Photo: Tyneesha Williams
Biz Birthday raises funds for Need a Feed
At the Illawarra Flame’s 10th Biz Birthday party at Coledale RSL last month, guest of honour Maryanne Stuart, the Member for Heathcote, congratulated the entire team behind the independent publication, which is run, written and read by locals.
“Your work has not only kept community news alive but has also enriched our lives in ways that words alone cannot fully capture,” she said.
Named after a beautiful native tree, the Flame is more than just a news outlet, Maryanne said.
“It has become a symbol of our community’s resilience, creativity and shared values.
“In an era where local news is increasingly under threat, the Illawarra Flame has defied the odds. It has weathered the storms of changing technology, rising costs, and even a global pandemic. Yet, through it all, the Flame has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver trusted and engaging news.
“The Flame has survived and thrived because of the dedication and passion of its owners – Genevieve and Marcus. Their commitment to local news, to mentoring the next generation of storytellers, and to ensuring that our stories are told is something we all should cherish and support.”
Genevieve Swart and Marcus Craft are journalists who have worked at newspapers and magazines in Sydney, London and Cape Town.
Genevieve said a decade has flown by, as a project that began as a way to fill in the hours while the kids were at preschool has become a full-time job. “We always tell people that this is the magazine the community made. And it really is,” she said.
“Each month is like doing a 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle and every piece is essential.”
Genevieve thanked the Flame’s ad partners. “Our magazine is almost entirely funded by advertising income from local businesses,” she said.
“Many of these are family businesses like our own. Some of them have been advertising with us for a decade, month in, month out, come Covid, come cost-of-living crisis. I’d like to thank all of
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.
these businesses for their constant support.”
The event doubled as a fundraiser for Need a Feed, raising a total of $540 for the local charity.
Need a Feed is dealing with a surge in demand, with more than 1500 people sleeping rough each night in the region, CEO Shaz Harrison said.
For people who are struggling, Shaz said that Need a Feed provides much more than food. “It’s really important to share a meal with someone,” she said. “It increases your confidence, it can have a positive impact on your mental health and wellness, you feel a part of something.
“What we do at Need a Feed is we open up a safe space to share a meal, and it has made such a difference. Everyone feels so comfortable and safe.
“There are so many stories from the positive impacts we are having on people’s lives. The money from today will go towards our food truck.”
The food truck is needed to help Shaz reach even more people. “We can meet people where they are, physically and mentally, and we can keep making a difference in the Illawarra.”
To contribute, visit needafeed.org
THE ILLAWARRA
21 Oct for Nov edition
EDITORS Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft
CONTACT hello@theillawarraflame.com.au; 0432 612 168; PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508. TheIllawarraFlame
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DEADLINE 21 Oct. Contributions welcome.
COVER AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre at Coalcliff Community Hall. Photo: Anthony Warry 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.
KANE DOWNIE
Scarborough Art Show delights
Melissa Barnard introduces two artists at the school’s show on October 12 & 13
Alison Winchester is a textile artist in Bulli. Alison says, “One very significant influence is my family’s connection to rural life, particularly my aunt and uncle’s sheep farm in Yass. Many years later, my brother bought a farm at Majors Creek in Braidwood and started to acquire his own flock of sheep. I found myself drawn back to those childhood memories. It was then that I realised I wanted to work with wool, straight off a sheep’s back and using hand-dyeing techniques inspired by the Australian landscapes.
“By using natural materials and hand-dyeing techniques, I aim to minimise my impact and showcase the true beauty of sustainable living. In addition, these large colourful wool felt pieces serve a functional purpose, providing insulation to help reduce the cost of heating and helping to block out noise – all while adding a unique, visually striking element.”
David Manks is inspired by the environment. “Observational studies and developed drawings are important to me and are integral to my approach to painting,” David says. “I have explored abstraction at various times in the past, but I often tend to prefer a type of balancing act between the two…
“It is my intention to create a sense of ‘place’ in my work by reducing and deconstructing the subject matter to give the viewer not just a visual memory, but an evocative sense of being there …
“I hope to bring some recent landscapes to the Scarborough show. What I like about the show is that it gives artists the opportunity to show their work to the public and meet and socialise at a wonderful event.”
Visit Scarborough Public School on October 12 & 13, www.scarboroughartshow.com
Explore open studios
By NIAT president Pateena Donnelly-Gorissen
The Northern Illawarra Art Trail is on again! From 10am-3pm on 2 and 3 November, 13 artists will open their studios to the public including a mix of new participants and returning studios. The trail gives artists the opportunity to showcase their latest works and visitors a chance to explore the creative environments where art is made.
Over two days, visitors will be able to speak to artists and view a wide range of art, from abstract to realism in oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, prints, photography, sculpture and a variety of ceramics. See and discuss with the artists their sketchbooks, their studies and ask about their processes.
Follow the beautiful art trail route between the magnificent coast and escarpment from Thirroul past beautiful beaches, and over the famous Sea Cliff Bridge to Helensburgh. Travel in either direction through an area renowned for its excellent dining at quality cafes, restaurants and hotels. You have probably seen the inspiring story on TV about the volunteer-run Coledale RSL, now reopened with an extensive Italian menu. There are many great places to eat and drink throughout the Northern Illawarra.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Visit www.niarttrail.com
Date: Saturday, 26th October
Location: Charles Harper Park
Come on down and say hello to Julie and our friendly team! We’ll be there with games and prizes up for grabs. We cannot wait to see you there.
Summer is coming – and so are the buyers! Join us at the 2024 Helensburgh LIONS Club Country Fair!
Thinking of selling your property as we approach the end of the year? There are eager buyers ready to find their new home!
Now is the perfect time to get your property on the market. Call Julie to get started. Julie York 0405 128 070
julie.york@helensburgh.rh.com.au
Get the buzz
By Amanda De George
Christie Peters has always had a love for animals. When I visit, I’m greeted by a big, boofy bunny and seven Silkie chickens free-ranging in the front yard. Winnie, Christie’s rescue dog, comes to say hello before settling down onto a chair on the verandah.
But I’m interested in what’s in the backyard. About a year ago, Christie added 5000 to 10,000 animals to her menagerie. They require little care and are busy going back and forth, communicating amongst themselves, quietly pollinating the area.
Christie is the proud owner of a hive of native stingless bees (Tetragonula carbonaria or Sugarbag bees). In October she will be hosting a workshop by renowned entomologist Dr Tim Heard for anyone interested in these important pollinators.
Many people know the European honey bee, but did you know that Australia has more than 2000 native bee species? Some are solitary, like the blue banded bee, but those in Christie’s backyard are social bees and, as we make our way into her garden, the sunlight catches their surprisingly small bodies buzzing around. The great thing about stingless bees is they’re safe for children and pets. Winnie proves this point by wandering up to me and standing by the hive, waiting for pats and love.
Christie is no stranger to owning an odd pet or two. “When I was a kid I had white dove homing pigeons and I used to take them to school for ‘show and tell’ and let them out in front of the whole class,” she says, laughing.
Now she loves nothing more than grabbing a cup of tea and watching her hive. “They are so interesting to watch and are quite relaxing. They
are fascinating how they come and go and sometimes swarm. All in this complex little hive structure with their role of either working bees, drones, queen bee and princesses in waiting.”
After months of planning, Christie has secured Dr Heard – author of The Australian Native Bee Book – to run a three-hour workshop in Thirroul on October 12. The session will include a demonstration of how to split a hive – bees and all!
The workshop will also mark the launch of the Illawarra’s first branch of the Australian Native Bee Association (ANBA). Currently, the closest branch is in Sydney. Christie hopes a local branch will bring together native beekeepers to troubleshoot, network and share split hives. “What I would like to do eventually… is to do some fundraising events and put them [stingless bee hives] into different schools, to gift them the bees as they are so safe.”
After spending way too long watching the bees do their fascinating dance, I finally get ready to leave. Christie can see I’m very keen to get my own hive and gives me a little extra encouragement.
“I love how anyone can have these stingless bees in their backyards as pets and they are doing so much good for the environment in terms of pollination and biodiversity. You can have them forever. You don’t have to take them to the vets.
“They’re cheaper than a dog,” she adds, laughing. We both look down at Winnie, who’s gently wagging her tail. Sorry, old girl, but she has a point.
More info: www.australiannativebee.org.au or call Christie on 0412 497 312
Christie Peters with her hive.
Photos: Amanda De George
On the verge in Austinmer
Tyneesha Williams discovers Imogen Ross’s roadside garden
Austinmer local Imogen Ross is set to show visitors around her verge garden as part of the Edible Garden Trail hosted by Food Fairness Illawarra.
Thirty-one gardens will open for this year’s event on November 9 and 10.
Imogen’s garden, next to the railway underpass near Hilldale Walk, is a collaborative space created and maintained by Imogen and her neighbours.
“Last year, this was one of the few gardens that was publicly accessible,” Imogen says. “People can come and visit my garden anytime they want, but during the Edible Garden Trail, I’ll be there all day to answer questions and to welcome people.”
The Illawarra Edible Garden Trail welcomes all kinds of growing spaces – from backyard veggie patches to balcony, verge or community gardens.
“When I moved to the area from Sydney, I had been doing community gardens, guerrilla gardening and verge gardening in Sydney for some time, inspired by Chippendale’s Michael Mobbs. At that time, there wasn’t a great deal of public-space gardening happening down here,” Imogen says.
“So, I started planting vegetables, herbs and fruit trees out onto the verge like I had in Sydney, and when I ran out of space, I started planting out onto the railway verge around the corner.”
For the past 10 years, on land partly owned by council and Transport for NSW, Imogen has been slowly growing a food forest. She says guerrilla gardening attracts people who garden without boundaries. “It suits young people, folks who are tenants and those who don’t ‘own’ land.”
As home ownership becomes less accessible,
10th anniversary gig
By Rod Cawsey
The Curious Rendition Orchestra (CROW) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gala party on the 10th September at the Coledale RSL, which generously hosted the ticketed event.
The sold-out event featured performances by the band and presentations to the band’s musical
Imogen’s garden is part of a community trend.
“I have been a professional theatre designer and educator for 30 years,” Imogen says.
“When I became a mum, I decided to take a short break from theatre and got into community gardening. It’s changed my life and my practice.”
Imogen is now a practising eco-scenographer, a set and costume designer who works in tandem with nature and the non-human world.
A highlight for garden trail visitors will be the chance to check out her Utensiltown sculpture garden that began in Covid lockdown.
“Other suburbs had Spoonville, but I thought there were more utensils than spoons in the drawer! So you can join Utensiltown whether you identify as a spoon or not,” Imogen says.
Local children decorated the old homewares. “We’ve written the words ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ on our pillars. All utensils are welcome here.”
Trail tickets are $25/$15 via Humanitix
directors. Celebrating 10 years of music-making in the Wollongong community, the evening rounded out with dancing to a second band, Cracked Eggs.
The Curious Rendition Orchestra is one of six community bands and orchestras attached to the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. It is an adult folk band designed for musicians who have not played since high school, or those attempting a second or third instrument, or beginners joining a world music folk band for the first time.
The band has played at the HONK Oz Festival of Street Music in Wollongong, Coledale Markets, Red Point Artists ‘Art on the Grass’, Viva La Gong, The Illawarra Folk Festival, Honk Western Australia and the opening of the Perisher ski season. Musical director David Rooney encourages musicians to improve their musical skills in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. To join, contact the Con on 4228 1122 or wollcon.com.au
History winners add to story of our city
By Genevieve Swart
Bulli grandmother and masters student Marilyn Hood has won the $3000 Local History Prize for her essay Loss, bereavement and memory –Wollongong’s Cenotaph – 100 years on Second prize went to Thirroul’s John Corker, a retired lawyer who received $1500 for his report, The Valentine’s Day Blockade Bulli, NSW, Thursday 14 February 2002: An Historical Account. Run by the Local Studies team and the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries, the prizes were announced at Wollongong Library on September 9, with judges praising both essays as “outstanding”.
After the ceremony, Marilyn said she was “just gobsmacked” and couldn’t wait to share her good news. “This project started as an assignment for my masters that I’m completing through the University of England,” she said.
Marilyn started working for a bank at age 14 and spent most of her career in administration, but has embraced tertiary education in retirement. At age 68, inspired by her three children, she began a Bachelor of Arts and is now studying a masters in history. “I’d really encourage anyone in the same situation to have a crack at it, because I found the experience one of the most fulfilling and joyous, apart from giving birth to my children,” she said.
“It’s just been wonderful, really. And the report itself was a labour of love.”
Marilyn’s piece started as an exploration of death, dying and changing funeral practices, then evolved into a history of the people behind the Cenotaph, Wollongong’s Great War Memorial Arch, which today stands in MacCabe Park. She looked at how private mourning – including for the
‘unburied dead’ of Gallipoli – was channelled into constructive grieving and public commemoration. Her 6000-word essay took about three months of research and she is especially proud to have acknowledged the committee behind the sandstone cenotaph’s construction.
“They’re now on the record having contributed. I thought that was important actually,” Marilyn said. “Everybody talks about the memorial, what it means, but nobody ever got down to who did what to get it done. My reading of the literature that’s held here, no one had done that.”
Like many students, Marilyn has a practical use for her prize money. “It’s going towards paying down some HECS debt,” she said.
Publisher required
John Corker has been working on a local history book for a decade – his winning essay is chapter two of that book. “I thought that if I pop it into this history prize and I’ve got some profile, it might help me find a publisher for the book,” John said.
“And maybe even if I was lucky enough to win some money, maybe I could hire a research assistant. So I’m now looking for a publisher and a research assistant.”
The leader of Wollongong’s Yes23 campaign, John spent much of his 40-year career fighting for human rights, from working for Aboriginal Legal Aid in 1980s Alice Springs to leading the Australian Pro Bono Centre.
After living in Central Australia for 10 years, John and his wife moved to the Illawarra in 2000 and soon added their voices to the campaign to stop a Stockland development at Sandon Point.
“We were very involved in the community picket and I was particularly involved with the Aboriginal Tent Embassy,” John said. “The community picket at Sandon Point was said in Parliament to be Australia’s longest standing, fully staffed picket, 24/7. For about four and a half or five years, that picket had someone in it … People slept there … It was firebombed a few times.”
John’s essay tells of a momentous day, 14 February 2002, when protesters held hands and chained themselves to vehicles to stop the earth-movers coming in. “This chapter details the day when we got the injunction and all the bulldozers had to roll out of the site,” John said.
Firsthand accounts, including with Max Ackerman, Jill Merrin, Michael Organ and Peter Button, make the report a great read.
“It’s also a really interesting story about an allyship between the Aboriginal community and the local community.”
Local History Prize winners Marilyn Hood and John Corker. Photo: Wollongong City Council
Eels halfback wins apprentice award
By Brian Kelly
Many’s the time Rachael Pearson has proved herself best on ground – and one day she could do the same underground.
The Helensburgh woman, now a fully qualified mechanical engineer, has been named NSW Apprentice of the Year – and it’s an accolade you could see coming as clearly as one of her curling kicks for goal with Parramatta Eels’ rugby league side.
Rachael, 31, has plenty of recent form, having picked up two trade-related awards in the past two years while at the same time steering the Eels’ NRLW side around the park as a rangy halfback with an elite kicking game.
Born in Wagga and raised in Hay, Rachael came to the coast, where her first taste of top-level footy was with St George Illawarra before the blue-andyellows snapped her up in a three-year deal she found too difficult not to accept.
“I’m now in the position to have employment through Parramatta Eels in the community team as well as focusing on being a rugby league player,’’ Rachael said. “Having a trade qualification was super important to me to have when my sporting career is finished I can return to the industry.
“Doing both mining and having a football career was extremely hard and a juggling act,” she said, adding that a work opportunity at Helensburgh’s Metropolitan mine could potentially be on the horizon when her playing days are over.
The Eels’ women’s season ended on September 22, when a 36-18 loss to the Roosters left them outside finals contention. Rachael had her usual solid all-round game, including three conversions.
“I’m really happy with how we have performed as a team this season at the Eels,’’ she said.
Growing up on a Riverina farm and enjoying working with her hands steered Rachael into considering the trade she selected.
“Hay is a great place to grow up in. Sport has always been huge for me and is a huge part of my family and the Hay community,” said Rachael, who found her feet as a trade assistant in a family-run business in that town.
“I enjoyed the work of a fitter and turner but also wanted to pursue rugby league,” she said, explaining how that led to the move to Helensburgh and a trade qualification through Zeal Futures and South 32.
“Having gained my trade qualification, I’m focusing on playing rugby league at a high level for as long as I can, with the plan to then return to the industry.”
Rachael will represent NSW in the National Apprentice of the Year finals in December.
Woodfest back at Bulli
By Genevieve Swart
The annual Illawarra Festival of Wood has turned into Woodfest and is back at Bulli Showground on October 19 and 20, thanks to long-time Coledale locals Suzanne and Stuart Montague.
“My background is in visual arts teaching and Stuart is a third-generation woodworker,” Suzanne said. Since 2005 we have operated The Illawarra Woodwork School.”
The couple’s first festival in 2017 was a huge success, attracting thousands of people. “But alas lockdown came. The festival came back in 2023 on a smaller scale with a bigger emphasis on workshops. 2024 sees a name change to Woodfest Workshops & Markets.”
This year, Suzanne said the highlight will be the 19 workshops on offer.
“These workshops cover children’s boomerangand spear-making with Nura Gunyu, wooden bucket-making, pyrography, Japanese woodworking, spoon-carving and wood-turning. These workshops are for all abilities and ages, and enables people to learn centuries-old skills.”
Thanks to her husband, a fine furniture maker since age 15, Suzanne said their Coledale family home is full of wooden treasures, including windows, door handles and a table.
“We have some beautiful wooden cooking utensils, bowls and a dining room table that Stuart and other friends have made. Each piece has a story and friendship behind it.”
Visit www.woodfest.com.au
5 Home Fixes To Make (Or Not To Make)
By Ian Pepper of Ray White Helensburgh
When listing your home, there’s no strict set of rules. But here are 5 things to think about as you walk through your home with an agent.
1. PAINT
Fix! There’s no accounting for the massive upgrade a fresh coat of paint can bring.
2. MAJOR KITCHEN UPGRADES
Don’t fix it. Unless there are major structural issues, most new buyers would prefer to do something to their own taste.
3. MINOR KITCHEN ISSUES
Fix. Things like plumbing leaks should be fixed, and small updates like swapping out light fixtures can make a big difference.
4. ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS
Don’t fix. While adding new windows can be a major selling point, it’s also a project that can quickly snowball in time and cost.
5. FLOORS
Fix. From fixing scratched wood to replacing cracked tiles, to cleaning dirty carpet, a little money spent on floors can be well worth it. PARTNER
Our commitment is to be there for you, every step of the sale. Call us today so we can sell your property at the best price and with the least amount of hassle.
