Hard News
The need to know stories for the community and beyond
Always Was, Always Will Be -A new Chapter for EMHS-
For the first time in 13 years, the Aboriginal Studies class at Eden Marine High School is running. The two year long class will start for year 11 students in 2021, and run through to 2022. It was due to a lack of students picking it that it hasn’t run for such a long time, but year 10 students - particularly aboriginal students - have expressed enthusiastic interest in it. The subject examines the history and culture of Aboriginal people. It provides a way for students to connect with the history of their people and learn about their ancestors.
“Me, Nikea and all the other kids - we sat down and talked about it, and decided we wanted to be more informed on what happened to our people,” says Ashanti, a student taking the class. Aboriginal studies teaches things such as Aboriginal history, culture, art, tradition, and lore. The students will learn about the history of the fight for their rights, and those involved in the movement. It also provides studies of other first nations people, and their contributions and accomplishments.
“The main objective of the class is to help aboriginal students strengthen their bond with their community and become leaders within it,” says Ms. Kercher, the future teacher of Aboriginal studies. The class is heavily focused on creating connections within the local Aboriginal community, and getting the students better involved in and connected with their heritage and culture. Ultimately, it emphasises the importance of this sort of education for indigenous youth.
Below: Aboriginal students from Eden Marine High School with their handmade canoes.
By Margot Chabrier
Serial killer on the loose in Bega!
DISCLAIMER: this is a fictional story!
Police are on the lookout after a mysterious man was found running away from a dead body that had been stabbed multiple times in the chest.
Police were driving towards the Bega mall on the 20th of November at 10pm after reports of screaming in the parking lot. Police officer Lincoin arrived at the scene at 10:15pm to find a figure dressed in black running away from the body.
Police have been trying to track down the killer for hours now with no luck. We interviewed an eyewitness and they said: “Yeah I was just walking home from Maccas and I saw this dude in black run down the street towards me and jump into an old Forrester. He drove past me but I didn't see his face and he must have gone to the roundabout.”
Police say that this mysterious man is most likely linked to the other murders from the last week that have also been in the Bega area. On the 17th of November there was another murder in Bega and the day before that there were two more.
Police are urging people to speak up if they know anything about these murders and stay indoors and be careful if they are outside especially at night.
By Harvey Pickup
Bega Bomb Threats!
NAB banks have shut for the day as bomb threats branches across the whole of Bega Valley.
Apparent bomb threats state shutting down, bomb threats were aimed at the NAB banks in Bega which led to banks all across the state closing down for the day (18th November).
Police suspect that this apparent bomb threat was a hoax trying to scare the bank forcing it to close down. NAB officials came out with the statement: "Their safety and security is our absolute priority and that is why we took the action we did."
This statement was let out into the public to inform everyone that the safety of the customers was NAB’s first priority at the time, this is the reason they decided to close down for the day.
Across the state the NAB banks were evacuated, they also closed all of their branches such as business banking centres and commercial businesses on Wednesday over a "physical security threat." Since the bomb threat was released to the NAB banks at around 1-1:30pm, they closed all of their banks for the rest of the day and reopened the following day on Thursday 13th November 2020.
NAB made no apology for this and replied with “the latest advice from state and federal police is that the threat is not credible and has been deemed a hoax.”
NAB has further investigated the apparent bomb threat and came to the conclusion that the security threat was a complete hoax from an unidentified person and/or persons from the 18th of November up to this day forward. If the person and/or persons were to be found they would be charged with serious fines and potential jail sentences.
By Toby Symonds
Community Gathers for Lisa Freedman
On Sunday the 15th November, the local SCLC stage band and local community came together to support local woman Lisa Freedman in her journey through terminal cancer. Those who came together gathered outside The Freedman’s residence in Tathra for an afternoon of music and love.
Lisa Freedman was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in June 2019. It is a terminal disease in which the life expectancy is less than 2 years since diagnosis. This news devastated many across the far south coast as she is the principal of Tathra public school and assists in organizing the annual music camp provided to public schools across the Region.
The stage band contacted original members from the past to come play with the current band to produce a very special performance. Family members and friends also performed in dedication of Lisa.
An interview was held with Lisa, which consisted of a series of questions. This led to her beautiful, heartwarming response.
“I am a strong and resilient person, but to be told you are dying at 53 years of age is very hard to comprehend. The support of my husband, two daughters, mother and some great friends allows me to deal with the diagnosis in a way in which I feel loved and cared for.
The hardest thing has been having to retire and stop doing the things that I love. I have been a teacher for 33 years and love my job. I loved being the principal of Tathra Public School for 6 years and wish I could be still there. I am very independent but my independence has been lost. I can’t do a lot for myself due to pain. I can’t walk more than a few metres unassisted, drive a car due to medication or even do tasks around the house anymore. It can be very frustrating. I really have lost a lot of my freedom to this disease.
