The construction process got underway on October 11, with the placement of portable toilets and the existing toilet block fenced off. Demolition of the existing amenities will kick off when the weather permits.

While the new toilet block was initially planned to be constructed directly opposite the skate park, following feedback from the community it will now be built on the same site as the existing building. A new site would have impacted on existing ocean views.

The construction of the toilets will continue through the summer holidays hence the temporary toilets now in place while construction is underway. The new amenities is part of a range of improvements for the Old Bar Beach foreshore area, including the renovations of the nearby surf club and the installation of the all new, inclusive playground.

The new building will incorporate a tribute to the artwork that adorns the existing building, so there will be a panel on the new structure that has images of the artwork.

Funding for the foreshore revamp has come from a range of State and Federal Government grants with the amenities covered as part of a $1.2million local roads and community infrastructure program grant. The project is expected to take about 12 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Early last Saturday morning, spectators at the Rose Street lookout were treated to frolicking whales a little way out from the shore. They weren't close enough to photograph but could be seen quite clearly surfacing and making a splash.

Veterans' Health Week will run from tomorrow to October 24 with the key focus on "Get Moving" (physical activity). Because of COVID impacts, the main event will be a video link by either zoom or teams for an interactive talk by Jacqui Cleghorn and Dean Quirke. This will be available for all members, auxiliary and families to join from the comfort of their home. Jacqui is a qualified Clinical Nutritionist and has a passion for inspiring others to look at food with joy and empowering them to make the right choices for themselves.

The repairs to the section of Old Bar Road near the Warwiba Road intersection appear to be almost completed and the new surface looks and feels really good. Line marking is yet to take place and council has resurfaced a length of the road well west of the intersection. Further works to the west are also now programmed.

Our next craft day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20. The workshop for the day is an expanding album.

Due to lockdowns this workshop has been postponed from Term 3. All necessary requirements are listed on your Term 3 program. Craft at Old Bar meets at the Soldiers' Memorial Hall, Hall Street, Old Bar, on the first, third and fifth Friday of the month, school holidays (and lockdowns) excepted.

Further information is available by ringing 0438 655 005.

During the recent 2430 (Taree, Old Bar) lockdown, cafes were only able to offer take away but some "diners" at the Village Cafe managed to get a seat at a table. They appeared to be enjoying themselves.

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