The Bugle Newspaper 7 September 2024

Kiama Councillors demand transparency over ICAC correspondence

Three Kiama Councillors - Jodi Keast, Kathy Rice, and Karen Renkema-Lang – have called on Kiama Council to release a letter from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that informs the Council of ICAC’s decision not to investigate them.

The Council had referred the Councillors to the ICAC in May 2024, but the Councillors maintain they are unaware of any grounds that would justify such a referral.

Clr Keast expressed her frustration, stating, “We have now been informed in a very brief email from Council that it has received correspondence from the ICAC stating that it is declining to investigate us. We have requested that the Council provides a full copy of the correspondence from the ICAC. We want to know when the Council received the advice from the ICAC, how long it took the Council to inform us, and what the ICAC letter actually said.”

She further criticised the Council’s lack of transparency, saying, “This Council should take steps towards increased transparency and release this correspondence to the Councillors who are personally affected. It is outrageous that Council still has a media release on its website proclaiming that it has referred three Councillors to the ICAC and yet for an unknown period of time has had correspondence from the ICAC that it won’t investigate those Councillors.”

The Councillors expressed their appreciation for a letter from ICAC Commissioner The Hon. John Hazsistergos, which was tabled at the August Council meeting. The letter warned that “public statements that matters have been referred to the Commission… irrespective of whether there is a reasonable basis for such an allegation, may cause political damage, and such allegations should not be used as a weapon to level at a political rival. The weaponisation of the Commission for political advantage… is inappropriate.”

Clr Kathy Rice emphasised the importance of confidentiality in ICAC referrals, stating, “A referral to ICAC should be done silently so that proper process can occur, and the reputations of individuals can be protected should their referral be found to be unsubstantiated. Ever since hearing in the media that I had been referred to the ICAC by the Council, I have been troubled by the motivation behind the leak and have experienced unfair public suspicion.”

She added, “Without firm evidence, there was little basis for suspecting us of inappropriate behaviour as the ICAC assessment has now shown. I urge voters to examine this situation and make up their own minds at this election to determine how the Council swings. Please value transparency and openness in Council.

Please value Council candidates who will prioritise the opinions and values of residents in their decision making at Kiama Council.”

Clr Karen Renkema-Lang

shared her disillusionment with local government, saying, “For me personally, the ICAC referral was the final straw in a very disappointing experience of local government. I was censured by the Council for simply giving my opinion in a radio interview. Fortunately, I was able to have the NSW Supreme Court declare the Council’s censure of me invalid. Council wasted so much of residents’ money just trying to silence me. Anthony Whealy KC (the Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity) described the censure as ‘an ill-considered measure to silence a dissenting Councillor’ and said ‘this censure motion strikes me as susceptible to an inference that it was really designed to shut her up.’” She continued, “The ICAC referral seems to me to be in a similar vein, i.e. it was not based on any apparent reasonable evidence and was unjustified.”

On May 31, 2024, the ABC reported that Kiama Council was required to pay Karen Renkema-Lang’s legal fees over the invalid censure.

All three Councillors are now calling for the Council to supply them with the official ICAC correspondence, to remove any reference to the ICAC referral from its website, and for an external review of the governance procedures that led to the leakage of this sensitive information. When contacted for comment, Kiama Council responded, “Kiama Council cannot comment on current Councillors or candidates during the caretaker period, as per our Local Government elections (caretaker period provisions) policy.”

Donna Portland

(l-R) Karen Renkema-Lang, Cathy Rice and Jodi Keast.

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Bombo

Quarry Dutton slams Albanese ‘weak’ for census backflip

Eleanor Bailey

Decisions made by the Australian government to exclude questions about the LGBTQIA+ community sparked debate about lack of representation in national data collection.

Future of Bombo Quarry: balancing development, rehabilitation, and community needs

The ongoing development of the Bombo Quarry Precinct in Kiama is a focal point for residents, local government, and state authorities. On August 14, the Kiama Municipal Council, through its Director of Planning, Environment & Communities, shared insights from Urbis addressing key questions posed by Councillor Matt Brown. These questions explored the future of quarrying activities, rehabilitation timelines, in ll material sources, and the broader impact on the community.

Ceasing Quarry Operations: An independent assessment is underway to determine the available rock supply within the precinct, which will dictate when quarrying by the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) will cease. The results will inform the end of operations.

Rehabilitation and Infill Materials: Rehabilitation ac-

tivities will begin after securing planning approval, with each landowner responsible for planning their site’s rehabilitation. Infill materials will come from both on-site and imported sources, all subjected to thorough environmental and geotechnical assessments to ensure safety and stability.