Having a terminal illness takes you through a series of losses. The loss of a future, the thought of not being around for my husband and kids, a lack of control over your own life - that is all very hard but I don’t try to dwell on it. I get up each day and cope with that day in the best frame of mind I can be in.
I have always felt supported. There is however, definitely a bonus being fairly young, educated and forthright, as you do have to advocate for yourself and manage the many experts who become involved in your medical care so that you don’t suffer information overload or confusion. I would hate to be old and alone going through this. All the medical people I have worked with have been great, but they are all experts in their own areas. I have to bring the information together and work out what is best for me.
"I am proud of the fact that I can accept this diagnosis. All I do is try to stay positive and brave, but I’m not under any delusions. I know I’m not going to live. I am getting sicker every day. I just need to, and try hard to make the most out of every day and be grateful for my life and what I have.”
The collaboration of students and the community created a sincere and warm environment for the Freedman Family. Everyone came together and produced a sensational afternoon of music and love.
Written By: Jake Hansen
Firies Fight More Than Flames
‘RFS members are struggling with mental health issues after the fires, and it needs to be recognised,’ writes Freya Occleshaw
At the end of 2019, Australia entered one of the worst fire seasons of the decade. Fueled by unprecedented heat waves and months of drought, the fires devastated over 18 million hectares, and an estimated 480 million animal lives were lost. However, the wildlife wasn’t the only thing affected by these fires. The members of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) gave up months of their lives to fight against the fires that plagued the south coast, without break.
Most RFS members are volunteers, and during the 2019-2020 summer fires, the majority didn’t see their families for weeks or months. For many, the constant stress of being on the fire grounds and working for hours, sometimes days without break led to mental and physical burnout, something many have not been supported in dealing with.
“The thing that surprised me is how long [mental health aid] it’s taken”, says Brent Occleshaw, Group Officer in the RFS, “the tail end of this entire thing is taking twice as long as it should. You can’t get anyone involved or enthused for firefighting stuff at the moment.”
Even after the fires, volunteers have to deal with the consequences. “Even just driving down New Buildings Road and seeing all the burnt trees. It makes you wonder ‘what if’. Some people have to live with it right outside their door, every day. That can be hugely traumatic,” he says.
Promises of mental health support for volunteers have been made but 12 months on, there are still RFS members in need of aid and support. Some RFS Captains and Group Officers have taken on the responsibility of checking in on members themselves. “There are something like 70,000 volunteers. It’s [the support available] stretched, but that’s unsurprising given the scope of these fires. But it was ramped up fairly quickly, and I know they’ve [the RFS commission] invested much more into future support.”
There are several resources linked to mental health factsheets and websites located on the NSW RFS website, and the RFS has been encouraging volunteers to seek help.
“It’s [mental health aid] always been pretty easy to access, and we’ve always made it pretty well known,” states Brent, “We’ve been advertising it for years, and the fact that it’s free and confidential.”
Critical Incident Support Services (CISS), is one mental health aid option. CISS is a free and confidential support service for NSW RFS members and their immediate family members. Their key goal; ‘We aim to lessen the impact of critical incidents on all NSW Rural Fire Service members involved’. There are dozens of other support networks available for RFS members through the RFS website and each individual brigade, all of which are free and available at any time.
If you are a member of the RFS and need help with any mental health issues in regards to the summer fires you can contact the CISS at 1800 049 933.
By Freya Occleshaw
A New Hope for Haemophiliacs
Chugai Pharmaceutical has created an incredible new life saving haemophilia treatment called Hemlibra (emicizumab). This will drastically benefit patients with haemophilia A.
Haemophilia is a genetic disorder where your blood doesn't clot normally and causes excessive bleeding.
Hemlibra was created in 2017 but has only been introduced into Australia very recently, although it is expected to be available by December 2020. All Australian governments are in agreement to fund Hemlibra.
Hemlibra currently costs $29,293 for 150mg/ml vials (Qty : 2). The current treatment for haemophilia is called Factor 8. Factor 8 has been incredibly useful for many years by saving the lives of those who live with haemophilia, but it also limits the users to a every third day infusion. With the new breakthrough of Hemlibra transfusion is now fortnightly which could possibly lead to a monthly infusion with further study and trial. This is a big relief for Haemophiliacs. Without any transfusions a Haemophiliacs can suffer external and internal bleeding this can be extremely life threatening.
One local family will be the beneficiaries of this new treatment. Three members of the Maguire/Grist family have severe haemophilia with a clotting level below 1%. This is in comparison to a person without haemophilia is between 50% - 100%. Due to increase of bruising, swelling in joints and severe bleeds this limits the boys from a lot of recreational activities. As the boys got older they found it difficult to go away from their mother over a long period time as they were unable to have a transfusion every second day , self transfusion is possible but it is a hard skill to learn as a young child. This breakthrough of Hemlibra gives children like this family a better chance at a more efficient life.
