THIS week is National Water Week organised by the Australian Water Association to inspire people, communities and organisations to build awareness around the value of water and waterways.

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In support, the MidCoast Council is releasing their annual Waterways and Catchment Report Card.

It will assess the current ecological health and the progress of management actions across the area’s waterways, including the Wallis and Myall Lakes, and the Manning and Karuah River Estuaries.

Committed volunteers, such as the Myall Lakes Aquatic Club, also contribute to maintaining the waterways.

Members recently installed new and safe decking at Engels Wharf, taking a full weekend to complete the job, with materials provided by National Parks and Wildlife.

Alongside the beaches, the fantastic volunteers who make up the local Bitou Busters have been clearing weeds from the sand dunes each month are having a well-deserved end of season BBQ on Saturday 24 October.

Other dates to note:

• 1st Bulahdelah Scouts Group is planning a mega garage sale on Saturday 28 November with donations in advance welcome at 56 Stroud Street, Bulahdelah.
• St John’s Op Shop at Stroud is open every Friday from 9am with lots of bargains available.
• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service advise that Broughton Island campground remains closed until 2 November, as does the Bungarie Bay and Neranie campgrounds until further notice due to upgrades.

Confirming that the MidCoast Council have cancelled the 2020 Bulky Waste collection due to COVID-19 constraints.

For this year, the kerbside collection will be replaced by two waste disposal vouchers to be mailed by 30 October.

The vouchers can be used at any MidCoast Waste Management Centre until 30 June 2021.

On waste, sadly dumping continues to be an issue for the Lions Club Lookout and a number of local parks, all of which have had increased visitors this spring.

The Council will continue to support a CCTV program to identify and prosecute illegal dumpers.

Locals can also assist by photographing and reporting dumpers to www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 131 555.

On a positive note, nominate your favourite local business for a Happiness Hamper as part of the celebrations for NSW Government’s Small Business month this October.

The hampers will be chock-full of goodies, from motivational business books to locally sourced pamper products.

Enter online on the MidCoast Council website shopmidcoast.com.au, with entries closing 4.30pm on 23 October.

Finally, good luck to all the local year 12 students who started their Higher School Certificate with the English exam first this week on the 20 October, with results out on the 18 December.

In addition to the many support services available for students and families during this often stressful time, locals can obtain a free School Leavers Information Kit, contact 1800 227 337 for more information. 

By Sandra MURRAY