’Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la lala la la.

The Progress Association’s merriment started mid November winning the Peabody Landcare & Environment category at the NSW Regional and Community Achievement Awards. Along with a rather flash trophy came a $2500 cheque that has helped to cover the costs of the storm damage on CPPA property earlier this year. Yeah team!

The recognition came in the week the CPPA was celebrating 20 years of locals landcaring on public reserves and in their bushland backyards so it was fantastic to be able to celebrate the award at the 20 years-on landcaring BBQ and the fun filled trivia night.

The 20 years on trivia tournament tested local and international knowledge and much happiness filled the hall. The success of event was due to the 50 locals in attendance, the skills of Tony Parrott’s commentary and the generosity of the local sponsors who provided $1500 worth of prizes for the night. 

Landcare has been an amazing umbrella under which to bring our community together to care for the one thing we all have in common, our beautiful bushland peninsula. A corridor that is home to threatened species, endangered ecological communities and fabulous flora and fauna. Being recognised and honoured as Landcare stewards of this very special place was a wonderful tribute to everyone in our community.

And then there was more joy to our world, we found out that our application for charity status was accepted … one step closer to updating the governance structures of the organisation and reducing costs … hopefully. Happy dance!

And if that wasn’t enough an evening phone from Yea Merry Gentleman, Greg Piper MP informed us that the CPPA had successfully applied for a Community Building Partnership grant. Greg mentioned that the CPPA has done a wonderful job keeping the hall in community ownership and generating conversations throughout the community.

The project, Safe and Sustainable Solutions to ensure Progress Hall’s survival, will receive $19,993 to install solar panels, a water tank, renew some roofing and guttering as well as replace the chairs and purchase a chair and table trolley to enhance WHS.

This grant will improve the facilities and safety at the hall for hall users as well reduce bills and enhance sustainability. Hopefully to the hall will come all yeah faithful joyful and triumphant. 

If there are any locals interested in quoting for an aspect of the job please contact one of the CPPA Committee.