After the previous council’s slash and burn policies to get rid of all things traditional in our town, perhaps we can now hope that those we elected will continue on the path of restoring memorials in Bega.

It is time to re-honour our pioneers in Littleton Gardens. The walkway is an ideal spot to remember each and every one – perhaps something like Cooma’s park.

Friends of the Old Bega Hospital were delighted with the success of the Raise the Roof Spring Fair both with the money raised for the restoration, but even more so for the awareness generated of the need to actually “raise the roof” as the first step to the planned community cultural centre.

Members are very grateful to our three major sponsors – Bega Cheese, RD Miller and the Bega Valley Shire Council – the latter not only giving a donation but also assisting by slashing the grass for the parking areas.

The dog high jump was the hit of the day and all due to the showmanship of Brett Rogers, so many thanks to Brett, but also for his encouragement in recruiting the dogs – one made a district record.

Bendigo Bank was very generous, as were the following who provided prizes for the chocolate wheel:

Candelo Books, Priceline, Helen Thompson, BigW, Woolworths, Bega Health Food, Plevey's Pharmacy, Sportspower, Furniture One, Raelene's Hair Affairs, Bega Newsagency, Lifestyle Boutique, Georgia's Fine Jewellery, Discount Chemist, Bega Valley Meats, Tathra Post Office, Tathra Beach Park, Pat Jones, How We Roll Cafe, Tathra, Tathra Bowling Club, Tathra Country Club, Tathra Newsagency, Fat Tony's Restaurant, Tathra, Bega Toyshop, Club Bega, Enhance Petrol, Tathra, Magpie Music and the Sapphire Coast Turf Club.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who worked on  the day. The Friends would also like to thank Sportspower for the assistance of its staff to those selling the $5000 travel voucher raffle tickets in Carp St. That raffle will be drawn on December 13.

Climate change is not waiting, we must rise above any political system and just get on with our efforts to counteract it.

The lack of urgency has further condemned young people, future generations and the world’s most vulnerable to food insecurity, water scarcity, extreme weather events and climate induced conflict. Young people will live with the consequences.

We can challenge the culture of convenience that we live in, and take ownership for our actions. Just imagine if entire populations cut energy usage by 20 per cent, ate half as much meat, stopped over-consuming, or took public transport instead of driving their cars solo.

Imagine if we all divested from banks and institutions that invest in fossil fuels and used every single dollar we spend to shape the kind of world we want to live in.

There's no doubt that changing how we live is challenging; we are ingrained in a society of capitalism, over-consumption, and often detached from the impacts of our lives. To truly, profoundly, and honestly change how we live, we must emotionally connect with what is at stake for our planet, our children and their future. 

As the year comes to an end, it is time to say a big thank you to Community Transport. Once more you have looked after me and many others so well. The helpful office staff and the wonderful volunteer drivers, thank you.