December 2024

Meet Our Contributors

Dr Saul Griffith is an engineer and entrepreneur specialising in clean and renewable energy technologies.

Saul has founded a dozen technology companies across 20 years in Silicon Valley and written three books, including Electrify and The Big Switch. Saul co-founded Rewiring Australia, a project partner of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot. He lives in Austinmer.

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

Janice Creenaune is a retired English teacher. A wife and mother of three, she sees the life of a retiree as an evolution, something to be cherished, enjoyed. Janice is a volunteer for PKD Australia and her interests include travel, Letters-to-the Editor SMH, letterpress printing and film study.

Duncan Leadbitter is a director of fisheries and natural resource consulting company, Fish Matter. Most of his work is 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.

Dr Nikita Robins completed her medical degree at the University of Melbourne in 2018, having previously completed a Bachelor of Science at McGill University in Canada. She did her medical internship and residency in Central Australia, working primarily in Alice Springs. Nikita moved to the Illawarra in 2021 and completed her Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2023. She has additional training in paediatrics and emergency medicine. She enjoys all aspects of general practice and sees patients of all ages.

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

10th Birthday Reader Survey

Is the Illawarra Flame a blooming marvel? You tell us! To round off celebrations in our 10th year of publishing independent local news, we’re calling on all our readers to help us plan for the next decade.

Simply scan the QR code to share your thoughts. The survey is mostly multiple choice, short and sweet – like the tiny flowers of the rainforest tree that inspired our name. (See more fabulous shots of ‘Flame Trees in Flower’ by photojournalist Tyneesha Williams on our website.)

Feedback is open until 15 January 2025. Thank you for your support this year. Have a wonderful festive season.

– Genevieve and Marcus, the editors

EDITORS Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft

CONTACT hello@theillawarraflame.com.au; 0432 612 168; PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508. TheIllawarraFlame

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DEADLINE 13 Dec. Contributions welcome.

COVER Electrify 2515 team. Photo: Jeremy Park

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.

THE ILLAWARRA

KANE DOWNIE

Coledale girl wins poetry prize

Photos: Tawfik Elgazzar

By Tyneesha Williams

Alice O’Leary, a 12-year-old student at Coledale Public School, has won the Wollongong Community Greening Local Prize in the 2024 Poem Forest competition.

On November 20, Alice and her family attended a ceremony at Holborn Park, Berkeley, where she planted seedlings alongside Wollongong Botanic Garden staff and local dignitaries.

Words create curves in her poem, Around Us Dancing, which focuses on the Illawarra coastline. “I was writing from a bird’s eye view –looking down as you follow along the coastline, and also looking up from under the trees – those different kinds of perspectives,” Alice says.

Created in 2021 by Red Room Poetry in partnership with Wollongong City Council, the Poem Forest competition gives students and teachers a chance to fuel environmental action.

“Kids and teachers all around Australia can write

poetry, and they can ask for a tree to be planted on their behalf,” Alice says.

“That means that there are thousands of trees being planted every year and eventually it will grow and be this big established forest – which is good for the environment and hopefully would be a place for people to write poetry as well.”

More than 22,500 seedlings have been planted since the project began.

This year, the competition had more than 5400 entries from across Australia and from those entries, 78 were shortlisted, including poems by Alice and her schoolfriend, Ada.

“I focused on a wider perspective of the coastline and the land,” Alice says. “My friend Ada did a piece on the environment actually forgiving us. Everyone can take on their own perspectives.

“I like to spend a lot of time at the beach, I’m a water person. I love to swim and I do nippers every fortnight, and swim in the ocean pools when it’s warm enough. I knew I wanted to write about the ocean and avoid traditional metaphors.

“The ocean kind of dances in its own way. That’s how I got the title for my poem.”

Penny Hoswell, Wollongong Botanic Garden Education Officer and one of the competition’s judges, praised Alice as “a born storyteller who understands the art of how to manipulate words”.

Visit redroompoetry.org/student-poems

Honk! Oz exhibition

By Local Studies librarian Jo Oliver

Honk! Oz Street Music Festival is coming to Wollongong again this summer, marking 10 years of the festival in Australia. Wollongong City Libraries are hosting a photo exhibition from December 2024 until February 2025 to celebrate this colourful, inclusive extravaganza. An exhibition launch will be held at 5pm, Monday, December 9 at Wollongong City Library with all welcome. The exhibition can also be viewed online at: https://illawarrastories.com.au/honk-oz/

Each year, bands and musicians travel from Perth, the Northern Rivers, New Zealand, Great Britain and the United States to be part of Honk! Oz in Wollongong. Individuals and bands freely contribute their time and musical skills to perform a fusion of repertoire from a diverse set of music traditions – New Orleans second line, Klezmer,

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & a happy & healthy 2025.

As twinkling lights adorn our homes and the warmth of the festive season fills our hearts, we pause to celebrate the joys of family, friendship, and the spirit of giving. This Christmas, we would also like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and trust in our team.

From our families to yours, we extend warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

Julie York 0405 128 070

Time-travelling panto for 50th year

By Lauren Mitsak of Stanwell Park Arts Theatre

Our 50th anniversary was spectacular and magical and I thought this comment from a past member deserved a mention.  She rang me after the October celebrations to say what gave her the greatest joy was seeing everyone talking, singing or dancing –no one was on their phone, other than to take photos. As she said, “People were actively engaged with each other and in today’s world that hardly ever happens.” She told me that this experience had made her “more optimistic about the future of mankind”. How good is that!

SPAT holds AGM

The SPAT AGM was held on November 4 and Sonia Westwood, our wonderful president for the past 18 months, stepped down to take up the role of treasurer.  She was replaced by the equally wonderful Eric Alexander.

The Christmas Pantomime

This year’s pantomime, Santa’s Secret, is another SPAT original, written by our very own Sage McAteer, who started out as a child in a SPAT panto and is now a professional actor and dancer. Rod Lander, assisted by Eric Alexander, directs the time-travelling panto to mark our 50th, with the skilful Catherine Rostrum back as musical director. Performances are on December 7 & 8 and 13 to 15. $20 adults, $15 concession, $55 family and free for ages 5 and under.

SPAT Choir News

The SPAT Choir, under the direction of Lindy Sharp, will sing Christmas Carols at both Kennett Home in Stanwell Park and to the residents of Kirrawee Retirement Village on December 22. If you enjoy singing and socialising, join us on Fridays at 7pm at Stanwell Park’s CWA Hall. Visit www.spat.org.au

Time to guide

Left: Wollongong Art Gallery guide

Sharon Pechey. Below: Michael Butler’s Are You Being Served? (2007), from the new Shape Shifters retrospective of Australian collage opening in December. Photo: Jennifer Leahy

Janice Creenaune meets Sharon Pechey, a Scarborough resident and past primary school teacher and assistant principal, who now continues her love of learning and teaching children by volunteering as a guide and workshop assistant at Wollongong Art Gallery

At 67, Scarborough local Sharon Pechey has a lifetime of experience in classrooms and schools. In retirement, Sharon continues her passion for education by volunteering at Wollongong Art Gallery, leading guided tours and acting as a workshop assistant to children and adults.

“A love of learning never finishes at school end, and the Wollongong Gallery attracts many with pure and genuine interest in the artists, particularly the local artists,” Sharon says.

She’s always been passionate about art and while teaching Sharon would take her students on excursions to the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

“It would completely open their world. For many it was their first experience of an art gallery.”

She decided that’s what she’d do in retirement.

“As soon as I retired I contacted Wollongong Art Gallery and offered my interests in volunteering as a guide. I was accepted, began training with a new intake of volunteers and began officially in 2014.

“I enjoy every minute, interacting with the different groups and visitors and especially with the many friends in the art gallery community. There is great camaraderie among the volunteers and support offered from everybody at the gallery.”

Some volunteers act solely as guides for various exhibitions. Others are workshop assistants and some volunteers hold both roles.

“For some of us with teaching backgrounds the roles are a continuation of skills we have developed over a working lifetime,” Sharon says.

“We just step up to the new roles. There are Junior Art Trails for preschoolers, various workshops and guided tours to keep us all busy.”

Sharon says volunteering at Wollongong Art

Gallery is, in some ways, like a continuation of her classroom and teaching practices.

