Come join us for an evening learning about shorebirds. Hear about what species occur in our region and how to identify them, plus information about their biology. Learn about the amazing migration journeys they undertake each year, threats to their survival and other interesting facts.

Alan Stuart, our key speaker, is a leading expert on birds associated with estuaries, beaches and wetlands.

Other representatives from key agencies will also be on hand to answer your questions. Light refreshments will be provided.

It occurs Tuesday April 17 from 6pm to 7.30pm at Taree-Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club.

RSVP via this link: https://hunterlls.wufoo.eu /forms/zvap8891x5axla/  You can also RSVP to our Wingham office on (02) 6553 4233.

For further information contact: Reegan Walker 0429 361 781 reegan.walker@lls.nsw.gov.au

2018 marks the centenary of the signing of Armistice after the end of World War 1.

In 2015, the Old Bar Poppy Project organised hundreds of red poppies (over 600) to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign and honouring those who made the supreme sacrifice, plus all those servicemen and women who have since served our country, both at home and throughout all conflicts.

These were displayed at both war memorials in Old Bar and have been displayed on Armistice Day and ANZAC Days since. 

Last year we joined in the Purple Poppy movement, recognising those thousands of animals who served in theatres of war alongside their humans and almost all of which were not able to be returned home.

We were fortunate enough to receive enough community support to make two wreaths, used here in Old Bar, and a very small one which was forwarded to Pozieres, France, for display in the Animal War Memorial constructed there and officially opened in July, 2017. 

It is good to know little Old Bar is part of such worldwide representation.

This year we are again hopeful of participating with donations of enough white poppies to be able to celebrate peace. 

The white poppy is recognised as the “peace poppy” a symbol both of joy and celebration at the end of the conflict of WW1 and as an eternal hope for world peace. 

If you would like to help your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Patterns for both knitted and crochet poppies can be collected free of charge at the CTC Old Bar (opposite Vinnies) and completed poppies can be dropped in there as well.

Already we have had a contribution from Mrs Sheryl Merrick of Singleton, a school friend of this correspondent. She also supported our red poppy project.

Old Bar's annual Ocean Rhythms festival is back for 2018 and this year's all-female headliner line-up features some of the country's biggest and buzz acts.

Leading the charge is Queensland's Amy Shark who will headline the event, at Old Bar beach on Saturday April 21, alongside huge names like Angie McMahon, Maddy Jane, ELKI, Tomgirl and Kinder. The event runs from 11am to 10pm.

Tickets are on sale and kids under 12 get free entry when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

A small brown snake (dead) was this week discovered in a Mistral Place, Old Bar, backyard. It was probably killed by the family dog, a terrier.

If there are small snakes about, it is reasonable to assume that larger ones may be also.

The weather has been quite warm but there have been very few reports of snakes in the urban area.

Residents should be on the lookout, especially if they have children or pets.