SPaDCO Chairperson Mary-Lou Lewis provided NOTA with a commentary of the activities the organisation undertook during 2024.

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“Our executive committee, consisting of 13 diverse and skilled volunteers, assisted in so many ways to help in developing and maintaining a ‘Stronger Community Together’ (the SPaDCO motto), and were kept busy with a wide variety of objectives to fulfill.”

From August 2023 to September 2024, SPaDCO hosted a number of informative guest speakers, including:

– Kempsey Council representatives regarding the village’s sewer scheme;

– Lorraine Gordon from Southern Cross University discussing sustainable farming;

– NSW Police Senior constable Tim Preston advising on crime prevention;

– Wires volunteer Jenny Simmons and snake expert Roger Earle;

– Fire and Rescue’s Paul Lang and the RFS AIDER program’s Tracy Parkin;

– Local fisherman Rodney Smith;

– and commercial oyster farmer Todd Graham.

SPaDCO also prepared and delivered the village’s annual Fun Day, a free event on 11 August for the local district held at the Foreshore Reserve, an event which included the announcement of the winners of the second yearly community writing competition.

SPaDCO volunteers also met with Oxley MP Michael Kemp on a number of outstanding issues, including medical facilities, drainage at Stuarts Point, water quality, the Ngambaa Nature Reserve, and an upgrade to Jo Donovan Oval.

It was also a positive year for environmental projects, with bush regeneration on Grassy Headland targeted through a collaborative effort between SPaDCO, South West Rocks Dune Care, and students from Newcastle University.

The Grassy Head Bushcare group was also registered with Landcare.

With various grant acquisitions and acquittals, and ongoing collaborations within the community, 2025 will see the dedicated crew as busy as ever with many projects underway.

SPaDCO community meetings are regularly held bi-monthly at 6pm on the fourth Wednesday at the Stuarts Point Community Hall with a light supper provided.

All are welcome.

By Jen HETHERINGTON