“Both the guided groups and the workshops allow people to talk about art in a safe environment that is completely non-threatening for us all. They always have questions, but we are often sharing the art together, and that can be a wonderful experience for me as well.”

Sharon says the gallery’s education officer Julie Danilov is “amazing”.

“Julie co-ordinates the volunteers and gives us great support. She is the one to allow it all to happen so smoothly.”

Sharon has a wide appreciation for all art, but is very keen to further understand and appreciate First Nations art in Australia.

“I search out Indigenous galleries when I travel around the country. The Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre in Yirrkala, a small village near Nhulunbuy in Arnhem Land is one of my favourites.”

Without the generous efforts of experienced volunteers, like Sharon, a visit to the gallery would certainly not be anywhere near as enjoyable as it is now. We are so fortunate to have her in our city.

Wollongong Art Gallery is one of Australia’s largest regional art museums. Entry is free and it’s open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-5pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 12pm-4pm (excluding public holidays.) From December 7, look out for Shape Shifters, an innovative retrospective of Australian collage.

Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com

Firefighters in training at Bulli High

By Jeremy Lasek

With our Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer workforce steadily ageing, every effort is being made to attract new blood. In October, teenagers from Wollongong’s northern suburbs were put through their paces in the hope they’ll ultimately join our frontline team of bushfire fighters.

RFS Illawarra Sutherland Operational Officer

Jacob Trow said the cadet training program had run over 10 weeks at Figtree and Engadine High Schools but the full three-day program for Bulli High students was a more in-depth experience.

“We are finding schools are receptive and keen to become involved,” Jacob said.

“They put the students through basic firefighting skills, learning theory about fire behaviour and there’s plenty of hands on during the course.

“We find the young people who attend are community minded and it’s an opportunity for them to try something very different.

“Most of them are leadership oriented and team oriented.”

While completing the course doesn’t provide the participants with any qualification, it does set them up to join a local RFS brigade.

“They can become members at the age of 16 but won’t attend any major incidents till they’re 18. Even if they don’t join up, it’s good that we will have more members of the community who are a little more prepared should we have a bushfire in our area,” Jacob said.

Jindy Elith, 16, from Corrimal will consider joining a brigade when she finishes school and hopes it will help her to achieve her longer-term goal of becoming a National Parks ranger.

Santa’s back!

By Captain Roslyn Thomas

Jamie Schofield, 16, from Thirroul, has friends who are firefighters. “I want to be a firefighter too, and this seems a good first step.”

Ike Stroud, 16, from Bulli, was keen to be a part of the training. “I thought it would be a cool experience. It will be good to know more about fire safety.”

Tom Favelle is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father – who is a member of the Bulli brigade – and his pop, who volunteered in the NSW Central West.

Supporting the training program, Malcolm Bartrop from the Austinmer brigade said it was important to bring in new, younger volunteers as many in the RFS are ageing.

“Like all organisations, it’s getting harder to get people to serve, so it’s important to attract younger ones,” he said.

We are very excited to let our community know that Santa will be coming around Helensburgh and Stanwell Tops on Saturday, December 21.

Fire and Rescue NSW, 325 Helensburgh Station will depart with Santa on board about 9am from the Fire Station in Walker St. We’ll be handing out pre-packed lollies, with plenty to go around so no one will miss out.

We would like to thank Kirrily Sloane for organising the lolly donations from The Tradies, and to our local Lions Club who have been long-time sponsors of the Santa Run.

We ask that you all observe our safety requirements during our Lolly Run.

We hope you all have a very happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Be fire safe over the coming holiday period. Season’s greetings to you all, from Station 325 Fire + Rescue NSW.

L to R: Ronan Duggan, Jindy Elith, Tom Favelle, Thea Fox, Ike Stroud, Amber Keers and James Schofield. Photo: Jeremy Lasek

Deer damage on Bushcare site

By Merilyn House of Helensburgh & District Landcare

For 30 years now, Helensburgh & District Landcare Group has been removing weeds and planting trees and shrubs at Helensburgh Creek. Those trees that were planted between 25 and 30 years ago are now, mostly, mature trees. We occasionally had deer damage back then but it was not a significant problem.

Move forward 20 years and deer have become one of our major problems at Helensburgh Creek. So many of the trees we have planted have been damaged or killed by deer. The damage is mostly caused by ringbarking of smaller trees during the ‘rutting’ season; the deer rub their antlers against the trunks to remove the velvet accumulated during summer.

We place cages around our new plantings but eventually the trees outgrow their cages. This is when the damage occurs. We have been told that once there are side branches on the tree they will be protected from the deer. We haven’t found this to be the case.

The tree pictured (top right), a Moreton Bay Fig, was planted about five years ago by Bushcare volunteers. It was damaged as soon as we removed the original cage. We put a bigger cage around it but it grew very well and we thought it would be safe. Unfortunately, the damage this year was caused on two different visits. The low side branches were broken and the tree trunk rubbed

Aug 2024

on the road side on one occasion. The second time it happened on the other side of the tree.

It is very disappointing for our Bushcare volunteers to see this happen. Currently there are at least 10 deer-damaged trees on our site. One is another fig that was planted over 10 years ago, but every time it grows to a size we think it will be safe, it is damaged again. While I am sure the fig will reshoot and try again, some of our saplings that had grown taller than the cage they were protected by have been ringbarked and will not survive.

Residents can help by filling in a survey by NSW Local Land Services in partnership with Wollongong City Council.

Scan the QR or go to Local Land Services at www.lls.nsw.gov.au

Council shares creek care tips

By Tyneesha Williams

Wollongong City Council wants residents to work with their neighbours to care for creeks and help minimise the impacts of future flooding.

“The floods are going to happen, but it will help mitigate and minimise the impacts if we are all working together,” said Nathan McBriarty, council’s Manager of Infrastructure Strategy and Planning.

Speaking at a November 6 creek care session at Thirroul Community Centre, Nathan added:

“Work with your neighbours. You can get together and apply for a government grant if you’ve got a project and a plan to work on your creek.”

Council looks after creeks on public land, but 60% of Illawarra creeks are on privately owned land. To help improve soil stability and water quality, and support biodiversity, residents should keep the area around their creek clean and clear (no rubbish or building structures).

Planting native trees, shrubs and grasses may reduce the impacts of flooding and erosion. Good choices for creeks include: Cheese Tree, Red Ash, Bleeding Heart and Native Violet for the buffer zone. Sandpaper Fig, Tall Sedge, Common Rush, Spiny-headed Mat-rush for the waters edge. Water-tolerant plants such as Blue Flax Lily, Grey Myrtle, Lilly Pilly, White Aspen for lower banks.

Wollongong Botanic Garden provided free plants for attendees at the Thirroul session.

The perils of nature watching

Words and photo by Amanda De George

You’ve heard it, I’ve said it, we all know that spending time in nature is good for us.

But as I spent the last few days on tenterhooks, using my camera’s telephoto lens as proxy binoculars, watching a tawny frogmouth family of four swiftly dwindle to nothing but an empty nest, I began to second-guess myself.

My husband noticed by sheer accident a flimsy nest high up in the gums across the road. While he pondered who it belonged to, I ran out the front, camera in hand, and quickly confirmed it was occupied by one of the local tawnies with not one but two seemingly healthy, not at all newly hatched chicks.

They had already acquired some ‘big kid’ feathers, amongst the usually downy fluffiness. How lucky to have them so close to home, right? Well, not so fast.

Sure, we’ve had the absolute thrill of ‘our’ tawnies moving their newly fledged kids into our yard. But we’ve also experienced the much darker side of closely watching nature: an egg tossed from the nest by a raucous pair of channel-billed cuckoos as we watched on helplessly, and finding a freshly hatched chick on the road, having fallen after the parent was taken by a predator during the night.

I should know better than to get too attached and yet three days into this current nest watch, I was taken totally by surprise when I could only spot one chick. I searched the surrounding trees,

Bird Watch

By Ewan Auld

with no luck. The mother stood watching over the nest where the male and the remaining chick preened and stretched. I searched the ground, under ferns and down into the forest gully below. Nothing.

The next day, after a night of torrential rain and howling wind, the nest was empty. The second chick was gone and the parents were nowhere to be found. What was their fate? Cruelly taken? Safely fledged? And that’s the reality of nature watching; sometimes you don’t get an answer. Life goes on… and sometimes it doesn’t.

