The Bugle 1 November 2014
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa
Councillors come out in support of keeping Hospital land Two Kiama Councillors, Neil Reilly and Andrew Sloan, delighted a public meeting, held on Tuesday night to protest the sell-off of 20 per cent of the Hospital site as residential blocks, by saying they would vote against the proposal. The sale of the land has been proposed by Council to help fund the redevelopment of the Hospital into a Centre of Excellence for Aged Care. “The passion and reason of the arguments put here tonight are hard to ignore,” said Councillor Sloan. Going further, Councillor Reilly told the 150 strong attendees at the meeting, “I don’t want the hospital beds to go (to Port Kembla), and I don’t want the land to be sold.” They also confirmed that Illawarra Health has informed the Council that
it isn’t going to rehabilitate the site, which is contaminated with asbestos fill, prior to sale. Appeals are being made to the State Government against this decision, as it is contrary to normal practice in such a situation and would add substantially to the costs of acquiring the land. Speakers at the meeting emphasised the importance of retaining public land for future use, the relatively small amount of money the sale of the blocks would release to help fund the $58 million project (around $1.2-$1.5million), problems with traffic congestion, the importance of open space in an aged care setting and the need to have their voices heard. “Spending time in this open space could become a simple pleasure for many of
Rose Show Report p3
Big opportunity for young songwriter p3
Councillor Reilly talks to ladies from the Hospital Auxiliary after the meeting.
us in our old age,” said Sarah Marlin, one of the founders of KRASH (Kiama Residents Against the Selloff of Hospital land). “We reject the argument that the money is necessary to fund the development. It is a short
sighted decision to sell off this land.” Many were concerned about the Hospital’s existing 20 beds being moved to Port Kembla, although the councillors both said that this was something that was
decided by the area health service before the Council was offered the land. A petition is being circulated to ask Council to reconsider its plan to sell off the land for a residential sub-division.
End of an era for retailing family
Trevor Fredricks and Carmel Goldsmith, with their youngest child, Cam
Inside this issue
Trevor Fredericks and his wife Carmel have sold their IGA business, operating in Jamberoo and Kiama Downs, to the owners of IGA Thirroul. The new owners will take over on the 18th of November, ending the Fredericks family’s 90 years in retail. Fredericks IGA is a third generation family business which has been run by Trevor and Carmel for the last 23 years. Trevor’s grandfather started the business in 1924. Trevor purchased the business from his parents and uncle, Alwyn, Merle and Eric, who had worked together for almost 70 years. “We’ve had a wonderful time working the businesses and serving our community,” said Trevor. “Of course there is a little sadness, but we can't keep up this pace forever. This is the right time for us to step
down, for our family and for the business.” Fredericks became one of the first IGAs in the state in the early 2000’s after the Jamberoo store was refurbished. Moving to the IGA banner was a turning point for the business. The Kiama Downs store was opened in 2009 and Jamberoo was reopened in April this year, after it burnt to the ground a week before Christmas 2012. That building will still remain in the Fredericks family. “Having the team from IGA Thirroul taking over is going to be the best thing for our businesses,” Trevor said. “They are as local as you’ll find and they have a proven track record with their business and the community of Thirroul, and they have committed to employ all our staff.” David Hoade is one of the faces of IGA Thirroul
and is looking forward to coming to Jamberoo and Kiama Downs. He has plans for the fresh food, grocery range and a few technology changes but otherwise it will be business as usual. “We want the transition to be as seamless as possible,” said David. “Christmas is on the horizon and our focus is the best service possible for our customers.” “I’d really like to thank the communities of Jamberoo and Kiama Downs for their support,” said Trevor. “I’d also like to thank the hundreds of dedicated staff members we’ve had working with our team over the years. They’ve been the face of our business since 1924 and will continue to be so.” Trevor and Carmel intend to stay living in the area, slow down a little and learn to live before thinking about work again.
What Woolies has in store p 4
Class of 2004 reunion p 6
New Kiama cookbook p4