This new treatment is administered no longer through veins but through belly fat, this means that the difficulty of trying to find a vein will be solved. After a while your veins become difficult to access after many transfusions . But after the new breakthrough their veins will not get damaged. As many new treatments have risks depending on the different type of person the boys will get regular checkups by their haematologist. While this does mean constant travelling to Canberra, it's worthwhile. Jake Grist has suffered with haemophilia his whole life with major difficulties, especially at birth. Jo Grist -mother of Jake Grist- says: "this new treatment creates relief for new parents with new baby sons who have been diagnosed with Hemophilia."
Jake Grist is an independent 24 year old with cerebral palsy and autism. He finds it difficult to transfuse by himself which means he goes to the Canberra medical centre at UC for the nurses to infuse Jake's factor. This limits his independence, but on the upside he has a love for travelling and exploring train stations. Unfortunately, with the third daily transfusion, it limits him from doing the activities he loves. Hopefully this treatment will bring light to lot of families who suffer with haemophilia.
By Shari Grist
WHERE IS GARRY VARALL?
Narooma police are now re-appealing for 62 year old Garry Verall to be found after 2 years since his disappearance.
62 year old Narooma man Garry Verall left his Narooma apartment on the 26th of January 2018 claiming he was going to “Tilba area” and was going to “return the following day” and hasn’t been seen since. After Mr. Verall failed to come back from his trip, police were notified and a search party was launched, but was unfortunately unsuccessful. Police are now re-appealing for him to be found either dead or alive and urging people who were on the princess highway that day and had seen anything suspicious to come forward and contact either the police or crime stoppers. Garry was said by his family that he was notorious for hitchhiking, police are requesting that anyone who may have given him a lift to come forward. Garry is described as being tall, thin built, fair skin and small tattoos on his lower left arm. Anyone with information about Mr. Verrall’s whereabouts is asked to immediately call Batemans Bay Police Station on (02) 4472 0099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
By Holly Evans
Hoops, they did it again!
As COVID-19 is restricting us from having gatherings the Merimbula Basketball committee has decided to remodel the courts by adding a better surface and a roof. The reason behind this new remodel is that they are hoping for it to encourage more people to come down and play basketball. They add the new roof which will help with the heat and the rain. The new court is going to be a better surface to play on and hopefully, there will be fewer accidents. but the COVID-19 outbreaks have stopped this construction and now they have been forced to postpone the date for basketball and competitions to start.
Has COVID-19 affected the progress of the new basketball court?
"To some degree yes, it has made it harder to meet with council and contractors and discuss planning due to COVID-19."
Has the council stopped the progress whilst COVID-19 was at large?
"No, not stopped, but delayed due to the virus. The planning stage has been a more drawn-out process due to COVID-19."
Have you had any trouble with getting products for the new basketball courts?
"No not to my knowledge as yet, the obtainment of material required for the project will be handled by the contractor and to date we have not yet been notified of any delay."
Is it a lot harder to know that there could be more outbreaks meaning it could delay it even more?
"No. COVID-19 restrictions have become normal of late and unexpected delays are now more accepted and dealt with accordingly.it would, however, be disappointing if new COVID-19breakouts emerged that halted the project and delayed the finish beyond the completion date impeding our comp start date to next year."
By Jake Humphrey
Photo: Freya Occleshaw 09/12/2020
A "Wharf"ul Experience
In September the Eden Wharf had to shut down their precinct as an inspection came back as too unsafe for people to be in the area.
On September 26 the Department of Crown Lands gave all businesses 28 days to collect their things and leave after the Marine Discovery Centre was deemed unsafe and the chief leaseholders did not have the money to fix all the damages.
As a result of the closure, it forced the leaseholders to leave their businesses behind and resulted in people losing their jobs.
This comes after the state government spent 44 million dollars upgrading the Eden Wharf to accommodate the cruise industry. After building the Eden Wharf for people to disembark from the ships to enjoy the restaurants and food, they are now met with nothing there.
The owners of Finny’s By the Wharf, Trish Rowe and Michael Fulton explained how this has affected them after having to go through bushfires and COVID-19.
“Where do I even start, it's traumatising, it’s devastating, there’s no closure,” Ms. Rowe stated. They explained that they didn’t have a choice if they wanted to close or not, and that it’s been hard for them to see their restaurant go down the drain after having it for around 3 years. “I have mixed emotions about it, stress, sadness and devastation.” She explained further that if she didn’t get the help from family she wouldn’t have got everything out in time.
Finny’s By the Wharf was one of the first places to close. Ms. Rowe was explaining why she closed so quickly when she could have had a couple of days left. “Your first priority is the safety of your customers that come in. You don’t want a customer to get hurt from a small accident and you feel the guilt from it and if we stayed open and something happened to someone we didn’t have the public liability to cover it.”
The community is still consulting with council and the State government as to ways forward from here.
By Katelyn Fulton