I stand looking out into the forest, hoping to see four pairs of eyes looking back at me. Instead the trees click back at me, cicadas are waking up and calling for a mate.”

Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans)

The bird of the month is the Crimson Rosella, a colourful member of the parrot family found throughout south-eastern Australia.

In the Illawarra, they favour woodland and forested areas dominated by eucalyptus trees but will frequently venture into suburban backyards or roadsides to feed on native grass seeds and berries. Their melodic, bell-like calls are quite peaceful amongst the forest. Unlike their more outgoing relatives, such as the lorikeets and cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas tend to be shyer and more reserved.

I photographed this individual along the escarpment track near Maddens Plains, an excellent spot to observe both local rosella species—the Crimson and Eastern Rosellas. During spring and summer, these birds can often be seen scouting for nesting sites in the hollows of old trees. I was lucky to spot a pair doing just this; one bird perched watchfully as its partner explored potential hollows.

TVC looks back on 2024

By Thirroul Village Committee secretary Annette Jones

Welcome to new Ward One Councillors

Following September’s council elections, the TVC would like to welcome the three new Ward One councillors: Cr Dan Hayes (Labor), Cr Ryan Morris (Independent) and Cr Jess Whittaker (Greens). Cr Richard Martin (Labor) was re-elected and the TVC would like to acknowledge his active participation over previous years. All councillors are invited to our quarterly meetings. We would also like to thank the Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, for her advice and involvement.

McCauley Lodge redevelopment

The Land and Environment Court recently held a hearing about the Development Applications (DAs) submitted by Fresh Hope Care about the redevelopment of the sites previously known as McCauley Lodge and Tasman Court in Tasman Parade, Thirroul. First came an on-site hearing on 23 October, then two days of deliberations in the Sydney Land and Environment Court. About 50 neighbours and residents of Thirroul attended the on-site hearing, with 10 making presentations to the Commissioner about concerns such as the impact of stormwater run-off, overshadowing, privacy, parking and traffic, to name a few. The TVC has been advised that the hearing has been adjourned until 16 December.

Sandon Point Seniors Living Development Anglicare has advised that environmental and social studies required by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), as part of its Environmental Impact Assessment, are continuing. This follows the submission to the DPHI in late 2023, known as ‘Modification 6’. The State Significant Development application is now scheduled for submission in 2025.

Thirroul Plaza

Key findings from the Big Ideas Survey earlier this year about the redevelopment of Thirroul Plaza included that a primary design consideration is the maintenance of the escarpment view. Big ideas suggested included having alternative vehicular access arrangements via Raymond Road and a land swap with Wollongong City Council (WCC) to incorporate WF Jackson Park into the site in return for a dedicated community plaza in the middle of the site. Discussions have taken place with WCC.

Survey findings will be presented to a town planner, urban designer, landscape architect and demographer. Meanwhile, the owners plan to fix carpark potholes and install a return and earn point. Formal survey results will be published in coming weeks on the SolidVoid and Urban Talk websites. This is the start of a long process. A workshop may be held in the first quarter of 2025.

Update on Lot 101 Amy Street, Thirroul

In April 2023 the Land and Environment Court approved a DA to subdivide Lot 101 Amy Street into three Torrens Title lots (Lots 301, 302 and 303) and for access works to land behind Panmills Drive in McCauley Estate, which included relocating part of the public walkway known as Wilkies Walk. Work is underway, and completed at the corner of Wilkies Way and Panmills Drive, Thirroul.

Maintenance around the village

The TVC continues to work on beautification of the local area by maintaining public gardens and removing graffiti. To help, please email the TVC.

From 2025 the TVC will meet 4 times a year. Next meeting: 23 February at TRIPS Hall. thirroulvillagecommittee@gmail.com

Tree of the Month

By Kieran Tapsell, of Banksia Bushcare

Pennantia cunninghamii (Brown Beech)

Brown Beech can be found throughout the Illawarra. It has distinctive alternative, oval shaped, bright green leaves, with undulating margins. It is often found in the escarpment gullies. It has a fluted brown or grey trunk and can grow to 25 metres. It flowers from November to December and has black, egg-shaped berries. The photo is of one planted in the Stanwell Avenue Reserve at the start of the Stanwell Avenue to Kiosk track.

Joey Scout reaches peak

By 1st Austinmer Scouts Group Leader Stephen Turner

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After starting the 1st Austinmer Joey Scout section two years ago, our group was so excited last month to present our very first Joey Scout Challenge Award to William Marshall.

The Challenge Award is the Peak Award for Joey Scouts in Australia, and represents the culmination of William’s journey as a Joey at 1st Austinmer, leading and participating in activities including bushwalking, climbing and first aid. He also completed independent projects and led the Joey section on an adventurous bike ride.

William started at Austinmer Joeys at the start of 2023. He was excited to start after hearing about all the cool activities, plus his Uncle had been an Austinmer Scout back in the 1980s.

William was almost seven years old when he started, so shortly after he began his work towards his Joey’s Peak Award. He enjoyed setting himself new challenges as part of his Special Interest Areas.

This included regular participation in our local parkrun so he could improve his PB every week, researching all things space and designing a space-inspired night for his Joey group, and spending the day at Gift of Bread, a charity that creates connection over bread.

He enjoyed learning new skills, but was most excited for his Adventurous Journey which involved a three-hour bike ride, with several parts of the track being underwater!

As the first Austinmer Joey to achieve his Peak Award badge, this has been a very special celebration. We are all so proud of his achievement.

Joey Scouts is for ages five to eight. They meet on Wednesdays, 5-6pm during school term.

Cubs abandon the hall!

Meanwhile, the 1st Austinmer Cub Group has been exploring our local environment.

“Over the last month we’ve been camping near Waterfall, searching for koalas near Heathcote, swimming in streams and finding native orchids,” said Cub Leader Scott Bradburn. “Last week the kids learnt about gem stones and each of them cracked open their own crystal geodes.

“With a large group of our 11-year-olds heading up to Scouts, we’re looking to bring in some new young members.”

Austinmer Scout Group is for ages five to 18. Try it for free until the end of the year. Call Stephen Turner on 0409 696 575.

Register via the QR or www.1st-austinmer. group.scoutsnsw.com.au/rego/start

Neighbourhood Forum 1 Report

By NF1 convenor Warwick Erwin

Community feedback on new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library Wollongong City Council staff have completed their engagement period but you can still submit comments. Here is a summary of what Council’s Engagement team learned from your feedback.

What was important:

• Flexible room for activities, such as reading, performing, working, playing and exercising

• A welcoming, comforting and accessible space with ample parking

• Better internet and technology

• Plenty of natural light, bush views, eco-friendly

• A building that has a distinctive design such as modern, country feel or coastal

• Artwork and history displays

Things to consider if budget allows:

• Multiple spaces and facilities

• Specific design feature

$3m station opens

Helensburgh welcomes police presence

Top cops, state leaders and multiple TV crews descended on Helensburgh to open its new $3 million police station on Waratah Street.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM and Wollongong Commander Superintendent Karen Cook APM attended the official opening, along with NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley and Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart.

“This beautiful building can accommodate up to eight police and replaces the demountable that was no longer fit for purpose,” said Ms Stuart. “This will restore peace of mind to the community.”

The modular building has the capacity to provide 24/7 coverage, with secure parking and a first response car attached.

• Ample parking at the new centre

• Existing library site incorporated into the design

• Space for indoor sport

• Landscaping that reflects the surroundings

• Large hall space like Thirroul

• Sustainable and accessible features.

Features of Helensburgh in order of importance to the community:

• Helensburgh has beautiful bushland

• Helensburgh is a vibrant country village

• The proximity to the coast

• Passionate sporting community

• Our mining history.

Next steps

Council staff will prepare a report for councillors as part of the decision-making process.

NF1 members are concerned that the new centre will be smaller than the old one, parking will be limited and council is trying to push through quickly on one of 2508’s biggest projects.

Residents have told NF1 they want all four blocks of land used; they don’t want the current two library blocks to be sold. They want enough parking for the shopping area and the new centre.

Rather than parking entry & exit to Walker St via the roundabout at Lilyvale St and via Walker Lane, Council is talking about just Walker Lane – what happens when a semi-trailer is delivering to Coles?

To have your say, contact a Ward One councillor or email council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

Officers have been working out of the new station, starting and ending their shifts there, since the start of November.

