WINTER GEM NO 154

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The Pearl Beach GEM

The President's Report

Welcome to the Winter edition of “The Gem” and thank you to all our contributors and to Margaret Westcott for fulfilling the unenviable task of coordinating and putting into order the various reports and articles. From these reports you will see that your fellow community members have been beavering away on your behalf.
-Paul Toohey with the Community Support Centre Project. For details of the Project please go to the Pearl Beach Progression Association website and view the Q&A with descriptions of the various aspects of the project.
-Mary Knaggs for bringing together the successful grant applications for the War Memorial.
-Victoria Crawford has over several months made great headway with establishing a workable/simple way of handling Hall Bookings. This is vital given revenue from hall bookings is an important part of our budget. We are looking for a volunteer to take over this. If you are interested please contact Victoria or me. Thank you to Rebecca Jacobs who has undertaken the Hall Bookings role over the last couple of years.
-Pim Sarti , together with Paul Barclaire, after many years still keep a watchful eye on the operation of the Community Memorial Hall which after 70 years of service is increasing in its need for tender loving care.
Road Safety in the village is under consideration with the Central Coast Council with a view to upgrading the Giveway sign and speed limits around the village.
Communications is the key to the success of our Association and to that end your Committee has been considering various possible improvement in the use of the website, Facebook page, group email distribution and the updating and relocating of various boards and signs around the village.
There are various activities available to members of the community-hopefully catering to all tastes. We are always looking for new ideas so if you have any let us know.
Enjoy the articles in this Gem and stay safe and cosy until the Spring comes upon us again.
Russell (Grove)
President 2021-22
Pearl Beach Progress Association
Mobile: 0419230224

Pearl Beach Progress Association

Pearl Beach Progress Association Meeting June 4 at 5 pm. Memorial Hall -

Hall Bookings - www.vennu.com.au or further information please email pbpa.hallhire@gmail.co

1. The Association is desperately seeking a volunteer to take over the running of the Community Christmas lunch . Bev Lapacek who has managed this event for many years will be away this year. This is a once a year task, so would suit someone who would like to make a contribution to the community but doesn’t want an ongoing involvement. Two people could work together. Please contact Bev on bevlapacek91@gmail.com if you are able to help. Bev is willing and able to help organise.

2. The PBPA is also seeking volunteer support for the Events Committee. Please contact Lynne Lillico on lilli77@bigpond.com if you would like to play a role in organising activities for Pearl Beach, meeting a happy sociable group of volunteers and raising funds for the community.

We will also be in need of a new Treasurer for PBPA in the next few months. Our current Treasurer has indicated she is moving onto other things. Clearly this role will need someone with some organisational skills. It would involve managing the finances on a weekly basis for the Association. Please contact the President, Russell Grove if you feel you would be able to take on this role.

3. The President has received a response to his informing the owners of Pearly Cafe and shop the results of the recent General Meeting motion. Please read their response below.

"We appreciate your email and the energy and effort expended by the association to consider our proposed applications.
Whilst we have received a significant and favourable level of support from the community for those applications, we have carefully considered comments made at the association meeting held 7th May.
We too, are supportive of maintaining the unique village “vibe” and ensuring that the “genie is not let out of the bottle”.
To that end, we have decided to not proceed with the proposed applications.

Stuart and I acquired the cafe to ensure it would continue to operate in the best interests of the village and this decision is consistent with that objective.

