Already providing services to over 80 children per month, supply cannot keep up with demand. We plan to expand the team to meet the growing needs of families. We are looking for innovative and passionate therapists and educators to join our team to create something really special for the community in the Eurobodalla.

With plenty of space for individual consultations and group development programs, and lovely sensory spaces, the new building is ticking all the boxes for families. Helen Minns, mother of Lachlan who accesses Muddy Puddles services, says: “We always feel included by the multidisciplinary team at Muddy Puddles. To be able to access a broad range of services, from such a welcoming, family friendly space, is a real bonus for us.”

The community is invited to the official opening of Muddy Puddles on Friday 19 October at 2pm. The opening will be a chance to thank all those who played a part in the Muddy Puddles Therapy Centre and for people to have a look through the fabulous building. It is a great community resource that would not have been possible without a huge amount of local support.

When is there ever going to be an end to the insatiable demands of various activists upon us? I refer to the protestations regarding the plan to remove some trees from Corunna State Forest to enable the better growth of those remaining. 

Eurobodalla has over 1300 square kilometres of National Parks. Despite the best efforts of NP staff they are unable to adequately manage this huge area. The result is increasing density of trees and undergrowth that leaves a huge firebomb sitting upwind. In the first days of European settlement our forests are reported as being open enough to drive a carriage through. State Forests are much better managed and are there expressly for the purpose of providing us with timber. I would have thought the fact that timber is our only renewable resource would appeal to Green groups. Do these people not have timber furniture, or floors, or houses; do they not use paper?

The 'discovery' of endangered species is now almost a cliche in these kinds of protests. How much of those massive National Parks have been surveyed for these creatures? This community is not being well served by this zealotry.

Volunteering to serve in the RFS is an essential contribution from all members of our community, that is about helping protect neighbours, friends, family and many others. But, the first consideration must always be “time”. While good intentions are always behind becoming a volunteer it's important to know your own limitations – especially time-wise. 

I am not trying to discourage anyone from volunteering, but it is a fact that many who do volunteer never consider their own limitations, especially when it comes to dedicating the time. However, there are those who have the time and the inclination. To make an application, contact your local rural fire brigade. Anyone seeking more information on what it is all about can visit the NSW RFS website at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/Join-the-NSW-RFS.

If you do have the time, we have the brigade!