Progress Patter

Some recent CPPA history

The CPPA was founded in 1946 to serve the interests of the community and ensure equitable distribution of rate resources. This forward-thinking group banded together to raise funds to purchase the land for our locally designed and owned Progress Hall, which was built in 1951, as a space for locals to gather. This space has serviced the changing needs of the community as needs ebbed and flowed. 

Over the past decade, grant funding has enabled the CPPA to install solar panels, underfloor insulation and air conditioning, making it very comfortable all year round and highly energy efficient. The renovated kitchen space, once completed, will allow us to explore and expand the uses of the hall, the rental of which is one of the income streams that supports the hall’s ongoing maintenance. If you’d like to contribute to the ongoing ambitions and costs for maintaining our hall you can donate here http://www.givenow.com.au/cppa.

In 1995 the CPPA almost folded due to an ageing committee and burdensome hall maintenance requirements and costs. It was at that AGM that the current President, Suzanne Pritchard, was elected. One of the early actions was to form a landcare group. There were only a few other such groups in the city. The CPPA Landcare group adopted a model that supported caring for multiple reserves under one incorporated entity, the first steps in caring for, understanding, and appreciating our bushland backyard. Multiple grants have since been obtained to support the local landcarers and with the additional support of Lake Mac Landcare, our local group continues to be an exemplary one, meeting every Thursday in a reserve near you. Contact Ros, cppalandcare@gmail.com if you’d like to be put on the list that advises when and where landcaring will be happening.

The CPPA also endeavours to be across council activities that impact our community. By sharing the local Development Applications, interpreting the neighbourhood reverberations of council plans and strategies, and encouraging community submissions, the CPPA and TASNG have been endeavouring to retain our community character whilst stimulating conversations around community conscious design in developments. Ongoing dialogue over the decades with a litany of council officers, highlighting the need for council to supply adequate infrastructure to accommodate the existing residents and the proposed increasing density, will continue to be ongoing. 

The CPPA also advocates for the community when a combined voice is needed. The main vehicle being the yellow Chronicle and accompanying web presence and Facebook page. The production and distribution of this newsletter into 2370 local letterboxes is a wholly volunteer exercise requiring 25+ people. Sponsorship of The Chronicle is another significant income stream for the CPPA which supports both Landcare activities and when required … surprise, surprise… the Hall’s upkeep. If you would like to assist in delivering the newsletter, get in touch with Nico at cppavicepresident@gmail.com.

CPPA AGM rescheduled to 20/6/21

 

Mothers Day was not a great choice of day to hold our AGM and so it's being rescheduled to Sunday 20th June 2-4pm at Progress Hall, 197 Skye Point, Coal Point.

This has provided a wonderful opportunity to include a 75th Anniversary celebration for the CPPA as part of the afternoon. 

A warm and hearty invitation is cast to all members past and present to get together and have a social catch up. 

If you have any ideas you'd like incorporated in celebrating this community milestone or would like to be involved in making it happen please get in touch. Email: coalpointprogress@gmail.com   

The formal proceeding of the AGM will be 2-3pm 

A celebratory social will be 3-4pm. 

The AGM agenda for the 20/6/21 is:

1. Welcome 

2. Attendance & Apologies 

3. Confirmation of minutes of previous Annual General Meeting held 17/5/20 

4. President's Report 

5. Treasurer’s Report 

6. Nomination of Returning Officer 

7. Election of Office Bearers and up to six other Committee members 

8. Confirmation of Public Officer- Suzanne Pritchard 

9. Nomination of Auditor- Veronica Lund 

10. Close of AGM 

11. Plans for the Future- a conversation 

12. Social celebration of 75th Anniversary of CPPA

Socially celebrating twenty years of local’s landcaring.

Thursday 12th November was the 20th anniversary of the very first landcaring event held by the Progress Association at Gurranba reserve in 1995. 

It was the beginning of an amazing community effort that continues to shape the natural landscape of our peninsula and bring neighbours together in a common cause. 

