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November 1, 2024

Newsletter for the Offshore Residents of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 25, Issue 1215

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of Pittwater, as well as our Indigenous readers

Scotland Island Fire Brigade Needs You!

A call for volunteers

Scotland Island’s volunteer fire brigade is always looking out for new members, but now we have three particular needs: a new treasurer, new auditor and a new secretary.

Just because there hasn’t been a major fire on the island for a number of years doesn’t mean that brigade members haven't been busy.

Rehearsing medical evacuation from the island (using a manikin)

Last year the brigade attended around 40 emergency incidents. That’s almost one per week. Common reasons for call outs include boat fires, medical evacuations and trees blocking roads.

Besides responding to emergencies, brigade members are also engaged in preventative and preparatory tasks such as hazard reduction burns, plus the constant need to update training, maintain equipment, etc.

When the brigade was set up in 1955 it was made clear that every able-bodied man on the island was expected to join. These days the RFS is just as interested in applications from women, as well as teenagers aged 16 upwards.

If firefighting doesn't appeal then our need for additional Community First Responders is just as pressing. CFRs assist with medical emergencies pending the arrival of paramedics from the mainland. Training is provided.

If you feel able to take part in our activities please contact Captain Peter Lalor at captain@sirfb.org.au. Peter's phone number is 0401 716194.

Lara Hasell, the brigade's retiring treasurer

Non-operational support is also needed
If you feel more inclined to support the brigade administratively, the brigade is looking for a new treasurer, secretary and auditor. Our current secretary Vanessa Barry can no longer commit time to helping us, while our treasurer Lara Hasell, after many years of service, also wants a break.

Similarly, after a solid 20 years of service to the brigade, our current auditor, Mr David Sutherland, would also like to step down. All three are thanked for their tremendous support.

None of these positions need be particularly time-consuming. The treasurer prepares monthly financial statements, as well as an annual report. This is checked by the auditor, who doesn’t need to be a qualified auditor: the work could be done by any accountant or someone with accounting or small business experience. The treasurer needs to have basic bookkeeping skills, while the secretary maintains very brief minutes of our monthly meetings.

If you feel able to help, please contact Peter Lalor (details above) or myself at president@sirfb.org.au.

Roy Baker, President, SIRFB

Toyshed Damage

How do we stop this vandalism?

On the weekend of 12-13 October vandals caused damage to the Recreation Centre. It seems that they were trying to break into the shed used to store toys for young children.

Not only did the vandalism damage the lowest plank of the mural by Nettie Lodge, for the third time the toy shed doors were bashed in.

Previous acts by vandals had already made the store doors difficult to open and close, but this attack probably finishes them off.

To be clear: there's nothing kept in that store except little children's toys. Those toys have minimal monetary value, but are greatly enjoyed by our children.

So who does this vandalism hurt? Our littlest Island residents!

The police and Northern Beaches Council have been informed. If anyone knows anything about this latest incident, please contact the Halls Manager at hall@sira.org.au.

The Right Path

Teenager & Family Enhancement Program

Mick Miller is a Pittwater offshore resident with a graduate diploma in coaching (hons). As part of his work as a performance coach Mick is offering the following program, designed to create successful teenagers and families who thrive together:

To contact Mick, email mick@mickmiller.com.au or phone 0427 043 867.

International Folk Dancing

Community Hall, Scotland Island

Saturdays 2 & 30 November, 7 pm

The Recreation Club asks for $5 per person per attendance to defray expenses.

The Tuesday Discussion Group

Scotland Island Recreation Centre

Tuesday 19 November, 11 am - 12.30 pm

The Recreation Club runs a discussion group, meeting on the third Tuesday of each month, from 11 am to 12.30 pm in the Recreation Centre. Everyone is welcome.

Usually, members take it in turn to design a session. For the August session Chris Baynes invited the group to consider aged car in Australia today.

For the November meeting, Sarah Polomka, Kathy James and Jane Rich will lead an open session, inviting members to bring along something (most likely a piece of writing) that they have found inspiring, amusing, interesting or moving this month.

The group is administered via a WhatsApp group, which will be used to distribute further information about this and future discussions. If you would like to be added to the group, send your mobile phone number to editor@scotlandisland.org.au. Alternatively, contact Jane Rich (janebalmain@hotmail.com) for more information or to express your interest in participating.

The Recreation Club asks for $5 per person per attendance to defray expenses.