Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association finish 2023 strong Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - December 29, 2023 Teamwork makes the dream work. Kay and Michele busy at the gift-wrapping table. VOLUNTEERS of the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association (HNTGPA) have been busy helping people enjoy the holidays, while continuing to raise funds for local projects. Two recent outings at Bunnings Heatherbrae have added to the pot that will fund many more community projects and events in 2024, chief among them being the Golden Anniversary of the Singing Bridge, first completed in April 1974. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au At the big Bunnings Family Shopping Night on Thursday, 7 December, the HNTGPA team of Barry and Kay Jones, Terry Jenkins, Kath Verdon and Michele Winn wrapped presents for shoppers outside. Anyone who had just bought a Christmas gift at Bunnings could go over and get it expertly wrapped for a gold coin donation, or buy a new decoration in the process. “We are always looking for fundraising opportunities,” Trevor Jennings told NOTA. “All our funds go back into the community at Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens.” “We were invited by Bunnings, and it’s good to stretch out of town, not always asking the same people,” Michele Winn added. Ten days later, and that much closer to Christmas, another Progress Association team was hosting the famous Bunnings BBQ at Heatherbrae, where things got “crazy busy”, according to Publicity Officer Sandra Bourke. “This and two more events before April should give us enough to run a basic Bridge Anniversary party.” Given practical concerns like supplies and modern insurance requirements, the HNTGPA has expressed thanks to the MidCoast Council for a recent $2000 sponsorship promise for the Singing Bridge’s 50th, an event which President Bruce Murray rightly declared “too significant to let it pass by uncelebrated.” News Of The Area has been looking into the rich and curious history of the Singing Bridge throughout the year, and there will be more to come in the lead-up to the big day on 6 April 2024. By Thomas O’KEEFE Kay, Barry and Bruce, among other volunteers, prepare for the lunchtime rush at the Bunnings BBQ. Gifted wrappers Bary Jones, Kay Jones, Kath Verdon, Trevor Jennings and Michele Winn at Bunnings’ Family Christmas Shopping Night. It got busy at the Shopping Night, the Progress Association was one among many outside. Christmas raffles were on sale at the Bunnings BBQ.
