by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Nov 9, 2025 | Reports
The past year has been a time of change and challenge health-wise for both Edwin and myself. Firstly, our shared first, and so far, only dose of Covid in January and then my unexpected stroke in April which left me with some resultant neurological affect that the subsequent scans, reports and cardiologist’s advice now requires me to reassess my work load. We both received wonderful support from our dear friends and associates for which we were both exceedingly grateful.
Edwin made the decision earlier this year to step down as a voting member of our board of directors, acknowledging his need that in his 90th year he needs to take things “a little more quietly”. Next month he will celebrate his 91st birthday and it was with full appreciation for his valuable contributions to our charity as co-founder back in 1983, and formalised in 1987 as a government registered charity, that our board made the decision to bestow upon him the role of Emeritus Director. So well deserved as he has served most honourably in a voluntary and dedicated commitment now over forty-two years.
New Board Directors: We have had the pleasure of welcoming warmly four new directors to our board in the past year. These were Tony Agnew, Angela Young, Rev. David Oliphant (Ret.) and Kevin Bird. Each of these were former Associate Members of our Trust and committee members of our Narooma Educational Support Team (NEST). We now, as in earlier times, have ten directors on our board all of whom offer their services in a voluntary capacity and whose involvement we greatly value.
Achievements of the Trust: I will circumvent the need in my report to document the work that the Trust has been engaged in over the past financial year and into this current year, as these are well documented in our on-line Quarterly Newsletter. This is sent out to all who subscribe enabling people to have a full understanding of the valuable projects that we have been able to undertake and support. As some people, do not have access on-line I have been printing out a hard copy and have sent this out to them as I see it as important to keep people informed on the work of our charity and how funds are used to improve the opportunities for those who most benefit from our support.
Encouragement Scholarships/Grants: We have been exceedingly pleased to be able to lend encouragement to some very worthwhile projects during the past financial year and again in this current term. Our Grants and Scholarships, which fluctuate with funds donated, are made possible by the generous contributions that come from a variety of sources in the wider community, our Associate Members and Directors. On behalf of our Trust, I wish to thank everyone for their wonderful support. As a very small charity I feel that we have been achieving well above expectations. It is only possible because we have the support of some truly caring and compassionate donors who trust the integrity of our decisions. This has been what has happened over many, many years now and I still feel great awe at how wonderfully supportive and generous the open and caring human heart can be. Mere words are inadequate but thank you so much – you know to whom I speak.
- In October 2024 we were delighted to award our 2nd Encouragement Grant of $2,000 for the year to Djinama Yilaga Choir which was established in 2019 as an Intergenerational Aboriginal Choir that is rematriating their Dhurga Language through song. They seek to build skills and confidence in their choir members, with a particular focus on their younger members, to support their language, music, performance skills and resilience to pursue their aspirations in music.
- In March 2025 our board directors were unanimous in the decision to award our 1st Encouragement Scholarship for 2025 to a young female student at Narooma High School. Summer was nominated by staff at Narooma High School for this Grant. As a young person, who suffered a turbulent and challenging life since infancy, Summer has remained clearly focused and determined to succeed academically. It was gratifying to see the wonderful support offered to this student from staff and counsellors at the school. With Tertiary studies in mind for her future we know that our Encouragement Scholarship of $8,000 has contributed to enabling her HSC year and her future to bring the rewards that she so deserves.
- In August this year we have been delighted to be able to offer a further Encouragement Scholarship for 2025 to another Year 12 female student at Narooma High School. Dominica was nominated by Joseph Harper (Deputy Principal) and Aunty Karen Ella-Bird (Senior Leader Community Engagement) at Narooma High School. Dominica wrote a profile of her life for our board of directors and to share with our readers. This can be read in full in our Winter edition of our latest newsletter found on our website. She holds the deep respect and support of the Executive Staff of Narooma High School for her amazing commitment and sense of purpose for her life. This brief excerpt shows how worthwhile and encouraging our scholarships can be to support such value for the future of these young people.
