AUTUMN 2025 by The Illawarra Flame

Autumn 2025 Southern edition no. 5 Meet school captain Tori Henderson and dentist Dr Mohit Tolani

Meet Our Contributors

Tyneesha Williams is a University of Wollongong journalism graduate. Born and raised in Central West NSW, Tyneesha fell in love with the Illawarra’s stunning scenery and local community. She runs her own business, Neesh Photography, and in her spare time enjoys taking pictures, attending gigs and going to the beach.

Ian Badham spent much of his 48-year career in developing and operating rescue helicopter and aeromedical services (Westpac LifeSaver then CareFlight). In addition to his volunteer work, Ian worked as a journalist, mainly in newspapers with some radio reporting. He continues to mix aviation with flying as a tour guide and the media officer at the all-volunteer HARS Aviation Museum.

Lesley Roulston is a passionate writer who enjoys hearing the inspiring stories of the people of the Illawarra. Originally from Newcastle, Shellharbour has become her permanent home. She can be found walking her King Charles Spaniel most evenings around the Shellharbour Marina. Her interests include reading and listening to podcasts on health and ageing well.

Phebe Fidge is a marine ecologist passionate about repairing nature and mitigating the effects of climate change. She has over five years of experience in environmental education and science communications with an Honours degree in ecology and conservation biology from the University of Queensland.

Tamara Hynd is the curator of Shellharbour City Museum which moved to a new contemporary facility at the Shellharbour Civic Centre in 2018. She loves history, heritage buildings and places, and is on the board of Museums and Galleries NSW.

Jeremy Lasek began his career in the Illawarra with the Lake Times, ABC Radio and WIN-TV. He was executive director of ACT Government Communications, Events, Arts, Heritage and Protocol for many years. Before returning to Wollongong, Jeremy was CEO of the National Australia Day Council and head of communications for the Australian Federal Police.

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NEXT EDITION Winter 2025

DEADLINE 16 May. Contributions welcome. COVER Tori Henderson and Dr Mohit Tolani. Photo: Tyneesha Williams

THE ILLAWARRA FLAME is published by The Word Bureau trust, ABN 31 692 723 477

DISCLAIMER: All content and images remain the property of The Illawarra Flame unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Views expressed do not reflect those of the publishers.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The publishers acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their cultural and spiritual connection to this land. Their stories are written in the land and hold great significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, from the mountains to the sea.

THE ILLAWARRA

Dementia-friendly choir sings for joy

By Lesley Roulston

The region’s only dementia-friendly choir, Alchemy Chorus South Coast is bringing great joy to local audiences, singers and carers.

Christa Wood, whose partner Ray has dementia, founded the choir in Gerringong in 2022 after being approached by Alchemy Chorus Canberra. She was already organising local, inclusive dancing for people living with dementia and the choir was another chance to bring together families and friends for music and fun.

Alchemy Chorus South Coast now has more than 50 members, with about 35 singers at any one rehearsal.

Music, physical activity and social interaction are very beneficial for people living with dementia, says Christa, who recently also organised a rock ’n’ roll dance group. Studies have shown that music can help reduce anxiety, spark happy feelings and bring forth forgotten memories.

The choir is also designed to help carers – it’s a chance for them to speak to others with similar responsibilities, to share stories and enjoy social time together.

The choir has a talented and dedicated musical director who generously donates her time. Jenny Ferguson accepted the role in 2023 and has since encouraged members to not just meet and sing in unison but to practise challenging roles, such as

part work and solos, so their public performances are polished and layered.

“It’s the challenging work that sets them apart,” Jenny says.

“We are a performing choir, so I try to teach the members everything from how to perform harmonies and rhythms, to deep breathing exercises and correct posture.”

Singing with a band rather than pre-recorded music also adds a professional touch. The choir practises each week with a mix of instruments, ranging from piano to drums, percussion, washboard, trumpet and a mini bass.

The word ‘alchemy’ can refer to the process of turning metals into gold, the curing of disease and the prolonging of life, so it really is the perfect name for the choir, Jenny says.

Alchemy Chorus South Coast performs regularly at local nursing homes and events, and last year was honoured to perform at the Festival of Choirs and in Goulburn with the Alchemy Chorus Canberra.

Jenny says even non-verbal members love to participate in choir rehearsals.

“They tap their hands and mouth words … it’s such a pleasure to see.”

Visit www.alchemychorus.org or email info@alchemychorus.org

Where does the waste go?

By Lesley Roulston

Viking Skip Bin Recycling processes and crushes concrete, bricks and tiles, which can then be resold to homeowners or the construction industry.

It’s one of just three companies in the Illawarra to provide this service, says Glen Steggles, owner of Viking Skip Bin Recycling and Dunmore Resources and Recycling, where the waste is sorted and processed.

“We also spread/pick and sort building materials out such as timber, cardboard or steel to move onto local businesses for producing more products,” Glen says.

“The remainder goes to much larger companies for further processing.”

Viking Skip Bin Recycling can supply different sized bins: Small – 3m3; Large – 6m3; and Extra Large – 8m3.

Materials accepted for recycling include: concrete, metal, bricks, asphalt, tiles, terracotta as well as mixed builder’s waste including plastics, plasterboard, Villaboard, glass, cardboard, wires, cloth and timber.

The company offers fast delivery across Shellharbour and other parts of the Illawarra five days per week, with flexible rental duration.

“Our service is perfect for Mums and Dads, homeowners and businesses as they can order a Viking Skip Bin Recycling bin or even bring the waste in directly by car/trailer or truck here to Dunmore Resources and Recycling,” Glen says.

“Whilst recycling building and demolition waste is not the most glamorous business, it is a vital one for looking after our own backyard. I take great pride in what my team and I achieve here at Dunmore Resources and Recycling.”

NEED A SKIP BIN? Call 4237 5033

For the love of trees

By Lesley Roulston

Geoff Smith has turned his love of photography into a lifelong passion.

Since he was a teenager and learnt the craft under the guidance of his father, Geoff has worked in dark rooms producing black and white images, discovering a creative connection with photography that he didn’t feel with painting or drawing.

Forty years later, Geoff is still passionate about featuring monochrome images in his work and when his sister-in-law (who does printmaking) encouraged him to join the Shellharbour City Arts Society, he was surprised and happy to be welcomed as a photographer.

Now retired, Geoff says he enjoys the way nature reacts to light and he goes walking to capture this reaction. His motto: “It’s not just about the subject, it’s about the light falling on the subject.”

Geoff is predominantly interested in landscapes, particularly atmospheric scenes – “If there’s a bit of mist around it’s perfect,” he says – and he’s also a fan of aerial landscapes.

But it’s the simplicity of monochrome imagery –the emphasis on line, tone and texture without the

Events at your library

Shellharbour City and Oak Flats Libraries

Sat 8 March International Women’s Day Writer’s and Researchers Panel. Free, City Library, 10:30am.

Wed 12 March Seniors Festival Garden Talk. Free, Oak Flats Library, 10:30am.

Wed 19 March Australian bestselling author Nicole Alexander in conversation about her latest novel The Limestone Road. City Library, 6pm. Cost: $5.

Thu 3 April New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester talks about her latest novel The Mademoiselle Alliance. City Library, 6:30pm, $5.

Thu 24 April Australian author Ryan Butta chats

distraction of colour – that appeals to Geoff as it creates a more graphic quality. He is currently working in the digital medium, but focuses on getting things right in-camera rather than correcting work at a post-production stage.

Although the emphasis today is on social media and displaying images online, Geoff says he prefers to see beautifully lit landscapes as wall art. “It’s the quality of a print, the physicality that appeals.”

