A humpback whale entangled off the NSW South Coast has been successfully freed following a response led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with support from Marine Rescue NSW and ORRCA.

The whale was first reported to ORRCA’s 24/7 Rescue Hotline near Batemans Bay, trailing lines used for fishing and buoys attached. 

A specialist response was mobilised, with teams tracking the whale and working together on Saturday to safely remove the entanglement on the weekend. 

The NPWS Large Whale Disentanglement Team (LWDT) successfully removed 46 metres of trailing line, two buoys and seaweed weighing a total of 13 kilograms from the whale, allowing it to resume more natural movement. Following the disentanglement, the whale was observed moving faster and responding positively.

A drone pilot operating as part of the NSW Right Whale ID Program obtained aerial imagery of the whale, providing valuable information on the type and configuration of the entanglement to assist the response (see Dropbox for vision captured).

Disentangling marine wildlife is a complex and dangerous operation that requires highly trained operators, specialist equipment and suitable conditions to safely approach and assist animals at sea.

Large Whale Disentanglement training is supported by the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy (MEMS).

12 June 2026 – In a welcome move for the local government sector, the NSW Government has announced that from 1 July 2027, it will take over ownership and responsibility of the Rural Fire Service’s mobile assets – commonly referred to as the “Red Fleet”.

Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of Local Government NSW said the move would come as a great relief to local councils across NSW.

“For the last 30 years, legislation has said that these assets are owned by councils. Yet councils had no say in the acquisition, usage and disposal of these assets; these were all decisions of the Rural Fire Service” said Mayor Byrne.

Despite this, councils have been required to record these assets in their financial statements and absorb the depreciation expense for these assets, as well as the costs of inspecting and recording these assets in their accounts. Today’s announcement means that once the transfer takes place next year, councils will no longer carry this impost.

“Today’s reform will be particularly felt in smaller rural and regional areas where the vesting of Red Fleet assets has had a huge impact as these communities often have a proportionally larger RFS presence. These councils were carrying a heavy financial burden by being forced to record them on their books.”

“This is a major win for local government and comes after years of persistent advocacy by LGNSW and from our individual councils”.

Most recently, LGNSW made strong representations to an inquiry conducted by the NSW Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee whose final report recommended that legal ownership of the fleet should be transferred to the RFS as a state agency.

“We thank the members of that Committee for recognising this urgent need and we are pleased that the State Government has acted so decisively on this key recommendation to transfer ownership.”

“Councils strongly support the work of the RFS and recognise that it is a world leading firefighting service. We look forward to working with the State Government over the next 12 months to ensure a successful transition, including appropriate consideration of maintenance contracts.”

The Rally for Recovery at Tomakin has made a further $150,000 to Sydney Children Hospital Foundation.

Alex Hyvonen, from the Foundation, (left of photo) gratefull accepted the cheque recently.

Mike from the Rally says “This year has been very successful, thanks to the generosity of donors and a consistent level of support from locals and visiting buyers. We now have a good range of all household items at garage sale prices, and also those of a better quality.”

The South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance’s EV EXPO will be held this Saturday in Riverside Park featuring a wide range of vehicles.

Come along and have a chat to local owners of a diverse range of electric vehicles about what it is like to own one in the Eurobodalla.

Local auto dealer AMH will also be there with new vehicles.

With the recent oil crisis and spike in fuel prices, there has been a surge in interest in going electric.

Rob Motbey from Coastal Auto Group Moruya says BYD was the second largest selling manufacturer in Australia last month. Locally, 90% of sales over the last two months have been EVs.

The new technology is moving fast and Rob says BYD are bringing 4 minute chargers to Australia.

Interestingly the new tech isn’t just for the young ones. Rob says the average age of purchasers locally is 71 years.

Kathryn Maxwell from SHASA says “There is something for everyone, and prices start under $25,000. You might even be able to trade your combustion engine car for an electric one with very little to pay, and say goodbye to expensive fuel and maintenance, and enjoy a quiet, more relaxing ride.”

Rising from the ashes of the Black Summer bushfires, the NSW State Emergency Service Batemans Bay Unit is back with a vengeance, opening the doors of its new home to the community this weekend. 

Locals are invited to attend a family friendly Open Day on Saturday 6 June from 10am to 2pm at the new Emergency Services Precinct, 3 Sawmill Road Surf Beach, home to both the NSW SES Batemans Bay Unit and NSW Rural Fire Service Surf Beach Brigade. 

NSW SES Batemans Bay Unit Commander Kevin Shepherd said the Unit was excited to finally welcome the community into its new home. 

“We’ve had many people ask when they can come and see the new building, so we are thrilled to finally open the doors,” Mr Shepherd said. 

“This facility is something our members are incredibly proud of. It gives our volunteers the space, equipment and resources they need to train, prepare and respond when the community needs us most. 

“The Open Day will be a fantastic chance for families to meet their local volunteers, have a look around and learn more about staying safe in emergencies.” 

Eurobodalla’s Munjip Trail is now officially award-winning, after being recognised for the way it connects people to culture, Country and coastline.

The Munjip Trail won the Interpretation category at the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards on Friday 15 May. The 18km coastal walk on Walbunja Yuin Country stretches between Batehaven and Mackenzies Beach. Munjip, meaning “walking together, let’s go” in dhurga language, reflects the project’s commitment to learning, respect and connection.

Developed in close collaboration with local Aboriginal stakeholders, the trail weaves stories and history through interpretive signs and creative installations. Online storytelling, including video content and an interactive interpretation map, extends the experience beyond the trail itself and helps visitors connect more deeply with place and culture.

Delivered through $6.5 million in federal and state grant funding, the project transformed a long-standing but informal coastal track into a significant tourism experience attracting locals and visitors year-round.

The National Trust Heritage Awards recognise excellence in conserving, protecting and interpreting heritage across New South Wales. Winners across this year’s awards included major restoration and conservation projects from Sydney, Byron Bay and Inner West Sydney. Read more on the National Trust NSW website.

“The façade unveiling of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital marks a major step toward delivering the contemporary health services local families deserve in a modern fit for purpose new hospital” said Minister for Health Ryan Park visiting Moruya on Thursday.

Communities across the Eurobodalla region are one step closer to receiving expanded world‑class health care, with the façade of the new Eurobodalla Hospital now revealed as construction progresses for the project.

The Minns Labor Government’s $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital development will deliver a modern, purpose‑built facility with a range of high-quality health care services for communities from Narooma to Batemans Bay, significantly improving access to essential health services.

The NSW Government is delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities, after the Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects around NSW.

The new façade for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital features a light-filled glass-fronted foyer that will welcome patients, visitors and staff into the new hospital, along with silver and bronze-toned cladding to reflect the surrounding landscape.

The community has also been given a first look at the significant progress inside the new hospital, with images revealing the new maternity unit, maternity staff station, and a recovery‑based space, which will support patient‑centred care and contemporary work environments for clinicians and health staff.

With the building façade complete, construction will continue on the internal fit‑out, services installation, and external landscaping works.

The new hospital has been shaped in consultation with clinicians, staff, community members and guided by local Aboriginal knowledge.

The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital includes:

• A larger Emergency Department
• An eight‑bed Intensive Care/Close Observation Unit — the region’s first Intensive Care Unit
• Surgical and operating theatres, including a day‑stay surgical unit
• Expanded chemotherapy and renal dialysis services
• An expanded medical imaging department, including MRI
• Ambulatory care and outpatient services
• Paediatric and maternity services, with a special care nursery
• Mental health beds for short term care
• Education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory

Minister for Health Ryan Park said “This new hospital will bring lifesaving care closer to home, including the region’s first Intensive Care Unit, expanded surgical capacity, and enhanced maternity and paediatric services.

“Once complete, the new hospital will be larger than the existing Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined and equipped with capacity deliver essential health care now and into the future.

“The Coalition failed to deliver the hospitals and health staff that NSW needed, devastating our health system. The Minns Government is correcting this, making record investments to deliver more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said “Today’s milestone brings us another step closer to delivering the high quality, accessible care that the people of Eurobodalla have long advocated for.

“With work now progressing on the interior of the new hospital, we’re beginning to see the first of the new maternity and recovery spaces emerge, each designed to provide dignified, patient-centred care for our growing community. This hospital will be transformative for our region, and I’m proud to see it edging closer to completion.”

The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

The winners of the Eurobodalla – South Coast Monopoly Photo Competition have officially been announced, celebrating the region’s natural beauty, community spirit, and unique local character.

The competition invited locals and visitors to capture “what Eurobodalla means to you,” with winning images set to feature in the upcoming Eurobodalla – South Coast Monopoly Edition board game.

The response from the community was outstanding, with a diverse range of entries showcasing everything from coastal landscapes and wildlife to moments of everyday life across the region.

“It’s been incredible to see Eurobodalla through the eyes of the community,” said Ivan Slavich, CEO. “The quality and creativity of the entries made judging no easy task. Each photo tells a story, and together they paint a powerful picture of what makes this region so special.”

Winning entries

Joint First Place:

·Goals – Belinda Parrish

·Rainbow over Batemans Bay – Talia Forrest

Joint Second Place:

·Narooma Rocks Sunrise – Shona McDonald

·Please Perform for the Panel – Debbie Osiecki

Third Place: ·Surf Beach – Batemans Bay – Jean-Philippe Offord

Special Mention: ·Octopus – Blake Norman

First place winners will each receive a $250 Bendigo Bank savings account, second place winners will receive $200, and the third-place winner will receive $150.

All winners will also receive a complimentary copy of the Eurobodalla – South Coast Monopoly Edition once it is released.

In recognition of the strong community participation, all competition entrants will also be offered a free copy of the game, available for collection from the Batemans Bay branch upon release.

The Eurobodalla edition follows the success of the Snowy Mountains version, which similarly showcased local identity through community-driven content.

The upcoming board game will highlight local landmarks, businesses, and community organisations, with a portion of proceeds supporting regional initiatives and charities.

The Eurobodalla Monopoly board is currently in development, with release details to be announced soon.

Fund from the game will support important local charities and organisations, including: Batemans Bay SurfLife Saving Club, Marine Rescue Batemans Bay, and Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW.

The Monopoly – Eurobodalla South Coast edition will be available this summer through participating local businesses and organisations.