Some landcarers give their time on the public reserves, many landcarers look after their own bushland blocks. 

Caring for the land is something that seems to go hand in hand with wanting to live in a bushland suburb. 

Landcaring is founded on a philosophy of stewardship and local community action.

To celebrate our local achievements there are two events planned.

The 20 years on Trivia Tournament

Come one come all to Progress Hall to this year’s social event on Friday 20th November between 6-9pm. A local get-together that will offer laughter, frivolity and friendship in the form of quirky questions and questionable answers. 

There will be prizes generously supplied by our local sponsors, there will be coffee, tea and an anniversary cake to share. There is no cost, but if you’d like to make a donation there’ll be a donation box on hand.

The trivia tournament will run from 7-9pm, the hall will be open from 6pm so you can gather and chat beforehand. BYO nibbles and drinks.

If you’ve ever been to the hall when it’s full of locals catching up and connecting faces with places you’ll understand why the Progress Association continues to exist.

There are still tables available, numbers need to be confirmed by Wednesday 18th November, which is very soon.

On Thursday 19th November at 12:30pm a BBQ at Gurranba Reserve is on offer.

If you’ve ever lopped some Lantana, fiddled with Asparagus fern or been overcome by Ochna this gathering will put you amongst those who have shared your efforts and know the satisfaction that only a bag full of Formosa bulbs can give. 

The local landcare team and the extended support network from Lake Mac Landcare and Trees In Newcastle will be sharing in the celebration.  

If you’ve landcared locally over the past 20 years it would make the day very special if you were there.  

For these two events please RSVP to coalpointprogress@gmail.com  so we know how big a cake to cook.

Celebrating 20 years of land caring and community spirit

The Progress Association is planning two special social events in November to celebrate the local landcare achievements and the community spirit that it supports. 

Everyone is welcome to attend both events.  

Twenty Years On Trivia Tournament 

On Friday night November 20 there’ll be a trivia tournament to celebrate two decades of local landcaring and fostering community spirit. 

This social event will be hosted by local Trivia Talent Tony Parrott. You can have a table of 2 or 10, it’s BYO nibbles and drinks. The emphasis will be on having fun and socialising and it’s an opportunity to gather up some friends for the festive season’s familiarities. There’ll be local questions, not so local questions, a few games and lots of laughter. 

The doors will be open from 6:00pm to get settled and social with the Trivia running from at 7-9ish pm.

To secure your table RSVP with the number of people on your table on facebook, by email coalpointprogress@gmail.com 

20 years of local landcaring BBQ

On Thursday 19^th November a special lunchtime landcare BBQ will be held in Gurranba Reserve, the location of the 1^st landcaring adventure all those years ago. 

Invitations will be going out but if you’ve ever been involved in local landcaring, on a reserve or in your own backyard we’d love to share the luncheon fare with you. The local environment is more biodiverse and beautiful thanks to your efforts. 

Of course if you’re interested in landcare and want to see what all the fuss is about or if you want to show your appreciation for the effort that the landcare crew have made you are most welcome to come along as well. RSVP for catering purposes on Facebook or by email coalpointprogress@gmail.com 

Time flies when you’re having fun and this blast from a past Chronicle seems like only yesterday. 

Chronicle Issue #72- December 1995Regenerators Run riot at GurranbaNovember 12, 9am. After Wilson’s mid week scouting mission had proved successful the scene was set for a dawn raid on Gurranba. The pre-emptive strike by Sam meant the enemy was unsuspecting and taken completely by surprise and The Regenerators did their deeds. 

They stormed the slopes, they crawled where others feared to tread, they took on the challenge and they succeeded. No Lantana too rooted, no Privet too private, no Asparagus fern was safe from the scrutiny and secateurs of The Regenerators. 

