New executive team for Pearl Beach Progress Association

Pearl Beach Progress Association has elected its new executive team for 2025, setting the group up for another successful year.

New president Deidre Page will be supported by vice presidents Russell Grove and Victoria Crawford, treasurer Robyn Barrett, secretary Gary Phillips, assistant secretary Catherine Lancaster, publicity officer Lynne Lillico and ordinary members Malcolm Davison, Margaret Westcott, Penryn Maddrell and Paul Barclaire.

“There is a lot to learn and process and I am more than keen to do this,” Page said.

“The Pearl Beach Progress Committee is a small group of people who have achieved big things.

“I look forward to working with this committee to continue to bring activities and opportunities to the community that everyone can participate in.

“My background is in sales having owned and run my own business successfully.

“I believe my attributes are always moving forward to obtain a positive outcome – listen and learn – be respectful – achieving results.”

The progress association was formed in 1929 by some of the original residents of Pearl Beach who began meeting to improve services to the village.

In those early days there was no power or water available, no postal or telephone service and the only way for traffic to enter and leave the village was via the rough road around Mount Ettymalong from Umina.

One of the aims of the association was to build a community hall, but the lack of funds, the great depression and WW11 were major stumbling blocks to realising the goal.

Land at 9 Diamond Rd was purchased in 1943 by three members, and fundraising was conducted to construct a hall, which opened in 1949.

Outgoing president Victoria Crawford said achievements over the past year included ongoing liaison with Central Coast Council and submissions from the environment sub-committee on building approvals that did not meet the Development Control Plan (DCP) which includes location-specific development plans for Pearl Beach.

Hall maintenance has been a major focus this year, involving insulation and panelling installed on the ceiling, the sanding and finishing of the floor and the painting of the interior walls.

A working party to look at developing a plan for the kitchen, storage and toilets has been formed.

Users will be consulted and members will be involved in the final decision, with all suggestions welcome.