Thirroul Village Committee Update
By TVC secretary Annette Jones
Thirroul Plaza: Big Ideas survey outcomes
A consultant for the developers of Thirroul Plaza, Louis Goulimis attended the last TVC meeting on 22 September to present the results of the Big Ideas Community Survey. Around 35 people attended.
Louis reported that the website was viewed over 3000 times, and that 829 people participated in the survey. A further 97 emails were also received through the feedback form. The breakdown of respondents was – 58.5% female; 38.3% male; 0.4% other and 2.8% preferred not to say. Respondents to the survey included residents of Thirroul and the region. Respondents answered 17 questions, which included frequency and reasons for visiting the town centre; design aspirations for the site; what people would like to see developed on the site; design considerations; and big ideas for the site.
The main reason for visiting Thirroul town centre was to access the shops and business services (40.4%). Most respondents lived in Thirroul (64.7%). Almost 60% of respondents visited the town centre several times a week. People visited during business hours (67.6%), weekends (61.4%), and in the evening (56.2%).
Key findings included that Thirroul town centre is a loved and important regional centre; the plaza is in need of an upgrade; Thirroul is seen as a
NF1 Report
By Neighbourhood Forum 1 (2508 area) convenor Warwick Erwin
New Community Centre and Library
Council is due to start engagement on the new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library. It was announced to be similar to centres at Thirroul (1 hall with capacity of 248, 6 rooms, 0 offices) and Corrimal (1 hall with capacity of 200, 4 rooms, 3 offices). However, this would mean building over all three blocks of land now owned by Council and not just the two blocks next to the existing library to give the equivalent parking. Council is looking at a design and construct contract to minimise the time frame required for the build. This could mean less opportunity for community engagement, with little if any review of the design by the community. We have to get this centre right first time, even if it takes a little longer. Be involved with the design and details of your new Community Centre and Library during the engagement. What do you want in your and your children’s local resource?
relaxing coastal town; the plaza could become the heart of Thirroul centre; a community-oriented space is a much desired benefit of the project; the primary design consideration is the maintenance of the Illawarra escarpment view; there is limited community support for residential development of the site, although it is a permissible use.
In addition, there were a couple of big ideas suggested by respondents for redevelopment of the site including having alternative vehicular access arrangements via Raymond Road and a land swap with council to incorporate WF Jackson Park into the site in return for a dedicated community plaza in the middle of the development site. Some discussions have taken place with WCC about these ideas, but no decision has been made.
All of this information has been collated and will form part of a brief to be presented to a town planner, urban designer and landscape architect and will contribute to the design of a new plaza. In the meantime, the owners want to spruce up the current plaza and fix up potholes in the carpark.
This is just the start of a long process. A workshop may be held in the first quarter of 2025.
For updates from Solid Void, visit www. urbantalk.com.au/projects/Thirroul-Plaza
Council will want to build quickly but we have to get it right. Have your say during the engagement. Council’s Facilities Operations Manager will run a drop-in Q&A session in Otford prior to NF1’s October 9 meeting at the community hall. Council has also been asked to be at the Lions Club Country Fair on 26 October. The refurbished sign from the original Helensburgh Station and the four wall quilts are two local artifacts to go into the new centre. What else? The coal skips? The history of Helensburgh and surrounds? What do you want to see in the new centre? Existing community centre land was proposed by the Lord Mayor to become green space with potential for a public toilet.
Helensburgh Cemetery Portico NF1 Sept meeting voted to support the keeping of the portico and this was submitted to council. Council will now review submissions and other factors before a decision is made.
Neighbourhood Forums are independent forums of residents, supported by Wollongong City Council. Next NF1 meeting will be 7pm, 9 Oct at Otford Community Hall
See Side ptical
Most health funds do not roll over your optical benefit rebates. Why not use your rebate for a spare pair of glasses or maybe 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.
Carl Murphy is the first man to join the Wollongong Handweavers and Spinners Group. Photos supplied
Time to
weave
Janice Creenaune meets Carl Murphy, who worked as a public servant in Canberra, before retiring to Austinmer in 2018. Carl is now rediscovering spinning and weaving, and breaking gender expectations in the process
When viewing Carl Murphy’s weavings you are immediately taken by the intricacy of design, the colours chosen and the dedication to perfection.
He first began weaving at the age of 16.
“My mother was a spinner and weaver, she was my first and most wonderful teacher,” Carl says.
“I was always interested in fibre arts and textiles and I was fortunate enough to attend an International School, Pearson College, on Vancouver Island, Canada, from [age] 16 to 18, completing the International Baccalaureate, and I did a course in spinning and weaving.
“I had a marvellous teacher in Cheryl Samuel, who has written a number of fine books on the art of spinning and weaving, and I kept up the skills for a period.”
But work and life soon got in the way.
“When I retired, however, I knew I wanted to come back to what I had always really enjoyed, spinning and weaving. I now had the time, the patience and the space to enjoy it.”
Moving to Austinmer gave him that opportunity and he found like-minded people when he joined the Wollongong Handweavers and Spinners Group.
“We meet every Monday during school term at Mt Ousley Public School and once a month we have a Show and Tell. We also have about 12 looms and spinning wheels running at the centre and it is amazing what members produce. We definitely learn from each other, as well as the general camaraderie and friendships that develop.”
The Wollongong Handweavers and Spinners Group began in 1961 and Carl is the first man to join. “I guess I am a bit of an oddity,” he says, “but now I am just part of the group and we learn from each other, hold exhibitions and share resources.”
The fibre arts involve a combination of different materials, spinning wool, silks or other natural materials, using natural dyes and other products.
Carl enjoys “the whole array of skills” but he particularly enjoys working with the natural processes, natural fibres and dyeing with natural colours. “Onions’ skins, for example, provide a rich and glossy brown/golden colouration and there are many flowers that can be used for different effects.”
Carl says dyeing with natural products can be “very exciting when the dyeing process creates something unexpectedly beautiful”.
Weaving is “an art and a craft”, he says.
“Designing a piece is the art, the ‘doing’ is the craft. Sometimes I follow a pattern, other times I design my own. It can be very mathematical as well as repetitive. I must have enough materials before the project begins. A focus on choice of colours, patterns and texture are all important.”
The best works tend to focus on two of these elements, he says, and his wife, Kathy, has strong influences on his colour choice. “It is most often that she will wear my projects at the conclusion, so that makes her input doubly important.”
Carl finds weaving relaxing and challenging. “It is definitely an intellectually demanding craft.
“It is also peaceful and relaxing when it is repetitive (but never mindless) and it absorbs you completely as the project grows.”
For more details on the Wollongong Handweavers and Spinners Group, email wollongongspinnersandweavers@gmail.com
Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com
Hope For A New Women’s Refuge
SAHSSI helps women from Helensburgh to Ulladulla in urgent need of short-term housing, flee domestic violence in safety rather than face homelessness.
This crisis accommodation is a crucial resource but falls short in meeting the ever-growing demand across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
There simply aren’t enough beds available with currently over 160 women on our waitlist.
To address this shortage, SAHSSI is actively looking for new corporate partners, especially property developers, who are interested in helping provide more crisis accommodation.
Under new zoning policies, developers who include affordable housing in their projects may be eligible for increased height allowances, creating a win-win opportunity: developers gain additional building capacity, while the community benefits from more housing options for vulnerable women and children.
together, we can create long-term, sustainable solutions that will help break the cycle of abuse.
Together, we can provide safety, dignity and hope to vulnerable women and children.
SAHSSI is calling on developers and businesses who share a commitment to social responsibility to get involved. By working
PARTNER CONTENT
Domestic violence is a community problem, and it requires a community solution. To get involved, please contact SAHSSI: Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra at (02) 4229 8523 or visit: www.sahssi.org.au
Industry award for Forkpro founder
By Michelle Mitchell, general manager at Forkpro Australia
Helensburgh’s Todd Brennan, CEO and founder of Forkpro Australia, has won the Australian Forklift & Industrial Truck Association’s H&E Grant Award. It is a prestigious award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the forklift industry.
For nearly four decades, Todd has been a trailblazer in the forklift and industrial truck industry, shaping its standards and practices. As a pioneer in developing training programs, Todd has transformed how operators are educated, emphasising safety, efficiency, and hands-on experience. His innovative training programs and techniques have set the bar for excellence, helping to reduce workplace accidents and enhance productivity. Todd has mentored countless trainers, fostering a new generation of experts.
He has served in many industry roles, including as AFITA’s engineering chairman and executive committee member, and as a representative on Australian Standards committees.
Todd’s commitment to forklift safety is the driving force that’s made his business a leader in industry training. Founded in 2002, Forkpro Australia’s administration office is in the centre of Helensburgh. Many of the world’s largest companies have called on Todd and his team for help and the company has provided employment for many locals over the past 22 years.
On top of all this, Todd has been a former Australian Motorcycle Dirt Track champion, race team owner, rider coach and dirt bike journalist.
He has lived in Helensburgh for 35 years with his wife, Christina, and three children. Now in his 60s, Todd still mountain bikes on the Burgh trails and he says he has no intention of giving up any of his endeavours in the near future.
Culture Mix a free feast for the senses
By Genevieve Swart
The Global Kitchen at Culture Mix will dish up a feast for the senses. There’ll be music, dance, demonstrations, workshops and a menu with four multicultural taste sensations: South American asado, Vietnamese fresh rice paper rolls, Karenni banana sticky rice and Persian Joojeh.
