Berry Town Crier

26/02/2025

An update on the David Berry Hospital from Dr Sarah Kaine MLC the NSW Government's spokesperson for Kiama.
For the full report follow this link
https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/david-berry-hospital

Plus
MEDIA RELEASE from Minister Ryan Park on the DAVID BERRY HOSPITAL
Ryan Park
Minister for Health
Minister for Regional Health
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast
MEDIA RELEASE
Community has its say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site
Wednesday, 26 February 2025
The community and stakeholders have had their say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site, with the overwhelming majority of respondents to the recent Have Your Say survey (87%) expressing a preference for the continuation of health and wellness services at the site.
The NSW Government has released the David Berry Hospital Community Engagement Report, which summarises the key findings from nearly 1,200 responses received during the consultation.
The report is available for the community to review on the Have Your Say website.
The feedback gathered will enable focused discussions, working groups and broader consultation opportunities with local residents, clinicians and staff, the Aboriginal community, environmental and heritage groups, and other interested parties to continue over the coming months.
When health services relocate to the $448 million redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital in 2026, the David Berry site will take on a new role with the help of the local community.
In the meantime, residents will continue to receive safe, high-quality care from the dedicated health team at David Berry Hospital.
The Have Your Say survey gathered nearly 1,200 responses on the site's historical and cultural value, potential future uses, and partnership opportunities.
As well as strong support for health and wellness services, respondents also showed an interest in preserving the site’s historical aspects and green spaces, and a preference for community-led initiatives over commercial or residential developments.
Responses also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the future use of David Berry Hospital appropriately acknowledges and includes Aboriginal perspectives.
The Minns Labor Government will consider any amendments required to the David Berry Hospital Act 1906 once the future use of the site has been identified. This legislative process will take some time to complete and additional consultation will be required on amendments to the Act.
For the latest information on the future of the David Berry Hospital site, including future opportunities to have your say, to read the Community Engagement Report or to contact the team, visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/david-berry-hospital.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“I want to thank everyone who responded to the survey, including local residents, healthcare professionals, heritage groups, and other community organisations.
“The nearly 1,200 responses reflect the community’s strong interest in the site's future, and we will ensure stakeholders are listened to and kept well informed about next steps.
“Although no longer suitable for its original purpose, this government will ensure the David Berry Hospital site will continue to serve the community.”
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC:
“I've heard from many people how important the David Berry Hospital Site is to the local community, and it’s been fantastic to see this represented in the number and variety of responses we have received so far.
“I am confident that with ongoing consultation we can have this site remain a suitable and valuable asset to the community.”
The future of David Berry Hospital
HAVEYOURSAY.NSW.GOV.AU
The future of David Berry Hospital

HAVEYOURSAY.NSW.GOV.AU
The future of David Berry Hospital

24/01/2025

Berry Town Crier February edition
Friends of the Berry Town Crier have just been emailed their (colour) edition of the February Town Crier.
The delivery will be commencing on Tuesday.
It will be posted on the web site shortly.
This edition features the very well known and popular Alfie (the Ginger Ninja) on our front cover.
Thank you to Alfies housemate and carer for the selection of photos. A cat around Town. We had so many options there.
Please support the local Town Crier with your advertising. The next edition closes for advertising and submissions on 19th February.
We have been producing the Crier for over 25 years now and we use the local printer for the back and white free edition. We print and deliver 2,400 copies each edition in and around Berry and in Post Boxes in Berry Post Office (as well as additional copies for people to collect).
Enquiries to [email protected] please.

