Kalaru’s population has spiked in the last few years. Many locals feel a community space is much needed in the town for a children’s playground and other recreational pursuits. It also needs public toilets.

Evans Park is a prime location for both these facilities. Interested parties have also forwarded their support, Bega to Tathra Safe Ride, the RFS and CEFE.

The Evans Park Committee’s focus for now is to gather enough funds to add top soil to an existing section of the oval and to build a BMX track. The committee has also submitted a proposal for funding for an amenities block.

The Fun Day this Sunday is a major fundraiser for the park. Join in from 1pm for a community get together, look out for the special guest appearance, watch the Great Zamboni’s show, enter the massive raffle (drawn on the day), face painting, jumping castle, and sausage sizzle cooked by Tathra Lions Club. Admission is $5 or $20 for a family of four or more people. 

BRAWL is extending an invite to its shared end of year lunch. Whether you are a partner in BRAWL’s efforts, a regular at working bees, someone who gets there when they can or someone who keenly watches progress, they would love to say hello and thanks.

Members have worked hard to maintain existing work areas but also made significant progress on the Gipps St side of Spenco Lagoon. To finish off this year, the December BRAWL working bee will be maintenance at the Bega River main reserve from 9.30am followed by a shared festive lunch from 12pm. As always, make sure you have sun safe clothes, sturdy shoes and water. 

Recently, 22 U3A Bermagui members visited the Burnima Homestead near Bombala. The 32-roomed, two-storied mansion with servants’ quarters was built in 1896. Current owner Steve Rickett has done exhaustive research on the property as well as the formal Victorian lifestyle and social structure, finding some interesting stories about the homestead and its early occupants. The estate, once totally self-sufficient, still has many examples of machinery and outbuildings that were required for this in those times. U3A recommends a tour of Burnima for lovers of Australian history and antiquity. 

U3A Bermagui also welcomes members looking for similar experiences – check out www.bermagui.u3anet.org.au.

At the Pig and Whistle Fleet AGM on December 3 Allen Collins was again elected as president with Liz Seckhold vice-president, Michelle Russell secretary, Kerry Vance treasurer and Jill Collins roster coordinator. This team will focus on planning for the future and now that repairs are completed the team have organised a open night for December 17 at 6pm. Shells is the theme, nibbles and drinks available and all are welcome.

Bemboka Garden Club laid on a feast of colour at the end of October, for the 34th Annual Flower Show. Club members put in a huge effort in food preparation and getting the memorial hall ready. The attendance was up on last year, and visitors were able to see a big range of both native and exotic flowers. The zone coordinator  of Garden Clubs of Australia, Lindy Bonser, was highly impressed. 

Sunday, December 18, will be the next monthly community documentary screening in the Old Cobargo Butter Factory at 3.30pm.

Alive Inside is an uplifting documentary about the rejuvenating power of music by Michael Rossato-Bennett.

Alive Inside’s signature scenario shows a torpid older man being outfitted with headphones and an iPod. He hears the first strains of Cab Calloway and immediately brightens, reminisces and boogies - Alzheimer's be damned. Coffee and tea provided - bring your own mug. A $5 donation is much appreciated to cover the cost.

Shoalcoast solicitors are experienced in resolving many types of legal problems. Advice clinics provide residents with a good opportunity to get free professional advice regarding their legal problem.  The next Bega free legal advice clinics are on Wednesday, December 14, 9.30-11.30am and Thursday, December 15,  9am until 3.30pm, at the Women’s Resource Centre, 14 Peden St, Bega. 

To make an appointment call Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre on 1800 229 529 or 4422 9529.