He has a long-term project titled “For the Love of Trees” and no matter where he visits he is constantly on the lookout for images that reveal the majesty of their structure.

“This is a monochrome project as I love the simplicity of line, tone and texture.”

Geoff lives on the coast and loves photographing rock shelves, waves and other natural points of interest along the shoreline. He spent seven years living in the upper Blue Mountains, exploring the area’s many walking trails, creeks and waterfalls, so he also has a passion for mountain scenery.

Visit www.gemaxphotographics.weebly.com and shellharbourcityarts.com.au

about his non-fiction book The Bravest Scout in Gallipoli. Free, City Library, 6pm.

Kiama and Gerringong Libraries:

1 April Mixed-media self-portraits workshop 3.30pm, Kiama Library

14-24 April Autumn school holiday activities (art and craft workshops, LEGO, and more), Kiama and Gerringong libraries

29 April Cricut workshop: Cards, invitations and more 4pm, Kiama Library

22-25 May Sydney Writers’ Festival Livestream, Gerringong Library

27 May Echinoderms in Watercolour workshop, Kiama Library.

Shellharbour’s

‘Meet and Greet’ BBQ

On Tuesday, 11 February, the parents and carers of SPS students gathered after school for a warm and welcoming event. This occasion marked the opportunity to meet and greet the school’s new Relieving Principal, Ms Malena Waibel. It also provided a chance for parents and carers to connect with their child’s teacher for 2025, gaining valuable insight into the year ahead and the educational journey their children would experience.

A BBQ was organised for everyone to enjoy, allowing families to take the time to meet new people and develop friendships within the school community. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with children happily playing together as

their parents engaged in conversations with Ms Waibel and the teachers. The sausage sizzle was a hit, providing a delicious way to unwind while building connections.

It was a delightful way to foster a sense of community and support as the new school year began. The event not only facilitated interaction between the families but also provided a welcoming space for new families to the school to integrate and feel part of the community. It was a great way to start 2025, bringing the school together, strengthening bonds, and setting a positive tone for the rest of the year. Everyone left feeling connected and excited for the upcoming months ahead.

Shellharbour Public School kicked off the school year with a social event

Neville Fredericks says the trek could be one of Australia’s best. Photos: Chris Edmond & Damon Smith Photography

Former mayor reenergises vision for iconic walking track

By Jeremy Lasek

“Our vision is to create a spectacular, iconic walking track which would rival any other in Australia.”

It’s now more than 50 years since former Kiama mayor and prominent community volunteer Neville Fredericks first heard of the vision for a walking track along Illawarra’s escarpment linking the famous Royal National Park in the north with the magnificent Cambewarra Mountain, more than 150 kilometres to the south in the Shoalhaven.

The name Wollongong (Woollyungah) translated from First Nations’ language means ‘mountains to the sea’ and the epic track would provide walkers with an “unforgettable journey”, taking in some of the best views of the Pacific from vantage points along the Illawarra escarpment.

“From my experience, and I’ve walked many of the top 10 walks in Australia, this trek would easily be ranked as one of our nation’s best walks,” Neville said.

“We’re looking at a walk truly of international standard which would be a major drawcard to hikers from everywhere.”

A significant commitment to date

The NSW Government has already committed well over $30 million to establish the Great Southern Walk, a 67km trek starting at Kamay Botany Bay National Park and through the Royal National Park on Sydney’s outskirts. Track upgrades at Wattamolla Beach, Burning Palms and Otford are expected to be completed in the middle of this year. Planning for a new track connecting Otford Lookout to Bald Hill is underway.

Further south, the Illawarra section of the walk,

the Wodi Wodi to Forest Path section is nearing completion and is expected to be open by the end of the year. Helicopters were required to transport materials into this rugged area and these precision drops into dense bushland have been completed. Weather permitting, the NSW Government says works on the trail between Maddens Plains and Southern Gateway Centre at Sublime Point should be finished in the next six months.

Decades in development

Neville and a small enthusiastic group of volunteers are championing an extension of the walk, a further 82km to the south. They’ve named the walk the Illawarra Escarpment Track and the concept isn’t new.

“The idea first surfaced in 1971 when the late David Walsh from the South Coast Conservation Society introduced me to the idea of a grand escarpment walk,” Neville said.

The new track would extend from Sublime Point above Austinmer, along the rainforest bench below the cliff line and above Balgownie and Mount Pleasant, west of Wollongong. From there, it would cross the highway before climbing again above the University of Wollongong to Mount Keira.

“Many of these areas are currently riddled with informal walking and cycling tracks and the bushland will benefit by the creation of one formal trail,” Neville said.

Linking two ancient landmarks

The track would continue south, providing a link between two of the most significant Indigenous

landmarks in the region, Mt Keira (or the grandmother mountain Djeera) and Mt Kembla (the grandfather mountain Djenbella), then passing through a variety of plant communities behind West Dapto and on to the cliff-line framing Calderwood Valley. East of Robertson are some of the most attractive sections, including waterfalls and distinctive rainforest communities.

A study commissioned by the NSW Government in 2019 confirmed that 42% of the total route is in good condition and can use existing tracks.

“The remaining 58% of the proposed trail would require planning and feasibility analysis to produce a track that is enjoyed by all visitors,” the report said.

The study concluded there was overwhelming support for the project from various stakeholders, including politicians, state agencies, councils, Indigenous groups, business and tourism leaders, special interest groups and the broader community.

Despite all that support, Neville Fredericks and his team say the Government has not yet given formal endorsement to the concept of an extended escarpment track to Cambewarra Mountain.

“This is where visionary political leadership is needed. Without that, it’s very difficult to encourage the bureaucracy to support these exciting ideas,” Neville said.

“We believe we’re on the edge of getting

approval, but we are at the pivotal point right now. We need our politicians to embrace the vision as state policy. That will be the catalyst to take it forward and make it happen.

“Once the vision is formalised, track sections would likely be developed over a number of years as resources became available.”

A track for people of all abilities

“We see the track being broken up into 13 to 15 walking segments, each with varying degrees of difficulty. That means there’ll be a chance to walk a section of the trail suited to every person’s capability. We see it as important that at least one section of the track will cater for everyone, including people with a disability.”

Despite the more than 50 years of negotiations, studies, discussions and delays, Neville refuses to give up on the vision to create an iconic track.

“Nowhere in Australia can you have an experience like this, travelling up, down and along sheer sandstone cliffs and under cliff rainforest benches so close to the ocean, with spectacular waterfalls looking down on river valleys, and a series of vistas as you make your way along the

“Our team is optimistic that one day it will come. I would like it to be sooner than later, and

Huey helicopters take flight

By Ian

The classic thump sound of former “Huey” helicopters flying over the Illawarra is music to the ears of aviation enthusiasts, all with a rotary wing background as well as Vietnam veterans alike.

A larger former RAAF and Australian Army H model Iroquois has now joined the earlier restored ex Royal Australian Navy B model Huey 898 in the flying wing of HARS Aviation Museum’s line-up.

A third, also a former RAN B model 893, is currently under restoration and has been trucked to Wagga Wagga for a repaint.

More pilots are being retrained to fly the HARS helicopter fleet at public events and at Shellharbour Airport where HARS Aviation Museum is located.

Its history makes the return of 703 to flying so significant.

The Australian story of 703 on began in July 1970 in South Vietnam when the RAAF’s 9 Squadron bought the helicopter from the US military. During its service, the helicopter operated as both a gunship and a ‘slick’ (troop transport). 9 Squadron served in Vietnam from 1966 until 1971.

703 remained with 9 Squadron at Amberley and was involved in operations throughout Australia as well as the South-West Pacific, PNG and Indonesia. Operations included Army support, disaster relief

and survey operations in Indonesia and PNG.

With the transfer of the helicopter force to Army Aviation, 703 continued service with the 1st and 5th Aviation Regiments. On disposal from the ADF inventory, 703 was allocated to the RAAF Museum Point Cook in 2012 where it resided before being donated to HARS in 2022 where maintenance is provided by a dedicated HARS team of serving and former ADF people from the three services.

703 is now operating under the Warbird regulations, with the civil registration of VH-X9S (ex 9 Sqn), which reflects its heritage.

Not widely known, the RAN operated seven smaller UH-1B Iroquois or Huey’s in Australia between 1964 and 1989 as trainer and utility helicopters, notably training pilots and crew for the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) with the US Army’s legendary 135th Assault Helicopter Company on four deployments to South Vietnam from 1967 until June 1971.

Like everything at HARS, restoration and flight of these aircraft relies on donations and grants. Visit www.hueyproject.com.au or hars.org.au.

HARS Aviation Museum at Shellharbour Airport is open from 9.30am-3.30pm daily

Left: Former RAAF and Army Huey 703 Iroquois helicopter flying at HARS Aviation Museum. Right: Former RAN Huey 898. Below: view of Nowra from the Huey 898 cockpit. Photos: Howard Mitchell

Badham of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS)

Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion

By Ken Magnus of Oak Flats Lions Club

In 1917, in response to social problems created by World War 1 and rapid industrialisation, a businessman named Melvin Jones invited business clubs across the US to a meeting where the Association of Lions Clubs was formed. Three years later, Lions were active in 23 US states with a total of 6400 members

Lions in Australia

The first Australian Lions Club was formed in the northern NSW town of Lismore on July 1, 1947, largely through the efforts of William R. Tresise (a former Apex Club President).

For almost 78 years, we have served with uncommon kindness, putting the needs of our neighbours, our communities and our world first, and have grown to be Australia’s largest service club organisation. Across the nation there are over 1300 Lions Clubs and more than 30,000 members working on different and exciting projects.

At the heart of every community there is a Lions Club where members come together twice a month to do what they can to help others and to have fun while doing so.

Lions is more than just a BBQ Lions are renowned for holding the best sausage sizzles. While we are very proud of these, we serve more than sausages.

No matter what your interests are, by becoming a Lion you can make a difference.

Our volunteers go above and beyond every day to create positive change, and often this is done silently behind the scenes.

Oak Flats Lions Club, from funds raised through community projects and from our Book Shop in Oak Flats, are extremely proud of being able to support not just local, but also national projects.

We proudly support Emergency and National Disaster Relief, be it drought, floods, bush fires, as well as Childhood Cancer, Hunger, Vision, Hearing Dogs, Environment, Diabetes Prevention and

Helping people and planet

By Lesley Roulston

Resource Recovery Australia’s Shellharbour projects – the Reviva Reuse Shop and The Tinkerage – are part of a nationwide movement to change how people treat their waste.

Working in conjunction with Shellharbour City Council, Resource Recovery Australia, a not-forprofit social enterprise and registered charity, runs Reviva Reuse Shop, an Aladdin’s cave of quality second-hand goods and The Tinkerage, a space where anyone can learn a new skill, work on a home project, or just sit and tinker. Both locations are near the Dunmore Recycling & Waste Disposal Depot on Buckleys Road.

Through their network of Reviva stores across NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory, Resource Recovery Australia focuses on two things: helping people and helping the planet.

An initiative called #WASTE2WAGES enables Reviva to employ people facing barriers to work, divert tons of waste from landfill, repurpose materials and build strong communities.

“Everyone passes the Reviva Shop and The Tinkerage on their way to the tip, but not everyone realises what we do here and how much we can salvage for resale,” Resource Recovery Australia’s NSW state manager, Jarrod Roskell, says.

The team encourages everyone on their way to

the tip to stop and see what can be salvaged from their load and have a look around at the store.

The items on offer are vast and varied – you’ll find everything from lawn mowers and bikes to water skis, kayaks, all types of furniture along with soft furnishings and knick-knacks to go with it. There’s also kitchenware, from pots and pans to toasters and dinner sets. All of the electrical items in store are tested and tagged onsite.

“There is a much-loved Facebook page (@revivadunmore) where the community can see a snapshot of some of the treasures that come in, each and every week,” Jarrod says. “We also play a popular game on Facebook on Tuesday at 7.30pm called the Reviva Reuse Shop Mystery Item where our community help us guess what the item is.”

The Tinkerage is a space where all are welcome to come along and tinker, repair or reuse stuff.

Samantha Nixon, the Reviva site manager, encourages people to bring in any projects they are working on and use the space and the tools available. Samantha says there is a range of tools that can be used onsite and a fully trained team member, Anita, can show you how to use them.

Regular workshops at The Tinkerage are free for Shellharbour City Council residents and $40 for others. Bookings via Humantix.

A Waste 2 Wages success story

By Lesley Roulston

Resource Recovery Australia can offer stable and meaningful employment for people who face barriers to getting jobs through #WASTE2WAGES. Daniel Sommer, who works at Reviva Dunmore, is one of the initiative’s success stories.

In 2013, Daniel started working two to three days per week at the Dunmore facility through a Work for the Dole scheme. Daniel was such a stand-out, after a couple of months he was offered a retail traineeship. It wasn’t long before he was made a team leader, a role he holds today and one that he enjoys immensely.

Daniel’s story is not unusual in that anyone can find themselves facing long-term unemployment. He had a wonderful childhood, growing up with his parents and younger twin brothers. He completed his Higher School Certificate and enjoyed playing footy. After leaving school, he picked up work here and there, but struggled to find permanent employment, eventually finding himself unemployed for three years before he started at Reviva Reuse Shop Dunmore.

Now, in addition to his role as Team Leader, Daniel says his biggest achievement is “the waste we have kept out of landfill over the years”.

Samantha Nixon, the Reviva site manager

Upcoming workshops

March 22 10am-3pm: Repair and Make Jewellery from Broken Things

April 5 10am-3pm: Textile Printing –Revamping Textiles

May 17 10am-3pm: Clothing Alterations

June 14 10am-3pm: Spoon Jewellery

July 26 10am-3pm: Mosaics

Find Reviva Dunmore and The Tinkerage at 44 Buckleys Rd, Dunmore. Open seven days from 7.30am to 4pm. Phone (02) 42 375193 visit resourcerecovery.org.au/tinkerage/ or follow @the_tinkerage on Instagram

One aspect of Daniel’s daily role is to accept the items dropped off at the facility and sort them. He also goes to the transfer station (tip) and looks for anything that can be salvaged.

“I find lawn mowers, whipper snippers, old tools, furniture, amongst other things.”

Daniel estimates that about 90% of items dropped off to Reviva Reuse Shop can be salvaged. He enjoys serving customers and helping them to find recycled treasures.

“Working for Resource Recovery Australia has changed my life. I’m more confident and am in a much better financial position.”

Daniel has also completed the following training through Resource Recovery Australia: First Aid, HSR (Health and Safety Representative), Test and Tag, Forklift, Cultural awareness, Asbestos awareness, Leadership training.

“The job stood out simply because of the people who were part of the team. I love the fact that every day is different,” he says.

“I go home with a smile every day knowing the impact we have on the community and the environment.”

If you are expereincing or have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence and would like support to heal from the trauma, please give us a call or just drop in.

Our Centre may be able to support you with a range of services, groups or workshops.

4243 9800

1/6 Benson Ave Shellharbour

What’s On

Share community events for free at www.theillawarraflame.com.au

Georgia Rose Boutique Markets

Last Sunday of the month from 10am, The Waterfront Alchemy Chorus South Coast Thursdays during school terms 10am-noon.

Kiama Uniting Church Hall. 0416 202 678, www.alchemychorus.org

Albion Park Probus

3rd Monday @Albion Park Bowling Club 10am. Contact: Margaret Reed 0417 229761

Shellharbour City U3A

Tuesdays during school terms, 2-4pm, Oak Flats Neighbourhood Centre. Contact 0413 302 330, shellu3a.sec@gmail.com

Kiama Art Society Exhibition:

March 20-26 – Old Fire Station Kiama Kiama Pickleball: Tues and Thurs 6-7.30pm, Kiama High School, www.jonescotennis.com, 0413 225431

Tai Chi & Qi Gong Shellharbour Weekly at the Marina. Facebook @ TaiChiQiGongShellharbour/ HARS Aviation Museum Tarmac Days: 14-16 March, 11-13 April, 9-11 May, 54 Airport Rd, Albion Park Rail.

Kiama Farmers Market: Wednesdays 3-6pm (Daylight saving time). 2-5pm (Non-daylight saving). Coronation Park. Roo Theatre Shellharbour

March 21-30 Romeo and Juliet. April 11 Roos Line is it Anyway? www.roo-theatre.com.au

Shell Cove Community Garden Weekly Wed 9-11am and Sat from 3pm-5pm. Shellcove.community@frasersproperty.com.au

Shellharbour VIEW Club

2nd Thursday, Warilla Bowling Club. Bookings essential. Call Pres. Janice Holzhauser, 0481 481379. South Illawarra Older Women’s Network

3rd Friday each month. 2-4pm at St Peter’s and Paul Church, Kiama. southillawarra@ownnsw.org.au

Kiama and Shellharbour Camera Club

Every 2nd Wednesday Zoom meetings, 0419 289 110, www.kiamashellharbour.myphotoclub.com.au

Shell Cove Combined Probus Club

3rd Monday 10am at Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club, Barrack Heights, www.probus southpacific.org

Shellharbour Men’s Shed Tues, Wed & Thurs Work on projects in a well-equipped workshop. 32A Addison St, Shellharbour Village, 02 4297 8005, email shell_mensshed@yahoo.com.au

Southern Illawarra Men’s Shed Tues, Wed & Thursdays 8am-3pm, 121B Industrial Rd, Oak Flats, 0493 058 874, southernillawarramensshed@gmail.com

Learn, Laugh, Live with U3A

By Lesley Roulston

Card games, Tai Chi, ukulele classes, photography, and a lot of fun – Shellharbour City University of the Third Age (U3A) is back in full swing for 2025.

Shellharbour City U3A is a local community group that promotes life-long learning aimed at people who are retired or semi-retired. It has grown to more than 300 members since it started in 2003, with even more people expected to join in 2025.

In keeping with their motto ‘Learn, Laugh, Live’, the not-for-profit group shares knowledge, skills and interests through a busy event calendar

featuring talks, courses, activities and excursions.

Shellharbour City U3A members meet every Tuesday afternoon during school terms at Oak Flats Neighbourhood Centre from 2-4pm.

President Kevin Fuller says there are many talks organised for this year on interesting subjects, such as ‘United Nations Treaty Negotiations’ and ‘Rethinking Wellbeing’, to name a few.

Social activities include Mahjong, Bridge, ukulele classes, day excursions, trivia and more.

Last year, the group saw shows at The Roo Theatre, visited Cockatoo Island, had high tea at a local club, visited ANSTO (Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) and hosted art classes. This year, the group’s annual holiday in November will be to the Hunter Valley to see the Christmas lights and displays.

Contact U3A president Kevin Fuller on 0413 302 330. Email the secretary: shellu3a. sec@gmail.com or visit www.sites.google. com/view/shellharbourcityu3a

Support local band Silvia Lane

By Lesley Roulston

Local band Silvia Lane is taking on a busy 2025 with live gigs, song releases, and an EP due out later this year.

Silvia Lane, featuring Shellharbour’s Jack Micallef and Jake Sutton, has been performing gigs at popular local live music venues, including The Servo at Port Kembla and La La La’s in Globe Lane, Wollongong, and the UOW UniBar.

The full EP is due out later this year but Silvia Lane has already released three tracks: Can’t Feel, Strange Nostalgia and the most recent Jasmine, which the band launched in February at The Servo.

Frontman Jack says the two-piece band’s sound is “indie/garage rock” and that he is inspired by Hockey Dad, another famous Illawarra band.

Jack and Jake met at Corpus Christi High School in Oak Flats where they studied music. They were originally in another band but eventually joined forces in Silvia Lane. Jack is the band’s songwriter, lead vocalist and plays electric guitar, while Jake plays drums and sings backing vocals. They started work on the band’s first pieces of music in 2023.

Jack says Silvia Lane’s initial gigs in front of young crowds at Wollongong and Kiama youth centres helped them make a start. They also performed at open mic nights to gain experience.

Silvia Lane’s music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and other streaming platforms, as well as on YouTube.

In addition to playing more local gigs, the boys say they are planning to tour Australia’s east coast once they finish the EP. Look out for the band at La La La’s on March 19 for a special gig where ticket sales go towards their new EP.

Follow @silvialaneband on Instagram and YouTube

*Transaction

Working in ‘Kleinville’

By Tamara Hynd, curator of Shellharbour City Museum

Edwin Harold Klein was an eccentric to say the least. He had little education, made millions using unorthodox construction methods while working as a builder at Shellharbour, and purchased the famous Hillview estate at Sutton Forest.

Klein was born at Parkes in 1901, leaving school when he was about seven to help on the family farm after the death of his father. As a teenager, he built a home for his mother from concrete blocks. He had no training or experience, but having observed how houses in the area around him were built, he determined he knew how to build.

Edwin came to Shellharbour to build a holiday house for Miss Edith Fuller, daughter of George Laurence Fuller of Dunmore House. So began his ‘career’ in the building industry.

He drew up his own plans and contracts. Houses were nine to 10 squares, modest, built mostly of fibro. Kitchens and baths were built in. Tilux on splash-backs was used if tiles were too expensive. Unusual for the time, he bought cheap land and spec-built several houses alongside each other.

Edwin essentially sold house-and-land packages, and made a tidy profit. He believed everyone should own a home and built houses as cheaply as possible, at times advancing the deposit as an interest-free loan, enabling the client to get a bank loan.

The Shellharbour Building Register for the years 1923-1951 lists 125 dwellings, extensions, shops, garages and sheds built by E.H. Klein.

Well-known Shellharbour identity Russell East recalled his experiences working as an apprentice to Mr Klein.

“I will always remember my first week as an apprentice carpenter in the building industry. We were working in Kleinville, as we called it. Mr Klein had us clear a patch of ground about 30 feet in diameter. He then delivered about 20 loads of metal and sand on his Fordson truck, which we had to unload and mix together by shovel. This quantity would sometimes take us four or five days to turn twice. When it was mixed, he would deliver bags and bags of cement and then we would start to turn some of the pile again with cement, and then wheel the mixed concrete to say six house foundations that had taken weeks to dig, and then pour the concrete. This was his method of mass production, no mechanical tools whatsoever. I remember going home for lunch, not eating but having a sleep, and wondering how I was ever going to handle the building industry.

“The house we built in Gardeners Crescent for Mr Pemberton was part dug out on the adjoining property. When we noticed the mistake, Mr Klein said just cut the corner off the house as we were only in foundation stage and this was easy, but the house was always an odd shape on the northern side after that.

