Stables Open to All
Hello, I am writing in response to a front page article published in the Bellingen Shire News on Thursday April 24th 2025 by The Youth Hub.
The article was about the reinstating of the chess tables and the lack of undercover places for young people to gather and socialize.
One of the statements in the article was ‘The recent closure of the stables to young people has further contributed to their sense of isolation and reinforced feelings of exclusion from their community’.
I would like to state that all of the programs at the Stables are inclusive to the whole community regardless of age.
The Sustainability Centre, which includes the Stables and the two demountable buildings behind it, are run by volunteer community groups. The verandah of the Sustainability Centre’s demountable buildings was a favored meeting place for several groups of young people. It has been very challenging coping with the vandalism and disregard for the work of volunteers who care for the space.
Last year during the Taranta Festival three wheelie bins were dragged onto the Centre’s verandah and set alight. The fire brigade put the fire out and there was damage to wiring, a large hole in the verandah floor and railing burned through. The Centre was unable to operate until repairs to electrics were made. Because it was unsafe, Council erected fencing around the structure to stop access and protect the public.
The article is incorrect on the following points.
1. The Stables is not ‘closed to young people’.
2. The unsafe burned out verandah of the Sustainability Centre is fenced off for public safety reasons.
Julie Hutchinson, The Stable
Festival and Children’s Book celebrate Gumbaynggirr connections with Country
On Saturday the 10th of May from 10.30am to 3.30pm the fourth annual community festival led by Gumbaynggirr Custodian Uncle Bud Marshall will take place at the V-Wall, Nambucca Heads to celebrate the arrival of buluunggal, mullet, in the Nambucca River.
“Everyone is invited to come join us again to celebrate the ongoing significance of the mullet run for Country. I want this to be another fun day for people to experience how strong this place is and to connect with Gumbaynggirr culture. The day is about connection and respect. That is the important thing and the main thing I want to share” said Uncle Bud.
“I want the Buluunggal Festival to be a day of togetherness for Gumbaynggirr people to share their love of the Nambucca River. There will be dance, music and a free mullet BBQ. Everyone is welcome” said Uncle Bud.
This year’s festival will also feature the launch of a new children’s book, Yildaan: Our Dreaming Track by Uncle Bud Marshall, illustrated by local Gumbaynggirr artists, and Uncle Bud’s great nieces, Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady, and published by Allen & Unwin.
“This book talks about my Uncle Benjie. Mate, he was magic to me. I’d call out for him every morning and go up the river with him. He’d use a spear to fish. You’d see the mullet coming along the side of the river and he’d just spear them” said Uncle Bud.
“Featuring art and photographs from Gumbaynggirr Ngambaa Country, the book tells stories of Gumbaynggirr people, our living culture and our connection to Country” said book illustrator Hannah Smith.
“Uncle Bud’s story of being on Country mingles with ancestor’s stories and shows how these two parts of life are inherently connected” said book illustrator Elaine Carmady.
“With this book I want to tell people about this place and about my Elders. I want everyone who comes here to know where they are. I want them to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and be part of Yildaan, our Dreaming track” Uncle Bud explained.
Salvos Red Shield Appeal Letter to the Editor
It is that time of year again. May has come around, the weather is beginning to get cooler, and The Salvation Army are gearing up for their biggest fundraiser yet.
The 61st Red Shield Appeal is here. The collecting outside your local shops, the knocks on your front door, and the emblazoned Red Shield around the town means that it is time to dig deep to support Aussies in need.
It is a time of year that isn’t just about the funds raised. The Salvos are always blown away by the ways the community comes together across the country in support. We are in awe of our Army of volunteers, this year aiming to be 20,000 strong, who make all of this happen. It is the everyday folk in local communities that is the heartbeat of The Salvos and the Red Shield Appeal.
Why is the Red Shield Appeal so important? Because it allows for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society to get the support they vitally need and deserve. It means we can continue our work in areas like homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship and so much more.
The Salvos help someone in Australia every 17 seconds, but this doesn’t happen by accident. It is because of our incredible frontline workers who work tirelessly to support Aussies in need. It is because of our dedicated volunteers who give their time so selflessly for others. And it is because of the generosity of Australians, giving what they can to our Red Shield Appeal so someone else can receive hope.
Indeed, by giving to the Red Shield Appeal, you can be the hope that someone desperately needs.
Whether you are able to give financially, or give your time through volunteering, every little bit supports us to continue what we do best – helping people.
The Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million this year for our Red Shield Appeal. We trust Australians will be generous, and for that, we offer a sincere thank you.
And the best part is, when you see the folk collecting outside the supermarket, or receive a friendly knock on the door, you can know that funds raised locally in your community will remain local, supporting your fellow community members doing it tough.
So please, if you can this year, consider supporting the Salvos Red Shield Appeal.
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.
Major Bruce Harmer