We look forward to continuing to support you and the association into the future.” — Troy Rushton

Regards

Tanya Masters
Secretary - Pearl Beach Progress Association

Safety Advisory Group

Community Support Centre Project

Project progress planning and contract commitments is well underway. We have engaged the contractors:

Waterflow Plumbing for the installation of the hall roof bushfire sprinkler system including piping rainwater to the (new) tanks, tank overflow pit, pump connections between the tanks, roof sprinklers & spearpoint. Commencement of this work has been delayed due to bad weather then the contractor going down with Covid. Main materials have been purchased to lock in prices before further price increases. Work is expected to commence during week of 30 May with completion by the end of June.
Central Coast Tanks for the installation of 2 tanks to be assembled on site. Installation is scheduled Wednesday 8^th June subject to weather conditions.
Towards Tomorrow Energy for the installation of the 24 Kwh stand alone solar power system. Towards Tomorrow Energy lodging an application to AusGrid for approval of the system which includes the generator. Once the Ausgrid approval is received, there is a lead time of approximately 8 weeks for Toward Tomorrow Energy to acquire all the required equipment; this is an issue where product imports are subject to price increases – this is a concern of course and we are in negotiation with Towards Tomorrow Energy to firm up the contract price without any future price increases. Completion date estimate is end of July/early August.

Based on estimations at this time, including the costs of foundations for the tanks, pumps and generator, and other miscellaneous items, the budget is just within the Grant Funds of $91K.

The installation of the spearpoint is held up by the delay in obtaining approval of a Water NSW licence. A request was sent to the Minister’s Office 25 May seeking special consideration based on the fact the spearpoint is not for domestic or commercial reasons and purely supports the hall’s bushfire sprinkler system.

Giveway Intersection - Cnr Pearl Beach Drive and Diamond Road

It is pleasing to report that Scott Stapleton, Team Leader Traffic, Central Coast Council inspected the intersection again Tuesday 24 May confirming that new Giveway lines with reflectors will be installed on 17 June, subject to weather. The Council is willing to move the Bushfire Warning sign in agreement with the RFS Brigade, and also, would like to see the Community Signs moved or changed to improve the number of signs at the intersection.
Below Please find a proposed sign subject to approval and budget allocation from the Pearl Beach Progress Association.

Scott also advised that like Patonga, Pearl Beach Progress Association may now submit a request to council for a 40kph speed limit throughout the village. He will also recommend to Transport NSW the installation of a speed hump before the intersection.

Furthermore, as an added option, Scott indicated that the Progress Association may wish to seek a 10kph shared zone limit for Pearl Beach Pde and Tourmaline Cafe area for safety reasons.

Mobile Phone Reception Issue

This is a continuing issue for many people in Pearl Beach. As reported in our last GEM, we have been seeking Lucy Wicks’ assistance in taking the matter up with the Mobile Black Spot Program | Dept of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. According to Lucy Wicks, “Pearl Beach has been submitted as a priority location under the PUMP Program (mobile coverage) and we hope to hear from the department about this soon.”

Current status is unknown and we will need to take this up with the new member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid..

Defibrillators

The Tower Defibrillator at the amenities block went out of order 26 April when Australian Defibrillators reported that the local Telstra Mobile Tower 3G reception being reduced or perhaps closed. This was confirmed with Telstra independently that the 3G service is being phased out by 2024 and in fact has already occurred in some locations.

Australian Defibrillators advised that the existing 3G brackets in both Pearl Beach defib cabinets need upgrades to 4G at a cost of $1,950 + GST per cabinet. Plus whilst on the service call, we had new pads and a battery coming up for renewal.

Total cost overall $5,020 which was a necessary expense of maintaining the Defibrillators fully operational in service to the Pearl Beach community.

Paul Toohey

Pearl Beach – Safety Advisory Group – 20 May 2022

Communications

Fundraising & Events

Easter Book Sale

Thank you to Allison Phillips and her wonderful helpers for the incredible organisation of another successful Easter Book Sale, which included a number of stalls including cakes, object of art and a very successful raffle. All funds raised are for the upkeep of the Memorial Hall.

