The small band of people who comprise this new group are looking to set goals with targets and action steps leading to practical ideas to support the community in preparation for any disaster that might be faced in the future.

One of the early actions will be to invite the Head of Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons, to the area to address this group as well as relevant emergency services.

The next meeting will be held at Club Old Bar on Tuesday, July 6 and anyone is welcome to join the group and contribute ideas.

RSL benefits expand

The Old Bar RSL sub-Branch is planning a day excursion to Singleton Army Camp to experience one of the modern training facilities, the Weapons Training Simulation System.

At the same time, half of the group can visit their excellent military museum before swapping with the other half of the group. Attendance is limited to 20 and a mini-bus or similar is being considered for transport.

A Senior First Aid Course is on offer for members with only five positions still available. This course is subsidised by the Department of Veterans Affairs and will cost the participants only $30.

The Open Arms Mental Heath courses are continuing at Club Old Bar. The courses have been very successful and attended by veterans and their families from Old Bar and surrounding sub-branches. There are three more courses coming up: Sleeping Better, Thursday and Friday July 29 and 30, 9am to 4:30pm and Understanding Anxiety, September 23 and 24, 9am to 4:30pm. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are all supplied and the courses are free. You can register online through OpenArms.gov.au All courses are available to veterans or their families.

Members have agreed to help Barwalla between the hours of 8.30am and 9.30am on a Monday morning to set up at the Soldiers' Memorial Hall and pack and clean up from 2pm to 2.30pm. More volunteers would be welcome for this important but easy activity.

The Soldiers' Memorial Hall Committee is holding the first Old Bar Markets next Sunday and due to the absence of some of the regular helpers, is looking for assistance in setting out the ground on Friday afternoon and administration during the market on the Sunday. Please contact Peter Vidler on 0409 990-089 if you can help.

Old Bar Markets are back

The first Old Bar monthly markets are back this Sunday and on the fourth Sunday of each month from now on. The Soldiers' Memorial Hall committee has just received their new licence to restart this activity as one of their fundraising sources. Obviously COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced but as an outdoor event, can operate fairly freely.

More than 30 stall holders have booked already, mainly new traders, so the offering may be different to previous markets. This will include food and coffee stalls and buskers and singers.