Labor leaders celebrated the fulfilment of an election promise and the station’s timely delivery. Plans were announced in May 2024, construction began in June and the new building officially opened on November 18.

Rates on hold, local market performing well

By Ian Pepper of Ray White Helensburgh

Interest rates remained on hold after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting on Melbourne Cup Day, 5th November. Inflation has now dropped to with the target range between 2-3%, however, the RBA are wary of a number of factors, including the impact of government rebates on electricity acting as an artificial reduction in inflation, tight labour markets and overseas events.

On the balance of all these factors, they did not feel there was enough data to cut rates at this stage. The next meeting is early February 2025, so let’s hope for some better news then.

In the meantime, the local real estate market has actually been performing quite well as buyers acknowledge the next interest rate movement is down. Helensburgh is holding up well for houses while some units are struggling with strata issues. Stanwell Park and Otford are popular with Sydneysiders again, Coledale is in demand with a bunch of Eastern Suburb residents relocating and Austinmer/Thirroul is rebounding.

Thinking of selling? 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.

Ian Pepper 0403 570 041 | ian.pepper@raywhite.com

Josh Pepper 0437 790 052 | joshua.pepper@raywhite.com ianpepperraywhite @peppersrealestate

NIRAG/NF3 Report

By secretary Ross Dearden

NIRAG held its last quarterly meeting on November 13 and the minutes are available on the Flame’s website.

It’s been another busy year with a lot of community interaction assisting Wollongong Council in the interim role as Neighbourhood Forum 3, covering the suburbs from Woonona to Austinmer. In August we celebrated 40 years of continuous community representation, and donated four folios of records to the Local Studies Library.

NIRAG members have been active, sharing information about the engagement process, and responding to planning and draft strategy documents. We have had some success representing community concerns to Council about various Development Applications, and made submissions on the Anglicare Sandon Point Seniors Housing Concept, the State Planning Controls & Housing Policy, the Integrated Transport Strategy, and the Community Strategic Plan, while supporting active transport.

NIRAG continues to advocate for a footpath in Point St between the two O’Brien St intersections. This is vital before Geraghty St bridge is built as part of the Anglicare, Seniors Living Development, which will increase traffic considerably, by connecting to Wrexham Road, Thirroul.

NIRAG has supported the Old Bulli Community Group concerns aiming to improve Hospital Road parking for Bulli Hospital following redevelopment

and the sale of the old building site to Landcom. Little progress has been made.

We are following up changes to Private Certifiers notification requirements, McCauley Lodge redevelopment and associated emergency access/ evacuation concerns for developments relying on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in particular; and have seen Transport for NSW reverse its decision to ignore the Movement and Place planning and design process for Thirroul village.

At our meeting last month, we had two presentations; one from Council on the 10-year Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and one from John Buchelin of Electrify 2515. At the meeting we recognised there is a chance to enhance the green corridor by including Lot 303, the undeveloped flood prone 7 ha of land at Sandon Point between Hewitts Creek and the Sydney Water pumping station; State Government and Council are urged to find a way to keep this land as a nature reserve.

Throughout the year, each Monday morning the NIRAG/Hewitts Ck Bushcare group, led by Ian McKinlay, meet at the Hewitts Ck cycleway bridge to care for the site south of the creek, control noxious weeds and revegetate with endemic species. Members volunteered in February and September, as part of the Clean Up Australia and the Spring Rise and Shine campaigns.

Next meeting 12 Feb; nirag@bigpond.com

A great Grandparents Day

By Nina Sampson of Helensburgh Public School

Helensburgh Public School recently celebrated Grandparents Day with an overwhelming turn-out of grandparents and special people, filling the school grounds with joy and warmth. The sight of so many cherished family members gathered together truly highlighted the importance of these bonds in the students’ lives.

The event was nothing short of spectacular. Students delivered performances that were simply next level, showcasing their talents and making the day unforgettable for everyone in attendance. From heartfelt songs to lively dances, the students truly outdid themselves, leaving the audience in awe.

Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of our students, offering love, wisdom, and support. Their presence at the event was a beautiful reminder of

the strong connections that enrich the lives of our young learners. Here’s to celebrating the invaluable contributions of grandparents and special people in our school community!

SUP Packages

Splash out on Stand Up

Paddleboarding

Shellharbour’s Xmas sale! $899 (rrp $1649)

Contact

Supshellharbour@ bigpond.com

Donate to Need a Feed

$35 to feed 1 family for 1 week or $297 to feed 40 people in the Breakfast Buddies program needafeed.org/ donations

Boxed fresh picked fruit Shop ‘tree to table’ from awardwinning Darkes Glenbernie Orchard. Peaches now, cherries early December. Free home delivery over $50. Order online at darkes.com.au

Ian Gentle: The Found Line

‘Sculpture reached into every fibre of his being and informed everything about his life.’ – Anthony Bond OAM

Full colour book, $29. Published by Clifton School of Arts, artsclifton.org

Gift Guide

Looking for a little something special? Check out these great ideas for the festive season

Pilates Gift Voucher

Give the gift of Health + Wellness this Xmas with a Private Reformer session plus x 5 group classes!

Use at any studio location

Warilla | Fairy Meadow | Woonona $120 (valued at $240) www.pilateshaus.com.au 0432 163 589

Modapelle Leather Bags

100% genuine leather bags for ladies and men, featuring beautiful vintage and hand-painted styles. Designed for style and practicality, these high-quality bags are perfect for carrying sunglasses, prescription eyewear, and more. Give the gift of timeless elegance this Christmas! From just $34.95

See Side Optical Thirroul – 02 4268 3933 www.seesideopticalthirroul.com.au

Carols in MacCabe Park

Thursday 12 December 7 - 8.30pm

Wollongong CBD

Enjoy carols, roving entertainment, festive face painting, a visit from Santa and more!

Proudly presented by Wollongong City Council

Trumped Again

By Ben Wollen

I was out on a multi-day hike when the US election played out. It was glorious to hear nothing but bird song and cicadas. The stars at night were crazy bright. There were, however, a bunch of satellites that unfortunately brought to mind Elon Musk. As a child, it was exciting to see a satellite; now I worry it’s another environment we humans are fouling up. In the midst of that spectrum of stars, I envisioned a bunch of mini Musks floating around in orbit spreading their brand of craziness. I returned to discover he’s been appointed head of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) under a Trump administration – cronk!

Yes, this is another weird segue into architecture. Outside of my fears for the fate of Ukraine, I am concerned about ol’ Trump being back at the helm of the world’s largest economy. A trade war between the US and China is not an ideal situation for the Australian construction industry.

My main fear is that we might re-enter those awful inflation dragon/supply chain disruption times we had coming out of Covid. Obviously the American voting populace didn’t hear my clarion call for some more boring, predictable politics and therefore “trade as usual” economics!

So, in this article, instead of star gazing I’ll try some crystal ball gazing, and predict how Trump at the helm may impact our local construction industry. Big deep breath – here goes nothing!

Delayed interest rate cuts

How long do we have to wait for some relief! The first Monday night of the month I never sleep that well. Is it too much to ask the Reserve Bank for a rate cut? Well, any sort of uncertainty in the broader economy doesn’t help. A trade war

between our largest trading partners could be disastrous! I know the Reserve Bank has to consider all number of economic statistics (and politics shouldn’t be one) but I don’t like our chances of getting relief soon.

Increased material costs

Related to the above in that a trade war is not going to make any materials coming from China (i.e. almost everything man-made!) any cheaper. Furthermore: If Chinese exports are affected, other countries, including us, may face increased demand as alternative suppliers to the US, likely increasing local costs due to supply scarcity.

Reduced investment, economic uncertainty

Confidence may fall in construction investment. Uncertainty from a trade war can make investors wary, impacting the local construction sector. Businesses may delay new projects, which could reduce overall demand in the construction industry. Large infrastructure projects in Australia are often co-funded by foreign investors, including Chinese companies. Could Trump and his cronies lean on the Australian government to restrict foreign investment from China?

Inflation impact

If material costs increase, the cost of construction projects would increase, pushing up prices for real estate, which could lead back to point 1 – no interest rate relief or, even worse, a rate hike!

Look, I’m no economist and I hope my crystal ball gazing is as bad as my knowledge of economics. But with four years of Trump, there’s no doubt we’re in for an interesting spectacle. We’ll all just have to practise our stoicism.