Development and Housing: TAHE and Boral, the major landowners, are jointly preparing the master plan, which includes delivering approximately 2,000 homes. While the exact number of social and affordable housing units is yet to be determined, it is expected to exceed the Council’s 5% target for new developments. The project’s timeline, including when the first homes will be built, will depend on approvals, rehabilitation progress, and infill availability.

Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns: The project team is collaborating with Sydney Water to address sewage treatment needs and

with traffic engineers to optimize site access. The master plan includes pedestrian-friendly pathways, access to Bombo Beach, and the train station.

Job Creation and Future Plans: The master plan could generate around 1,280 jobs, with 480 during construction and 800 ongoing. The focus remains on providing housing while supporting employment opportunities close to these residential areas.

The Bombo Quarry transformation represents a crucial opportunity for Kiama’s growth. The collaboration between TAHE, Boral, and the Kiama Council aims to ensure that the development meets both community and environmental standards, paving the way for a sustainable future.

▶A full version of the questions and answers is available on the Bugle App article.

The move, revealed by Acting Prime Minister, Richard Marles, raises critical questions about the nation’s progress in acknowledging its diverse population.

Earlier commitments made by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) addressing the omission following the 2021 Census have fallen short. ABS Head Statistician, Dr David Gruen, indicating testing for crucial questions on sexuality were abruptly halted.

“The test would have included topics that the government has now decided will not be in the 2026 Census,” Dr Gruen said. A nation-wide outcry following the 2021 Census resulted from members of the LGBTQIA+ community feeling the decision was an act of discrimination. The ABS then committed to working towards altering the 2026 census questions to ensure no further harm or exclusion was made to those in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Following the outrage, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Labor will look into including a question of sexual orientation in the upcoming Census.

Albanese said that the backflip on the government’s original decision comes with an understanding that other avenues will be explored to capture this demographic.

Donna Portland

Taxi battle continues with Ward petitioning for a new trial

The battle for an appropriate taxi service continues with the announcement of a petition for the NSW Government to fund a taxi trial that could see the services return to Kiama.

Barry, 84, said without a reliable taxi service in Gerringong, many residents at his aged care facility struggle to maintain their independence, “if I want to go up to Kiama to see my doctor, my daughter has to travel to come and take me,” he said.

Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, called upon the Minister for Transport to in-

crease public transport in the region in May of this year. He has appealed to the NSW Government with the support of councillor candidate Yasmin Tatrai.

“I have been inundated by locals who need public transport and really rely on this service. As a person with a visual impairment, I understand this frustration very personally”, Mr Ward said.

Barry believes the existing options are not good enough. Residents with mobility issues aren’t able to use the existing public transport options and must find their own alternatives through loved ones providing a helping hand.

Kiama Cabs closure in

May has created a strain on the community, “Kiama taxis used to come, but now we don’t have a reasonable taxi service”, Barry said.

Over 25 percent of Kiama’s population are over sixty, Kiama is known as being a car-dependent area with limited use of public transport by local residents. Residents that are unable or no longer able to use a car for their personal transport, the range of mobility options are crucial to reducing social exclusion.

“We need a taxi service and this petition will help pressure the NSW Labor Government to stop cutting services and start investing in our community”, Ms Tatrai said.

Taylor Street residents want traffic calming now, Labor responds

Neve Surridge

Labor Councillors Imogen Draisma and Stuart Larkins have made the commitment to improve road safety with the development of a Local Road Network Safety Plan ahead of the upcoming local election.

Residential roads such as Farmer and Taylor Street were pointed out as areas where the speed limit should be lowered to 40km/hr for consistency of speed limits in town centres.

30 concerned residents in the area have formed the ‘Taylor Street Traffic Action Group’ to advocate for traffic calming in the area.

“We’re hoping for traffic calming as soon as possible, it’s a narrow street and has become a traffic hazard”, a spokesperson for the group said.

The group has been campaigning for a safer street for years, reaching out to Gareth Ward, local Councillors and the Minister for Regional Transport to voice their concerns over speeding vehicles that “fly down the street at breakneck speed.”

“It feels like no one is communicating with each other, we raise the issue over and over and over again. What do we have to do to raise the flag?” a spokesperson for the group urged.

It’s indisputable that the faster a car is travelling, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop.

Sydney FC to host Kiama Football Festival

way to re-engage and reinvigorate what they missed out on.”

Sydney FC is visiting town to host the Kiama Football Festival over the September 14 and 15 weekend.

