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.
In August, NIRAG celebrated 40 years of community action which began in 1984 with the campaign to prevent 40m-high coal bins at Sandon Point. A collection of archival records was presented to the Lord Mayor for the Wollongong Council Local Studies Library. These are being used by NIRAG member John Corker, who is writing a book about the demonstrations at Sandon Point, and last month was runner-up in the prestigious Local History Prize competition for his entry, The Valentine’s Day Blockade Bulli, New South Wales Thursday 14 February 2002: A Historical Account. The paper was a compelling narrative of active, but peaceful community resistance, and can be read on the Council’s Library website (Local History Prize).
Since the Council elections in September, we welcome three new Ward One councillors, Cr Dan Hayes, Cr Ryan Morris and Cr Jess Whittaker.
Cr Richard Martin was re-elected, and we appreciate that he was a consistent participant at our meetings in previous years. Having this regular opportunity for our elected representatives to communicate with local community issues is great. We invite the new Councillors to regularly attend our quarterly meeting.
A special agenda item at this meeting will be a presentation by Council on how to be involved in the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) process, which will be on exhibition until 18th November.
The next quarterly 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 quarterly meeting are on the Illawarra Flame website.
For additional information or to add new items to the agenda contact Ross Dearden by email: nirag@bigpond.com