Thirroul Probus turns 5

By publicity officer Yvonne Bryce

Five years ago a group of enthusiastic retirees headed by Mike and Gail Brennan started the Thirroul Probus Club. Our club began with 54 members and over five years has increased its membership to 133 people. We celebrated our 5th birthday with cake and a special certificate presented to our club by Linda Bunclark (president of Corrimal Rotary Club) at our last meeting. Our club has been built on friendship, a large variety of activities that cater for all interests and fun! We are lucky enough to have a very active

committee and group of people who organise these activities, which ensures our club keeps us all busy and enjoying retirement. Here’s to many more years of celebrating Thirroul Probus!

Pictured: John Harris, Thirroul Probus president, and Linda Bunclark, Corrimal Rotary Club president

Bowled over by community spirit

By Jamie Madden of Wombarra Bowlo

When the Scarborough Wombarra Bowling Club opened its doors in 1956, Australia was a different place. A post-war boom in leisure saw a wave of communityowned bowling clubs spring up across the country. These clubs became the heart of their local towns, offering good value, fostering social connections, and creating a sense of belonging.

As a UNSW report highlights, bowling clubs are under threat. In the decade to 2022, it found that 51 clubs had closed in Sydney, leaving only 128, with 96 still run independently. With every closure, communities lose vital facilities and meeting spaces that support local culture and camaraderie.

But the Scarborough Wombarra Bowling Club has proven resilient.

Incoming president Gary O’Sullivan says, “It’s been a journey of discovery as we’ve moved to include more live music, and a range of community events, like barefoot bowls and our upcoming markets.”

New manager Michael Heslin says, “As genuine places like this become rare on the coast, our top priority is to keep The Bowlo 100% original while improving the club to better serve our evolving community needs.”

Gary says, “It’s important to note that Bowlos are not run by a mega hospitality corporation.

“It’s only by the grace of the community that it has survived for nearly 70 years, and we warmly invite the community to join as members, try their hand at bowling, or host an event or our charity raffle. We look forward to growing together.”

Pictured, L to R: Bowlo bar manager Amelia Nott, general manager Michael Heslin, president Gary O’Sullivan. Visit bowlo.com.au

Frequent Visitor Award goes to Shark

By Duncan Leadbitter

This is the second of my 2024 reports on detections of tagged sharks by our listening station off Stanwell Park. Most detection notifications supply the date and location the shark was first tagged and the date and location of the previous detection to Stanwell Park so we get a good sense of where our visitors travel from and how long they have been around.

For the white sharks they were first tagged as far south as Merimbula north to Ballina and their last detection prior to Stanwell Park was almost as equally wide, being Sussex Inlet to Lennox Head.

Stanwell Park was visited by 26 different white sharks in 23/24, the vast majority only visited once. Shark #1901 visited 10 times between mid-July to mid-August 2023 and is the clear winner of our most frequent visitor award for 23/24. No white sharks detected in 23/24 were detected in 22/23.

This was not the case for the bull sharks. Shark #795 was not only well travelled – having been first tagged in the Whitsundays – but it visited Stanwell Park 7 times from early February to late March 2024. Unlike white shark #1901 which was not picked up by any other receiver prior to its regular visits to Stanwell Park, bullshark #795 seemed to be City commuter, being picked up off Manly, Bondi

and Maroubra prior to Stanwell Park. The other interesting thing about #795 is that it is the only shark that has visited twice in two years and gets our inaugural frequent, multi-year visitor award. White sharks were more commonly detected between 4am and noon, bullsharks between 8pm and midnight. Bullshark visit times were similar to last year, but this was not the case for the white sharks which were slightly more common in the afternoons than this year.

Watch Duncan’s snorkelling videos on his YouTube channel, ‘Illawarra Underwater’

Detections: Time of Day

Mental health: how parents can help

By Dr Nikita Robins of Bulli Medical Practice

Adolescents are increasingly struggling with poor mental health.

The two most frequently cited issues thought to have had a negative impact on youth mental health are: 1. the global pandemic and lockdowns, and 2. the digital age and the availability of smart phones and social media.

strategies to manage stress or distress. Examples might include: some form of body movement, listening to music, being creative, deep breathing or mindfulness, focusing on positive self-talk and things that are within your control, writing a gratitude journal.

If you, or your adolescent child, are struggling with mental health, you are not alone and there are things (and people) that can help.

Helping a teen with mental health issues  Open communication: check-in with how they’re feeling, listen to them without judgment, validate their experience and encourage them to keep talking. Some things can be resolved or eased by sharing and feeling understood. If your teen is not interested in speaking with you, encourage other supporters such as a GP, family friend or school counsellor.

Healthy coping skills: help them identify their emotions, encourage them to come up with

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

Supportive home environment: establish healthy daily routines with nutritious food and drink, regular physical activity and good sleep routines. Establish restrictions on screen time and social media use.

Take care of your own mental health: day-today and bigger picture world challenges are tough on everyone, and parenting can bring out our own emotional and psychological difficulties. Look after your own mental health to better equip yourself to help your teenager do the same.

Seek professional help and use available services: If you are concerned, consult with a GP or mental health professional. Provide your teen with crisis helpline numbers Lifeline: 13 11 14, Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636. (Note: both services also have online chat options).

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

What’s On

More events at theillawarraflame.com.au

South Coast Writers Centre

We Are The Stars author Gina Chick wowed a full house at 2024’s True Story festival. (Photo: Ironbark Photography.)

Feeling inspired? There’s more ahead:

5 Dec Screenwriting Program Info Night. Feb-Dec 2025 workshops with industry veteran Graham Thorburn, fortnightly on Thursday nights from 6:30pm at Coledale hall. Applications open soon.

7 Dec-2 March Submit poems for the 2025 SCWC Poetry Award responding to the theme ‘shapeshifter’. Judged by poet Judith Beveridge, winners published in SCWC’s 2025 Anthology, and run in association with Shape Shifters, Wollongong Art Gallery’s retrospective of Australian collage.

15 Dec Cut-off to apply for SCWC/Merrigong Playwrights Program in 2025. Group will meet monthly on Saturdays, Feb-Nov 2025, convened by playwright Tom Peach, ex-president of Stanwell Park Arts Theatre and a program alumnus.

15 Dec Cut-off to apply for the SCWC Emerging & Established Writers Group Retreat in Bundanon, 28 Apr-4 May 2025. Visit southcoastwriters.org

11 Jan Poetry Award workshop with 2024 winner Jen Saunders. Visit southcoastwriters.org

Soft Plastics Drop-offs

Still hoarding bread bags in your garage? Two years after the collapse of the REDcycle supermarket

Just the ticket

By Genevieve Swart

Want a gift to bring joy to your world? Merrigong Theatre Company has announced its biggest ever season for 2025 and artistic director Simon Hinton has a hot tip for Christmas shoppers: Love Stories.

“A season ticket makes a really great Christmas present,” Simon said, “but in terms of individual shows I think Love Stories, which is coming up in late Feb, is probably the most obvious Christmas present show, because it’s such a joyous production.”

Love Stories – an adaptation of Trent Dalton’s bestselling book – is the first of three “blockbuster” shows coming to IPAC for two-week runs next year. The others are the stage adaptation of Pip

scheme, relief is in sight. Four Illawarra councils will be accepting anything scrunchable at soft plastics recycling pop-ups. Must be clean, dry and empty. In Wollongong, drop-off dates are:

27 Dec 7.30am-12pm, Fred Finch Park, Berkeley

28 Dec 7.30am-12pm, Rex Jackson Oval, H’burgh

30 Dec 7.30am-12pm, Ziems Park, Corrimal Free Business Networking Event

11 Dec Guest speaker, Q&A and business card exchange. 5.30-7.30pm, ITeC Academy, Coniston, itecacademy.edu.au/business-connections-at-itec Kuradji 24th Anniversary

14 Dec 11am-5pm @Kuradji McCauleys Beach. Family event with smoking ceremony, music, BBQ. Helensburgh – Christmas Masses

24 & 25 Dec Our Parish warmly invites you, your family and friends, to join us celebrating the birth of Christ. Xmas Eve will begin with carols at 7pm, Mass at 7.30pm. Xmas Day Mass will be at 9am. Corey Legge at Coledale RSL

20 Dec Touring to launch new album Moment in the Sun, including a Coledale RSL gig with Caliko. Christmas Fun at Your Library

2 & 3 Dec Thirroul Library, 3:30-4:30pm. Christmas Crafternoons, drop in, ages 5+ 9 Dec Christmas Movie, 10:30am-12:15pm @ Helensburgh Library, bookings essential 10 Dec Santa Storytime, Thirroul, 10-10:45am 11 Dec H’burgh, 3:30-4:30pm, Xmas Crafternoon 20 Dec Santa Storytime, H’burgh, 10:30-11:15am

Catch up on most popular books of 2024 Librarians recommend these popular titles: Funny Story by Emily Henry (Romance); The Woman by Kristin Hannah (Historical Fiction), First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (Thriller, Mystery), House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas (Fantasy, Romance), The Voice Inside by John Farnham with Poppy Stockell (Biography).

