Big thanks to Connecting Communities Australia for two weeks of hard yakka

16 October 2020

Volunteers with charity organisation, Connecting Communities Australia (CCA), have finished a two-week stint working on multiple projects across Towamba, Kiah and Wonboyn.

“About 50 volunteers from across NSW have installed and upgraded community facilities, piped water for residents who still had no running water and repaired infrastructure on properties,” Community Development and Engagement Coordinator, Scott Baker said.

“The CCA volunteers were supported locally by Merimbula Lions Club volunteers, who also gave CCA access to its community tool library.”

This massive exercise came about after Bega Valley Shire Council helped facilitate the connection between CCA and the Towamba P&C. Both organisations were successful in their applications for a Vinnies NSW Community Bushfire Grant, to the tune of $35,000, to provide additions to the Towamba playground.

“The playground area near the Towamba Hall had shade sails installed over the play equipment, an outdoor community barbecue area built, new bench seats installed and a basketball hoop erected,” Mr Baker said.

“The project was assisted by retired engineer John Moffatt, who developed detailed drawings and oversaw the technical aspects of the additions.

“Local support was given by Highlands and Son Concreting, Michelin's, Mitre 10, Oaklands and Staying Home Leaving Violence.”

CCA have secured additional funding and plan to return in March 2021 to complete further projects, such as a path to increase accessibility to the barbecue area and playground.

Connecting Communities Australia delivers needs-based support programs for rural, remote and indigenous communities by providing professional field service teams, including volunteers, to repair and maintain essentials to rural communities.

Council, in partnership with the Bega Valley bushfire recovery Community Development Network, hosted a thank you barbecue for CCA volunteers at Wonboyn last weekend.

Mayor Fitzpatrick thanked all the hardworking and compassionate volunteers involved in this enormous operation.

A second community barbecue for the volunteers will be held at Towamba this Saturday 17 October from 11am to 2pm. This event will be hosted by the Towamba community, Council, the Community Development Network, Pambula Rotary Club and the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast.