The Bugle Newspaper 10 August 2024 by The Bugle Newspaper

KISS ARTS Festival loses 40% of budget

Internation al Seaside Arts Festival (KISS) has lost 40 percent of its funding due to Kiama being named a major city in 2024. KISS Arts Festival is an annual free family friendly festival that celebrates circus, comedy and art and has been held in Kiama for 12 consecutive years. The festival previously relied on almost half of their budget from Regional Arts funding, but since Kiama is no longer considered ‘regional’ they are going to have to ﬁgure out other ways to continue. In a video released via the

KISS Facebook page, event organisers Tamara Campbell and Dave Evans revealed, “We need to raise an extra $20,000 for the festival and this has happened because Kiama, with its one traﬃc light, has been declared a major city which means we’ve lost access to all of our regional funding.”

The labelling of Kiama as a ‘major city’ is very strange as Kiama doesn’t feature the regular elements of a major city such as Wollongong. Campbell says this strange decision could negatively aﬀect the arts culture in Kiama as a whole.

“In terms of regional funding eligibility from Festivals Australia, the reason that we were previously classiﬁed as regional is because we are a country town, we don't have the population that major cities do, we have minimal public transport links, minimal infrastructure and facilities and as such, it was deemed important to support artistic activities in country Australia. None of those things have changed,” says Campbell.

However, MP for Kiama Gareth Ward isn’t convinced that the labelling of Kiama as a ‘major city’ is the main problem. He says that it is all the Labor party’s doing.

“Whilst the Federal Gov-

ernment have recategorized Kiama as a major city for GST purposes, which is rather odd, this has nothing to do with the NSW Labor Government’s savage cuts to regional arts programs,” says Ward.

Ward cites his previous ability to be able to secure regional arts grants from the coalition government as a prime indicator of the Labor government’s priorities.

“As the local MP, I was able to secure several grants for the KISS Arts Festival and many other local Kiama arts and cultural festivals from the former Coalition Government. However, the current NSW Labor Government sees NSW as simply Newcas-

tle, Sydney and Wollongong; regional NSW just isn’t on Labor’s radar,” says Ward. It remains that Evans and Campbell need funding and they have tried to ﬁnd other pathways by applying for grants and funding applications themselves and have been unsuccessful due to a big increase in applicants as well as their own lack of experience with the process.

“Funding applications are getting more and more competitive. COVID-19, bushfires, floods and now, major festivals folding has all had a devastating effect on the arts industry.

As a result, more and more companies are looking to acquire funding to stay aﬂoat.

Numbers of applicants have increased considerably at the same time as less funding is available,” says Campbell.

“Funding is achieved by creating a rapport with these organisations which is not done overnight. They need to become familiar with your work and we need to learn to tailor our oﬀering to exactly what the funding round is for,” says Campbell.

Campbell and Evans have now been forced to turn to the Kiama community for their help in getting the $20,000 of funds needed for the festival.

“It wasn't a decision that we took lightly as we want KISS to always be a free festival. However, to take such massive

The annu al Kiama

Tamara Campbell "Kiki" engaging with audience at the KISS caberet show 2023 and performers entertaining the crowds at Black Beach

steps backwards after making such solid steps forward for the last 12 years didn't seem like the right thing to do either. We are asking those in the community who have attended the festival in the past to pay it forward for those members of our community who can't necessarily aﬀord to do it themselves. This is a one-oﬀ scenario and we are already looking into new funding and sponsorship options moving forward,” says Campbell.

In the video on the KISS Facebook page, Evans breaks it down that if 200 families donated $100 each then they would make their $20,000 target. And Campbell breaks this down even further by saying, “If you divide that $100 over the 12 years of KISS that works out to be only $8 a year to be at KISS.”

Evans and Campbell are very passionate about the KISS Arts Festival and believe that these events are an integral part of a small community like Kiama, and they would hate to see it taken away.

“Children who get access to the arts grow up to be well rounded creative thinkers. Adults who get access to the arts are able to laugh, cry, dance, sing, open up to each other and build community. Families that are exposed to the arts are able to enjoy all of the above together,” says Campbell.

“Each year we build on the previous year and each year we are approached by our community with new ways to be involved. Our desire to produce accessible, family friendly events and Kiama's creative spirit drives us to produce KISS each year.”

If you would like to support live performance and the arts in Kiama, you can donate to ensure that KISS gets another year on their GOFUND me page.

LLeyton Hughes

Locals will be the administrator at council elections

We have seen three censure motions against councillors – one for abuse by Councillor Mark Croxford – with Karen Renkema-Lang defeating her politically motivated censure. Neither The Bugle nor the public knows the name or charge against the third councillor.

Councillors Karen Renkema-Lang, Kathy Rice and Jodi Keast, were referred by Council to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. They have denied any wrongdoing. The three women fought against the council’s groupthink and for that, they were punished. Turn clocks back 100 years.

As CEO Jane Stroud said, “I hold speciﬁc concerns and worry about the worsening functionality of the council, when in uncertain times and unchartered territory, what is really required is cohesive and collective eﬀort to correct the course of the organisation.”

Bravo. It was a shame she

sided with the blokes (except Matt Brown who abstained), and in a classic case of shooting the messenger at the 16 July council meeting, the council referred The Bugle to the Australian Press Council.

The Bugle is guilty of reporting the Bonaira ﬁasco, draft after draft of Council’s corrected accounts, the pros and cons of ocean wind farms, reporting the dodgy Loves Bay development, Council’s lack of parking policy and much more.

Let us compare the recent tactics of Clr Mark Andrew Croxford with those of Senator Joseph McCarthy, a little-known junior senator from Wisconsin until 1950. McCarthy claimed the US Department of State was riddled with communists as the Cold War raged. Using the same tactics, Clr Croxford has conducted his own witch hunt for the name of the owner of The Bugle. He created a context of mounting fear and paranoia in the council exec-

utive demanding – as if this was in the public interest – to know if property developers had inveigled their way into The Bugle.

In fact, Council already knew the owner had bought the newspaper more than a year before. The owner is a businesswoman writer, not a property developer.

This did not stop Clr Croxford. Are or have you ever been associated with property developers?

His comments on the Council ﬂoor on 16 July, contained the imputation that the owner takes ‘cash for comments’ from developers. This contemptible suggestion goes to the very heart of integrity and reputation. It is libellous and motivated by malice.

Clr Croxford has not oﬀered one scintilla of evidence to support his claims. Not then, not now.

The owner of The Bugle has a legitimate right to privacy. That’s why we have the Privacy Act. This sort of bullying

does not go over well with women.

Is this the sort of person you want on the council?

To compound the libel, Clr Croxford published a series of Facebook posts which held The Bugle, its owner and staﬀ, up to ridicule and contempt by fair-minded readers.

He accused Lynne Strong’s opinion article in The Bugle, "Is Our Council Structure Fit for Purpose?" of being an example of psychological propaganda used in war. Really? I mean, really?

Ms Strong was the 2017 Australia Day Ambassador and an Australian of the Year nominee. Her awards and credentials are compelling.

Further, at the same Council meeting, with his mind on the September council elections, Clr Croxford asked the CEO a raft of politically motivated questions about who was to blame for the Blue Haven Bonaira ﬁasco.

He is ﬁghting for transparency and accountability. He

won’t stop until someone is burnt at the stake.

Two can play the fear game and you will ﬁnd this fact grounded in the council’s Long Term Financial Plan 2024-2025 to 2033-2034. In scenario two, which the council downplays, there is the option of a special rate variation of 10 percent in 2026-2027 on top of the normal rate peg. That’s a rate fee of around 14 percent.

Let me give Clr Croxford a hand because this council has swum from the Titanic to the Marie Celeste and is spent.

In a conﬁdential council report of the Director of Finance (21 November 2017), it included the risk proﬁle of building Bonaira.

It shows all three tenders were high risk (in red) and the companies seeking to throw risk back on to the Council. What did the successful Tier 1 builder of Bonaira do in the ﬁnal stages of the tender to win it?

Apparently, according to the document, a meeting was held with council and the awarded contractor on 7 December 2017 and, “all high risk items raised by Council have since been resolved.”

A Council spokesperson said it had, “looked into this and there’s not anything further we can supply, except the information you’ve already sourced that is on the public record.”

The builder of Blue Haven Bonaira is now facing legal action by the council. Join the queue.

The Kiama Council quoted Thomas Jeﬀerson in its 2023 mid-year review who said, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.”

On the 14 September council elections, be the Administrator and elect the government you deserve.

Opinion by Malcolm King

The Blind Leading the Blind, Peter Bruegel the Elder

Bombo quarry highly complex long term vision revealed

Over the last two weeks, representatives of the Bombo Quarry precinct have held community information sessions to seek feedback from the community on their plans for the long term vision for Bombo Quarry.

The owners of the site are Boral, the NSW Government Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) and Cleary Brothers.

On Wednesday evening, Boral, TAHE and their consultant team held an online webinar to run through the draft vision for the site. The public were told that the current plan is a draft, and Urbis (the strategic planning and community engagement consultant) will seek to collate feedback to inform a ﬁnal draft masterplan.

Urbis said that the current draft is ‘one possibility’ and ‘indicative’ and that there could be a vastly diﬀerent plan that is progressed and ﬁnalised.

The public were told that the draft masterplan will inform a rezoning application which will be assessed concurrently with a State Signiﬁcant Development

Application for the extensive remediation that is required, before parts of the site can take place.

The council will assess the rezoning application and the Planning Minister and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP will determine the application for remediation and ﬁll.

The current plan projects approximately 2,000 homes varying from large lots to apartments.

There is no commercial or industrial land planned at this stage, despite previous ideas and suggestions from the public that this is the best location in the area for this type of use. Instead, the draft plan has a town centre to provide retail and commercial space like the existing Kiama town centre.

There are currently four road access points planned, three in the eastern side from Princes Highway at Quarryman Road, Riversdale Drive/ Panama Street and Hutchison Street. There would be a single access point in the western portion of the site at Riversdale Road.

Sources within the NSW

Government but not authorised to speak publicly have said that the quarry may remain operational for several years as the materials that are being extracted are vital for infrastructure projects across the State.

Irrespective of when quarrying ends, TAHE and Boral both said that the project is a ‘long term opportunity’ that is ‘highly complex’, on a site that has ‘signiﬁcant constraints’. The presenters noted that achieving the required approvals in 2025 was ‘very ambitious’ and following that, the remediation period would take in the order of 5 to 7 years at a minimum.

Whilst TAHE could not make any commitment on an exact date for the delivery of housing, it seemed highly unlikely that homes would be delivered this decade.

A summary of the questions and the responses from the Bombo Quarry team are below:

Q: How do you deﬁne aﬀordable housing and how much will there be?

The State Government has committed to 30% aﬀordable housing on its development

sites – does that include Bombo Quarry?

A: TAHE could not confirm or commit to an affordable housing quantum and said they do not have a definition of affordable housing that they are currently applying. They said the Government has a target of 30% affordable housing across all of the development sites and the exact quantum is determined on a site-by-site basis. They are still considering how much affordable housing is appropriate and financially possible.

Q: Will there be social housing?

A: Yes. Social housing is ‘absolutely an opportunity’ for Minister Jackson and Homes NSW.

Q: How much ﬁll will be required for the remediation? Where will it come from? How long will this take? Will there need to be a period of settling to ensure that buildings do not sink?

A: There will need to be approximately 1.5 to 2 million cubic metres of ﬁll to make the site ready

for the development. The site will not be brought up to the natural ground level, it will sit lower than the original natural ground level.

The source of the fill is yet to be identified and fill can only commence once approvals have been issued by the Planning Minister.

Yes, there will need to be a period of settling, particularly where fill is at significant depths. This period of time has not been identified as it will depend on the contents of the masterplan which is still under consideration.

Hayley Sedgwick

WARD IMPLORES NSW PREMIER TO REVERSE REGIONALTRANSPORT CUTS

At a legislative meeting on 7 August Kiama MP Gareth Ward exposed enormous cuts, by Transport NSW, to regional transport in NSW.

During question time at the meeting Ward asked the NSW Premier to reverse these cuts which will see bus fares on the south coast rise immensely.

“I have uncovered documents which conﬁrm the cuts which have also been conﬁrmed by the regional bus operator, Premier Transport Group. No consultation was undertaken with the operator or the public prior to the cuts,” said Mr Ward.

“This cut will mean that pensioners and concession card holders will see a return-fare from Bomaderry to Eden rise from just $5 to a whopping $130. Closer to home, these cuts will mean that a return concession fare from Bomaderry to

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Batemans Bay will rise from $5 to $64,” said Ward. Ward pleaded with the Premier to reverse these cuts as they will make the bus service unaﬀordable for pensioners and concession card holders.

“This government is smashing south coast residents by cutting transport subsidies to our only form of interconnected public transport along the south-east. This service is used by pensioners, workers, students and tourists and these cuts will make this service unaﬀordable and may result in it disappearing altogether,” said Mr Ward. “I’m pleading with the NSW Labor Government, please reverse your cuts,” Mr Ward concluded.

LLeyton Hughes

Turbulent Opposition: Anti-Wind Farm Rally

"This Will Not Blow Over” read one of the makeshift placards at an anti-wind farm rally over the weekend. And so it is proving to be. Some 400 diehard opponents gathered in cold, windy conditions to hear a string of high proﬁle speakers, including former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, outspoken free speech advocate and former Liberal Party member Craig Kelly, Shadow Minister for Climate Change Ted O’Brien, Shellharbour Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh, contender for Wollongong Mayor at the upcoming elections Councillor John Dorahy and Liberal contender for the Federal seat of Gilmour Andrew Constance.

In his typically robust manner Barnaby Joyce managed to attract controversy over his language and blunt derision of wind farms, saying it was all about billionaires turning themselves into multi-billionaires. “Get rid of the wind turds,” he told the crowd.

“The reason I’m down here is because I’ve been ﬁghting these swindle factories. When you get to the top of Bulli Pass, you’ll look down and see all the wind turds… Look at them all just rotting out there in the salt water.”

“Barnaby goes Berko” screamed the front page of the Illawarra Mercury

the next day, while ABC RN Breakfast posed the question about his language to Sussan Ley, Deputy leader of the Liberal party, on radio. This included Barnaby using the phrases “the bullet you have is that little piece of paper and it goes in the magazine called the voting box and it’s coming up. Get ready to load that magazine…go - goodbye Chris … goodbye Albo.” Ley declared “it’s not language I would have used but Barnaby as we know does use colourful language… when it comes to promoting social cohesion everyone in their language and words should be lifting the debate to what brings people together not what pushes people apart .”

Behind the scenes Barnaby’s former political staﬀer and now wife Vikki Campion expressed a kind of aﬀection-

ate frustration at his use of crude language. “I told him not to,” she told The Bugle.

In an interview Barnaby told The Bugle: “It’s very important for the whole nation that we understand this is a swindle. We are being ripped oﬀ. These are not farms, these are factories. They are not renewable. They will be landﬁll. They are just going to put a dog turd in your ocean and just leave it there. The only thing you have to understand, just turn up in Canberra. Get numbers. Create a ruckus. Fight for change.”

The Federal government oﬃcially declared the Illawarra Oﬀshore Wind Zone

in February of last year, with the government’s so-called community consultations igniting signiﬁcant protest up and down the South Coast. Protestors have claimed they were never properly consulted, the community information sessions held between September and October last year were pro forma only and the government ignored not just the community protest meetings that were held, but the thousands of hostile submissions from concerned residents. The controversy continues with the establishment of a Senate Inquiry into the wind farm consultation process in

the Illawarra led by Nationals Senator Ross Cardell.

In June, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen visited the Illawarra and declared an amendment to the Illawarra Oﬀshore Wind Zone so that wind turbines will now be located 20 kilometres oﬀ the coast and encompass a reduced 1022 square kilometres. He claimed the decision followed “extensive community consultation with local leaders, industry, unions, First Nations people, community groups and individuals”.

Barnaby Joyce tops a string of Opposition leaders to visit the Illawarra over the last two months, including head of the Nationals David Littleproud, Opposition leader Peter Dutton and Deputy Opposition leader Sussan Ley.

Other speakers to address the rally included former Wollongong Deputy Mayor John Dorahy who said: “I am dead set against wind turbine farms oﬀ our coast. Greater Wollongong is the most beautiful place to live, work and play, our mountains are majestic, our beaches pristine.

We won’t be muzzled. We have to stand up and say to any of the local Labor politicians we do not agree with their position.”

Councillor Dorahy said the

“wall of turbines” would be seen from Kiama to Cronulla. “The cost will be horriﬁc,” he said. “The cost to build, install, maintain, replace and ultimately remove them, it is costly, it is complex and that cost will come down to you.”

Shellharbour Deputy Mayor Kelli Marsh said: “This has stirred much anger in the community. The environmental impact of oﬀshore wind farms cannot be overstated. We cannot imagine the impact on our delicate ecosystems.”

Federal Opposition Climate Change Minister Ted O’Brien told the crowd that to the Labor Party the residents of the Illawarra were just “guinea pigs" they were prepared to steamroll to achieve climate targets.

“To the Coalition you are a community which deserves respect,” he said. “You are the frontline. Australia is being taken in the wrong direction. The days of cheaper electricity are gone under this government. You were ‘consulted’ under a broken community engagement system. This is a reckless indiﬀerence being shown to the local community. Under a Coalition government this project will not proceed.”

John Stapleton

Should the mayor be directly elected Results from the Bugle-KCR Debate

On 31 July, The Bugle and Kiama Community Radio hosted a debate on whether Kiama voters want to switch from a councillor-elected to a directly elected mayor. The referendum on this issue will be held on 14 September.

Currently, the councillor-elected mayor serves a two-year term, while a directly elected mayor would serve a four-year term.

About 70 locals gathered at the Kiama Leagues Club on Wednesday night to hear both sides. The debaters included former Kiama mayors Brian Petschler, Neville Fredericks, and Sandra McCarthy; current councillors Stuart Larkins, Matt Brown, and Karen Renkema-Lang; local businessman Michael Cains; and directly elected Mayor of Shellharbour Chris Homer.

Arguments For a directly elected mayor:

1.Enhanced democracy: Direct elections empower the community, making the mayor accountable to all voters, not just the councillors.

2.Stability and accountability: A directly elected mayor would provide more consistent leadership, avoiding frequent changes that can hinder long-term planning and progress.

3.Broader electorate participation: The mayor would be chosen by the entire

community, ensuring broader representation.

4.Successful precedents:

lation: A directly elected mayor would minimise backroom deals and political manoeu-

Other councils, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, and Bega, have successfully adopted this model. Even smaller councils like Uralla, Bellingen, and Dungog have directly elected mayors.

5.Transparency and engagement: Voters can scrutinies candidates’ backgrounds and engage with them before elections, ensuring informed decisions.

6.Reduced political manipu-

vring that can occur with councillor-elected mayors.

7.Cost eﬃciency: The additional cost for direct elections is minimal, about $1.20 per voter every four years.

8.Ministerial oversight: The Local Government Minister can remove an ineﬀective mayor, ensuring accountability.

Arguments Against:

1.Current system eﬃciency: The current system is eﬀective, with no compelling

reason to change.

2.Potential risks: A directly elected mayor without majority support from councillors could become a "paper tiger," getting little done and lead to dysfunction.

3.Unnecessary change: The change primarily aﬀects the term length without substantial beneﬁts.

4.Financial concerns: The cost of changing the system could outweigh the beneﬁts.

5.Historical stability: Kiama's mayors have consistently served full terms under the current system.

6.Team approach: The current system encourages a collaborative approach, utilising the strengths of all councillors.

7.Avoiding Americanisation: The existing system aligns with Federal and State protocols, focusing on ideas and policies over popularity.

Debate Outcome: At the end of the debate, including the Q&A session, attendees voted in favour of a directly elected mayor: 54.2 percent For and 45.8 percent against. Some attendees abstained from voting. However, this small sample size means the actual referendum result on 14 September could go either way.

Donna Portland

Substance Lacking THE VIEW

We are now just ﬁve weeks away from local government elections on 14 September and one thing is for certain – there will be a signiﬁcant amount of change from this set of Councillors to the next.

With three conﬁrmed Councillors showing themselves the exit door, and rumours of at least a fourth – change is in the air and The Bugle welcomes this with open arms. There is only one more formal Council meeting before this scandal-plagued administration enters caretaker mode and the down and dirty of campaigning begins.

It looks to have already started with a broad missive from Councillor Renkema-Lang and some not so veiled swipes at her fellow Councillors and ultimately the whole Council regarding an overarching lack of genuine achievement over the last three years. It looks as though picking up the pieces and making lemonade out of some pretty average lemons will be the job of a new set of Councillors come October 2024.

Councillor Renkema-Lang does not speak on behalf of the entire organisation – Council’s oft-referenced and inconsistently applied media policy makes that ‘clear’ – but she has ultimately voiced what everyone is thinking; what have they achieved in the last three years?

The incumbent Labor Councillors Larkins and Draisma are seeking re-election on a platform of ensuring ‘local government in Kiama remains independent’ and that ‘local decision-making stays in local hands and that our Council remains a non-amalgamated entity’.

So, the platform is: “We think there should be a Council, and we think we should be the Councillors, so vote us back in? With multiple sections of the community calling for Administration of this Council – the antithesis of what these two councillors are saying – The Bugle is not sure that this is the wisest of campaign platforms.

The State Government has not proposed any form of Council amalgamations as part of their local government policy. In fact, quite the opposite, they are more concerned with how to deal with councils wanting to de-merger.

One would think that the last thing any of our brethren in the region would be striving towards is absorbing our structural deﬁcit and being a part of the future economic and ﬁnancial pain that Council (and ratepayers) are surely going to face over the coming years.

Which begs the question, what is Kiama Labor 2024 actually about? At least newcomer Lucy Abood has a tangible idea on what matters to her in a pitch to win a seat at the table:

"As a mother of two young children, ensuring we have quality early childhood education,

aﬀordable housing options, and a liveable environment for families is extremely important to me. I will be a strong voice advocating for these issues and more if elected to council."

Housing is the primary State and National platforms for the Labor party, but it has barely rated a mention from these two Labor councillors. Whilst their colleagues and professional bosses (Councillor Draisma works for NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully and Councillor Larkins works from Fiona Phillips MP) are trying to address the housing crisis and pulling every lever they can, these two remain blissfully unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that our house prices are the most expensive in regional NSW. Council’s draft Growth and Housing Strategy is currently on exhibition guiding growth for years to come. Conspicuously absent was any commitment towards an aﬀordable housing policy, a fact that was strongly remarked upon by Michele Adair, CEO of Housing Trust.

Ms Adair is a national commentator, advocate and expert on all things aﬀordable housing – might be worthwhile for these Councillors getting an understanding of the ‘platform’.

As part of the draft Housing Strategy, Bombo Quarry rates yet another mention, and The Bugle attended a brieﬁng on the landowners’ plans. We commend them on being transparent in the information they provided, but ultimately the message was clear: whether it is when quarrying will stop and when construction will start - there’s a lot they don’t know. And this includes aﬀordable housing.

Whilst the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) was quick to commit to ‘aﬀordable housing’, they were not able to clarify what aﬀordable housing actually means in the context of Bombo Quarry, nor how much of it they would commit to.

As one of the biggest projects in the area, and led by a Labor Government, one might have thought that the Labor Councillors would have gotten some form of clarity or commitment prior to TAHE putting pen to paper.

One thing is clear, any genuine initiatives that do address the housing crisis will be in spite of this Council, not because of it.

Housing is just one aspect that will be part of this forthcoming election campaign.

The Bugle’s View is that every Councillor seeking re-election should clearly state their achievements over their time in Council, what policy platforms they stand for, and what they will seek to achieve in their next term of local government.

Hopefully, there is a bit more substance to come. ...

L-R_ Mayor Chris Homer (Shellharbour), Michael Cains, Cr Karen Renkema-Lang, Cr Stuart Larkins, Cr Matt Brown, Sandry McCarthy (former Kiama mayor), Neville Fredericks (former Kiama mayor), Brian Petschler (former mayor)

Great Debate Photos - Thanks to the speakers, attendees, Kiama Leagues Club & Kiama Community Radio

Matt Brown introduces his team for council elections

As the Kiama Council election approaches, Councillor Matt Brown is once again running for oﬃce, bringing with him a formidable team dedicated to serving the community. The Bugle is pleased to introduce his team members and highlight the extensive experience and commitment they bring to the table.

Cr Matt Brown, BMath, LLB(Hons), MBA(Executive): with deep roots in Kiama, from his days as Kiama High School Captain to his roles as a Council lifeguard and co-owner of Amigos Mexican Restaurant, reflects on his lifelong dedication to the community. A former corporate lawyer and local Member of Parliament for 12 years, Matt has been an active volunteer surf lifesaver and a council member since 2016. As the founding and current Chair of Destination Kiama, Matt bridges the gap between private enterprise and government. His successful negotiations, lobbying efforts, and grant acquisitions have significantly benefited the local community, evident in projects like the Kiama Coastal Walk, Kiama High upgrade, and North Kiama Bypass. With extensive public administration experience, Matt is committed to keeping the Council “Fit for the Future” to prevent forced amalgamation, improving the lifestyle of residents, enhancing leisure facilities, and supporting sustainable housing and community-benefiting events.

Danielle Steel: has a lifelong connection to Kiama, from her childhood and schooling at Kiama High School to her family's longstanding local businesses and her father's 25 years as a councillor, gives her a profound understanding of the community's needs. With extensive experience in the hospitality and tourism industries and a senior business development role in a multinational building materials manufacturer, Danielle offers a unique perspective on local business challenges. Her vision focuses on fiscal responsibility and driving value for residents while ensuring the council operates efficiently.

Brendan Russell: Born and bred in Kiama, Brendan's involvement in local sporting clubs and his success in the 1995 Australian Championships highlight his active community participation. As a business owner of multiple small enterprises, including restaurants and a legal ﬁrm, Brendan is passionate about creating opportunities for young families. His commitment to sensible council decisions aims to provide value for ratepayers and residents.

Kane Presland, BCom: a distinguished Kiama High School graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Kane is dedicated to improving mental health in the community. His involvement in the Veteran Surf Project and Waves of Thinking underscores his commitment. As

the manager of Penny Whistlers, one of Kiama's busiest cafés/restaurants, Kane understands the housing and employment challenges faced by his generation. He is eager to address these issues on the Council.

Joan Comber, BOptom, MOptom: a long-standing Kiama Downs resident and former independent optometry practice owner, Joan continues to serve the community even in retirement. As a scripture teacher and active member of the Kiama Anglican Church, Joan's dedication is unwavering. Her leadership in the Zonta Club of Wollongong and decades of healthcare service position her to address the needs of local businesses and ageing residents eﬀectively. Together, Councillor Matt Brown and his team represent a blend of experience, dedication, and vision for Kiama's future. Their diverse backgrounds and deep community ties equip them to address the pressing issues facing the region. From enhancing local amenities to ensuring ﬁscal responsibility and supporting sustainable development, this team is committed to making Kiama the best place to live, work, and retire. The Bugle proudly supports their mission to improve the quality of life for all Kiama residents.

Donna Portland

Kiama's favourite attraction makes it onto 100 Aussie Wonders list

The Australian Traveller magazine’s renowned 100 Aussie Wonders list names the Kiama Blowhole among the country’s 2024 top wonders. For the must-see attractions in New South Wales, the blowhole ranks third overall, only beaten by Sydney Harbour and the Hunter Valley. When part of the Kiama Headland, composed of volcanic rock known as latite, collapsed because of erosion over millions of

Bruce and Robyn Moresi in front of the Kiama Blowhole years, it created the blowhole – the world’s largest. When seas are high, it can hit a peak of more than 30 metres up in the air. No wonder, this South Coast landmark has drawn visitors to the area since the late 1800s.

An article in the Kiama Independent, pub-

lished on October 23, 1888, hints as to why:

“The visitors who had arrived in Kiama by the Saturday’s train had ample opportunity on Sunday’s morning of witnessing great volumes of water being forced up higher than the lighthouse, through the huge crater which bears the somewhat singular, through nevertheless applicable cognomen of ‘blowhole.’ “

Let’s jump ahead 136 years to the present day, where at 09:45 a.m. on a sunny and warm autumn Saturday, crowds are already gathering at the blowhole. With every eruption, there’s big cheers.

Knowing there’s a big swell at the moment, ocean lover Jess Hyland has come down from Wollongong. It’s the best time to see the blowhole erupt, she says.

What does she think of the blowhole making the 100 Aussie Wonders list?

“I think it’s pretty cool. A quiet, little coastal town getting the recognition.

“But I feel bad, the little blowhole around the corner doesn’t get as much attention but it’s just as cool,” she says.

For Ram Krish, it’s his ﬁrst time here. He made the trip from Paramatta after his friends told him about the blowhole. Standing in the perfect spot, just in front and across from the lighthouse, he’s ready to capture the next whoosh of water.

“I’ve seen it erupt once,” Krish reveals.

A little bit further up the track along the security fence stand Bruce and Robyn Moresi. Driving up from Melbourne, Robyn Moresi’s sister-in-law called to say that the blowhole had made it on the list.

“It’s amazing,” Robyn marvels.

“I got a photo too,” says Bruce. “You hope you did,” jokes Robyn. But he sure did, as he shows oﬀ an image on his phone of the blowhole making an almighty splash.

The same splash, in a sense, that has been drawing visitors for more than a century.

Malin Dunfors

Ask Questions for ‘Meet the Candidates’ Event

In preparation for the NSW election on Saturday September 14, the Kiama District and Business Chamber are holding a ‘Meet the Candidates’ event.

The event will take place on Thursday, August 22, and the Kiama District and Busi-

ness Chamber are requesting Members, as businesses in the Kiama LGA, to send in questions that they want prospective Councillors to answer.

There is no limit on questions per person, but the Board will select the best questions to ask on the night. The “Meet the Candidates’ night will be held at the Pavilion on August 22 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and you can register to attend here.

Lleyton Hughes

From left to right Brendan Russell, Joan Comber, Matt Brown, Dani Steele and Kane Presland

Getting to know Mike Cains:

Former Liberal candidate for the seat of Whitlam Mike Cains is running for the Kiama Council, bringing with him extensive experience and a deep connection to the region.

Mike has lived in the Kiama Local Government Area since 2008. He's a local businessman, farmer, and passionate community advocate. From corporate executive roles to founding the successful Pecora Dairy with his wife, Cressida, Mike is dedicated to sustainable business practices and community engagement. His vision for Kiama is shaped by strategic thinking, ﬁnancial literacy and a profound love for the area.

Can you share a bit about your history and connection with the Kiama LGA?

I have lived on a farm in Knights Hill since 2008. I have been married for over 20 years to

Cressida and we have two grown children. Together we started the Pecora Dairy in 2011.

I am also a 2021 Australian Nuﬃeld Scholar, which aims to increase farmers’ technical and management skills. It gave me a global perspective on how to eﬀectively advocate for the region's agriculture and bring ideas and solutions to local farming challenges.

Kiama is the best place to raise a family and start or grow a business. Born and raised in Southern Illawarra, I returned to the region with my young family after a corporate career in Sydney. I've been involved in outstanding community groups, including the founding of the Wednesday Kiama Farmers Market. I'm also proud to serve on the board of the Kiama Business Chamber and support the Kiama Show.

The Bugle has consulted Councillor Renkema-Lang’ Facebook page which represents her opinion. It is well worth the read.

“As this Council term draws

to a close it’s appropriate to ask Councillors, and indeed Council as a whole, what have they achieved in the last three years.

In my view, the honest answer for myself is “not enough”. While I have had mixed success at getting motions and amendments adopted and enacted by Council, my efforts in the main have not led to tangible outcomes for the Community. A huge disappointment.

The most important lesson I’ve learned over the past three years is that it is not enough to have passion, to uphold your principles, and to strive towards a clearly defined purpose. In hindsight this was naïve of me given my experience.

I’ve learnt that a politician (at

Could you tell us about your professional background and current occupation?

the diverse needs and interests of various groups within the LGA?

Currently, I'm known for my work as a businessman, farmer, and cheesemaker.

Running as an independent shows my commitment to sensible and practical decisions based on community needs, not party interests.

Before returning to Kiama, I held executive roles at Fairfax Media, Herron Todd White Valuers, and CoreLogic Australia. Our family business, Pecora Dairy, is a national brand known for sustainability and has won the prestigious Royal Agricultural Society Presidents Medal. What inspired you to run for Kiama Council?

I'm proud of what Kiama has achieved, but there's still much to do. I bring strong ﬁnancial management skills, strategic thinking, networks and corporate sensibility to the table. My expertise in agriculture, housing, and renewable energy can help address key issues. With a mature business and great staﬀ, I have the time and energy to give back to the community that has supported my family and business from the start.

What are your ‘qualiﬁcations’ to sit as a councillor?

My corporate career and running a successful startup have given me vital skills. I've learned to bring people together, solve problems, and get things done. People want professionalism and corporate sensibility to ensure the Council serves all citizens eﬀectively.

What is your political persuasion, philosophy and ideology? What motivated your decision to run as an independent candidate?

I'm practical, sensible, and centred. I'm passionate about finding solutions to climate change and promoting efficient local government. Council should deliver effective, friendly services without strident politics.

What key issues do you intend to address if elected, and what are your primary goals for the community?

The top priority is maintaining a sound balance sheet and pursuing a sustainable operating surplus to avoid administration and rate hikes.

We need a sensible housing strategy that addresses community needs while preserving our streetscape, green space, and agriculture. Ensuring smaller villages retain their character and become more viable is crucial.

We must also fast-track the harbour revitalisation program and integrate it with the foreshore and showground.

Additionally, we need a strong, diverse local economy providing high-quality jobs. Engaging with the community and ensuring eﬀective services for everyone is essential. A stronger focus on arts and culture, including visual arts and live music – can be the bedrock of our identity and something I feel passionate about.

How do you plan to engage with the community to ensure residents’ voices are heard?

There's no substitute for talking to people from all walks of life.

For example, I've spoken to parents in Jamberoo whose preschool has been ﬂooded twice recently. They have 100 children on the waiting list and need a plan for the future. Listening to these concerns ensures Council provides eﬀective services for the whole community, not just the most vocal.

What previous experience do you have in public service or community involvement? How will you prioritise and balance

I'm proud to serve on the Kiama Business Chamber board, which has grown to over 200 members and plays a signiﬁcant role in advocacy, education, and boosting economic activity.

As a founding member of the Wednesday Kiama Farmers Market, I've seen it become a community institution. I believe in collaborating with community groups and am keen to ﬁnd new ways to ensure their voices are heard after the precinct groups were dissolved.

What is your stance on managing growth and development in an environmentally sustainable way?

We need to build dwellings that meet our community's needs.

Currently, 76% of our homes are stand-alone houses, but only 49% are occupied by no more than two people. We must address the demand for smaller dwelling types. Promoting waste reduction, renewable energy, and a circular economy is vital.

I propose an opt-in council-wide Virtual Energy Network for eﬀective energy trading among residents.

How do you approach to ﬁscal responsibility, budget and funding for key local initiatives and community projects?

I believe in kick-starting community projects and actively pursuing grant monies. Council should create an “Advocacy Plan” such as the one Shellharbour council has. Essentially a wish list of projects, prioritised and advanced to 'shovel-ready' status to give them the best chance to succeed in competitive grant processes. I am looking forward to working with the CEO, her council team and fellow councillors to bring critical projects to fruition.

What partnerships or collaborations would you pursue to beneﬁt the community? How do you intend to support local businesses and the local economy?

Building the Kiama brand should drive economic activity beyond tourism, promoting the production and manufacturing of goods and services. We need to strengthen oﬀ-season tourism and develop regional attractions, such as bushwalking and coastal trails. Revitalising the night-time economy is also important for Kiama's growth.

How will you address the need for improved local infrastructure and public services for residents?

Firstly, Council needs to review its functions and services to determine and focus on what is needed. When organisations have a clarity of purpose and eliminate waste and ineﬃciency – extraordinary things happen. This is the only way to direct and allocate resources to the areas where our community will derive the most beneﬁt.

Mike Cains presents as a candidate who understands the importance of both preserving Kiama's unique character and driving forward-looking development. His approach to Council appears rooted in collaboration, practicality, and a genuine desire to serve the community. By focusing on sustainable growth, enhancing local infrastructure, and fostering a thriving local economy, Mike aims to ensure that Kiama remains a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive place for all its residents. His candidacy oﬀers a promise of dedicated service, practical solutions, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the Kiama community.

Mike Cains interviewed by Donna Portland

Reﬂections on council term

any level of Government) has to navigate the tricky space of power and politics while maintaining their passion, their principles and their purpose. I did not know how to navigate this space effectively.

In spite of the above, I couldn’t have done things differently, and I’m pleased that regardless of the difficulties I faced that I have upheld my principles and my commitment for transparency and accountability. This is evident in my newsletters, radio interviews and in the questions I have asked on the floor of chamber.

Our community wants Councillors who respect the views of others, even when they may strongly disagree. They want Councillors who understand the value of contested

debate and the need to question and verify information provided by Council staff as part of their Governance role. Our community expect and deserve Councillors who uphold the highest standards, who are comfortable debating issues based on credible evidence without stooping to personal slurs and criticisms.

People in our community have stated that “Council needs to repair the community’s trust before it can move forward”, and “Ratepayers are looking for outcomes, not more talk”.

In my view, in order to ‘repair the community’s trust’ Council must listen with a view to bridging the gap between the halls of power and everyday experiences.

They must demonstrate that they are delivering tangible outcomes that make Kiama more liveable, that unite members of the community rather than divide them, and that enhance the wonderful culture of the Kiama community in looking after each other. Council must also demonstrate that relevant information is provided to the right people at the right time, that information is presented in plain language, and that Council owns up to mistakes and demonstrates a commitment to learning and improvement.

Of late I have been challenged about meeting my campaign commitment about being Sensible with Money. I have moved or supported

many motions and amendments over this term with this commitment in mind (with mixed success). These include at least three in 2023 directly related to meeting the initial Performance improvement Order issued in November 2022. They were all unsuccessful – with the same six Councillors voting against them each time. For more detail about the above or about my efforts in striving towards meeting my campaign commitments over this term of Council please read my newsletter or visit the my progress SAFEKiama webpage.”

Karen Renkema-Lang

VOTING AT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Why? It is your right to vote. If you are an Australian citizen on the electoral roll you must vote – it is compulsory. If you don’t vote, you may be ﬁned.

Once you reach the age of 18 it is your responsibility to register with the Australian Electoral Commission. If you are 16 or 17, you can enrol now so when you turn 18, you’ll be ready to vote. You can enrol at www.aec.gov. au/enrol. You can also visit any AEC oﬃce for an enrolment application.

You can check your enrolment at www.aec.gov.au/check.

Every time you move or change your name, you need to update your enrolment with your new details. You can change your details online at www.aec.gov.au

When? You can vote at any polling

Flying blind without the numbers and why Kiama needs to embrace the stats

Opinion

Let’s be honest, statistics can be a bit of a snooze-fest. Percentages, projections, and demographics - these terms aren’t exactly the life of the party. But here’s the thing: without these stats, planning for Kiama’s future is like trying to navigate through a thick fog with no compass. You’re ﬂying blind.

our population already over 60. In the next two decades, this silver wave will continue to grow. Planning for this isn’t just about more bingo nights (though we love those); it’s about ensuring there are suitable homes and services to support our elderly residents.

for safe housing development. Imagine building a beautiful home only to ﬁnd it’s in a high-risk ﬂood zone. Not ideal.

place in your area. Polling places open at 8am and close at 6pm sharp. If you can’t make it to a polling place on election day, you can vote early. i.e. postal vote. To vote by post you can apply online or pick up a postal vote application form at any AEC oﬃce. If you are in another state or territory and you haven’t voted early, you will need to vote at an interstate voting centre. A list of polling places and interstate voting centres will be available at www.aec. gov.au a few weeks before election day.

The Bugle has compiled a list of some questions you can ask various candidates as you come across their campaigns for election to council.

Did you know Kiama’s population is projected to grow by 33 percent over the next 20 years? That’s 7,757 new friends, neighbours, and community members. It’s like inviting the entire population of a small town to join us. But without knowing this, how can we plan for enough houses, schools, and services?

By 2044, we’ll need 3,456 new homes. That’s about 180 houses a year. Without tracking these needs, we might end up with a housing shortage, skyrocketing prices, and people struggling to ﬁnd a place to live. We don’t want Kiama to become an exclusive club with an impossible entry fee, right?

Our community is getting older, with a median age of 48 years and 36 percent of

Currently, 57 percent of our workers commute out of Kiama. That’s a lot of time and money spent on travel. By understanding this, we can push for more local job opportunities, reducing the commute and keeping the community thriving right here at home. But here’s a surprising and somewhat concerning stat that only 0.6 percent of our population uses public transport. This not only increases traﬃc congestion and greenhouse gas emissions but also highlights the need for better public transport options. Without knowing this, we might miss the chance to advocate for improvements, leaving many reliant on cars.

Knowing our vulnerabilities, like ﬂood-prone areas and bushﬁre risks, isn’t just a detail to skim over. It’s crucial

With 32 percent of renter households experiencing housing stress, it’s clear we need more aﬀordable rental options. Knowing this helps us push for policies that can alleviate this stress and make Kiama a more inclusive place to live.

Sure, tracking these stats might seem tedious, but it’s the key to making informed decisions. It’s like using a GPS instead of wandering aimlessly. By keeping an eye on our progress, we can adjust our course and ensure Kiama continues to grow in a way that beneﬁts everyone. So, next time you hear about housing percentages or population projections, remember - they’re more than just boring numbers.

On September 14 when we elect councillors, look for a long history of innovation and real-world experience, so we have a chance to be a leader in growth and housing strategy across the world.

Lynne Strong

subdivision’s

Golden Jamberoo:Valley

A space for new families to create their legacies

Please note: This is paid content

For generations, the Fredericks family has been an integral part of Jamberoo's fabric. Now, siblings Jennifer Macquarie and Lawson Fredericks are continuing this legacy through their management of the Fountaindale Group and the development of Golden Valley Jamberoo.

"Growing up in Jamberoo was magical," recalls Jennifer. "Walking home from Jamberoo Public School, greeting locals, and getting into mischief – we always felt safe and supported.

Growing up here truly embodied the saying 'it takes a village'."

Lawson adds, "Our childhood on the family dairy farm instilled in us a deep appreciation for this community. We want to provide young families the opportunity to experience the same charming, safe environment we en-

joyed."

The Golden Valley Jamberoo project aims to gradually expand the village while preserving its character. "We're not just developing land," explains Jennifer. "We're creating a space where families can build their own legacies, much like our family has done for ﬁve generations."

The siblings' vision extends beyond housing. "We're committed to sustainable growth that beneﬁts the entire community," Lawson emphasises. "It's about maintaining Jamberoo's essence while allowing it to thrive."

The Fredericks family is dedicated to balancing progress with preservation. The Golden Valley Jamberoo development project reﬂects a deep understanding of the village's needs and a commitment to its long-term prosperity.

"We're honoured to help shape Jamberoo's future and contribute to the local economy," Jennifer concludes. "It's our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much."

800m² lots will go on sale in 2025. To register your interest and receive updates, go to goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au.

Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc. hosts informative public meeting

On Saturday, August 3, the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc. (JVRRA) organised a public meeting at the Jamberoo Youth Hall. The event aimed to inform residents about the Council’s Draft Growth and Housing Strategy and its potential impact on the community.

The meeting, attended by approximately 50 people, primarily focused on a submission by the developers, Fountaindale Group for Golden Valley Stage 2 (GV2). An early concept plan for GV2 was submitted to the Council as an Expression of Interest and has been included in the Draft Housing Strategy document published by Council. This meeting provided residents with a unique opportunity to engage directly with the developers and address their concerns.

JVRRA President Stuart Richards emphasised the importance of respectful conduct during the meeting, which was observed by all attendees. He provided background information on the Council document, noting that submissions are due by August 16.

Secretary Ros Neilson then delivered a 20-minute presentation highlighting the elements of the Housing Strategy that affect Jamberoo residents. She stressed the community’s desire to control growth in a way that suits the village. Neilson mentioned that the State Government is pressuring the Local Government Area (LGA) to release land for 900 new homes by 2029, equating to 180 new homes per year over the next five years, and pointed out that this target is double the projected growth rate over the next five years.

Neilson said that compared to NSW state averages, the LGA has an older population (median age 50, with 27% over 65), higher aﬄuence, more households without children, less cultural diversity, and a signiﬁcant portion of the workforce employed outside the LGA. The need for more diverse housing to cater to both older and younger demographics was acknowledged by all.

A key emphasis was that growth should respect and enhance the natural environment and be accompanied by improved infrastructure. The JVRRA highlighted the shortage of long-term rental accommodation, which impacts the socioeconomic diversity of the area.

They also stressed the importance of protecting agricultural land and biodiversity, limiting population growth outside the town centres, and ensuring infrastructure delivery aligns with housing targets. There was frustration over ongoing negotiations with Sydney Water regarding future upgrades and servicing.

Roads, particularly the restricted Jamberoo Mountain Road, continue to be a concern as it constrains growth.

The developers are expected to enhance existing public land through both inﬁll and greenﬁeld projects, meeting the needs of the growing population. Mentioned was the current need for a dog park, a kids' bike space, and more public land not designated for housing. Fountaindale Group’s Stage 2 concept includes walking tracks, enhanced green spaces, and community gardens.

Ros Neilson concluded by encouraging residents to submit their thoughts to the Council using a SWOT analysis and should consider whether the strategy protects valued aspects of the community, missed opportunities, and potential threats.

• 44 terrace lots with rear lane garage access for downsizers, singles, investors/rentals, and ﬁrst-time home buyers.

• 34 standard lots.

• 20 'resilience' lots of 2000m² each, designed to be oﬀ-grid with individual eﬄuent treatment, PV electricity generation, and an 8-star passive energy rating.

Lawson Fredericks addressed the technical aspects, focusing on sewerage needs, with the developers covering 90% of

Fountaindale Group’s proposal Lawson Fredericks, his sister Jennifer Macquarie, and their father Neville Fredericks, who comprise the Fountaindale Group, presented their Stage 2 concept. Having a long history with Jamberoo, the Fredericks family has strong ties to the area, with Neville having served as mayor of Kiama for 12 years.

Their ﬁrst project, Golden Valley Road development (GV1), a 50-lot subdivision, has been accepted by the Council.

In response to the Council’s call for Expressions of Interest for the Housing Strategy, Fountaindale Group’s Stage 2 concept oﬀers a variety of smaller blocks (350-600m²) to meet the need for diverse housing options. The proposal includes:

the cost. The development would add 78 dwellings to the sewer system, leaving 82 new connections for the existing township.

The proposed development, visually contained within a small valley, would logically define the town’s eastern boundary. Drainage would flow into Colyers Creek, with a new system to manage runoff.

Jennifer Macquarie emphasised the economic boost GV2 would provide, with approximately 350 new residents contributing an estimated $4 million annually to the local economy, supporting retail and service viability.

A pre-school and early childhood education site is proposed within GV2, on a 1,500m² parcel valued at $1.2 million, to be donated to a

local community trust. This site would allow for future grant applications to construct a new preschool. The current preschool has ﬂooding issues.

Local residents expressed the need for additional access roads around GV2 to reduce traﬃc on Golden Valley Road and improve access to the proposed preschool. The developers have included provisions for various access points.

The proposal also includes a community garden near the preschool, with potential management by a local gardener’s club or the community trust. Colyers Creek would receive additional plantings, and a public footpath would be constructed along its length.

A Voluntary Planning Agreement would ensure these commitments are delivered as part of the land rezoning process.

To conclude the presentation, Neville Fredericks mentioned a commissioned report on social and public infrastructure by an expert in traditional main street retail, which would be made public once received.

Some concerns were raised about the timeline for the new preschool, but the preschool director, Belinda, assured that the long-term plan allows ample time for funding applications, and approvals and planning to take place. Some local residents expressed their excitement about the preschool plans.

The JVRRA is doing an excellent job representing its membership, quickly organising this public meeting to provide ample time for responses to the Council. It is hoped that the other development sites under consideration will receive as much input from active community groups.

Donna Portland

Golden Valley Jamberoo

proximity to both the ocean and mountains make it ideal for a peaceful, family

L to R Lawson Fredericks, Neville Fredericks, Stuart Richards, Ros Neilson and Jennifer Macquarie .jpg

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Kiama High School students join National

Tree Day planting

During the National Tree Day 2024, the local Landcare Illawarra groups hosted plantings at Seven Mile Beach, Kaleula Headland and Bombo Headland.

Students from Kiama High School worked with the Landcare volunteers to plant 500 local native trees in only a matter of hours.

Landcare also organised the plants, growing the

majority themselves through local nurseries.

The Bush Regeneration Team also coordinated site preparation and assisted with this great annual event.

Lastly, but most importantly, the Minnamurra Lions Club were chefs of the day, adding their barbecue skills to feed the horticultural hordes afterwards.

Kiama set to see unusual visitors over the coming days

The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA), have been monitoring seal activity from the South Coast to Northern NSW.

Due to extreme ocean conditions, it is common for these marine mammals to seek refuge on our shores. The ORRCA have requested that local residents keep a keen eye out for these creatures over the coming days.

Potentially ﬁnding refuge tucked away in rock formations and on beaches, it is essential

to not engage or put yourself in danger.

Protected in Australian waters, residents are not to encroach a 40 metre exclusion zone of an adult seal and 80 metres of a seal pup. Penalties will apply for breaching these zones.

If you observe a seal approaching shore or withholding injury it is imminent to contact ORRCA rescue 24/7 Hotline relating to any seal sighting. You can reach the ORRCA Hotline on (02) 9415 3333. Eleanor Bailey

Landcare Australia celebrates 35 year anniversary with $300k grants program

Landcare Week is celebrated during the ﬁrst week of August and this year, for its 35th anniversary, Landcare Australia is launching a new $300,000 Community Grants program.

The initiative aims to support grassroots environmental projects by providing grants that range from $5,000 to $20,000 to local landcare groups and community-led environmental groups across Australia.

tionists and farmers together to resolve environmental issues. CEO of Landcare Australia, Dr Shane Norrish, states the new grant program was made possible by generous contributions from the organisation’s supporters and donations.

The grants will help to fund a variety of activities, including habitat restoration, educational workshops, and pest management. This program reﬂects Landcare Australia’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity and strengthening community engagement in environmental conservation.

Former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke founded Landcare Australia 35 years ago to address environmental challenges through community action, declaring the ‘Decade of Landcare’. The initiative brought together conserva-

“Landcare connects people to their local community, and this grants program aims to help support groups to encourage volunteers to get involved so they can experience caring for the environment in their community in a group where everyone is welcome and their contribution counts,” says Norrish. Landcare remains just as relevant today as it did 35 years ago, continuing its mission to protect and enhance our natural environment and productive landscapes. For more information or to apply for a grant, visit Landcare Australia’s website: Landcareaustralia.org.au. The deadline for applications is Friday 20 September, 2024.

Brooke Pittman

Kiama Scouts: a cultural experience at the Nan Tien Temple

On 6 July, a group of Kiama Scouts participated in an enriching event organised by The Buddha’s Light Scout Association, Sydney. Held at the Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley, this one-day event welcomed Scout groups from across the globe, including Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Vancouver.

The day commenced with Tai Chi in the temple’s main courtyard, followed by a brief meditation session. This initial activity allowed the students to center themselves, readying for the diverse challenges ahead, and fostered early connections with their international peers. Following this, the Scouts embarked on a comprehensive tour of the temple and its serene

gardens, where they gained insights into Buddhist philosophies.

Morning tea featured a Tea Meditation ceremony, an eye-opening experience for many. Participants were required to make and taste various herbal teas in silence, underscoring the ritual's emphasis on mindfulness and respect. The ceremony highlighted the signiﬁcance of engaging fully in the process of tea preparation and tasting, rather than merely consuming the tea.

Lunch oﬀered a vegan menu, featuring special vegan burgers, potato wedges, rice, and spring rolls. While some students approached the meal with hesitation, the potato wedges emerged as a favorite.

The afternoon was ﬁlled with engaging activities such as archery, bushcraft, and tackling a large climbing wall. Despite the challenge of retrieving arrows, the students enjoyed the archery, with many striving to hit the bullseye. The climbing wall was particularly popular, with most Kiama Scouts reaching the top.

The day concluded as an immensely rewarding experience, providing the students with a deep understanding of Buddhist beliefs and practices. It also oﬀered a unique platform for Scouts from around the world to exchange ideas and collaborate, fostering a spirit of global camaraderie and mindfulness.

Elizabeth Hunt

Topic: Kiama’s upcoming Election

Are you between the ages of 18-30? JOIN THE YOUTH FORUM AND HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

What is the role of a councillor? What is the purpose of local council elections? How does the voting process work? How are votes counted?

How can voting influence local issues?

YOUR VOTE MATTERS

We are currently taking expressions of interest The Bugle and KCR

Lexi Smith, Rubi Smith, Ivy Walmsley, Sam Hines, Ollie Van We - Kiama Scouts.

Jamberoo Red Cross celebrates 110 years

On Tuesday 13 August, Jamberoo Branch is celebrating by asking locals to wear red as a thank you to the volunteers who have been, and always will be here to help.

Formed a er the outbreak of World War One in 1914, the Australian Red Cross Jamberoo Branch has played a pivotal role in connecting older or vulnerable community members and raising funds for life changing Australian Red Cross programs.

Jamberoo Branch President, Barbara Adams, says turning 110 is a milestone worth celebrating.

“We are proud of our long history serving this community and of the volunteers and members who continue to deliver what’s needed to those who are most vulnerable. In celebration of this milestone, we’re encour-

aging the Jamberoo community to wear red to acknowledge those we have stood beside, and those who continue to make our important work possible,” she said.

In celebration of the 110th anniversary, from Sunday 4 August, Red Cross memorabilia will be on show in the vacant shop next to Kings Patisserie in Allowrie St, Jamberoo, and local businesses will display an exhibition of images by wellknown Jamberoo photographer Linda Faiers, showing past and current Jamberoo Red Cross volunteers in action.

Branch members skilled in knitting and crochet will also be yarnbombing and garlanding the village to “paint the town red”.

From 10 till 2 on ursday 8 August, Ms Adams will host the

regional Red Cross Zone Conference at Club Jamberoo, with around 50 delegates expected including members from neighbouring Red Cross branches in Kiama, Gerringong, Albion Park, Dapto and Fairy Meadow as well as dignitaries from Head O ce.

On Tuesday 13 August, Jamberoo Branch is putting on a free community morning tea from 10am till midday in the RSL hall on Allowrie St, with all welcome to join in the celebrations. From 10am that morning, there will also be a drive-by of classic cars through Jamberoo courtesy of members of the Jamberoo Valley Classic Vehicles Club – look out for red and white vehicles in particular.

Lleyton Huges

Aboriginal Women’s Holistic Service Awarded Grant

Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, based in Nowra, has been awarded a $670,000 grant by the NSW government.

Waminda is a culturally safe and holistic service, providing Aboriginal women and their families an opportunity to belong and receive quality health and wellbeing support.

Waminda hopes to use the grant to build e ective partnerships and to improve and coordinate palliative and end of life care for Aboriginal people. ey will also o er specialist training opportunities for existing Aboriginal health practitioners and they also seek to increase death and grief literacy by improving awareness through education.

“ is grant for the Waminda

South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation will be an important step in o ering culturally appropriate and high-quality palliative care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living on the South Coast,” says David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal A airs and Treaty.

e grant comes as a part of the End of Life and Palliative Care Non-Government Organisation Grants Program in which the NSW government is investing more than $3.5 million in funding over four years to increase community capacity to engage with death and dying.

Other than Waminda, ve other NSW organisations have been given a share of the funding including Bullinah

Aboriginal Health Service, the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON), Palliative Care NSW, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and the New South Wales Council for Intellectual Disability.

Minister for Regional Health and Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park stresses the importance of this topic and believes funding must support all cultures and communities in NSW.

“End of life and palliative care for a loved one can be a challenging time and di erent communities have di erent needs and expectations during this period,” says Park.

Lleyton Hughes

First nations people in local government recognised with prestigious award

Recipients of this year’s Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust Scholarships, supporting First Nations people in councils, were announced at the recent 2024 NSW Local Government Week Awards.

is year’s awardees are Kiama Municipal Council’s Cr Stuart Larkins, Central Darling Shire’s Roxanne Kennedy, and Hawkesbury City Council’s Hayden Jones.

e annual scholarships were established in honour of Cr Pat Dixon, a Dhanggati woman who became the rst Aboriginal woman elected to local government in Australia. e scholarships are o ered through the Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarship Trust to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councillors and sta with nancial assistance for further study, research, or professional development.

ey aim to inspire more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work in local government and represent their communities, while providing opportunities to build technical and leadership skills to mentor

their peers and promote First Nations in culture in local government.

Councillor Larkins said, “It’s a great privilege to receive the Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarship. Cr Dixon was a pioneer for Aboriginal people in local government, being elected to Armidale Council in 1983 and a Labor member. Receiving the scholarship in remembering Cr Dixon means a lot to me, as an Aboriginal councillor, continuing and paving the way for Aboriginal people who contribute to the work of local government and the community.”

“ e scholarship will assist with studies, undertaking a Master of Public Policy at the University of Canberra, which will assist with developing new skills and knowledge of public policy.

“I believe that education and professional development are lifelong, as it does not start and end at school and I’m always trying to learn new things.”

“Local government is the closest form of government to the community. I’m driven by a

passion to help people, and I believe local government should be able to work for everyone. As the rst Aboriginal person elected to Kiama Council, I’ve been really pleased to advocate for local reconciliation and for greater awareness of our shared history and culture both in Kiama and along NSW South Coast,” said Councillor Larkins.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President and scholarship trustee Cr Darriea Turley AM congratulated this year’s recipients.

Cr Turley said it was only the second time that three scholarships had been awarded in a single year, which demonstrated the wealth of talent coming through council ranks. “We could not have chosen better recipients to honour the legacy of Cr Pat Dixon, who has le such an amazing legacy for not only her people, but for women in the local government sector,”

Cr Turley said.

“It’s incredibly important to support all the promising people working for the communities through their local council.

“We need to back the next generation, particularly those individuals who help ensure that our councils re ect the rich and diverse communities they serve.”

“It’s fabulous that the Trust in her name is helping to foster the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the local government sector.”

Cr Dixon’s family member and Scholarship Trustee, Warren Roberts, commended this year’s recipients and said he was proud of Cr Dixon’s achievements and the important work she continues to inspire.

legacy growing in recognition through the presentation of the scholarship in her name at the Local Government awards night.

“I look forward to seeing their work in local government continue to inspire future generations of First Nations people to look towards representing and working for their communities, in the closest level of government to the community,” Mr Roberts said.

“As a member of Aunty Pat’s family, I am thrilled to see her

“She was a trail blazer for women and Aboriginal people, and she continues to inspire people to enter careers in local government and politics,” he said.

Recipients of the Scholarships are determined by four trustees: Local Government Aboriginal Network President, Cr Dominic Wy Kanak; Cr Trish Frail of

Brewarrina Shire Council, Mr Warren Roberts, a family representative of the late Pat Dixon, and the LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM. All successful applicants plan to use their new skills at their respective councils for the betterment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their communities and in the local government sector.

Donna Portland

L to R Stuart Larkins, Warren Roberts, a relative of the late Cr Pat Dixon and Phyllis Miller, Mayor of Forbes and Vice Chair of LGNSW.

LOCAL 2024 NAIDOC AWARDS

WINNERS CELEBRATED

More than 70 Aboriginal Elders from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities attended the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2024 on 28 July.

Shoalhaven City Council hosted this year’s awards ceremony, themed ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Black, Loud and Proud’, in collaboration with the councils of Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong.

e celebrations attracted more than 400 people to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

“Witnessing the incredible award winners, local talent and the renowned performers take to the stage was truly inspiring,” said Mayor of Shoalhaven Amanda Findley in a media release.

“ e NAIDOC Awards recognise the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations and businesses.”

e 2024 NAIDOC Award winners are:

Young Achievers of the Year:

Kealen Blattner and Takesa Frank

Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Non-Aboriginal): Tracey Kirk Downey

Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal):

Dale Wright

Caring for Country and Culture: Blak Cede Organisation of the Year (For Pro t): Gadhungal Marring Organisation of the Year (Not For Pro t): Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre

Outstanding Contribution to the Community (Paid and Voluntary): Sylvia Timbery & Uncle Kevin Butler Elder of the Year (Uncle): Uncle Edward Bloxsome Elder of the Year (Aunty): Aunty Grace Crossley.

e evening also featured Shelley Ware as the MC, performances by the local cultural organ-

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2024

On a chilly and windy winter evening, Mayor Neil Reilly announced the nine winners of the Local Government Awards 2024, against the backdrop of a packed Pavilion Kiama.

Family, friends, colleagues, team and club members had turned out in full on Tuesday, July 30, to celebrate the recipients.

e Local Government Awards are part of Local Government Week, which runs from 29 July-4 August, and which also coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the municipality.

Aunty Gwenda Jarrett gave a beautiful Welcome to Country, saying "To receive a nomination is as good as receiving an award." is weekend, on 27 July, the winners of the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2024 were celebrated at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, hosted by the Shoalhaven City Council in collaboration with the councils of Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong.

Werri Beach resident Michael Gleeson won the Citizen of the Year award for his over 40 years of community service, including his environmental advocacy work. “I’m being recognised for

doing good things for the town, making it a better place to live in,” he replied as to what it means to win the award.

Gleeson admits being a bit embarrassed by it all, although “my family is so pleased.”

“I can live with having my photo taken a couple of times,” he adds with a smile.

Rhonda Bailey of Gerringong received the Senior Citizen of the Year award for her long-standing contributions to community organisations such as the Gerringong Tennis Club and the Children’s Medical Research Institute.

Bailey found out that she had won a couple of weeks ago but had no idea that she had been nominated. “It came as a huge surprise,” she says. Although it didn’t take long, more like “two seconds,” to gure out who had put her forward.

She’s feeling embarrassed over the nomination since there are “lots of people who do great volunteer work in Gerringong.”

Grace Stewart, the triple Olympian born and bred in Gerringong, was added to the Sports Honour Roll for her exceptional achievements in eld hockey.

With the Hockeyroos co-captain currently at the Paris Olympics (where she’s scored two goals so far), Stewart’s brother Hamish received the award on her behalf.

“Grace thanks the Kiama Council and community. It doesn’t go unnoticed, it’s greatly appreciated,” he said.

Complete list of recipients of the Local Government Awards 2024: Citizen of the Year: Michael Gleeson

Senior Citizen of the Year: Rhonda Bailey Community Group of the Year: Country Women’s Association Kiama Evening Branch

Arts Honour Roll: Tamara Campbell

Sports Honour Roll: Grace Stewart

Sports Achievement Award: Nardia Guillaumier

Sports Volunteer Award: Karon Dawson

Robert East Memorial Award: Berbel Franse

Megan Dalley Award: Hallie Le Maître.

Malin Dunfors

isation Gadhungal Marring, Jiah King and performances by headline act Dan Sultan.

Winners of the 2024 Local Government Awards.

Free marina berth for new buyers at The Waterfront, Shell Cove

New buyers at e Waterfront, Shell Cove, can now enjoy a unique o er: a free berth at Shellharbour Marina, valued at $50,000. is promotion is available for purchasers of land at e Peninsula and apartments at Vela, with a two-year free berth licence. e o er was launched at the Sydney International Boat Show at Darling Harbour on 1 August.

To qualify, buyers must enter into a new contract and settle on a property in e Peninsula precinct by 30 September this year. Similarly, buyers of apartments in Vela need to exchange contracts by 30 September 2024.

e Peninsula and Vela, both adjacent to the marina, are prime locations within the master-planned community by Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Australia. is o er is particularly appealing to boating enthusiasts looking to enjoy a marina lifestyle.

e Peninsula o ers a range of land options, including coastal, beachfront, and harbourfront lots, priced between $1,650,000 and $3,000,000. is sought-a er location is situated between Shellharbour South Beach and the new 270-berth Shellharbour Marina, surrounded by green spaces.

Vela, a luxury ve-storey building designed by Candalepas, features apartments with garden, marina, and ocean views. Prices range from $1,850,000 to $2,325,000 for two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments, and $2,325,000 to $3,300,000 for three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. Residents can enjoy amenities such as a 15m heated pool overlooking the harbour, a gym, and communal areas for social gatherings.

e Shellharbour Marina, part of a newly engineered 12-hectare harbour, o ers rst-class facilities including a Marina Services Centre, maintenance area, modern boat ramp, and fuel dock. e harbour is surrounded by 2.6km of boardwalks, linking e Waterfront’s amenities like dining, shopping, a children’s beach, and waterplay area. A future Crowne Plaza Hotel is expected to open in 2025.

Frasers Property Australia and Shellharbour Marina representatives will be present at the Sydney Boat Show to meet prospective buyers. Mathew Gulliver, Development Director at Frasers Property Australia, highlighted the appeal of the marina and the unique positioning of e Peninsula, stating, “It’s a unique amenity that allows buyers to walk out of their front door and straight to their vessel for a day out on the ocean. e positioning of e Peninsula land lots, with the beach on one side and the harbour on the other, along with well-established shopping, dining, and recreation options nearby, o ers a lifestyle unlike any other in NSW.”

Interested buyers can visit e Waterfront Sales Centre or https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/nsw/shell-cove for more information.

Donna Portland

A sustainable oasis in Minnamurra

Architect and builder duo Sally Meaton and Karl Whitehead have brought their vision of a dream family home to life, while also contributing to the growing trend of increasing housing density and diversity in the region.

eir latest creation, a newly constructed semi-detached dual occupancy home at 7A Federal Street in Minnamurra, showcases their commitment to e ciency, low maintenance, and harmonious integration of natural light and native landscaping. e home is currently on the market representing a unique opportunity for buyers.

Recognising the potential of duplex housing as a solution to the escalating demand for housing, especially in areas with limited land availability and rising property prices, the duo embarked on this project to maximise space utilisation. Duplexes provide two separate homes on a single property, making them an ideal choice for optimising land use.

Purchased in 2019, the block presented a prime opportunity for the duo to design and build their ideal family home. Drawing on their extensive experience living and working in the eastern and inner western suburbs of Sydney, where terrace housing is prevalent, they applied their expertise to create a unique duplex in Minnamurra.

A er relocating to the South Coast

with their young children in the months following the second COVID lockdown, the couple completed the duplex in 18 months. e clever spatial arrangement of the home provides ample space, featuring three bedrooms, an o ce, a separate lounge, and a combined kitchen and dining area that seamlessly transitions to the rear yard. Additionally, a spacious room beneath the garage o ers versatility, suitable for use as a gym, workshop, home o ce, or storage for water sports equipment.

From the street, the duplex presents as a pair of white brick, double-storey homes with gable roofs. e interior oor plan spans three levels, o ering visual connections to the green roof and convenient access from the dining area to the deck and garden. e north-east facing split-level design emphasises natural light and show-

Interior Motives.

Finding Inspiration

Super Matters

Fancy ﬁnding some warmth this winter from the pages of inspiring books and magazines?

Here are some tips on how to translate a page torn from a magazine and create the feeling in your home.

First up, I mentioned the feeling rather than the look - and that is the key when ﬁnding inspiration from someone else’s work. Boucle sofas and velvet drapes conjure up warmth and enveloping emotions, but you don’t need to change everything you’ve invested in before these trends to create a new vibe and up the glam. Find smaller items that have cuddly textures or shimmery liquid ﬁnishes. Local shops in our region excel at giving us cushions & throw that evoke the winter-getaway-haven spirit we love to cultivate on the South Coast.

If the pages from a magazine strike you as gorgeous but too bold, try translating the aesthetic to something that will serve your daily life well. Full shag rug may bring the drama but it takes maintenance to look its best but so if you have a busy family home and a dog you may ﬁnd a ﬂat rug with a woven pattern that echoes the inspiration image is the way to go.

Inspiration images are fun and ultimately are there for you take, twist, and make your own. If you need a hand to make it happen, give me a call.

Asha Ardill

cases high-quality nishes. Double-height ceilings in the kitchen and dining areas enhance the sense of space and openness. e use of durable materials, including double brick, burnished concrete oors, wool carpet, and native plants, underscores the home's resilience and low-maintenance design - ideal for its river and beachside location. Comfort features such as under oor heating, double glazing, cross ventilation, and integrated air conditioning further enhance the living experience.

Meaton says, “We reused the timber joists and bearers from the existing house for the stair battens,” thereby retaining some of the original avour. is is the couple’s second project together, following the success of their rst – a rammed earth cabin in the Blue Mountains, which has been featured in Green Magazine and e Local Project. Content and settled by the river, Meaton and Whitehead are embracing the Minnamurra lifestyle, enjoying the fruits of their architectural and building expertise in a home that exempli es modern, sustainable living.

Min

For more information about the property, go to the First National Coast & Country website. Any questions can be directed to real estate agent, Aimee Longbottom at: 0414 615 400.

Donna Portland

New research reveals that while three-quarters of Australians recognise the importance of superannuation for their future ﬁnancial wellbeing, there remains a signiﬁcant gap in understanding how super functions to grow their savings.

Key ﬁndings from the Pyxis Polling and Insights survey include:

-Seven in 10 Australians do not know the current Super Guarantee rate.

-Three-quarters of Australians are unaware that super contributions are taxed at just 15 percent.

-Only four in 10 Australians understand that retirement balances are primarily composed of compound returns from investments, rather than the super contributions themselves.

-A third of Australians check their super balance less than once a year.

Despite these knowledge gaps, the survey indicates that Australians who feel they understand super are more likely to be engaged with their savings, satisﬁed with their ﬁnancial decisions, and supportive of the super system. The survey of 1,030 people in July found:

-Satisfaction with super fund performance is highest among those who understand super, with 57 percent of this group reporting they are in a well-performing fund.

-Nearly 90 percent of Australians with a good understanding of super feel more conﬁdent about their ﬁnances, compared to 60 percent of those with an average or below-average understanding.

Currently, while 29 percent of Australians rate their understanding of super as eight or more out of 10, the majority (53 percent) rate their understanding between ﬁve and seven.

In response to these ﬁndings, the Super Members Council is launching a new public awareness initiative, ‘How Super Works,’ to help Australians grasp the powerful beneﬁts of superannuation. The initiative features everyday Australians discuss-

ing super in accessible terms, providing clear messages, facts, and data about how super works.

Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert stated that the initiative aims to demystify super and position more Australians to maximise their superannuation beneﬁts.

“Nearly three-quarters of today's workers were not in the workforce when super was legislated 32 years ago,” Schubert said. “It's timely to help more Australians understand how this system works for them and why it is the envy of the world.

“The more you know about super, and the more engaged you are with your super, the better you can make super work for you. Because super works automatically to help people build lifetime savings for retirement, it can be out of sight and out of mind for many, especially younger people.”

Ms Schubert emphasised the initiative's focus on using everyday language to explain how super works, featuring relatable Australians discussing super in clear and simple terms.

“Australians value super,” she said. “They trust it is delivering for them and recognise its importance for their retirement. For many people, it will be one of their largest assets. However, super can seem complex, and the basics aren’t well understood by everyone.

“That’s why there is a need for straightforward explainers about the power of compounding returns, the light taxation of super due to its purpose for retirement savings, and how super works for individuals.”

The ‘How Super Works’ content will be featured on social and digital media. To learn more, visit www.howsuperworks.com.

The Super Members Council represents over 11 million Australians who have more than $1.5 trillion in retirement savings managed by profit-to-member superannuation funds. Its mission is to protect and advance their interests throughout their lives, advocating for stable, eﬀective, and equitable superannuation policies.

Donna Portland

e Minns Government has announced new reforms to combat rising housing stress in New South Wales and make renting fairer for tenants across the state, introducing new laws to end “no-ground evictions”.

Around a third of the population in NSW are renting, and as it stands there are no laws in place to protect renters from being evicted without reason.

Under the new laws, reasonable grounds for eviction include where the renter is at fault (breach of lease, property damage or non-payment of rent), the property is to be sold, signi cant renovations are to be made, change of use, the landlord intends to move into the home or the tenant is no longer a part of the a ordable housing program.

e proposed legislation aims to combat housing insecurity and stress that 59.2 percent of low to moderate income households experience, according to the 2021 Census.

e Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) has criticised the reform.

Tim McKibbin, CEO of REINSW has grave concerns on real estate becoming a “less attractive” investment for investors. “ e cruel irony for tenants is that every time you make residential property a less attractive investment, the more you drive investors away, and the less homes there are to rent”, McKibbin points out.

On the other side of the fence, e Tenants Union of NSW has

applauded the government’s decision, calling the reform a “win for renters’ rights in NSW”.

Kiama’s population continues to rise, with the overall population set to increase to 26,000 by 2026, new housing will be required to accommodate the growing community, and according to Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Minister for Youth Rose Jackson, rental reforms will be “crucial to rebuilding our housing system.”

According to data from REA Group, 283 renters were interested in properties in the Kiama region in the past month, with a serious imbalance of 12 houses available for rent.

Premier Chris Minns highlighted this ‘anxious’ and ‘challenging’ process of securing a rental property in the state, noting the “lines on Saturday morning with hundreds of people waiting to inspect new properties.”

No-grounds eviction legislation will be introduced to parliament next month. Have you experienced housing stress in Kiama or have a renting story to share? Email us hello@thebuglenewspaper.com. au to tell your story.

Neve Surridge

Lynne Strong honoured as Community Person of the Year

In a ceremony held on August 7 to celebrate Education Week in the Hunter, Lynne Strong, a local resident and former Kiama Electorate Woman of the Year, received the prestigious Community Person of the Year Award. This accolade recognises Lynne's signiﬁcant role in strengthening relationships between schools, parents, and the broader community, a connection proven to greatly enhance young people's chances of thriving.

Lynne has a distinguished history of designing and delivering programs for schools and teachers that ensure students are engaged and

aware of the real-world impact of their education. Upon receiving the award, Lynne expressed her gratitude, noting the importance of her work in today’s polarised world.

"Schools are in crisis; teachers are overwhelmed, students are disengaged, and mental health and well-being issues are on the rise. It is so important to give young people hope," Lynne stated.

"The programs my team and I design and deliver give young people the opportunity to investigate the world, appreciate diverse perspectives, communicate conﬁdently, and take action on issues

that matter to them and their community. It has been a great pleasure to support schools in the Hunter in achieving this."

Lynne's dedication to creating educational programs that build school networks and demonstrate the real-world impact of classroom learning has been a cornerstone of her eﬀorts. Her work ensures that young people are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills and conﬁdence to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Donna Portland

Costa Georgiadis, Lynne Strong, and Shane Roberts, Principal of Belltrees Public School, who nominated Lynne, at the NSW Government Sustainability Awards

Tales Of Old Gerringong

Speaking to my sister the other day, she told me that Gerringong Church of England was having its 150th anniversary this year. Now I know that other people better quali ed than me will be writing about the history of the church at some later date. However, I wanted to recall a funny moment 52 years ago. As a child the Church of England was a big part of my family’s life. I can distinctly remember going to church and Sunday School every Sunday. My Mum was poached from the Methodist Church to be an organist when she married Dad. You had to get dressed up in your ‘Sunday best’, clothes you only ever wore once a week. One enduring memory I have was going to Church on a windy night, as we have a lot of in Gerringong, and not being able to hear a single word the

The great Gerringong Anglican Church’s Gumboot Throwing Competition of 1972

to mind. He and his wife Gwen ran the chemist's shop. He

and still is to a lesser degree than 1972, a dairying town. At the Xmas party every year, little kids, including myself, would eagerly await the arrival of Santa in the church hall. We would sing Christmas carols and he would always walk in the door as we sang ‘Jingle bells’. It was consequently my favourite. I always noticed that Santa wore gumboots and thought they must be cold in the snow.

ter was saying. ere were so many great people in the church community. Some in particular I remember were Tony Britten, a kind gentle, man who was superintendent of the Sunday School among other things. He lived in a lovely old house with beautiful grounds just out of Gerringong on the Princes Highway. Lauris Buckman was a lovely human being who always had a smile on her face. She lived by herself in what was then, the last house in Gerringong along the road out towards Weir’s farm. Greg Wishart was another that comes

Wecleansoyoudon’thaveto. Wearepassionateaboutwhatwedo, andensurethateventhesmallestofdetailsislookedafter.

Speaking of gumboots. Every year the church would have an annual picnic as most churches would do. It was a highlight of the year with lots of entertainment for the entire church and town community. Of course a big attraction was always the hayride behind one of the farmers with their tractor.

have in an organisation if you want things done. I seemed to recall he had a son who was a handy league player!

e ministers like Canon Wesley Gurvin, Rev Len Harriss and Canon Dillon were men who did not just conduct sermons on Sunday. It was not a ‘job’, it was a passion. ey were on call to administer spiritual advice whenever needed, for example providing benevolent comfort for a person at the end stage of their life. ey always had a smile and a positive attitude. But of course this church was an integral part of what was,

But the church committee in 1972 wanted to come up with something a little di erent that year. Being a farming community, someone came up with the idea of a gumboot throwing competition.

Organisation for this great competition began in earnest. A strict set of rules was written. is was not going to be a ‘hit and giggle’ a air. It was serious business. Maybe it might take o and even be an Olympic event!

e church fair was a great success on a beau-

tiful night in November that year. e gumboot throwing competition was indeed a crowd favourite with sti competition for the glory of being number one. ere may have been howls of laughter from the spectators watching grown men hurling a regulation sized gumboot like a hammer thrower in the Olympics but for the competitors, most of whom were dairy farmers, it was a matter of honour.

I do not recall who was the ultimate winner. Maybe somebody out there in the Gerringong community has an old dusty trophy on the mantelpiece from 1972.

Despite the intense work on

the part of the church committee and the success of the competition, I do not recall it becoming an annual event and it quickly died out. I do remember reading, however, that Taihape, a town in New Zealand, no doubt a farming community, took on gumboot throwing as a serious sport and hosts a festival every year.

e Anglican Church of Gerringong has a long history and has always been an important part of the local community. I am sure that it will continue to do so for many years into the future.

Mark Emery

NSW introduces ﬁrst portable bond

The NSW State Government has intentions to fulﬁl their election promises, aimed at combating housing and cost of living stress, with the introduction of a new rental bond system.

Renters in NSW can expect to see ‘portable bonds’ by next year. But what does that mean?

Portable bonds will be developed and delivered through an upgraded rental bond system to ‘improve

cash ﬂow’ and reduce ‘ﬁnancial stress for renters’.

The ﬁnancial relief measure is a nation’s ﬁrst. The government will invest $6.6 million to produce a system that streamlines the transfer of bond money, through a digital transaction to a renters new tenancy and avoid paying a new bond on top of awaiting funds from a previous tenancy.

“Moving house is one of the most

stressful things you can do, not to mention expensive for many renters,” Premier Chris Minns emphasised.

NSW has a turnover of more than 330,000 tenancies every year across the state, with the average tenancy of 1.6 years.

Some of the young members with Ivy Parrish on the right.

Neve Surridge

Kiama professor striving to improve health outcomes

If you could help improve global health outcomes by participating in research to prevent, treat and ﬁnd cures for disease, would you do it? It is a question The George Institute for Global Health is asking millions of Australians to consider, as part of the Join Us program.

The George Institute, an independent global medical research centre with scientists based in over 50 cities worldwide, including Sydney,

has partnered with universities and research centres to set up the Join Us register. The register connects researchers to a database of people who are interested in taking part in medical research opportunities relevant to their own health.

Kiama Downs researcher Professor Maree Hackett has worked at the George Institute for almost two decades.

Born in New Zealand, Prof Hackett was offered a job at the Institute while in her final year of a PhD at Auckland University. She has lived here ever since and earlier this month officially became an Australian citizen.

Prof Hackett says research is critical to better health outcomes, but ﬁnding participants to get involved in research can be diﬃcult.

“The Join Us register is an easy way for millions of Australians to ﬁnd out about and participate in life-saving health and medical research,” says Prof Hackett. “It is a secure register that matches participants with research studies not only at The George Institute but also being run by other medical and public health bodies, addressing Australia’s biggest health challenges.”

These challenges include

reducing risk factors for any major illness.

“People can lower their risk factors by eating well, reducing alcohol consumption, keeping weight down, exercising and not smoking,” says Prof Hackett. “But for people who do have health challenges, we rely on research to improve their outcomes.”

The Head of the Student and Fellows Program at The George Institute was always interested in working in medical research or in a hospital.

“Members of my family have various health conditions, so I spent a fair amount of time visiting them in the hospital growing up,” says Prof Hackett. “I always thought things could be better, so I went into research.”

But it almost didn’t happen when, at one stage, Prof Hackett thought that university was not for her. “I ended up doing three degrees after swearing that going to university was a complete waste of time,” laughs Prof Hackett, who completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English, a Masters in Psychology, and a PhD in Medicine.

Fast forward two decades and many years of research, Prof Hackett now oversees students doing their doctoral degrees, along with their su-

pervisors, as they transition into their early career. Her goal is to ensure students get the best research opportunities possible while developing groundbreaking methods to improve people's health.

Prof Hackett says the research landscape has changed significantly since she started in the field, where she focused on developing simple, cost-effective strategies to prevent depression and improve outcomes for people with depression and other chronic diseases.

“It’s very hard to go into research now and have a high chance of funding success, but researchers at The George Institute are doing cutting edge, amazing work to help improve global health outcomes,” she says.

Breakthroughs in improving people’s health would not be possible if not for community participation in medical research opportunities.

“One of the most diﬃcult things about conducting research is ﬁnding the right participants,” says Prof Hackett. “Programs like Join Us give people in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, who might not be attending a big teaching hospital where they’re asked to take part in clinical trials, an opportunity to be a part of breakthroughs in health research.”

The Join Us register was

established in 2020 by The George Institute and its aﬃliate partner, UNSW Sydney.

More than 40 organisations are now part of the program including the Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator, a centre improving research into cardiovascular disease.

“You don’t have to take part in a clinical trial if you get contacted through the national register,” says Prof Hackett. “The database is similar to any routinely collected, secure data, just like when you register with an electricity provider, it allows a company to contact you to

let you know about a power outage and when it might be restored. Join Us is a really easy way to ﬁnd out about potential research that you or your family might beneﬁt from. Most people are quite altruistic given the chance,so it gives them the opportunity to potentially help others by increasing medical knowledge.”

For more information about the Join Us program, go to the George Institute research website to register.

Danielle Woolage

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MICRO EAR CARE

Walking for heal y hearts

Currently funded by the Federal Government, the Heart Foundation Walking Program has grown to over 330,000 walkers nationwide. Individual and group lead programs by 700 volunteers helping those towards a healthier heart lifestyle.

The Heart Foundation Walk kicked oﬀ on 1 August 2024 from Harry Sawkins Park in the Nowra CBD.

Joining the local walking groups was Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips alongside Heart Foundation general manager Simon Cowie and Walking Program Oﬃcer NSW/ACT Lizzie Hannah.

“Evidence shows that just 30 minutes of daily walking can lower heart disease and stroke risk by 35 percent, reduce key risk factors including hypertension and metabolic disease and boost mood,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Yet only one in ﬁve adults meet the level of physical activity recommended by the Australian Guidelines.”

Mrs Phillips walks her dogs daily and said the beneﬁts of joining a walking

group extended beyond physical health.

The National Walking Initiative focuses on ﬁve key areas:

Supporting more people to participate in the Heart Foundation Walking program.

Building health professional skills and conﬁdence to discuss and prescribe physical activity.

Empowering communities to lead local initiatives.

Promoting active living through healthy built and natural environments.

Educating the public and advancing action.

Hoping to inspire more residents to participate in regular exercising habits, Mrs Phillips is eager to connect with other community members and groups.

Eleanor Bailey

“Use

it or lose it” Keeping fit as we age

muscles can lead to a decline in function and mobility, making everyday activities more diﬃcult. The good news is that you can regain muscle strength with regular exercise that includes a mix of strength, aerobic, and balance training."

Elossa Fitness has created a welcoming and supportive environment for older people of all ﬁtness levels to feel comfortable.

The goal is to help members become stronger and healthier with the guidance of highly trained exercise physiologists

so the workouts are safe, individualised, and enjoyable. Training with Elossa will help you to continue doing the activities you love or return to those you used to enjoy! For more information call 0468 357 720 or go to: elossaﬁtness.com

Elossa is oﬀering two weeks free membership, with no lock in contract.

Located at 2/7 Minga Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre.

Donna Portland

ments.

Knee and hip replacements

In 2022, there were 52,863 hip replacements, 64,846 knee replacements, and 8,636 shoulder replacements, despite a Covid-related dip in public hospital procedures.

The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry reported a total of 1,982,200 joint replacement procedures that year. Surveys indicate high satisfaction rates, with 85 percent of patients feeling "much better" after their surgeries. Joint replacements, once rare, are now common. Advances in technology, surgical techniques, better implants, faster recovery times, and higher success rates are encouraging more people to undergo these procedures, often at younger ages. For those in their 40s and 50s, osteoarthritis - stemming from sports injuries or accidents - is the leading cause of hip replacements. Orthopaedics WA states that nearly all patients under 50 with premature arthritis have identiﬁable causes, such as hip dysplasia or childhood deformities. The bearing is the weakest

part of a conventional hip replacement. Traditional bearings of plastic and metal fail quickly in younger patients, so special bearings, including ceramic materials, metal bearings, and durable plastics, are often selected based on individual needs. Each material has its advantages and risks, requiring careful consideration.

Perth orthopaedic surgeon Dr Benjamin Hewitt explains that hip replacements are performed when the hip joint wears out, causing severe pain and dysfunction. The hip joint consists of a ball-andsocket with smooth, hard bearing cartilage. Damage to this cartilage, often due to osteoarthritis, results in pain and stiﬀness. Hip replacements are generally considered when daily pain severely impacts activities, with the goal of alleviating pain and enabling a return to usual activities.

Most patients experience signiﬁcant recovery within eight to twelve weeks after hip or knee replacement surgery, though full recovery can take up to a year. Physical therapy is essential, with most patients regaining considerable function within two to three months. Knee replacements typically require a longer recovery time than hip replace-

Alternatives should be explored before opting for hip replacements, which should be a last resort. Painkillers, injections, and exercises can provide temporary relief, but if the hip joint is severely worn out and symptoms become debilitating, a hip replacement may be the only long-term solution.

Hip replacements can fail when the bearing surface wears out and the components become loose. The Australian National Joint Replacement Registry records data on their longevity. On average, 94 percent of joint replacements are functioning well at the 10-year mark, and 90 percent at 15 years. This promising outlook means a 90 percent chance your hip replacement will still be fully functioning 15 years post-operation. With advancements in joint replacement technology and techniques, individuals are gaining new leases on life, free from debilitating pain. While the decision to undergo a hip or knee replacement is signiﬁcant, the potential beneﬁts in pain relief and improved quality of life make it a viable option. As innovations continue, the future looks bright for those seeking to regain mobility and enjoy life to the fullest.

ILLAWARRA SCABIES OUTBREAK

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) is urging anyone who has visited its health facilities to watch for scabies symptoms amid an outbreak. The ﬁrst case was conﬁrmed at Wollongong Hospital in late July, prompting immediate measures to limit transmission.

The District is conducting thorough tracing of both staﬀ and patients and contacting those at higher risk.

ISLHD Chief Executive Margot Mains reported that 11 patients and 23 staﬀ have been diagnosed across four hospitals: Wollongong, Coledale, Shellharbour, and Bulli. "Scabies is common and treatable but challenging to control in hospitals due to high patient and staﬀ movement," said Ms. Mains.

To prevent further spread, all current inpatients and staﬀ will receive preventative treatment.

Patients discharged since mid-May are advised to monitor for symptoms and contact their GP if an itchy rash develops. "While usually treated without long-term issues, scabies is unpleasant and requires treatment to eliminate the infestation," said ISLHD

Executive Director of Medical

Services Dr. Karen Murphy. Scabies Facts: Caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, leading to an itchy rash.

• Spread through prolonged skin contact or sharing bedding and towels.

• Symptoms: itchy rash, often between ﬁngers and skin folds, worse at night or after a hot bath/shower.

• More info: www.healthdirect.gov.au/scabies#what-is Community members with questions can email ISLHD at ISLHD-HealthInformation@health.nsw.gov.au or call healthdirect at 1800 022 222.

Gareth Ward criticised the handling of the outbreak, noting a delay in informing the public. "Health oﬃcials knew about the outbreak for almost two weeks before informing the public," he said. Ward demanded answers from the Health Minister about the outbreak's timeline, resource allocation, and outreach to schools, aged care, and other services. "Our community deserves better communication and handling of health situations," he concluded, promising to pursue these issues in Parliament.

Donna Portland

South Coast Sports Physiotherapy: bringing expertise to Kiama

Kiama welcomes its newest addition to the health and wellness scene with the opening of South Coast Sports Physiotherapy. Headed by the highly experienced Dan Mannix, this new clinic promises to deliver top-tier physiotherapy services to both athletes and the general public.

Dan Mannix brings over a decade of clinical

experience as a sports physiotherapist to Kiama. Prior to founding South Coast Sports Physiotherapy, Mannix dedicated eight years to working full-time in professional rugby. His impressive resume includes signiﬁcant roles with the Australian Women’s 7's team in 2018 and 2019, and the men’s national rugby team, the Wallabies, from 2020 to 2023.

Reﬂecting on his extensive experience, Mannix states, "Working in high-performance environments forces you to learn quickly and uphold high standards in your day-to-day practice.”

A Canberra native, Mannix's journey into physiotherapy was inspired by his passion for sports, having actively participated in rugby, golf, and tennis during his youth. He pursued his physiotherapy studies at the University of Canberra and later specialised in a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy at La Trobe University. His career has also seen him working internationally with UK rugby teams, including the Cornish Pirates and Leicester Tigers.

When asked about the distinction between sports physiotherapy and regular physiotherapy, Mannix explains, “It's

the same principles just applied in a different setting. With athletes, there is definitely more pressure to have people return to a higher level of function quickly, but you’re still using the same clinical skills in the private practice setting. You definitely don't have to be an athlete to be seen by a sports physiotherapist.”

Mannix emphasises a comprehensive approach to treatment. “We oﬀer a thorough assessment, targeted hands-on treatment, and an exercise program to address the underlying issue,” he says.

Conveniently located in the terrace houses on Collins Lane, Kiama, South Coast Sports Physiotherapy is set to become a cornerstone of health and recovery in the community. Whether you're an elite athlete or simply someone in need of quality physiotherapy care, Dan Mannix and his team are ready to assist you on your journey to optimal health.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit www. scsphysiotherapy.com

Dying to know

On August 8, Australians come together for 'Dying to Know Day,' a national campaign dedicated to improving death literacy and end-of-life planning. This initiative empowers individuals across all stages of life to take proactive steps in understanding their options and preparing for the end of life. Through personal action, events, and home gatherings, participants enhance their knowledge and make informed choices about their ﬁnal journey.

The campaign for greater grace around end of life scenarios continues throughout the year. A thought-provoking discussion titled "The Kinder Side of Dying" will take place on Friday, August 16, from 10-11 am at Burnett's on Barney, located at 80 Barney Street, Kiama.

The session will be led by Michael Barbato, a retired palliative care doctor with a distinguished career. Dr Barbato spent two decades as a specialist physician in rural New South Wales before transitioning to palliative care in Sydney in 1989. Before his retirement in 2012, he directed palliative

care services across NSW and the ACT and served as a locum for the Northern Territory Palliative Care Service. His expertise spans holistic care of the dying, end-of-life dreams and visions, the experience of dying, and the moment of death.

Dr Barbato facilitates "Caring for the Living and the Dying" workshops for both professional and community groups and has presented at state, national, and international conferences. An accomplished author, he has penned three books on palliative care and has contributed extensively to the field through various publications. He passionately advocates for the Midwifing Death Correspondence Course, which offers participants a profound understanding of becoming a compassionate companion to those nearing the end of life.

For many, the need for greater clarity and compassion on this deeply emotional topic is essential. Join us in this enlightening discussion to explore and embrace the gentler aspects of dying.

Donna Portland

The Kinder Side of Dying

A conversation with Michael Barbato, retired palliative care doctor

Revelations from 30 years practice in Palliative Care

Friday 16 August 10am-12 midday

Burnett’s on Barney 80 Barney Street, Kiama

Donna Portland

Daniel Mannix sports physio.

South Coast Sports Physio clinic.

This October 2024, the town of Nowra is poised to become the epicentre for uplifting consciousness as it hosts "HERE in Nowra", a festival dedicated to the exploration and celebration of Vedic philosophy, practices, and teachings.

This event is not just a festival; it is the embodiment of a vision to bring together a global community of meditators, united in their passion for Vedic wisdom and the pursuit of collective consciousness.

In partnership with the University of Wollongong, HERE in Nowra aims to merge ancient wisdom with modern scientiﬁc inquiry, studying the impact of collective meditation on community health outcomes. It's a pioneering step towards understanding how

deep, shared meditation practices can foster social well-being.

The vision for this festival is to be a gathering place for meditators to come together and celebrate Vedic wisdom. The goal is to unify the community and ﬁnd places we can meet and share the happiness we are radiating with other like-minded souls. In turn the conscious energy that these gatherings bring hopes to bring lasting eﬀects to the communities they are held in. The inaugural event will be held in Nowra and will travel to other locations in the future.

Participants are invited to immerse themselves in a wealth of activities designed to inspire, educate, and transform:

• Engaging free public wisdom talks and introductory talks

demystifying Vedic knowledge.

• Meditation courses catering to all levels, including introduction talks all the way through to a special Siddha program for advanced practitioners.

• Workshops and advanced courses such as Exploring the Veda oﬀering insights into elevating consciousness and integrating Vedic wisdom into daily life.

• Social outings to enjoy shared experience with like-minded people

• The festival's retreat oﬀerings promise profound personal exploration and growth:

• Rounding Retreats of varying lengths tailored to deepen practice and understanding.

• Specialized retreats focusing on women, creators, the music

The Men’s Table: Building Connections and Wellbeing

John Carnegie, co-host of The Men’s Table in Kiama, is actively promoting the upcoming enrolment night in Berry on 20 August. As men’s mental health gains increasing attention in our local community, this event aims to welcome new members into a supportive network.

The Men’s Table, a charity established in 2011, began with a simple dinner where a group of men gathered to connect and share the highs and lows of their lives. Meeting once a month ever since, these gatherings have

fostered meaningful relationships grounded in trust and acceptance.

Belonging to a Men’s Table significantly enhances mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, offering robust support for its members.

Each Table is supported by the Kitchen, the central office of The Men’s Table, which became a registered not-for-profit in 2019 under the leadership of co-founders Ben Hughes and David Pointon.

Each table has a unique personality, shaped

industry, and those new to Vedic meditation, providing unique perspectives and community building HERE in Nowra is more than an event; organisers hope it's the beginning of a global movement. By fostering a space for unity, knowledge, evolution, and love, the Festival aims to radiate positive, conscious energy far beyond the conﬁnes of Nowra.

This is an invitation to be part of a journey, to connect with like-minded individuals, and to contribute to a larger narrative of community and consciousness. Add it to your diary.

For more information on how to participate, volunteer, or simply learn more, visit HERE in Nowra or instagram @beherenowra Donna Portland

by the Fundamentals which are practical guidelines developed from the experience of existing Tables.

Join the Movement: The Men’s Table is actively seeking new members and encourages men to attend the upcoming information night.

For more information, contact John Carnegie at 0412 407 006 or via email at John@ jaksan.com.au.

Donna Portland

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HERE - Barron Speaker

Top hardest working canine in the country

Ollie the therapy dog and her handler Judi Sandilands-Cincotta have been busier than usual of late. Ollie, one of the hardest-working therapy dogs in the country, joined Shellharbour Library in the lead up to Book Week Celebrations. As part of the library’s Paws and Pages Pawgust program, on August 8 parents were able to book a slot for their children to read one-on-one with Ollie, and there is another opportunity on August 15.

“Ollie is a great listener and loves to have stories read to her from the children and youth of the Library. She is an expert at providing a mood boost and happy hello,” says Children’s and Youth Librarian Kellie John.

As well as improving childhood literacy at library visits Ollie continues to support teen mental health. Ollie recently joined founder of The Champions program Nic Newling during a talk the mental health advocate held for Year 11 stu-

dents at Warilla High School.

“This is Ollie’s second year joining one of Nic’s talks, which use storytelling as an opportunity for students to openly discuss topics that are diﬃcult,” said Judi. “Guide Dog Shiko also came along to help students talk about diﬃcult topics and to be on hand for anyone who needed some puppy cuddles.”

Natasha Clark, Warilla High School’s head teacher of wellbeing, says having Judi, Ollie and Shiko on site for the past three years is just one of the many ways the school provides support to both students and staﬀ.

As well as visiting Warilla High School every week and Kiama and Bomaderry High School each fortnight, Ollie also provides support to victims of crime and staff at Wollongong court, pops in to visit police officers at the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command, ambulance staff at Barrack Heights and volun-

teers at Lifeline Sylvania each month.

It is little wonder that Olie was named as one of the Top 10 Hardest Working Dogs in Australia as part of the Dogs Down Under TV series which will air on Channel 10 next month.

Dogs Down Under presenter Lara Shannon says she was “blown away” by the stories of canine companions like Ollie who are “saving lives, protecting the community and bringing together people from all walks of life through a common bond and love of dogs”.

“The judges and I could never have imagined how hard it would be to select just ten ﬁnalists,” says Shannon. “We will be sharing as many of the stories that we can on social media and other platforms throughout the year, to recognise and celebrate the important role dogs play in our lives and the wider community”.

Keep an eye out for Ollie’s story when the Top 10 Finalists for the Most Talented, Hardest Working, Everyday Heroes and Sporting Legends categories go to air on September 7. Danielle Woolage

Ollie with her prizes as ﬁnalist.

Celebrating 100 Days of Kindy at Kiama’s Schools

Did you spot an army of 6-year-olds dressed like cliched pensioners roaming around Kiama? On 30 July, local schools - and schools across the country - celebrated an important milestone for Kindergarten students: 100 days of Kindy (or 100 Days of Prep, depending on where you’re based).

It’s hard to pinpoint where this tradition came from, but in schools in Australia (and the UK and America), it’s celebrated in an unconventional way. Kindergarten students dress up as 100-year-olds and take part in a range of 100-themed activities. (Did we mention, the teachers dress up too?)

This isn’t just about dressing up like Grannies from Bluey (parents will get that reference!). It’s a way to reinforce an important milestone in Mathematics. It just so happens that 100 days of Kindergarten falls around the time, 6-year-olds start to explore triple-ﬁgures in their Maths curriculum.

As part of the day, students explore

100-themed literacy, numeracy and craft ideas, including threading 100 Cheerios on a necklace and then eating it.

There is some push-back to the tradition on the internet. The fancy dress theme has been criticised for being ageist and ableist. One mum, writing on the website Disabledparenting.com, bristled when her little boy asked if he could “take one of my wheelchairs to school” to pretend to be elderly.

But, you could also argue, it’s a chance to have open conversations with your children around ageist stereotypes. “Let’s talk about the older people we know? What about Grandpa who loves to go surﬁng? Instead of a walking stick, how about taking a ﬁshing rod or a golf club?”

Controversy aside, 100 Days of Kindy is all about celebration. This is an important milestone for Kindergarteners, who have traversed the anxiety of starting school and learnt so much in such a short time.

As part of the celebrations at Kiama Public School, Kindergarten students reﬂected on their school highlights so far.

"My favourite thing in Kindergarten is going to the library and reading books," said Tiana. Meanwhile, Charlotte shared, "I loved performing our class play at assembly" and Charli said, “My favourite day in Kindergarten was Pyjama Day.”

As Minnamurra Public School said in an email to parents, “We are so proud of our Kindergarten students and all they have achieved so far this year.”

Congrats to all Kindy students (and their care-givers) on 100 amazing days so far!

Amy Molloy

To tell or not to tell?

We’ve all encountered that tricky situation when a friend or family member asks our opinion about something, like “Does this look good on me? or What do you think of my new dress/jacket/shoes/hairstyle….?”

Sometimes it places us in a dilemma - should we give honest feedback or simply smile and give a thumbs up?

In my family, growing up with four siblings (mostly girls) we told the bare truth - often! After I moved out of home and into shared accommodation, I noticed that other people were quite different. They were a lot more polite and didn’t always reveal what they really thought.

Old habits die hard. I recall many years ago expressing an opinion to a former boyfriend that he had a ‘pedestrian’ fashion sense. It wasn't an attempt to be cruel. It was simply the truth, and someone had to break it to him. I found his blind faith in labels and his obliviousness to style to be frustrating. He had no pride in his wardrobe, only wore four colours, no stripes or patterns and he had zero ﬂair.

His reaction? Let's just say it was less than enthusiastic. From my perspective, it was highly amusing. He kept repeating “pedestrian?” … “pedestrian!” The word baﬄed him, as though I'd conjured a term from a foreign language. Was that honesty or insensitivity on my part? I feel no guilt, but the jury is still out. Would you have kept quiet about his lack of style? You could argue that some useful feedback is worthwhile and

gives one an opportunity to make improvements! My intention was pure. I aimed for neutral delivery but must have missed the mark.

Does it matter? In the grand scheme of things, this might be the better question. How honest and frank should we be with family and friends? When they try a new hairstyle that doesn't suit them, do we smile and say, “Lovely,” or do we tell them the truth?

Don't we have a responsibility to give our honest opinion to those we care about? If delivered kindly, we do. Would I want the same honesty coming back at me? Well, that depends on the subject and who's giving the feedback! If I valued the person's knowledge and expertise and felt they were qualiﬁed to comment, then yes, I'd want to know what they think, hoping they’d be kind in their delivery.

If they are merely opinionated and not qualiﬁed to give me some direction, they should keep their thoughts to themselves.

It’s ‘situational speciﬁc’ and the safest approach, unless someone directly asks for your opinion, is to keep it to yourself.

So, should you be honest? Sure, but with a pinch of tact and a dash of empathy. After all, there’s a ﬁne line between being truthful and being insensitive.

I am betting that many of you will now go to evaluate your wardrobe to see if it could be described as ‘pedestrian’!

Donna Portland

A journey down memory lane with The Carefree Road Band: a tribute to Simon & Garfunkel

As we approach the 60th anniversary of Simon & Garfunkel's iconic ascent to the top of the Billboard Top 100 with "The Sound of Silence," a local band with deep roots in Kiama is set to rekindle the magic of their timeless hits at the Folk By The Sea festival this September.

The Carefree Road Band will pay homage to the legendary folk duo with a Simon & Garfunkel Tribute Show, performing at the Kiama Showground and other venues around town from September 20-22. The band has been diligently rehearsing at the home studio of band members Louise and Mark Raue, preparing to deliver renditions of beloved classics such as "The Boxer," "Bridge over Troubled Water," "Cecilia," "El Condor Pasa," and "I Am a Rock."

"We are thrilled to present a Simon & Garfunkel tribute at Folk By The Sea," says John Tubridy, guitarist and

ter and Paul School, highlights the local connection and camaraderie within the band. "Performing at Folk By The Sea feels like coming home. With Louise and Mark Raue and Joel Robards residing in Kiama, and both John Spillane and I having lived in the area, it's a familiar and welcoming environment."

The Carefree Road Band, a nine-member ensemble, boasts members from five different countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, England, and Ireland. This rich tapestry of backgrounds is united by a shared love for Simon & Garfunkel's music. The band includes Louise Raue (vocals), Mark Raue (mandolin, guitar, vocals), Miffy Ryan (violin), John Tubridy (guitar, vocals), Joel Robards (percussion), Wolfgang Klogor (bass guitar, flute), John Spillane (Irish whistle, harmonica), Allan Vander Linden (lead guitar), and

vocalist for the band. "Their songs are iconic for those who grew up in the Sixties and Seventies, but they continue to resonate with music lovers of all ages."

Tubridy, a former Gerringong resident and Assistant Principal at Kiama’s Sts Pe-

"It struck me as a great name for a song, and later, it became the perfect name for our band."

The Carefree Road Band's tribute show is scheduled for 5pm on Sunday, September 22, as part of the free Festival Finale hosted by Kiama Bowling Club. But they won’t be the only act celebrating musical legends at Folk By The Sea; local artist Penny Hartgerink will honour American blues and roots legend Lucinda Williams with a special performance.

Folk By The Sea promises a rich lineup of 44 national and local acts, delivering over 100 concerts and dances across nine venues. Highlights include performances by acclaimed Indigenous violinist Eric Marrawuy, the Fred Smith Band, and Brisbane's Cigany Weaver.

John McKenna (keyboard).

The band’s name, inspired by a road near Nabiac on the NSW Mid-North Coast, reﬂects their laid-back approach and passion for music. "I noticed the Carefree Road sign on our travels north," Tubridy explains.

Stay tuned to The Bugle for the complete Folk By The Sea program, which will be published in the edition a week before the festival – on Sept 7.

For ticket information and the full festival lineup, visit www.folkbythesea.com.au

Donna Portland

Huge opportunity for local filmmakers

Gerringong Pics and Flicks are calling on all local ﬁlmmakers and enthusiasts who are interested in learning the art of cinematography, screenwriting, editing and all things ﬁlm, to apply for their new scholarship.

The scholarship is for residents of the Kiama LGA aged between 18 and 25 and will cover part costs for two short courses at the Australian Film and Television Radio School (AFTRS).

Gerringong Pics and Flicks Incorporated is a community run not-for-proﬁt organisation, which has screened ﬁlms monthly at Gerringong Town Hall for 24 years. They also support local community and cultural events and have

teamed up with both AFTRS and Screen Illawarra for this scholarship.

In a press release, Gerringong Pics and Flicks wrote, “Applicants need to be 18 to 25 years when they enrol in their chosen AFTRS short course and live in the Kiama Council Local Government Area to be eligible to apply for the Pics and Flicks scholarship. The scholarship valued at $1000 will provide $960 ﬁnancial assistance towards the cost of fees for the AFTRS short courses and $40 for one year’s professional membership of Screen Illawarra.”

The scholarship application form will be downloadable on Friday 9 August and closing Friday 23 August from the

Gerringong Pics and Flicks Facebook page.

Gerringong Pics and Flicks presents a film on the first Friday of every month (except January) and in August they will be playing Celine Song’s Oscar nominated film Past Lives.

Past Lives is a poetic ﬁlm about a Korean girl who immigrated to America as a 12 year old and as an adult in America reconnects with a boy from her childhood which creates a wedge in her current relationship.

It is an emotional exploration of a past world and a current world and the ways in which they intrude on one another.

Brooke Pittman

Helen Laidlaw is set to launch her highly anticipated book “On Wadi Wadi Country: from the mountains to the sea”.

The event is to be held on Saturday 17 August at 2pm in the Kiama Library Auditorium, hosted by local Kiama writer, author and Journalist Bruce Elder.

The book explores the lives of several First Nation Families and early European Families who lived in this area.

These two groups are deeply inter-

twined with Kiama and the surrounding areas. Some of the families are the Longbottoms, the Dixons, the Weston/ Johnstons and the Pikes.

One of the most amazing stories is about King Mickey and Queen Rosie. Pictured on the cover is Queen Rosie in a photo from the November 1927 Sydney Morning Herald.

You are invited to join Mr Elder to share your thoughts on Laidlaw's work over an afternoon cup of tea or a glass of wine.

Mark your calendars as there are more events to come. See What's on for details.

Eleanor Bailey

Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice

Dr John Salmon is pleased to announce that he is practicing full time in Kiama.

MOOving Art: how Daisy the Cow inspired a national dairy art phenomenon

In 2007, local dairy farmer Lynne Strong identiﬁed an opportunity to connect the dairy industry with the community through art. Inspired by Kiama's very own Daisy the Cow, she designed the Picasso Cows - a MOOving Work of Art program. The program invited primary school students to investigate the dairy industry through the lens of three themes: healthy landscapes, clean water, and energy-eﬃcient dairies.

Over eight weeks, the students explored the dairy industry and then designed an udderly fantastic artwork based on their ﬁndings, which they painted on a life-size ﬁbreglass cow.

The 2007 pilot was a partnership between Kiama Arts Society, with artists Philip Cooper and Rosalyn Hanson

Concert tailored for kids to be held at Gerringong Town Hall

On Sunday August 18, the Gerringong Music Club will host an interactive superhero-themed concert especially for children at the Gerringong Town Hall.

The event is designed by Clear Strings, a professional string quartet, and it will include melodies of Superman and Wonder Woman as well as popular TV songs and hits by artists like Billie Eilish. It will feature violins, a viola, a cello and a double bass.

The herd grew when students from Kiama High School painted three of Daisy's calf-tastic oﬀspring.

The program went national

painting Daisy the Cow and Jamberoo Public School students painting Buttercup. The oﬃcial launch in 2008 saw schools from Kangaroo Valley to Wollongong participate in the initiative. Supported by the Kiama Council, the students’ artworks were displayed in Hindmarsh Park for two weeks over the summer holidays. The community choice competition attracted over 5,000 visitors, with the community choosing Kiama Public School as the People’s Pick and the judges selecting Minnamurra Public School as their winner.

in 2009, reaching schools from the apple groves of Tasmania to the wine region of Margaret River and beef cattle country in Rockhampton. In the last 15 years, over 1,000 pieces of dairy art have been created by primary school students across the country, all inspired by our very own Daisy and the artistic endeavours of our local students.

It's safe to say the Picasso Cows program has milked the creativity of young minds nationwide!

Lynne Strong

The Picasso Cows then travelled to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where the students' artworks were displayed for two weeks, with the cows even participating in the Grand Parade.

GET YOUR BUGLE

It was inspired by an intensive music education program which was conducted by the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney which resulted in huge improvements in learning, development, behaviour and attendance.

Music Director of Clear Strings, Renae Zink, says, “It has been proven that interactive musical experiences at a young age can

foster a life-long love of music. The importance of exposing children to engaging and exciting musical experiences cannot be emphasised.”

Musical Director of the Gerringong Music Club Imogen Stewart says, "We are excited to present our ﬁrst concert designed with children in mind. We’re learning more about how important music is for well-rounded child development, helping kids feel, think and move better and

are committed to bringing those experiences to Gerringong for our kids to enjoy.”

The event is sponsored by the Gerringong Branch of Bendigo Bank provided through its Community Grant Scheme.

The event starts at 2pm on 18 August, doors open at 1:30pm. Book your tickets online at www. gerringongmusicclub.com.au. Members, children and students are free. Visitors $30. Lleyton Hughes

A SILENT UTOPIA: THE ENIGMATIC

ART OF STAN SQUIRE

A lagoon-like beach surrounded by vigorous greenery, blue waves rolling toward the shore, a tribe of people preparing for a surf at their own private paradise, nature and humans working in harmony as though we lived in some sort of utopia.

me they lack a perspective or a judgement. I don’t see Stan putting himself in there, it's more of a reﬂection of things. And Stan is an incredible observer, I think anyone who goes to that level of detail within their work has got to have a very attuned eye,” says Cobi.

in 1995. He’s held exhibitions all around Australia and won the Basil Sellers art prize in Moruya in 2010. Most recently, in 2019, he was a ﬁnalist for the Megalo international print prize in Canberra.

These are some of the images and stories that South Coast artist Stan Squire conveys through his incredibly detailed artworks - and yet he doesn’t say a single word.

Squire’s work is nostalgic and almost unreal in some ways. The way he pauses moments, you almost think he wishes he could pause reality in the same way. You deﬁnitely get the sense that he perhaps wishes he could turn back the clock to a more simpler way of life.

He’s been doing it for a long time and Cobi believes Squire is the type of artist who doesn’t do it for any other reason than that he has to. That was why she felt he would be good for the SEVENMARKS gallery.

CHECK THE BUGLE APP SUNDAY MORNING 9AM FOR THE ON-GOING SAGA OF TURNERS RAGE (CHAPTER 22)

Even when The Bugle contacted the SEVENMARKS art gallery, who are presenting Squire’s work, about a possible interview with Squire, gallery director Cobi Cobi replied, “Stan is quite a reclusive artist and not really the one to talk about his own works. I have spoken with him and he is willing for me to discuss the works on his behalf.”

Maybe it is not so surprising to learn that Squire is a solitary individual when you look at his work. Most of the pieces are ﬁlled with this sense of observation. That Squire is watching moments, but isn’t quite present in them - as though he is removed from the work completely.

“I look at them and you do see people interacting, but for

“I think he longs to live in a time that was slightly quieter and less hectic and deﬁnitely less people out in the surf, I think he'd like that. Like any intriguing mind, I think he'd like to have a view back to that place and be able to go back to that place. Whether or not he generally wants to be there or not, I’m not sure. There is always that intrigue of what was this like before we came and were so invasive? What are these raw elements about and how do we navigate that?” says Cobi. Squire was a ﬁnalist for the landscape prize at the Wollongong Regional Gallery

“The main objective of the gallery is to continue to show artists who we believe are really important and should be seen. Stan is someone who I’ve always admired for his ability to continually work on a body of work and reflect and stay true to who he is and not get caught up in the commercial art scene. He’s done it for the right reasons I believe. I find it intriguing and I find that there’s a depth there,” says Cobi.

Lleyton Hughes

Squire’s work will be showing at the stunning SEVENMARKS gallery from August 3 to September 1. Tickets and more information are on the website: www.sevenmarksgallery.com

Jamberoo Public School with Daisy and their Picasso Cow Buttercup

Minnamurra Public School won ﬁrst Picasso Cows Competition in 2008

BLOW YOUR

Well done Bugle and all its writers. It is wonderful to read your forthright articles and editorials regarding Kiama and its citizens and their access to Kiama Council.

This is a rare thing in this "Woke Age" where open discussion and personal expressions are put forward as the Bugle does, only to be damned, disregarded and put down by those who were elected to represent the citizens who seem to make their judgment based on Political Party lines and not their own as happens more and more in society today. Their voices are not their own, they merely repeat what they are told to say by anonymous men/women in dark out of sight places.

Candidates who run for oﬃce must be fully independent and not echo petty party lines as seems to be the case in Kiama.

This follows through to the election of a mayor as is the case in Kiama who is elected by the political whims of party hacks and not in the interest of those they claim falsely to represent. The citizens must vote for an independant, unbiased mayor not Council members..

Public access to Council matters must be allowed with open forums on a regular basis with open and frank discussion at all times so the mayor and council are fully aware of the mood of the citizens they supposedly represent.

What is happening is biased local government and not in the interest of the wider population of the area they represent. It is only in the interest of those who dictate to Council members based on their ideals, not the councilors own thoughts. They must be based on the interest of the community they claim to represent.

Concerned resident NS

Please keep up your writing to show just who really cares what goes on in the closeted Council Oﬃces.

It is refreshing to see your eﬀorts to let people know what actually goes on in their area.

Keep it up, a voice like yours is needed. NS Name supplied

Through your paper, I would like to again put questions I put over a week ago to the CEO of Kiama Council.

I have obviously had no response from that quarter, hence I am attempting to obtain some response via your publication.

The questions surround the payment of commission

on the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira, and presumably paid or slated to be paid to Stuart Brown Advisory. Your readers may recall that when the subject of the sale of Bonaira was ﬁrst promoted by the CEO to Council, she was directed to seek a report from an 'independent' consultancy, on whether Bonaira should be retained, leased or sold. Not surprisingly, that consultancy came back to Council with a resounding aﬃrmation that selling was the only option.

Surprisingly, an adjunct of that firm that supplied the advice to 'sell', was engaged to handle the sale process. Conflict of interest? Not according to our Council boffins! So in the interest of transparency, I believe it is fair to ask the questions – how much will Stuart Brown Advisory be paid? And will that commission be on the $95million sale price trumpeted by Mayor Reilly; or will it be on the $26million, which I understand is the amount of cash that will actually change hands?

I think it reasonable that all residents/ratepayers know the answer to these questions.

Allan Holder, Kiama

I attended the Debate you coordinated last week in Kiama, I found it helpful. Many facts were uncovered as to the process, outcomes and 'what ifs'. I suggest there is a wonderful opportunity for The Bugle to develop a FAQ to assist the public get their head around this before the vote with balanced understanding. With thanks NS

asked! M$40 that's forty million of your and my own ratepayer funds Kiama Councils Staﬀ (they assure us past) and Councillors have overseen the loss of during the Blue Haven Bonaira debacle. Surely, no way, you've got to be kidding, haven't we just sold it for M$95. Read and analyse the 222 page Forsyth Report dated 28 June 2022, adjusted for net settlement proceeds, and tell me I'm wrong (in round numbers, give or take a few million here and there because, who really knows) and remember full settlement does not take place until over two years from now so the pain will not fully go away on the so called settlement date of 1st November. Something for you to contemplate when next paying your rates, complaining about something council has not done or will not do - or is that just me - or re-electing councillors who have been in place over the period from conception to completion of build.

Dennis Robertson

Kiama council has in their wisdom decided to cease funding the Sharps Disposal Unit Service as of the 1st of August. This service provided free sharps containers to the Kiama community, as well as provision of bins in local pharmacies for collec-

tion and safe disposal. From the 1st of August there will be nowhere within the Kiama LGA for residents to take their sharps for safe disposal. The nearest drop oﬀ point will be Shellharbour hospital. We have gone from best practice to worst practice. I have major concerns about how sharps will be disposed of going forward, and suspect we will see increased dumping of sharps in public waste collection and red bins. I have voiced my concerns with Jane Stroud at council. I have put forward alternate suggestions, that council should as a minimum consider continuing to accept

community sharps returns at the recycling depot in Minnamurra. I would be more than happy to continue collecting them on councils behalf, and even drop them oﬀ to the recycling depot. This I believe would address most of the issues, however I was informed that Council had made their decision, case closed. I have lobbied Gareth Ward on this issue, but thought the Kiama community need to be made aware. Hopefully we can persuade council to reconsider its decision.

