A replacement barbecue for Tomaree SES

It concerns the community-focussed Nelson Bay Rotary Club and Bunnings Taylors Beach joining forces in support of the Port's hard-working frontline volunteers.

Nelson Bay Rotary secretary Chris Bartlett said that he was excited to pass on some good news in a week of floods, war and a pandemic.

"As in past emergencies, the Rotary members approached the local SES to offer a helping hand by cooking hot meals on the barbecue and assisting in food preparation at the Corlette unit to ensure the volunteers were looked after," Mr Bartlett said.

"During our communication we learned that the SES unit's barbecue was no longer working and in fact was beyond repair. So we approached Bunnings about a replacement barbecue unit who were kind enough to oblige.

"It turned out that Bunnings has been using a temporary barbecue while awaiting a new one for their weekend sausage sizzles that they organise with community groups and charities."

Mr Bartlett said that the presentation of the replacement barbecue from Bunnings to Tomaree SES through Nelson Bay Rotary was finalised last Monday.

Rotary president Doug Craike said it was a wonderful gesture by Bunnings, who assist many community organisations in numerous ways.

"While fundraising is difficult for many community groups [due to the pandemic], this donation will assist many volunteers as they carry out their frontline duties usually in trying conditions."

Tomaree SES members Milton Williams and Wayne Sartos said they were grateful for the donation and the support provided by Rotary members.

Mr Bartlett said there was more good news in regard to the vandalism at Gan Gan Lookout, reported in the Examiner on March 3.

"Nelson Bay Signs have offered to replace the signs at no charge, which is fantastic, while the Salamander Recycle Centre has offered to pay for the repairs. We are amazed by the generosity of local businesses and support from other community groups," Mr Bartlett said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: