The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) was formed in August 1984 as a reaction to proposals to construct 40m high Coal Bins at Sandon Point, Bulli. We support preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our Natural Environment, European and Indigenous Heritage.
Since 2020 in the role of Neighbourhood Forum 3 (Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer) residents of this area have been welcome to attend NIRAG quarterly meetings to discuss and contribute to local community issues and concerns.
This month there is only a brief update.
We had our usual quarterly meeting on 12th February. The minutes are available here.
Celebrating the Life of Margaret Dearden 1955-2025
The February meeting began with the following motion: “That the meeting acknowledges the passing of the Secretary’s beloved wife Margaret, and that the committee and members of NIRAG pass on their sincere sympathy.
“Moved: Neil. Seconded: Susannah. Passed unanimously.”
Margaret passed away on 6th February after a long struggle with metastatic Neuro Endocrine Tumour (NET). She was well known in the community and well over 250 friends and family attended an “absolutely beautiful” celebration of Margaret’s Life on Wednesday 19th at Sandon Point SLSC.
The surf club was filled to overflowing with what was described as the largest gathering ever held there. She will be sadly missed. Photos and an audio recording are available on YouTube @deards52.
Among other items discussed:
1. Changes to traffic movement in Bulli Township: concern for clearways on Saturday.
2. Wollongong Development Control Plan submission: Limiting new build gas connections.
3. Old Bulli Hospital Community Group Update on parking: 58 spaces to be provided.
4. Green corridor – Lot 303 (7ha), at Amy St, Thirroul: land needed to link to Sandon Point.
A meeting has been arranged with Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart to explore what assistance is available and what needs to be done to support the strong community support to have this land in public ownership. To date Council has not seen merit in obtaining this huge area, 70,000m² of land, even though green corridors are generally supported as the land is not identified on any strategic plans for Council to acquire.
NIRAG believes that volunteers would be able to reduce ongoing maintenance and management costs, and that this land should be reassessed and included in the council’s strategic plan, with assistance from State Government or other funding sources.
Clean Up Australia Day
Members agreed that NIRAG should be involved in this again and members will participate on Monday 3rd March at 9.30am to clean up at McCauley Beach/Sandon Point. Volunteers will be meeting at Hewitts Ck at the Cycleway bridge (at end of Hamilton St, Thirroul).
BushCare
For 40 years NIRAG has been actively working to improve our local environment and volunteers at Hewitts Ck / McCauleys Beach area. Our work area has now expanded to include an area at Flanagan’s Creek, Thirroul. Each Monday morning the NIRAG Hewitts Ck Bushcare Group, led by Ian McKinlay, meets either at the Hewitts Creek cycleway bridge or at Flanagan’s Ck site to control noxious weeds and revegetate with endemic species. New volunteers welcome.
The next NIRAG quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday, 14 May, 7pm upstairs at the Bulli Community Centre. All are welcome to share and contribute. Contact Ross Dearden by email: nirag@bigpond.com