As so often happens in regional Australia, 30 years ago there was a real gap in services and supports in Bay and Basin, especially for young people.
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But while the region lacked resources, it was rich with people who loved where they lived and were willing to give their time and energy to make sure their community received the support it needed.
And so the not-for-profit Bay and Basin Community Resources (BBCR) was formed to provide community services and essential programs, projects information and resources to the South Coast.
BBCR celebrated its 30th anniversary last week with an open day for residents to tour the Sanctuary Point site, meet the BBCR team, and explore potential employment and volunteering roles.
One of the original drivers of the organisation, Barbara Haynes, attended the celebration to cut and cake and share her memories of the early days of BBCR.
Barbara was instrumental in fundraising for the Sanctuary Point Youth and Community Centre and the Bay and Basin Leisure Centre - two facilities that are now the heart of the region.
"It was apparent to a group of concerned citizens that we needed something for the youth in our areas and so we formed a committee to fundraise to build the Community Centre, the Leisure Centre and the cycleways to connect the Bay and Basin community," Barbara said.
"I've always been proud and I'm still proud today of how we formed a management committee and brought the whole community together."
Because of their persistence and hard work, the Sanctuary Point Youth and Community Centre was opened in 1991 and for the last 30 years it has been a gathering place for all ages.
It has held countless activities, events, workshops and social groups and is a safe space where you will always find a friendly face.
Since those early days, BBCR has grown and diversified with today supporting 1000 seniors and people with disability in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra, and over 270 locals access the community space in the Sanctuary Point Youth and Community Centre each week.
BBCR now employ 85 people and have a team of 100 volunteers, many of whom celebrated at the anniversary.
The day kicked off with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony by Djiriba Waagura and a performance by the Dhawarri dancers from Vincentia High School.
