Around 30 people attended the 2022 AGM of the Scotland Island Residents' Association, held in the island's community hall on 20 November. The meeting saw SIRA's Annual Report accepted, with President Colin Haskell describing 2022 as 'another difficult year, with COVID-19 affecting us all'. Despite the hurdles, several achievements were noted, all of which involved SIRA: the improved mooring facilities at Bells and Carols wharves, road upgrades (particularly on Richard Road), and the new board walk around the general store at Church Point.

Bill Gye addresses the SIRA AGM on developments at Church Point. Photos courtesy of ONeill Photographics

Besides these advances, Colin noted that the Recreation Club continues to offer a monthly café, as well as a range of activities that enrich island life. What's more, some progress has been made with the installation of mains water and sewerage, and plans are in progress for improvements to Catherine Park.

Colin thanked all those who keep the island ticking over: SIRA's committee and sub-committee members, as well as those behind our essential services: the fire brigade, emergency water supply, community vehicle and halls. He also acknowledged the many who enhance island life, for instance those who help islanders keep in touch with each other, our tireless bushcarers, and those who support the island's many recreational activities.

Bill Gye addressed the meeting on the latest developments at Church Point, while Robyn Iredale outlined the Recreation Club's achievements.CB Floyd talked about the activities of the Communications team, Sharon Kinnison described island infrastructure issues, Sue Armstrong reported on the wharves, and Boyd Attewell discussed SIRA's financial situation.

Outgoing president Colin Haskell is thanked by his successor, Robyn Iredale, for four years' diligent service to SIRA. His gift: a quilt cover made by an offshore resident.

The AGM saw three SIRA officeholders step down. Colin Haskell retires after four years' dedicated service as SIRA president. Juliet Wills resigned as secretary and Sharon Dwyer as treasurer. What's more, Fabienne d'Hautefeuille will no longer lead the Water and Wastewater subcommittee, although she will remain on SIRAC, as will Colin Haskell. All were thanked for their hard work and contributions to island life.

Robyn Iredale bravely steps up as president. A sedulous achiever, Robyn has already done the island proud with her Recreation Club, which she instigated prior to the pandemic. Julie Velina Cooper will be SIRA's new treasurer and Deb Wood has kindly volunteered as the new secretary.

SIRAC has expanded to include several new members. Its ordinary members now include Boyd Attewell, Mark Martin, Robert Fox, Georgina Orr, Stephen Seidman, Ian White, John Marshall, Peta Jacobson and Jessica Robinson. The new committee will meet in January, after which the PON will introduce them more fully.

As always, the meeting urged other islanders to get involved in SIRA and the island's other community activities. As the outgoing president put it: 'water, roads, the park, all of that: they don't happen as a miracle. Volunteers give their time'. I am sure we all second that.

Left to right: outgoing secretary Juliet Wills, ongoing vice-president Sharon Kinnison, retiring president Colin Haskell, incoming president Robyn Iredale and CB Floyd, who remains as SIRA's other vice-president

I would like to thank outgoing SIRA President Colin Haskell for his dedication and hard work over the last 4 years. His pleasant demeanour and warm-heartedness made him a pleasure to work with.

It is never too late to become an active volunteer in your local community. I joined the SIRA committee 40 years after I first moved to the island – when I had the time and energy to participate. Over the past four years I have found volunteering challenging and rewarding and a great way to get to know many more people.

The new Recreation Centre kitchen starts to take shape

My first community project was setting up a SIRA Recreation Club and developing a range of activities – table tennis, folk dancing, music events and the reintroduction of a café. These activities were facilitated by a Northern Beaches Council Social Cohesion grant approved in 2019.

The Two Catherines Café has thrived under the careful stewardship of managers Melinda Ham and now Carol Floyd, plus an amazing team of bakers. The café provides a wonderful venue for people to catch up and a training ground for island teenagers wanting to experience their first taste of customer service and baristaing.

In 2021 Northern Beaches Council handed over the former island kindergarten building to SIRA to manage for general community use. SIRA then applied for, and received, a $48,000 NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant to cover awnings for the community hall and a kitchen upgrade for the recreation centre. NBC contributed significantly to this upgrade by removing one wall, the existing kitchen and the bathroom equipment. We can now install the new kitchen and council will complete the two new toilets.

As SIRA President, one of my aims is to continue working towards greater incorporation of residents into island life. We have a wonderful community that is unique in Sydney and a diversity of people, ages and skills, which makes it such an interesting place to live.

Celebrating the new extension to Carols Wharf, winter 2022

Thanks to SIRA's executive and the leaders of its sub-committees for their ongoing hard work. This has delivered significant improvements recently - the high-pressure water pump and improved emergency water system, newly paved and guttered sections of the roads, and superior jetty and boat parking facilities at Bells and Carols wharves.

For 2023 we have a larger SIRA committee with many new members, including some new residents. The whole team will continue to work to improve life and facilities on the island, including improved boat parking at Tennis and Cargo wharves, the upgrade of Catherine Park, resolution of the buggy situation, more road works, and better waste and water systems.

If you’d like to understand how SIRA engages with residents and external stakeholders, you might want to join a sub-committee suited to your interests or skill set. Otherwise, there are plenty of opportunities to jump in and support SIRA to host exhibitions, BBQs, festivals and information sessions. Many hands make light work.

Please bring any issues and questions to a SIRA committee meeting or email secretary@SIRA.org.au so that the committee can discuss your concerns and respond.

Finally, please treat with respect other islanders and the agencies that we work with. This way we will nurture and protect our slice of paradise and may even challenge Vanuatu as the happiest place on earth.

Past newsletters, beginning May 2000, can be found and read at https://ymlp.com/archive_gesgjgm.php.

or the Western Pittwater Community Association (WPCA)