OCTOBER 2023

THE ILLAWARRA

October 2023

Keeping community news alive

It’s time

Referendum a chance for positive change

INSIDE >> Tim Flannery’s view on offshore renewables

Meet Our Contributors Tim Flannery is a scientist, an

explorer, a conservationist and a leading writer on climate change.

He has held various academic positions including visiting Professor in Evolutionary and Organismic Biology at Harvard University, Director of the South Australian Museum, Principal Research Scientist at the Australian Museum, Professorial Fellow at the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, University of Melbourne, and Panasonic Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Macquarie University. His books include the award-winning international best-seller The Weather Makers, Here on Earth and Atmosphere of Hope. Flannery was the 2007 Australian of the Year. He is currently chief councillor of the Climate Council.

Jeremy Lasek has spent decades in media, marketing, events and PR. His career began 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.

He’s now volunteering on the YES23 campaign.

James McCormack lives in

Helensburgh and is a writer, photographer and the editor of Australia’s longest-running adventure publication, Wild Magazine. He would love to spend more time trail running and mountain biking and hiking, but is unfortunately too often chained to his desk reading about other people’s amazing adventures.

Dr Saroja Gunasekera has worked

as a GP at Bulli Medical Practice since 2012. She is passionate about providing patients and their families with comprehensive, personalised, holistic medical care. Saroja provides a mentoring and life coaching service and is a Clinical Associate Professor in General Practice at UOW. Duncan Leadbitter is a director of fisheries and natural resource consulting company, Fish Matter, which advises industry, government and NGOs on the sustainable use of fish. Most of Duncan’s work is in based in Asia. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Australian Centre for Ocean Resources and Security at UOW. A keen scuba diver, snorkeller, spearfisherman and photographer, Duncan lives in Stanwell Park.

T H E I L L AWA R R A

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COVER North Wollongong’s Sit In, Swim Out event. Photo: Alex Pike, alexpikecreative.com THE ILLAWARRA FLAME is published by a family business, The Word Bureau, 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.

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October

KANE DOWNIE

New to Scarborough ArtShow The annual school fundraiser is back with fresh faces, writes Melissa Barnard

First-time Scarborough ArtShow exhibitor Therese ‘Peachy’ Petre’s paintings are a contemporary expression of muchloved, nostalgic pastel hues. Peach will also be exhibiting her ceramic works, which seek beauty in imperfection of form. She gives her work a ‘made by a human’ feel and loves that this is something machines and technology find hard.

What are you working on at the moment?

Lately I’ve been working hard on creating new ceramic sculptural works and large landscape paintings, running my ceramics business, teaching pottery, producing a golden ceramic fish for a client, designing and releasing a line of t-shirts and prints with my friend Sophie, planning a commission, writing songs for my first album, Flannelette, working on an illustration of a banksia for a local landscaping brand and working on

illustrations for a social media campaign for MakeShift Creative. Oh, and did I mention I’m moving house?!

What motivates you to create?

I am inspired by other artists, by the beauty of nature, by my emotions and by a desire to find balance. Sitting at a desk, even in a creative role, does not feel right to me.

More recently, I’m troubled by the necessity of owning and using technology. The increasing prevalence of software that creates art, music and literature is disturbing to me, however innovative.

I’m motivated even more now to produce things that hold a human characteristic... bends, curves and imperfections. Obvious signs of brushwork, and working with one’s hands. With the art of pottery-making dating back 20,000 years, it’s also one of the oldest continuous crafts. It’s a privilege to be making a living from an age-old practice.

Opening night Oct 6; show Sat & Sun, Oct 7 & 8, 10am-4pm, $5 entry, Scarborough Public School, www.scarboroughartshow.com

Artists of the Illawarra

By Northern Illawarra Art Trail chair Edith McNally

When an opportunity presented itself to move, Renee Kamaretsos did not hesitate. She resigned from a long and successful career as a travel agent and with her family made the move to Greece.

After settling in and with free time on her hands, she again picked up a paint brush.

Renee was eager to learn and attended many classes in Athens and Paris. Fellow expats were very interested in what Renee was painting, so she finally started a weekly women’s workshop in her home to learn new skills and share a glass of wine.

Years of living in Greece and France, plus travelling extensively throughout Europe, provided inspiration for her beautiful contemporary art.

Now back home in Australia, Renee has formalised her studies by completing a four-year Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts. She loves painting in various mediums, including the fluidity of ink, the freedom of watercolour, the texture of impasto.

Her subjects range from expansive landscapes, the vastness of the ocean to the curves of the human.

Renee’s new series captures the textures, fluidity and movement that one can see just beyond the horizon, while still evoking calmness in the viewer.

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arts & culture

Renee also works with interior designers and stylists to create custom pieces to suit individual client colour palettes and wall size in a style from Coastal to Country.

She accepts commissions from private clients who visit her studio so they can get the perfect piece for their home. Her online store has a stunning selection of fine art archival prints available for sale.

Renee has been running very popular technique-based workshops in her private studio in Bulli for more than nine years. In these workshops Renee guides her students through the process of creating art that they are proud to display. Future classes are on her website. Renee’s studio is at The Timber Mill Studios at Bulli.

The next Northern Illawarra Art Trail (NIAT) Open Studio weekend is November 18-19.

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Just in Time for Summer The popular Club Thirroul with wonderful views of the escarpment has undergone an extensive renovation inside and out, just in time for Summer. This includes the development of an outdoor alfresco terrace and resort style bar, offering a selection of share platters and cocktails perfect for those wonderful warm afternoons. Plans are also underway for an outdoor kids play area so parents can relax with a drink and enjoy a meal next to the play area. There is also two very well maintained bowling greens for Barefoot Bowls and special events.

Other renovations include an updated bar and entertainment areas inside the club.

To co-incide with these renovations, a new menu and full program of entertainment will start from 1st October. There will be a regular program of live music on Sundays and special tasting events monthly on Saturday afternoons.

Sunday Sessions EVERY SUNDAY 1PM-4PM ON THE ALFRESCO TERRACE Live music at Club Thirroul from local Illawarra artists. Paired with cocktails starting at $12 all day and delicious share plates – we have your Sunday afternoons sorted.

Check our website and socials for the line up.

www.clubthirroul.com.au

Rosé Afternoon SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 3PM-5PM Club Thirroul is bringing you a decadent afternoon of all things Rosé. Get the girls together and enjoy tastings of a selection of wines over a two-hour period with a tasting plate from our kitchen. Enjoy the sounds of our local soloist as you sit back and relax, tasting some of the finest local wines.

Booking link and more details on our website.

www.clubthirroul.com.au

Camp Gully Creek pollution – a year on, what has changed?

By James McCormack, editor of Wild Magazine

Camp Gully Creek, downstream of the mine, in Sept 2022.

The same creek on Aug 10, 2023.

Photos: James McCormack

It’s been roughly a year now since I was making my way though one of the Royal National Park’s most beautiful sections – the lush rainforested valley surrounding Camp Gully Creek – and discovered the filthy black pollution and sludge that Peabody’s nearby Metropolitan Mine in Helensburgh had discharged into the watershed.

I immediately raised the alarm, alerting the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), along with the then Environment Minister James Griffin. In the media scrum that followed, promises were made that the mine would be forced to clean up its act. Sadly, the improvements since have been at best haphazard; at worst, barely existent.

Since September 2022’s event, there have been multiple other pollution incidents. One of them, in November last year, resulted in the EPA issuing two fines totalling $30,000. I’ve done the sums: For a US-based multinational company like Peabody with 2022 revenue of $5 billion USD, it’s like fining someone who makes $80,000 just 32 cents.

Not surprisingly, the paltry fines did little to alter the mine’s behaviour, and pollution events continued into 2023.

In August, there was another release of coal sediments onto Camp Gully Creek.

It’s not all bad news, however.

After last September’s event, the EPA varied the Metropolitan Mine’s licence conditions, with real-time water-quality monitoring being mandated. And the mine itself has been more proactive in terms of notifying the EPA of breaches and in immediately undertaking clean-up action.

Naturally, such actions should be par for the course, but that has unfortunately not historically been the case. In September last year, it took my chance discovery for the EPA to be notified.

In the August 2023 event, as I understand it, the

mine itself notified the EPA, and had workers engaging in clean-up operations within days.

Then, in September 2023, the EPA announced legal action against the mine for last September’s pollution event.

Let’s hope the fine, presuming one is levied, is meaningful this time. Five offences are being prosecuted; each could attract a million dollar fine.

And while a fine of $5 million would be a welcome start, it’s still pocket change for a multinational company like Peabody. Perhaps a penalty like a licence suspension would be more likely to make Peabody take notice.

There’s no arguing that the coal produced by the mine is used for steel production, something we all rely on. That, however, doesn’t give Peabody carte blanche to destroy our beautiful environment. If it can’t act responsibly, the debate over the mine’s right to operate at all is only likely to grow.

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news

EPA takes action

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is prosecuting Metropolitan Collieries Pty Ltd after two significant pollution incidents at Camp Gully Creek, which flows into the Hacking River in the Royal National Park. The EPA alleges that Metropolitan Collieries failed to maintain surface water facilities at the mine site near Helensburgh, which meant they were unable to cope with additional rainfall resulting in two discharges of coal contaminated water in September and October 2022. The matter is listed for directions in the NSW Land and Environment Court on 20 October 2023.

Source: EPA release, 8 Sept 2023

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The beauty of offshore wind

By Tim Flannery

The Federal government has announced a consultation period on the proposed area for offshore wind developments in the Illawarra, which runs until October 16 this year. It’s important to have your say.

The Illawarra has been chosen for offshore wind because we have excellent port and industrial facilities, as well as a superb wind source.

The area where the wind farms will be situated covers 1641 square kilometres, located between 10 and 30 kilometres offshore.

Offshore wind turbines are a potent source of electricity. A single rotation of an offshore turbine’s blades can provide as much electricity as a home solar array produces over an entire day. In all, the proposed Illawarra development could produce enough energy to power 3.4 million homes. And the wind is often blowing offshore, meaning that wind power is available both day and night.

The need for new clean energy is urgent. We need it in order to close down our polluting coal and gas plants. And if we fail to develop clean energy in time, climate impacts – from heatwaves to fires and floods and sea-level rise – will continue to grow. I believe that we must do everything we can do in order to hasten the transition, so I’ll be supporting the wind development.

I understand that some people have concerns, particularly about the impacts of wind farms on the marine environment. The best guide to those impacts is a review, published last year in the 10 news

world’s leading science journal Nature, which documents both positive and negative effects of offshore wind farms.

During the construction phase, larger marine mammals may avoid the area, and birds can collide with the turbines during migration. But these negative impacts can be minimised (for example, by turning the turbines off during the seabird migration period).

The positive impacts are less well-known, and some are surprising. Everything from invertebrates to fish, seabirds and seals can benefit from the underwater structure of the wind turbines, meaning that once the construction is complete their numbers can increase. Interestingly, the fishing becomes better, with fish-catch increases of 7% occurring in the vicinity of wind farms. But some kinds of fishing, such as trawling, cannot occur near wind farms.

When I look out over the Illawarra coast today, I see flotillas of ships at anchor close to the shore, emitting pollutants into the air and water. Their enormous anchors also disturb the bottom, crushing marine life and tearing up delicate organisms. I know that the ships are necessary, so I don’t complain about the devastation. But how much happier I’d be to see wind turbines at work, rather than coal freighters off our beaches.

I love wind turbines, and often stop near wind farms when driving just to admire them, and be calmed by their majestic movements. But offshore

Northern Illawarra local and internationally renowned scientist Tim Flannery is an explorer, a conservationist and a leading writer on climate change. His books include the award-winning The Weather Makers and, most recently, Big Meg, written with his daughter, Emma. Professor Flannery was 2007’s Australian of the Year and is currently chief councillor of the Climate Council. His quest to find good climate leaders is the subject of a new documentary, Climate Changers, with director Johan Gabrielsson. The film launched on 17 September with a national Q&A event featuring Rewiring Australia’s Dr Saul Griffith, climate justice lawyer Kavita Naidu and actor and climate advocate Yael Stone. All photos: Climate Changers/Totem Films Pty Ltd

In Climate Changers, Tim speaks to (below, from left to right) former PM Malcolm Turnbull, Rewiring Australia’s Dr Saul Griffith and Paul Knight, former CEO of the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council.

wind turbines are something very special. They are gigantic, and one of humanity’s greatest engineering triumphs. Imagine turbine blades 130 metres long! When I encounter offshore wind farms overseas, I see them as symbols of hope in a world struggling with devastating climate impacts.

I hope I’ll be able to glimpse our own offshore turbines one day, if they are 10 to 30km out.

New South Wales is a laggard in developing clean energy, as the recent decision to keep our highly polluting coal plants running longer than preciously decided shows. We’re lagging in part because of community opposition to wind and solar farms. If we in the Illawarra won’t do our bit to help with the energy transition, then who will?

And what will we tell our children as the megafires of the future rage, and the sea rises?

Have your say by October 16 on the offshore renewable energy zone – go to consult. dcceew.gov.au/oei-illawarra

October 11

Thoughts on offshore renewables zone Words: Caitlin Sloan; Photos: Anna Warr

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is calling on the community to have their say on a 1461sq/km zone off the Illawarra coast proposed for future offshore renewable energy projects.

In September, six community drop-in information sessions were held. The DCCEEW promoted these sessions via letterboxing, local newspapers, radio stations, social media and media releases. A spokesperson said about 400 people attended the session at Bulli Senior Citizens Centre on September 18, adding, “Community feedback has highlighted support for job opportunities, investment in local manufacturing in the region and the need for more affordable energy as well as questions around the visibility of turbines from the coast and coexistence with marine life and future infrastructure development.”

Here’s what some Bulli attendees said. Please note, comments have been abridged for print.

Damien Toogood, Scarborough

I’m all for it. I know it’s going to happen. I think it’s now just a matter of, is it 10 kilometres or 30 kilometres? Now it’s just business … just money and horse trading now … It’s a 30-year thing, you know – I’ll probably be dead in 30, but our son won’t be, and our children won’t be, and I don’t want him to burn in the hellscape of climate change …

10 kilometres is too close … Jobs are fantastic, but just if they can balance beauty and jobs and climate, let’s just see what we can get.

Jennifer Dee, Thirroul

I do think that giving up our coastline for the benefit of perhaps a foreign investor or a private company is not a good deal. I think I would be more in favour if I knew it was going to benefit the Illawarra as a whole, and I don’t think there’s any evidence that that’s the case. … I don’t think it should be 10 [kilometres], I think it should be a long way out … the closer it is from the turbines to the land it’s cheaper for them to get the energy to the shore. So, again, I think that it’s all about money.

Chiara Nakashian, Woonona

Currently, I am just trying to get the facts. There’s a lot of misinformation going around – I think on both sides – and, at the moment, [I] really just want to get 12 clubs & community

a clear understanding of what the environmental impact will be on this really fragile ecosystem. The Australian government released a report that’s 40-something-pages long, where they outline 13 known negative impacts that these wind farms can have on our fragile ecosystem out here.

So we want to make sure that there’s full transparency as to what this can mean in the future. I want to make it clear that I’m all for renewable energy sources and I just think that there are ways to do this where there’s transparency and where we’re not hurting the environment that we’re trying to protect in the long run.

Karen Mathiesen, Thirroul

I think it’s hard to make a decision because the consultation’s been run so poorly. You can’t ask questions, you can’t get responses, you can’t hear anything in there.

[I am] probably against at this stage.

Martin Cubby, Corrimal

I’m so excited that we’ve got an opportunity in the Illawarra to be part of the really necessary transition to clean energy. It’s a huge opportunity for this town, for jobs, for the future of our kids and for real action on climate change … It’s vital that it happens now, and I hope this is done properly, but it’s done quickly. I’m glad we’re being talked about in Illawarra, and I can’t wait to get on board and let’s build it and let’s get on with the job.

Nick Tsaccounis, Woonona

I just think the environmental damage isn’t worth what’s going to happen. Do we have to destroy the environment to save it?

10 kilometres is very close off the coastline … The consultation period – only 65 days.

Half the people I’ve spoken to don’t even know about it as well, so it seems like this is just getting rushed through, and we need a proper say for something that’s going to be with us for probably the rest of our lives. So it needs to have a lot more consultation.

And, personally, I don’t want to look at the things either. I live near the coast and it’s going to destroy the visual amenity and my personal well-being as a person living at the coast.

So, no, I’m definitely not for it at all.

Have your say by October 16.

Go to consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-illawarra

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Bike wheels upcycled

By Coledale Public School parent Amy Geddes

dot artwork, where each rug is a single dot, to cover holes in the land made by mining pits.

You may have seen us demonstrating our skills at the Coledale Markets the last couple of months.

Our students have been involved every step of the way, from sorting and tearing the material to measuring the diameter of the finished bike wheels and drawing up designs for the structure of the reading nook. A big thank you to local artists Imogen Ross and Samantha Arnull, who have helped us along our Connecting Threads journey and also to Orlando Norrish, for helping us put our reading nook together!

Connecting Threads update: Our upcycled bike wheel reading nook is complete!

If you are walking past Coledale Public School you can now view our amazingly colourful and creative bike wheel reading nook. It’s a great place to sit outside and read and it was made by us, all from reclaimed materials!

Students in years 3-6 have worked collaboratively on weaving the bike wheels using torn-up old sheets and there have been some very imaginative weaving techniques used. We have also made rag rugs to sit on, inspired by a technique from Reclaim the Void (reclaimthevoid.com.au), a project in WA that is aiming to make a large-scale

Student’s perspective: Ada Golsby-Walsh, 5/6 Purple

Our class has been involved in a sustainability program that’s purpose is to recycle and upcycle.

Every second Wednesday, sustainability experts guide us through techniques to upcycle and also make effective crafts. Firstly, we have been working on our hula hoops. They are weaved crafts made from torn bed sheets, woven into amazingly effective woven webs. We’ve made a few but there’s more to come. Similar woven creations made from bicycle wheels are being put together soon to build a splendiferous igloo which may be called ‘The reading nook’. Students may go to the nook to read peacefully while marvelling the wheels.

Snow way! Scouts hits the slopes

By Angela of 1st Austinmer Scout Group

“1000 out of 10”... “A pearler of a day”...“Had a blast” ... These were just some of the remarks flying around from participants at the recent Austinmer Scouts Group Ski Trip. After a hiatus due to Covid, the annual Austinmer Scout Group ski trip was back on for 2023.

Forty-two cubs, scouts, venturers, leaders and assistants travelled to the Scout Alpine Activity Centre at Jindabyne for a weekend in the high country skiing and snow boarding at Perisher Ski Resort. From first-timers who’d never seen snow before through to the experienced, there were opportunities for everyone. Friday was extra cold with snow falling throughout the day and overnight and much to their excitement the group woke to fresh snow and sunny skies on Saturday – ideal for some final lessons and honing skills with friends. Venturers took the opportunity to test their resilience further by taking an icy dip in Lake 14 clubs & community

Jindabyne! The group tucked into hearty meals each night and on our final night were treated to a presentation by ex-scout and adventurer Alex Motyka who recently skied across Greenland. If you are interested in finding more about Austinmer 1st Scout Group, contact our acting Group Leader on 0416 219 777. Austinmer Scout Group also needs some additional leaders due to the retirement of a couple of our long-serving leaders. Being a leader with Austinmer Scouts can be a very rewarding activity, with a good collection of youth members there to keep you on your toes!

Please think about joining us!

Welcome to Montessori Care

A new aged care and disability services provider is coming to the Illawarra In exciting news for fans of the Montessori method of education, a Sydney company called Montessori Care is revolutionising aged care and disability support services by harnessing the power of Montessori Philosophies and adapting them to meet the unique needs of their clients.

A registered NDIS provider, Montessori Care is now bringing its services south into the Sutherland Shire and the Illawarra. Co-founders Chris Omeissah and Mary Assaf told us more.

When and why was Montessori Care founded?

Montessori Care was founded in early 2022, however, our story begins with the Montessori Academy Group, established in 2000 as a high-quality alternative to play-based childcare.

Charles and Colette’s dedication to the Montessori approach stemmed from their own personal experience while seeking the best educational childcare for their five children.

Captivated by the sense of joy, harmony, and purposeful learning they observed in a Montessori classroom, they knew that this approach was the right choice for their family.

Today, Montessori Academy Group manages and operates more than 50 childcare centres across Australia, continuing to spread the life-changing impact of Montessori education.

At Montessori Care, we breathe life into the Montessori legacy by infusing its principles into our in-home aged care and disability support services. Our journey began from a personal

need – a quest for high-quality in-home care for our loved ones that felt like an uphill battle, with the process seeming daunting and convoluted.

We saw a need for change, a need for a service that didn’t just provide care, but empowered individuals. And so, Montessori Care was born.

Our approach is simple yet profound – we place the individual at the heart of everything we do.

We empower our clients to live independently and safely, but more importantly, to live with a sense of purpose and joy.

We firmly believe that the Montessori principles of respect, autonomy, and dignity are not bound by age or ability. They are universal values that can enrich lives. At Montessori Care, we don’t just apply these principles; we live them, bringing a transformative and enriching experience to those we serve and their families.

Our mission is not just to provide care, but to enhance lives, one individual at a time.

Where do you operate?

Montessori Care operates out of Sydney, NSW and is growing rapidly in servicing the Sutherland Shire-Illawarra region.

What services do you offer?

Array of services designed to support the elderly and those living with disabilities right in the comfort of their own homes. Our offerings are not just services, but personalised experiences that cater to the unique needs of each individual.

October 15

Tracey Spicer reveals True Story of AI Don’t miss this literary event at Coledale Community Hall on Saturday, October 7 We are exceptionally excited to be launching highlights of the True Story non-fiction festival program on October 7 with the help of award-winning journalist Tracey Spicer, who has written a genuinely urgent book about how gendered the world of Artificial Intelligence is. And if you think that doesn’t matter or won’t impact on your life, think again, because it will.

It already is. It will also make a difference to you if you are any shade other than white.

Tracey has done exhaustive research around the world to understand the implications of AI being skewed towards the people who design it. Her analysis is

trenchant, alarming and also at times blackly funny. But it is a warning call to us all that this new technology, already very much present in our lives in so many ways, has profound implications for our working lives, our sense of privacy, concerns about security, policing, surveillance, financial and other data information. Not to mention sex.

Already a bestseller, Man-Made is about a lot more than clever gadgetry and convenience. Knowledge is power, data is more valuable than oil. You can’t afford to miss what Tracey has to say.

To book your ticket for this one-off event, go to southcoastwriters.org The full True Story festival program will be released in the November issue of the Flame.

You’ll want to be there, so save the dates of November 18/19 now. And tell your friends.

Numbers are limited.

– Caroline Baum, Sarah Nicholson and Genevieve Swart, True Story curators

First Stay-In at Corrimal Colliery

By Local Studies librarian Jennifer McConchie

Haggard and unshaven striking miners emerged from their five day stay-in at Corrimal Colliery to the cheers of their wives and children. They were part of the first ever stay-in of miners at a South Coast Mine. The cause? A cup of tea.

In 1957 a new manager had stirred up unrest by issuing a series of directives that became known as the Ten Commandments. Trouble came to a head when an order outlawing the practice of drinking a cuppa and having a sandwich underground before starting work was issued. A pair of miners who had been caught having a drink were suspended, bringing the rest of the miners out in sympathy.

The practice of having a drink and a sandwich underground before commencing mining was long-standing. Not unreasonable given that the men had walked two miles from the pit entrance to get to the coal face.

On that same shift, 76 miners elected to stay underground striking until their demands were met. They spent four nights underground sleeping on makeshift beds and eating food supplied by the women from the Corrimal Women’s Auxiliary (pictured above).

Solidarity among miners and their families as always was strong. Miners from six South Coast mines quickly came out on strike in support and on 16 clubs & community

Image P12647, from the Collections of Wollongong City Libraries

17 October 1957, 1000 men marched to Corrimal Colliery. The Miners Federation also made a pledge of financial and moral support.

The men emerged after five days to attend a conference with management, but continued their strike above ground until their demands were met.

By Tuesday of the next week, victorious miners were back at work, after management agreed to withdraw all points that encroached on workers’ conditions. Miners were allowed to have their drink of water and sandwich, provided “the privilege is not abused”.

The Wollongong City Libraries Local Studies Collection includes a wealth of information about our city’s rich industrial history. If you would like to find out more, email localhistory@wollongong. nsw.gov.au or phone us on 4227 7414.

Dear Valued Patients

Helensburgh GP Dr Annette Beaufils will retire in December It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement after more than 40 years of serving the town of Helensburgh.

The time has come for me to close the door of Dr Annette Beaufils’ practice, and while I will miss every one of you, I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life.

Throughout my career, it has been an incredible privilege and honour to be a part of your lives, providing medical care and support to you and your families. I have cherished the relationships we have built over the years, and I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me.

Effective 22nd December 2023 Dr Beaufils surgery will officially close its operations. In preparation for this transition, I want to ensure that your medical records are well taken care of.

If you would like to obtain a copy of your medical records, we will be providing them on a convenient and secure USB drive.

To request a copy of your records, please follow these steps: • Complete the Medical Records Request Form which can be obtained from 4/131 Parkes Street or • Download the form from Dr Annette Beaufils website: https://drannettebeaufils. com.au/ Submit the completed form: • in person: at the clinic (a valid photo ID will be required when requesting records in person).

• mail: PO Box 374, Helensburgh NSW 2508 • email: heather@dramb.com.au Please note that, in accordance with patient confidentiality laws and regulations, your records will only be released to you or your authorised representative. We aim to process all records as quickly as possible, but we appreciate

your understanding if there is a slight delay due to the volume of requests during this time.

For any further inquiries or assistance, you can contact us at (02) 4294 3173 or heather@ dramb.com.au until 31st March 2024.

Once again, I want to express my deepest gratitude for allowing me to be a part of your lives and your healthcare journey. I will always cherish the memories and experiences we shared together. Although I will no longer be your physician, I wish you all good health and happiness in the future.

With warm regards Annette Beaufils October 17

‘Helensburgh grunge’ on Triple J Local gigs lead to national airtime for teenage band Zion. Photo: shotbymossy

A band featuring three local teens is making a name for itself on the music scene, not only here in the Illawarra but also further afield, after recently winning a Battle of the Bands competition, hosted

by Petersham Bowling Club.

Vocalist/lead guitarist Oscar, drummer Daniel and bass guitarist Hamish live in Helensburgh and Stanwell Park, and formed Zion almost two years ago when they were students at Bulli High School.

The band competed against others from throughout NSW, performing a set of original songs to win a recording package which includes recording, mixing and mastering for a single, distribution and radio support, and more.

“We’re stoked – we didn’t expect to win! We thought we had come dead last!” they said.

The boys describe their style of music as “Helensburgh grunge” in reference to the location of the band room where their music originates.

They released their first single, Mongoose, on all streaming platforms a couple of months ago, and immediately uploaded it to Triple J Unearthed.

Just three days later they achieved every aspiring band’s dream when they were given national airplay by Triple J’s Home and Hosed host Ash McGregor, who described the track as “punchy, aggressive and absolutely rips!” Unfortunately, they were playing at the Helensburgh Hotel at the time and missed the whole thing!

“We were packing up all our stuff, and my mate rang me and said ‘Dude, you’re on Triple J – you were playing on my car radio!’ … and I said ‘That’s not true’ … but we actually were!”

Arias and Art Songs

‘FIGURES OF LOVE’

19th and 20th Century Character Pieces

Ariana Ricci soprano Natalia Ricci piano

Wollongong Art Gallery | Thurs Oct 5 at 11

18 arts & culture

Zion has just finished production of their second single, Saturation, which is due for release on October 31. Then it’s back into the studio in November to claim their prize and record their next track.

The band has supported a number of local community groups over the past year, including performing at fundraisers for the Stanwell Park Surf Club and Stanwell Park Public School.

They played at the Get Together Festival in Wombarra in March, and will be playing at the Thirroul Music Festival in December.

Last month they were looking forward to their next gig supporting local band The Vandastruts at Ryans Hotel Thirroul at the end of September.

“We can’t wait!”, they said. “We’ve wanted to play at Ryans for ages, and are pumped that we finally get to play there with our mates.”

Visit linktr.ee/zionband or scan the QR code

When sea stars align A Rockpool Ramble with Amanda De George

I don’t have many things that drive me up the wall.

Sure, those inflatable tube men, with the wildly flapping arms you see outside car dealerships are one of those things. People not saying ‘bless you’ when I sneeze inappropriately loudly, is another.

And the third and final, and amongst the others, the most minor of infractions, is when people call sea stars ‘starfish’.

I get it, we all grew up in a world where these invertebrates were lumped in with fish, but trust me, they are such interesting animals and there’s loads of species to be found locally so you won’t need to look up when you’re wanting to do some star gazing.

Sea stars are echinoderms (which means ‘spiny skin’) along with sea urchins, sea cucumbers and brittlestars. They have a flexible, internal calcareous skeleton, which explains how I have watched as a bright red, knobbly granular sea star squeezed its way out of a tiny gap in the rocks, one arm at a time. You might also see others almost standing up, arms entwined or clambering over each other. If you’re willing to sit and just watch, you might be surprised by just how active they are.

In most cases sea stars eat by extruding their stomachs out of their body, and onto their prey of choice and they have impeccable taste, eating

mussels, worms, crabs, fish and sometimes other sea stars. The food is partially digested this way, taking up to several hours, before the stomach is pulled back up into the body where the process is finished. Let’s just hope humans don’t adopt this unique way of eating.

If you spot an eleven-armed sea star, firstly don’t let the name fool you. They generally have up to 14 arms and you might notice some are significantly smaller than others.

These animals can sever a limb to escape a predator, which they can later regrow, a very handy skill indeed, but they also reproduce asexually by splitting themselves up the middle, which sounds a lot less fun than the traditional method. The two halves then both grow additional limbs and become two separate animals.

Carpet sea stars are a little different in that they are viviparous: they give birth to live young and that’s why you often see smaller sea stars around the adult ones. Pretty incredible for a creature that has a vascular system that uses water instead of blood and eye spots instead of eyes.

So next time you’re looking into local rock pools, don’t forget to give the sea stars some love. With the huge diversity of shapes, sizes and colours, I guarantee you’ll leave with stars in your eyes.

Clockwise from top left: Granular, carpet and eleven-armed sea stars. Photos: Amanda De George

20 science & nature

Thirroul parish marks centenary Judy Bull looks back on 100 years at St Michael’s Catholic parish, Thirroul

The Catholic church in Thirroul was built in 1921, dedicated to Saints Michael and Molua. Saint Molua whose name alone appears on the foundation stone was an Irish monk or abbot about whom little is known. The church was then still part of the parish of Bulli.

On 31st October, 1923, the new parish of Thirroul was established by the Archdiocese of Sydney, covering the area from Bulli Pass to Stanwell Park.

Centenary celebrations are being planned for October 28. There will be a celebration Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord at 5.30pm followed by a BBQ and entertainment in the school grounds. All are welcome but if you are coming please notify the

parish office (4268 1910) for catering purposes.

Centenary keepsakes of wine, engraved wine glasses and Centenary book can be ordered. Order forms are on the parish website (www.dow.org.au).

The parish is now in the care of two Franciscan friar priests, Fr Ken Cafe (pictured, above) and Fr Andrew Granc.

In the Franciscan tradition the Blessing of the Animals is held each year near the feast day of St Francis, October 4. This year this will take place on Monday, October 2, 9.30am, on the lawn beside the church. All pets are welcome. Pets are also welcome to Mass on the feast day of St Francis, October 4, at 9am.

Singular AGM for Library Friends

‘Friend of Wollongong City Libraries Inc’, to reflect the fact that we support all the libraries in our area.

After the AGM at noon, we will have Natasha Lester to speak to us. Natasha is an internationally best-selling author. Her latest novel, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, is about three generations of a fashion dynasty in Paris. It is a real page-turner, full of intrigue and secrets – if you’re interested, Wollongong City Libraries have a wide selection of her books available for borrowing.

By Cecilia Owen

The Friends of Wollongong City Libraries was delighted to welcome Om Dhungel (pictured) as our August speaker. Not only was he an eloquent, informative, and thought-provoking speaker, but also a friendly, humble, and inspiring man. His book, Bhutan to Bankstown, is well worth a read.

Our next meeting will be our Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held at Level 9 of the Council building in Burelli Street at 11am on the 12th October. If you would like to be more involved with the Friends of the Wollongong City Libraries, we can assure you of a warm welcome.

We will be voting on a name change – from ‘The Friends of the Wollongong City Library Inc’ to 22 clubs & community

Most health funds do not roll over your optical benefit rebates. Why not use your rebate for a spare pair of glasses or maybe you may want to update to a pair of designer prescription sunglasses in time for summer.

For a limited time we have $50 off a complete pair, conditions apply.

2023 OPTICAL REBATES

USE IT OR LOSE IT BEFORE 31 DECEMBER 2023

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Call for an appointment today on 4268 3933

October 23

Craft cider: Cans vs Bottles

By Jo Fahey of Darkes Glenbernie Orchard

As we move into warmer weather and a spike in cider sales, we often field a number of questions about storing and serving.

Here’s the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Why do you put your cider in cans?

Australian craft ciders began a move towards canning cider a number of years ago alongside the craft beer industry, and this was for a few reasons. This list is in no particular order but shows our thinking behind Darkes Cider moving its main ciders from bottles to cans.

• Cans don’t allow any movement of oxygen into the cider so a can keeps it more fruity fresh for longer.

• Cans keep the light out so this stops a dark colour developing in the apple cider, again keeping it fresher in flavour for longer.

• Cans are lighter so better for lowering freight costs and impact on environment.

• Cans are easily recyclable and 100% of a can is recycled, so this is better for the environment and reducing waste of resources

• Some venues will not allow glass, such as stadiums, football matches, festivals and on the beach • Cans are great in space saving, in your esky or fridge and even stacking on shelves in bottleshops, cafes, restaurants and even at home!

So what’s the future for bottled cider?

When is cider bottled?

For some styles of cider – like Methode Traditionale Cider (made in the same way as champagne) or Petillant Naturale (Pet Nat) where the cider finishes its fermentation in the bottle or other small batch boutique ciders, or experimental ciders – bottles will be in continued use and will not move to canning.

The bottles allow for the traditional finish of ferment, and aging of the cider which is desirable in those styles.

For these ciders, the bottle is part of the cider-making process so you cannot use a can.

In short, some styles of cider suit canning and others need the bottle. In particular, our modern fruity styles we love in summer suit the canning format. Our more complex traditionally made ciders suit bottling. We’ll have more of these in the future and are about to release small numbers of some of these.

What’s the shelf life of cans and bottles?

Illawarra Flame Readers

SPECIAL DEAL

Mention this article ‘cans vs bottles’ on your next trip to Darkes during the month of October and get $10 off any full priced cider case purchase (valid in store purchase only).

This can vary depending on the brand and manufacturing process. Our cider cans and small bottles (330ml) commercially have around two years’ shelf life but this can be extended if you keep them in the fridge and this could be by up to three years.

Our 750ml bottled ciders vary. Our Methode Traditionale, for example, can take 10 years to mature to its best! We have some at eight years now that we haven’t released yet and it is stunning. Just ask us when you buy it and we’ll advise you at the time about each cider.

How do I serve cider?

Always pour from can or bottle into a beautiful glass. Around 7 degrees Celsius is optimum.

You don’t add ice to a good craft cider.

How do I know it’s 100% Australian?

Look for the Australian Cider trust mark.

GLENBERNIE ORCHARD’S APPLESHACK IS OPEN DAILY 10AM-4.30PM Visit www.darkes.com.au

24 clubs & community

Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid is recruiting for Volunteers. We are looking for people who have a friendly caring personality with the ability to relate to others well, have good communication skills, patience and an understanding of vulnerable people due to their age or disability. You will need to have a criminal record check (paid by NINA) and be prepared to undergo a simple medical clearance through your GP. Things that you can be involved in include transport (driving), bus driving (LR licence), social support, delivering meals, group assistant, bus assistant, administration, marketing and management committee.

If this sounds like you and you can spare at least 2 or more hours per week, we would love to hear from you. Please call into 18 Walker Street, opposite Helensburgh Coles, and speak to our friendly staff or call the office on 4294 1900 to set up a time so we can have a chat about volunteering with NINA. Everyone is welcome.

Monday–Friday (8.30am-4.30pm) | telephone 02 4294 1900 18 Walker Street, Helensburgh

Time to

translate Janice Creenaune meets Ron Witton, an Austinmer resident who has retired from being an academic at UOW and now uses his language skills to translate and interpret Indonesian and Malay for many migrants and their families. Photo by Janice Creenaune

Ron Witton performs a crucial service in our community for those needing their Indonesian and Malay documents translated. He also interprets for Indonesian and Malay speakers in such places as the court system. His language skills enable new arrivals to achieve their own goals and futures.

“It seems a long time ago now, but I was fortunate to happen to make a life-long Indonesian friend at Sydney Uni, where I was studying. He got me interested in Indonesian and Malay Studies.

“I travelled to Indonesia and continued my studies in the field, both in Australia and the US. “Both he and I were best men at each other’s wedding and remained firm friends for life.

I achieved my PhD from Cornell University in the US in Development Sociology.”

Ron’s studies led to a variety of appointments in the academic world and adult education, and he has taught at universities in Australia, Indonesia, Fiji and elsewhere. In 1983 he was appointed to the University of Wollongong’s Centre for Multicultural Studies. He later taught students in the Law Faculty how to use interpreters, and taught research skills to other students.

Ron explains that Indonesian and Malay came from a common language.

26 clubs & community

“Simply put, Sanskrit, Arabic and Portuguese all played a part in developing the language, but in colonial times, they were colonised by two different counties. Indonesia was influenced by Dutch and Malay was influenced by English.”

He has enjoyed teaching the language and explaining the history of the two languages with their complicated language-borrowing.

In retirement Ron has helped to promote various language initiatives, assist with community justice initiatives and interpreted in courts, tribunals, hospitals, police stations, legal offices and government departments.

He stresses the important distinction between translating and interpreting. When translating, he deals with the written language by assisting immigrants and students to translate documents, including birth and marriage certificates, and occasionally a death certificate.

“Often it is by email, but it can be legally complicated with commercial documents, tax files and pension details.

“Interpreting, on the other hand, is verbal interaction and sees me in courts, hospitals and also in schools to help parents of new migrants.

“People need to be able to understand legal matters, and this is especially so for the elderly, whose English language skills are often less developed.

“Interpreters and translators need to be accredited through exams held by NAATI (the National Accreditation Authority for Translation and Interpreting) and this is done through exams.

Independence is demanded above all with no conflict of interest being a possibility.”

Nowadays, Ron works part-time, and his interpreting is often by phone or audio-visual link.

“I get a lot from helping others.”

Ron is also involved with the 1st Austinmer Scout Group, the longest continually functioning scout troop in the Illawarra. He assists with the rental and maintenance of the troop’s hall in Moore Street.

“The hall is one of the few community-built scout halls and still remains extremely well used.

“This year is the 100th Birthday of 1st Austinmer and the hall was built three years after the troop was founded. A remarkable feat.”

The hall is used by many local community groups for a wide variety of activities, including many a local birthday party. The free book library on its front veranda is very popular. Email Ron at rwitton44@gmail.com for hall bookings.

Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com for further information.

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October 27

Sand, sand everywhere at a very wide Coledale Beach. Photo: Rob Brander

Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf With Coalcliff’s Prof Rob Brander. This month: The Summer of Sand

If you’ve gone to the beach lately, you’ve probably noticed there’s a LOT of sand.

Beaches are wider than we’ve seen for years and judging from the massive sand banks, there’s more coming – it’s going to be the ‘Summer of Sand’.

There’s a few reasons why the sand is returning.

We’ve just come out of a triple La Niña weather pattern that brought lots of rain, storms and big waves that severely eroded our beaches. In some places, it seemed like the beaches would never recover. But they have. The simple rule is that big waves strip sand from beaches and dump it offshore and small waves bring it back, but there’s more to it than that.

While beaches are fairly resilient to large clean swell waves, they’re not so good at dealing with large messy waves generated by storms such as East Coast Cyclones. That’s what erodes beaches and it’s the finer (smaller) sand grains that are transported the furthest distances offshore. Exactly where the sand goes, nobody really knows – offshore somewhere! It’s a big unknown. But we do know that clean swell with average, or below average, wave heights brings that sand back onshore. The reason for that comes down to wave physics.

Waves travelling offshore are fairly symmetric in shape and the onshore movement of water under the wave crests is balanced by the offshore movement under the troughs. As waves enter shallow water and slow down, they become increasingly asymmetric in shape – with narrow, 28 science & nature

peaked crests and long, flat troughs. When you get smaller swell, only the water motion under the wave crests is strong enough to transport sand lying on the bottom.

So you get onshore sand movement under the crests and not much under the troughs and the net transport direction is towards the beach. These smaller waves are also best suited to moving fine sand grains, which is why we’ve also seen a lot of fine sand being brought back lately.

Wave direction is also important and slight differences between prevailing wave direction between El Niño and La Niña conditions may also be the key to bringing that sand back.

Will the Summer of Sand be good for swimming and surfing conditions? Yes and no. It will make conditions a lot shallower for swimming and you’ll be able to wade a long way offshore, but those massive shallow sand bars have created a lot of close outs for surfers and peaks are hard to find.

We’ll also likely see some channelised rip currents get locked into place through the sand bars and while that might be bad for swimmers, it’ll at least create some decent surf breaks.

A new edition of Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book is out.

Visit www.unsw.press/DrRip or Collins Thirroul

Caring for the Carers

By Clinical Associate Professor Saroja Gunasekera, of Bulli Medical Practice

National Carers Week is on from 15-21 October 2023.

Carers are people in our community who provide invaluable unpaid care and support to family members/friends living with a disability, mental illness, chronic or terminal illness, or frail elders.

The caring role may vary from supporting daily activities such as showering, dressing, shopping, through to managing medications, administration and providing emotional and social support. There are over 2.65 million carers across Australia, and 70% are women, with the average age of 54 years.

The physical, mental, financial, and social impact of the caring role should not be underestimated.

And because carers are often so busy looking after the needs of others, they struggle to find the time to attend to their own health.

Carers are encouraged to visit their own GPs and get strategies to help them manage their health to minimise carer fatigue and avoid burn-out, to help them maintain their own quality of life.

Difficult as it can be when time and energy poor,

it is critical carers stay physically healthy, eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol, try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and exercise regularly.

Health Direct has some tips on improving sleep, and how to get more active.

There are other services available for carers which provide social and emotional support including the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway which provides free professional phone counselling and an online carer forum which is a safe, anonymous space to connect with other carers and support one another.

Carer Gateway provide tailored support packages where carers may be able to get a range of practical supports like planned respite and transport services.

Importantly, Carer Gateway provide emergency respite care for the person in need in case the carer becomes ill or injured. Call 1800 422 737 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Carers NSW also provides information, education and training, resources, and referrals to support carers.

Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm Saturday: 8am - 12 noon

74 Park Road, Bulli 4284 4622

Full range of general practice services including women’s and men’s health, child and adolescent health, older adult health and nursing home visits, and specialised clinics including:

Book online* via our website: www.bullimedicalpractice.com.au scan QR code:

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*Please call 4284 4622 for an appointment if you have any respiratory symptoms

QUALITY PERSONAL HEALTHCARE AND TRAVEL MEDICINE October 29

Archi Fest ahead By architect Ben Wollen

Ah, Spring – I just love the shoulder seasons, even though September has already brought some early Summer days!

What I’ve also noticed is a number of construction projects in our hood. Redman Avenue in Thirroul alone has 4 dual occs, 3 alts n adds and one freshly demolished lot to add to the development count. That’s at least four new households to add to the street and likely eight or so more cars. It just shows the attraction to our area and that despite a cost-of-living crisis, developers are still hinging on its selling success.

This article is the first of a two-part series in the lead-up to the inaugural Illawarra Festival of Architecture that I’m helping to co-curate to be held on Saturday, November 25. Put it in your diary! There’ll be open house tours, Archi-bike tours, kids’ games and great discussions focussed around architecture in the Illawarra. There’ll be three streams of discussions – Community, Interiors and the Illawarra Architectural Renaissance. This month’s article is a taste-test for the Community channel and a chance for me to

Singers hold soiree

By Bethan Farmer

After the success of the Singers 40th Anniversary dinner show, the Singers are presenting an afternoon soiree on Saturday, 4 November at the CWA Hall – showcasing songs from around the world.

One show only, and afternoon tea will be provided. See SPAT website for tickets and times. It promises to be a lovely sociable afternoon of music and merriment.

Rehearsals are now underway for this year’s Panto, The Critters’ Revenge, coming to the CWA Hall in December. If you are interested in joining the cast we are still looking for more adults or teenagers to join the chorus – no solo singing required.

The SPAT 2023 AGM will take place on Wednesday, 18 October 7.30-9pm at the CWA Hall. All current financial members welcome.

30 clubs & community

formulate questions for our guest panellists.

Yes, I’m double-tasking to save time. It’s a lot of work to put together a festival!

I moved to the Illawarra back in 2016.

What attracted my young family to the area was the beautiful landscapes, proximity to Sydney and back then (believe it or not) affordability. What I had no idea of then – and a big factor that has kept me here – was the strength of the community in this area. From the electrify2515 movement to the volunteers saving Coledale RSL and Yael Stone’s Hi Neighbour incentive, I’ve never witnessed such a great community vibe. In these modern times of social isolation, it’s a refreshing change.

So, what does this mean for architecture? Some of you may recall an article I wrote titled “The Tallest Building” (go to the Flame website to access the archive of digital versions). In that article I quote Joseph Campbell – “you can tell what’s informing the society by the size of what the tallest building is in the place” – and whilst I still think that rings true, I also think you could consider popularity and number of development types to that same ethos. If we use Redman Avenue as an example, we could conclude that the current favour towards dual occupancies is indicative of what’s informing society. That is, a tight property market, inflationary costs of construction, an ageing population, state planning laws devised to increase density and bypass Council as well as most Aussies persistent dislike for apartment living.

I know that many members of our community are likely not too pleased with the direction towards dual occs. In certain respects I agree with them and in others I disagree. We need more homes, especially affordable housing, during this housing crisis. I’m seeing an increase in multigenerational dual occs where kids and parents buy a block together and share the costs of developing so they can live side by side – it’s great for childcare, too! Unfortunately, many dual occs present a new architectural language that does not marry well with the existing street.

What’s the answer? I don’t know myself! One could offer that you can’t stop progress a lá Bill Heslop from Muriel’s Wedding. The flip side to that would be Ashleigh Bryant’s “You can’t stop progress, but you can help decide what is progress and what isn’t.” If you want to help decide what that progress might look like, please come to the festival and join the conversation.

After all, “A real conversation always contains an invitation” – David Whyte.

Duplex Award Nominee: Grand Pacific Homes Celebrates Excellence in the Building Industry The prestigious HIA Awards identify, highlight and reward excellence throughout the housing industry, representing the finest tradespeople and their businesses throughout Australia.

Grand Pacific Homes, in partnership with Adam Roser of South Coast Drafting, has been recognised for excellence in the design and construction of our recently completed duplex project at 11a and 11b Lighthorse Drive, Woonona.

The awards are rigorously judged by a highly experienced team of building experts, evaluating each project based on: • Quality of workmanship • Design effectiveness • Environmental sustainability • Exceptional Innovation • Visual and market appeal We are quiet achievers, dedicated to getting the best results for our clients. To be acknowledged as leaders in our industry is a real honour.

The winner will be announced at the HIA-CSR NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards Ceremony on Oct 7.

Wish us luck!

At Grand Pacific Homes, we believe trust is the basis of a good relationship. Need advice? Get in touch with Marlowe: (02) 4227 6405 or info@grandpacifichomes.com.au

October 31

Enjoy a taste of Nepal

By Susan Luscombe

The Culture Mix Festival on 21 October is a celebration of diversity in the Illawarra curated by Wollongong City Council. The Global Kitchen cooking demonstrations and Food Fair stalls from a range of communities, such as Chilean, Iranian, Serbian and Sri Lankan, are central to the festival.

The local Nepalese community will be holding a stall featuring traditional Nepalese food. I spoke with Aashish Poudel, who is representing the local community through Wollongong Illawarra Nepali Community (WINC).

Aashish and his wife, Srijana, moved to Wollongong in 2017 from their home in Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, popular with trekkers. In Pokhara, Aashish worked in a corporate bank and Srijana as a registered nurse.

Srijana was keen to pursue higher education in her field and encouraged Aashish to move to Australia to our university town.

Aashish and Srijana.

Photo supplied

Prior to arrival here, Aashish and Srijana had a single contact, Srijana’s cousin. Once settled, they met other Nepalese people through the university and Aashish’s work at Curry Village in Wollongong and the Coffee Emporium in Shellharbour. Aashish also worked as a chef in Nepal.

Wollongong has a similar climate to Pokhara, Aashish says, and the Illawarra escarpment reminds the couple of their environment back home, although the “mountains” of the Illawarra don’t compare to the Himalayas.

Aashish now works as a mortgage broker and Srijana as a nurse at Wollongong Private Hospital.

With their 10 month-old son, Vivikt, the family regularly meets with Nepalese friends, celebrating festivals and connecting over food.

I chatted with Aashish as he was preparing to host friends for the Teej festival. This is an annual celebration where married women are invited by their father and brothers to return to the family home. As home cooks, Aashish and Srijana cook traditional Nepalese dishes most days including veggie and goat curries, dahl (lentil soup), dumplings and achar accompanied by rice.

The Illawarra is home to more than 400 Nepalese residents. WINC plays a significant role in bringing Nepalese people together to preserve and grow the culture. The 120-strong group gathers on the last Saturday of every month at a local park and holds a tea ceremony.

Fundraiser for ADHD

By Jan Johnston of Stanwell Park’s CWA

CWA held their International Day in August with the country of study being Latvia. The ladies served a lunch featuring Latvian food and we were entertained with a Latvian dance performance by the Year 2 students from Stanwell Park Public School. A wonderful guest speaker, Maruta, also entertained us with traditional songs.

On 1 September we partnered with The Men’s Shed in a fundraising venture that involved meat tasting. The University of New England runs this program, with funds to the ADHD Foundation.

Across the state, CWA is aiming to raise awareness of ADHD and neurodivergence, especially in women, in particular the difficulties and costs related to obtaining a diagnosis and treatment.

The CWA has had a great response to a competition to design a brochure, “Your Place”, which details 10 features that highlight what is 32 clubs & community

special about your local area. We have been fortunate to have a member take up this challenge and submit a wonderful, artistic brochure.

On September 18, we attended a Group Cultural day at Albion Park, which brought together branches from the coast and highlands. With a theme of The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, much fun and imagination was involved in creating the design for our table and hats. The day was a hoot.

We can be found at CWA hall, The Drive Stanwell Park. First Tuesday of the month, 10am.

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Supported by the NSW Government WCC©5005628.23.nd

Welcome to my garden

By Helensburgh’s Marina Osmo Above: The weed Trad (photo: Kieran Tapsell).

Below: Brown Cuckoo-dove in a Celery Wood (photo: Amanda De George)

Tree of the Month

By Kieran Tapsell, of Banksia Bushcare

Polyscias elegans (Celery Wood)

Celery Wood is common along the Illawarra escarpment. It often comes up as a small plant from seed probably dropped by currawongs and bower birds that feed on the fruits during the summer season. The deer eat it when small, and once it gets to about a metre and a half it loses its low lateral branches and thus becomes a favourite ringbarking tree. The only solution is to put a wire mesh cage with two star posts around a small tree, and with larger ones, wrapping flower or chicken wire around the trunk. Celery Wood has grey and slightly rough bark. Its pinnate leaf pattern and purple fruit is distinctive and easy to spot in a canopy.

Weed of the Month Tradescantia fluminensis (Trad)

This is a fleshy creeper from South America that used to go under the name of Wandering Jew. It tends to crowd out other native ground covers.

It has succulent dark green leaves with purplish stems and white flowers. It is difficult to eradicate because it breaks off easily from the roots and then regrows. It has a native lookalike, Commelina (Commelina Cyanea), which has blue flowers.

I used to pull out Trad, but don’t anymore where there are deer around because they love it. I watched a big buck gorging on it recently while ignoring some small native trees that I planted and which they had eaten before in other Trad-free places.

34 science & nature

I started growing food when first moving to Helensburgh in early 2021. During the early days of Covid there was a real fear about availability of fresh produce. I felt it was important to become as self-sufficient as possible because there were so many unknowns in the world. That initial garden was quite successful although I didn’t like the original layout of the beds. So in consultation with people who had more experience than me, I decided to upscale my growing space significantly.

Importantly, I raised the beds to improve access as I age. I’m currently setting up irrigation to make things even easier. I now have over 40sqm of growing space!

My garden beds are made with food-safe Wax-Wood, I don’t use any chemicals, and I focus on creating and maintaining healthy soil.

It’s such a joy to dig into my soil and see lots of chubby wriggly worms do their work! I have three compost bins and a worm farm.

I do lots of research on companion planting, plants for beneficial insects, solar and water needs.

This year, I’m practising succession planting, so hopefully by November it will be bursting with even more yummy stuff.

I’ve taken up relish/chutney/pickle and jam/ marmalade making as a way of using all my abundant produce. What we don’t eat here, I share with family and friends. There’s so much pleasure in harvesting and cooking produce grown in my own backyard.

My favourite thing of all is seeing my granddaughter Abby’s delight in harvesting her favourite veggies: carrots, peas, broccoli and spinach! I’m glad I’m retired because growing a healthy vibrant garden takes a lot of time and effort, which I enjoy immensely.

The Illawarra Edible Garden Trail will be on 11 and 12 November, 10am-3pm, at gardens from Helensburgh to Woonona.

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October 35

Thirroul Village Committee Update

By Annette Jones

Sandon Point Seniors Living Development

In mid-September Anglicare held a number of drop-in sessions for neighbours of the proposed Sandon Point Seniors Living Development as well as local community members. This was an opportunity to see what is proposed to be built at the site, which borders Wilkies Street, Geraghty Street and Tramway Creek in McCauley Estate.

The development has changed from the 2019 proposal, which had 140 independent living units, an 80-bed aged care facility and 55 residential dwellings.

What is now proposed is 229 apartments for seniors living and 41 aged care rooms. There will no longer be any privately owned residential dwellings on the site. From the drawings, it seems there will be 24 separate apartment buildings. Each will have its own basement parking, lifts and security system. The apartments will be 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms. These apartment buildings will range from 2 to 4 storeys in height. It is proposed that the taller buildings will be located to the southern side of the site near Tramway Creek. There will be an aged care hub with 41 rooms. This will be dedicated to dementia and end-of-life care. (See image, at the bottom of this page.)

The development will not be gated and there will be a cycleway through the development from Wilkies Street to Geraghty Street. No cars will be allowed on the premises. Rather, residents and staff will either walk or use buggies to move from one building to the other. Cars will drive in and park underground in the individual 24 apartment buildings. Sixty car spots will also be provided for staff on site, plus space for visitors.

One burning concern for residents of McCauley Estate and the wider community is the construction of a link road to the south. This needs to happen as a matter of priority as there is only one access point into the estate, via Wrexham Road. A bridge across Tramway Creek needs to be built so Geraghty Street can be linked from Bulli to McCauley Estate. Concerns were raised about trucks travelling through the narrow roads in the estate during the construction phase. However, from discussions it appears that any link road may not be built until the apartments bordering Wilkies Street are built. There is no doubt that residents will continue to lobby for the link road to be constructed earlier rather than later.

The turpentine forest is to be cleaned up, as is Cooksons Creek. These are to be maintained by Anglicare. In addition, there will be a wide fire trail around the turpentine forest to allow fire truck access in case of a fire.

36 clubs & community

McCauley Lodge

The TVC has been informed that the development applications for Seniors Living developments for the sites of McCauley Lodge and Tasman Court in Tasman Parade, Thirroul (DA-2023/112 and DA-2023/113) are currently the subject of deemed refusal. We understand that an appeal has been lodged with NSW Land and Environment Court.

The proceedings have been fixed for a combined conciliation conference on 27 February 2024.

Council stated they will contact all submitters to inform them of the Court process and provide details of the conciliation conference in due course.

Offshore Renewables Zone Consult

The drop-in session at Bulli Senior Citizens Centre on Monday, September 18 was packed (apparently a few hundred people went through the doors) and the atmosphere rather emotionally charged at times. Departmental staff did their best to answer a range of questions and suggested people lodge a submission to the Government with their comments and/or concerns. It was stated that as a result of concerns raised by locals in Newcastle that the proximity and size of the offshore area proposed for Newcastle was reduced. Submissions can be made via the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water ‘Have Your Say’ web portal at https://consult. dcceew.gov.au/oei-illawarra. Consultation closes on 16 October 2023.

Residents are invited to the next TVC meeting on Sunday, 26 November at 4pm at TRIPS Hall, Railway Parade, Thirroul. Email the TVC at: thirroulvillagecommittee@gmail.com.

Image: Anglicare

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October 37

Fiona’s Chicken Bone Broth

This is an edited extract from From Scratch by Fiona Weir Walmsley, published by Hardie Grant Books, rrp $48. See Fiona at True Story festival, November 18 &19 Chicken Bone Broth, makes approx 2.5 litres

• 1 chicken carcass (ideally pasture-raised) • 1 onion, skin on and roughly chopped • 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled • 2 bay leaves • 2 teaspoons sea salt • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns • 2 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar Photo: Alan Benson

Method Take one free-range chicken carcass and put it in a stockpot. You can use the bones raw or cooked, I have a deep respect for broth. It feels like an old though roasted bones tend to lend the broth some food to me. As if somehow all the research on its extra colour and flavour. Use all the pan scrapings, capacity for anti-inflammation and mineral including the chicken skin, in your broth. richness and fabulous amino acids is unnecessary if Add the onion (use the skin too for added we just listened to our bodies on broth. Humans colour), garlic and bay leaves. Add the salt and the have been reaching for bone broths for millennia, black peppercorns. since we figured out how to boil bones in vessels.

Cover the bones with water and add approx.

Broth is cheap and nutritious, and if made with 1 tablespoon of apple-cider vinegar per litre (34 fl properly raised bones, it’s gelatine-rich and filling oz/4 cups) of water (this helps draw the gelatine and great for people with digestive issues and and other goodness out of the bones) and bring nourishing enough to build up bodies recovering slowly just up to the boil, then reduce the heat to a from disease or injury. It doesn’t take much simmer. Put the lid on, slightly ajar (we usually making, and these recipes should be guides only. prop the lid open with a wooden spoon on its side).

Make it your way. Add veggies if you want to, or Simmer slowly for 6–8 hours for a lovely, seaweed, or herbs. mineral-rich broth. You need to simmer it on a low So, make the broth. Warm it up and drink it by enough heat that it does not evaporate. For a lovely the cupful. Use it as the base for soups, stews, jelly-like finish you don’t want to be adding too casseroles, gravy and even porridge. Pass a mug to much extra water as it cooks. anyone who is sniffling. Take a jar to someone who Strain out the vegetables and bones and store the is sad or grieving or so unwell that they just can’t finished broth in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It face food. also freezes really well for 6 months.

We have been participating in many activities in last few weeks. In early September, we were outdoors for archery at Karingal Guide Camp at Engadine.

I noticed I am getting better every time I go and everyone had fun.

Also, Brogla, one of our leaders, has been teaching us to tie knots. I was very proud of myself when I mastered the reef knot and love learning these new skills.

Our group has been having lots of fun lately planning for our upcoming Harry Potter themed camp and playing Harry Potter themed games.

From archery to Quidditch When we had a game of Quidditch at Rex Jackson oval last week no one wanted it to end but when it

By Helensburgh Girl Guide Noelle did end it was on a happy note when Raven, also one Girl Guides Helensburgh has recently welcomed of our leaders, gave us an ice block. some new members to our group and would love to Finally, we can’t wait for our next outdoor activity welcome more! Welcome Annabel, Anna, to end the term, a campfire and supper, something Madeleine and Eleanor to our unit. we always look forward to!

38 arts & culture

Enter to win!

By the team at Collins Booksellers Thirroul

Make a day of it

By Elizabeth Heffernan

For more information, to join or purchase tickets, visit southcoastwriters.org

collins BOOKSELLERS thirroul

books, games and gifts for all ages

The South Coast Writers Centre invites members and non-members alike to make a day of it on Saturday, 7 October at Coledale Community Hall, with a triple-header of events planned.

Between 10.30am-3pm, join best-selling middle-grade author Allison (A.L.) Tait in her two-part workshop, “So you want to be a children’s author?” If you have ever wanted to write stories for children, or perhaps already made a start and are wondering what to do next, this is the workshop for you. Tait will reveal all her insider secrets and practical tips for writing children’s fiction and discuss how to build a successful long-term career as a children’s author.

Return to Coledale Hall at 5pm that same day for “Man-Made: The True Story of A.I.” In this curtain-raiser for the SCWC’s November True Story Festival, award-winning journalist and author of Man-Made Tracey Spicer will be in conversation with Caroline Baum about the scary and unexpected ethical and everyday implications of A.I. in our lives.

How have age-old prejudices around gender and race been built into robots? What can we do to make algorithms more representative of who we are? It will be an unmissable conversation for anyone who cares about the human race. The event program for November’s True Story Festival will also be revealed.

The SCWC encourages all attendees to then enjoy dinner at the neighbouring Coledale RSL before returning for the final event of the day, the October Film Club screening of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Film Club is a community event hosted by local expert Graham Thorburn that runs on the first Saturday of every month.

If you would like to attend more SCWC events and access member-price tickets, consider joining.

October is Members Month at the SCWC, where all new and returning lapsed members will receive three free months of membership.

To celebrate her extraordinary new book, Ali Whitelock will be joined by poets Tamryn Bennett, David Stavanger and Ali Jane Smith for a Poetry Extravaganza at Ryan’s Hotel on Wed 11th at 7pm. Then on Sat 14th, Holly Throsby will be in-conversation with musician Deborah Conway talking about Book of Life, her no-holds-barred memoir – join us at 2pm at Coledale RSL. The Pages & Pints Book Club on Thurs 19th will look at Jane Harrison’s The Visitors. We predict this thought-provoking book will become an essential Australian read.

It began as an award-winning stage play and has been reworked for a season at Merrigong Theatre, Oct 25-28. To be in the running to win a copy, plus a double pass to opening night and the after-party on Wed 25th, email your full name and contact details to thirroul@ collinsbooks.com.au with the subject line ‘The Visitors Flame Giveaway’.

Shop 5/264 Lawrence Hargrave Drive

www.collinsbooksthirroul.com.au @collinsbooksellersthirroul

October 39

Cover

feature

By Yes supporter Jeremy Lasek

One small word can make a positive change:

In just a matter of days, we head to the polls for what I believe will be the most significant vote in my lifetime.

Like millions of other Australians, I voted for a republic in 1999 but nearly 55% of us decided to stay tied to the British monarchy. For me personally that was disappointing, but it didn’t really change anyone’s lives for better or worse.

That’s where this referendum for The Voice to Parliament enshrined in our Constitution is different. Giving our First Nations people a say in their own affairs WILL be life-changing and it presents a once-in-a-generation – maybe even a once-in-a-lifetime – opportunity to do something significant to help close the gap.

It’s been a roller-coaster journey these past few months. I can’t recall an issue that has generated such unnecessary angst, and where lies and misinformation have sprouted daily in the media and largely gone unchallenged.

