Thrive Together Pop-up coming to Ulladulla: Free, local support for those doing it tough.

If life’s been feeling a bit overwhelming lately, you’re not alone, and there’s help close to home. The Thrive Together Pop-Up is heading to Ulladulla on Wednesday 26 November, bringing together a bunch of local organisations that are ready to support anyone doing it tough.

From 10am to 1pm on the Ulladulla Civic Centre lawns, you can drop in, chat with friendly people, and find out what help is available, no pressure, no judgement, just support.

Mayor Patricia White is encouraging locals to come along, stating “I encourage everyone in our southern towns and villages doing it tough to come along and learn about the organisations and services…to support you through these challenges.”

At the pop-up, you can connect with services that help with things like, cost of living relief, financial counselling, housing and welfare support, mental health services, Aboriginal service providers, and free legal advice.

It’s all free, and it’s a great way to get practical help, or even just see what is out there if you, your mates or family might need it.

The event’s a team effort between Shoalhaven City Council, Salt Care, Second Bite-Fare Share, Safe Waters, Ulladulla and Districts Community Resources Centre, and Southern Cross Housing.

To make support even easier to find, Council and Southern Cross Housing have also teamed up to refresh the Doing It Tough Guide, a handy, pocket-sized directory listing local services for anyone facing challenges with money, housing, or mental health.

You’ll be able to grab a copy of the Doing It Tough Guide from Council facilities, first responders, or check it out online via Council’s Doing It Tough webpage or Southern Cross Housing’s Path2Home site.

So, if you’re in the Ulladulla area, swing by the Thrive Together Pop-Up, it’s a small step that could make a big difference.

For more information, see: https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/News-and-feedback/News-and-media/News/Thrive-Together-Pop-up-to-come-to-Ulladulla

Photo credit: https://www.ulladullatimes.com.au/story/9102876/thrive-together-shoalhavens-upcoming-support-services-event/

Surfboards, sand and second chances: The Sydney Brothers Bringing Surf Lifesaving to Gaza

Two brothers from Sydney are on a mission: bring the surf lifesaving spirit of Australia to the shores of Gaza. Shamikh Badra and Majed Badra have spent years dreaming of launching a surf club in Gaza, despite heartbreaking setbacks.

It all started with Shamikh’s simple vision: introduce the Australian “Nippers” program, where kids learn beach safety, surf skills and confidence, to Gaza’s 45 km coastline. With Majed joining the cause, the pair began by planning to send surf lifesaving gear and training to Palestinians. In 2019, two young Gazans even travelled to Sydney’s North Steyne Surf Lifesavers Club to train and bring knowledge back home.

By mid-2023 their dream started to take shape with the launch of the “Gaza Nippers” program. But just two months in, it came crashing to halt with the escalation of war, and the tragedy was real. Some children and team members involved were killed in airstrikes, while others vanished amid the chaos.

From the wreckage of devastation, though, hope still rises. Majed directed a film titled Gaza Nippers: Hope Amid Devastation, focusing on children’s stories, not just statistics. “Children are not numbers… They are people. They have a future. They have dreams,” he says.

Despite the unimaginable losses, Shamikh and Majed refuse to give up. They remain committed to reviving the surf club in Gaza and continuing the programme for the children who deserve more than conflict. “We will continue this project. We will never give up,” says Shamikh.

In a place defined by despair, the Badra brothers are offering surfboards and hope, reminding us that even in the roughest waves, there’s room to float, to learn, and to dream again.

For more information and photo credit, see: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/the-sydney-brothers-hoping-to-bring-surf-lifesaving-back-to-war-torn-gaza/s4ra4fgg1

14,000 Kilometres of Grit and Heart: How the Maclean brothers turned a record-breaking row into a mission for change.

Three Scottish brothers set out with a bold goal, to row across the Pacific Ocean and raise over $1.6 million to bring clean water to communities in Madagascar. After 139 days, 5 hours and 52 minutes at sea, Lachlan, Jamie and Ewan Maclean finally made it to Cairns, smashing a world record in the process.

The trio left Peru earlier this year, determined to complete one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, rowing 14,000 kilometres, unsupported, across open ocean. It was more than a test of strength and stamina; it was a mission built on purpose, teamwork, and sheer resilience.

Life on the boat was relentless. The brothers worked in shifts, taking turns rowing and resting as the Pacific threw everything at them, blistering sun, storms, exhaustion, and isolation. At one point, one brother was even swept overboard in rough seas. But they refused to quit. “We know how to keep each other going,” they said. “We’ve been through a lot together, and that’s what got us here.”

When they finally arrived at Cairns Marlin Marina, they were greeted by bagpipes, family, and cheers from supporters who’d been tracking their progress from afar. The celebration was simple but perfect, cold beers and hot pizza after months of surviving on ration packs and sea air.

Their arrival didn’t just mark the end of a journey, it proved what’s possible when determination meets purpose. By beating the previous Pacific record (160 days) and completing the crossing in 139, the Maclean brothers showed that adventure can do more than push human limits, it can change lives.

For more information, see: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/lachlan-jamie-ewan-maclean-scottish-brothers-cairns-rowing-pacific-ocean/4qgv8mys7

Photo credit: https://www.scottishbanner.com/2025/09/30/scottish-brothers-set-new-world-record-after-completing-cross-pacific-row/