Images by Colin Husband

Anzac Day

Australia's Biggest Afternoon Tea

Australia’s Biggest Afternoon Tea.On a fine afternoon in the Arboretum residents and friends joined me in raising funds for the Cancer Council. An amount in excess of $1,500 was raised through donations, jam sales and the raffle.
A huge thanks goes to Pearls on the beach, and Pearly’s, for the major prizes in the raffle, and further contributions from Russell Grove, Margaret Westcott, Pearl Beach Real Estate, and Umina Flowers.
Bremen’s Patisserie provided the scones, and other goodies were provided by residents and friends to make the table groan under the weight of the delicious afternoon tea.
Carolyn Marks won the 1st draw in the raffle, Peggy Todd 2nd draw and John Steinbeck 3rd draw.
Thanks to all who attended and those who helped set up, serve and clean up. Much appreciated. Bev Lapacek

Community Events

Xmas in July booked for 23 July pearl beach progress hall cost $45 per guest start from 12.30pm. Enjoy a sumptuous xmas feast and entertainment
for bookings contact:
0414997530
Twoturkeyscatering@gmail.com

Glee Club

The Pearl Beach Glee Club has finally beaten Covid and regrouped for Friday rehearsal.
Please keep the dates free to join us in a Night of Song with local performers, singalong and one or two numbers from the Singers! Friday evening August 19 th and Saturday 20 th Matinee. Come along and have some fun!
Pauline M. 0411 752 834

Pearl Beach Buddies Community

The “Buddies” is a Pearl Beach Community Social Group, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 12 pm to 2pm in the Community Hall.

All Community Residents are welcome to participate – and be involved in the Group activities, Forums for topics of interest, and the nomination of guest Speakers to join the Group.

A light lunch with coffee and tea is provided, with a $5.00 member contribution to cover the cost.

Contact details:

Di Swalwell – 0499 790 279 or pearlbeachbuddies@gmail.com

Art Trail- Pearl Beach Artisans

Easter Saturday

Thank you to Colin Husband for taking these wonderful images

Art and Craft

Easter Saturday was a beautiful sunny day to hold another successful Art Trail all participants and visitors were very happy.
The art group are planning another (on a smaller scale) to take place on Saturday of the long weekend. Details to follow.
Many thanks to Cecil Ferguson for her organisation.
Upcoming events include the PBEAT which involves many of the local artists making sculptures for this event. Also on each weekend of PBEAT various artists will be not only manning the event but will exhibit there artworks. Art and Craft Group are also taking part in community installations which includes artists painting in the Arboretum on Saturday 18 June.

Art Group Enquiries Malcolm 0414 525 216 Cecile 0412141721, Margaret Westcott 0401968947

CRAFT GROUP:
Bev Lapacek (0439623818)

The Crommelin Arboretum

Want to help stabilise the banks of the creeks in the Arboretum?
Join us on Tree Day 31 July 2022 at 9:00am until 11:00am and then for a lovely morning tea. We'll have lots of plants to place along the banks.

Update on the collapsed boardwalk in the Arboretum
We had a meeting with Rik Hart, the CCC Administrator, two Directors and two senior managers and discussed what could be done. The CCC has no money available but has said it will apply for assistance from the State Government. It looks as though it will be up to two years before it is repaired or rebuilt.

PBEAT 11/6/22 - 17/7/22

https://www.pearlbeacharboretum.org.au/ephemeral-art-trail/
https://www.pearlbeacharboretum.org.au/pbeat2022-art-workshops/

https://events.humanitix.com/pbeat2022-musical-afternoon
https://events.humanitix.com/pbeat2022-children-s-art-workshops-making-small-sculptures
https://events.humanitix.com/pbeat2022-children-s-painting-workshop-inspired-by-the-arboretum

Children's Small Sculpture Workshop - Margaret Westcott Saturday June 11
Website for bookings https://events.humatix.com/pbeat2022-children-s-art-workshop-making-small-sculptures

Please book Tickets
https://events.humanitix.com/pbeat2022-children-s-painting-workshop-inspired-by-the-arboretum
Marijke Greenway

Please Book tickets
https://events.humanitix.com/pbeat2022-musical-afternoon

Pearl Beach Environment Group

SCREENING OF “REGENERATING AUSTRALIA” FILM.
World Environment Day Sunday 5, June @ 4pm

The Pearl Beach Arboretum and the Pearl Beach Environment Group are pleased to announce they will be screening the “Regenerating Australia” film followed by refreshments and discussion at the Pearl Beach Memorial Community Hall on Sunday 05 June 2022 at 4pm. All are welcome to attend. A $5 donation is requested for refreshments.

