Old Bega Hospital Reserve Trust Chairperson's Report to AGM 13 November 2012 (amended)

This report covers 2 financial (2 AGM) year periods (2010-11 and 2011-12) as other significant issues dominated our available time in late 2011. In particular, Geoff spent virtually all of October battling the inadequate computer system of the Premier's Department to complete our 2011 Community Building Partnership (CBP) application. We deserved the grant (which we didn't get) on the grounds of Geoff’s heroic efforts alone. As we had agreed that it would take a miracle to effect the restoration of the Main Building (MB), we committed our efforts towards repairing the site and outbuildings (pending the miracle) to their optimal condition.

The closure of Valley Originals Gallery in January 2010 after 17 years provided the opportunity for a variety of art classes for children and adults to move in, including Bega Valley Art & Crafts Society (BVACS), the Far South Coast Community College (FSCCC), Danielle Pirrie and Rachel Burns. Without explanation the Playability Play Group disappeared and FSCCC cancelled all its bookings. BVACS (without a permanent home) wanted to sell their printing press. The Trust chose to purchase it as a significant art asset to keep for the Bega Valley.

A BVSC Heritage Grant of $1,880.85 paved the way for NQ repairs and painting. We concluded that we were not eligible for the NSW Heritage Council grant as we are not on the State Heritage List. The Weavers, seeking exclusive use of the Operating Theatre, asked if the area could be extended with a deck. We compromised by applying (unsuccessfully) for paving through the (now) Club Grants. In Aril 2011 our PRMF grant application included the usual security fence, NQ veranda roof edge replacement, removal of tree root and veranda repairs - some $25k in quotes. Geoff has struggled mightily to resolve the apparent incompatibility of the (LAPMA gift) computer, Trust printer and the OBH Telstra infrastructure - and this before the struggle to communicate with the Premier’s Department. We decided to apply to the Mumbulla Foundation to purchase a laptop and printer (successfully).We were also successful with the federal DFASCIA Volunteer Grant for gardening tools, urn, trailer, $2,500 worth. Geoff suggested we needed a shed to House this safely along with the ride on mower.

Over this period, BVACS had left OBH in June seeking larger premises for their art classes and now approached the Trust requesting space to build their own permanent art-specific home. Not a situation this Trust had any experience with. However, OBH as a Cultural Centre seems an appropriate place. The Trust met with BVACS in November to start the discussion on their hopes. Warren Page also approached the Trust re providing space on site for a Bega Men's Shed which led to discussion on the possibility of restoring the MB through cooperative participation of interested groups. The Trustees are committed to cooperating with any groups which facilitate OBH as a viable, community asset.

Meanwhile, keeping the grass cut in a rainy environment after our energetic volunteer found paid employment was an ongoing problem. We had the equipment but not the personnel. Another problem, despite vigorous efforts, was our inability to acquire and key to the NQ power board. Edge FM would not cooperate beyond loaning their key on occasion. Finally, we convinced Essential Energy to provide 2 more in June 2012.

In late November, 2011, vandals broke 35 windows on site, broke into NQ and stole some minor items from EDGE FM and Eaglerock Stained Glass. We could have been more affected but it came at a cost of $1,000 of our hard won money to cover the fire/damage insurance excess.

In 2011 we lost two great friends - Tonia Zanetti, Geoff’s partner, in March and Barbara Waddell in November. Tonia, as President of the Potters was a great support behind the scenes and gave generously of her time and expertise to provide a Potters' presence at each market and generously donating raffle prizes. Barbara was a dedicated champion who gave unstintingly of her time as Secretary of the Trust for 10 years, as a Valley Originals artist (weaver superba), founder of the Fundraising Committee, market organiser and carrot cake maker. We miss them both.

From time to time, students seek information on the history of OBH for school and university projects. Most was lost in the fire. Drawing on what was available at the Museum, Bega District News and stray documents, the most recent student has promised copies of her University of Canberra project. She also had discussions with Claire. Richard has also located a document on line so this can be included on our website. Thanks to Claire, Richard and Kaylie.

In March 2012 we were surprised and gratified (our perseverance paid off; to receive an $18,000 grant and $11,000 loan through the Crown Lands Public Reserves Management Fund. This has allowed us to deal with the NQ outstanding roof problem and other projects. Also, Karen Fowler, now Crown Lands Nowra Manager, visited to discuss the relevant issues of a non-rent paying tenant on site i.e. Bega Men's Shed. We have now arranged a mutually beneficial quid pro quo arrangement for the present whereby Men’s Shed volunteers mow the grass and the Trust provides the Cottage as a meeting place. As well, we received a copy of a helpful document detailing a Memorandum of Understanding between Crown Lands and AMSA (Australian Men's Shed Association).

In May 2012 we learned that our CBP application was not successful. On a surprising, brighter note, a potential donor appeared and pledged a large sum of money towards restoring the MB. This offer has galvanised us into action again - thanks, potential donor. Some brainstorming about future use has ensued including how the MB should be restored - as it was or with some judicious changes to render the space appropriate for modern usage. A decision to approach Mike Kelly to seek federal funds was made. Richard offered his IT expertise to upgrade our web presence. Karen Walker (Bega Valley Weavers), a qualified horticulturist, was commissioned to prepare a landscape plan which we have accepted in draft form. Jay has prepared some draft preparatory documents for consideration and comment.

In the meantime, as we have the money and 2012 CBP motivation, we have moved to arrange a further roof construction quote, an updated structural engineering appraisal, updated quantity survey quote and indicative cost plan, and alerted our potential project manager. Our previous DA has elapsed after 5 years but as BVSC is firmly supportive of restoration, that should not present a problem. All we need is a suitably sized cheque!

One unexpected outcome of the Men's Shed proposal is the discovery that all government documents show that the OBH site extends further north than our current, accepted fence line. Eric Myers’ research revealed the surveyors pegs. Thanks, Eric. We now have a new shed on a new slab located near the morgue. With all these medium repair issues cleared away, we are in a good position to tackle the major restoration. With SCPA and (soon) Stephen Byrne, framer, on board as regular renters and the Men's Shed mowing assistance, we are at full rental capacity and in a comfortable, stable financial position.

DGR (tax deductible gift recipient) status would be helpful and Jay has approached the Bega Historical Society for affiliation help. This looks promising. We also have the possibility of achieving it through the Fundraising Committee being transformed into an incorporated Friends of OBH, probably early in 2013. Richard has provided a paper proposing a quite different financial and management path which we will examine in 2013.

We thank DFASCIA for its Volunteer Grant, BVSC for its Heritage Grants, the Mumbulla Foundation for its grant and DPI for the PRMF grants and loan. We have hopes for our recently submitted CBP application (thanks to Geoff’s efforts) and a constructive and generous response (in an election year) from Mike Kelly's government.

In conclusion, we've achieved a substantial amount for 4 Trustees and supporters. Thank you, in particular, to Jay and Geoff who have carried the lion's share of the practical improvements. I live in hope that we will be even busier next year managing the Main Building restoration early stages as we see out the final year of this Trust.

 

Pat Jones
Chairperson
13 November 2012