Exec. Director’s Report for AGM 12.09.2025
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)