Regenerating Australia is a 17-minute short film based on a four-month interview process with a diverse group of Australians who shared their hopes and dreams for the country's future. Set on New Year's Eve of December 2029, a news anchor is ending the nightly bulletin with a look back at the decade 'that could be’; a decade that saw Australia transition to a fairer, cleaner, more community focused economy. The film is directed by the award winning director Damon Gameau and is a construction of news reports and press conferences featuring high profile journalists, politicians, business leaders and citizens such as Kerry O'Brien, Sandra Sully, Gorgi Coghlan, Patrick Abboud, Larissa Behrendt and David Pocock.

Regeneration means putting LIFE at the centre of every action and decision. It is about bringing vitality and renewed growth to our communities and to our ecosystems.

WWF-Australia’s ‘Innovate to Regenerate’ challenge is inviting local communities and experts to establish regenerative projects and bring to life a solution that they see in the film.

The Pearl Beach Arboretum and the Pearl Beach Environment Group have chosen to screen the film on World Environment Day on 05/0/2022 which has the theme “Only One Earth”. This will also be the theme for the Pearl Beach Arboretum Ephemeral Art Trail which commences on Saturday 11 June 2022 finishing on the 17 July 2022.
Mary Knaggs

Secretary Crommelin Native Arboretum Inc.

Pearl Beach NSW 2256

0427 502042

Tennis and Bowls

Pearl Beach Plodders

Pearl Beach Plodders - After spending 5 nights in The Blue Mountains, staying at Federation Gardens Lodge & Possums Hideaway in Blackheath , 26 Plodders returned home happy. Although the weather was misty and drizzly it didn’t stop us enjoying time around the Fire Pit, BBQ, Pool and some short walks.

Already planning for 2023 with 4 of Mudgee’s Getaway cottages on hold from 27th February, for 6 nights.
Interested in joining me, email or call me.
Don’t forget plodders ‘plod’ on the 3rd Tuesday each month. Check out hall noticeboard the week prior if you’re not in my email list.

Bev Lapacek (0439623818)

The Plodders in Blackheath by Gillian Telford

Pearl Beach Bushcare

Bushcare is back in business. Paul Landa on 4th June. Focus on weeds. Looking for new members. Morning tea at end as usual. Lots of good growth but also rampant bitou and asparagus fern. We have tick and leech solutions on hand. Watch for green sign at the corner one week in advance. Stephen Parsons 0448751595

ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST

Volunteer with HammondCare Woy Woy

HammondCare is a leader in aged care, specialising in dementia care.
We value volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of people in need.
It’s an opportunity for you to meet new people, gain personal satisfaction and have fun in your local community.
If you are interested in volunteering and would like more information, contact Crissy Davies Volunteer Coordinator Monday - Thursday on 0481 388 383; or emailcdavies@hammond.com.au

Words on the Waves (dubbed by renowned Australian author Nikki Gemmell as ‘the most beautiful literary festival in the world’) has just released its program for 2022, and there are some incredible writers, thinkers and artists attending, and a number of interesting sessions. Would you be interested in a story? We have some incredible authors speaking on the day including New York Times best seller Charlotte McConaghy, Reporter and Author Louise Milligan and 2020 Local Woman of the year Amani Haydar. For your readers it would be great to highlight the family fun day happening on Sunday the 5th of June. On Sunday the festival is tailored specifically for kids and families, with circus tricks, face paining and storytelling for kids. Authors Kate and Jol Temple are joining in to red their beloved Bin Chicken books, while Roundabout Circus treat the kids to circus shenanigans, magical entertainment, face painting and balloon twisting. Please let me know if you have any more questions?
From: Jillian Mckee
Phone: 0431948069
Email: jillian@suada.com.au

TRIVIA NIGHT PATONGA

Patonga Project and Patonga Progress have joined forces to bring you a night of fun and silliness.