In Year 11, I delved into my love for science, conservation, and sustainability. I chose my careers carefully, giving me the opportunity to seek a pathway into environmental studies. Subjects aligning with this goal include Earth and Environmental Science, Biology, and Aboriginal Studies – having completed EES via distance as it wasn’t offered at my school. I have achieved highly in EES, having finished first in my cohort.
My cultural heritage has always been integral to my connection with the environment. I have been actively involved in this space at school, serving as a member of the Junior Aboriginal Consultative Group. In this role, I advocated for environmental issues within the school community, which helped me develop as a leader in environmental matters. Additionally, it has allowed me to build connects with my culture and community – who have steered me in the right direction towards my career/ life aspirations.
Next year, I hope to begin a Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation, followed by a Master of Protected Area Conservation at the University of Tasmania. This transition will undoubtedly bring challenges, but having overcome many obstacles before, I am confident I will meet them with resilience and determination.
We are delighted to hear the news that Dominica has been offered this placement at the University of Tasmania and we wish her every success in the years ahead.
Looking into the future: I believe that for the future work of the Trust we are now needing to look very closely with discernment and deep trust as we walk into the future. We are seeing such huge challenge for all of humanity and for our planet. The challenges loom up to face us each and every day.
From my 80 years of life experience and the wisdom that has been gifted to me from facing challenge, I can only state that I do not have any other option than to stand firmly in my own experiential knowledge. I know that there is a greater consciousness present and available within us all, if we open to it. The short reading for our meeting perhaps best expresses the universality of this truth and what is available to us with deep inner prayer, silence and listening.
I do know how to live with trust. Both Edwin and I discovered the amazing outcomes that can come when we present the issues of challenge and then open ourselves up in deep trust and inner listening. Not impatiently but trustingly, and without any idea of how things might work out.
It is to this place that I now take my concerns regarding my capacity to fully continue to serve in the role that I have since the foundation of Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust. I know that I cannot continue to fulfill all of the duties that I have up to this point. I do not know how this will be rectified or accommodated, but I do know that I am fully trusting that if it is for the ‘Greater Good’ that the Trust is to continue on, then I need to ask each and every one who is part of our team to please hold this question in your hearts and minds.
As a committed team I am sure that there will be a way that will unfold to show us the way. Let us join together to wait patiently for the awe and wonder to come. It will!
I ask that my report be accepted.
Laurel Lloyd-Jones (lfsf)
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Aug 31, 2025 | Encouragement Grants, NDESC, NEST
Our bi-annual Encouragement Grant (established in 2021) is primarily intended to offer support, encouragement and hope for the recipient to further their interests that are based upon a deep commitment and compassion for all of life and the natural world, through academic and creative endeavours, that align with the principles of our charity.
Our primary aim is to encourage the recipient to further develop their passion, commitment and capacity to achieve these values, and especially for those who may not otherwise be able to see these dreams realised due to their life circumstances.
We are delighted to be able to announce that our second Encouragement Scholarship of $5,000 for this year has been awarded to a Year 12 female student at Narooma High School.
Nominated by:
Mr. Joseph Harper – Deputy Principal Narooma High School &
Aunty Karen Ella-Bird – Senior Leader Community Engagement Narooma High School
This student has written a profile of her life to share with our readers and she holds the deep respect and support of the Executive Staff of Narooma High School for her amazing commitment and sense of purpose for her life.
Here are her words.
I grew up in Wagga Wagga, spending the first few years of my life growing up with my single dad. While living there, the situation was unstable and we were constantly moving, and when I was five, we moved to Dalmeny to live with my grandparents. During this time, my dad, three brothers, and I shared a single room until we found a place to rent. As I grew up, I learnt to look after my brothers – taking on a motherly role by supporting and looking after them. This was quite challenging as I was growing up myself, having to look after myself on top of that.
I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land, but it wasn’t until Year 7 that my passion for the environment truly blossomed as I learnt more about science. This has inspired me to pursue a career in environmental fields – focusing on conservation and sustainability.