40 clubs & community

I’ve had the great privilege here in the Illawarra to have joined together with a small but highly enthusiastic and energetic group who’ve left no stone unturned trying to persuade those undecided voters to consider the benefits and good sense in voting Yes. Retired Thirroul lawyer John Corker has been on the job 24/7, mustering and motivating the troops to keep up the energy levels for a fight that’s worth having.

The Illawarra’s challenge

It all started locally with a rousing launch event at the aptly named Hope Theatre on the University of Wollongong campus, where our 2023 Wollongong Citizen of the Year, Sally Stevenson, challenged us all to make the Illawarra the highest voting Yes community in Australia.

From that beginning we’ve had a plethora of gatherings and events, all with one common

JAYMEE BEVERIDGE

purpose – getting more people engaged and informed about the importance of the referendum with a view to voting a resounding Yes. Against the backdrop of our Pacific, the monthly Swim Out/Sit In events at North Wollongong Beach have allowed us to share our passion for change with thousands of passers-by, while at the same time reminding us what a special part of the world we live in.

We’ve had packed-out musical events for Yes at the Servo in Port Kembla and we’ve even seen the creation of a Wollongong Choir for Yes under the guidance of Janet Andrews from the Conservatorium of Music.

We lined the streets as former politician and ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer, who lapped Australia for Yes, ran into town.

At Clifton, dozens of artists donated their prized works to the Art From Our Hearts exhibition, which has proven to be our biggest local fundraiser.

We massed in huge numbers a few Sundays ago, singing songs, marching and chanting ‘Yes Yes Yes’ by the entry to Lake Illawarra as part of a national day of action in support of the referendum.

Correcting misinformation

Perhaps our biggest challenge over the past three months has been countering the constant fear-mongering and misinformation that’s been peddled by the No campaigners.

That’s why we’ve ‘taken it to the streets’, operating information stalls in the city mall every Friday and at shopping centres in Helensburgh, Corrimal, Dapto, Warrawong and outside Bulli Surf Life Saving Club.

We’ve knocked on thousands and thousands of doors, seeking to have respectful conversations and to clear up any doubts that a Yes vote is a good and right thing for us to do.

By changing people’s minds we firmly believe we’re changing people’s lives.

At times this whole campaign has been a struggle. But our First Nations people know all about struggles. They’ve endured more than 230 years of struggle. Let’s ignore Senator Price’s claim that because white fellas gave our Aboriginal people running water they should in some way feel grateful.

On 14 October, we who are in the 97 per cent get a chance to do something positive for the three per cent of us who are among the most marginalised and disadvantaged in our nation.

For the vast majority of us, this vote has no self-interest attached to it. Most of us will have nothing to gain, other than knowing we’re doing something good. It’s a vastly different story for the First Nations people I’ve met during this campaign, who I’m now privileged to call my friends.

October 41

Elders have done the heavy lifting

People like our local elders have done so much of the heavy lifting during this campaign, just as they’ve been doing to improve the lives of their people for decades.

Uncle Richard Davis can only see positives from a Yes win.

“If we vote Yes, it will only make Australia a better place. It’s not about feeling sorry for us, it’s about giving those in greatest need a helping hand and doing the right thing.”

Aunty Sharralyn ‘Shas’ Robinson says with or without the referendum, something has to change.

“My people have been suffering for more than 200 years and I witness that disadvantage daily.

“It’s in our health system, housing, the numbers of our people in jails and the lack of employment opportunities, just to name a few. After all these years of doing nothing that’s making a real difference, we have the opportunity to make change by voting Yes in this referendum.”

Dispelling the myths

Aunty Barbara Nicholson laughs off the cries of No voters that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders don’t support The Voice.

“I don’t know any black fellas who don’t support The Voice,” she told the big crowd at North Beach in early September.

“Most Aboriginal people I know want to get on with it and get it done … because the alternative is ridiculous. To vote No means nothing will change, it will never get better, and we will stay in this parlous state.”

The final word in this series deservedly belongs to a future elder, Jaymee Beveridge, who is the Vice President of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement at the University of Wollongong.

“To the 97 per cent of the voting population that the referendum will not impact, I remind you not to let fear-mongering influence you. Recognise that you are going to be on the right side of history.

“It’s the first step to pragmatic action to help heal the traumas currently dividing us as a nation. It’s a fibre that can weave Australia into a unified nation.”

We’re just days away from the most significant vote in my lifetime.

One small word. Three simple letters. To make a positive change. Please vote YES! One final chance to learn more

For anyone still undecided, feel free to head down for the final information sharing event at North Beach.

It starts at 8am on Sunday, 8 October with Aerobics Yes Style, near Diggies Cafe, followed at 9am by the Sit In/Swim Out for Yes. 42 clubs & community

DR JODI EDWARDS

AUNTY BARB

SALLY STEVENSON

Photos: James Patrick Photography, Jeremy Lasek, Alex Pike

JOHN CORKER

UNCLE RICHARD

AUNTY SHAS

October 43

What’s On

Submit events at theillawarraflame.com.au Comedy for a Cause Sat 21 Oct At

Helensburgh Tradies.

1st Helensburgh Scouts and Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club have joined forces to present this fundraiser. Join comedians Tommy Dean (USA), Simon Kennedy, Sarah Gaul and Mat Wakefield for a night full of fun. Show starts at 8pm so plenty of time for dinner beforehand! Gather your friends and book tickets at comedyforacause.net/HSHOCC (Please note the show is aimed at 18 years and over.)

Bulli Corner Quilters’ Annual Show Fri & Sat, 13 & 14 Oct The Bulli Corner Quilters

2023 Annual Quilt & Flower Show is back at The Northern Illawarra Uniting Church, cnr Princes Highway & Point St, Bulli, open 9am-4pm both days. Over 100 quilts on display with nearly all of them for sale at very reasonable prices. Entry $5.

Refreshments, credit card facilities and raffle quilts.

Retailers include My Sewing Supplies; Picton Patchwork; The Stitchers Cupboard; Thirroul Custom Quilting; Leisa Floyd cards. Contact: Lynn Kelly, 0413 963 070 or lmk1703@yahoo.com.au Craft Beer Market Festival Sun 29 Oct At Bulli Showground. Organiser

Michael Stagni told us more: “I purchased Coledale Fine Wines in 2003, just before the coast road closed for 2.5 years. During this time the Sea Cliff Bridge was built. We hit the ground running when the road reopened with wine tasting festivals at the Coledale community hall. They were very successful, but when craft beer became so popular, I decided to try Craft Beer Festivals. Our first one was last year at the Scarborough/Wombara Bowling club. It was a great event but for the rainy weather. This year the event will be under cover and able to accommodate more people.”

Look out for over 30 suppliers of beer, wine gin, vodka and cider; four food trucks; and music.

Thirroul Library

Adult events bookings via Eventbrite – Free.

Wed 4 Oct Mental Health Month: All About Self Care. 1-2pm, learn de-stressing techniques.

Sat 7 Oct Music In The Library 11am12pm Tue 10 Oct Digital Skills Workshop 2-4pm, learn about managing your health information online.

Fri 20 Oct Get Online Week. Around The World: Swedish. 1-2:30pm. Find out how to research and book your travel online, learn the local language 44 clubs & community

and explore the culture. Afternoon tea provided.

Sun 29 Oct WCL and WollCon present the Shannon Barnett Quartet. 2-4pm. Come hear jazz with a fusion of Australian humour and German precision. Shannon Barnett received the WDR Jazz Prize for Improvisation in 2020, and in 2022 won the German Jazz Prize for the brass instrument category. The Quartet is rounded out by Stefan Karl Schmid, David Helm, and Fabian Arends. With a support set from the WollCon Jazz Quintet.

Helensburgh Library

Adult events bookings via Eventbrite – Free.

Wed 11 Oct Ukulele Evening with Rob Cleary.

5:30-6:30pm Join us for an evening of songs, stories, and laughter.

Wed 25 Oct Author Talk, 5:30-6:30pm.

Dr Lorraine Jones and Janet Lee present a new publication called Historic Helensburgh: New South Wales. Come along to learn more about the historic town of Helensburgh!

New at the Children’s library – holiday reads!

• Wingdom by Dianne Ellis Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly?

• Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell.

Mythical creatures and magical locations.

• The World’s Worst Monsters by David Walliams.

Laugh along to 10 terrifying tales.

• Runt by Craig Silvey With all eyes on them, Annie and Runt must beat the odds and the fastest dogs in the world to save her farm.

• The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan, Mark Oshiro. A standalone adventure featuring Nico and Will from the Percy Jackson World.

• Fortune Maker by Catherine Norton. Which is more dangerous: a future you can’t see or one that you can?

• Let the games begin by Aaron Blabey. The one you’ve been waiting for ... the Bad Guys Episode 17.

• The Raven’s Song by Zana, Fraillon, Bren MacDibble. Covering environmental issues.

EV Open Day: 12 Nov at Club Thirroul

By Kristen McDonald of Electrify 2515

For the curious and converted, mark Sunday, 12 November, 10am-1pm in your diary for our free electric transport event at Club Thirroul.

When we recently surveyed you, our community, 44% said you are ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ going to buy an electric vehicle (EV) in the next two years, and 31% are planning to purchase or lease an e-bike. However, there was still a lot of uncertainty about affordable options, car ranges, charging facilities and model features.

Hoping to address some of these uncertainties, our volunteer group would love to see you there.

More info: electrify2515.org/transport

History restored, fair returns

By Fran Peppernell, Helensburgh Lions Club publicity officer

Our Lions Club is excited about the return of the Helensburgh Country Fair on Saturday, 28 October 2023, kicking off at 10am and ending at 3pm.

We have done a lot of work to bring this event back to Helensburgh. An exciting program of entertainment with local and oversea talents features the Helensburgh Public School Choir, Zumba Sessions, ADA Dance Group, Irish Dancers & Alison’s Fluro Fun N Fitness to dance away the winter blues, Entertainer the Aubrey Purton Trio, Sam V & George Mann from the USA and others.

If you are looking for some thrills we have carnival rides, a Pirate ship, Aeroplane Chairs and a jumping castle. A Petting Farm will provide that country feel and our local RFS are bringing their

helicopter ride and fire trucks and information on how to keep safe this summer fire season.

To get ready for the Christmas season, come and see the art & craft stalls that will be selling a variety of items. Plus, local community groups will also be involved. Then if you are feeling a bit hungry, come along to the Lions BBQ and other food stalls for a bite to eat and a cool drink. Check our Facebook and web page for updates.

In association with the Helensburgh Men’s Shed, Wollongong City Council, Metropolitan Mine, the Lions are proud to have returned the historic coal skips to Charles Harper Park. See you at the Fair!

Miners Tribute joint effort

By Caitlin Sloan

Thanks to local clubs, coal-mining heritage features are back at Charles Harper Park in Helensburgh.

Locals celebrated the arrival of two newly restored coal skips to form the centrepiece of the Miners Tribute monument at a dedication ceremony on Friday, September 8. The 18-month-long joint project, led by Helensburgh Lions Club treasurer Keith Hawkins, called on the refurbishing expertise of Helensburgh’s Men Shed and the support of Peabody’s Metropolitan Mine, which donated two replacement skips and funded their restoration.

Though the process was long, Keith is delighted to see the skips finally return to Charles Harper Park. “[It’s] great to see them back,” Keith said. “It’s nice to see the little plaque there… and I hope people take a bit of trouble to have a little look.”

After more than two decades on display, the original skips – once hauled underground by pit ponies – had fallen into disrepair. A Men’s Shed team, led by Wayne Wheatley, refurbished their replacements. Wayne said, “[It’s] a bit of Helensburgh's history. If it wasn't for the coal mine in Helensburgh, there wouldn't be a Helensburgh, and just to be a part of that is pleasing to me.”

October 45

Firies install special smoke alarm

By Caitlin Sloan

As September’s heatwave gave us a taste of the summer to come, Fire and Rescue NSW was busy with a safety blitz, performing free Home Safety Visits around the state. In Helensburgh, this threw up a fresh challenge for Station 325.

In September, Station Captain Roslyn Thomas, Deputy Captain Lauren O’Regan and on-call firefighter Eduardo Pantoja installed an alarm for the deaf and hard of hearing at the home of 75-year-old Helensburgh resident Lyle Greensmith.

“That was a first for us,” Roslyn said.

“We were more than happy to assist to make sure it was installed [accurately]. We tested it, made sure it was all up and running correctly.”

Though most smoke alarms are generally able to wake people with mild to moderate hearing loss, people who are unable to hear less than 85 decibels can have difficulty hearing conventional highfrequency smoke alarms and evacuation systems.

For Lyle’s neighbours, Jeff and Jan, the thought that Lyle’s existing smoke alarm wouldn’t be able to rouse him in the event of a fire was troubling. After months of liaising with disability services to enquire about a substitute device, Lyle obtained a Bellman Smoke Alarm pack through Hearing Australia with the help of his neighbours.

The crew at Helensburgh’s Station 325 were eager to learn how to install the three-component visual and tactile alarm in the hope it would help Lyle, and potentially others, feel safer at home.

“I really enjoyed that morning… [Lyle] was so ecstatic for us to come out,” Roslyn said.

“We also had a morning tea with him. You could just see that he was just thoroughly over the moon.

“We put up [a detector] where his existing one

Eduardo Pantoja, Roslyn Thomas and Lauren O’Regan enjoyed morning tea at Lyle’s place. Photo: Helensburgh Station 325

was, near his bedroom, then beside his bed, he has a unit… that sets off a strobe light, so when that detector goes off due to smoke, that unit then sets off a strobe light so he can see it.

“Underneath his pillow, he has [a pad] that vibrates, so if he’s asleep, the vibration is going to wake him up and then when he wakes up he’ll see the lights, and then once he puts his hearing aids in, he would be able to hear the detector.

Roslyn said: “I would encourage any local residents who either have family, friends or neighbours that are hearing-impaired to come and talk to us if this is something that they may be interested in pursuing.

“If we can go out there and educate people and provide a safer system for them in their home, that’s a better option than us turning out to a fire.”

Book a Home Safety Visit at fire.nsw.gov.au/ visits or call Station 325 on 02 4224 2035.

Reader’s Letter: Thank you, Helensburgh Fire & Rescue Recently the Helensburgh Fire and Rescue service really came through for our much-loved elderly neighbour, Lyle. Lyle’s situation of living alone and being both hearing and visionimpaired puts him right at the top of those most at risk of becoming a victim of a fatal house fire. Neighbours all pitch in to assist him generally, but the threat of him perishing from a house fire was the issue that most concerned us.

The local fire service is currently intensifying their efforts to prepare residents for what is expected to be a very dangerous summer. A full crew including their captain Roslyn, deputy captain Lauren and fireman Eduardo undertook a threat assessment of Lyle’s home.

The crew were extremely thorough. I mentioned to the captain that I was now aware that my own home needed a fresh fire assessment. The captain smiled and said, ‘Give me a call.’

Thank you Helensburgh Fire and Rescue for your very prompt response. You are a very important and valuable asset for our community. I will take you up on the invite to your stand at the upcoming Lions Country Fair in Helensburgh. Of course, I’ll have Lyle in tow.

I recommend everyone within the Helensburgh fire district consider their own fire risk and have a plan. – Jeff Maurer, Helensburgh

46 clubs & community

All that glitters

By Paul Blanksby of Helensburgh Men’s Shed

“After my uncle passed away,” writes Helensburgh resident Donna Sloan (pictured), “I visited family in Cessnock and found an old frame with a hand-coloured photo of my pop, Jared Hill.

“He was born in 1917 in Durham, northern England, and learned to play the trumpet as a young boy. When Pop, his three brothers, and my great-grandparents migrated to Cessnock, he kept up his trumpeting and joined a local Salvation Army band, where this photo originates.

“When I was given the frame earlier this year, it was coated in thick layers of cracked, golden paint that I knew I wouldn’t be able to remove myself. I’m so grateful to the Men’s Shed for the hours they spent restoring the frame back to as close to its original condition as possible.

“Pop continued to play the very trumpet he’s holding in the photo until his passing in 1990 and I’m so pleased that I have the opportunity to hang this piece of family history at home in better condition than I could have hoped for.”

Thank you so much to Donna Sloan for these kind words, and the chance to work on such a significant part of her heritage.