Williams’ bestselling novel,The Dictionary of Lost Words, in May, and political drama Julia, with Justine Clarke starring as Australia’s first woman prime minister in September.

The mainstage program – which kicks off in February with Bangarra Dance Theatre’s The Light Inside – has 11 shows with wide appeal, from Bell Shakespeare's Henry 5 to Belvoir St Theatre's Scenes from the Climate Era. Children will be delighted by The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Ratburger (from the David Walliams novel) and the return of The Listies, “the rock stars of the kids comedy circuit”.

“It’s the biggest season we’ve ever had,” Simon said. “The whole team at Merrigong is really excited about the year ahead and already, since we launched, just the response to the season is giving us great confidence that theatre-going is alive and well in Wollongong.”

As the year draws to a close we’d like to thank our wonderful customers for their ongoing support through a challenging year. Christmas is fast approaching and we hope it’ll be a special one with family and friends.

For the month leading up to Christmas, we will be open Mon-Fri from 8.30am to 6pm, and Sat-Sun 8.30am to 5pm. To allow for a bit of early-bird child-free shopping and to enjoy a pre-Xmas drink with us, we will be open till 8pm on Thursday 12th December. Our thanks once again and wishing all of you a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Postcard from THE FUTURE

By Rewiring Australia’s Dr Saul Griffith

feature Cover

Many commentators are calling Donald Trump’s election a disaster for the climate, but I’m optimistic. In my experience hope swells from the ground up. And here on the other side of the world from the White House, we’re getting on with it. Through the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot, we’re testing a vision for how Australia – and the world – can transition to the smart, all-electric future.

Why Electrification?

I’ve spent over two decades working on energy technologies, and analysing energy data and global energy flows. The simple conclusion: electrification is the key to solving 80% of the world’s emissions which come from our energy systems.

This means shifting everything we do – from how we heat our homes, to the cars we drive, to how we cook, to our industries – from fossil fuels to electricity, which can be powered by renewable energy.

One in three Aussie homes now has rooftop solar. Because this electricity only has to move from your rooftop to your house, it’s the cheapest energy of any form that people have ever been able to buy. Capitalising on this rooftop miracle means using it to power everything in our lives that currently runs on fossil fuels.

The challenge we’re tackling with Electrify 2515 is not just about installing solar panels on rooftops. It’s about showing how electrification can make our whole grid smarter, more resilient, and more cost-effective. Too often, critics argue that solar energy will destabilise the grid – but our pilot will prove the opposite. By adding smarts to our electric appliances, vehicles, and battery storage in homes and on the local grid we can actually make the grid more reliable, more robust, and, ultimately, lower cost.

The Economic Case

One of the most exciting aspects of the Electrify 2515 project is that it’s not just about reducing emissions – it’s about reducing our household energy bills and improving our local economy. In the 2515 postcode alone, households spend around $38 million annually on petrol, gas, and electricity. That money just leaves the community on a one-way ticket — it doesn’t stay here to help local businesses, or create jobs.

But by transitioning to electrification, we can keep that money circulating in the local economy. When we install solar panels, buy electric vehicles,

Dr Saul Griffith addressed an audience of 600 people at the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot Launch at Anita’s Theatre on Sunday, November 10. Photos: Jeremy Park/Moore Lane Studio

and upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, we’ll pay local solar installers, electricians, and technicians. We’re talking about potentially 100 new local jobs related to the installation and servicing of the electrified systems we’re putting in place.

And as our own energy-generation increases, we’ll reduce our reliance on external sources of power. This means more money stays in the community. In fact, we estimate that in the long run, Electrify 2515 could save our community between $16 million and $20 million annually. This money will be reinvested in local businesses, stimulating the economy.

A New Kind of Environmentalism

For too long, environmental activism has been about shutting things down: shutting down coal plants, stopping oil drilling, protesting gas expansion. While these actions have their place, I believe it’s time for a new kind of environmentalism — one that’s about building things, creating solutions, and generating positive change that people see and feel in their lives.

Electrify 2515 is that kind of environmentalism. It’s about making smart decisions today that will benefit our children tomorrow. It’s about showing that we don’t have to wait for a leader, a government or a corporation to fix things. We can start right now, in our own neighbourhoods.

The Path Ahead

The path we’re on is not without challenges. The bureaucracies, regulations, and financial hurdles we’ve faced in getting funding for the pilot have

been significant. But every step forward has been worth it. As I look at the Electrify 2515 pilot, I see a microcosm of what’s possible when we take collective action and embrace a smarter, more sustainable future.

As I said in my presentation at the Electrify 2515 pilot launch at Anita’s Theatre, this is an experiment I’m running on my community. It’s nerve-racking, sure. But I believe we’re going to succeed. And if we can do it here, we can do it anywhere.

Volunteers at the pilot launch at Anita’s. Below, L to R: Kate Minter, Francis Vierboom and Kristen McDonald of Rewiring Australia. Photos: Jeremy Park/Moore Lane Studio

Community Pilot launched

Locals shared their thoughts after November 10’s Electrify 2515 event in Thirroul

Courtney Stancourt, builder

“What interested me most is probably about getting off gas. That's most relevant to our household. We'll definitely apply because we need to move away from gas. We're a bit of a gas-reliant household so we need to push to get the push to get off gas. We've got two gas heaters to chuck out. That's it. End of winter.”

Madeleine MacMahon, leadership and mindset coach

“The power of community is amazing and it gives me great hope to know that I'm with a community that's prepared to work together. And, secondly, it’s just a local contribution to the biggest crisis I think the world has ever faced together. It's just super to be a part of.”

Rowena Ivors, General Practitioner

“It's great to see after two years that it's all taking off, and that the whole community is behind it.

We're really excited that this is a pilot for the whole of Australia. It's about providing a model so that other communities can look at what we've done here in 2515 and see that it's manageable, that the grid's stable and that there's no blackouts, and see that we're saving money and helping the environment.”

Phil O’Brien, solar and energy efficiency specialist “One of the key things that I heard today, which was fantastic, was that individuals will be able to share power generated peer to peer. It is actually possible now, so it's just going to get easier and better. It was great to hear about the amount of cooperation that we're getting with the likes of Endeavor who are on for the ride. They're not judging or anything, they're participating.”

Martin Fox, filmmaker

“The community aspect of it and the energy that's coming from all of these people involved who feel they can participate in doing something about the change that we have to make.

“I'm already doing things [at home] but I do want to be part of a community doing it because I think we can share experiences and knowledge and make the transition even better. I've done the hot-water system, the cooktop, and I'm thinking about the next stages. I came along to find out about what's going on and, of course, I was in 2515.”

[He now lives in Woonona, 2516]

Photos from the Pilot Launch

600 people packed into Anita’s Theatre for Sunday, Nov 10’s community launch. Scan the QR to read more

Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes, shops the Electrify merch

Meet the Ops Manager

By Genevieve Swart

John Buchelin, pilot operations manager at Rewiring Australia

John Buchelin started out as an Electrify 2515 volunteer, letterboxing flyers on local streets with his daughter after soccer practice. Two years on, he’s the operations manager for the new community pilot, a partnership by non-profit Rewiring Australia, green lender Brighte and Endeavour Energy, with $5.4 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

It’s been a heady few weeks for Electrify 2515. First they welcomed Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen to Thirroul to announce their pilot, then came the Sunday afternoon community launch on November 10, when 600 people packed into Anita’s Theatre. Speaking the day after, John said the team was still on a high.

