Health & Wellbeing

The Surf Life Saving NSW Pool Rescue Championships brought together almost 450 lifesavers at the weekend with competitors from the Far South Coast and ACT mixing it with 29 other clubs and holding their own. The weekend's event at Woy Woy Peninsula Leisure Centre on the Central Coast marked the eleventh year of competition. The State Championships are focused on...

After a week of celebrations, the Eurobodalla NAIDOC Awards Ball at The Coachouse Marina Resort in Batemans Bay saw generations come together to recognise each other's contribution and achievements. Guests were treated to a performance of "Hitchhiker" by comedian Dane Simpson who also hosted the event and kept everyone laughing. Eurobodalla Shire Councillor Pat McGinlay was one of the first to...

Obsessed with horses from a young age, Emma Booth’s dream of riding one came true when she won a competition run by the TV show 'The Saddle Club' to win a pony and riding lessons. Her raw talent was clear early on and in 2011 she accepted a job in Germany riding and training horses for international dressage rider Holger...

Two opposite elements were at play in the surrounding region over the weekend, united by wild winds that kept emergency services busy from Jindabyne to Moruya. Icy rain and snow in the Snowy Monaro caused minor traffic accidents and delays on busy snow routes while in Moruya, a speedy grass fire had Eurobodalla Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire and...

Two new special interest playgroups are starting in Batemans Bay this month for families with children under five. One playgroup will cater to families from multicultural backgrounds, while the other will be run at disability service Muddy Puddles to provide support for families who have concerns about their child’s development. Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Supported Playgroups Coordinator Lisa Heinze says the...

There is a twinkle about Jen Russell that goes beyond the almost $5 million her service has just won from the New South Wales Government. Jen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bega Valley's Tulgeen Disability Services. For over 40 years Tulgeen has offered a vast range of supports to people living with disabilities. The afternoon I met Jen she...

With Wimbeldon in full swing, the Bodalla community is celebrating the refurbishment of the town's tennis courts, perhaps a breeding ground for Australia's next Ash Barty. Looking at the end result, it's easy to forget the bumpy road the project has traveled; collaboration on a number of fronts the key to meeting the challenges. Following a review of the condition...

Award-winning short films reflecting the lived experience of people with disabilities are coming to Bega. The local screening of the Wide Angle Film Festival is a partnership between Bega Valley Shire Library and Tulgeen Disability Services. This free public Festival presents animation, live action, drama, comedy and documentary. The Wide Angle Film Festival is produced by The Bardic Studio - a...

“I worked hard to get to where I am and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved,” says Cooma man Matt Pinner. Matt is putting his skills and experience to work building a website for local aged care and disability service provider - Cooma Challenge. Determined not to let his mild autism stop him from following his passion of working with...

What makes the perfect toasted cheese sandwich? It's a big question with many possible responses. It has much to do with the bread used, but then is there's the butter applied to the outside pre and post-toasting. How dark and how flat. How much cheese and is it melted through? Then there is the smoky crunch of cheese that has...

It's telling that after spending an hour or so in Merimbula's parent-and-child friendly cafe and activity space, The Daisy Lounge, I walk out without paying for my coffee and croissant. Owners Deanna and Brendan Reynolds are so at ease in the space and its open, relaxed atmosphere that I feel I'm in a friend's home. A mop and dustpan and...

At the tender age of 44, Vanessa Parsons has landed her first job and it's with an international civil construction company no less - John Holland. Vanessa is part of the new team building the $274 million Batemans Bay Bridge over the Clyde River. "It changed my life," Vanessa says. She starts her day by 'tapping on' at the works...

An extra payday for active, creative kids in Southern New South Wales, with each school-enrolled child now able to access two $100 Active Kids Vouchers. Member for Monaro John Barilaro says the popular program has been extended to help kids stay active all year long. “We all know kids want to play sport and keep active with their friends and...