“We were never able to take time off for wet days, and one very wet day we were told we had to make a water tank in the front empty bedroom of the house! It was easy getting the tank sheeting through the corridor and into the bedroom because of its shape, but when we tried to explain to Mr Klein that when the 10,000-gallon tank was built we wouldn’t be able to get it out of the bedroom, he just yelled ‘Do as you’re told and build

Hillview, Sutton Forest c.1900, summer residence of the Governors of NSW. Photo: Berrima District Historical & Family History Society

the tank’. We did, and when it was finished, we asked him how we were going to get it out of the house. He replied ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ Well, then we had to demolish the front wall of the house to get the tank out, and rebuild the wall again.

“I remember once I was screwing in screws in a door hinge, as we were taught to do in college. Suddenly I received a boot in the backside and Mr Klein said the screwdrivers were only made to screw screws out, not in. ‘What do you think a hammer is for? Don’t waste time.’

“None of the houses he built had soft wood door jambs, as according to Mr Klein, this was a waste of money. We had to pick the best and straightest hardwood planks, plane them by hand and hang the door directly to them, so you can see why we had to use the hammer for the screws.

“When we constructed bathrooms, we never used concrete underneath the bath area as this wasted concrete. The floors were only two inches thick, held up mostly with formwork and at times reinforced with wire off old bed bases. I remember once I jumped from the first row of noggings to the floor and went straight through it. Mr Klein said, ‘I have told you before – never jump on the floors, you may go through them’.

“Most of our painting was done again by mass production. Paint from the store was too expensive, and so we made our own. One or two 44-gallon drums, three-quarter filled with fat and lard from the local butcher shop at no charge. To this we would add two sugar bags of rock lime. This would then be boiled off its head. We would add oxide to colour it, and the next four houses and fences were all painted the same ‘scheme’. Needless to say, lots of people had trouble removing the fat paint when they tried to repaint their houses.

“Regulation and approvals were not a problem in those days.”

During his years at Shellharbour, Edwin lived in a corrugated iron shack, only building a house for himself in Towns Street shortly before he left the village.

He retired from the building industry at 57 and 12 months later, in 1958, he purchased the historic NSW Governor’s summer residence ‘Hillview’ at Sutton Forrest for £35,000. The Parkes Government had acquired the property for £6000 for vice regal use, and spent £10,000 renovating it, causing a furious debate in the Legislative Assembly.

Edwin planned to turn the property into a retirement hostel for healthy seniors on low incomes. There were 50 rooms in Hillview and the aim was to have around 60 residents who preferred a quiet country environment and found pleasure in group activities, reading and philosophical discussion. He named it the Emma Louisa Klein Hostel, after his mother.

In 1958, three people came but they left before long, unable to cope with Klein’s strict set of rules, including regulations on snoring and a ban on discussing religion and politics other than on specially nominated occasions, determined by himself.

With the retirement home no longer in operation, Klein found himself the owner of an enormous property, however, he chose not to live in the grand house.

For 30 years he confined himself to the small cottage in the grounds that had once been the Aide-de-camp’s quarters. He set about developing the garden, working all day and well after sunset, by torchlight.

Before his death, in 1990 aged 89, he made arrangements to gift Hillview back to the State. The house was virtually left untouched during the 32 years that Klein owned it. The cupboards were full of utensils, glassware and china bearing the governor’s crest. The Chinese cabinet in the drawing room contained ancient sheet music for Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

And in Shellharbour, you can still find evidence of his handiwork, if you know where to look.

To find about more about the history of Shellharbour City, visit Shellharbour City Museum’s online platform, discovershellharbour.recollect.net.au

Above: Edwin Klein on the verandah at Hillview.

Right: Russell East, when he was apprenticed to Mr Klein.

Photos: Shellharbour City Museum

feature Cover Citizensof the year

Cover story & photos by Tyneesha Williams

Local dentist Dr Mohit Tolani was named 2025 Citizen of the Year at the Shellharbour Community Awards in January.

“I feel very honoured, and I see it as an encouragement to sustain what I do. It’s a great opportunity to invite collaboration and network with people who can support similar initiatives to myself,” Mohit says.

Dr Mohit works as a dental practitioner at Shellharbour Dentists and Dapto Dentists, where he advocates for accessible dental care through various community-linked initiatives, such as ‘Project Smile’. Project Smile aims to provide free dental care for patients who may be underprivileged or unable to receive care.

“There’s a couple of things that stop patients from entering the dental clinic – that’s fear and cost,” Mohit says.

“If we eliminate those two things from the equation, we can open care and access at the right time, addressing inequities in the community.”

Mohit graduated as a dentist from Griffith University on the Gold Coast and has also completed a Master of Public Health and Master of Health Management from the University of New South Wales. He also holds a Bachelor of Medical

Science (Honours) from the University of Sydney, where he is currently also completing a specialisation in Dental Public Health/ Community Dentistry.

“Many years ago when I was in dental school, we did a community project with an Indigenous children’s group. We provided a free health workshop, which was quite successful,” says Mohit.

“Those children put that knowledge into practice, they visited the dentists at the right time to seek help – we provided that information they needed. If something is not right, seek help at the right time. If you can’t solve it at home, reach out – because a small brown thing can become a hole.”

Mohit is the deputy chair of the Australian Dental Association NSW Advocacy Committee and a member of the Australian Dental Association’s Policy Committee. He also contributes to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s (AHPRA) Notification and Compliance Committee.

“There are a few hats that I wear, and all of them echo the simple value of prevention, integrity and ethical practice, which is what we aim to integrate in our practice,” Mohit says.

While working in regional Victoria, Mohit was

Tori Henderson and Dr Mohit Tolani

confronted by extreme health inequities, which led him to the advocacy work he does now.

“One time we had to pull out 10 teeth from a two-year-old child under general anaesthesia,” Mohit says.

“I felt that the parents weren’t attentive enough to the child’s needs at the right time. It made me think ‘I’m not here just to pull teeth out – my job is to stop the whole cycle’.

“That sort of broke me.”

Three in 10 Australians delay or avoid seeking dental care due to cost barriers, and 1 in 4 children (aged 5 to 10) have untreated decay in their baby teeth, according to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s most recent report.

“There was another patient who was not dentally sound and under general anaesthesia at the age of 17, we had to remove all of her existing adult teeth and give her dentures. Those teeth were not salvageable. If help was sought at the right time, it wouldn’t have happened that way,” Mohit says.

“Seeing a 17-year-old who’s lost all of their teeth because maybe they couldn’t access care at the right time or there was poor dental health literacy made me question my thought process as a clinician.

“We are not here just to drill, fill and bill. We want to get to the root cause of it, which is inaccessibility.”

Mohit was one of 10 remarkable local citizens honoured at Shellharbour City Council’s awards ceremony at Shellharbour Civic Centre on January 15.

Mohit says his achievements would not be possible without the support of his family and colleagues.

“I can’t go without my wife, my mother and father, and my two children. With the initiatives that I’ve undertaken, they have been quite an integral part of it,” Mohit says.

“They accommodate my travel needs and are very supportive. My wife, Dr Chandni Badlani, is a doctor so she definitely provides her support as well, not just clinically but personally.

“My work colleagues, especially Mr Shinu Joseph, he is one of my mentors. I wouldn’t be successful if I didn’t have them. You need that support system.”

Locals can apply to Project Smile to access dental care at Shellharbour Dentists.

“If you think that you have been affected by adversity of some sort, book in for a free consultation so we can see how we can help you out,” Mohit says.

“If successful, we can provide free dental care.

“We want people to share their stories so that we can move forward.”