I have faced hardships at home, having moved out in Year 10 when my relationship with my father fell through – and I was securing a roof over my head and was out of a home for weeks. I was in out-of-home care for almost 2 years before that relationship also fell through. Since then, I have been living back with my father, however the arrangements are still precarious.
Despite the hurdles faced, I have remained focused on my studies, with my interest in science unwavering. In Year 10, I was selected for an astrophysics immersion course at Swinburne University – my first experience with tertiary study, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I completed a research project on black holes and Hawking radiation, and upon returning to school, I had the opportunity to present my findings to the school and wider community at a formal assembly.
In Year 11, I delved into my love for science, conservation, and sustainability. I chose my careers carefully, giving me the opportunity to seek a pathway into environmental studies. Subjects aligning with this goal include Earth and Environmental Science, Biology, and Aboriginal Studies – having completed EES via distance as it wasn’t offered at my school. I have achieved highly in EES, having finished first in my cohort.
My cultural heritage has always been integral to my connection with the environment. I have been actively involved in this space at school, serving as a member of the Junior Aboriginal Consultative Group. In this role, I advocated for environmental issues within the school community, which helped me develop as a leader in environmental matters. Additionally, it has allowed me to build connects with my culture and community – who have steered me in the right direction towards my career/ life aspirations.
Next year, I hope to begin a Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation, followed by a Master of Protected Area Conservation at the University of Tasmania. This transition will undoubtedly bring challenges, but having overcome many obstacles before, I am confident I will meet them with resilience and determination.
We sincerely extend our warmest of congratulations to this very worthy recipient.
This kangaroo skin cloak was created by the recipient of our Encouragement Scholarship and it depicts the story of her life’s journey to this time.
A Further Appeal:
If you are feeling as inspired as we are by this young woman’s determination to achieve her life’s goals, we invite you to contribute a donation towards her studies in 2026. All donations are tax deductible and can be made to our charity’s Project Account – details below. Please send a notification via email to egstrust2@gmail.com so that our Treasurer can email your receipt to you.
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust
BSB 032766 Account No. 139061
Reference – 2025 D. Scholarship
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Mar 30, 2025 | Encouragement Grants, NDESC, NEST
Our Trust board of directors was unanimous in the decision to award our 1st Encouragement Grant for 2025 to a young student at Narooma High School. We extend our congratulations to this student who was nominated by staff at Narooma High School for this Grant.
This student has suffered a turbulent and challenging life since infancy yet has remained clearly focused and determined to succeed academically. It is gratifying to see the wonderful support offered to this student from staff and counsellors. With university in mind this student takes great pride in subject work, ensuring that it is aesthetically presented while also adhering to all marking criteria and the outcomes.
A small scholarship to support the academic needs of this student, enabling a successful completion of the final year towards the HSC, will hopefully lead to a rewarding and successful future. The Class Advisor who has supported this student speaks of the great role model that this student offers through engagement in school and community activities with a generous willingness to support younger students. “A delight to have in the classroom” is the clear message from the teaching staff.
A bank account will be set up to cover primary support of this student’s educational expenses and administered by two support persons. Should anyone wish to contribute additional funds to this account – this can be done through our EGS Trust Project Account BSB 032766 Account No. 139061 with reference to ‘Student Scholarship’.
Please email us at egstrust2@gmail.com with your details so that we can send out a receipt which is tax deductible.
I thank you for your kind support and encouragement of this very impressive and worthwhile student.
Laurel Lloyd-Jones
Executive Director
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Feb 5, 2025 | Articles
Feb 5, 2025
Intelligent and compassionate people can change the world, so let us get on with this.
As I draw much closer to becoming an octogenarian early next year, I have found myself finding it more and more difficult to feel hopeful for our world going into the future. I most likely will not be here to see this, but the despair that has been lying heavily upon us during 2024 doesn’t seem likely to shift as we progress into 2025. Our world leaders bring us no hope or confidence of this changing. Never-ending wars and brutalisation of other human beings continues unabated.
