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October 1, 2024

Newsletter for the Offshore Residents of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 25, Issue 1214

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

Tilly: A Devine Mystery

Call for cast and crew

Tilly Devine ruled much of Sydney's criminal underworld around the middle of the last century. She and her husband also owned a house on Scotland Island. That house still stands, not far from the island's community hall. And early next year that same hall will see the opening night of an exciting new play inspired by Tilly's notoriety.

Written by Jasper Marlow, and with a working title of 'Tilly', the play has been specially commissioned for performance on Scotland Island. A mystery play, it explores the effects disruptive outsiders can have on a tight-knit community, how easily group tensions can be exploited, and the destructive potential of artistic ambition. Budding artists and authors on the island beware!

As with the two most recent island plays, 'Tilly' will be directed by Sophie Lepowic, an experienced theatre director living in Elvina Bay. But we are still looking for a cast of three women and two men to fill the roles. If you are aged 35-65 and are interested in taking part, please get in touch. The first reading will be next Sunday, 6 October at 4-6pm.

We are aiming for the play to be performed in early March 2025. Rehearsals will take place on Sunday afternoons, from 4-6 pm.

We are also looking for volunteers to form the production crew: set designers, stage hands. lighting/sound operators and more.

If you would like to take part, please email Robyn Iredale at president@sira.org.au.

SIRA AGM

Scotland Island Community Hall

Sunday 6 October, 10 am - 12 noon

Some of the members of SIRA's principal committee, as elected at the 2023 AGM. L to r: Marie Minslow, Maddy Bandfield, CB Floyd, Julie Cooper (Treasurer), Julie Paterson, Robyn Iredale (President), Julie Torney, Deb Woods (Secretary), Ian White, Colin Haskell (Vice President), Emma Harvey and Boyd Attewell. Absent were Sharon Kinnison and Basil Daher.

Scotland Island Residents Association is an essential part of life on the island. Most of us use the emergency water supply or community transport, and both are managed by SIRA. The association also advocates for improvements to the island's environment and infrastructure, such as roads and wharves. In particular, SIRA is actively campaigning for a mains water supply and sewerage. What's more, SIRA promotes social activities that build community cohesion.

SIRA's AGM will be on 6 October at 10 am in the Community Hall in Catherine Park. All are welcome to attend. To see the agenda, click here.

SIRA welcomes anyone who would like to join the committee. It’s a great way to contribute to island life and make your mark. Nomination forms can be filled out at the AGM, but preferably beforehand. To nominate yourself or someone else download the nomination form here.

The Tuesday Discussion Group

Scotland Island Recreation Centre

Tuesday 15 October, 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 October 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.