“We’ve had over 200 people apply already, which has been really positive,” he said.

“Out of the 200, we’ve already seen 10 say, ‘Yes, I’ll donate my subsidy.’ So we can spread the money around to households that need it the most.”

Electrify 2515’s Community Pilot is a triumph for the volunteers, who’ve put in years of unpaid advocacy, from night-time meetings to weekend events. Now, as their dream becomes reality, Rewiring Australia has set up offices in Thirroul and hired four staff members dedicated to the pilot.

Path to leadership

Over the next couple of years, John will oversee the pilot, gathering data from 500 homes to show the benefits of electrification and speed up the big switch for all 11 million Australian households.

Our new community leader is an Austinmer resident, a father of three young children whose previous career was in insurance.

John was born in Los Angeles, to Australian parents, and grew up in Lismore.

“My dad was a fitter and turner and that was a really sought-after job in the States at the time.

“I moved to Lismore when I was five.

“I never went to uni. I did a year of accounting at TAFE and then worked out I didn’t want to be an accountant.”

For a year in Brisbane, John worked as a sales rep. “My career took off when I joined Allianz Insurance in 2006. I always liked business, I liked innovation, doing new things. I ended up staying at Allianz for 18 years.”

John started in the call centre and worked his way up. “The last part of my career was in the sustainability team, so that was doing all of our carbon accounting and our net zero plans, like moving our fleet to EVs and using more renewable energy.”

Growing up in Lismore and working in insurance, John knew about climate change. He’d seen floods wash through friends’ yards and the financial fallout of extreme weather. Like many emerging climate advocates, he’d watched Al Gore’s The Inconvenient Truth, but in 2010 it was a book that really set him on the path to action.

“I read a book called This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein. It just put everything into perspective. Allianz was also very big on the climate change being a massive risk… Being a German company, the European Union was much more progressive, so we would often have to follow what the EU were doing. So I could see how one part of the world was going in one direction, and in Australia we just kept going round in circles.”

First steps to Electrify

In 2017, John, his wife, speech therapist Jessica Buchelin, and their six-month-old daughter moved from Sydney to Austinmer and fell in love with the region between the mountains and the sea.

A few years later, when they were looking to buy an EV, John met Electrify 2515 core team members Jeremy Park and Trent Jansen at the launch of Claire O’Rourke’s book, Together We Can, in Coledale. “We came up with the idea of just having a car park full of EVs with owners to chat about their experience. That turned out to be a really big event. Thirroul car park was just overflowing for about three hours.”

Three hundred people and 35 cars pulled into October 2022’s impromptu EV Open Day. The next year, they moved it to Club Thirroul, adding market stalls and speakers. In 2025, the team hopes to run a full Electric Expo.

John remembers 2022’s event as his first real foray into community engagement. “I ended up buying a second-hand EV – we’ve put 50,000ks on it in two years. I’ve worked out we’ve already saved about seven grand.

“It’s the original Hyundai Ioniq, so it’s a 2019 model. It was the smallest car I could get three car seats into. It can only do about 250ks on a single charge, but that’s all we need.”

His own home is powering through electrification, with a 5kW solar system, electric hot water, air-conditioning and stove, although plans to renovate and install a battery will have to wait “until the two-year-old sleeps a bit better”.

In July, he took on the job at Rewiring Australia.

“It was a bit of a risk to jump away from a large multinational corporation to a small little non-profit. But the team’s been excellent, the work’s been really enjoyable.”

His family is delighted. “I can now do more pick-ups and drop offs because I’m not commuting. The kids, especially the older two, are really supportive. Sophie is now eight, and then we’ve got a six-year-old and then a two-year-old.”

Let’s get this pilot started

As operations manager, John will run the pilot for Rewiring Australia, and his team are moving fast. The Monday after the Anita’s launch, the first free smart energy device was being installed, thanks to groundwork laid in an Electrify 2515 ‘expressions of interest’ survey back in 2022.

“From the original 1500 applications, we’d already recruited 10 homes to be part of the first round,” John said. “They’ve got batteries, solar, they’ve got everything – so there’s nothing more they can electrify.”

Only 500 of the postcode’s 4712 homes can take part in the pilot but, with volunteer Denise Aubourg spearheading a new Electrify Illawarra group, the local movement is growing and they’d like to arrange discounted ‘bulk buys’ for everyone.

John said Dr Saul Griffith’s speech at the Anita’s launch was a particularly proud moment.

“Saying what we’re doing is world leading – to hear that straight from Saul was amazing.

“He’s the one pushing us. He’s the one who sets the – as he called it last night – ‘the lighthouse project’ for the whole world to follow.

“He’s our lighthouse. He’s the one 20 metres out in the front going, ‘Come, come with me. This is where we’re heading.’ We’re very, very lucky to work with him.”

FAST FACTS

Electrify 2515 Community Pilot

WHY

Research pilot to prove electrification saves cash and carbon emissions

WHO

Renters and home owners in 2515 postcode, from Clifton to Thirroul

SELECTION PROCESS

500 participants chosen to reflect range of dwellings and demographics

FREE

Smart energy device to monitor energy use and switchboard upgrades if needed

SUBSIDIES FOR

Reverse-cycle air-conditioners, induction cooktops to replace gas, electric hot water systems to replace gas, home batteries

NO SUBSIDIES FOR Solar panels, EVs

FAIR SPREAD

Lower income, higher subsidies

YOUR CHOICE

Donate subsidy to support others

OUT OF POCKET?

$500 to $2500 per appliance, see calculator on website

WHEN

Pilot from Oct 2024-April 2027.

Stage 1: 60 homes, Dec 2024-April 2025

Stage 2: 440 homes, apply by March 30, starts Aug 2026

WHAT ELSE

Bulk buys tipped for those not in pilot

MORE INFO

www.electrify2515.org, book a phone chat, pop-up stalls at Coledale Markets and Thirroul Community Centre

Battle won!

By Ian Pepper of the Scarborough Boardriders

Scarborough Boardriders took out the 2024 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle South NSW Qualifier after an action-packed day at East Corrimal Beach on 2 November.

The local crew from Scarborough Boardriders was comprised of Mannix Squiers, Nic Squiers, Josh Pepper, Ashton Mekisic and Shyla Short.

Scarborough had multiple stand-out moments as they progressed through heats, but young gun Mannix scored the highest heat score of the day in the final, with an impressive 9.5 out of a possible 10, securing the win for the club. Special mention for Shyla for the Top Performing Junior Award.

Club president Christian De Clouett said he was stoked. “Our team is really strong at the moment and to just be able to take another win in Wollongong is so much fun.”

Elouera, Scarborough, Maroubra United, Cronulla Sharks, Sandon Point, Ulladulla, Werri and Culburra all have now qualified for the national final, which will be held on March 8-9, 2025 at Burleigh Heads, Qld.

Final Results: 1st - Scarborough Boardriders, 2nd - Sandon Point Boardriders, 3rd - Ulladulla Boardriders, 4th - Elouera Boardriders.

Last pointscore of the year was held at our home break Scarborough Beach on Sunday, November 3. It was a day of sunshine (eventually) and stoke. It was also a last chance to get scores that could land them on the end-of-year podium. In A Grade, Mannix and Josh are near the top of the rankings, but while Mannix took out the final in small,

windswept conditions, Josh only got one wave with Fin in 2nd and Rod close behind in 3rd.

Shyla posted another score in the excellent range 8.37 to win the Open Women with Talina 2nd & Macey less than a point behind in 3rd.

The heat of the day – with unbelievable surfing considering the conditions – was the U18s final.

The surfers were split into two groups with Finn O’Connor sticking to the southern bank, picking up fast right-hand grinders and hitting the lip with controlled whips, while Ashton sat on the northern bank and waited for the bombs that never came but surfed his heart out to finish 2nd. Flynn, Rhett and Will threw everything at it as well. Great heat to watch. And a quick shout-out to Johnny Mac making his intentions clear in the over 55s that he’s back with his grovel on, snaked the little inside runners to defeat Dave Kemp with Nick Mac 3rd.

‘Good one for the glovebox’

John Corker reviews Batty’s Bush Bible

This highly entertaining book is an essential resource for anyone who has dreamed of heading into the heartland deserts, or along the remote coastlines of Australia.