Teams of 8-10 players will compete in six or more games, the first day of the event featuring Under 7’s and 9’s, and the following day featuring Under 10’s and 12’s teams.

Festival organiser and Fan Engagement Manager at Sydney FC, Billy Kirk, says the day began to counteract the lack of junior football games played in winter as a result of poor weather.

“The Gala day was designed on the back of a really wet and tumultuous winter season of community football,” says Kirk, “the kids are especially the ones who have been missing out with all of their local winter football games. So we thought this would be a nice

The fee for entering a team is $300, and there are no restrictions on gender composition or team members who wish to play.

The cost for the ticket goes towards the organisation of the event, a ticket offer to an A-League match, a trophy for the winning teams and additional Sydney FC prizes.

The day will be a family affair, with children's activities available including hair braiding, glitter, and inflatable activations.Kirk emphasised the importance of big clubs like Sydney FC getting down to small communities and giving them more opportunities surrounding football.

“It’s about being able to give back and provide smaller communities, like Kiama, opportunities that they’re not normally going to be able to experience compared to clubs and com-

munities in major cities like Sydney and to a smaller extent, Wollongong,” says Kirk.

“So, it's good to be able to get down to Kiama and run something for the Kiama community and also to bring people down to showcase what Kiama is all about.”

Kirk also hopes that events like these will help grow participation in football in Australia and inspire more events like the gala day in the area.

“In terms of the growth of the sport it's a different format to what some would play so it can translate into out of regular season winter competitions and expand on the presence that football has throughout the calendar year,” says Kirk.

The Kiama Football Festival is nearing capacity, so registrations are now available by Expression Of Interest only. Email programs@sydneyfc.com to express interest in registering your team.

“The research has made it clear the connection between pedestrian safety and vehicle speeds. There is a 10 percent chance of survival for a pedestrian impacted at 50km/hr. A reduction even to 40km/ hr would increase the chance of survival to 60 percent,” Cr Larkins said.

Neve Surridge

Lleyton Hughes

Shaping Kiama’s Future: visions and priorities from council candidates

Donna Portland

The Bugle attended the Kiama Business Chamber’s ‘Meet the Candidates’ event on Thursday, 22 August, at the Pavilion. Around 70 people gathered to hear from seven of the eight groups, with lead candidates presenting their visions.

Group A: Independent Cameron McDonald, a lawyer and President of the Kiama & Districts Business Chamber, presented his team’s five priorities: improving Council finances, enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, developing a growth and housing strategy, and depoliticising local government. McDonald emphasised the Council’s financial challenges and proposed a financial advisory committee for strategic input. He advocated for state support for maintaining Jamberoo Mountain Road, critical for local connectivity. On housing, McDonald supported diverse options and highlighted the potential of Bombo Quarry to add 2,000 homes, emphasising community engagement in planning.

Group

C: Independent

Sitting Councillor Matt Brown positioned his team as “a sensible choice,” focusing on financial stability, community safety, and job security. Brown proposed creating an entertainment precinct to enhance Kiama’s vibrancy and attract tourists. He acknowledged the need for affordable housing and supported the Bombo Quarry development as an opportunity, though he noted the need for careful planning. Danielle Steele, his second candidate, advocated for extended business hours to boost local income and a streamlined approval process for business developments.

Group D: Labor

Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma emphasised intergenerational change and experience within her team. She highlighted the need to address the Performance Improvement Order, restore financial stability, and find alternative revenue sources. Draisma pointed to the lack of housing diversity and advocated for leveraging community land and collaborating with the state government to meet housing targets. On

Bombo Quarry, Councillor Stuart Larkins stressed community involvement in planning and acknowledged the project’s state-level significance.

Group E: Greens Melinda Lawton, leading the Greens, focused on good governance, community engage-

ment, and financial stability. Her team prioritised transportation improvements and innovative, sustainable housing solutions. Lawton emphasised preserving Kiama’s natural assets, such as the subtropical rainforest, and advocated for maintaining agricultural land and village character.

She called for addressing housing stress and supported the Bombo Quarry project but stressed the need for thorough groundwork and considering short-term alternatives.

Group F: Independent

Mike Cains emphasised a “fresh start for Kiama,” drawing from his experience with Pecora Dairy and the farmers’ market. Cains outlined three priorities: fostering a collaborative Council, improving liveability by enhancing amenities and job opportunities, and advocating for sustainable development. He emphasised the need for diverse housing options and a proactive approach to securing grants. Cains saw Bombo Quarry as an opportunity for a model community but criticised current plans as inadequate. He envisioned leveraging arts, culture, and sports tourism to boost the economy.