Dr Mohit Tolani is 2025’s Citizen of the Year.

Tori Henderson is 2025’s Young Citizen of the Year.

2025’s Young Citizen of the Year

A school leader, theatre performer and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer, 17-year-old Tori Henderson was named 2025’s Young Citizen of the Year.

“I’m extremely excited. This wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card,” Tori says, smiling.

“I want to make some real change and use the platform to be a voice for the young citizens of Shellharbour.”

Tori is school captain at Lake Illawarra High School. She spends her spare time volunteering at The Roo Theatre in Shellharbour and with the local SES team.

Tori’s passion for theatre began at The Roo Theatre, where she performs, does set work, mentors younger students and helps in the canteen.

“I’ve always been a performer and loved being on stage,” she says.

“In year five, my mum finally signed me up for the classes there after many years of begging and begging.

“So I did classes there for a little bit and then I got in my first show and never looked back.

“It’s been six years now, and that’s my home away from home. I absolutely love that place. I’ve been in over 20 shows now between Roo and Woods-Ray Theatricals.”

Tori also volunteers at the NSW SES Shellharbour unit, attending muster meetings every week and assisting the team to help the local community.

“I went to an open day with school and got invited to come back and do an internship. It was a 10-week program where we learned all about SES, some hands-on leadership and communication stuff,” Tori says.

“I was awarded the Commander’s Commendation award at the end of that program. So about a year ago, I decided to do SES full-time, because you can sign up to be an SES member from the age of 16.

“I absolutely love it there. I’ve recently done my training to be able to do storm call-out jobs. It’s been heaps of fun and I’ve made lots of new friends.”

Tori thanks her friends and community for the support she has received.

“It takes a village,” Tori says.

“I want to thank my teacher at school who nominated me, and all my other teachers who have mentored me and helped me become the person I am today.

“I want to thank all my mentors at Roo Theatre and SES – Ray, Byron, Tim, and everyone else, I’m not leaving anyone out. My family, my mum is my biggest supporter, as well as my grandpa and my dad.”

Tori will be completing the HSC this year and

applying for early entry to universities.

“I definitely want to do something in the acting or community space,” Tori says.

“I’m very excited for the future but also very scared – which is something that I feel a lot of people my age are relating to – it’s pretty daunting looking at the state of the world.”

Tori says young people in Shellharbour could benefit from less judgement and more community support.

“I’d like to use this platform as a voice for the young citizens of Shellharbour because we are often quite misunderstood and we get quite a lot of backlash from the community,” Tori says.

“There are some people who are doing the wrong thing within the community, of course, but

how do we turn that around?

“Try to be more understanding, ask more questions. Don’t just make your judgement at first look. It’s easy to make that judgement and it happens within seconds – but when you’re growing up, you’re still figuring out who you are.

“I think we need to be cut some slack, and we need that support from the community.”

Congratulations to all

Shellharbour City Council honoured residents at its Community and Australia Day Awards Ceremony at the Civic Centre on 15 January.

Professor Justin Yerbury, Caitlin Foord, Alex Volkanovski, Karen Murphy, and Professor Ngiare Brown were inducted into the Shellharbour City Hall of Fame. Also recognised were 2024 Australia Day honours recipient Dr Buddhima Indraratna AM, King’s Birthday Honour’s recipient Mr Gregory Croft OAM and local emergency services from Police NSW, Rural Fire Service and the SES.

Community changemaker Ange Clarke was the evening’s Australia Day Ambassador and guest speaker. Pictured above right: Prof Ngiare Brown with Deputy Mayor Kellie

• Citizen of the Year – Mohit Tolani

• Young Citizen of the Year – Tori Henderson

• Athlete of the Year – Ellen Perez

• Young Athlete of the Year – Indiana Dos Santos

• Services to Sport – Marcos Baez

• Outstanding Diversity and Inclusion – Gerald Brown (Uncle Gee)

• Community Capacity Builder –Emjae Woods

• Outstanding Contribution to the Arts – Shellharbour City Arts Society

• 2024 Community Group of the Year – Lost & Found Pets Illawarra

• Volunteer of the Year – Margaret Young

Marsh. Photos: Shellharbour Council.

Big switch to Electrify Illawarra

By Denise Aubourg, the event coordinator of a regional movement

I grew up in small gold- and diamond-mining towns in South Africa. My father sometimes took us on weekend hikes, while my mother enjoyed a rare moment of peace. As one of five children from a mixed English-Afrikaans family, these simple adventures ignited a lifelong love of the outdoors. After a year of teaching high school science, I switched to computer programming and project management. My career choices were always driven by curiosity – taking on roles that excited me. In 1990, I emigrated to Australia, and now, after more than three decades here, I proudly call this beautiful country home.

My ‘Lightning Bolt’ moment

For most of my life, I believed that meaningful climate action was the government's responsibility – supporting renewable energy to replace aging coal-fired power plants. I thought our household changes were tiny drops in the ocean. That belief shattered in 2022 when I attended the Electrify 2515 forum and heard Dr Saul Griffith speak. Saul revealed that households alone contribute up to 40% of Australia's domestic emissions, and when you add small businesses, that percentage climbs to 60%. The solution? Replace the millions of everyday machines in our homes – cars, hot water systems, heating, and cooking appliances – with efficient electric versions as they reach the end of their lifespan, and install rooftop solar and batteries.

I was stunned. The science was solid and the logic was simple. Plus, the potential savings were compelling: up to $3000 to $5000 per year for the average household. As a recent retiree, that kind of cost reduction was impossible to ignore. I knew I had to get involved.

From pilot program to regional push

Electrify Illawarra grew from the success of the Electrify 2515 community group supporting the Electrify 2515 pilot. The pilot is offering an incentive to 500 homes in the 2515 postcode to participate in a research trial on switching from gas to electric appliances. The pilot seeks to answer critical questions like: What are the challenges in retrofitting older homes? Can the local grid handle the increased electricity usage? How will habits change when we can generate much of our own energy on our rooftops? The pilot will help inform what support is needed to help communities across Australia to transition to all-electric households as we reduce the use of fossil fuels.

While the terms of the pilot were being

negotiated, we partnered with two local solar installers to offer a discount on rooftop solar across the Illawarra. About a third of the installations under this scheme were for Illawarra residents outside of the 2515 postcode. We also ran two EV Open Days and provided information on hot water systems. The interest was overwhelming.

People liked hearing from neighbours who were making the switch and getting practical advice about trusted installers and financing options. So, in March 2024, we decided to launch Electrify Illawarra to encourage and support our broader community to reap the benefits of electrifying their homes by choosing efficient electric options each time they replace a car or appliance

Walking the talk: Changes to our home

Before joining Electrify Illawarra, we had already installed solar vacuum tubes to pre-heat hot water, a 6.6kW rooftop solar system, and reverse-cycle air conditioning.

Installing rooftop solar had already dropped our electricity bill by $1600 a year, which covered the cost of the system in a few years.

When the cheaper Chinese EVs arrived in late 2023, we replaced our runaround car with the cheapest new electric vehicle available at that time. We’re now saving about $2200 a year in fuel costs. Charging the EV mostly during the day when the sun is out, it costs very little to run. We occasionally need to top the car up from grid electricity during winter when there’s sometimes

Denise Aubourg, pictured with her EV

not enough sun or when we’ve been out all day. This often only costs the equivalent of one or two cups of coffee!

I’m so impressed that the savings Saul Griffith claimed we could make are real! We’ve already lowered our annual costs by $3800 and there are still further changes we can make when the price is right (e.g. heat-pump hot water, household battery, vehicle-to-grid).

