The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) supports preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our Natural Environment, European and Indigenous Heritage.

Since 2020 Neighbourhood Forum 3 (Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer) has not had a convenor and residents have attended NIRAG quarterly meetings to discuss and contribute to local community issues.

The highlight this month was the celebration of 40 years since NIRAG was formed as a result of the campaign to ensure that 40m high coal bins were not built at Sandon Point. On Sunday, 18th August at 4.30pm, we gathered at the Black Diamond Bulli Heritage Museum for a presentation of archival records to Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery for the Local Studies Library at Wollongong Council.

The day began with NIRAG President, John Croker introducing Uncle Peter Button, a long-time Sandon Point Tent Embassy member, and partner with NIRAG, who gave a Welcome to Country and played the didgeridoo. KerrieAnne Christian, the president of the museum, and former councillor Dave Martin who had both been involved since 1984, were also there to add their recollections of the past 40 years.

Following the presentation of four large folders of newspaper records to the mayor about 50 people regrouped at 5.30pm for a social opportunity at the Resin Brewery with a comprehensive slideshow of old photos and memorabilia. There have been many changes since 1984 and we enjoyed remembering the good times and the trials and tribulations.

The next quarterly meeting (and the AGM meeting) will be on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 at 7pm at the Bulli Community Centre (in the upstairs meeting room). All welcome.

The minutes of the August meeting are on the Illawarra Flame website.

For more details or to add items to the agenda email Ross Dearden: nirag@bigpond.com