The building inspector found some non-compliances which are currently being addressed. Once these are finalised and an occupation certificate is issued, it will be back to business.

Although the COVID-19 advice from NSW Health indicates that there can be 20 people at the shed, the group's own risk assessment has reduced that number down to just 10, so there will be at least two opening days.

Once the occupation certificate has been issued, the group can start negotiations with MidCoast Council to construct the second stage, which will be assembling the Club Old Bar's maintenance shed, which the club kindly donated to the group.

Once fully established, there are plans to have a repair cafe, tool library and a ladies day. It's just a matter of time, money and effort.

The Old Bar Public School student representative council recently sold koala clips to raise funds for Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Adopt a Koala fund. They have raised $1000.

Students have also been creating Australian animal art as part of their fundraiser. The artwork will be on sale for $3 and parents can purchase their child's artwork. What a great effort from the students. Well done!

Unfortunately, the well-tuned kindergarten orientation and transition program is unable to go ahead as usual due to the continuing restrictions imposed on schools. The school's wonderful kindergarten team, led by Ashlie Biega and Frith Miller, is being innovative and creating all manner of adjustments to give the beginning students the best opportunities to feel comfortable in their new environment.

Buddies have been allocated and there will be a welcome video shortly to share with new and returning families. The school community wants all the little ones to feel a strong connection to their school by the time they walk through the doors next year.

Old Bar Public School recently advertised a classroom teaching position, effective from 2021. The successful applicant, based on a merit selection process, is Megan Muller. Ms Muller is currently a relieving assistant principal at Wingham Brush Public School. They are looking forward to welcoming Ms Muller into the school family with her wealth of expertise and her proven dedication to quality education.

The Old Bar Lions Club has its lovely Christmas cakes on sale now so you can be ready for your Christmas celebrations. These perennially popular cakes come in two sizes, 1kg and 1.5kg.

You can purchase your Lions Christmas cake from the Lions volunteers situated outside the Old Bar Post Office from 7am until 11.30am on Saturdays. The prices are quite reasonable and 100 per cent of the profits go towards Lions projects and back into our community.

Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news HERE