And there’s a lesson here. Underneath all that

crusty gold was delicately veined timber and fragile plaster cornices. Softly, softly, we scraped and probed, sanded and rubbed, filled and polished.

Timber glowed as it drank up oil, the plaster rewarding us with each whorl revealed.

Are you like this frame? Or perhaps someone you know, hiding beneath life’s troubles, evident in a sad face, a bent back, or a harsh reply. We can all help get those yucky layers off, a little at a time, and help the real person come out. Come to the Men’s Shed and see what we can do together.

Visit Helensburgh Men’s Shed, 199A Parkes St, open Mon-Wed 9am to 3pm. 0478 892 485 Website: helensburghmensshed.org.au

Happy 30th to Sheds

By Chris Hay, secretary of Thirroul Men’s Shed

Thirroul Men’s Shed held a BBQ Lunch for members and guests on Tuesday 5th September to celebrate 30 years of Men’s Shed in Australia.

Beth Gow from AMSA attended and spoke on the importance of Men’s Sheds especially for those who have retired.

Men’s Sheds are not just about making things or working with timber, the social side, organised outings and activities are an important part of what Men’s Sheds are about, especially for those who are living on their own.

Charlie Taylor and Bob Ascoli spoke on the early days of TMS starting in a backyard garage with no power or amenities to where we are today. Thirroul Men’s Shed has been going for 13 years. We currently have around 60 members and our Shed is located in the railway overflow carpark off Church Street.

The Shed is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for work and a camera/computer group meet on Wednesday mornings.

For more information, email Gary Grace or Chris Hay on thirroulmensshed@gmail.com

October 47

NF1 rejects plan for Helensburgh Park

By Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor Warwick Erwin Helensburgh Park Crown Land PoM

NF1 has unanimously passed a resolution to reject the draft Plan of Management for Helensburgh Park due to a lack of any real community consultation, with the proposal to build a new Community Centre and Library lacking details for the community about the proposed design and the substandard development of the plan for the sporting centre of the 2508 community.

It is clear from the draft PoM that Council has a “proposed design” (as per the Historical Heritage Assessment by Niche Environment and Heritage that is included in the Draft PoM). Council has not shared this with the community. What is in the PoM is that the new combined centre will be between 1400sqm and 2000sqm with a library component of 1500sqm. Doesn’t leave much for a community centre component.

Blocks of land next to Helensburgh Library and library block

NF1 were asked what they would like to see happen with the blocks of land next to the library and the library block so that they cannot be sold off by Council to developers to build more apartment blocks. Suggestions from the forum included: building the community centre/library there, parking for a new combined centre where the old Community Centre is, parking for the town centre, green space and public toilets.

Old Helensburgh Community Centre

No demolition date from Council and while the building stays there it has the potential to become a greater health hazard to the community.

Demolition was promised by Council to take place over 12 months ago. A missed promise.

Otford Road Causeway

Contractor has work underway on the Causeway with the area around it now a construction zone.

No access is allowed into the area. Otford Residents are calling for 40km/h speed limit on Otford Rd from Bald Hill, due to the speed of traffic using the narrow road with construction traffic. Visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/councilprojects/current-works/otford-causeway Helensburgh Town Centre Plan – Phase 3 works Western Terrace

You will have seen the lack of Council workers working on the Western Terrace with days where traffic controllers have blocked off parking all day for Council’s trucks without any Council vehicles or workers appearing for the day. Multiple days in a row. Completion by end of September now looks like another missed promise.

Land behind Undola Rd

NF1 has been informed of a Kogarah-based solicitor knocking on residents’ front doors, sometimes on a Sunday morning, “trying” to have them buy the land behind on the part of Undola Rd north of Whitty Rd. These blocks are zoned C2 Environmental Conservation land, the next level of conservation under a National Park. No buildings allowed. Advice received is that if the solicitor “persists” inform the police.

In General Business

• When will the footpath on The Ridge be done?

• Proposal for a Community Garden in Helensburgh • Concrete blocks placed at the end of the Ridge leading to train station dangerous at night time • Bald Hill lookout roundabout needs to be monitored by police as some weekends it is blocked by traffic entering the roundabout and unable to exit in to the carpark.

• Stairway from Stanwell Park ends abruptly in Bald Hill carpark, dangerous for pedestrians.

Election of NF1 Officers

One possible example of how a combined facility could be integrated with the pool.

Image from the Helensburgh Park Crown Reserves Draft Plan of Management

48 clubs & community

Warwick Erwin was re-elected unopposed as the Convenor of NF1. There have been no nominations for the co-convenor role after Jenny Sherratt decided to step down. NF1 is calling on the community to nominate someone to take over the position, starting in February 2024.

Membership of NF1 is open to anyone who lives or works in the 2508 area.

Next meeting: Oct 11, 7pm at Otford Hall

Police Station would be ‘ideal site’

By Genevieve Swart

The Police Station blocks near Tradies would be the best place for a new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library, a local resident with experience in master planning town centres told the Flame.

Commenting after Neighbourhood Forum 1 unanimously rejected Wollongong City Council’s Draft Plan of Management for Helensburgh Park in September, landscape architect Scott Spiers said, “This community centre is going to be the jewel in the crown for Helensburgh. If we get it wrong, it’s like a huge missed opportunity and it could impact the town for many future generations.”

“To me, that [police station] is the ideal site for the community centre because of the opportunity for additional parking. You could easily make that the street there front to curb, 45-degree angle parking. It’s an easy win and it’s affordable.

“It’s opposite an existing playground. It’s got dual street access. It’s out of the bushfire high-risk area.

It’s co-located with an existing swimming pool, a sports club, the Tradies Club and the sporting precinct. So it’s almost like the active centre of

town. The community centre needs to be located in a place that people can walk freely between open space and recreation areas.”

Scott has lived in Helensburgh with his family for 10 years and contributed to the town centre master plan as well as the campaign to stop Coles from opening a Liquorland on Walker St. “I definitely would reject the plan of management. I think it’s inadequate. It lacks detail.

It feels like a band-aid, knee-jerk reaction.

“If you look at the Thirroul Community Centre – Helensburgh people want something of similar quality. We want something that’s going to be long-lasting and meaningful for us.”

Should the Police Station site not be possible, another site could be between the soccer club and the pool buildings near Tradies, he said.

“You would have spectacular views across the bush while also respect the existing pool area which was built by the community.”

Scott said the decision was too important to rush. “My view is wait and do it properly.” apartments and a 41-bed “Care Hub”. This

project will have huge impacts on NIRAG/NF3 report long-awaited local traffic and we urge all resident to be informed By secretary/treasurer Ross Dearden

NIRAG held its last quarterly meeting in August and the minutes are available on the Flame’s website.

• Importantly that meeting voted to support the YES23 vote campaign and the referendum to have a Voice to Parliament to give First Nations peoples the right to have a say over laws that affect them.

One of NIRAG’s key objectives is, “To support Aboriginal Reconciliation and recognise the cultural rights of Indigenous Australians”.

• There was a motion that Council ban fossil fuel gas connections in new homes and ask that more be done to require solar and PV friendly power in homes and apartments, new commercial buildings and community facilities. Council has followed up these ideas and has advised that on 18 Sept a new Draft Climate Mitigation Plan 2023-2030 was placed on exhibition. Feedback is required by 30 October. Go to our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au. Phone Isabelle Ghetti (4227 7111) for more information.

• Council has now started reconstruction and widening to 4m of the cycleway at Trinity Row. • Recently members have attended one of several community consultation opportunities to learn about Anglicare’s Seniors Living Development plans for the site between Wilkies Street and Tramway Creek, Bulli. The site will include 229

and contribute. The project manager is Matt Theris of Stantec (formerly Cardno).

The connection of Geraghty Street with a bridge across Tramway Creek will provide a much anticipated alternative emergency link from Bulli to the eastern part of Thirroul. This will have flow-on effects, as construction traffic and local traffic use the existing residential streets in McCauley Beach estate and continues on to Sandon Drive, then Point St and further south.

It imperative that the entire Geraghty Street connection is constructed as a Local Area Traffic Management scheme, with a design speed of 40kph or less, so that it is safe for the elderly and other vulnerable residents of the Anglicare estate. This design should also assist to limit the volume of additional “rat run” traffic generation through residential streets.

• The other consultation is for the zone for a future renewable energy project. Visit https:// consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-illawarra. Take the survey or email a submission to offshorerenewables@dcceew.gov.au by 16 October.

Next meeting: Wednesday, November 1 at 7pm at Bulli Community Centre. All welcome.

Contact Ross Dearden, nirag@bigpond.com

October 49

The primary type of Menthophilus tuberculatus, collected in the 1860s and named by Charles Waterhouse in 1874. Photos: Geoff Monteith

Beetling About With Dr Chris Reid of the Australian Museum

Today, a little bit of esoterica.

What is a museum for? Hopefully, a museum includes education, research, exhibitions and local regional concerns.

However, museums are primarily collections, and natural history museums, like ours, are collections of dead things.

From a zoologist’s perspective, the most important things in a museum collection are ‘primary types’. A primary type is a specimen that represents a scientifically named species. A zoological species, to the ordinary dog-walker in the street, or an ecologist, or a behaviourist, or geneticist, say, is all of the individuals of a kind of animal, say a dog, so all dogs. But in my job, the species is based on just one specimen, which is the primary type (aka the name-bearing type). This means that there are different concepts of species for different people, but the most important thing is that the scientific name is based on a single specimen.

Taxonomists, like me, get to decide what that specimen should be. So, if you like, we get first dibs at the species concept – other, um, lesser mortals, like ecologists, geneticists and behaviourists, can refine or wrestle with that concept, but we come first. Science is hypothesis driven and ours is the first hypothesis of the species.

Basically, all named zoological species (I’m carefully avoiding plants as they have different rules) have primary types. The only obvious exception is Homo sapiens – no museum has a carefully laid out corpse labelled as the reference point for all of us (if there was, who would you pick?).

50 science & nature

Museums are where types are kept, for perpetuity, since, yes there are often plenty of arguments about species, and the primary types may get a lot of attention.

Dogs are a good case in point. The guy who started all of this scientific naming business, Carolus Linnaeus, named the domestic dog Canis familiaris in 1758 and there’s a type in a Swedish museum. That was the first hypothesis.

But we now know from genetic studies that domestic dogs were domesticated about 25,000 years ago from wolves, Canis lupus, also named by Linnaeus in 1758, so in this current hypothesis the ‘dog’ no longer exists as a separate species. That includes dingos, brought in to Australia by humans about 5000 years ago. So that’s a wolf you are walking.

But the problem with mammals is that we know too much about them (!), so there’s often a lot of conflict in species concepts, depending on what aspect is being studied.

In beetles, no such luck, we generally know only what’s on the labels. I’ve recently reviewed a group of five species of dung beetle, two of which turned out to be ‘new’ – i.e. nobody had described them before. But since they are all rather similar and one of the first species to be discovered wasn’t described very well I needed to check its primary type. It’s pictured above, with all its labels, collected in the 1860s near Geraldton in Western Australia (but just labelled ‘New Holl’), and deposited in the Natural History Museum, London. It’s in almost perfect condition because it is an obligation of all museums to look after types.

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October 57

Join top docs in charity ride

By Caitlin Sloan

Inset: Dr Trevor Gardner OAM (at left) and Professor Bruce Ashford.

Photos: Beardy McBeard

Two of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District’s most accomplished medical professionals are encouraging cyclists to join this year’s RideBeyondFive on Thursday, October 26.

The 104.8km loop charity ride, which raises funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia (HANCA), is the brainchild of best mates Wombarra surgeon and HANCA co-founder Professor Bruce Ashford and Stanwell Park anaesthetist Dr Trevor Gardner OAM. It was the pair’s years of cycling in other fundraising events that motivated Trevor to propose an endurance ride to raise funds and awareness for head and neck cancers – which have been under-represented in the advocacy space yet more than 5000 Australians are diagnosed yearly.

Since 2019, the ride has raised more than $40,000 for the organisation and made inroads in raising the profile of head and neck cancer, which, to date, has no formal screening tests.

“There’s lots of families, lots of individuals, lots of workplaces, lots of communities impacted by head and neck cancer, and the worst thing is that often patients present late. Early detection really is the key,” Bruce said.

“And the thing about head and neck cancer is you can’t escape the effect of it; how you speak, how you look, how you sound, how you eat and drink.”

The ride, which begins and ends in Audley, takes in views of the Royal National Park, Bald Hill, Sea Cliff Bridge and Bulli Tops, and has often attracted cyclists from out of area.

This year, after a chance meeting at Adelaide’s 58 sport & leisure

Tour de Cure, Bruce has recruited former pro-cyclist and Tour Down Under assistant race director Annette (Netty) Edmondson, who will be joined by Wollongong-based professional road racing cyclist Josie Talbot.

“We’d really love girls to come and ride, because they get to meet these superstars of female cycling,” Bruce said.

“There’s an increasing amount of younger people, non-smokers, and particularly females, who are developing head and neck cancer at a really young age.”

The pair recommend that participants are regular cyclists, but there is the option to use an e-bike, join the ride at a distance more suitable to your ability, or ditch the bike and attend the lunch to follow at Audley Dance Hall.

“You don’t have to be an elite athlete – it’s a charity ride in the end [and the] important thing is that it’s a really good day out,” Trevor said.

“It’s a nice ride with good people, and you’re raising for a valid reason.”

RideBeyondFive registration is $500 per rider, which includes a jersey, morning tea and refreshments, and a sit-down lunch at Audley Dance Hall. The fee is tax-deductible and the $500 can be refunded if a rider raises $1500 in the lead-up to the event. Places are limited.

To register, find out more about Head and Neck Cancer Australia or learn the signs and symptoms to watch for, visit https://support. headandneckcancer.org.au

Hello Fish: The Whites Part 3 in a data series by Hello Fish columnist Duncan Leadbitter

Great white sharks are one of the three species tagged using acoustic tags when caught on one of the many (over 300) drumlines along the NSW coast. In the September 2023 issue of Illawarra Flame I provided data on the time of year (for the period June 2022 to May 2023) and time of day that white sharks visit Stanwell Park.

In this article, I analyse more of the data available from the Shark Smart App. Each shark has its own unique number. During the sampling period, 17 different animals visited Stanwell Park of which 15 visited only once. Shark 1743 visited on four separate occasions in December of 2022 but the frequent visitor award goes to Shark 1043 which visited on five occasions in April/May of this year.

As we know from other studies of tagged white sharks they move around a lot. Prior to being detected at Stanwell Park our visitors were previously detected at Old Bar (adjacent to Taree), Hawks Nest, Birubi (near Nelson Bay), Maroubra, Cronulla, Stanwell Park, Shellharbour, Kiama and Sussex Inlet.

Sharks can easily pass by many stations as the detection zone is only 0.78 square kilometres and the ocean is very much larger!

As mentioned in my first article, a shark can easily visit the beach undetected as the detection zone is 500m around the receiver which is over 900m offshore.

Our visitors were first tagged in a variety of places with a bias towards the North Coast. The

beaches included Ballina, Evans Head (several different beaches), Iluka, Yamba, Port Macquarie, Lake Macquarie and Pambula.

The earliest tag date was July 2019 but most of the sharks were tagged in 2021 and 2022. (Battery life may be about 10 years.)

The Shark Smart website does not provide information on how many are tagged each year nor how many have had a second tag inserted (assuming they take a drumline again).

The current program costs nearly $90 million over five years, not all of it on tagging but the ongoing cost of tagging must be significant. Sharks tagged with the acoustic tags tracked by the listening stations do not appear on the Shark Smart website. The ones on the website are all fitted with satellite tags.

Image: freepik

What’s On at U3A Stanwell Park U3A (University of the Third Age) Term 4 2023 Program

Meetings are held on Mondays at Hillcrest House Stanwell Park and start at 9.30am. Morning Tea at 10.30am followed by Music Appreciation from 11am to 12pm. All welcome. For further information, contact Jenny on 0406 350 025.