The festival – which last year drew 10,000 people to Wollongong – will be held across the city on Saturday, 19 October. The Global Kitchen will pop up on the corner of Kembla and Crown streets from 12-6.30pm. “All the tastings of the Global Kitchen are free, thanks to council,” says the event’s Argentinian MC, Sylvina Beleniski.
Sylvina – a dancer, English teacher, publicist and, most recently, a stand-up comedian – moved from Buenos Aires to Helensburgh shortly before the pandemic. She has been part of the Culture Mix advisory group for the past two years and the Global Kitchen will open with the meal she’s most homesick for: South American Asado.
From noon to 2pm, volunteers will be slow-grilling meat, including home-made chorizo.
“It’s not like the Aussie barbie,” Sylvina says. “It’s not that you throw on a sausage and that’s it. It’s a ceremony to enjoy, to give it time, to taste it.”
From 2.30-3.30pm, the Vietnamese community will be making rice paper rolls and from 4-5pm, the Burmese community will dish up sticky rice in banana leaves for the Karenni Showcase. “They are going to bring the rice cooked – with the coconut flavour and the brown sugar and a tiny bit of salt,” Sylvina says. “That will be like the dessert.”
The day will wrap up with a Persian theme from 5.30-6.30pm, with people playing backgammon and Bahar Persian Dancing, while volunteers cook Joojeh – chicken kebabs made with saffron.
Sylvina encourages everyone to think about how lucky we are to be celebrating food and dance. “How free we are to do that.
“That’s the richness of the Culture Mix.”
Birdwatchers, grab your binocs
October 14-20 is Bird Week and to celebrate Ewan Auld shares four uncommon species to look out for across three different habitats
Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor)
The Noisy Pitta is a rainforest-dwelling species found along eastern Australia and southern New Guinea. The Illawarra is close to the southern extent of their range, and although rare can be occasionally observed on Mount Keira and Mount Kembla. They are mainly found on the forest floor where they forage for insects and earthworms. Over spring, their loud hoarse double-noted whistle rings out through the forest and can be heard at some distance. This individual (pictured above) I photographed on the northeastern section of the Mount Keira ring track. Despite their dumpy appearance they are excellent flyers, and I was able to get a few quick photos in the dappled sunlight before it shot off in a flash of colour.
Australian logrunner (Orthonyx temminckii)
Another rainforest species we can see in the Illawarra is the Australian logrunner, which occurs from southern Queensland down to the Shoalhaven region. These birds can be quite the characters, fussily rummaging in the undergrowth for invertebrates, preferring areas with dense undergrowth. Their loud squeaking calls are quite distinct and are most often heard in the early morning. A pair can regularly be seen along the Mount Keira ring track, where I spotted this male hopping across the track.
Ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
The Ruddy turnstone is a small shorebird species found across coastal areas of most continents globally. They can be infrequently seen along rock platforms of the Illawarra from Spring through to early Autumn, mainly during their non-breeding season, where they will forage on crustaceans and molluscs. They can be difficult to spot on rock platforms due to their mottled plumage and small size and are quite sensitive to disturbance. I was lucky enough to find a rather confiding bird at Woonona point at sunrise, a good place to find them when the tide is right.
Beautiful firetail (Stagonopleura bella)
The Beautiful firetail is a small finch species inhabiting heath and shrubland areas of southern Australia. They like to feed on plant seeds and will usually not be seen far from a water source. They can be identified relatively easily by their call, a single soft repeated whistle. In the Illawarra, the best spot to see them is the heathland surrounding Maddens Plains, although they can be quite cryptic and tough to find. A pair flushed up right next to me on a track running down to the creek line, where I got a brief glimpse of them through the shrubbery.
In October, birdwatchers have two tasks: the Aussie Bird Count and the Birds in Backyards spring survey, www.birdsinbackyards.net
An ailing hospital
An opinion piece by Caroline Baum
Recently, several friends have moved out of the area because they don’t feel the quality of health care available as they age is good enough. Which makes me wonder what it means for a community not to have confidence in its local hospital – in our case, Wollongong.
We may hope to avoid a visit, but at some stage, many of us are likely to end up there, due to accident or illness. Some anecdotal reports are positive: I’ve heard great things about the fracture clinic, for example. But I have also heard respected health professionals say, “Unless it’s an emergency, get yourself driven in the opposite direction.” That is a damning indictment.
The public hospital at Wollongong has up to 500 beds. It has outgrown its site and looks tired. But of far greater concern than any cosmetic facelift is the quality of care. Some is outstanding, some is poor, but overall, it’s inconsistent.
Several medical specialisations are not available at all: a woman who went in with a pre-existing skin condition that flared during her stay, requiring urgent attention, was told there was no dermatologist on staff. Not a single doctor specialising in our largest organ, at a hospital that caters to a community from Stanwell Park to Milton? Not good enough, especially when a referral to an external specialist can take months.
I’ve also heard testimony of birth trauma and misdiagnosis.
The recorded message you listen to interminably when you call Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District boasts that it is one of the largest employers in the region, responsible for the staffing of the hospitals at Shellharbour (which has a bad reputation, even among health workers), Bulli (where Urgent Care is a welcome option for minor injuries and customer satisfaction scores highly on social media) and transitional care at Coledale (a holding place for those waiting to transfer into nursing homes, which has a grim reputation compared with its sister ward at Figtree, providing no allied health care, poor quality food and no resources to keep residents stimulated during an often uncertain and anxious period of life).
My experience of contacting staff on an acute care ward at Wollongong, calling for an update about a family member, has been woeful: a formal complaint (a process that takes too long in eliciting a response) produced an acknowledgement that communication is an issue. Several months later, I noticed no improvement.
On the positive side, the deployment of
non-clinical Patient Experience Officers has been trialled and shown good results in helping people navigate the byzantine systems of treatment. But there are just two PEOs at Wollongong; staff have told me they would like them to be available much more widely so that there are trained advocates on all wards to help patients and their families (especially those from other cultures) in times of stress and concern. If no one directs you to the Nursing Unit Manager (NUM) as your first point of reference, you can get lost in a Kafka-esque vortex.
Another factor that no one discusses is that when a hospital is in a safe seat, it’s unlikely to secure necessary increased funding. Promising a new or improved hospital is what parties do to entice constituents to change their vote. Just look at the new state-of-the art facility in Ryde, the most marginal electorate in NSW. We are at a disadvantage that shows no sign of changing soon. But health care is too important to be dependent on politics.
Wollongong is a regional hub, and a teaching hospital, but its standards are failing to meet community expectations.
Data collected in 2022/23 shows its Emergency Department is regarded as one of the worst in the state, scoring low on pain-management, waiting times and privacy. It can be very distressing waiting there, especially with the escalation of the ice epidemic.
At Wollongong ED, ice accounts for an average of two to three presentations per day and is a difficult and dangerous problem to manage. It ties up beds that could be used for other emergencies. But a separate dedicated unit would take up space and resources that don’t exist.
Across the hospital, burn-out among nurses is high and morale is low from the pressures of unsustainable workloads; former staff tell me they still have PTSD from experiences on the wards during the pandemic for which they never received adequate counselling. Shortages of personnel mean that a patient pressing a call button may not be attended to for hours. In this scenario, everyone suffers.
The gratitude we felt during Covid has to translate into improved work conditions to make a career in health care sustainable.
I want to age in the Illawarra but to do that, I need to know that my hospital is in better health than I would be going into it. It’s time for a thorough check-up, an honest diagnosis and a prescription for treatment.
Breaking the mental health stigma
By Dr Meaghan Miller-McConochie of Bulli Medical Practice
“What we don’t need, in the midst of struggle, is shame for being human.” – Brene Brown, US professor, social worker and author.
In Australia, mental illness affects one in five people each year, with anxiety disorders being the most common. Young people aged 16-24 are particularly vulnerable, with 40% experiencing a mental health condition within the last 12 months alone.
mental health to dispel myths and encourage empathy. Challenge stereotypes – speak up against stigmatising language or harmful assumptions.
Support mental health initiatives – engage in or promote community programs that focus on mental health awareness.
Like physical conditions, mental health conditions are common and treatable. Sadly, over 50% of people living with mental illness do not seek help, leading to more serious problems and delayed treatment. Mental health stigma can prevent people getting the help they need. Stigma can include fear of judgement and discrimination as well as internalised shame about the symptoms a patient is experiencing.
How to overcome mental health stigma Open conversations – talk about mental health openly to help normalise it.
Educate yourself and others – learn about
Open Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm Saturday: 8am - 12 noon
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:
y Travel medicine - accredited Yellow Fever vaccination centre
y Skin cancer checks
Encourage and seek professional help early. Taking these steps helps normalise mental health care, making it easier for everyone to seek the help they need. Talk to your GP if you or someone you know is struggling - help is available.
Emergency Mental Health Hotlines
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (24/7 support for anxiety and depression)
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24/7 free counselling for those at risk of suicide)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (24/7 support for young people aged 5–25)
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 (support for men dealing with family and relationship issues).
Book online* via the website: www.bullimedicalpractice.com.au or scan QR code:
*Please call 4284 4622 for an appointment if you have any respiratory symptoms 74 Park Road, Bulli 4284 4622
What’s
More events at theillawarraflame.com.au
Apple Pies and Coffee
Fri-Sun Weekend treats are sorted thanks to Glenbernie Orchard opening its kitchen to serve apple pie and coffee, Fri-Sun, 10am-2pm. There will also be a limited number of smoked brisket pies served with tomato relish. You can also buy pies to take home. Visit 259 Darkes Forest Road.
Helensburgh Community Centre & Library
9-31 Oct Have your say on the new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library. Wollongong City Council’s face-to-face engagement includes:
9 Oct Otford Community Hall 5.30-7pm drop-in, Neighbourhood Forum 1 from 7pm.
17 Oct 9.30am-5pm. H’burgh Library drop-in. 26 Oct Helensburgh Lions Country Fair. Submissions to council due 31 Oct via email, phone, post or our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au
@ Thirroul Library – bookings essential
3 Oct HSC Library Lock-in. Year 11 and 12 students can stay in the library after hours to study. Pizza and snacks provided, 5-9pm.
4 Oct Bee Keeping. Learn how, 11am-12pm 16 Oct Polymer Clay workshop, adults, 2-4pm 18 Oct Deep Listening to Nature, 5-7pm. With acoustic ecologist Andrew Skeoch.
@ Helensburgh Library
Tue 15 Oct Polymer Clay Workshop, 2-4pm. Wed 30 Oct Author Talk 5:30-6:30pm.
Comedian, writer and Helensburgh local Tom W Clarke on his debut book, Shoulda Been Higher. Thur 31 Oct Halloween movie, 1.30-3.30pm Coalcliff Ocean Swim Club
Oct-April Coalcliff Surf Club is excited to launch the third season of its ocean swim club sponsored by Equilibrium Healthcare. Join at www. coalcliffslsc.com.au/oceanswimclub
Have your say in social media survey
Worried about children using social media? Share your thoughts with Heathcote MP via an online survey – visit maryannestuartmp.com.au
Stanwell Park University of the Third Age (U3A) 14 Oct Life at Sea, Mike Traynor
21 Oct What Makes a Successful Image? Brendon Parker
28 Oct An Aussie Holiday Without Much Sun‘ by the Miller/Morgan Clan
Monday talks begin at 9.30am then Morning Tea at 10.30am, Music Appreciation from 11am to 12pm. All welcome to join our friendly group in delightful
Hillcrest House, behind Kennett Home, Stanwell Park, 1A Railway Crescent. Jenny, 0406 350 025.
The Midnight Tides launch show
18 Oct With a newly released EP Do It For Yourself out on all streaming platforms, the local band are holding a launch show at the ‘Uni Bar’ at Wollongong University, Insta @the.midnighttides
South Coast Writers Centre
SCWC is looking forward to True Story in November. Early bird tickets on sale until 31 Oct. 5 Oct Also at Coledale Hall is the workshop Page Turning Fiction with Pamela Cook and the Film Club screening of Hell or High Water (2016).
12 Oct Readings of works from 2024 SCWC/ Merrigong Playwrights Program.
Young Writers Program Vibrant 9-week program. Mon from 21 Oct in Coledale Hall (ages 10-13), Tues from 22 Oct in Wollongong Library (ages 10-13) and Thurs from 24 Oct in Wollongong Library (ages 14-18). southcoastwriters.org
U3A Wednesday Talks Program at Thirroul 16 Oct Gillian Opie: Reclaim Your Space! Tips on Decluttering, Downsizing and Recycling
23 Oct Barbara Cranfield: The Bombing of the Sydney Hilton Hotel in 1978
30 Oct Tom Hunt: The Story of Carbon
U3A Northern Illawarra Film Appreciation
16 Oct Hallelujah, US, 1929
23 Oct The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Germany, 1920 30 Oct The Scent of Green Papaya, France, 1993 Visit www.northernillawarra.u3anet.org.au
Doll, Bear, Craft & Collectables Fair
19 Oct 9:30am to 4pm, Ribbonwood Centre Dapto. Wollongong Doll Club is holding its 41st Annual Fair $5 & children free with a paying adult.
Emerald Anniversary Quilt & Flower Show
Fri & Sat, Oct 11 & 12 Bulli Corner Quilters are celebrating their Emerald (20 year) Anniversary of Quilting at the Northern Illawarra Uniting Church, cnr Princes Highway and Point Street, Bulli. 9am to 3pm, $8 entry, delicious refreshments, credit card facilities. Quilting retailers will be present as well as the renowned Trading Table where handmade gifts can be purchased (in time for Christmas). Twenty years ago, a group of ladies got together to teach the parishioners how to sew and make clothes. One lady became ill and it was suggested they make her a quilt. And so “Bulli Corner Quilters” came into being. Quilting day is the fourth Wednesday of the month and the ladies are industrious, donating to many charities. Whilst they gratefully accept donations from deceased estate and surplus fabric, funds raised from the show are needed to buy the wadding, thread and other miscellaneous items. Contact: Lynn Kelly, 0413 963 070 or lmk1703@yahoo.com.au
True Story: The State of Us
By artistic director Caroline Baum
True Story is three this year and we are growing up fast! Our theme, The State of Us, recognises what a complex and at times bruising year we’ve had. It made us want to curate a series of conversations that would prompt us to examine what we have in common rather than what divides us.
We’ve designed the festival program to address the anxiety we may have all felt to some degree, whilst also chasing away the blues with voices of hope that offer different perspectives. The benefits are cumulative, so take a pause on your to-do list and spend the weekend of November 15-17 immersed in True Story so you can throw yourself into the festive season armed with fresh ideas.
We set the agenda with one of the most distinctive and gifted figures in Australian journalism, Walkley winner Rick Morton, who is an eloquent champion of the disempowered, and we build on that sense of advocacy with muchloved all-round inspiration Rosie Batty. These two straight-talking powerhouses are heroes of advocacy, fairness and compassion.
Increase your buoyancy with our champions of the natural world: spiritual star-gazer, the charismatic Gina Chick, seahorse whisperer Ailsa Piper, and our first overseas guest, international whale expert Tom Mustill (thanks to Jodi Edwards for this humpback-sized coup). Bruce Pascoe joins us to talk about life after the controversy surrounding Dark Emu and how he and his wife renewed their shared sense of purpose on their farm.
For a change of gear, the worlds of the sacred and the profane collide in the improbable story of stolen manuscript sleuth, Michael Visontay.
Combining storytelling uplift with melody, local musical talents Jim Moginie and rock journalist Glen Humphries discuss how lyrics become anthemic.
And we have a special screening of a new documentary to celebrate South Coast icon Charmian Clift (who, let’s not forget, is Gina Chick’s grandmother – a pleasing circle if ever there was one). Our workshops with historian Jo Oliver and memoirist Ailsa Piper promise to be creatively nourishing for those quick enough to book the limited places in each.
Come and have your sense of who we are renewed and stimulated, challenged and energised, by this talented and generous bunch of writers.
4 Highlights of True Story 2024
• With Mean Streak, his new investigation of how Robodebt was allowed to create a suicidal wave of despair, Rick Morton proves once again that he has an unflinching instinct for social analysis combining journalistic rigour with an outspoken sense of justice. Rick will present Saturday’s specially commissioned opening address.
• When Gina Chick won the first Australian season of Alone, she captured our hearts with her survival skills and earth-mother personality. Now, in We Are the Stars, she has written an exuberant, roaring affirmation of life in the face of loss and triumph. Join Gina to discover what it takes to thrive beyond the wilderness.
• Rosie Batty is both beloved and admired. But having won the sympathy and respect of a nation in the face of the most terrible violence, what next? How do you move forward and restore your faith in human nature? What does Hope (the title of her new book) mean in the aftermath of tragedy? Rosie Batty shares her remarkable capacity for optimism with Jeremy Lasek.
• What does it take to disrupt Australia’s history and stand by your views when they are attacked? The answer is: a lot. After the controversy surrounding Dark Emu, First Nations writer Bruce Pascoe was bruised but unbowed. Black Duck, a Year at Yumburra is his personal account of his healing on his farm (where he also wrote a novel, Imperial Harvest). He tells Margaret Throsby what it took to rebuild a life.
All the fun of the fair!
By Fran Peppernell of Helensburgh Lions
We are very pleased that all the planning and coordination is all coming together to give our Helensburgh and district community a great event.
The Helensburgh Fair will be held in Charles Harper Park Helensburgh on Saturday, 26 October 2024 from 9am to 3pm.
The Fair’s official opening will be at 10am and then the entertainment will commence with a jam-packed program that will make us all very proud of the local talent that will be showcased. This will include Helensburgh Public School Choir, Zumba Dance Demonstration, Chimera, ADA Dance Group, George Mann, Aubrey Purton Duo, Irish dancers and Sam Vukelic.
We have all the fun of a fair, face-painting, carnival rides for all ages and a petting farm for our youngsters to experience farm animals. There’ll be arts and craft stalls to get those early Christmas presents and food stalls to quell hunger pains from all the activities. Several community organisations will have stalls. By popular request the Rural Fire Service and Fire & Rescue will be back with their model helicopter and fire truck – a chance for photos and to thank them for their service. Come along to our Lions Stall to have a sausage sandwich or bacon and egg roll, and buy a raffle ticket. You’ve got to be in it to win it! Your support helps us put on future events.
A shout-out to kids!
October fun at Collins Booksellers Thirroul
Join our school holiday Lego project! Drop in, spend time building in the ongoing construction of our gigantic Lego bookshop. Our second holiday activity will be on Saturday, 12 October, a “Mini Makers Market” for primary-aged kids to sell small home-made goods. Preparation can be a fun off-screen activity. Spaces are limited so if your child is interested, email us to secure a place at thirroul@collinsbooks. com.au. On Sunday 20th at 2:30pm, join us in the bookshop for afternoon tea with author Frieda Herrmann and artist Hilary Herrmann, creators of the beautiful new picture book, Winifred Wanders the World. And finally, so adults don’t feel ignored, two great author events at Ryan’s – Catherine McKinnon on Wed 16th and Chris Hammer on Tues 29th. Bookings essential.