Those structures that were put in place to prevent this have been totally usurped by military political interests resulting in powerful billionaires who control our media and our governments with absolutely no regard for suffering humanity. It all remains unchanged and no judicial findings of the International Criminal Court or the United Nations seem to be able to bring this to an end.
This statement from the Dalai Lama XIV rings true:
‘Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non-believing, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference.’
Yet, today such sentiments seem to hold no sway with the powerful in our world.
I believe that, like myself, most informed and compassionate Australians despair at where we are going as a nation. Our current government continues to fail all who hold higher principles as it marches dangerously to the war drums of US policies, ever willing to fall into line. An alternative Coalition government offers us no alternatives and, in fact, that could be far worse.
This year we are facing a federal election and our sense of despair is growing, so at the risk of daring to mention such a term, I am asking the question – can we find humanity’s voice? A voice that calls to those values that we all know are essential for human existence. A voice that expands beyond any formal organised structure, beyond egoic control or self-interest, beyond any political party, to become an organic coming together of minds and hearts in this country.
These might be small groups within our communities who might find inspiration, creative ways forward, that encourage independent intention and action for change in how our country is governed. With small groups forming, we can begin to sow the seeds that can scatter in the wind to become a large productive field of energy for change…”from little things, big things grow”.
It is time for us to wake up and reclaim our power through networking, decentralised action that can till the soil of thought to allow a new spirit to lead us as a nation. It is time that people raised their voices to be heard and to attract ethical political leadership.
It is time for us as Australians to call our political leaders to listen to what we, the people, who value true ideals supportive of a peaceful world, equality and equity, justice, compassionate and life-sustaining principles for both us humans and our natural world, want. They need to hear our heart’s pleading.
Within our local communities we can open a space to re-enforce those values that already are life-sustaining. No individual necessarily has the answer, but collectively we can be open to what this land, and those people who seek better outcomes, can discover if we come together in a spirit of unity.
It could be our great awakening as a nation and it is very much the work of us, the people of this great land.
Intelligent and compassionate people can change the world, so let us get on with this. Perhaps share your desire for change locally — beyond political affiliation, cultural identity, religious identity, class structures — let us come together and explore ideas for change.
Let us attract to our next federal election those who might be seeking what we are – a peaceful, compassionate and sustainable world. Should you wish to discuss how we might create “humanity’s voice”, you could contact me via our charity’s website.
This article was published on John Menadue’s Public Policy Journal Pearls and Irritations.
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Oct 10, 2024 | Encouragement Grants, Indigenous
Our Trust is delighted to announce that our 2nd Encouragement Grant of $2,000 for 2024 has been awarded to Djinama Yilaga Choir which was established in 2019 as an Intergenerational Aboriginal Choir that is rematriating their Dhurga Language through song. They seek to build skills and confidence in their choir members, with a particular focus on their younger members, to support their language, music, performance skills and resilience to pursue their aspirations in music.
They have been able to support this development through public performances locally and by invitation to perform at significant events. This has included Sorry Day with the Cootamundra Girls’ Organisation, Reconciliation Day at Parliament House Canberra, 200 year anniversary of the opening of the NSW Parliament, travelled to perform and share their language in Song in Poland in 2023 and in Washington DC in July this year. They share a positive and fruitful relationship with Four Winds, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and other local musicians.
They recognise the importance of presentation when performing in public and particularly in prominent events, so they are currently seeking funds to enable them to create a new and unique uniform for their performances. Elm Grove Trust is very pleased to be able to award this Encouragement Grant to assist them to move a little closer to gaining their lovely new uniforms.
If others appreciate the inspiration of this lovely choir, then further donations can be made to EGS Trust in support of Djinama Yilaga Choir’s new uniforms.
EGS Project A/c: BSB 032766 A/c 139061
All donations are tax deductible – and please email your contact details to egstrust2@gmail.com for receipting purposes.