Group G: Independent Yasmin Tatrai, representing “Energy and Experience,” stressed the need for financial management and accountability in the Council. Her team aimed to maintain low rates

while enhancing essential services and viewed Bombo Quarry as a solution to the housing crisis. Gail Morgan advocated for transparency, community forums, and an arts center to foster cultural engagement. She called for a better plan for Bombo Quarry and stressed the importance of a service and entertainment-driven local economy.

Group H: Independent Sitting Councillor Mark Croxford introduced his team as “Your community candidates,” focusing on fundamental services like roads, rates, rubbish, and recreation. He highlighted the need for better road maintenance, improved safety, and sustainable development. Croxford supported more approvals for smaller housing units to address affordability and identified key stakeholders in the Bombo Quarry project. He called for incentives to boost local employment and urged using the region’s technology infrastructure to drive business growth.

▶For the full article see the Civic Election button on the Bugle App.

Melinda Lawton - Leader of the Greens team

OUR LOCAL CANDIDATES stepping forward for election

Group A: INDEPENDENT

“Community minded, business focused”

Cameron McDonald

Cameron, a Kiama native, is a partner at Culleton Lawyers with a Master’s in Property Law and Business Law Transactions and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance. He is President of the Kiama & District Business Chamber, a member of the Destination Kiama Tourism Committee, and a founding member of the Kiama & District Stronger Community group.

Cameron also coaches the U11 Girls Kiama Power AFL team. With a strong family tradition of community service, he is dedicated to improving the Kiama LGA, supported by his wife Leah and their children.

Warren

Erica, a Jamberoo local with 46 years in the Kiama area, has over 35 years of experience in hospitality. She is the General Manager of The Co-Op Gerringong and has won several awards as the former Licensee of Jamberoo Pub.

A member of the Kiama & District Business Chamber and Destination Kiama, Erica is passionate about supporting local businesses, tourism, and youth employment.

With a Bachelor of Social Science, she advocates for common-sense decisions that balance development and environmental preservation. Erica is running for council to continue making a positive impact on the community.

For more info about the Parties & Groups see the

Melissa Matters

Melissa, a third-generation Gerringong native, owns and operates The Hill Bar and Kitchen with her husband Dean, employing 60 locals. She has a deep connection to the community, rooted in her family’s farming legacy. Melissa is committed to preserving Gerringong’s heritage and natural beauty while fostering economic growth.

Her businesses sponsor local sports clubs, reflecting her dedication to supporting youth development. Melissa’s leadership, innovative mindset, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to the community as she works to address the challenges and opportunities facing local enterprises.

Mark Burns

Mark, with over 20 years as an owner and clinician at Gerringong and Kiama Physiotherapy, is dedicated to community wellbeing.

He founded The Man Walk Charity, encouraging men to connect through meaningful conversations.

Mark also leads the Building Young Men mentoring program, guiding Year 10 boys into adulthood, and serves as a director of the Kiama and District Stronger Community charity. His commitment to health, connection, and community development makes him an ideal candidate for local office.

Derek McMahon

Derek, a lifelong Kiama resident now in Gerringong, operates two local businesses— McMahons Transport and Lumberjacks Firewood—employing locals and supporting community events.

He chairs the Gerringong Bowling Club, is active in Gerringong All Sports, and co-founded Gezza Cares and the Kiama & District Stronger Community group.

Awarded the Australia Day Award for his charity work, Derek is passionate about future planning, employment, and financial sustainability for the LGA. He is a decisive leader committed to community improvement.

Please vote!

Election material and pamphlets litter letterboxes around our community and the countdown is well and truly on as early voting for next week’s local government election has begun.

The Bugle has always been about keeping the community informed and allowing the community to have a voice. Whether it’s through The View, Blow your Bugle or our roving reporters, we have kept you abreast of what is happening in our community and how we are being impacted.

Over the past year, our community has faced some difficult challenges. Many would say the impacts of those challenges were exacerbated, rather than mitigated by our Council. Some might say that Council and some Councillors were the direct cause of these challenges and the financial conundrum that we now find ourselves in.

However, this is all (hopefully) in the past.

Continues from p.2

“There isn’t going to be is holus-bolus massive changes to the Census, because we think that it’s been pretty effective in the past, and for a range of issues the Census isn’t the right vehicle to engage with the community across a whole range of issues. It’s not the be all and end all,” Albanese said.

The ABS advised the Census will include just one question about gender identification.

“We’ve been talking with the Australian Bureau of Statistics and they’re going to test for a new question. One question about sexuality, sexual preference,” a spokesperson said.