Shop 5/264 Lawrence Hargrave Drive www.collinsbooksthirroul.com.au
@collinsbooksellersthirroul
collins BOOKSELLERS thirroul
It’s festival time!
By Ben Wollen
I am a devourer of podcasts. I actually find it hard to keep up with all of the episodes of the numerous subscriptions I have going across various platforms and various devices. One podcast I never miss is 99% Invisible. Hosted by Roman Mars, the show is about the design decisions behind all the things that make up our manufactured world. While it can be a little American-centric, I give it 5/5 stars, so go check it out.
Recently 99% Invisible came out with a six-part mini-series titled “Not Built For This”, which explores how climate change is already impacting our built environment and how, in a lot of cases, it’s simply not built for it.
The first episode was about the reporter’s home town in Vermont being flood affected. Despite many articles and polls describing Vermont as a safe haven from climate change, the recent flooding there has put its ‘safe’ status in doubt.
This really brought me back to the floods in April that affected the Illawarra. With water-ways bursting their banks and stormwater culverts becoming overwhelmed, a number of houses were flooded even though they’re not technically located in a flood-prone area.
What’s this all got to do with a festival, you ask? Well, this year’s Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design (IFAD) is going to tackle these very important topics around designing resilience.
On Sunday, 27 October, IFAD will be taking over Anita’s Theatre for a day of engaging
Check in with Kindy
By Nina Sampson of Helensburgh Public School
Our 2024 kindergarten students have shown remarkable progress, from mastering the basics of reading and writing to exploring the wonders of science and art. One of the highlights has been the students’ engagement with the school library. Most kindergarten students borrow books on a weekly basis. Every recess the library has a ‘quiet time’ which many kindergarteners enjoy, providing a calm space with mindfulness activities.
Kindy students have also embraced the social and extracurricular aspects of school life. Over 80% of kindergarten students have joined either the choir, drumming or dance groups! They enjoy playing in our playground, play equipment, toys under the cola and especially love Friday sport. A highlight is receiving a merit award for their
discussions, kids’ archi-games, supplier displays and much more. This year’s curators, Trent Jansen & Davin Turner, have put together four exceptional panels of local architects and designers to discuss Cultural, Energy, Material and Trend resilience.
We have a keynote speaker, William Smart, presented by our platinum sponsor Brickworks, who will address the broader themes around regional resilience. This year will also see the first IFAD awards for the Best New House and Renovation in the Illawarra.
The very popular open-house tours will return and I will be hosting not one but two Archi-bike rides. Yes, this year I have decided to expand into heritage homes of the Northern Illawarra. On Saturday morning, the usual contemporary houses will run, but on the Sunday morning we will be exploring some of the amazing homes of the past, including one in which a German spy resided during WWII. You won’t believe some of the stories of our past that are connected to the heritage of this treacherous stretch of coastline.
Tickets are available from the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design website –www.ifad.net.au – so be quick and grab your pass for a fun, family-friendly weekend of architecture and design!
IFAD is on October 26 & 27, tickets at www.ifad.net.au
sensational work at our fortnightly assembly. They love it when a classmate’s name is pulled out of the draw to spin the prize wheel. They are divided on whether the best prize is being able to change the bell song or receive a canteen voucher!
We are looking forward to our kindergarten transition program, with visits on the following Fridays: 25 October, 1 & 8 November. We can’t wait to meet our future students and their families!
Celebrate 50 Years of SPAT!
By Stanwell Park Arts Theatre president Sonia Westwood
1974… A time when:
• Gough Whitlam was PM
• Our road signs changed to metric
1974-2024…
SPAT’s repertoire has always been as varied as it is impressive. Over the last five decades, audiences have been treated to an incredible mix of productions that include everything from the timeless works of Shakespeare to laugh-out-loud comedies, musicals, revues, music hall, thoughtprovoking dramas, operas, dinner shows, pantomimes and original works.
• Colour test pattern transmissions commenced across all Australian TV networks
• Radio DJ Grant Goldman hosts the first edition of ABC’s COUNTDOWN and…
• SPAT was born!
Yes, way back in 1974 a small but passionate group of local residents embarked on a journey to bring the magic of live performance to the northern suburbs of the Illawarra, and SPAT –Stanwell Parks Amateur Theatre (now Arts Theatre) – was created.
The inaugural production, a pantomime called Babes in the Wood, was written by Joy Wiedersatz, the local school teacher, and this set the stage for what would become a rich tradition of theatrical excellence.
This first pantomime was more than just a show; it was the beginning of a legacy.
Acting workshops for adults and children have provided a stepping stone to performance, and the annual Christmas pantomime has become a rite of passage for local children. Brimming with colour, music and interactive fun, these productions are now a beloved tradition. Our pantomimes are more than just entertainment; they are a celebration of joy, community, and the sheer delight of theatrical magic.
The success of SPAT is not solely due to the talent on stage but also to the unwavering support of the community. From the loyal audiences who fill the seats, to the dedicated members who contribute countless hours behind the scenes, SPAT has always been a collaborative effort. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose has been a driving force behind our enduring success.
To our past and present performers, directors, musicians, writers, set and costume designers, sound and lighting volunteers – you are the heartbeat of SPAT but, of course, we couldn’t do this without our wonderful audiences.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this extraordinary journey.
Aevum Podiatry 02 4294 9990
2024…
We have come full circle. We started with an original pantomime in 1974 and we are ending 2024 with one. Look out for Sage McAteer’s Santa’s Secret in December, to be presented in our home for the past 50 years – the inimitable Stanwell Park CWA Hall. We will celebrate our rich history on October 19 and 20 with a weekend of festivities and we look forward to the next 50 years of live theatre! I wonder if that ‘small but passionate group’ in 1974 could ever have imagined that SPAT would reach this milestone... Congrats to all!
Visit spat.org.au
UOW expert slams ‘naive’ book
By Genevieve Swart
Wollongong City Council independent candidate
Suzanne de Vive, who ran on a proposal for an entirely solar-powered state, has had the least support from voters, with the Ward 1 business coach receiving 4.55% of the mayoral vote at press time on September 20.
Yet the ideas in her book, Power Suburbs, received a lot of airtime as the Illawarra Flame and other media outlets reported on the five mayoral candidates’ visions for the city during the election.
In response, Ty Christopher, an electrical engineer with four decades of experience in the power industry, and currently Energy Futures Network Director at the University of Wollongong, has described Power Suburbs as “enthusiastic but naive”, and lacking “deep understanding”.
Ty said the idea that rooftop solar can power even all of Wollongong is just not possible.
‘It is against the laws of physics’ “I feel the need to inject fact into the conversation,” Ty said. “Australia’s leading the world on solar energy for our homes and suburbs. Around a third of Australian homes have solar panels on them. It’s something that we should continue to really lean heavily into. It just makes compelling sense.”
But, like our current energy footprint comes from multiple sources – gas, petrol, avgas, diesel, electricity generated from various sources – so too will future energy systems. To imagine a silver bullet solution, Ty said ignores “the practical realities”. “We need big energy solutions to run a CBD, aluminium production, steel production, heavy industry, operating a port …
“I’ve seen critics of offshore wind say, ‘Oh, but it’ll all just be used to supply the steelworks’. To which I respond with, ‘And that’s a bad thing?’
“That’ll mean the steelworks is now green and not buying coal-fired electricity … What we need in a clean energy future are multiple technologies, each of them playing to their strengths.”
Engineering facts
Wires connecting homes to the grid are the skinniest cables, as thin as a pencil, hence have the lowest capacity. “Physics dictates that you can only flow so much current, so much electricity through any wire of a particular size,” Ty said.
“What that means is your home can also only export a certain amount of electricity before you exceed the capacity of the physical wire connecting it. Once you get multiple homes in a street at maximum, you then run the danger exceeding the capacity of the wires in the street. Once you get multiple streets doing that, you will exceed the
capacity of what’s called the substation, the power transformer just upstream, and so on and so on.
“Solar on homes and locally generated energy is fantastic, but its most efficient use case is to be reused in the suburb where it’s created. Because as soon as you start trying to export it out, you start exceeding the capacity of the grid.”
And what happens when you exceed the capacity of the grid?
“Fuses will pop and the power will go off.”
Ty shares the math
BlueScope Steel currently uses the same amount of electricity as 60,000 homes. BlueScope predicts decarbonising its operation will increase electricity use by 15 times, which equals 900,000 homes’ worth of electricity. There are about 130,000 homes in the Illawarra. Hence supplying BlueScope from solar would need almost seven Illawarra’s worth of electricity to be generated.
Wollongong city centre uses the same amount of electricity as 36,000 homes. The Wollongong LGA has about 90,000 homes. So the city centre would soak up the solar energy generated by 40% of Wollongong’s households. Currently 30% of homes have solar panels. This means Wollongong can’t even potentially run its city centre off rooftop solar.
Last year 40% of the energy in the grid came from distributed renewables. This means massive reverse power flows for a grid designed for one-way power flows. “It’s certainly a testament to the resilience of the engineering,” Ty said.
