The members work tirelessly to raise funds for worthwhile causes, from local funding of scholarships and student science experiences, to further afield projects, such as like shelter boxes and more.

This support is so beneficial to the recipients, and in turn, has a positive effect on the community.

Whenever you see an opportunity to support our local Rotary, please do.

Thank you Rotary.

As I was waiting for my toaster to deliver breakfast, I heard a tapping on the window.

I was surprised to find a tiny bird (a finch?) fluttering against the window.  It took me a while (as an ‘owl’, I am not very bright first thing in the morning) to realise the tapping was not a message for me in Morse. This tiny bird was attacking an intruder in its territory.

Feeling sorry for the little fellow, I placed my palm against the glass. Denied sight of its reflected adversary, it flew back to the shrubbery.

To my surprise, the little fellow came back. It either had a good memory, or was being driven by a high level of testosterone (as most active male persons are – including Narooma great hunters, the fishermen). I understood the little bird’s frustration. The interloper was most persistent in its challenge; every change in direction was followed accurately. Every attack was reciprocated.

To relieve my new friend, I waved the newspaper at the window to deny it the image. It went back to the shrubbery.

To my great surprise, it came back. Had it been sitting in the shrubbery thinking, “I’ll get that bum yet”?These little fellows do not tolerate interlopers; and they do not forgive.  It was only the appearance of what must have seemed a threatening huge object – in  the form of my open newspaper – which discouraged it at last! For some obscure reason, the episode reminded me of NATO and the Taliban (sort of).

The Eurobodalla Shire Council has made a Fit for the Future submission without community participation, and brushed off amalgamation as a non-issue at its recent community information sessions.

Yet the message from the NSW government is loud and clear. Councils like the Eurobodalla which need ever increasing special rate variations to survive, must wake up to the economies of scale and consider amalgamations.

The Eurobodalla Business and Community Forum (EBCF), is asking the council to give residents and ratepayers sufficient information to make their own judgement.

We do not have a position on amalgamation, but the northern beach communities recognise they would be better off under the Shoalhaven’s sea level rise policy. Batemans Bay businesses want to see the prosperity of the Shoalhaven extended to the Eurobodalla. Many see Bega as a rural council that understands their needs. Others want an examination of the Queanbeyan/ Palerang /Eurobodalla amalgamation option. They see great tourism advantages in becoming part of the National Capital Region and having the King’s Highway in one shire.

The council must outline the pros and cons and facilitate discussion. What incentives will the NSW government offer? Will there be money for marina developments in the Bay and Narooma, flood mitigation and CBD revitalisation? Come on bloggers: let’s hear constructive comments.

Serious concerns on Syrian refugees

On the offer of the De La Salle brothers to house Syrian refugees, I have raised concerns with the people of Narooma online and many share my concerns.

Even those who support the proposal feel there is a dangerous lack of consultation. This proposal is rapidly gaining support from government and non-government organisations.

I would not be surprised if it obtains both state and federal support in time frames so short one would scarcely believe government agencies capable of inking their rubber stamps, let alone research, consider, and approve a proposal as complicated as this one should be.

There has been no formal consultation with residents. As generous as it is to offer space to refugees, this is not a private matter which should be approved without consultation.

The only consultation I have seen has been by the Narooma News and, as of October 2, more than 70 per cent of people did not agree, down from 80 per cent when the poll was first published.

Eurobodalla mayor Lindsay Brown has offered tentative support, but said: “We don’t know what our role would be and are awaiting for a response from Federal and State governments." I do not feel comfortable waiting for Mr Browne's role to be defined for him.

We are not a wealthy town, and we cannot absorb this burden. 

Every time I go online, I see posts from single mothers who cannot find rental properties; from people both skilled and unskilled who are unable to find employment.

As it is, our health services are stretched.  There is already a week's wait to be seen by a doctor, and a 45-minute drive to hospital.  The demand on our education and health-care systems be untenable.