Our vision for all of the Illawarra

The Illawarra is home to 130,000 households and 22,000 businesses. Our dream is to see local Electrify groups in every community, helping residents make smart energy choices and reduce their carbon footprints. We can provide hands-on support for events like EV & Home Energy Open Days and share information and success stories. Look out for Sustainable House Day on 4th May and book to go on one of the house tours to see what everyday families are doing to transition to all-electric homes. Visit sustainablehouseday. com/2025-featured-homes/

Join the movement

We need more volunteers, especially from the southern Illawarra. You can help by:

• Joining a working group: Events, Media, or Advocacy.

• Sponsoring or donating: Help cover essential costs like insurance and event materials.

• Hosting a community event: Invite us to give a talk or help organise an EV or Home Energy Open Day.

Together, we can build a cleaner, more affordable energy future for the Illawarra.

Contact electrify.illawarra@gmail.com

Survey for Kiama

By Electrify Kiama member Alexandra McPaul

Are you a Kiama LGA Resident?

In the Kiama LGA, people are already keen to electrify their homes. There are 41% of households in our municipality with rooftop solar, so we are sitting well above the NSW state average of 36%. When it comes to electric vehicles, as of July 2024, we were ahead of the state but at 1.8% there is still lots of opportunity to increase take-up of EVs.

One local resident told me they recently took their Tesla on a 2300km road trip to Phillip Island and back. They said they spent $170 on chargers and they were mainly on the highway section. They never encountered a broken charger or had to queue. The car was amazing and they said the autopilot is a must for longdistance driving.

Through sharing people’s experiences and learnings, we hope people will feel more confident to take that next step. We are running a survey for people living in the Kiama LGA to understand what people’s electrification needs/interests are. Join us as we work together to make positive change.

Scan the QR to take the survey or email electrifykiama@ gmail.com

The Electrify Kiama volunteers. Photo: Billy McPaul

Discover Kiama Art Society

By Lesley Roulston

The Kiama Art Society was established in 1966 with the aim to foster and encourage the development of the fine arts in the Kiama community.

The society is run by a committee of volunteers and its membership is a mix of about 200 professional, semi-professional, retired and amateur artists.

Artistic development is encouraged with opportunities like workshops, demonstrations and tutorials. Activities such as a weekly painting and drawing group, a plein air group and a life drawing group are popular with members who enjoy meeting up with others who share similar artistic interests.

The society holds several exhibitions each year In the Kiama Old Fire Station on Terralong St for members to display and sell their work. The next exhibition runs from March 20 to 26. There is also an annual exhibition that is open to all artists and offers several thousand dollars in prize money donated by local businesses. This year’s annual exhibition will be held in June at the Kiama Leagues Club.

The society also acts as a conduit for social

Author commended

Congratulations to ‘Our Shellharbour’ writer

Local author Karen Hendriks has received a Commended award in the Children and Young Adult category at The Society of Women Writers NSW awards.

Karen received the honour for her children’s book Our Shellharbour during a gala luncheon held in Sydney on November 29, 2024. Our Shellharbour showcases the area’s natural wonders through the eyes of characters Lani and Oli. In March/April this year Karen will travel to Florence, Italy for a

activities among its members with excursions to the Archibalds, visits to regional galleries, paint-and-sip events etc. Projects for the coming year include:

• Combining the recommissioning of their printing press with a printmaking course and print exhibition.

• Working with Kiama Council to host an additional small-scale, “themed” exhibition that will be open to non-members and encourage broader community engagement in the visual arts.

Most activities for the society take place at the Coach House Arts and Crafts Centre in Farmer St, Kiama. This beautiful old stone building, that the society leases from Kiama Council, was once the stables for Hartwell House and was donated by the Spackman family to the local community to be used for the arts. In turn, the society provides meeting spaces in the Coach House for children’s art classes and the Spinners and Weaver Group.

Visit www.kiamaartsociety.org.au

children’s writers retreat and to visit the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, where her new picture book, Vesper Jones and Marshmallow, will be previewed. Karen says the new book, due for release in July, is about using your imagination to create dreams filled with wondrous things while learning to conquer the scary ones.

Visit www.karenhendriks.com

NEW SOUTH WALES

Port Kembla Tidal Chart

1 SA MARCH Time

4 TU 0007 1.68 0623 0.35 1228 1.50 1831 0.39

5 WE 0057 1.68 0728 0.42 1325 1.32 1915 0.52

6 TH 0152 1.65 0841 0.49 1433 1.17 2009 0.63

7 FR 0256 1.61 1006 0.51 1600 1.08 2118 0.70

8 SA 0410 1.59 1130 0.50 1732 1.08 2239 0.72

9 SU 0524 1.60 1236 0.45 1840 1.14 2352 0.68

March 2025

18 TU 0535 0.51 1134 1.36 1725 0.53 2352 1.55

Time

19 WE 0618 0.55 1213 1.27 1754 0.60

26 WE 0628 1.66

20 TH 0028 1.53 0707 0.60 1256 1.18 1828

8 SA 0410 1.59 1130 0.50 1732 1.08 2239 0.72

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2024, Bureau of Meteorology. Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide. Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect. The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights. The Bureau’s liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded. Scan the QR to download a fresh Tide Chart each month

9 SU 0524 1.60 1236 0.45 1840 1.14 2352 0.68 10 MO 0628 1.63 1327 0.41 1928 1.22 11 TU 0052 0.61 0720 1.67 1408 0.37 2008 1.29

6 SU 0249 1.59 1007 0.49 1621 1.16 2129 0.78

7 MO 0401 1.57 1105 0.48 1717 1.23 2240 0.73

31 MO 0424 0.23 1031 1.66 1635 0.30 2254 1.85

25 TU 0532 1.56 1232 0.46 1837 1.22 2359 0.65

8 TU 0502 1.56 1150 0.47 1801 1.31 2338 0.66

12 WE 0141 0.55 0803 1.68 1443 0.35 2043 1.35

26 WE 0628 1.66 1316 0.35

9 WE 0552 1.57 1228 0.45 1838 1.39

13 TH 0224 0.50 0843 1.68 1514 0.35 2115 1.41 14 FR 0303 0.47 0917 1.65

TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF HIGH AND LOW WATERS LAT 340 29’ LONG 1500 55’

New research shows potential for ‘nature positive’ design

By Genevieve Swart

It’s early days but new research – ironically coming out of the oil and gas sector – has given scientists hope that offshore wind structures could boost biodiversity by becoming artificial reefs, home to sponges, crustaceans, molluscs and fish.

“There’s some great work happening in the science space that doesn’t get a lot of attention but that’s really interesting,” says Associate Professor Michelle Voyer, a principal research fellow with the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security at the University of Wollongong.

Thanks to a new national research and training initiative, the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE), university experts from around the country have been able to start coming together to have conversations about both the challenges and opportunities that offshore wind might bring.

This has given Michelle, and other UOW researchers, a chance to learn from colleagues, including those actively exploring the impacts of oil and gas infrastructure.

What she’s learned is “quite incredible”.

“There’s lots of overlap between the oil and gas industry,” Michelle said, “particularly in light of decommissioning platforms and what happens when you start to think about removing those structures, which have essentially become artificial reefs.

“Some of our ACOWE colleagues shared footage of some of the ecosystems that have developed around these offshore oil and gas platforms. It was incredible – there were lobsters crawling all over it, there was sponges, it was amazing.”

Decommissioning fossil fuel projects is now inspiring ideas for how offshore wind developers can not only ‘do no harm’ but actually ‘do good’.

