CATALINA IN THE COMMUNITY

EXTRA RELIEF FOR SEASONAL PRESSURE
$2,812.50

Every Wednesday, The Food Hub Batemans Bay opens its doors to those who are struggling in our local community. The Food Hub offers vital reduced-cost and free items including bread, fruit, vegetables, toiletries and cleaning items to those who are facing financial stress. All those who come into The Food Hub are welcomed with a smile, cuppa and slice of cake to foster connection, confidence and support. The not-for-profit provides direct relief from poverty, suffering and misfortune to families and individuals in the greater Batemans Bay region. This funding will help The Food Hub to secure more supplies for those in need.

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FLIGHT PROGRAM
$5,000

Since 2012, Little Wings has provided free, safe and professional flight and ground transport services for seriously ill children and their families living in regional NSW to receive medical treatment in metropolitan areas. The aim of Little Wings is to reduce the emotional and financial stress associated with traveling long distances to seek specialised medical treatment. In August 2024, Little Wings were able to transport three young children, Charlie, Darcy and Clay from the Eurobodalla, to attend specialist appointments with the financial support of Catalina Club.

RAISING AWARENESS FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
$5,000

In 2024, Batemans Bay Cricket Club has partnered with Talk2MeBro, a not-for-profit ‘movement’ dedicated to educating communities about mental health and suicide, empowering and supporting men and others in need of mental health support. The Cricket Club has been uniting community members for decades through sport, and now they are channelling support into Talk2MeBro to deliver workshops to young people in the Eurobodalla who may benefit from early intervention and conversations about mental health and suicide.

FIREFIGHTING TRAINING EQUIPMENT
$5,000

In the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020, the Batemans Bay Rural Fire Brigade fought the huge force of bushfires in the Eurobodalla. Our local firefighters and their knowledge and experience are crucial to members of our community during natural disasters. Catalina Club has funded the brigade to help secure a training prop and trailer to simulate forced entry which is a vital skill during medical emergencies and building fires. The trailer will help transport the prop so other local brigades may also learn these vital skills.

TED-E-BEAR PROGRAM AND SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN LIVING WITH EPILEPSY
$5,000

Epilepsy Action Australia is devoted to saving and improving the lives of those affected by epilepsy by delivering innovative services. In the Eurobodalla 405 people are affected by epilepsy including young children. Epilepsy Action Australia’s Ted-E-Bear connection program aims to provide social and emotional guidance to those diagnosed with the condition. These plush teddy bears will spark joy and provide comfort to children in the Eurobodalla while they also receive specialist nursing care.

AUNTIES & UNCLES PROGRAM
$5,000

CareSouth has been supporting members of the Eurobodalla since 1992 by providing youth support services, disability services, residential care and foster care support. In 2022, CareSouth’s ‘Aunties and Uncles’ program launched in the Eurobodalla to vitally link vulnerable young people in the community with a volunteer mentor (also known as an Aunty or Uncle). This extra layer of support helps young people by creating connections, encouraging physical activity, and fostering mental health. Catalina Club’s funding will help CareSouth train new volunteer Aunties & Uncles to provide support to more local children.

SOUTH COAST WOMEN’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT ADVOCACY SERVICE
$10,000

Since 1984, Southern Women’s Group has been empowering women on the South Coast to live free from violence and discrimination. The organisation provides information, advocacy and referrals to women experiencing violence, as well as their children or other vulnerable family members. In 2024, Southern Women’s Group is delivering an early intervention and recovery strategy in the Eurobodalla to tackle gender-based violence and shift social norms. Catalina Club’s funding will support the organisation to deliver programs to schools, survivors and frontline workers in the Eurobodalla.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY COMMUNITY EVENT
$5,000

Eurobodalla disability support organisation Roundsquared is once again hosting an open and free community event in late 2024 to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. This fun, engaging, accessible and collaborative event will engage with NDIS participants and multiple local NDIS providers to build connections and break down barriers between people with a disability in the community. This community-focused, inclusive event allow more than 100 NDIS participants to plan, host and enjoy the annual celebration. Catalina Club’s donation will help cover some of the organisational and planning costs involved for this event.