When the going got tough, we got tougher, the Alf-mobile was manoeuvred with all the skill that only rigorous training can provide. Jungle Jim defying the seemingly impenetrable Lantana securing rope after rope with teammate Ted, to rid the reserve of this invader, with Deric and Debbie forever vigilant.Then it happened…a surprise attack inflicted upon the unsuspecting Harry, a frontal assault more savage than any we had encountered, but in the true spirit of The Regenerators he brushed it off, smiled and continued to attack from the flanks, a credit to us all. 

Enveloped by the Lantana and thought missing in action, Betty and Arthur were seen to emerge victorious in their efforts to save the downtrodden and overgrown. Rescued, a struggling wattle whose demise would’ve been immanent as the Bitou Bush scaled the slopes. Rescued, a small gum struggling under the siege of Lantana. Rescued, some really beautiful little purple flowers whose identity remains a mystery. No amount of care was too much to save those that had struggled for so long. 

And just when the Lantana thought it would survive, a few shoots at the ready to sprout, Eileen and her trusty secateurs snipped off any such intentions. Fiona scouting the perimeter for any escapees, finished off many an isolated Bitou Bush and lone Lantana. The slopes scaled and scrutinised by Brian and John meant that the weed invasion had taken a serious blow. 

The Regenerators are a credit to us all. Although their numbers were few, 15 to be exact, we did make a difference, and afterwards, muscles a glow and satisfaction abounding, it was just really great to be a part of it. 

But there is still more to do, there is still more Lantana and there are plants to identify, trees to plant, garden beds to make… there’s something for everyone.

Whilst several of the original Regenerators have now fallen, their legacy lives on. 

The History of the Hall cont.

18/7/1951. Mr Rodd architect subject to the fall of the land that the stage be placed at the opposite end to the road an entrance porch and clear cloak space is to be recommended. Pair of large doors as shown too clumsy - 2 smaller pairs. Louvre window for better ventilation. Stage height 3’ considered too high 2’ should be ample.

27/7/1951 Building discussed with Mr Hayman. Stage to be made 12’ instead of 15’. Farrell volunteers to find price of gloss oil as against paint. Trustees agree the contract for the building subject to loan from the Bank.

2/9/1951 Request police patrol Coal Point Road as milk money was being stolen.

7/9/1951 Garden Fete at the residence of Mr R Taylor Carey Bay-630 people paid for admission the effort raised £ 329 cleared £306

7/10/1951 Trustees took on responsibility of finance for the hall by acting as guarantees for the hall loan. Debentures held £140

3/2/1952 Write to Urban Area re: deplorable state of roads in our area. Promised during Council election that the road would be tar sealed.

2/3/1952 Annual Meeting (AGM) Trustees borrowed £700 Cash held £869 plus debentures. Bus stops numbered during the year. Purchase 2 table & trestles. Younger Set of Association formed.

The History of the Hall cont...

4/3/1951 68 Financial members. Net profit £180 for 1950 Bank Balance £486.18.1:Tender received from Gailbraith & Blundell £1713.15.0 for erection of Hall.: Subscriptions 2/- each Quarterly 10’; Special meeting be called to find ways/means for raising loan monies for erection of Hall.

18/3/1951 Special meeting passed a resolution that a letter be written to all members of the Coal Point Community offering £10 debentures or multiples of £10

6/5/1051 Urban Area asked to put grader in to level the Association Rd. Bank Balance £513

6/6/1951 Decided to wait 2 weeks for a further price to build the Hall-Mr Guy to provide timbers and roofing for the building. Secretary to seek permission to alter roof from asbestos to Galvanised Iron.

1/7/1951 Trustee to write to Lake Macquarie Shire Council for a rebate of rates on land held in trust for the Association. Hall plans/specifications to be inspected by an architect.

10/7/1951 Building committee.  Mr Hayman be advised that his tender for the erection of the community hall has been accepted subject to plans specific being perused by an architect £1665.00. President to make enquiries re loan of £1000 from the Bank of N.S.W. To be cont..