NS Kiama concerned resident

Recycled Bureaucracy

After visiting the council recycling centre at Minnamurra it felt like an episode of “Yes Minister.” I needed to use some polystyrene, for a raised garden bed. Rather than contributing to the production and waste of this product, by purchasing it, I headed to the recycling centre. I thought "what better way" to recycle waste than to reduce the waste left there and take it home to use. Alas, this was not possible! No waste products can be taken to be reused. Isn’t the recyclable waste left there meant to be recycled? The reason was OH&S. How can my health and safety be at risk by taking some polystyrene but no problem with leaving it there? Bureaucracy gone crazy!

NS Kiama concerned resident

I am a long time Labor voter and a current workfrom-homer, living in Kiama with my family.

I am strongly opposed to Chris Minns position urging public sector workers back into the oﬃce. NSW public service workers lash Premier Chris Minns’ return to oﬃce order news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site.

The public sector's hybrid and flexible working approach has been a great thing, for our community in particular. It's given flexibility to under pressure working families, improving lives and livelihoods. It's enabled good, hard working, young professionals to relocate to our beautiful area, helping our town thrive. It's kept money spent during M-F 9/5 in Kiama, rather than elsewhere. It's diversified

the job market, enabling the public sector to get the best talent out there.

On all accounts, positives.

However, Chris has bowed down to NSW business and development lobbyists who have been calling for a 'return to the CBD' since Day Zero of the pandemic. Both business and development lobbyists have come out taking credit for Chris' position.

As Kiamaites though, from a purely economic perspective, we realise that by forcing this foot traﬃc into Sydney city's cafes, it's taking them away from ours?

Critically though, have you noticed that local adolescent suicides are down signiﬁcantly over the same time period that parents are able to work from home in Kiama, rather than spending those extra 5 hrs a day away from home on an unneccessary commute? As a mental health worker, you simply cannot overstate the signiﬁcance to a child's well-being of having the parent more around the home: to listen, to connect, to identify trends. That presence can be life or death.

I'm cc'ing in local members of Minn's cabinet, including Ryan Parks who - as Health Minister - should be very concerned by the above paragraph. I've also cc'd in The Bugle, should you wish to use this email as a letter to the editor.

I urge Kiama's local branch, coming into this local election, to take a strong position that opposes Chris Minns' gormless one.

Side with your community, please. Not the lobbyists in Minns' ear.

Regards, Tony.

By the Sea’s next ‘India by Night’ is on Thursday 15 August, and bookings are now open for this highly recommended culinary journey. The menu will be a celebra-

tion of the vibrant flavours of Goa, a former Portuguese colony, which offers a unique fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours. The blend of Indian spices, chillies and tamarind with Portuguese ingredients like garlic, vinegar and olive oil. The region’s reputation for seafood makes this event particularly enticing.

By the Sea’s Michelin-trained chef Deep is preparing a special menu featuring Aussie ﬁsh, crabs and prawns.

To secure your spot call By the Sea on (02) 4232 1489 or book online. Get in quickly whilst there are still seats available. Don’t miss out on your chance to ‘get going for Goa’.

Friends of Classical Kiama, In just under two weeks we can sit back and enjoy classical guitarist Jesse Flowers! That’s a great way to spend

a crisp late winter afternoon/ evening. Remember that we have heating these days! Please feel free to share this with friends and colleagues. Remember that you can buy tickets at the door (but remember - cash only)

Several people have asked about the programme so here it is:

From Bach (Cello suite in E ﬂat major), MadrigAfro II - João Luiz Preludio 2 - João Luiz

The Last Song - Clarice Assad

Stélé - Phillip Houghton (including Stélé, Dervish, Bronze Apollo and Web) Hommage a Charles Bukawski - Petra Szászi

See you on Sunday 18 August. Pamela

Kerry's Clothes: Winter warmer drive

The Kiama community is stepping up to help those doing it tough this winter. Kerry Fahey, owner of local Kiama business Kerry’s Klothes, knows what a diﬀerence a cosy blanket, pair of socks or woollen beanie can mean to those doing it tough. So she and a like-minded cohort of community members, including Margie Tweedie from Care Essentials, have taken action at a grassroots level.

In June, Kerry and Margie, along with a host of other volunteers, started a winter donation drive for those in need of some winter warmth. She put out a call to the community for donations of winter woollies including blankets, socks, beanies, sleeping bags, doonas and toiletries. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It not only warms them up physically, but warms their heart, knowing there are people out there who care,” says Kerry. “Really I’m the lucky one. I get to see the joy on their faces.”

The cost of living crisis is biting hard for everyone, but it’s lower income earners who are feeling the pinch the most, with many being pushed out of stable housing due to rising rents.

Families across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven are struggling to make ends meet, with many going without essentials like heating and food due to the rising cost of electricity, gas and groceries. Others are unable to aﬀord stable housing, living out of their cars, couch surﬁng, relying on transitional housing with family and friends or homelessness support services.

Monday August 5 marked the start of Homelessness Week and peak national body Homelessness Australia is calling for Homelessness Action Now.

In June, when the bitter winter cold began to bite, Kerry reached out to people in Kiama, Berry, Shoalhaven Heads and Gerringong for do-

nations via social media and she describes the response as “absolutely extraordinary”.

Each Sunday Kerry joins the Nanak Free Community kitchen - where members of the Sikh community cook heartwarming curries for those who need - to distribute donated items.

“People have just been wonderful,” says Kerry. “It’s been a delight to see how thoughtful people are with what they send me. One lady gave me backpacks, others gave me 32

brand new sleeping bags.

“My friend Margie also started helping out when she heard what we were doing.

Margie runs Care Essentials and she has a wonderful network of people, including knitters, who donate beautiful blankets, scarves and beanies.”

Seven years ago Margie started Care Essentials in Sydney where a team of volunteers collected scarves, beanies and coats throughout winter, and put together care packs of toiletries and other essentials year round for those in need.

When Margie moved to Kiama three years ago she continued to put together care packs for those in need. She met Kerry when the Kiama businesswoman was collecting donations for people impacted by the Lismore ﬂoods.

“We work well together,” says Margie. “Recently Kerry was able to source some

donated handbags through one of her suppliers in the shop and I had some lovely toiletries and gift items that have been donated. So we put together 43 bags to take to women’s shelters in the region. We’ve also been able to donate backpacks with toys and other small comforts for families arriving in shelters to escape domestic and family violence.

“We can’t thank the community enough for their contributions. Every donation big or small, makes a diﬀerence to someone, and all are given directly to the homeless, women’s refuges or homeless hubs to help those in need. Kerry and I hope to create more beautiful handbag donations and children’s backpacks for women’s refuges as a Christmas project, and would really appreciate any donations for these.”

The Kiama and surrounding communities have been so generous with their donations that Kerry has had to take over her husband’s man-shed to store all the items until she has a chance to distribute them.

“I’ve got about eight tables full of donations set up in the shed,” she says.

As well as handing out donations alongside Nanak, Kerry has also donated goods to Salt, a community group in Bomaderry that provides support to those who are homeless, Safe Waters Ulladulla and the Wollongong Homeless Hub. Kerry has asked that the community hold oﬀ on any further donations until mid-August.

Margie has called on the community to buy a few extras like deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes and small toothpaste, small soaps, tissues, bandaids, combs, razors, hand sanitiser and lip balm, during their shops to donate to Care Essentials.

You can ﬁnd them on Facebook: Care Essentials.

Danielle Woolage

Salvos highlight homelessness concerns

In light of Homelessness Week from August 5-11, The Salvation Army has released an alarming statistic that shows 45,850 children and young people will experience homelessness in Australia on any given night. The growing issue of homelessness impacts some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Young people are particularly vulnerable to several issues such as housing breakdown, violence in the home, poverty and leaving school early.

As the largest providers of

homelessness services in Australia, the Salvos work to support those who experience homelessness and advocate for fair and equitable access to housing, from immediate crisis accommodation to long-term solutions.

The Salvation Army’s youth services runs 10 crisis refuges across the country to help support more than 4500 young people each year.

The General Manager for Youth Services at The Salvation Army says, “Children and young people should have the

freedom and opportunity to grow up in safe environments”

Recently, more than 300 schools across Australia formed the number 45,850 on their school ovals to help raise awareness for the issue. The study also revealed a 5 percent increase in people who were assisted with homelessness between January and April 2024, with a signiﬁcant rise in youth- related issues.

Find out how you can help: www.salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS Brooke Pittman

Homelessness week shines a light on growing crisis

It’s Homelessness Week and the nation’s peak body, Homelessness Australia, is calling for action, as the housing aﬀordability crisis continues to push more people out of stable accommodation.

Homelessness Australia released a report this week which found more than 76,000 children under the age of 18 sought help from homelessness support services across the nation annually. Almost 16,000 of these children were alone - unaccompanied by a parent or caregiver - and many were ﬂeeing domestic violence, abuse or neglect at home.

In Kiama, on any given night, 139 people are experiencing homelessness and 1282 households are on a waiting list for social housing according to the ABS census and NSW Parliamentary data. A further 2297, or 39 percent, of households are in rental stress.

Peter Dover, founder of Salt Care, a charity providing services to those who are homeless or socially disadvantaged, says more and more people are relying on support services like Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, run by Salt, and sister charity Safe Waters Ulladulla, for food, shelter and basic needs.

The NSW Regional Housing Needs Report, released by Shelter NSW last year, found that the Shoalhaven scored 9/10 for people experiencing ﬁnancial stress associated with housing. According to the report rental stress primarily aﬀects low income earners, with many paying more than 30 percent of their income to cover their mortgage or rent.

But service providers are also doing it tough with Salt Care and the soon-to-be opened Safe Waters Shoalhaven, missing out on funding promised by the

NSW Government in its most recent budget, according to Kiama MP Gareth Ward.

In August last year Safe Shelter Shoalhaven and Safe Waters Ulladulla each received $250,000 in funding from the NSW Government to continue to deliver services to help break the cycle of homelessness.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward says Minister for Homelessness Services Rose Jackson failed to deliver on her promise of an additional $250,000 for Salt Care and Safe Waters Shoalhaven.

Mr Dover says the services will now have to put in a tender application through the NSW Government’s Homelessness Innovation Fund - a new funding stream announced in the May budget as part of the government’s social housing and homelessness investment strategy.

Mr Dover is “disappointed the government hasn’t come good on its promise”.

“These two services have now been advised that a Homelessness Innovation Fund has been established and they can apply for that once it comes out,’’ he says. “Without knowing the timeframe of when these funds will be available or how much will be available, it places these services in an extremely vulnerable position. We only have enough money in the bank to last us four months and then we will need to close our shelter if we can’t receive funding.”

However a spokesperson for Member for South Coast Liza Butler said the funding was delivered “in full” following the election of the Minns Government.

“During the 2023 State campaign, the Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson and the Member for South Coast, Liza Butler, made a commitment

to Salt Care and Safe Waters, that if elected we would provide a one-oﬀ funding injection of $250,000 to each service,” says the spokesperson.

“Following the election of the Minns Labor Government, this commitment was delivered in full. In the most recent budget, the Minns Government established the Homelessness Innovation Fund; this fund is to ensure that homelessness service providers such as SALT and Safe Waters, have a streamlined process going forward to help with securing government funding.

“The homelessness sector's peak bodies are in the process of establishing the funding application criteria, including how much and how often money could be allocated to individual services. It is imperative that the process is fair and also ensures that services receiving Government funds, especially those that deal with the most vulnerable in our communities, are accredited and have stringent policy and procedures.”

Safe Waters, who have a shelter in Ulladulla, planned on opening a second shelter in the Shoalhaven in the coming months. But Mr Dover said the uncertainty around funding “places us in a diﬃcult position”.

“Current staﬀ are already over capacity in their workload, a rapid growth period and an upcoming shelter to be opened –we were relying on these funds and now we have nothing,’’ says Mr Dover.

“This is totally unacceptable,” says Mr Ward. “This means that two Shoalhaven Homelessness services will no longer be able to provide the level of care they have previously provided to our region.”

Danielle Woolage

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Jean Anderson

Convenient

What’s on

Clubs & Social Groups

Sing Australia

Every Wednesday weekly

7.30pm - 9pm Joyce Wheatley Community Centre

Werri Beach Gerringong Garden Club meeting

Second Wednesday monthly

Markets

Kiama

Community Events

On Wadi Wadi Country:

From the Mountains to the

Sea

Helen Laidlaw book launch

17 August, 2pm

Kiama Library

GAC’s 150th Anniversary

7 - 8 September, 10am - 4pm

Gerringong Anglican Church

Vietnam Veteran’s Day

Ceremony

18 August, 5pm

Memorial Arch, Kiama

Beginner Beekeeping

Workshop for adults

10 August, 9am - 2pm

Burnett’s on Barney Kiama Spring Garden

Competition

Entries Close 20 Sept

Kiama

India by Night 15 August, 6pm By the Sea Takeaway

Booking essential

WAWAN forum

Wollongong Against War and Nukes

11 August, 1 - 2pm

Thirroul Neighbourhood

Centre

The Kinder Side of Dying

16 August, 10am - 12pm

Burnett’s on Barney

Men’s Table Kiama

5:30pm

SENTRAL Youth Cottages, Hindmarsh Park

Jamberoo Valley Rate

Payers & Residence

Association (JVRRA)

meeting First Tuesday monthly

7pm - 9pm Club Jamberoo Scrabble Club

Tuesday weekly

From 4pm Kiama Library

Sip ‘n’ Stitch Women’s craft group

Tuesday weekly, 1pm - 3pm

Gerringong Anglican Church Pickleball Social Tuesday weekly

From 5.30pm Kiama High School

Seven Mile Beach Landcare

Working Bee First Sunday monthly Seven Mile Beach

Line Dancing with Janelle

Beginner’s line dancing

Mondays weekly, 6.30pm8pm

Club Jamberoo

Juggling life

Workshop for men

Friday weekly, 6 - 8pm

Kiama Uniting Church

Creative Art and Craft

group

Monday weekly, 9am11.30am

Kiama Uniting Church

Kiama Spinners & Weavers

Tuesday weekly, 9.30am12pm

The Coach House Kiama

Kiama Sea Shanty Club

Wednesday weekly (during school term)

7.45pm-9pm

Kiama Inn Hotel

Textile Art Kiama

Second Saturday, monthly

10am

Kiama Library, downstairs

U3A Illustrated Talks

29 July: Kathryn Collins

5 Aug: Brian Cox

Monday weekly, 2pm - 4pm

North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre

CWA Daytime Branch

meeting

Third Tuesday, monthly, 1pm CWA Hall

- 2pm Gerringong Town Hall Jamberoo Village Markets Last Sunday monthly 8am - 3pm Reid Park Jamberoo

Sport

August, 12.30pm

Art

Nathan Miller Photography exhibition 15 - 21 August, 10am - 3pm Old Fire Station

Kaleidoscopes Exhibition

- 28 August, 10am - 3pm

Aug,

Live Music

enrolment night

20 August, 6.30pm

Coach Room, Berry Hotel

First Annual Square Dance

31 August, 7-10pm Kiama SLSC

ITS TIME FOR YOUR FITTING

Flank (4) 25 Tidy (4)

KIAMA KIAMA KIAMA

Come and visit our store, lined wall to wall with a fantastic rangeincluding all beach toys, snorkelling, scooters, games and more

The Bugle (kiama)

74 Terralong st, Kiama 02 4232 2684 Kiamatoyworld@live.com.au

KIDS’ QUIZ

Charlie and the Chocolate which member of his family did Charlie take to the chocolate factory?

2 What is the name of basketball team in High School Musical?

3 How many states make up Australia?

4 What caused the Titanic to sink in 1912?

5 Which country held the first Olympic Games?

FUN FACTS

1 Your heart beats about 100,000 times per day

2 The femur is the strongest bone in the body

3 Fingernails grow faster than toenails

4 Blood makes up seven to 10 per cent your body weight

5 The human body’s largest organ is skin

Junior crossword

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

6 What country does sushi (pictured) come from?

7 Where would you wear a fez?

8 What can be cumulus, stratus or cirrus?

9 What creature lives under the bridge in the fairytale hree Billy Goats Gruff?

10 Is cotton a synthetic bre or a natural bre?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you nd ve di erences between these two images?

WORD FIND

Nocturnal mammals (1,3) game formed skin

1 Young ladies

2 White powder used in baking

3 Opposite of closes or shuts

4 You can drink through one

5 Depart

6 Type of dog Queen Elizabeth own

7 More modern and less old-fashioned

8 Not telling the truth

Can you nd all of the words listed below? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message. ANORAK BELT BLAZER BLOUSE

Secret message: Keeping warm and looking good

ANSWERS: 1. Grandpa Joe. 2. Wildcats. 3. Six.

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.30 Unforgotten. 1.15 Sister Boniface Mysteries. 2.05 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 2.35 And We Danced. 3.45 David Attenborough’s Galapagos. 4.35 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds: Perth. 5.25 Landline. 5.55 Aust Story. 6.25 I Was Actually There. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG) 8.20 Van Der Valk. (M) 9.50 Fifteen-Love. (M) 10.40 The Beast Must Die. (MA15+) 11.30 Rage. (MA15+) 5.00 Rage.

11.30

11.00

12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Love Your Garden. 2.20 Amazing Spaces. 3.10 Nigella At My Table. 3.40 Extraordinary Escapes. 4.30 Restoration Australia. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 News. 7.30 Vera. (M) 9.00 Fifteen-Love. (M) 9.55 Unforgotten. (M) 10.45 Fisk. 11.10 Annika. 12.00 Frayed. 12.45 Noughts + Crosses. 1.40 Rage. 3.05 Classic Countdown. 4.00 Landline. 4.30 Art Works. 5.00 Insiders.

6.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Motorcycle Racing. FIM Superbike World Championship. Round 7. Highlights. 3.00 Cycling. UCI ProSeries. Arctic Race of Norway. Highlights. 4.00 Ireland In Music: Sclimpini. 4.30 Tour De France Femmes Highlights Review. 5.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 5.35 Tony Robinson’s Forgotten War Stories. 6.30 News. 7.30 Amazing Railway Adventures. 8.25 Malta: The Jewel Of The Mediterranean. 9.20 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. 10.10 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. ProMX Championship. Round 8. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 1. Highlights. 4.30 Tour De France Femmes Highlights Review. 5.30 Such Was Life. 5.40 Tony Robinson’s Forgotten War Stories. 6.30 News. 7.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. 10.55 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 2. 1.50 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 2.45 Hell On Earth: WWII. 3.40 Peer To Peer. 4.35 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.30 Football. AFL. Round 23. GWS Giants v Fremantle. 4.30 Border Security: Int. 5.00 News. 5.30 Border Security. 6.00 News. 7.00 Border Security. 7.30 MOVIE: Die Hard. (1988) 10.15 MOVIE: The Man From Toronto. (2022) 12.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 8. Tasmania SuperSprint. Day 1. Highlights. 1.35 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 Drop Dead Weird. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.30 NRLW Wrap. 3.00 Surfing Australia TV. 3.30 Country House Hunters Australia. 4.00 The Block. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 House Of Wellness. 1.00 To Be Advised. 3.25 Border Security: Int. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Logies Red Carpet. (PG) 7.30 The 64th TV WEEK Logie Awards. (M) 11.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 8. Tasmania SuperSprint. Day 2. Highlights. 1.00 Lipstick Jungle. (M) 2.00 Shopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 4.

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Kiama Village, 143 Terralong Street

Jamberoo Superoos veteran reaches 350 game milestone

On an extremely windy Saturday at Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo Superoos legend Jono Dallas ran out for the 350th time in the team’s red and green colours.

Playing in the number seven jersey on July 20, Dallas steered his team in a closely contested loss against the second placed Gerringong Lions. Even though he was proud to reach such an impressive milestone, Dallas never even expected to play at all in 2024.

“I had nothing to do with the preparations for this year, I pulled myself away from it because I didn’t want that temptation. I was even training to play rugby union … and then a week before round one I got a call from the coach and he said, Look we’ve lost a lot of players and we’ve got a good group of kids that are keen but have no experience in their spine,” says Dallas.