When: Where: Doors Open : Bring:

Cost: July 2nd Hall

6pm. Competition starts 6.30pm. Food/beverages for your table to share $10 per person

Book your place by paying directly to account as follows. Don’t forget to write your name for reference.

Patonga beach Progress Association BSB: 032-526
Account: 720252

First in best dressed!
Winning table will win prize and boasting rights.

Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday - grocery store and takeaway 7am - 4pm
Weds - Sun - Kitchen & Dine in cafe 7am - 3pm

In terms of new offerings:

The famous Hunter Valley Gelato is now in stock as of this week
Free coffee with any main meal purchased to dine in at the cafe every Weds & Thurs for the month of June only.

Pearls on the Beach

Thursday, Friday, Saturday for dinner & Sunday for lunch and Thursday, Friday & Saturday for dinner.

1 Tourmaline Avenue, Pearl Beach NSW 2256

Phone: 02 4342 4400

Email: info@pear1sonthebeach.com.au

‘Overlooking the stunning Pearl Beach, there are views from every table.
We have a fireplace to keep you warm in winter’

Mah-jong

Majong continues every Monday 1.30 pm in the Hall. Newcomers are welcomed and tuition is happily provided.
Shirley Green 0490831523

STAY INFORMED about all DA’s lodged in your area

Go to www.planningalerts.org.au You simply enter your address and it will give you information on all submitted DA’s within 2kms . Better still register your email and it will send you alerts when a DA is submitted that is within 2km of your property

Vale

Henry Mendalson
John Palmer remembers - Henry was a refugee from the Nazi regime in Germany. From there he went to Sheffield in Yorkshire. I was a student at the university there, but we never met. He came to Australia via a scheme to assist European migrants. In his early years here, he was co-owner of an advertising company, but I don't know how long he continued with that. My wife Robyne and I became great friends of Henry and Naomi. They were generous hosts at the many dinners we shared at their house in Pearl Beach. Henry loved to chat about all manner of things. His intellectual abilities were readily apparent, as was his love of music and good literature. We remained in contact after they left Pearl Beach and we frequently went to classical music concerts where we met up with them. He had a great love of opera and of choral singing. I believe he was cantor at one of the synagogues in Sydney---on the north shore, I think. He was also a keen participant in the Sydney chorus in events at the Opera House. Above all Henry was a kind and faithful friend, raconteur, liberal in his beliefs, and always good fun. He will be much missed.

Lynne Lillico recalls - 'my own memories are full of happy times with Henry and Naomi always around music including Jazz in the Arboretum, and the June Long Weekend Chamber Music Festival. In 1994 a Chamber Festival was conceived over a Pearl Beach lunch with the then President, the late Robert Farrar and Henry Mendalson. At the inaugural 1994 June Long Weekend four concerts were presented over the three days…..quite an ambitious venture by the Pearl Beach Progress Association. The objective at that time was to harmonise fine music with the cultural life of Pearl Beach and its unique environment. Over the intervening years the festival has played host to many great and established performers and talented young artists. I came on board as PR in 2004 and eventually took over the management of the concerts in 2008 when Henry and Naomi moved away from Pearl Beach'.

1995 Jazz in the Arboretum was traditionally held in January and Henry acted as impresario to arrange the program and artists. Unfortunately due unreliable weather and lack of audience support the concert was discontinued in 2009. In 2016 due to community pressure Jazz in the Arboretum returned and held later in the year.

The Pearl Beach GEM is published by the Pearl Beach Progress Association Inc.
9 Diamond Rd Pearl Beach
Editor: Margaret Westcott - Photographic Editing: Colin Husband & M Westcott
No material may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher

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Pearl Beach GEM · 9 Diamond Road · Pearl Beach, NSW 2256 · Australia