• 9 Oct 9.30am Testament 7 Paradise Lost Video • 16 Oct 9.30am May Gibbs, an Icon, Jacqui Brough • 23 Oct 9.30am Courage Under Fire, Attack on US Capitol, John Ryan • 30 Oct 9.30am Ethics and Genealogy, Judy Bull • 6 Nov 9.30am Black Coal to Diamond, Graham Thwaite • 13 Nov 9.30am ‘Fabian Ware’, Commonwealth War Graves, Kerrie Christian.

• 20 Nov 9.30am Thoughts and ideas/Current Affairs, Members

• 27 Nov 9.30am History of the Royal Family of Portugal, David Christian.

Christmas Celebration from 12pm U3A Northern Illawarra Film Appreciation Group: Term 4, 2023

Sessions are held every Wednesday 12.30-3pm in Excelsior Hall, Thirroul Community Centre.

A discussion follows each screening.

For further information, contact Margaret Stratton on 0411 526 899.

• 11 Oct Five Easy Pieces USA 1970 • 18 Oct A Touch of Zen part 1 Taiwan 1971 • 25 Oct A Touch of Zen part 2 • 1 Nov Suspira 1977 Italy • 8 Nov Amarcord 1974 Italy • 15 Nov Mean Streets 1973 USA • 22 Nov The Decameron 1971 Italy October 59

Photo: Michelle Cowans

Finding Deep Calm with Blue Dorys

By Catherine Ryan

When last I wrote, I was yet to embrace the identity of being an ocean swimmer, and I was searching for the deep calm I thought swimming would bring. I found myself repeating the mantra inspired

by Dory from Finding Nemo – “Just keep swimming” – as a way to fend off encroaching panic. A lot has changed since then.

After challenging myself to complete the Equilibrium Healthcare Coalcliff Ocean Swim Club season, some friends and I initiated an ocean swimming group called The Blue Dorys. Every Sunday morning, we gather to swim.

There are moments of heightened nervousness, and moments of blissful calm. And when my nerves get the better of me, my fellow Dorys rally to support me through. After a swim, we convene over a shared meal to solve the problems of the world. This ritual has ingrained itself as an essential component of my weekly routine.

Presently, I’m engrossed in writing my psychology honours thesis on the experiences of older adults who engage in regular ocean swimming, with a particular focus on risk, resilience, and how swimming impacts their perception of ageing.

I interviewed people I perceived to be legitimate ocean swimmers, people I admire as fearless in the open water. What I discovered was something quite different.

Fear is a universal sentiment, albeit expressed in diverse ways. As one of these swimmers reflected, you can’t truly connect with the water if you’re afraid of it, highlighting the importance of knowing the difference between being afraid, and having a healthy respect for the power of the ocean. The difference comes in being able to weigh the risks against the benefits.

60 sport & leisure

What I’m learning is that the benefits consistently prevail. So, while I am possibly not the most confident, not the fastest, and nowhere near as knowledgeable as I aspire to be, my commitment to this journey remains unwavering.

Jacques Cousteau famously said “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

I consider it an honour that the ocean has woven its enchantment around me, and I continue to find delight in its waters, its surrounds, its sounds and scents, and possibly above all, in the camaraderie of those with whom I share this bond.

I am unsure if the anxiety will ever fully dissipate, but my love for the ocean will grow around the fear and loosen its paralysing grip. In this way then, it seems I have found that deep calm I was searching for, it just came in a package I wasn’t expecting.

It was always there, I just needed to wade into the deep to find it.

Coalcliff club events 2023

• Nippers is on from 9-11am. Arrive at 10.30am for the Ocean Swim Club, 10.50am safety briefing, 11am-12 noon swim session.

• Sunday, 8 October: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club Sun, 22 October: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club • Sun, 5 November: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club • Sun, 19 November: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club / Bridge to Boatshed Run • Sun, 3 December: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club • Sun, 10 December: Rod Stevens Memorial Paddle • Sun, 17 December: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club To join the club, go to coalcliffslsc.com.au/ membership and click renew/join, and keep up with the latest club news on Facebook.

Swell just right for juniors

By Ian Pepper

Great little pointscore on Sunday, September 17 for our juniors and micros at Stanwell Park. Just enough swell for some solid surfing and close matches. Well done to our finalists and winners: • 10 & Under – Saxon King scoring a 9.0 and 8.87!

• 12 & Under – Noah Kornek • 14 & Under – Finn O’Connor • Junior Girls – Marlie Moston Seniors event was cancelled for September but stand by for possible make up seniors only event in October (swell pending).

Earlier in September a team of our seniors represented the club in the 2023 Surftag series at Your local, experienced and educated For local, experienced and educated real Queenscliff Beach on 9-10 September. real educated estate professional local,Steve experiencedestate and The Over 40s team of ChristianFor DeClouett, advice, callreal Ian today!

Rainford, Jeremy Keed, John Mahler and Brad Bell estate advice, call Ian today!

Ian Pepper finished 3rd in the quarter-final heat narrowly missing out of qualifying for the semi-final.

0403 570 041 Ian Pepper ian.pepper@raywhite.com Our Open Men’s team Mannix Squiers, Darcy DeClouett, Fin McLaren, Will Clarke and Angus 0403 570 041 raywhitehelensburgh.com.au Cochrane smashed their quarter-final heat with ian.pepper@raywhite.com a win and then narrowly missed out on the finalraywhitehelensburgh.com.au with third place in the semi-final. Thanks to all who went to the event to represent the club.

Rates on hold, next move likely down

With inflation now trending downward, rates remained on hold again in September.

Barring any unexpected events, it is likely they will remain at current levels for some time. The next movement is likely to be a cut, however, this is unlikely to happen this year. In our local real estate market, listings typically jump each week as we head further into Spring. This year is no different, especially along the coast. Listing numbers in 2508 and 2515 postcodes are now 93, according to RealEstate.com.au. These numbers are much higher than a year ago and are likely to keep increasing. However, with the positive interest rate news, there is hope the Sydney buyer will return to our coastal market and again buy into the wonderful lifestyle where we live.

From left to right, Fletcher Bell, Tully Warren and Saxon King from the 10 & Under division. Photo: Ian Pepper

ianpepperraywhite @peppersrealestate October 61

Time

m

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m

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m

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m

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m

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m

0.31 1.07 0.36 0.46 0.50 0 0.181.13 0.500.26 1.120530 0145 0302 1.08 0.05 0036 0250 0346 0407 1.00 0254 0334 1.070031 0509 0444 1.14 0451 0411 1.310047 0436 0000 1.41 0.67 1.61 1.18 1.78 1 1.700.60 1.751.33 0.611039 0718 0903 0.64 1.51 0610 0855 0844 1020 0.76 0804 0954 0.690640 1031 1116 0.74 1031 1046 0.590709 0956 0612 0.41 0.34 0.27 1635 0.20 1809 0.31 1.48 1.49 0.23 1528 1.41 1445 1.54 1646 1.36 1645 1.53 1633 1153 SA 1449 MO 1615 WEWE FR 1452 SUMO TH 1738 FR 1256 TH 1406 SA1.50 SU1.63 TU0.63 WE0.49 TH0 FR 1315 SU 1717 TU 1211 1.38 1.46 1.20 1 1.560.28 0.53 1.56 2252 2243 2118 2114 0.56 1.90 2000 2100 0.53 2203 2214 0.391830 2334 0.47 2325 2337 0.291911 2330 1812 1.65

22 16 10

7 1

7 125 22 16 10

7 125 22 16 10

7

0.33 0.45 0.40 0.41 0.55 0 0.281.23 1.150.20 0555 0007 1.22 0545 0456 1.430119 0307 0345 1.01 0.09 0151 0317 0503 0445 1.04 0414 0404 1.120108 1.050015 0534 0047 17 11 17 11 17 11 2 0949 226 226 23 8 23 23 0927 1.4681.14 1029 1.6481.26 1133 1.7681 1104 1.710.50 0523 0.591.46 0715 0.660613 1135 0.68 1142 0.510743 0822 0.70 1.56 1002 0.75 0928 0.670716 1103 0659 PORT KEMBLA – NEW SOUTH WALES

Port Kembla Tidal Chart 2023

0.41 0.34 0.29 1730 0.25 1200 1.67 1.491133 1741 1.37 1748 1.50 1.46 0.25 1639 1.40 1602 1.561258 1733 1253 SU 1529 TU 1658 FR 1832 SA 1546 MO TU TH TH WE0.56 TH0.38 FR0 FR 1513 SU0.61 MO1.74 SA 1405 SA 1359 MO WE 0.391.66 1.50 1.55 1.31 1.49 1901 2234 2202 0.54 1.77 2122 2135 2347 2332 0.50 1.39 2307 2256 0.331911 1951 1 1906 LAT 34° 29ʼ S0.491804 LONG 150° 55ʼ E

0345 0.36 0.46 0.37 0033 1.16 0 0426 0523 0.400.18 1.080.18 0430Times 1.02 0.18 1.06of 0559 1.10 0519 0437 1.210140 0014 0100 0.44 0011 Local 0.290150 0051 0.40 0130 0020 and 0319 Heights High and Low Waters Time October 2023 18 18 18 3 3 3 24 9 24 24 12 12 27 12 27 1000 1.4991.20 1106 1.6591.34 0548 0.6091 1036 1148 1.691.35 0606 0.671.59 0634 1.32 0633 1.560815 0933 0.71 1.59 0837 0.670649 1114 0.70 1045 0.600749 0623 0744 NOVEMBER DECEMBER EMBER OCTOBER

0.43 0.36 1.72 1826 0.33 1245 1.58 1229 0.61 1246 0.42 1.47 0.30 1.54 1740 1.42 1712 1.61 1202 1349 MO 1609 WE 1745 SA 1225 SU 1642 TUWE FR FR SA0 SA 1620 SU 1522 MO0.55 TU0.38 TH0.49 FR0.29 TU 1218 TH 1339 SU 1440 M2212 TIME M TIME M 1.51 TIME M 1.41 2342 1948 1.23 0.31 1.59 0.45 0.50 TIME 0.391845 1828 1.38 1845m1932 1.462031 1827Time 1.82 m 1.59 1957 1.64 1 Time 2331 m 2252 Time m Time m 1958 Time Time Time2233m

0415 0.41 0136 1.14 1.24 1.04 0514 0.53 1.07 0.30 0047 0.41 0054 0.300221 1.130124 0000 0.260210 0031 0.46 0.31 0506 0334 0.36 0024 0411 0.50 0159 0448 0455 04070436 0444 0105 0.11 0211 0.19 190.18 190.50 190.61 4 1124 428 428 10 0530 100.34 1001 25 100.36 16 0250 160722 125 160820 125 160849 13 13 13 0648 0.64 0601 0.52 0657 0.74 1036 1.51 1148 1.63 0.60 1039 0.6711.59 0709 1.41 0719 1.67 0640 1.18 0612 1.33 0855 1.41 0954 1.61 1046 1.78 1124 10200956 1.70 1131 1.70 1116 1.75 1.26 1.41 0827 1.69 0708 1.47

1323 1.66 1234 1335 1654 0.46 1837 0.39 1.63 1.50SU0.38 1315 0.53 1345 0.34SA 1211 0.63 1153 0.49 0.41 1615 0.34 1738 0.27 1822 16351633 0.20 1832 0.37 1809 0.31 1259 1418 1443 1257 0.28 1521 TU TH SU MO 1741 WE TH SA SA SU 1717 FR0.43 SA0.22 SU0 MO TU0.49 WE SA 1449 MO WE1.63 FR1.49 WE FR TH MO 0.32 1 0.421.84 0.501.57 2252 1.31 0.281920 1911 1.38 1940 2035 1.402114 1830 1.46 1812 1.652024 2100 1.56 2343 1.39 2214 1.38 1926 2337 1.20 2057 22432330 1.56 1.62 1.51 2046 1916

0445 0.47 0035 1.15 1.11 1.04 0245 1.15 0119 0.39 0135 0.330254 0.45 0.42 1.230154 0108 0.41 0047 0.200238 0.33 0546 0404 0.40 0120 0456 0.55 0305 0032 0023 04450534 0007 0147 0.09 0250 0.24 200.28 201.15 5 1214 529 529 201.11 11 0015 110.33 110.33 1101 26 17 0317 170753 226 170850 170925 226 14 14 14 1115 1.51 0558 0.59 0643 0.62 0802 0.77 0759 0.66 0743 1.51 0803 1.76 0613 1.1421.57 0.50 0716 1.26 0659 1.46 0927 1.46 1029 1.64 1133 1.76 0538 0.66 0544 11041103 1.71 0523 0.59 1.31 1.49 0752 1.57 0910 1.77

1745 0.50 1236 1.60 1324 1435 1429 1.60 1359 0.45 1439 0.28 0.61 1.74 1258 0.56 1253 0.38 0.41 1658 0.34 1832 0.29 1213 1.62 1215 1730 0.25 1200 1.67 1336 1456 1350 1535 1603 WE FR TU 1845 TH FR SU SU MO SA0.39 SU0.20 MO0 MO 1133 TU 1733 WE0.45 TH0.21 SU 1529 SA1.41 MO0.47 TH1.55 TH TU SA FR TUSU 2338 1954 1.21 1939 0.42 1.49 0.49 0.52 2137 0.32 1951 2155 1.38 2032 1.342158 1911 1.49 1906 1.662059 2135 1804 1.50 1.55 2332 1.39 2256 1.31 2032 1917 0.42 1915 1901 0.39 1.62 2005 1.80 2136 1.47 1

0523 0.55 0138 1.09 1.03 1.07 0351 1.21 0.40 1.21 0140 0.37 0130 0.180305 0150 0.39 0.180222 0215 0.380330 0.36 0039 0437 0.46 0226 0121 0033 1.16 0413 0120 05230020 0100 0228 0.11 0329 0.32 210.40 211.08 6 0629 630 630 211.09 12 0051 120.31 120.34 1201 27 18 0345 180824 327 180921 181003 327 15 15 15 1200 1.50 0653 0.66 0734 0.71 0917 0.78 0915 0.65 0815 1.60 0649 1.2030.54 0749 1.34 0744 1.59 1.35 0846 1.82 1000 1.49 1106 1.65 0626 0.70 0548 0.60 0643 11480623 1.69 0606 0.67 1.36 0836 1.65 1.55 0952 1.80

1845 0.53 1335 1.56 1420 1542 1538 1.56 1440 0.38 0.55TU1.53 1339 0.49 1349 0.29 0.38 1530 0.24 0.43 1745 0.36 1257 1.53 1225 1.72 1310 18261202 0.33 1245 1.58 1413 1443 1535 1626 0.21 1649 TH SA WE 1306 FR SA MOMO TU TU 1218 TH0.42 FR0.18 SU0.36 TU0 WE MO MO 1609 SU1.37 MO FR1.47 FRWE SU SA WE 2051 0.43 0.53 0.50 2233 0.30 2031 1.36 1.59 0.54 1827 1.822028 1948 1.51 1957 1.642135 2123 1.282245 2212 1845 1.41 1958 2342 1.23 2144 2004 0.47 1932 0.31 2248 2009 1958 0.45 1.61 2054 1.70 1.44 2226 1.36 1

0036 1.14 0451 0254 0.36 1.08 0.34 1.00 0.19 1.07 0.11 1.12 0.40 0254 0.44 1.31 0.41 0145 0514 0210 0.53 0346 0214 0136 0221 1.14 0509 0220 00240105 01590211 0406 0.41 221.24 7 0718 7 0844 221.04 731 221.10 13 0124 13 0820 28 13 0849 13 19 0415 190.61 428 190.69 190.59 1031 0.74 1031 0.76 0804 0610 0722 1.2640.64 1.41428 1.69 1.47 1.68 0929 1.84 1036 1.51 1148 1.63 0720 0.74 0648 0.64 0748 06010708 0.52 06570827 0.74 1034 1.80