“There was never an expectation that we were going to win a lot of games, but I didn’t want to see them getting beat by 50 and 60. So the selling point was just to come back, bring a little bit of experience and make sure that the boys can compete,” says Dallas.

The 2024 Group 7 season marks Dallas’ 18th season playing grade for Jamberoo and as he reminisces on his career he says that after he had ﬁnally won a premiership with the club in 2017 he oddly began playing the best rugby league in his life.

“I was so committed to winning a ﬁrst grade comp with them (Jamberoo). So up until 2017 I was so desperate to win that footy took up all of my time. And once I got past that I really let myself enjoy it a bit more so the ﬁve to six years after that were really the best where I was genuinely just playing footy with my friends,” says Dallas.

beroo in the 17 seasons before this one, and he says that he would always play even if he wasn’t 100% ﬁt because he humbly believes that his additions to the team were, a lot of the time, about how he led and managed the team throughout the match.

“I never thought of myself as a gun really, I’ve always thought of myself as a manager of footy. So, I could play in a dinner suit when I was injured. And I always just wanted to be reliable when I signed up to play footy, so I’d always show up even if I wasn’t 100%,” says Dallas.

Kiama Central Netballers receive federal grant

Dallas is adamant that, more than his dedication to win and the love of the game and Jamberoo, his main driving force in coming back year after year is getting to play with his mates. And he says he’s very lucky that he got to play so many years in a row with a similar group of players that are now his friends for life.

“Some of my best mates I've met because of footy,” says Dallas. “I was a groomsman at a bloke’s wedding that I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t bring him to Jamberoo. My wife met her best friends because they’re dating guys I've brought to the club. And yeah there’s money and you want to win comps, but really it's just playing with your mates. And it's made me realise how impactful being in a really good footy club can be.”

Dallas had only missed one game for Jam-

Although the Superoos have only managed to win one game this season, they have rarely lost by more than 12 points which is very impressive for such a young squad. Captain Nathan Gallastegui says it's Dallas’ management qualities that have made them so competitive this year.

“In all honesty having his leadership and experience back this year has been a blessing, I have a ton of respect for the man he is and what he does for the club, on top of the love I have for him,” says Gallastegui.

“I think with his big ears, he heard we needed him back and he came running in, like a knight in shining armour,” jokes Gallastegui.

On the day of his 350th game Dallas was also given a life membership to the Jamberoo club, becoming the youngest player to do so.

Lleyton Hughes

Football Festival coming to Kiama

Sydney FC are hosting the Kiama Football Festival at the Kiama Sports Complex for children aged 6-12, on September 14 and 15. Teams of 8-10 players are encouraged to enter and will play a minimum of six games each on the day.

The Kiama Council wrote in a press release, “This festival is a fantastic way for players to celebrate the end of the winter season and experience the thrills and excitement of a football gala.”

The day is open to all mixed boys and girls teams with a cost of $300 per team. Teams can register at the My Sydney FC Website here: https:// my.sydneyfc.com/kiama-football-festival.

Lleyton Hughes

The federal government has awarded the Kiama Central Netball Club a $3,500 volunteer grant. “These small grants can make a big diﬀerence to community sporting organisations that are providing a fantastic training ground and fun social outlet for young players,” says Fiona Phillips, Federal Member for Gilmore.

Phillips called to congratulate the players and volunteers during a recent round of games. “The place was buzzing,” she said.

The Kiama Central Netball Club has about 180 members - 16 teams, 20 coaches, 16 managers, 30 umpires and 15

committee members. Players range from six to 60-years-old across all playing groups.

Kelly Schoﬁeld, the Club president, welcomed the funding, saying, “The grant will go towards computer equipment, electronic payment devices and storage to assist the committee with its organisation of the running of the club and its events.

“It will also assist our coaches, managers and umpires with new resources, equipment and First Aid supplies.”

Twenty-ﬁve community groups across the Gilmore electorate will share more than $66,000, including the

Gerringong Districts All Sports ($3,500), the Lions Cub of Gerringong ($2,000) and Gerringong Sunrise Rotary ($1,100), according to Fiona Phillips.

“This funding boost is welcomed as it will provide greater support for local volunteers and ensure they continue to support their community.

“At the end of the day, we want volunteers to know that we are backing them, and I will continue to support their work in assisting our South Coast communities.”

Malin Dunfors

KIAMA CAVALIERS CRICKET CLUB

Japanese exchange students treated to a fun day of soccer

On Tuesday afternoon, 30 July, Japanese exchange students in Kiama came together with local students for a day of soccer.

For one week, the Lopes family hosted two Japanese exchange students, 11-yearold Ruka and Kinari, through UAH Homestay. Kinari came from Okinawa and Ruka from the northern prefecture of Tokyo. “It was short and sweet. We do it again. My boys loved it,” the family says.

With the Lopes boys, Liam and Blake, playing soccer as part of the Kiama Junior Football Club, they thought it would be a great idea to get the Japanese exchange students together with the local children for a day of fun.

The students were staying with local families and attended Kiama Public School for English lessons.

Local dad “Marky Mark” (Mark Mitchell) ran the training session, featuring music and diﬀerent activities. There

were about 20 players from the Kiama Junior Football Club along with the nine Japanese boys.

The Kiama Junior Football Club donated nine jerseys and KJFC President Andrew Wales presented the students with the soccer jerseys after the session.

“Kinari told his parents that he wanted to move to Kiama when he’s older,” says the Lopes family.

Malin Dunfors

In mid to late August, the Kiama Netball Association (KNA) will put the spotlight on indigenous netball players with events over two consecutive weekends.

On Saturday August 17, KNA hosts the indigenous round with the involvement of several of their members.

“An Acknowledgement of country, artistic works and other features for the round will occur to acknowledge the land we play on in Kiama, the local Indigenous community and in support of the Indigenous members who make up part of our Association,” says KNA

Shoalhaven Dressage competition on 18 August

Finally after three cancelled competitions, we are happy to announce that our next oﬃcial competition will be held on the 18 August at our home grounds.

We are hoping with the hype of the Olympics and spectacular performances by local rider Jayden Brown and a medal winning performance by eventer Chris Burton, people will be excited and enthusiastic to come out to compete.

Local runner places third in the 54 km of Summit Shoalhaven 2024

54 km competitors crossing the causeway at Bugong Creek. Credit: Russell Pittaway/Geosnapshot.

president, Michelle Gregory.

The indigenous round will be followed by Netball NSW hosting their Koori Gala Day on Sunday, 25 August.

The gala day encourages teams of indigenous and non-indigenous players to come together for a fun day of netball.

“Registrations are still open, and we are happy to take inquiries via email,” says Gregory.

Malin Dunfors

Josh Walton from Kiama Downs became fifth overall in the 54km of the Summit Shoalhaven 2024 trail run, held on Sunday, 28 July. With a finishing time of 04:30:58, Walton placed fifth overall for the distance and third male overall.

The trail run, which drew close to 600 competitors to Mount Scanzi, was the largest Summit Shoalhaven to date. A majority of runners were from Newcastle and the Greater Sydney area but 11 runners came from Kiama/ Kiama Downs.

The 21.1km, the half marathon, was the most popular distance.

Kiama Softball Association celebrates TG Cup 2024

Weather-wise, there were no showers, although a little bit windy. But parts of the course were still wet from rain leading up to race day, making it more challenging for the competitors.

54km trail run – overall:

1) Gemma Jenkins, 04:04:53

2) Steph Auston, 04:10:29

3) Dan Redman, 04:26:25

4) Nick Walker, 04:30:55

5) Josh Walton, 04:30:58

Full results from all distances can be found online at multisportaustralia.com.au. Malin Dunfors

On Saturday 3 August, the Kiama Softball Association held their annual TG Cup at the Chapman Oval Kiama, which has been our home ground for the last 40 years.

The TG Cup began in 2011 as a fun gala day in memory of Tanya Gehrmann, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2010, and of all the women that we have lost over the years.

It was a sensational day, full of crazy dressed-up themed teams all vying for the prestigious ‘Cup.’ Interested in playing softball? Then, check out Kiama Women's Softball Facebook page round May 2025 for registration details.

Local contributor

Japanese exchange students Ruka and Kinari with the Lopes boys Liam and Blake. Credit: The Lopes family.

Willinga Park Rider Jayden Brown on Quincy B and Chris Burton on Shadow Man. Credit: Sholahaven Dressage.

Olympic Torch Relay at Blue Haven Bonaira

On July 29, Blue Haven Bonaira hosted a special event to commemorate the 2024 Paris Olympics by holding their own Olympic torch relay.

Denis Ryann, who proudly carried the Olympic torch back in 2000 for the relay leading up to the Sydney Olympics, began the Blue Haven Bonaira ceremony by carrying the torch accompanied by ﬂag bearers and bagpipers from the entrance of the Barroul House Cafe.

“I was given the honour of being Wollongong citizen of the year. And that honour gave me the opportunity to run with the torch at Woonona (in 2000). And when I ran it, I had a friend with me who was a bagpiper. When I had ﬁnished, I took the torch into the nursing home, and they loved it. And I thought I’d do it for the old people here and I’m proud I did it, because I think the senior citizens of Kiama just loved it,” says Ryann.

Ryann walked the torch to the care home where he handed it to Val Brunker OAM, the former president of the Kiama Netball Association, who walked it into Matterson Hall.

At over 85 years of age, Brunker says that sport is such an important part of a community and that it connects people of all ages together. And that the Olympics is one of a kind.

“I remember watching the Sydney Olympics and I think it was just a wonderful spectacle and the athletes are just wonderful. Sport keeps a community together and it's great for people of all ages, especially the kids. For me, the TV stays on all day next to

my bed. I fall asleep and then wake up and something else is on,” says Brunker.

The event brought together the Blue Haven Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) residents, the Independent Living Units (ILU) and the Community Seaside Group and Kristen Delahunty, the acting lifestyle communicator at Blue Haven Bonaira, who stresses the importance of events like these.

“When residents come into a facility to live, we need to look at what their cultural preferences are, how they live their life. They should not have to stop doing the things they like doing just because they are here. So being involved in group events helps them become involved in the local community. Kiama has such a tight knit community, and we want to keep them connected with people,” says Delahunty.

The event also enabled residents who were volunteers at the 2000 Sydney Olympics to reminisce about an important part of their, and Australia’s, past.

“We’ve got a lot of memorabilia in the foyer from the actual Sydney Olympics.

We’ve got ﬂags and welcome presents and all sorts of stuﬀ. And this has been a great remembrance event so the residents here who were volunteers at the Olympics have got their families to dig out their volunteers shirts and tracksuits and they’ve all gotten excited,” says Delahunty.

Vince O’Sullivan is a resident at Bonaira Blue Haven, and he came to the torch relay

with a 2000 Sydney Olympics hat with all sorts of pins and decorations from the games. His wife Linda was also a volunteer.

“We both were volunteers in the 2000 Olympics and we both have our uniforms. Vince was a driver for the oﬃcials, he drove them around to the diﬀerent venues and I was welcoming dignitaries into the venues,” says Linda.

Vince, who suﬀers from dementia, was in high spirits on the day and Linda praises events such as these.

“It’s very important to Vince, he’s changed dramatically since he’s been here. We, as a family, think we’ve picked the best place for Vince to come, they’re doing such a great job,” says Linda.

“Living with dementia is something that is here and that we have to manage and if you see Vince here today, he's having an amazing time,” says Delahunty.

Other than the fabulous bagpipes soundtracking the relay, there were also some songs from the Blue Haven Ukulele group.

Peter Mayes, who is part of the group says that music is very important to the various residents of Blue Haven.

“We’re more than happy to share it with people and we’ll do a monthly thing with the residents because music is a universal language. For people at the end of their lives or they have dementia, music is something that seems to spark them on and take them out of themselves,”

says Mayes.

It was announced on May 30 that Blue Haven Bonaira was purchased by Hall and Prior Aged Care, and Mayes, who is also the chairperson of the ILU resident committee at the Bonaira venue, says he is excited about the transition.

“We’re looking forward to a change of ownership in a way because we’re looking for someone who knows about independent living and the care home. In the last few years, I think the Kiama Council has lost the knowledge base that they had. Most residents came here with the knowledge that there was 40 years of history here, so a lot of us have an emotional attachment to the Kiama model,” says Mayes. “But it is probably just time for Kiama council to focus on doing what councillors do and I think getting someone who is experienced in aged care is the best way to take everyone forward.”

Blue Haven Bonaira is holding many diﬀerent events over the next two weeks to get the residents involved in the Paris Olympics with showings of medal events as well as Olympic themed happy hours.

Lleyton Hughes

Kiama Knights first grade forced to forfeit

On August 1, the Kiama Knights ﬁrst-grade team announced they would be forfeiting their Round 16 clash against the ﬁrst-placed Shellharbour Sharks.

The Kiama Knights have struggled to ﬁeld a team all year due to injuries, and Cocoach Marc Laird says luck just hasn’t been on their side.

“We’ve been battling the last few weeks to ﬁeld a competitive ﬁrst-grade side and against Albion Park last week we lost another three players due to injury during that game. And rolling the team out this week we found it was probably best for the players if we just forfeited this week, unfortunately,” says Laird.

The Knights have had a horror run with injuries throughout the year, with many players being forced out with season-ending injuries.

“Our injury toll has been horrendous. Every week you get one back and then you lose another three.

And they’re not short-term injuries either, they’re all serious, year-ending injuries.

And we feel for them in terms of their employment, they’re risking a lot to play.

But yeah, it's just been one of those years where it's been unfortunate,” says Laird.

To make up for the injuries, players from the reserve

grade side have been forced to play two games most weeks, and captain Kieran Poole says this just wasn’t sustainable.

“The toll has had an impact on reserve grade as well. Most of the guys backing up have had to play two games each week. It’s obviously not ideal, but it has gotten to the point where it’s unavoidable,” says Poole.

The Knights sit at eighth on the 2024 group seven ﬁrstgrade ladder with three wins (whereas the reserve grade team sits at fourth), but Laird points to their success early in the year as an indication of how the team's season could have gone if it weren’t for injuries.

“We were very competitive at the start of the year. Just look at the Nowra games, the ﬁrst time we played against Nowra we won and then the second time we played them, a couple of weeks ago, they beat us by 60,” says Laird.

Despite the adversity, Laird is adamant that the team will ﬁnish out the year. “It’s absolutely our intention to be back on the ﬁeld for the last two rounds,” says Laird. The Knights will play Milton-Ulladulla and Gerringong in the last two games of the 2024 season.

Lleyton Hughes

KIAMA CAVALIERS CRICKET CLUB

Vince O'Sullivan with his 2000 Sydney Olympics Hat

Val Brunker walking the Olympic torch

South Coast Volunteer of the year

Kiama Knights Junior Rugby League Club (JRLC) President Carl Middleton has been awarded the South Coast Volunteer of the Year award by NSW Rugby League.

The 2024 NSW Rugby League Community Awards took place on July 29 acknowledging the vital contribution made to the game every season by more than 31,000 volunteers across the state.

Of the more than 700 clubs in NSW, 18 volunteers’ eﬀorts were highlighted, and Middleton says he is honoured to be recognised. “I’m very humbled by it because I do know the amount of work that a lot of people do in junior rugby league. There’s a hell of a lot of volunteers and it's a very strong group of people who are involved so it's extremely humbling to receive the award,” he said.

Since Middleton became President in 2018, the registered players for the junior

donate to the club but says “it is all worth it in the end”.

“I think there's a lot of people out there who have just got a willingness to help and assist other people and, in this case, help young kids in junior rugby league. I spend countless amounts of time on the phone and doing things, but it’s something I enjoy doing and it's something where, if you didn't enjoy doing it you wouldn’t do it,” says Middleton.

And Middleton says his main joy comes from watching everyone enjoy their rugby league on a weekend and hopes that from his work, kids will be able to have happy memories of playing footy in Kiama.

“Just seeing the smiles on the kids' faces, seeing their mothers, fathers, extended family, siblings having a good time at the footy on the weekend. You just want the kids to be in a position where they can enjoy their footy,” says

Knights have risen from 178 to 496 and Kiama JRLC Secretary Kristie Laird says that this is very much because of Middleton’s impact.

“He has been an instrumental member of our Committee for more than 12 years, and as President he has led a number of initiatives both on and oﬀ the ﬁeld which have resulted in our Club becoming one of the biggest Clubs in Group 7 and the Illawarra,” says Laird.

Middleton says he is unable to quantify the number of hours that he and others

Kiama RUFC returns home, beats Bowral

Back home playing at Kiama Showground for the ﬁrst time in a month, Kiama Rugby Union Football beat Bowral Blacks 63-8 on Saturday 3 August. It was quite the homecoming for round 16 with blue skies, a great crowd and the sausage sizzle bar serving it up, running out of both snags and steak sandwiches before the end of game time.

First grade wins Kiama ﬁrst grade had hardly taken to the ﬁeld before they scored a try, followed by a successful conversion. The southeastern corner became a favourite with Kiama striking there again and again.

Bowral got a good try but it was all happy days for the home team, who won by a ﬁnal score of 63-8.

Kiama ﬁrst grade -- try scorers: Jasper Scobie (2), James Asquith, Matt Forsyth, Elisha Leota (2), Raynold Taufa, Nico Cowley (2) and Cade Patrick (2).

“We’ll take the ﬁtness and the little things that we’ve been doing. We’ve been trying to work on just attention to

details. That’s what we’re looking at the next three games, attention to details, our eﬀorts. That’s what I’m looking forward to most, just the eﬀort areas and just getting more game time,” says coach James Patrick.

Kiama played its second to last home game this past weekend. There are only two games left of the regular season. The next games are Saturday 10 August: Camden at home, and Saturday, 17 August: away against the Vikings.

“We’re back to playing every week, building for the ﬁnals. It’ll be good. Looking forward to it,” coach Patrick continues.

After their win, Kiama ﬁrst grade currently sits in third place on the Illawarra District Rugby Union 2024 Senior Ladder. Shoalhaven senior grade leads with Campbelltown in second.

… And so does the second grade

The Kiama second grade also sits on third place in the ladder after their game against Bowral. It was an entertaining game that came down to the

wire, with the Kiama backline producing some very nice quick hands and crisp conversions. Final score Kiama 24 - Bowral 22.

Kiama second grade -- try scorers: Sione Lufe, Joseph Osbourne, Anitoni Tanni and Rory Lawrence.

Kiama will play its very last home game of the regular season on Saturday, 10 August against Camden on Kiama Showground. The second grade starts at 1:30 pm and the ﬁrst grade starts at 3 pm.

Ladies Day Also, don’t forget that Ladies Day is on Saturday as well. The ladies of Kiama Rugby are taking over the Showground. The popular annual event begins at 12:30 pm when the amazing women of the club will be celebrated with food, drinks, music – and rugby.

For more details and to book ahead, please reach out to:

Linda Smith at 0400 558 669 Jenny Hart at 0417 044 995. Malin

Middleton.

Other than being President, Laird says that Middleton has a lot of other roles within the club. “He has given his time to coach a number of teams, is a qualified level 1 Sports Trainer, Vice President of the Kiama Senior Knights and is everyone’s favourite ground manager with pump-up music blaring at Chittick Oval. This award is certainly a fitting reflection of his Club-first approach,” says Laird. Lleyton Hughes

Dunfors

Kiama POWER JUNIOR AFL

Photos by Brian Scott.

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERS

Winner of last weeks kids comp: Sara Martens, age 9congrats!

KIAMA JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

KIAMA SENIOR NETBALL

Competes from left Glenn Isemonger and Dave Peade kept the questions coming at a fast pace!

From Left Andrew and Michelle He ernan won the Bannister’s By the Sea prize!

From left Kate Coleman, Emma Deans and Paul Telling wearing their denim!

From left Therese Coogan, Jan Barr and Sandra Puglisi Some members of the winning team from left Jan Winner of this year’s denim quilt Lisa Prosser ( left)