Hailing from Wollongong, David Batty shares his hardlearned experiences on how to travel ‘out bush’ in a simple, elegant style but with all necessities on board.

David created the award-winning TV series Bush Mechanics with Warlpiri elder Francis Jupurrurla Kelly in 2001. He has travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometres across

Australia, from southern Tasmania and the far south coast of NSW to Broome, Darwin, Alice Springs, and everywhere in between.

This book is full of highly valuable, practical tips and tricks for 4WD enthusiasts, covering everything from tyre pressures to rooftop tents.

It’s an easy and entertaining read, well-illustrated with lots of photos and great value – never mind all the free films (simply scan one of the many QR codes in the book to access those).

This is a great stocking stuffer and a good one for the glovebox on your next road trip!

Batty’s Bush Bible (HarperCollins, $34.99) was published on 30 October and is available at Collins in Thirroul.

Surf, sand and success

By Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club’s Christine McDonald

The patrol season is here, and the beach is alive with activity! As we head into summer and holiday season, please remember the golden rule: ‘no flags, no swim’. Staying safe in the water is paramount. Our Nippers program is making waves, boasting the largest group of budding lifesavers we’ve seen since before Covid. Sunday mornings are a hive of energy, as our Nippers take to the sand and surf to learn vital skills and build confidence. This program highlights the incredible community spirit and enthusiasm of both participants and supporters.

Club Corner

Read the full reports on the Flame’s website

Shed prepare for big move

Bob Pymm reports that Helensburgh Men’s Shed is still negotiating with Council for a permanent home but this will take a while. The challenge now is house cleaning and downsizing ahead of a temporary relocation to Darkes Forest. The Shed will open there in 2025, with more details and times to be announced. In the meantime, pop in, work on projects – even spring cleaning can be fun! Visit 199A Parkes St on Mondays or Tuesdays, 9am to 3pm, helensburghmensshed.org.au

Historical Society elects new committee Helensburgh and District Historical Society held its annual general meeting on 21 November by Zoom, Janet Lee reports. A new committee was elected for 2025: President Jim Powell, VicePresident Hal Crawford, Secretary Jan Lee, Treasurer Merilyn House, Public Officer & Project Officer Allan House, Committee members John Arney, Mary Steenson, Jenny Donohoe, Leonie McManus, Marsha Canning (Jnr). Thanks to former VP Dr Lorraine Jones for her contributions; we are looking forward to her new book about Otford. Meetings resume in February 2025.

A huge shout-out goes to the volunteers who make it all happen—whether it’s patrolling the beach, assisting in the water, flipping sausages at the BBQ, stocking the canteen, or managing behind-the-scenes logistics. Your dedication ensures the season is off to an amazing start.

On the competition front, our members have been making their mark at events up and down the coast. The Sydney Water Surf Series, a statewide event for juniors and seniors, saw outstanding results for the club. Congratulations to U13 Halle and Masters competitor Todd, who were crowned overall winners for their age groups across the four carnivals.

Additionally, our Nippers Halle, Max, and Nate have been selected to represent the Illawarra at the Interbranch Competition in Hawks Nest. We’re so proud of their achievements!

Meanwhile, our Boaties, The Fill Ins, recently competed at Mollymook and celebrated a small but satisfying victory – they didn’t come last!

Here’s to a fantastic summer season!

In November, Marion Cook reports, Keiraville CWA members spent a morning book covering at Keiraville Public School’s library. In December Keiraville CWA will visit Keiraville, Gwynneville and St Brigid’s primary schools to award citizenship awards. This year they’ve also had a council election day stall at Keiraville Public, and made school scrunchies for their P&C and boomerang bags for library bags. A recent outing took the CWA to Neutral Bay’s Nutcote, home of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie author May Gibbs.

Festive wishes to the community Fran Peppernell reports that Helensburgh Lions capped off the year with a wonderful Country Fair and picture perfect weather. All enjoyed the local school’s beautiful singing and terrific dancers.

Keiraville CWA covers school books

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Port Kembla Tidal Chart

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4 WE 0414 0.56 1051 1.76 1747 0.31 2345 1.17

5 TH 0459 0.59 1135 1.73 1835 0.32

6 FR 0035 1.16 0549 0.61 1222 1.69 1926 0.33

7 SA 0130 1.17 0646 0.64 1314 1.64 2018 0.34

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9 MO 0329 1.28 0902 0.64 1515 1.50 2203 0.34

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December 2024

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18 WE 0430 0.53 1105 1.85 1802 0.25

25 WE 0500 1.36 1120 0.71 1656 1.16 2302 0.55

19 TH 0001 1.19 0517 0.58 1149 1.75 1846 0.32

20 FR 0049

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28 SA 0029 0.56 0714 1.60 1405 0.47 1946 1.15

29 SU 0110 0.55 0753 1.67 1446 0.39 2032 1.17

30 MO 0151 0.54 0833 1.74 1527 0.32 2115 1.19

15 SU 0206 0.42 0844 1.92 1537 0.17 2131 1.26 SU 1400 1.40

31 TU 0233 0.52 0915 1.80 1607 0.27 2158 1.21

11 WE 0521 1.51 1133 0.52 1730 1.39 2342 0.35

12 TH 0613 1.64 1244 0.42 1835 1.34 13 FR 0030 0.37 0704 1.76 1346 0.31

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

© 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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Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club

Golf news

Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports The final event of the HSSGC year, The Presidents Cup, will be held on December 8th. The 2 Person Ambrose tees off at 9am, and following in the afternoon our annual end-of-year presentation day luncheon at Red Nectar to be reminded of those missed putts, hooked and sliced drives as well as honour the champions of the HSSGC in 2024.

Our last event in November was won by Mark Hardick, who took away Christian’s Premium Meats voucher and was awarded the Norm and Brenda Bell Plate, with a score of 39 stableford points. The closeness of the completion saw his win on a count-back from Jack Latham and Justin Mealing, who also both scored 39. On course Mark O’Connor took the “Eagles Nest” after coming within a putter’s length of the flag on the 7th. Other winners were Peter Gardener, Jack, Brett Palmer, Chris Pike, Josh Riley and Frank Zuccala.

Thanks to the BBQ guys on the day and to our sponsors, Christian’s Premium Meats and the Helensburgh Golf Range.

This year began at Hurstville, with journeys to Campbelltown and finally a return to Boomerang golf course to enjoy a game of golf, the great outdoors and good company.

2025 will be witness to a full year of golf at Boomerang, the date in January to be posted in our next report along with December results.

Contact Tony, 0418 863 100, for more details and register your attendance and cart requirements on the Tuesday ahead of the date of our next event.

Indy signing off: Best wishes for the festive season, keep safe and well. See you here in 2025 in the fabulous Illawarra Flame.

Santa played a round of golf on Christmas day to relax and hit a birdie. It was a partridge on a par 3.

Tradies Social Golf

Barry Thompson reports Treasurer Rod Vaughn was devastated, two games in the one month meant extra prizes. Cheer up, Rod, I’m sure that Shane Wilson (62), who won the Nov 2nd round, and Mick (the merciless) Carroll (40), victor on Nov 16th appreciated your largess.

The Nov 2nd tournament was the third round of the Club Championships, the results to decide those who mount the podium at our December 7th presentation night at Tradies.

Geoff Hammonds and Iain Birss , 62 and 63, took silver and bronze and Iain becomes our Match Play Champion with a 3&2 win over Dave Tipping.

The next event was the prestigious Uptown v Downtown Shield. As opposing captains Preso Terry and I shared a cart. He was a real gent and this tactical change in character affected my game and I crashed.

Our team prevailed, and the mighty Struggle Towners lifted the Shield! My humble, but inspiring acceptance speech was ended after one minute by a chorus of “ENOUGH!” led by Jack Hardacre. The demand was especially raucous from the direction of Terry’s cohort. So much for Mr Nice Guy.

Our thanks to our sponsors, Tradies, Helensburgh Butchery, Gallardo’s Pizzeria and Helensburgh Driving Range. Thanks too, to our committee for another successful season, they get better every year.

Our next outing is on Sat, 14th Dec at Boomerang, tee off at 7am. This is our charity fun day and loud shirts are expected.

Merry Christmas to all and see you next year.

Friendly, desexed, vaccinated & registered. For more details, email ccarpetrehoming @tpg.com.au Country Companion Animal Rescue