During a press conference in Tasmania on Friday, opposition leader, Peter Dutton called the decision to backflip a demonstration of weak leadership.

“I think the Prime Minister’s all over the shop, one day he says to a group of people that he’s meeting with that he’s going to change the question put to the Australian people in the census, the next day, he says that he’s not going to do that, now he says that he is going to do that,” Mr Dutton said.

“And unfortunately Australians are seeing a weak Prime Minister across many areas that

With the finalisation of the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira imminent, though now extended by a month, there will be some much-needed cash for the coffers for the operating and structural deficit. But make no mistake, the challenges of the NSW Government’s Performance Improvement Order remain. Understandably, given our ex-

perience over the last couple of years, our community fears the worst regarding special rate rises, further privatisation and cuts to services.

Our long running campaign for (positive) change continues. With most incumbent Councillors not seeking re-election, it looks like change is coming. We do not congratulate ourselves, for this because we are merely a mouthpiece of what the community is feeling.

The community has brought about this change.

It’s not mission accomplished, or job done. Come 14 September, every adult in our community has the responsibility to ensure the results reflect a positive way forward.

We want elected representatives who will resolve a way forward, not squabble at every opportunity.

We want genuine transparency about the financial situation and what is next.

We want to ensure that all parts of the community, not just parts of it, are heard.

We want genuine opportunities, progress and investment for local businesses and the economy.

We want real action for our youth on jobs, entertainment and housing affordability.

The time for change has come – let’s make sure it is a positive one.

are having an impact on them and their lives and their livelihoods,” Dutton continued.

Australia has grown into an incredibly diverse country, with an estimated 11 percent of the population identifying within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Anna Brown, Equality Australia CEO has said that the government will essentially be

marking a portion of the population invisible if questions of gender identity are limited.

“The federal government has betrayed LGBTIQ+ people around Australia who will again be rendered invisible in 2026 because the census won’t ask appropriate questions about who they are and how they live,” said Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown.

Erica

Civic Election button on the Bugle App

Authorised by Howard R Jones, 407 Free Selectors Road, Foxground NSW 2534

OUR LOCAL CANDIDATES

“A reasonable voice for the community”

Alan

Council but realised effective communication was key. He advocates for open dialogue and common-sense decision-making in council, emphasising the impact of decisions on community well-being.

Alan is committed to preserving the unique character of local villages while supporting appropriate development.

As President of Jamberoo Football Club and owner of Jerrara Creek Farm and Amaki Cafe, he is deeply involved in the community.

His corporate experience equips him to navigate complex

“Gaffa” a Kiama local is the owner of Killmore Plant and Services. A business which has provided heavy duty mechanical services since 1992.

“Bindi” is a strong advocate for conservation and the preservation of our history.

Bindi saved “Marks Cottage” from a Council demolition order. Built in circa 1860, the cottage housed the workers who built both Culwalla and Terragong Houses in Jamberoo.

“Head” is the driving force behind the renovations at Gerry Emery Reserve in Gerringong. John has secured over $800,000 in grants and donations to upgrade this much loved and utilised community facility.

Narreda is an extremely experienced senior executive. Having recently retired from corporate life, she volunteers at Aging with Grace, a charity which supports our elderly residents.

“Your Sensible Choice”

Matt has deep roots in Kiama, from being Kiama High School Captain to co-owning Amigos Mexican Restaurant.

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 is 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.

Stuart has served as a councillor for four years and is running for re-election to maintain local government independence and democratic control in Kiama. A lifelong resident of Kiama with deep family roots in the South Coast, Stuart identifies as a Wodi Wodi man. He is passionate about representing the community’s interests and continuing to help people. Stuart attended Minnamurra Primary School and Kiama High School, and he holds a double degree in Law and Arts, along with a graduate diploma in legal practice. He is committed to tirelessly serving the Kiama community.

A former local MP, and corporate lawyer for 12 years, he has volunteered as a surf lifesaver and served on the council since 2016. As the founding Chair of Destination Kiama, Matt bridges private enterprise and government, securing funding for projects like the Kiama Coastal Walk. With expertise in public administration, he is dedicated to keeping the Council “Fit for the Future,” enhancing local facilities, and supporting sustainable housing. Matt holds degrees in Mathematics, Law, and an Executive MBA.

Danielle Steel

Danielle 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, giving 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 was born in Kiama, and his involvement in local sporting clubs and success in the 1995 Australian Championships highlight his active community participation.

Joan is a long-standing Kiama Downs resident and former independent optometry practice owner with BOptom and MOptom qualifications. She 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.

