SHOALHAVEN HEADS COMMUNITY FORM MINUTES 7 DECEMBER 2011
Opened: 7:04pm
Chair: Trevor Aspin
Reminder to sign the attendance book.
No councillors and no police attending.
Present:
Apologies: J Edwards
Minutes: C Turner
1st Guest speaker:
Ian Henderson - Principal of Shoalhaven Heads Primary School.
Ian spoke of his appreciation for the invitation to attend and speak. He began with a background of himself and his teaching experiences at Campbelltown, particularly the integration into his school of children with quadriplegia, and at Vincentia High where he developed a school band of 156 students.
Ian also talked about the drop in numbers of young teachers. In the 1970s 80% of teachers were under 24 years whereas today there are only 10% under 30 years. There is a problem with the aging of the profession.
From Vincentia High School Ian came to Shoalhaven Heads. Since being at the Heads primary school Ian said he has found the children to be very interesting and the parents wanting to help the kids to succeed to be productive members of the community. The parents are support of Ian's approach that kids needs consequences. These are wonderful children who enjoy the education process.
Ian spoke of the project in the school grounds where the staff and children have made gardens that they are very proud of. Another project is the chook shed. The kids have incubated and reared 17 chickens to date with help from the local Men's Shed. The Men's Shed provided a fantastic positive community for the children and it is greatly appreciated.
Ian then spoke about the recent fantastic150 year anniversary event that was followed by a successful fete on the Saturday.
Parents are also attending the P& C meetings and anyone interested can attend.
Fiona Scott has created the book "A Chime in Time" that Ian presented to the Forum. The book features the Bell that was rung by Alexander Berry in 1938 to call in the convicts on the Estate.
Ian also explained the administration difficulties that occur for him as a teaching principal because there are 150 students which means he must teach. Whereas a small number more students would free him from teaching to concentrate on running the school.
2nd Guest Speaker:
Terry Lillie - from the Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club.
Provided a power point presentation that has been prepared to promote the club now that the 18 holes are becoming a reality. The cost of the project has been in excess of $260,000 plus $100,000 on searches and $18,000 on turf. The project would be over $1,000,000 without the volunteers, gifts and sponsorships and support that has been provided. This is a non gambling club so it relies on the volunteers and really needs some young volunteers now. Terry provided a pictorial history of the club's development since it was first designed by Ken McKay in 1984 as a 9 hole to a 15 hole and now to an 18 hole course.
Previous Minutes
Accepted: John Dogterum
Seconded: Maggie
Concern that last Minutes were not displayed.
Correspondence In/ Out:
Approved: Andy Turner
Seconded: Terry Lillie
Treasurer's Report: Dated November 2011
Moved: Trevor Aspin
Seconded: Roger Tilley
Reports:
" Chamber of Commerce: Business signs to go up onto the Business Directory outside Tall Timbers Caravan Park in early December as rain had held it up. There are 8 signs. Also a reminder of the Christmas Lights Competition - judging second week in December.
" Arboretum: The cold weather has slowed growth but the rain benefits those plants liking cooler climate. Christmas party on 20 November. Successful in gaining $2,000 from Council that will go to the interpretive sign project. Also received Council funding for grass trees. The next major project is the construction of storage shed. The bush tucker garden is expected to be cleared to go ahead soon.
" Bushcare: Thanks to volunteers. Over 1000 hours of work has been carried out during 2011., particularly controlling weeds, Tree Day and Clean up Australia Day. Volunteers are always welcome.
" Jerry Bailey Heritage Group: Christine Talbot reported that the group had given talks and displays to other groups including university of 3rd age and at the Shoalhaven Heads Primary School's 150th Anniversary. The aim is to be ready to sell at the History Fair in June 2012. The Group needs funding to enable more research and the gathering of vital information.
Reports Accepted: John Dogterum
Seconded: Roger Tilley
Business arising:
1. Report on API site. It was explained that things may be happening very shortly after Christmas based on the previous DA submitted by Mr Bishop together with an arrangement with API- albeit a scaled back version, including a shop and restaurant. Council is keen on the concept. We will wait to view the DA.
2. Follow up on the nomination of Peter Moate for award nomination; report back next meeting.
3. Kiama Train Station. There is a gap between the train and platform that is dangerous when people change trains. Needs to be a permanent ramp available. Gareth Ward was to look into this.
Send letters to Gareth Ward and to State Rail raising this issue.
4. A reminder to all not to give personal details to anyone who calls especially if they say there is a "Windows" problem on the computer as it is a scam.
5. The River Road floating pontoon is to be installed by end of January.
6. The exercise equipment on River Road behind the Holliday Haven is now operational and being used.
7. Bolong Road. The sign has fallen down - on other side of the road is in the grass.
Raffle: Gladys McHale
Next Meeting: Wednesday 1st February 2012