OFF proudly celebrated its 70th anniversary with a magnificent dinner for 70 guests at the Olds Park Sports Club on Wednesday, 13th August, bringing together like-minded organisations such as Lock The Gate Alliance, Georges Riverkeeper, Greater Sydney Landcare, Project Penshurst 2222, Streamwatch, Georges River Trees, Kogarah Bay Progress Association Inc, and Lugarno Progress Association – LPA.
The audience was inspired by the informative, entertaining, and inspirational address given by Nic Clyde (Lock the Gate’s community convenor), who impressed with his profound knowledge of OFF’s remarkable history. He raised pivotal issues confronting us all and presented strategies for energising local communities to support these campaigns.
President Kim Wagstaff described some of the highlights of OFF activities in the recent decade, including saving the Oatley Bowling Club site from high-rise development, opposing changes to the Foreshore Scenic Protection Area, and an extensive tree planting program of around 10,000 plants in collaboration with Greater Sydney Landcare and Georges River Council at various sites. Kim also acknowledged the valuable contributions made by all the GRRRP councillors, including Councillor Matt Allison: and Councillor Peter Mahoney:.
Kim then outlined OFF’s priorities for the coming decade, with a key focus on addressing climate change by promoting emissions reduction strategies at all levels of government.
Long-time members were awarded certificates for belonging to OFF for over 25 years, including:
| Matt and Cathy Allison | 25 years |
| Peter and Sue de Beuzeville | 27 years |
| Judith Jaye | 27 years |
| Brian Dale and Lyndal Kelly | 30 years |
| Jan Douglas and David Crawford | 32 years |
| Robin Dickson | 35 years |
| Peter and Lesley Cox | 46 years |
| Julian and Annette Sheen | 50 years |
| Alan and Chieu Fairley | 52 years |
Alan Fairley is an acclaimed local author who has clocked up an incredible 52 years with OFF, and has written 30 books on nature!
Throughout the night, photos from all the years of OFF events were screened, including the 60 th anniversary dinner, prompting wonderful memories and much laughter. Member Trevor Revis entertained us with the ever-popular and very appropriate John Williams’ song *Cootamundra Wattle*.
Our now-published calendar *The Beauty of the Georges River* also sold well on the night and is now available to purchase.
A toast to OFF’s longevity and a lively future was offered by another long-time member (former president, Julian Sheen), followed by the cutting of the cake and the long-awaited drawing of the Lucky Door prizes.
A great time was had by all. Here’s to another 70 years!
PROMO
OFF, as Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society is known, is celebrating 70 years of protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural environment locally and globally with a dinner at Olds Park Sports Club. (Fully booked.)
Nic Clyde from Lock the Gate will be speaking to the 70 guests, a birthday cake will be cut, music provided and lucky door prizes to be won, contributed by the St George Mens Shed and the National Maritime Museum, among others.
Long term members will also be honoured by the presentation of Certificates of Recognition.