Lucy is a mother of two young children, and wants to ensure that we have quality early childhood education, affordable housing options, and a liveable environment for families – which she feels is extremely important.

“I will be a strong voice advocating for these issues and more if elected to council.”

Harry is only 19 years old, which makes him one of the youngest candidates to ever nominate for Kiama Municipal Council. He is currently studying Law. Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of NSW.

Imogen has served as Deputy Mayor for four years, emphasising the need for financial sustainability and strong governance in Kiama’s future.

Raised in Kiama, she attended local schools and earned a double degree in Arts and Law from the University of Wollongong. As a student activist, she focused on student safety and pandemic-related support services.

Imogen has worked for members of NSW and Australian parliaments, bringing her legal and political expertise to her role. She is dedicated to ensuring that the council remains financially stable and well-governed.

has lived in Kiama for the past 35 years. As a retired high school teacher and deputy principal she is a strong advocate for public education.

Group D: LABOR

Alan Smith

Matthew Brown

Imogen Draisma

Stuart Larkins

Lucy Abood

Clare McInerney

Harrison Ledger

Noel Killmore

Belinda Camarda

Joan Comber

Brendan Russell

Kane Presland

John Trevenar

Narreda Grimley

Clare

Group E: GREENS

Melinda Lawton

Melinda leads this diverse and committed group. She is an accomplished executive leader and design specialist with a wealth of experience in project management, design and construction sectors.

She is a team player, specialising in finding creative solutions to complex problems. Melinda is currently working with Waminda, a dedicated Aboriginal female-led organisation ensuring services and wrap-around support for their Shoalhaven community.

Jordan Casson-Jones

Jordan, the 2021 Kiama Young Citizen of the year, brings youth to the team as the youngest candidate to be endorsed by the Greens.

Mark Whalan

Mark has grown up in Kiama. His experiences in local journalism and social media, gives him an astute awareness of the concerns of the local community.

With a keen knowledge of local heritage and character, he sees preserving the best of the old with the best of the new is important as Kiama experiences the impacts of growth and change.

Sloan

Andrew is well known and respected as a previous councillor and Deputy Mayor. He is a civil engineer specialising in water infrastructure. He has a passion for the expansion of renewable energy into powering local communities as they switch to an electric future.

Stuart, a retired schoolteacher from Werri Beach, is well respected by the many local kids that have been in his care.

Stuart has specialised in integrating the natural world with his work and has qualifications in permaculture, horticulture and “Green” education.

Group F: INDEPENDENT

Before returning to the area he grew up in, Mike carved out a successful corporate career with senior executive roles at companies like Fairfax Media and CoreLogic. In corporate Australia and in small business he acquired the skills to a) bring people together b) solve problems and c) get things done - if elected he will work with other councillors to create a more productive council.

Marcus, a Kiama cattle farmer for over 15 years, has 30+ years of experience running fitness centres in Sydney.

Mike is a farmer, owner of Pecora Dairy, 2021 Nuffield Scholar & 2024 Royal Agriculture Show Presidents Medal recipient. He is on the board of the Kiama & District Business Chamber and a founding member of the Wednesday Kiama Farmers Market. Dad to two adult children and husband to Cressida for over 20 years.

A father of three, he understands the challenges faced by families and businesses in Kiama and advocates for better amenities in the region’s growing towns.

Marcus supports the development of functional accommodation for farm and local business workers.

An avid fisherman, he is passionate about preserving the area’s natural beauty.

As part of the Mike Cains team, Marcus aims to leverage his business experience and local knowledge to support jobs, growth, and investment in Kiama.

Eric is a 20-year Bombo resident. His career encompasses environmental remediation, but he currently runs his own business recycling batteries and other materials.

He is an exponent of the circular economy and its benefits to society. Eric is deeply passionate about the future of the Bombo quarry.

He believes that we have the perfect opportunity to promote a world class urban design to create a new state of the art community close to beach, electrified train and highway.

James has lived in Kiama for the past 43 years, raising a family. He has enjoyed career employment in information technology and communications at senior management level working for multi-national corporates.

Jim is a keen Christian and surfer, with community volunteering experience including previous lengthy involvement with junior football as coach.

is pleased to

Cressida has a passion for supporting women in rural and regional Australia. She is the 2020 Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award winner for NSW and ACT and National runner up. She is on the board of Australian Women in Agriculture and is a fierce advocate for helping rural and regional women achieve positions of influence. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor of Business.

Together with Mike she founded Pecora Dairy and has been on the organising committee of the Wednesday Kiama Farmers market. She is mother to two adult children.

