THREE new life members, Leigh Allen, Trevor Jennings and Christian Patterson, were appointed and acknowledged at the Annual General Meeting of the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association (HNTGPA) Incorporated held 13 December at Hawks Nest Golf Club.

According to the HNTGPA’s Constitution, Life Membership is awarded to community volunteers who have fifteen years of service, including five years on the Management Committee.

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In awarding their Certificates and hand painted shells, HNTGPA President Bruce Murray stated, “Some time has passed since the HNTGPA acknowledged life members, with only one currently active, Kevin Green, who continues to support our community and PA.

“Our three new life members have each contributed significantly to our community and continue to do so.

“Life membership commemorates their service and connection to our community.

“These volunteers continue to support our twin villages, bringing perspective and experience. Thank you.”

Local stalwart Leigh Allen joined the PA in 2002 and has volunteered for 20 years, including as Secretary, Treasurer, and this year on the Management Committee, continuing as a member in 2023.

As well as being a founding member of the Myall River Art Walk Group, Leigh believes volunteering is important, stating, “I consider local community involvement the crux of a society, and Progress Associations are a fundamental element.”

Photographer and author Christian Patterson grew up in Hawks Nest and joined the PA in 2001 and remains part of the 2023 Management Committee.

Over 21 years, Christian served in many positions including as President and Vice President and supports communities working together, stating, “In 2005, the PA united the entire community, the Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Groups, Real Estates Agents, Developers and more to reject then Great Lakes Council’s so-called ‘Housing Strategy’.

“If implemented, the high densities and designs would have altered our twin villages beyond recognition.

“The PA initiated two open Public Meetings and persevered until all of the community groups (often in conflict) signed a strong unified document.

“This was presented to the Council who when confronted with such opposition had no choice but to redo the entire strategy.”

Well-known local Trevor Jennings joined over fifteen years ago and has served multiple positions including as President, Secretary and remains Vice President in 2023.

Key contributions included the strategic infrastructure plan, fundraising sausage sizzles and overseeing the running of the Grey and Thespian Mardi Gras for two years.

Trevor stated, “The issue that I am most proud of was when I convened a meeting of local community group representatives, the Police and representatives from the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang who were attempting to establish a headquarters in the Tea Gardens industrial estate.

“The PA was successful in getting Council to reject the Development Application for the establishment of the club house.

“This helped prevent the gang from infiltrating our villages with the distribution of drugs, firearms and other illegal activities.”

The Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association Incorporated relies on ratepayer support and volunteer service to get things done and to have a strong representative voice to all levels of government.

If you are interested in helping shape our area please consider joining – email HNTGProgress@gmail.