term from 4pm on Friday.

Contact Cayce Hill at hellofunhouse@gmail.com or phone 0425 314 023 for all inquiries.

Bega Valley Shire Council is again offering people a chance to safely dispose of potentially hazardous household chemicals at no cost.

“Householders are encouraged to check what’s under the sink or on the top shelf in the shed. Some of these chemicals can be harmful if stored or disposed of improperly,” BVSC Waste Services Manager Toby Browne said.

The three household chemical collection days will be held at:

- Merimbola St carpark in Pambula on Saturday 30 July.

- Bega Saleyards, Kerrisons Lane on Sunday 31 July.

- Dickinson Park,  Lamont St, Bermagui on Saturday 15 October.

Opening times for all three events are 8am to 2.30pm.

Paint and paint related products, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, car batteries & motor oils, fluorescent globes and tubes will all be accepted. Asbestos, explosives, clinical waste and radioactive material (except smoke detectors) will not be accepted.

Try to keep all chemicals in their original container and ensure the containers are clearly labelled and well-sealed. If you do not know what is in the container, label it ‘unknown chemical’.

Liquids can leak during transport so wrap containers securely in newspaper and place them into sturdy plastic bags, and then pack them in plastic buckets or trays.

“Council can also accept paint, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, motor and cooking oils, batteries, florescent tubes and smoke detectors all year round at Merimbula Recycling & Waste Depot during regular opening hours,” Mr Browne said.

For more information phone Council on 6499 2222 or go to www.cleanout.com.au

Until October 31, a free and confidential tax help service is available at the Women’s Resource Centre, Bega offering help in preparing tax returns using e-tax and lodging a tax return electronically. Tax help is for those on low incomes who need help with their tax returns including seniors, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, those with a disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Phone 6492 1367 to book in.

  The Anglican Women's Group of St.John's Church, Bega are holding a Car Boot Sale on Saturday 23rd July, at approx. 8.00.a.m. until 1.00p.m.  There are plenty of spaces available. The Charge will be $15 per Car. Phone the office on 6492 5555 to book a spot. There will be a sausage sizzle, a cake stall and tea and coffee.

This is the perfect opportunity to experience the friendly Wyndham Village Market as first time stallholders will be welcomed free of charge this Sunday. This all weather market extends from the Historic Wyndham School of Arts Hall to the Anglican Church and environs from 8.30am to1pm on the fourth Sunday of each month. The church will open its doors again this Sunday and every market day offering a perfect venue with excellent acoustics for musicians and singers to perform in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating for visitors. There's no power so it is purely acoustic. Get your name on the blackboard from 10.30 am.

Stalls include a variety of organic and locally produced goods, specialty teas, Wyndham's own coffee, delicious homemade croissants and cakes, yummy savories, handmade gifts and beautiful knitted winter woollies, antiques collectibles and quality pre-loved items, sweet treats, jams and preserves, books, goats milk soap, lavender products, essential oils and rustic treasures and more.

Stalls cost just $15 for Casual Sites, $13 for regulars who book 3 months in advance and $10 for the car boot sale. Remember this month, first timers are free.

Book your stall now by calling Yvonne on 64 942 443.

Sunday’s get-together for the members of the Bermagui CC Social Anglers’ Club was well attended with a very big “ thank you “ to the ladies, who provided various casserole dishes for lunch.  President Fran announced the on shore comp winner – Robert Brown, who also won a runner-up raffle prize.  The major raffle was a winner for Ron Lye. The Christmas getaway venue was decided  – the Wallaga Lake Caravan Park over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 25-27.  Interest will be in the fishing comp on the Sunday

Members of the Bermagui & District Seniors’ Social Club held their monthly meeting last Wednesday, organising future events for the year.  Then members headed to the Bermagui Beach Hotel for a delicious two course luncheon.  Socially, the day went well, especially for raffle winners – Ursula Ludwig, Cherie White, Vicky Bantik and Hilda Mardell.   Men and ladies are always welcome to join our Club – ‘phone president Elsie 6493 4006 or secretary Shirley 6493 4773.

Bermagui Dune Care held another successful planting recently.

A spokesperson for the group said they have now planted well over 500 seedlings across 22 species at Cuttagee Point since the revegetation project started in 2012, significantly increasing the biodiversity of the area. Weeds such as blackberry are also greatly reduced.

"It is really satisfying to see how well the plants are growing, given the difficult site with salt laden winds," added the spokesperson.

A few of the dune care members, Barbara, Stuart and Dave, posed for the above photograph next to some of the early plantings which are now over 2 metres tall. The group appreciates support from Bega Valley Shire Council and the Far South Coast Landcare Association. 

Students from Lumen Christi Catholic College are deep into rehearsals for the annual Saltwater Festival to be held on Friday July 22.

The annual event showcases a range of creative and performing arts from the college. Once again, visitors are invited to be part of a fabulous night with students performing a variety of dramatic, musical and dance performances, as well as artworks, photographs and short films being available for viewing. 

The Saltwater Festival will run from 5.30pm until 9pm on Friday July 22. 

Sapphire Coast Business Women, in conjunction with Merimbula Chamber of Commerce, are running a Business Master Class Series open to all local business men and women.  Prices are from as little as $20 a session,  with eight sessions covering various various topics from Monday, July 4 until Monday, October 10. 

All classes will take place at the Regional Learning Centre in Merimbula and will run from 9am until midday. See www.scbw.com.au/ for more information. 

South Coast residents are urged to get their nominations in for the 10th Annual Volunteer of the Year Awards with nominations closing on Friday July 22. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Cooma Ex-services Club on September 22. Last year Heather Foggett of Queanbeyan won both the Adult and the overall South Coast/Inland Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with Capes4Kids Australia. For more information and to nominate go to http://www.volunteering.com.au/volunteer-awards/nomination/