Mike Cains

Andrew

Stuart Hall

Marcus Hewitt

Eric McAuley

Cressida Cains

James Cahill

Jim

support Michael Cains to provide a fresh start for Kiama Council.

Continues from p.7

OUR LOCAL CANDIDATES

Group

G: INDEPENDENT

“Energy

and Experience: Getting CounciI back on track”

Yas has run a large-scale event production business which has included running large events at venues all over the country including venues like Eastern Creek.

Yas has managed a security business and worked in NSW Health for over 10 years with a specific focus in working with people with disabilities and their carers.

Yas’ business, government and corporate experience provide a diverse background and she will bring these skills to the council chamber.

Gail is a long-term Kiama resident, poet and acclaimed author. Gail has lived and worked all over the world, from Sydney, Alice Springs, London, France and New Guinea.

Gail is a lover of music and is passionate about seeing more live music in the Kiama CBD.

Henry is a life-long Kiama local. He attended local schools and graduated from Wollongong University with a Bachelors of Economics and Finance and holds a Certificate of Executive Management and Development from UNSW Business School.

Henry works for the banking and finance industry in Wollongong and previously in a local bank branch in Kiama.

He is keen to use his experience and expertise to help fix Kiama Council’s finances. Henry has also previously worked for Surf Life Saving Australia, assisting with the aerial patrol of Surf Beach and Kendalls Beach - keeping our community safe.

Having lived in Kiama for more than 60 years, Sue is a passionate about our local community. A local business owner, mortgage broker and bank manager by trade, Sue has the experience to help get Kiama’s finances back on track.

An active member of the Kiama community, Sue has even taught Sunday school at local churches. Married to Allan, Sue has six children including twins who attended Kiama High.

Dan Hill is a long-term Kiama Downs resident and teacher with the Department of Education. Dan has a young family and understands the cost-ofliving pressures facing our community. Dan cares deeply about our local environment and is strongly opposed to the offshore wind farm proposal.

Owner of Gerringong small business Stoic Brewery, Andrew wants to see council run efficiently like any business.

Andrew wants to see council cut red tape and encourage more locals to go into business in the Kiama area. Andrew is a passionate believer that people with skills and real-life experience are required as part of the leadership of Kiama Council.

Group H: INDEPENDENT

“Back to Basics”

Mark, 62, is a semi-retired corporate and public affairs consultant, mental health advocate for veterans, and incumbent Kiama councillor.

A 20-year Navy veteran with service in Bosnia-Herzegovina, he has worked as a senior ministerial adviser in the Howard

Government and as a consultant lobbyist. Before his 2021 election, Mark chaired Kiama’s Combined Community Advocacy Group and led the Kiama High School P&C Association. Married to Cath with four children, his leadership is driven by a deep commitment to community service. al supplier. He brings leadership experience from his time as a Logistics Manager and General Manager for Sydney Rugby Clubs.

Rob, 31, is a Chartered Accountant who started his career at Ernst & Young before moving to the South Coast in 2021 to run his family’s business.

Engaged in promoting tourism and hospitality, he collaborates with local businesses to boost the region’s growth. Rob is an active member of the Gerringong Bowling Club and enjoys exploring Kiama’s natural beauty with his family, balancing professional dedication with community involvement.

59, is a Kiama small business owner and Country Manager for an internation-

A former sommelier, Darren supports the Kiama Rugby Club and advocates for the NDIS, driven by his experience as a parent of children on the Spectrum. He is dedicated to building a supportive, inclusive community in Kiama, where he has lived for five years.

Mick, 60, is a former Superintendent with a 29-year career in the NSW Police Force, primarily serving the Shoalhaven and Illawarra areas.

A Business Degree holder, he was the Region Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence and the last ‘lock up keeper’ at Gerringong Police Station. Active in the community through the Gerringong Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Club, Mick is dedicated to fostering safety and well-being in the region he has served for decades.

Gail Morgan

Henry Clyde Streamer

Suzanne MansfieldAndrew Prosser

Daniel Hill

Mark Croxford

Darren Ormsby

Robert Bartlett

Michael O’Toole

Darren,

Yasmin Tatrai Yasmin and her husband Roger live at Kiama Downs.

There’s been a huge change in the enquiries I am elding this week with locals getting hopeful about Spring springing early on us and getting their outdoor living areas ready to enjoy and entertain with.

For interior decorators, exteriors are literally an extension of what we do and indeed I treat them as an extension

of your home. When decorating a deck, courtyard, pool area or garden setting it is still all about connection, bringing the style and tastes established

inside through to the outdoor living areas where then those spaces connect onwards to their surroundings.