Libs’ blunder limits voting choices
An anonymous Facebook post calling for informal votes in the council elections has come to the attention of the NSW Electoral Commission’s Compliance Business Unit. Ahead of polling day on September 14, the post by ‘Oztraveller’ – titled ‘Wollongong Ward 3 How to Vote Card’ – called on residents to submit ‘No offshore windfarm’ protest votes to show they were unhappy. An Electoral Commission spokesperson said, “Electoral material that could result in an elector casting an informal vote contravenes the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.”
No Liberal candidates appeared on any Wollongong ballots due to a NSW Liberal Party nominations blunder.
History in the making
By Jeremy Lasek
Wollongong looks set to have its first woman Lord Mayor with Tania Brown holding a comfortable lead (41.38% of the vote) over her nearest rival, Jess Whittaker (23.36%) at press time on September 23. With 119,918 votes of 159,317 enrolled electors counted, Austinmer ex-soldier Ryan Morris led the independent mayoral candidates with 17.6%, then Andrew Anthony with 13.08% and Suzanne de Vive on 4.58%.
Speaking on the Sunday after September 14’s council election, Tania was exhausted but elated after celebrations at the Steelers Club. “We are very happy with the result. The Labor team worked hard, and it’s paid off in the end,” she said.
The lead Labor candidate, who’s been Wollongong’s Deputy Lord Mayor for five years, campaigned strongly across the city on a platform of ‘new leadership’ after popular independent Gordon Bradbery decided not to re-contest.
Breaking the glass ceiling
“It’s been 25 years since Wollongong last had a Labor Lord Mayor, so this is significant, and of course, it’s been great to finally break the glass ceiling,” Tania Brown said.
She will be the eighth Lord Mayor since Lord Mayoralty was conferred on the city in 1970. So, what sort of mayor will she be? “I’m approachable. This is a full-time job and I’m aiming to get to as many events as I can, especially multicultural events. I will be a strong voice for this city.”
Tania believes the council operation is well run and in the chamber she’s determined to retain a collegiate approach. “I’m happy to look at change but not change for change sake,” she said.
Housing and flooding priorities
Her priorities for her term as Lord Mayor will address some of the biggest challenges facing the city. Ms Brown lists housing affordability and flood mitigation among the things she wants council to pay greater attention to.
On housing affordability, she will ask staff to identify council-owned sites that could provide new housing opportunities for low-income earners. On flooding, she admits state and federal support will be required but believes a Labor Lord Mayor, able to work with state and federal local members, presents “an opportunity”.
“I want to focus on customer service. My suggestion of a maintenance flying squad to fix things around the city that annoy people has been well received.”
Labor was hoping for eight seats on the 13-member council. The final results aren’t expected to be declared until early October.
Big vote for The Greens
One of the new faces will be Lord Mayoral candidate Jess Whittaker, who has claimed a record first preference vote for the Greens with more than a quarter of the vote. “We’re stoked,” she said. “This is historic for the Greens. More people than ever have voted for us, so this is a massive result.”
The Greens election party on the Saturday night was held at the Fairy Meadow Community Centre where there were plenty of cheers as the votes came in from booths across the city.
“We actually won 10 booths in the Lord Mayor’s vote which is fantastic.”
Those booths, while mainly in the north, also included her home suburb of Port Kembla. “It feels like we’ve put forward a positive vision for Wollongong and people have responded to that.”
She is hoping The Greens will win one extra seat to have three seats on Council.
Likely to be elected comfortably as a Ward 1 councillor, Jess says she’s most excited about implementing community gardens across the city.
“Those gardens will create local food and a great opportunity both for community building and addressing problems with the cost-ofliving pressures.”
Left: Tania Brown on election day (photo: Jeremy Lasek). Below: Jess Whittaker
Top row, L to R: Mara Glass, Elizabeth Arifien, Michelle Maxwell, Fiona Larkin. Middle row: Jenaya Gladman, Freya Locke-Paterson, Bella Lopes de Oliveira, Tara Gilmour. Bottom row: Sugar MacGillivray, Hannah Mourin, Sophie Richards. (Away: Lia Zeng). All photos: Anthony Warry
feature Cover Dance
By Genevieve Swart
INTO COALCLIFF
Coalcliff is set to become a moving arts hub, with AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre poised to reside full-time in the community hall on Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
It’s the first permanent home for the 14-year-old contemporary dance company and artistic director Michelle Maxwell says the move will be a “game-changer”.
“We’re the new licensee through Wollongong City Council, which means that we can operate out of the hall on a full-time basis once we’ve got the sprung floor installed,” she says.
“It’s very exciting. Our vision for the hall is to turn it into a moving arts hub for the Illawarra and currently there’s nothing like that – so a space where moving artists can have a serene, creative and safe space to work from.”
Fundraiser for new floor
But first, the hall built in 1957 needs a new floor.
“Any impact-based activity such as dance, basketball, martial arts need to have a sprung floor, because it absorbs the impact of the activity,” Michelle says.
“At the moment we are restricted to contemporary, I would not do ballet in there because of the floor.”
The sprung floor will be portable, so the company can take it on tour or do workshops in remote areas.
“And on top of the actual sprung floor is a dance-specific vinyl covering, which we call in the industry ‘Tarkett’. It’s slippery enough to slide –because for contemporary, we need to be able to slide – but it also has enough traction to keep the dancers safe when turning, and doing things like that, because we work predominantly in socks and bare feet. It’s also suitable for point work and ballet.”
The new floor will cost about $45,000, with Sydney firm STM Studio Supplies set to install it in December.
An arts charity that provides a stepping stone for young dancers dreaming of a professional career, AUSTI. has received $25,000 towards a new floor through the Premier’s Discretionary Fund and is also running a public appeal via the Australian Cultural Fund. Michelle thanks Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart and all the AUSTI. board members, notably Vyvian Wilson, Linda Luke and Zebastian Hunter, for their support in this project.
Donations to the new floor will benefit everyone using Coalcliff Hall, she says.
“In the future we’ll be able to do all of our classes there, and it will be perfect for yoga, Pilates, martial arts – any movement-based activity.”
From dancer to director
Now an Austinmer local, Michelle grew up in Dapto, starting dance lessons at age four and doing her formative training with Priscilla Kurtz. She went on to full-time ballet training with the Saill Academy of Dance under Patricia and Valma Saill and Valma Briggs in Sydney at the old Elizabethan Theatre Trust. Margaret Chapple (Chappie), co-founder with Keith Bain of the Bodenwieser Dance Centre in Sydney, introduced her to contemporary dance.
“That changed my life,” she says. “That changed the trajectory for me and opened my world up – it was incredible.”
Today, Michelle is most proud of being the founder of AUSTI.
“I had the dream a long time ago to set up a company for emerging artists that didn’t necessarily fit into the box of being Australian Ballet Company material or even Sydney Dance Company, but they had a driving passion and work ethic that I find very attractive in a dancer. And it’s not always about the technique.
“You can see that in the work of many international choreographers and companies these days, the world of contemporary dance is constantly evolving.”
Having struggled with confidence in her own early career, Michelle now works with dancers to instil self-belief.
“I’m thrilled to be able to give this opportunity to young artists, something that I craved when I was young. It’s very exciting to watch them come to life and the growth in our young artists is absolutely incredible. This is, without a doubt, my biggest achievement.”
uNCOILEd eXposed at IPAC
In October Michelle is looking forward to AUSTI.’s annual unveiling of fresh choreographic talent in a three-night run at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC).
2024’s uNCOILEd eXposed will feature new pieces choreographed by Fiona Larkin, Elizabeth Arifien and Mara Glass.
‘uNCOILEd’ is a tribute to dancer Nicole Fitzsimons, a friend and AUSTI supporter who died in an accident in Thailand.
“The letters in the middle spell Nicole,” says Michelle. “And ‘eXposed’ comes from opening up to the public.”
An outcomes-based residency project, uNCOILEd eXposed gives emerging choreographers the chance to work with AUSTI. dancers to bring new, experimental works to the stage, providing help with costumes, lighting, photography and videography.
Every year produces “absolutely beautiful” work, Michelle says. “I’m always in awe of how, as young artists, they step up to the challenge.”
Rise of the Cultural Coast Coalcliff’s natural beauty is set to inspire even more
creativity in 2025. “Next year is going to be incredible,” Michelle says.
“The hall has a beautiful grass area and there’s a nice little veranda – we can see the ocean, but we’ve also got a beautiful view of the escarpment and the rock face.
“It’s just stunning and very serene, which is optimal surroundings for creatives.”
The new space has already allowed AUSTI. to expand its pilot for dancers aged 12 to 17 and Michelle also plans to host community classes.
“We’d love to have a regular yoga teacher or Pilates teacher, and run adult ballet or contemporary classes, run some seniors classes – it opens up a lot of possibilities.”
Parking at Coalcliff can be notoriously hard to find but Michelle said AUSTI. has run Saturday classes there for two years and never had
issues, encouraging people to plan ahead and use public transport.
“It’s a very pleasant walk from the train station to the hall.”
AUSTI. joins a rising number of artists, writers and performers energising the northern Illawarra, so much so that Thirroul visual artist
Judy Bourke has suggested renaming the area ‘the Cultural Coast’.
“I love that idea,” said Michelle. “It would be lovely too if some of us could come together and collaborate, and help each other. I think that’s beautiful.”
uNCOILEd eXposed is at IPAC’s Bruce Gordon Theatre, October 17-19, tickets $15-$35. Visit www.austitheatre.com.au. To donate to a new sprung floor, scan the QR code above
L to R: 2024’s uNCOILEd eXposed choreographers Mara Glass, AUSTI. founder Michelle Maxwell, Fiona Larkin and Elizabeth Arifien
Swimming lessons for all ageschildren, adults and families of refugees and asylum seekers in the Illawarra area. Learn
stay safe in the water at the:
BEACH
First pointscore in wave pool
By Ian Pepper of the Scarborough Boardriders
Scarborough Boardriders have made history with our first ever club point-score in a wave pool, Urbnsurf Sydney.