“There scientists and engineers both here in Australia and overseas working on ‘nature positive’ design approaches, which are exploring how infrastructure associated with offshore renewables can be designed from the beginning with particular outcomes in mind,” Michelle says.

“What this means is design could change to maximise yield of a particular species of fish that might be commercially or recreationally important, or to promote general biodiversity.

“It’s a really interesting discussion because it’s acknowledging, yes, things are going to change when we put these big pieces of infrastructure in the water, but how do we make sure that change can be managed in a way that it provides benefits?”

Artificial reefs are created when creatures like

shellfish, which grow from larvae and are distributed by ocean currents, latch onto structures.

“So they become fish aggregation devices … and you start to get a whole ecosystem effect,” Michelle says. “Nature positive design recognises that nature will respond to changes in the environment and attempts to manage that in beneficial ways.

“This is why [wind farm] co-location with mussel and seaweed farms, for example, is something that’s getting a lot of interest in Europe.”

Challenges ahead

Uncertainty abounds at home and abroad.

Last month, with a federal election looming, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the ‘steel city’ of Wollongong twice, committing $500 million to supporting the use of Australian steel and aluminium in clean energy projects, like building wind towers. However, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised to rescind the Illawarra’s 1022 sq km offshore wind zone if elected.

Meanwhile, UOW – where Michelle is a leader in the Blue Energy Futures Lab – is cutting costs in a massive restructure that could see the university lose 90 full-time academic staff.

“We’ll roll with the punches,” Michelle said. “The energy transition question will not go away, no matter what happens at the election, and no matter what happens at the university.

“I think there’s incredible opportunity in amongst all the challenges and that’s not at all diminishing the scale of the challenges.

“But there’s definitely hope in there too.”

The video Michelle refers to is not yet publicly available – this deepwater image is from ‘Marine Communities of Cooper Energy Offshore Facilities’ by Deakin University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Grey nurse sharks at Bass Point and in Bushrangers Bay. Images: Max Dall’Asta and Brodie Whalan. Follow the local photographers on Instagram @maxdallasta and @brodiewmedia

The Grey Nurse Arc

The sharks of Bushrangers Bay have returned as mysteriously as they disappeared! Phebe Fidge reports

Beneath the swirling waters of Bushrangers Bay, rich kelp reefs bustle with fish and urchins. Purple sea squirts protrude like alien fingers from the rocky terrain among colourful sponges, cast into shadow by passing grey nurse sharks. The sharks are a huge eco-tourism drawcard, with snorkellers and scuba divers travelling to Bass Point for a glimpse of the endangered east coast population.

Diver Max Dall’Asta has lived in Shellharbour for more than 28 years, and still feels the thrill of swimming with these ocean beauties.

“In terms of looks, they’re badass, but when you dive with them, you know they don’t bite!”

As a result, he was one of the first to notice their mysterious disappearance in December last year.

“They left about 20th December, and that was it. They were gone!”

This isn’t the first time. Max remembers that the grey nurse sharks left once before in 1997.

“That was for many, many years. They even took down the [shark] signs! The sharks have only come back in the last 10 years, and then all the signs were put up again.”

Max has been part of a citizen science program called “Spot A Shark” (SAS) long enough for a shark to be named after him! The program asks

shark enthusiasts to upload photos/videos of east coast grey nurse sharks to identify individuals and monitor their population.

Local divers worked with SAS to set up cameras on local boats, even deploying an underwater drone, to see if they could spot any sharks lurking in Shell Cove marina. However, the only local shark spotted over the Christmas period was sighted by Sarah Han-de-Beaux, SAS coordinator and shark researcher, in Jervis Bay!

“Grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus) have a complex migratory pattern along the Australian coast and utilise multiple aggregation sites,” Sarah says. “The sharks move between sites seasonally and sometimes abandon sites for periods of time.

“Observations by the diving community at Bushrangers Bay showed consistent sightings until 20 December 2024, followed by a temporary absence until 10 January 2025. We cannot fully interpret the reason for their short-term absence. Speculated causes, such as the presence of larger sharks, human disturbance, or changes in ocean conditions, require further investigation.”

Whatever the reason for the sharks’ absence, Shellharbour residents are grateful for their return. This celebratory response represents a positive shift

in the public perception of sharks.

“In the 1960s/70s these sharks were targeted for culling. Flash-forward to the present day, where a brief 20-day absence triggers widespread concern. This progress gives hope for the future of these vulnerable animals.”

However, there is more to be done to conserve grey nurse sharks on the east coast, and this starts with increasing their protection.

Max is passionate about this, saying: “Bushrangers Bay, which is the area that’s protected; it’s a swimming pool! It protects nothing. If you want to protect them, you want to protect at least 1km around that.”

Sarah adds, “The value of grey nurse shark tourism, demonstrated clearly at sites like Bushrangers Bay, combined with the passion of our diving community, creates the movement needed for increasing their protection.

“We encourage divers to continue documenting their encounters and, importantly, to engage with all levels of government, expressing their support for stronger conservation measures.”

Visit www.spotashark.com

Netball Club aims high

By Lesley Roulston

For more than 50 years, Shellharbour Netball Club has fostered a love for netball and helped players to build lifelong friendships and family connections.

Founded in 1973, the club has faced challenges over the decades. Local sponsorships, fundraising efforts, such as walkathons and lamington drives, and the dedication of volunteers have helped keep it afloat. Today, the club is thriving, with about 200 members who have access to high-quality coaching, equipment and facilities.

Family involvement is a key element of the club’s culture. Generations of families have played, coached and officiated together, creating a deep sense of belonging. It is common to see motherdaughter coaching duos, siblings playing side by side and entire families contributing as committee members, umpires and supporters.

Beyond competition, the club actively promotes personal growth, leadership, and teamwork. Life membership honours recognises the decades of service of those who have shaped the club’s identity through coaching, administration and mentorship.

To enhance inclusivity the club has secured funding to introduce subsidies for uniforms, development clinics for players and support for umpire and coach accreditation courses. They are partnering with First Nations artists to design culturally inclusive uniforms and will also

First pickleball comp

By Lesley Roulston

Kiama Pickleball Club held its first social Pickleball Competition at Kiama Leisure Centre on Saturday, January 11. Hosted by Jones Co. Tennis, the event was a huge success.

It attracted about 40 players and just as many spectators, said Daniel Jones, director and head coach at Jones Co. Tennis.

“We had a great group of players from our regular pickleball sessions as well as other Kiama

introduce alternative playing uniforms, such as t-shirts and shorts in addition to the dress.

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, Shellharbour Netball Club is committed to growing with the community. The club’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment remains steadfast. Whether a player is stepping onto the court for the first time, or returning as a veteran, the message is clear: Shellharbour Netball Club is a place where everyone belongs.

Contact: www.shellharbournetball.com.au, 0483 439050 or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram

and Shellharbour locals,” Daniel said.

“That is what we loved about this competition, it was about bringing the community together for something fun, social and active.”

The format consisted of a doubles round-robin with teams of two to four players. Players were competing for one-of-a-kind Pickleball Trophies (aka a jar of Pickleballs) and some repurposed tennis trophies from Daniel’s childhood, as well as vouchers for the Pickleball weekly sessions.

Daniel said over 100 adults and kids join in the weekly Pickleball sessions. “It has been amazing to see people join in and give it a go.”

Jones Co. Tennis is keen to run another Competition Day and include an under-18s division. Meanwhile, Daniel says they have weekly sessions on Tuesday and Thursday at Kiama High School, open to beginners and advanced players.

“If you don’t know how to play, we will start you off with a lesson with one of our coaches and, in no time at all, you will be playing.”

Visit www.jonescotennis.com/ kiamapickleballclub