14/01/2025

THE ALBANESE GOVERNMENT DELIVERING $5 MILLION FOR NOWRA RIVERFRONT PRECINCT
TUESDAY, 14 JANUARY 2025
The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by delivering infrastructure that connects regional communities and eases the everyday lives of locals.
We’ve listened to the people of Shoalhaven, and today we are announcing $5 million for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct – a new mixed-use hub that will reconnect Nowra city centre with the Shoalhaven River waterfront.
The new precinct will transform Nowra for locals and visitors alike, shaping the future of the town and strengthening its role as the civic and tourism centre for the Shoalhaven region.
It will create an integrated space, incorporating parklands, accommodation, areas for commercial and social activities, as well as active transport links.
Today’s investment is supporting a precinct masterplan, detailed designs for the central open space, drainage, an access road, and a business case. It will help complete the planning, while early delivery of public space improvements will encourage private investment and renewal of the surrounding area.
This project showcases the Government’s commitment to listening to, and working with, local communities, and addressing regional needs.
It is funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional.
For more information on the Nowra Riverfront Activation, visit: Nowra Riverfront Activation (NRAT) | Get Involved Shoalhaven.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“My Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing we will deliver $5 million to create the Nowra Riverfront Precinct.
“This project will transform Nowra and create a space that can be enjoyed by the local community and tourists for years to come.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The Nowra Riverfront Precinct has been a long-held vision of the Shoalhaven City Council, so I’m thrilled to be part of a government that believes in regional communities and is turning their dream into a reality.
“Precincts like this not only give the community a space to gather and visitors a space to enjoy, but they transform towns by boosting local economies and shaping the everyday lives of locals.
“This new riverfront precinct, which will be beautifully integrated into Nowra, and will cement its role as the community and tourism hub of the Shoalhaven region.”
Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips:
“As a long-time local, the Shoalhaven Riverfront has always held great personal significance to me. It’s where I grew up riding my bike from the farm to the Nowra Pool. It’s where I married, where I regularly swam with my family and community, and it’s where I fought so hard along with our community to save Nowra’s community swimming pool.
“I’ve never lost sight of that as part of a revitalised riverfront. That’s why I’ve been fighting every single day to continue riverfront revitalisation for our community.
“To say I’m thrilled with this funding announcement today is an understatement. It is a pivotal piece in the puzzle of the always-longed-for revitalised riverfront.
“A revitalised Nowra Riverfront will mean huge benefits for our community with improved liveability and wellbeing options as well as being good for tourism, local businesses and jobs.”
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White:
“We are excited to be able to continue to progress this project with the NSW Government’s Nowra Rivefront Advisory Taskforce towards delivery as it presents a significant and long desired opportunity to shape the future of Nowra and strengthen its role as the civic, community, tourism and recreational hub for the Shoalhaven region.
“This funding will allow us to complete planning investigations and finalise the masterplan designs for the flagship riverfront park, and conduct further community consultation and a business case to facilitate investment in this foreshore precinct.”
Photo R to L Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP; Member for South Coast Liza Butler MP; Mayor of Shoalhaven Patricia White and Senior Planning for Shoalhaven Council Gordon Clark.

09/01/2025

February 2025 Berry Town Crier –Community Group submissions & Advertising closes 15th January
Advertise your business to well over 2,400 locals and many, many more with our on line and emailed copies.
Advertise your business for as little as $36 per month.
Advertise your business with a community paper that supports spending locally and has done so for 25 years.
Contact our Editor [email protected]
See details and past copies at www.berryalliance.org.au
Support your local community paper that has been producing the Town Crier for more than 25 years and is a fellow member of the Berry Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
Details:
DISPLAY ADS
1 Column: Single rate = $110 or Repeat rate = $297 ($99 x 3 issues) Dimensions: 10cm high x 6cm wide
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FULL PAGE Single rate = $363 or Repeat rate = $900 ($300 x 3 issues) Dimensions: 27cm high x 18.5cm wide *Repeat rate applies to 3 or more issues with no changes and one invoice to be paid up front.
TRADES & SERVICES 1 issue = $60
• 6 issues = $252 ($42 each issue)
• 12 issues = $432 ($36 each issue) Dimensions are 6cm wide x 5cm high
(One box, no changes, one invoice paid at the beginning)

28/12/2024

Things to do over the Holiday season - extract from the Friends of the Berry Town Crier Newsletter 20th December 2024.

Rick Gainford for the Management Committee of the Berry Town Crier.

Summer fun activities for everyone From Shoalhaven City Council & Berry Town Crier

Make this summer unforgettable with activities the whole family can enjoy.
From fitness classes to swimming intensives, slide nights, pool parties, Lego drop-ins and stop motion animation, there’s something for everyone.
Block out the diary now: (Click through on the links below for more details)
New Years’ Eve Pool Party at Nowra Aquatic Park: celebrate New Year’s Eve with an unforgettable pool party. Enjoy slides, splash play park, swimming, inflatables, games, prizes, an outdoor movie, and a disco under the stars. 5.30 – 9.30pm. Tickets available on the door.
Summer Slides at Nowra Aquatic Park: cool off with weekly slide nights at Nowra Aquatic Park. Enjoy two hours of fun with slides, splash play park, swimming, and music every Tuesday and Thursday in January. Tickets available on the door.

Swim School Intensives: fast-track your child’s swimming skills during the school holidays. Locations include Ulladulla, Bay & Basin, Bomaderry, Kangaroo Valley and Sussex Inlet. Enrolments are now open so contact your local centre to secure your place.

Swim workshops: specialised coaching sessions to help swimmers improve their skills and prepare for races. Locations include Ulladulla, Bay & Basin and Bomaderry.