The History of Progress Hall -Part 2

6/3/1949 Quote of £1100 provision of a Hall would be postponed indefinitely. Bank Balance £125.17.7

5/4/1949 Write to agent re: Mr A Long selling the building on his land separately. No attempt to carry out clearing of lantana on Grant Road.

3/5/1949 Council referred to repair roads £500 £2100 in rates collected from area.  Nothing spent in our area. Letter written to minister of local Government. 

3/7/1949 Coal Board asked for assistance re: Hall-25% of residents must be connected with the mining industry must be vested in Shire Council.

7/8/1949 Water Conveniences at Birraban Reserve.

9/8/1949 First Flower Show.

6/11/1949 Letter to Mr Crook-Minister for Building Construction  asking for permission to purchase building material for construction of a community hall required for accommodation for social functions, church services, Sunday school 24 pupils, establish a kindergarten and have a visiting baby clinic as soon as hall available.

4/12/1949 Danger of straying stock. Room on the block painted. Connected electricity .Urn purchased.5 Dozen cups, saucers & plates purchased. Reimbursing of council rates refused.

5/3/1950 Building Committee Formed.

7/5/1950 Coal Point included in the Mobile Library Service.

4/6/1950 Bank Balance £324.10.10 Hall foundation performed by voluntary labour. Plans of proposed hall are now in the hands of council and deposit paid-these are being considered by the Building Control in Sydney.

6/8/1950 Mr Davis of Carey Bay had surveyed the Association land free.

1/10/1950 Bank Balance £481.3.11

5/11/1950 Visit to Council to speed up building of hall. Secretary to write to Northumberland County Council to get in writing approval for building hall as this is now required by council.

4/1/1951 One tender for erection of hall be accepted dependant on permission of trustees and satisfactory Bank settlement.

21/2/1951 Above rescinded. Election of Trustees be waived until the responsibilities are clear. Bank to be interviewed re: Trustees liability….To be continued.

A little bit of very local history

The Progress Association has a history of achieving great community outcomes. Following are excerpts from the early meetings of the foundation members reflecting their quest to have a community Hall and equity of services for the community.

• The meeting was held at “Treetops” Coal Point. 2/- Annual Membership Fee + 2/- Entrance Fee. Meetings First Sunday Monthly @3PM.
• 10/03/1946 Meeting commenced @3PM.  HW Morgan convenor.
• 7/4/1946 Mr Morgan suggested a site selection Committee be formed to inspect possible locations to build a hall.
• 2/6/1946 Then President brought forward the question of the lack of fish in the Lake & the possible reasons, some of which being the use of illegal methods. Mr Warren moved that greater facilities be provided for the policing of the Lake to stop netting & trapping- restricted areas. MOTION LOST.
• 7/7/1946 Ladies Auxiliary met.
• CENSUS 1946:  Permanent residences-143, Part-time -77,Adults-297,  Pre-school children- 41, School aged-54
• 16/8/1947 An offer of Mrs Shelling for sale of allotment in Skye Point Road, partly fenced with a small building erected on the site for £180 – Objection as no land available for tennis court.
• 30/8/1947 Mr Winchester offered to provide the amount required- to be repaid when raised: Bank Account Opened. Trustees Mr Winchester, Mr Burns, Miss Dawkins. 2 tables @ £3each 12
• 2/11/1947  Valuation if had 1.11-6 half fee, Funds £26, 24-29 at meeting.  Ham Raffle, Garden Party
• April 1948 Agitation has not diminished about repairs to roads but the local council have constantly pleaded lack of funds. Cash £16, Suggested that a building be obtained from the Defence Commission
• 4/4/1948 Rates £1.1.11 Garden Fete raised £113.2.2 New Members Mr & Mrs Limb.
• 2/5/1948 Mr T Williams M.H.R be requested to obtain price of 2 Building Commission suitable for use as a hall.
• 6/6/1948 Letter for Disposals Commission Advising No Buildings for Sale. New building price resolved that Mr Stronach be approached for advice relative to plans for a building 60’ x 30’.
• 5/9/1948 Quote for Hall far beyond the means of the association.