We teamed up with Surf Park Productions to make this dream a reality on Tuesday, August 27. We had the entire wave pool exclusively for two hours with each surfer getting around five waves on each side. The surfer then got to choose their best two waves to be judged independently on a World Surf League scale. Winners were then announced at Wombarra Bowling Club and all clips replayed. Well done, Joshua Pepper, for topping all scores across all divisions to win A Grade, and Shyla Short, who locked in the highest combined score for any woman surfer at the wave pool since it opened and taking out the Open Women.
Also running most weekends in September was the Surftag Series on Sydney’s northern beaches. Incredibly proud of our Under 14s squad coming away with a 3rd place in the Guzman y Gomez Surftag Series at South Curl Curl Beach in small but super fun conditions. Our team was Ashton Mekisic, Jesse Fitzgibbons, Sam Kornek, Harley Fuller and Saxon King. Ashton was on absolute fire, dropping scores in the excellent range!
A great day of waves and weather at Scarborough allowed all divisions to compete in excellent conditions for our September pointscore. In the A-grade final, Nic Squiers made a triumphant return, edging out Josh Pepper, who had been on a
three-event winning streak, and Fin McLaren. In the Open Women’s final, Shyla Short took an early lead and maintained it, while Zhalia Short and Talina Wilson battled closely for second and third.
The B-grade final showcased upcoming A-graders, with Mitch Burroughs taking the win over Harry Williams and Noah Goulder. Juniors faced strong winds and cold weather. Ella Campbell (10 & Under), Sam Kornek (12s), Indi Martin (Junior Girls Parent Assist), and Jesse Fitz (14s) emerged victorious. In the senior categories, Flynn Gale won the 18s, Dave Hyslop the 35s, Andrew Pfeiffer the 45s, and Nick McLaren the 55s.
Reminder – future dates for your diary
Make-up point-score will be in October, subject to forecasts. Presentation night is on Saturday, November 23rd at Wombarra Bowling Club.
Stanwell Park Surf Club needs you
By publicity officer Christine McDonald
Attention, lifesavers! The Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Lifesaving 2024-25 Patrolling season began on 29 September and runs until the end of April. It’s never too late to sign up! Join us to make a difference in our community. We provide comprehensive training, a supportive community, and chances to participate in events and
competitions. To register, visit our website for details and to sign up. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out directly. Help us create a safe beach environment for everyone!
Nippers Registration is now open We run Nippers every Sunday from 20 October until early March, with a break over Christmas. This program boosts children’s confidence and skills at the beach. They’ll have fun, make new friends, and become part of an iconic organisation that has served the Australian community for over 100 years. Register online now! Details, dates and proficiency requirements are on our website.
All Nippers communications will be through the Stack Team App “HSP Nippers”.
Visit stanwellparksurfclub.com.
Hello Fish at The Farm
By Duncan Leadbitter
It’s been some time since I was in the water and wrote about it for the Illawarra Flame. Months of heavy rain created lousy conditions in the first part of the year, then a mix of work travel and big seas accounted for the rest. It was great to jump in at a new spot a month back.
I remember going to The Farm when I was very young. It cost 20c to get through the gate and cross the farmer’s land. Now part of Killalea Regional Park, it is managed by National Parks and access is free. You can follow the road down to the parking area near the beach where surfers access waves at the national surfing reserve known as The Farm.
Some freediving friends and I jumped in at the beach and swam west towards Mystics. Beach access was easy but it’s worth noting that the area is exposed to southerly swells, which can make all of the southern side of Bass Point undiveable.
Picnic time!
Two groups report on spring events
The infamous Guides picnic challenge
By Annabel, of Helensburgh
Guides
Our leader, Brogla, divided us into three groups and gave us the challenge. We needed to get starters, a main and dessert, but we only had $10 and 10 minutes to do our shopping at Coles.
My group hurried around the store, trying to choose the best snacks. We picked up some apples, crackers, cheese, and watermelon. For dessert, the others chose some yummy chocolate scrolls. Then we returned to the guide hall. Each group
The first part of the journey was near gently sloping rocky reef, but this gives way to a series of cliffs and gullies, dropping down the sand in depths of 6m or more. The reefs are covered with a mix of seaweeds (kelp and cray weed) plus cunjevoi. Some of the drop-offs have carpets of the colourful red jewel anemone.
It was winter so fish life was not overly abundant but we did see schools of black drummer, yellowtail and the occasional luderick and red morwong.
We also saw a Port Jackson shark, a wobbegong and two grey nurse sharks. The grey nurses of nearby Bushrangers Bay have become a major attraction for divers, but they are also seen in other parts of Bass Point, including The Farm.
Scan the QR to watch Duncan’s video or follow his YouTube channel, Illawarra Underwater
took turns presenting and sharing their food. It felt like a big picnic party! It was a great evening!
Probus enjoys annual picnic
By Lorraine Jones
Last month the Combined Probus Club of Helensburgh and District held its annual picnic at Woronora Dam. Fortunately, the day was sunny and not windy. Picnickers brought morning tea, and steaks or sausages were grilled for lunch to go with rolls and salad. After lunch a new game was played, with two teams. The game was Disc Bowls. Wooden discs were thrown at a silver bowl. This game would be a good family Christmas present. It rounded off a very happy picnic.
Photos from Duncan’s YouTube channel ‘Illawarra Underwater’
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Port Kembla Tidal Chart
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6 SU 0432 0.46 1058 1.57 1727 0.43 2323 1.25
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© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2023, Bureau of Meteorology. Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide. Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect. The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights. The Bureau’s liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded. Scan the QR to download a fresh Tide Chart each month
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12 SA 0434 1.08 0946 0.70 1624 1.51 2329 0.39 13 SU 0536 1.18 1100 0.61 1729 1.59 14 MO 0018 0.29 0626 1.30 1204
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9 SA 0257 1.10 0806 0.71 1439 1.52 2151 0.39 10 SU 0404 1.17 0923 0.68 1548 1.53 2246 0.34
TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF HIGH AND LOW WATERS LAT 340 29’ LONG 1500 55’
Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club
Golf news
Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports We returned to Boomerang Golf Course on Sept 15, after four successful years on tour in The Shire, Georges River and Campbelltown council areas.
Our return celebrated the life of a long-standing member “Kevvy” Brown, who signed his final card in late August. Kevin graced the fairways of Boomerang for many years, during our more than 40-year history, sinking putts as well as his favourite VB cans carried amongst his clubs. He was regularly in the company of good friend Mark O’Connor and ever present at the post-event BBQ. Kevin will be missed, but remembered as a proud HSSGC supporter who was always early to commit to our events and annual trip away. His son Jarrod joined us as Kevin was remembered fondly on the 1st Tee, ushered by the words of our President.
Members played in blustery conditions. Stableford was the game and some new faces were atop the podium to share Kevvy’s favourite VB as well as a Christian’s Premium Meats Voucher for Rob Aspromonte, finishing on 36, followed by Ben Clarke and Ryan Carter both with a 34.
Chuckie, Rosco, Tim Lowe, El Presidentè and “Hollywood” Carter bagged the on-course offerings. The return of the BBQ’d snag and a tinnie or two was roundly enjoyed.
Next events: Oct 6th (TT 8:30am), Nov 3rd (TT 8:20am), and Dec 8th (TT 9am). Thanks to Ben Gersback and Daniel Gersback for their assistance and to Mark O’Connor for the post-event feast.
Call Tony, 0418 863 100, for all your membership details and remember to register your attendance and cart requirements on the Tuesday ahead of the date of our next event.
Indy signing off: A couple of fellows pair up to play golf. They reach a par 3 carry over water. The fellow with the honour proceeds to hit a brand-new ball into the lake. He reaches in his bag, pulls out another sleeve of new balls and proceeds to hit all three of those in the water. At that point, he is asked, “Why don’t you just hit an old ball?” He said, “I’ve never owned one.”
Tradies Social Golf
Barry Thompson reports Twenty players teed-off into a well-prepared Boomerang with Dave Astill and Aaron Griffiths late withdrawals due to illness. Aaron’s forfeiture means Dave Tipping will play Iain Birss in the Matchplay grand finale in our Oct tournament.
Conditions for the Stableford event were ideal,
although several players were plagued with an inability to drive past the ladies’ tee and air-swings were the order of the day. Hayden Overton won with 42. Recipe for success: Have a sore shoulder, change style and record 40 for second place. This explains Terry Maney’s performance, but Geoff Hammond’s revival (40) needs explanation.
Kynan Ainslie took out the Bradman’s, but won the Bucket of Balls voucher so we should see an improvement next round. Steve Morgan was welcomed, playing his first round for handicap, he may soon see why Mick is called the Merciless.
Please advise Mick by Oct 1st if you are playing the Nowra away tournament and remember to keep Dec 7th open for our Presentation night.
Thanks to our sponsors Tradies, Helensburgh Butchery, Gallardo’s Pizzeria and Helensburgh Driving Range.
Next: 7am Tee-Off, Sat 19th Oct, Boomerang, Stableford. Please arrive early.
desexed, vaccinated & registered. For more details, email ccarpetrehoming @tpg.com.au Country Companion Animal Rescue