1646 1645 1445 1256 0.49 0.43SA1.41 0.22SU1.54 0.28TH1.48 0.33 1617 0.24TU1.53 0.46 1837 0.39 1345 1.45 1323 1.66 1408 1234 1.63 1335 1.49 1717 FR TU TU WE TH 1406 SA 1528 SU WE 1259 FR 1418 SA 1443 TH 1257 MO 1521 TU0.25 WE TU 1654 MO1.36 WE1.49 0.47 2325 2203 2000 1.62 0.56 1.51 0.53 1.57 0.39 1.84 0.53 2024 2252 1.33 2212 1.23 0.29 2252 1920 1.31 2118 2053 0.49 2035 2114 0.32 2334 2102 19261916 0.42 20572046 0.50 2315 1.25

0414 0545 0151 0.33 1.01 0.33 1.04 0.09 1.05 0.24 1.12 0.50 1.43 0.42 1.22 0.47 0307 0035 0238 1.15 0503 01200147 03050250 0245 0254 1.15 0555 03110333 0320 8 0822 8Commonwealth 231.04 8 1135 231.12 231.11 14 0154 14 0850 29 14 0925 14 20 0445 20 529 200.51 ©20 Copyright of Australia 2022, Bureau of Meteorology 1002 0.75 0928 0.67 0.68 1142 0715 0.66 0753 1.3150.70 1.49529 1.57 1.77 1.82 1.74 1115 1.51 0558 0.59 06430752 0.62 08020910 0.77 0759 0.66 08251010 0.76 0900

202

PORT KEMBLA – NEW SOUTH WALES

1602 1748 1405 0.45TH1.46 1456 0.39SU1.40 0.21 1535 0.20 0.26 0.29TU1.37 0.50 1236 1.60 1324 1.55 1435 1.41 1429 1.60 14401703 1.37 1512 FR 1513 SU 1639 MO WE 1741 TH SA TH 1336 SA FR 1350 SU WE TU 1603 TH WE 1745 FR1.49 MO1.56 WE1.50 Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide 2307 2122 1.62 0.54 1.49 0.50 1.80 0.49 1.47 0.33 2338 1954 1.21 2234 1939 2059 0.42 2347 20322005 0.49 21552136 0.52 2137 2158 0.32 1.29 21422300 0.501.18 2155

LAT 34° Times 29ʼ S are LONG 55ʼ Etime (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time in local150° standard 1.02 0319 1.10 0519 0011 0.29 0.56Local 0.31Times 0.11 1.06 0305 0.34 Low 0329 0.32 1.21 0.46 0.44 0523 0222 0.55 0430 0138 1.09 0559 02260228 1.03 0413 1.07 0351 0330 1.21 0014 04070414 1.18 0419T and Heights of High and Waters New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols 0837 0.67 1114 1045 0633 1051 1.77 1.56 1.36 0.71 1.65 0921 1.55 0.70 1.80 0.60 1.78 1.32 1200 0824 1.50 0933 0653 0.66 07340836 0.71 09170952 0.78 0915 1003 0.65 0634 0937 0.76 1016 NOVEMBER DECEMBE EPTEMBER OCTOBER 1522 1712 1246 0.31TH0.42 0.42FR1.47 0.18 0.36 0.21TU1.61 0.27 0.53 1335 1.56 1420 1.47 15421626 1.37 1538 1.56 1541 1.32 1618 SA 1620 SU MO 1740 TU TH 1229 FR TH 1748 FR 1413 SA 1443 SU 1535 MO WE 1649 FR TH 1845 SA1.54 MO1.42 WE0.61

21 15 9

630 24 21 15 9

630 24 21 15 9

630 24 21 15

2233 1845 1.14 2028 1.61 1.70 1.24 2051 2135 0.43 1.44 21442054 0.53 22482226 0.501.36 0.30 1828 22282345 0.49 2245 Time 2331 m 0.50 Time m 1.38 Time m 0.39 Time m Time m 2233 2245 Time m 1.46 0054 0436 0000 0.41 1.12 0530 05090406 1.14 0451 0411 1.31 0047 0459 0455 1.26 0515 0346 0407 1.00 0254 0334 1.07 0031 0.31 1.07 0.50 0.41 0.36 0.46 0.610.30 0.05 0036 0250 0.181.13 0444 0.500.26 0719 0956 0612 1.80 0.61 1039 10311034 0.74 1031 1046 0.59 0709 1048 1131 0.73 1133 0844 1020 0.76 0804 0954 0.69 0640 1.41 0.67 1.61 1.18 1.78 1.41 1.701.67 1.51 0610 0855 1.700.60 1116 1.751.33 1345 1633 1153 0.25 1.48 1646 1.36 1645 1.53 1642 1.28 1726 1528 1.41 1445 1.54 0.41 0.34 0.27 0.37 0.23 1635 0.20 1809 0.31 FR 1315 SA SU 1717 TU 1211 WE TU FR 1256 TU0.63 WE0.49 TH0.53 FR0.34 SA1.50 SU1.63 SA 1449 MO 1615 WE1717 FR 1832 SU MO TH 1738 SA 1940 1.40 2330 1812 1.25 1.65 0.53 1.56 2252 2243 23342315 0.47 2325 2337 0.29 1911 2311 0.48 2332 0.53 2203 2214 0.39 1830 1.38 1.46 1.20 1.38 1.90 2000 2100 1.560.28 m

22 16 10

7 125 22 16 10

731125 22 16 10

7 125 22 16

0135 0534 0047 0555 0007 1.22 0545 0456 1.43 0119 0544 0032 1.36 0607 1.05 0015 0503 0445 1.04 0414 0404 1.12 0108 0.33 0.45 0.40 0.41 1.110.33 0.55 0.39 0.09 0151 0317 0.281.23 1.150.20 © Copyright of Australia 2022, Bureau of Meteorology 0803 1.14 1103 1.26 0659 1.46 1135 0.68 1142 1133 0.51 0743 1153 0538 0.66 1244 0.66 0613 1002 1104 0.75 0928 0.67 0716 0927 1.46 Commonwealth 1029 1.64 0.661.76 1.76 1.51 1.56 0715 1.710.50 0523 0.59 1359 0.45 1439 1133 1733 1253 1741 1.37 1748 1.50 1739 1.26 1831 1.49 1639 1.40 1602 1.56 1529 0.41 1658 0.34 1.62 0.29 0.25 0.25 1.67 SA TIMES SU MO of TU WE 1258 TH WE0.56 TH0.38 FRAND SA0.28 SA 1405 SU0.61 MO1.74 SU TU SA 1213 FR 1832 SU MO 1730 TH 1200 Datum Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide 1951 1.38 2032 2350 0.47 0.49 1804 2347 2332 0.50 1.39 2307 2256 0.33 1911 HEIGHTS OF 1917 1.50 1.55 1.31 1.49 19011906 0.421.34 1.77 2122 2135 0.391.66 Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in HIGH AND LOW 0130 0020 0215 0559 0523 1.10 0519 0437 1.21 0140 0014 0100 0.44 0011 0033 0.29 0150 0625 0121 1.46 0019 1.06 0051 0345 0.36 0.40 0.46 0.37 1.090.38 1.16 0.39 0.18 0319 0.400.18 1.080.18 WATERS New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon 0744 0815 0623 0846 1114 1148 0.70 1045 1106 0.60 0749 0634 0606 1.32 0633 0548 1.56LAT 1248 0626 0.58 0658 0.67 0649 1.49 1.20 1.65 1.34 0.701.82 0.60 1.59 0837 1000 1.691.35 0.671.59 3401.60 29’ 1349 1440 0.38 1202 1530 1740 1.42 1712 1.61 1229 0.61 1246 0.42 1830 1.25 1345 1.54 0 SU MO 0.43 0.36 1.53 1.72 0.30 1826 0.33 1.58 TU 1218 TH 1339 FR SULONG MO0.55 TU0.38 TH0.49 FR0.29 SA SU0.24 SU 1522 MO 1609 WE 1745 SA 1225 MO TU WE FR 1245 150 55’ 1257 1957 1827 1.82 2342 1948 1828 1958 1.38 1845 1932 1.46 2031 1930 0.39 1845 1.41 1.59 1.23 1.51 0.471.28 0.31 1.36 20042123 1.59 2233 2212 0.451.64

23 17 11

8 226 23 17 11

8 226 23 17 11

8 226 23 17

24 18 12

9 327 24 18 12

9 327 24 18 12

9 327 24 18

0211 0105 0254 0031 0024 0.46 0000 0514 0.26 0210 0047 0159 0.41 0054 0136 0.30 0221 0028 0214 0.46 0104 1.13 0124 0.41 0.36 0.53 0.34 1.14 0.40 1.100.44 0.30 0436 0415 1.240.11 1.040.19 0827 1.69 0708 0849 1.68 0929 0640 0601 1.18 0612 1.33 0820 0709 1.41 0719 0648 1.67 0703 0720 1.56 0745 0.60 0722 1.51 1.26 1148 1.63 0.64 0.741.84 1.59 0956 1036 0.521.47 0657 0.74Moon MOON PHASE SYMBOLS New Moon First1.41 Quarter Full Last Quarter 1418 1443 1257 0.28 1617 1211 0.63 1153 0.49 1315 0.53 1345 0.34 1337 0.48 1437 1.63 0.46 1837 1.66 1.45 0.38 1.63 WE© 1259 FR SA TH MO 1521 TU TU0.49 WE FR0.43 SA0.22 SU0.33 MO0.24 MO 1633 TU 1654 TH SUis 1323 MO TU WE 1234 SA 1335 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2022, Bureau0.39 of Meteorology.

Datum of1.49 Predictions Lowest Astronomical Tide.1345 1.62 2046 1.57 1916 1.33 2212 1830 1.46 1812 1.65 1911time 1.38 1940 1.40 2114 1920 1.25 2025 0.28 1920 1.31 0.32 0.491.23 1.39 2330 2252 1926 0.42 2057 0.50 Times are in local standard time1.84 (UTC +10:00) or2024 daylight 1.51 savings (UTC +11:00) when in2035 effect.

The Bureau of 2053

25 19 13 10 428 25 19 13 10 428 25 19 13 10 428 25 19 Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability,

0.33 0238 0147 0250 0.24 0333 0254 0.42 accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability the information or1.04 that the information be fit for any 0311 0119 0.39 0135 0.33will 0104 0.46 0148 1.23 0154 0108 0.41 0047 0.20 0.47 0035 1.15of0.33 0.42 0534 0445 0120 1.110.09 0305 0245 1.15 1.120.50 particular purpose or will not infringe any0558 third Intellectual rights.

Bureau’s liability for any1.74 loss, 1.31 0850 1.49 0752 1.57 0910 1.77 1010 0925 0743Property 1.51 0803 1.76 0741 0825 1.66 0830 0.50 0753 0716 1.26 0659 1.46party 1.51 0.59 1.57 1103 1115 0643 0.62 0802 0.77The 0759 0.66 0.761.82 damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.

1350 1535 1703 1359 0.45 1439 0.28 1423 0.39 1523 1.74 1258 0.56 1253 0.38 0.50 1.60 0.47 1.55 1.41 1.60 1440 1.37 TH 1336 SA 1456 FR SU TU 1603 SA0.39 SU0.20 MO0.29 TU0.26 TU 1733 WE0.45 TH0.21 WE 1745 FR 1236 TH 1324 SU 1435 MO 1429 TU WE WE 2005 2136 2300 1951 2155 1.38 2032 2137 1.34 2158 2009 2142 1.25 2114 1911 2032 1.49 1906 1939 1.66 2059 2338 1954 1.21 1.62 0.42 1.49 0.491.80 0.521.47 0.32 1.29 0.501.18

26 20 14 11 529 26 20 14 11 529 26 20 14 11 529 26 20

0414 0.31 0228 0329 0150 0413 0.39 0143 0407 0.46 0.18 0140 0.37 0130 0138 0.18 0305 0215 0351 0.38 0330 0231 0.55 1.09 0.34 1.21 0020 0523 0226 1.030.11 1.070.32 1.21 0.46 1.180.56 620222 sport & leisure 1051 0836 0952 0815 0917 1.60 0820 0937 1.75 1.35 0824 0749 0734 1.34 0744 0653 1.59 0921 0846 0915 1.82 1003 0912 1.50 1.36 0.66 1.55 0.54 0623 1200 0.711.65 0.781.80 0.65 1.78 0.761.77 1748 1443 1626 1440 0.38 1507 0.30 0.38 1339 0.49 1349 0.29 1530 0.24 1606 0.53 1.56 1.53 1.47 1542 1.37 1.56 1.32 TH FR 1413 SA SU 1535 WE 1649 SU0.36 TU0.27 WE 1202 TH0.42 FR0.18 MO0.21 WE0.31 TH 1845 SA 1335 FR 1420 MO MO TU 1538 WE 1541 TH 2345 2054 2226 2031 2248 1.36 2057 2228 1.25 1948 2144 1.51 1957 2051 1.64 2135 2123 2233 1.28 2245 2158 0.43 1.44 0.54 1827 1.82 2028 1.61 0.531.70 0.501.36 0.30 1.24 0.491.14

27 21 15 12 630 27 21 15 12 630 27 21 15 12 630 27 21

0.11 1.12 1.08 0105 0036

0210 0346 0.34 1.00 0211 0254 0.19 1.07

0406 0221 0509 0.40 0254 0451 0.44 1.31 1.140.41

0224 0459 0.46 1.26 0314

Golf news Tradies Social Golf Barry Thompson reports

An early tee-off allowed us to beat the heat and enjoy our golf on the well-prepared Boomerang course. Twenty-three members played the Stableford event with Tung Nguyen making a return and ex-President Steve Egbers joining the fray.

Shane Wilson won the day on countback from Terry Maney, both scoring 34 points. Another countback enabled Roger Hendry to claim the bronze from Iain Birrs. These winners will be off to Helensburgh Butchery and Gallardo’s Pizzeria to claim their prizes. Gavin Sinclair had a profitable outing by claiming the 10th hole Super Pin jackpot.

We welcomed Hayden Overton who was playing for handicap and Geoff Hammonds defeated Kynan Ainslie in Match Play. Kynan had some compensation by winning the Helensburgh Driving Range Bucket of Balls voucher. Geoff ’s win sees him challenge Gary Overton in the final, good luck, gentlemen.

Some dates to remember as we come to the tail-end of the season: 12th-13th November, Gold Jacket Tour where we play the Mittagong, Bowral, and Gibraltar courses to attempt to strip Lucky Ivan of his title. Full accommodation and other details to follow.

November 18th, the mighty downtowners take on the uptowners in the annual cup.

The presentation evening will be on Friday, 8th December at Tradies.

In the meantime, our next outing is at Boomerang on Saturday, October 21. We tee-off at 7am, please be early to assist our starters.

Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports

Father’s Day was our last date with the fairways at Campbelltown and a particular HSSGC father won hands down. Good weather for golf had members celebrating with sons and daughters, and Mark O’Connor continued his winning ways from scratch scoring to stableford, amassing 42 points to win the Gentleman Jim Trophy, ahead of father Mark Buckley with 39 points followed by son Blake O’Connor with 36 points.

Driving and pitching needs some improvement, fellas, and Mark “I have too many golf balls” O’C with his nearest the pins needs to handicapped to inside 1m to win.

The tour continues at in early October, November 12th at Campbelltown and the final event of 2023 at Hurstville on December 10th.

Updates to members via text and email, contact Tony on 0418 863 100 for membership information.

Please continue to support our prize sponsors Christian’s Premium Meats and Helensburgh Golf Range and join us to enjoy a game of golf, the outdoors and good company.

Indy signing off …

A golfer at the end of his round meets the head pro, who asks, “Did you have a good time out there?” The man replied, “fabulous, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” said the pro. “How did you find the greens?” The golfer replied: “Easy. I just walked to the end of the fairways and there they were.”

Nothing like a Father’s Day joke.

FINN NEEDS A HOME! This handsome 16-month-old cattle cross is so loving and easy to train, he’s very easy to fall in love with.

Finn deserves a home of his own, or, even better, a home with another four-legged pet for company!

For more details, email ccarpetrehoming@tpg.com.au Country Companion Animal Rescue

Helensburgh Car Services

4294 2930 Tune & Service • E Safety Checks All Makes & Models LPG Rego Checks • Blue Slips Licence no. MVRL 17877

Child Restraints Fitted John Hine (Proprietor) 187 Parkes St Helensburgh 2508 October 63

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