And deservedly so.

It was a well organised and happy event. Sausage sandwiches, damper and syrup and bread and Vegemite were on offer from 7am, along with tea and coffee.

And it was all free. Also being supplied were flags, 'tattoos' and programs.

The Australia Day address was given by member for Lyne, David Gillespie who highlighted the diversity of cultures in Australia, along with our food, coffee, sport and health system. But he finished up by praising the fact that we enjoy a true democracy with separation of powers.

Cr Kathryn Bell represented MidCoast Council and concluded her address exhorting us to hold onto everything that is good in our society and to reject everything that is harmful to our way of life.

The Old Bar Citizen of the Year is Carole Isaacs, vice president and past president of the Old Bar Manning Point Business and Community Association and her achievements in those roles are evident everywhere in Old Bar.

The Youth of the Year is Patrick Moses who has been a member of the Taree-Old Bar SLSC for 11 years, since he was a Nipper.

He has also been a finalist in the Myall Lakes Young Citizen of the Year; a recipient of the Taree RSL Kokoda Track award and he has just returned from that trip and is shortly to enter the Royal Australian Navy on a cadetship as a hydrographical surveyor.

The popular Old Bar Health Expo is on again.

It will be held at Club Old Bar during NSW Seniors' Festival on Wednesday, February 20 from 10am to 1pm.

This annual event has grown in popularity since beginning and now attracts more than 40 exhibitors and offers guest speakers, entertainment and giveaways. Free admission and free morning tea.

It is organised by the Old Bar Men's Shed and supported by Club Old Bar, the Australian Government and the NSW Government. Put it on your 'to do' list now.

For enquiries, ring John on 6557 4165.

The Old Bar Beach Community Technology Centre (CTC) is part of a network of CTCs around the State that have been affiliated with the umbrella organisation, the CTC Association, which later became the Community Connect Services Association (CCSA).

The CCSA recently advised that it could no longer continue as it was financially unviable, despite the fact that the CEO, Peter Kinnaird, a businessman from Silverwater, remained in the position, unpaid, for the past 12 months.

Mr Kinnaird had been hopeful of government funding to assist with administration costs of the CCSA and CTCs but that has not eventuated.

The organisation has to be wound up. This means that individual CTCs now stand alone without the support of a State organisation to provide advice and opportunities for income generation.

Many of the CTCs that were originally formed have closed over the years, including Nabiac.

Tea Gardens, Bulahdelah, Gloucester, Kendall and Old Bar remain in our area.

Many CTCs are co-housed in government or council buildings or have access to office space for peppercorn rent. Old Bar CTC does not have that luxury.

Old Bar pays commercial rent with business insurance, telephone, internet and electricity being major ongoing costs.

Although it is a not for profit organisation, an annual trading surplus is always nice. It has traded at a small loss for the past two years.

This doesn't mean that it is going to fold up any time soon as prudent saving and investment in past years ensures it is still quite solvent.

Notwithstanding this, the Old Bar CTC will not be able to continue indefinitely unless other income sources are found. There are no wage costs for Old Bar CTC. Like many organisations in our community, it is managed and staffed entirely by a loyal group of 21 volunteers.

Volunteer numbers are not critical at the moment but it's always good to have extras so if you think you might be able to offer a few hours each week, please contact Ian Dimmock on 0425 229 542 or discuss the opportunities with one of the volunteers on duty. The role is not technical, rather it office administration.

Ever wondered where the expressions “to come up trumps” or “to achieve something in spades” come from. Both have their origins in the game of bridge. Come along to Old Bar Bridge Club and find out why.

Bridge combines the best qualities of all games – the cerebral challenges of chess, the suspense and psychology of poker and the excitement of a competitive football match. Success depends on a combination of technique, teamwork and tactics.

Players meet on Wednesday and Friday at 12.15pm at Club Old Bar. Free lessons for new players are conducted at Club Old Bar every Friday morning at 10am. Register your interest with Jill on 0407 733 537​ or just turn up. Bring a friend!