Free outdoor fitness classes: get active this summer with free outdoor fitness classes. Locations include Mollymook and Huskisson. Fill out the online form to secure your spot.

Holiday program for primary school-aged children: a fun-filled holiday program featuring indoor sports, jumping castles, arts and crafts, and an interactive multi-ball screen that combines video games with physical activity. Various dates at Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre. Head online to request a registration form.

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery school holiday program: join the Gallery for a range of art-inspired programs. Each program includes interactive art activities designed to engage children's imagination in both a learning and playful environment.

Shoalhaven Libraries offers school holiday programs for ages 5 – 12: coding, murals, wool workshops and Lego sessions across the region’s libraries. Head to the ‘what’s on’ page for bookings and more information.
For more information on dates, locations and bookings, visit summer school holiday fun webpage.

Plus Locally in Berry:
31st December in Berry New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Family Fun Night. – Rotary Club of Berry. At Berry Showground. Gates open at 5pm. Entry $10 per person with children under 15 years free. Fireworks display at 9pm. Carnival rides and slides; entertainment; food stalls.
This is a non alcohol event and dogs are not permitted.
More Information and bookings: https://www.berryrotary.org.au/

Berry Sport and Recreation Day Camps
Have Day Camps during the holidays on 16, 17, 23, 24, 28, 29 & 30 January. Children between 7 and 12. Lots of fun activities indoors and outdoors including Kayacking, rafting, archery, indoor rock climbing plus more. Bookings are essential. More info: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/sport-and-recreation-centres/berry

Date for your diary:
31st January and 1st February 2025 – The 137th Berry Show

Plus there is also:
Boongaree Nature Park in Berry Free Entry
The Berry Village Pool Entry charge
Closed on 25th December only.
Other season operating hours: https://www.shoalhavenssf.com.au/About/News/Holiday-season-operating-hours

28/12/2024

Extract from the Berry Town Crier's Friends Newsletter 20 December 2024.
Dates and what services are open including bins, recycling depots, swimming pools, libraries and a whole lot more.
Have a safe and happy holiday season from the Berry Town Crier.
Shop local, Shop Berry,
Shop with the businesses that advertise in your Town Crier.
Rick Gainford, Secretary

Council services over Christmas and New Year

Council's administrative offices at Nowra and Ulladulla will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period from 2pm Tuesday 24 December and reopening on Thursday 2 January 2025.

During the Christmas closure, residents and visitors can call the after-hours helpline on 1300 293 111 for urgent matters or browse Council’s website for answers to common queries or to submit a request online.
Visit the links below for the latest information on altered services over the holiday period:
Shoalhaven Swim Sport and Fitness - opening hours at each facility:
Bay and Basin Leisure Centre – closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day
Nowra Aquatic Park – closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day
Bomaderry Aquatic Centre - closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day
Sussex Inlet Aquatic Centre - closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day
Ulladulla Leisure Centre - closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day
Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre – closed from 1pm, 24 December and reopens 2 January 2025.

Village pools
Berry, Greenwell Point, Kangaroo Valley, Milton and Shoalhaven Heads village pools -
closed Christmas Day,
open Boxing Day and New Year’s Day (1pm – 5pm).

Sea pools
Ulladulla and Huskisson Sea Pool will close on Christmas Day only, then normal operating hours.
Shoalhaven libraries
Ulladulla Library - closed from 2pm Tuesday 24 December and reopens 9.30am Thursday 2 January 2025.
Milton Library – closed from 5pm on Monday 23 December and reopens 10.30am Thursday 2 January 2025.
Nowra Library – closed from 2pm Tuesday 24 December and reopens 9.30am Thursday 2 January 2025.
Sanctuary Point Library – closed from 2pm Tuesday 24 December and reopens 9.30am Thursday 2 January 2025.
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Encore Café - closed from 1.30pm Tuesday 24 December and reopening on Thursday 2 January 2025.
Shoalhaven Regional Gallery – closed from Tuesday 24 December and reopening on Thursday 2 January 2025.

Waste and Recycling Depots BERRY
Extended Christmas holiday opening hours (from 27 Dec to 31 Jan) Berry Open Monday, Wednesday Friday, Saturday & Sunday but Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Weekly collection of yellow kerbside recycling bins start Monday 23 December and ends Friday 31 January 2025.

Red bins – usual collection days. They may be picked up late though so leave them out if not emptied.

Shoalhaven Visitor Information Services – Nowra and Ulladulla Visitor Information Services will be open limited hours over the holiday period. Visit the Shoalhaven Tourism website for full details on their opening hours or contact the team at the Visitor Information team on 4421 0778.

