MAY News

A Repair Cafe in Moruya? 

SHASA is investigating setting up a repair cafe in Moruya similar to one in Bega.  The Repair Cafe is supported by Bega Valley Council. 

Like to assist with this project? Then please email contact.shasa@gmail.com or ring Kathryn on 0467 558 645

Bushfire Relief Works

The Micro Energy Systems team has been working hard to help with emergency relief and rebuilding efforts for many Eurobodalla residents severely impacted by the bushfires.

In February MESA & SHASA donated the cost of materials and labour to reconnect power to two households. 

Local resident Amanda, her son Brent and extended family live along Cheese Factory Road, about 20km South West of Bodalla. This area, Waincourt, Reedy Creek, Cadgee and Nerrigundah were all heavily impacted by fires that swept the river corridors and hills behind Bodalla. 

Like many others, Amanda and her family lost everything and are having to rebuild with minimal income and no insurance. The families were offered the loan of an off-grid portable system from the Network until mains is restored. To enable the system to operate, trenching, a new consumer main, meter board and earthing was required. 

Amanda and family now have solar power and a generator connected, with scope for expansion as required.

Thanks to all the volunteers who assisted with the project!

The Moos News: a community newsletter

The Moos News will be a bi-monthly online and print newsletter, starting in July/August it will ensure that households without power, telecommunications or equipment can readily access useful information and support.

SHASA gained funding for the newsletter under the Supporting Communities in Recovery Program from COORDINAIRE, the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network. COORDINARE has taken a strong lead in supporting the recovery of bushfire affected communities.

The aim of  ‘Moos News’ is to help build resilience in the community and assist with the recovery process through the provision of useful information and support.

Anyone from bushfire affected areas is encouraged to contribute their story’s and ideas for inclusion in the Newsletter. This is a fantastic opportunity to actively rebuild social cohesion and address the isolation felt in our community following the fires and now compounded by COVID-19.

We would love any assistance in areas of: social media [Facebook & Instagram], marketing & promotions, administration, design, editing, writing, drawing, photography, printing, organizing, dispatch & circulation…and the list just goes on!

Get involved by contacting: mooforthenews@gmail.com

Beyond the ICE (internal combustion engines) Age

After numerous repairs of our old petrol ride-on mower we decided it was time to move out of the ICE age. We got an electric ride-on mower.

The challenge: As a one-time professional gardener, Rob needed the new ride-on to be robust, durable, able to mow 2 acres at a time, and occasionally slash long growth. Research was done totally online and we ended up spending about the same amount of money as for a petrol ride-on mower.

Results: So far, the mower has exceeded expectations with no compromise on our lawn maintenance schedule. No petrol, oil changes, spark plugs, belts, filters or carburettors are a real plus. The 4x12 volt lead-acid batteries drive 2 electric motors on the deck and one larger one on the rear axle. As a bonus, the electric ride on mower can tow also tow a small 260kg trailer. So far it has dragged tree branches across our paddock. There is little engine noise however ear protection is still desired when the blades are engaged. The only doubt so far on this particular mower is the steering linkages. They seem a bit wobbly - will they stand the test of time? Nothing is ever perfect. 
Overall our experience has been positive. Moving out of the ICE age hasn't been quite so scary.

Happy to share more details if anyone is interested.  Rob Harrison and Louise McFadden rhowardh@gmail.com

The Solar Bulk Buy