The Empire Bay Progress Association (EBPA) has started the year with a newly-elected committee and a list of priorities for the next 12 months.
Ken Shaw has been elected President, with Robert Thompson as Vice President.
Returning to their previous roles are Genevieve Page as Treasurer and Sharon Murray as Secretary and Hall Manager.
Cath Argaet has been elected as the new Public Officer.
The first priority for the new committee was preparation for the ANZAC Day ceremony on April 25.
“This is a significant event to organise requiring the co-ordination of my community groups and individuals, such as the various RSLs, the police, Central Coast Council and offices of the local members,” President Ken Shaw said.
Another priority is repairs to the Empire Bay War Memorial.
“Significant repairs are needed to the war memorial, responsibility for which lies with the EBPA,” Shaw said.
“These repairs are due to general wear and tear, close proximity to salt and its age – it is more than 70 years old.”
The committee will also prioritise the replacement of the garden sheds at the hall and the organisation of centenary celebrations with multiple family-oriented events planned for the latter half of this year in celebration of the Progress Association’s 100th birthday.
“Each of these priorities depends on the good will and assistance of local people,” Shaw said.
“Please consider joining the PA and lend your time and energy to these great community initiatives.”
The EBPA is a community-based group, established to manage the hall which was built by local people on land bequeathed by Bill Myler, an early resident and oyster farmer in the Bay.
“Over the years the PA has lobbied on behalf of the community to improve facilities and roads, as well as lobbying government concerning environmental, health and safety and community issues within the precinct of Empire Bay,” Shaw said.
“Overall, we are proud of our achievements for a small community organisation dependent entirely on volunteers.
“Every year the Progress Association hosts social events in an effort to bring the community together, the most well-known being the October Village Food and Fun Fair and the Christmas Eve Barbecue.
“Some of these events have the added bonus of raising funds for local organisations, such as the RFS and Empire Bay Public School.
“Especially important this year is the celebration of the Progress Association’s 100th birthday.
“Centenary celebrations are being organised by a team of people to celebrate this milestone.
“This all takes time and effort, so I encourage anyone willing to lend a hand to contact me directly via the email empirebayprogress@gmail.com.”
The next meeting of EBPA will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 26, in the hall with a light supper to follow.
Outgoing President Carolen Barripp was awarded the NSW Government Community Award by Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, in recognition of the significant contribution she has made to the community of Empire Bay.
Crouch noted her community passion and lobbying work resulting in upgrades to local roads, parks and footpaths and beautification of the environment.
Source:
Empire Bay Progress Association