On Friday 12 October 2018, Community Northern Beaches held their 2018 Annual General Meeting. A warm and friendly atmosphere prevailed as those who care about the organisation came together to cover official business, thank some of the organisations and people who have supported them during the past year and elect the Management Committee for the year ahead.
Adele Heasman, now President of Community Northern Beaches opened the meeting by welcoming honoured guests including James Griffin, MP, Mayor Michael Regan, new CEO of Northern Beaches Council; Ray Brownlee, Councillors and staff of Northern Beaches Council; Cr. Sue Heins, Cr. Pat Daley, Cr. Candy Bingham, Cr. Kyle Ferguson, Kylie Walshe, Rob Van Den Blink, Sandra Faase and Will Wrathall, Michelle Erofeyeff of FACS, former Patron and Mayor of Manly Council; Jean Hay, CEO of Royal Far west; Lyndsay Cane, Peter Jackson; Hall Jackson P/L, Sally Cornelius, and representatives from St. Matthews Church, Manly Congregational Church, Easylink Transport, Every Little Bit Helps, CatholicCare, Link Housing, Legal Aid; Ross Tomlin, Carmel McCarney (Sisterhood Clontarf), our CNB staff and volunteers, and members of the Management Committee. Adele then acknowledged the traditional owners of the land (Cammeraygal peoples) and paid respect to Elders past and present.
Adele Heasman, President with John Kelly, Manager
Adele proceeded to highlight the significant achievements of Community Northern Beaches over the last financial year, including the granting of DGR and PBI status to the organisation, and the expansion of services provided to the Northern Beaches’ community through increased partnerships with other service providers.
Adele focussed on the urgent requirement for more suitable accommodation to enable the organisation to increase service delivery to the Northern Beaches’ community and maintain the dignity of clients and community members who access our services and facility. Adele acknowledged the tireless work and dedication of all involved in the successful management and daily operation of the centre, especially during a period of significant change and improvement.
James Griffin MP, and patron for Community Northern Beaches, presented a passionate advocacy for the work of the organisation in the community. He outlined how the work that is undertaken with the marginalised in the Northern Beaches community focussed him on why he had made the decision to stand for office and advocate on behalf of all.
Treasurer Mr. Bill Barnes gave thanks on behalf of the Management Committee to the Auditor, Peter Jackson from Hall Jackson Pty. Ltd., for his assistance with the financials throughout the year.
Bill acknowledged our funders; FACS, SSI and Northern Beaches Council, for their confidence in and support of Community Northern Beaches. He also acknowledged that the Venue Hire income had increased and formed a key part of overall revenue. Bill concluded by stating that Community Northern Beaches is in a sound financial position, meeting all financial requirements, and with significant reserves in the bank.
John O’Connor, Public Officer, declared all positions vacant and invited nominations for the Executive and Management Committee Members. The following Members were elected unopposed:
Executive: President: Adele Heasman, Vice President: Mary Nelson,Treasurer: Bill Barnes, Secretary: Caroline Pearce
Management: Paula James, Kandy Tagg, Peter Wood
Community & Volunteer Awards:
John Kelly presented the following Community Service Awards to those identified as making a difference in the Community and the lives of others;
Michael & Rosalind Cockett – Manly Congregational Church for donating sandwiches every Monday over many years for the homeless
Blackmores – for donating Christmas hampers each year for distribution to individuals and families in need
Manly Library – for donating toys each Christmas to the children of our clients
Care Essentials – for providing basic necessities for the homeless and needy
Yousef Elafifi – who collects bread and other food items from Aldi and bakeries to assist us in feeding the homeless and needy
St Matthews Church Manly – ongoing support and assistance.
Carmel McCarneyThe Sisterhood Clontarf – contributions of volunteer work, fundraising and community awareness raising.
Volunteer Awards;
Caroline Pearce – reception volunteer and member of the Management Committee
Nora Takats – 9 years continuous volunteer service and JP
Cathie McNabb – volunteer on reception and special projects
Julia Denne – volunteer on reception and worked for four years with CNB’s multicultural program supporting migrants and refugees
Lynda Stokes – for many years has organised CNB’s OzHarvest support for the homeless and needy conducted each Wednesday
Thank you to all those who attended and continue to show support for Community Northern Beaches.