Shoalhaven Animal Shelter – closed from 2pm on Tuesday 24 December, but open on the public holidays – Wednesday 25 December, Thursday 26 December and Wednesday 1 January from 9am to 11am. All other days (including Saturday and Sunday) are normal hours from 9am to 4pm.

Bereavement Services – office closed on weekends and public holidays.

“””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Beach patrols began Thursday 19 December

Professional beach patrols on Shoalhaven beaches began Thursday 19 December and run until the end of the summer holidays.
Patrolled beaches include South Mollymook, North Mollymook, Narrawallee, Crookhaven, Tilbury (eastern end of Culburra), Warrain, Cudmirrah and Shoalhaven Heads.

Holiday makers and locals are reminded to always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches this summer.
Shoalhaven has more than 100 beautiful beaches along our stunning coastline for people to enjoy, but not all beaches have patrols. If you are planning to swim, it’s strongly recommended swimming at a patrolled beach for your own safety and the safety of others.
Rip currents are one of the greatest and most common hazards on Australian beaches. Anyone caught in a rip is advised to stay calm, conserve energy and use one of the options recommended by Surf Life Saving NSW: raise an arm to seek help, float with the current until it releases you, or swim parallel to the shore or towards breaking waves and use them to help you in.
Daily summer patrols from 19 December 2024 to 30 January 2025 include:
• North Mollymook
• Crookhaven
• Tilbury
• Warrain
• Cudmirrah Narrawallee (Monday to Friday)
• Shoalhaven Heads
• South Mollymook (patrols have begun and will run until 28 February).
For more information about patrolled beaches and surf safety, head to Surf Life Saving’s beachsafe.

NB Please take particular care on the roads at all times and at the beach particularly following the 2 most recent deaths at the Kiama beaches which are also popular with our community in Berry.
Please also consider politely approaching others who appear to be going in to swim where there are clearly rips (clearly to experienced swimmers) or otherwise dangerous and or unpatrolled.

Please don't judge. Assist and possibly save a dangerous situation occurring.

Our thoughts are with the families of those who have died and also with the first responders, the locals who assisted and witnessed the drownings or the recovery process.

Stay safe.

26/12/2024

HIGH FIRE DANGER - PERMITS SUSPENDED

The fire danger in the Shoalhaven tomorrow (Friday , the 27th of December 2024) is HIGH. All fire permits are suspended which means any pile burn that is currently under way must be fully extinguished and safe by midnight tonight.

If you have conducted a pile burn in the past few weeks we encourage you to check that it is still extinguished and safe.

Report all fires to '000' and use this reminder to check your bush fire plan. You can stay up-to-date with fires and changes to advice levels by using the 'Hazards Near Me' NSW app.

Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
Radio 2ST
94.9 Power FM
South Coast Register
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 477 Ulladulla
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 405 Nowra
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 224 Berry
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 440 Shoalhaven

17/12/2024

Recycling bins - weekly collections commence next week for the holiday season.
More information in the Friends of the Berry Town Crier Newsletter coming out shortly.

❗ Weekly recycling collection starts next week.

Your yellow bin will be collected every week from Monday 23 December until the end of January. Your collection day remains the same and remember to put your bins out the night before!

Kerbside collections are not affected by public holidays.

Find out your collection day here 👉 bit.ly/3ZKkhPh

06/12/2024

Fantastic! Well done indeed.

🎀🎀…EDIT…🎀🎀

We have just had a couple more donations before we close off 2024 our total now is ……
💖💖$76, 786💖💖👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Pink Up girls dinner last night, celebrating a truly incredible milestone—Pink Up Berry’s massive achievement of raising 💖$75,395! 💖 our best year yet!

We are so excited and proud of what this amazing community has accomplished together. Every effort, every donation, and every ounce of support has made this achievement possible

Here’sMcGrath Foundationelped along the way — together we can, and are making a difference! 💕

We would love to wish everyone a very 🎄Merry Christmas🎅🏻and a wonderful 🎉New Year 🎉
Thankyou from the bottom of our hearts 💖💖

McGrath Foundation

22/10/2024

Get on board. The Berry Town Crier are proud sponsors again for 2025.

Check out this inspiring word cloud from the 2023 OpenField Arts Festival! It’s filled with all the reasons why our visitors flocked to the event—art, community, inspiration, and a weekend away were just a few of the standout words.

As we look ahead to the 2025 festival, we can’t wait to bring you more of what you loved. Whether you came to immerse yourself in art, meet like-minded people, or simply to experience something new, we’re gearing up for another year full of memorable moments.

What word will define your OpenField experience in 2025?
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