Visitors are always welcome to join in supporting the work of The Smith Family in helping disadvantaged Australian children.

Members, don’t forget we will be holding a “Make it, bake it, sew it, grow it” stall at this meeting and all donations are appreciated. Please telephone Jan on 6495 0744 to book or cancel. The Brunch at the Airport is at 11.30am on Thursday, July 21 and Denise is the person to contact on 6495 3037.

Eden VIEW Club is holding a “Christmas in July” on Monday, July 25 and if anyone would like to attend please see Beryl.

Another coming event is the Gala Day at Batemans Bay on August 26 which is being arranged by National Councillor Pat McRae where VIEW clubs from Berry to Eden will get together.

Finally, don’t forget our “Day at the Races” on Sunday, August 7. The cost is $25 per person and Cheryl will be taking bookings and payments. Please ring Danielle on 6495 0859 or Anne on 6492 5990 for information.

The next meeting of the Merimbula Arts Group will be held at the Merimbula RSL this Saturday, July 9, commencing at 2pm.

Guest demonstrator is Noel Forbes from Bateman’s Bay.

Noel is an abstract painter of beautiful, striking colours.  His artistic expression spans interior and architectural design, graphics, sculpture, painting collage and drawing. 

Noel has developed a love for abstraction which has taken him far away from realism, to a path towards expressionistic painting.  His art has been  seen at the 2000 Olympics, festivals, galleries and many other public venues.

We welcome guests as well as our members, artistic steak of not.

The local square-dance club, Sapphire Squares Merimbula, has been running for 26 years. They have, for many years, danced on a Wednesday evening at the Uniting Church Hall, Merimbula.

As from next week they are moving their weekly dances to Fridays from 1.30 to 4pm, still at the Uniting Church Hall. They would love to have some new members join their happy group, and all are very welcome.

Why not pop in and have a look sometime, maybe join us for a cup of tea? It is a lot of fun. George teaches the dance moves from the very beginning, so no previous experience is necessary.

Either ring 6495 2734, or just turn up.

The first phase of Bega Valley Shire Council’s ‘Understanding Our Place’ survey is complete, and the community has really responded to the opportunity.

Council has held over 25 events including community drop in sessions at local halls and markets and CBD listening posts. 

General Manager Leanne Barnes said the purpose of this first phase of consultation was to understand what was important to people within our community, to understand their values, challenges and ambitions for the future.

Council is now reviewing the feedback and the issues raised. Stage two of the consultation will commence in October.

The end result is the Community Strategic Plan 2040 which will be released in early 2017 and will help shape Council’s work and spending for the next 4 years.