People sometimes hesitate to invest in outdoor furniture because they assume it will be quickly damaged and not worth the investment. That’s a good myth to debunk. Yes, the Australia sun will eventually affect all things that lay under it. And yes, our glorious South Coast location comes with corrosive salt air. However, it is a bit of a false economy to think the answer is to purchase ‘disposable’ furniture every two years.

There are miraculous fabrics on the market with UV ratings to blow your mind, and other innovations that combine marine grade steel and synthetic weave rope to produce sturdy and stylish furniture that last

well into their second decade. Keeping it classic, teak furniture remains the go-to timber as it decays slowly even in Australian outdoors conditions.

If you are renovating your outdoor space it can be very similar to the decision-making process for an interior renovation. Be sure to research the green-certified products that can handle almost everything. For mine, they are the superheroes of hard materials! Dekton is my ‘go to’ and featured in the photo above from a recent client project.

I often think that if we are decorating to enjoy the outdoors, we should look after it. So, I’m all for outdoor living purchases that are sustainable selections. Invest in quality and you will not need to add to landfill for a very long time.

Beekeepers persist in the battle against varroa mite

David, 62, has been operating his hives in the Illawarra region for ten years. Within the past two years, the industry has undergone rapid change to get ahead of the encroaching threat of varroa mite, and he’s seen it all unfold.

Varroa mite, or varroa destructor are tiny external parasites that latch onto honey bees. The mites can feed and live on adult honey bees, however, they mainly feed and reproduce on larvae causing malformation, the spread of viruses and weakening of honey bees.

“It’s here, the horse has bolted, we’re not going to get it back in. Now it’s just looking at various control methods”, David said.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) launched an investigation after varroa was detected in surveillance hives in the Port of Newcastle in 2022. Operation Decker is the ongoing federal investigation into the origin of the mite’s introduction to Australia. It began as a large-scale eradication project launched to rid the state and protect the rest of the country from the harmful parasitic mites.

The eradication phase ran for 15-months. As of last year,

the operation transitioned to focus on management through training for beekeepers to manage the pest.

“The initial aim of the response was to eradicate the mite from Australia, however, on 19 September 2023, the National Management Group found it was no longer technically feasible to eradicate Varroa mite and the focus of the response shifted to ongoing management,” a spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said. Previous to the outbreak, Australia was the largest producer of honey in the world that was free of varroa mite.

“Australian Quarantine did a good job keeping it out of the country as long as they did”, David said.

The new process requires beekeepers to regularly inspect their hives and every three months complete an alcohol wash on a cup full of bees, approximately 300, out of the brood box. The methylated spirits will dislodge any varroa present. The bees affected by the wash will die.

“A healthy hive will have 3040,000 bees, [the alcohol wash] won’t put the hive in a position for it to collapse,” he continued.

David also has concerns for young up and coming beekeepers in the state, and how this will affect their interest in staying in the industry.

“The whole thing has become a bit more work for the average beekeeper. You’re going to find some of the older generation saying I can’t be

bothered, it’s gone from a hobby to a chore. Whether it turns off new beekeepers coming in, that’s another thing we have to go through.”

New South Wales is the largest producer of honey in the country, with the state contributing honey from 44 percent of Australia’s total hives. The industry strengthens the Australian economy each year, bringing in a $14 billion profit each year.

NSW Farmers called upon the federal government last year to force importers to pay for the biosecurity hazards they create on our shores. Ian McColl, NSW Farmers Biosecurity Committee chair used the varroa mite as an example for how “Australia now has to live with another costly biosecurity failure,” he said.

The organisation showed their staunch opposition to the existing Biosecurity Protection Levy, with other advocacy groups calling to #ScrapTheTax.

“Taxing the farmers who are at ultimate risk of biosecurity breaches is not the way to move to improved biosecurity outcomes, especially when that tax might simply fund administrative functions of the federal department, and not increase biosecurity prevention, preparedness, or response capabilities,” McColl said.

As city migration grows, Jamberoo offers a blend of rural

life and urban access

Amid an increase in young families migrating from cities to rural and regional areas across Australia, Jamberoo emerges as an attractive destination for millennials seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing urban amenities.

The upcoming Golden Valley Jamberoo subdivision is set to meet this growing demand while preserving the village’s cherished character.

Recent data from CoreLogic reveals a 12.5% increase in regional house prices over the past year, outpacing capital cities. This trend, driven by internal migration and the rise of remote work, has put pressure on many regional communities. Jamberoo’s strategic development plans aim to accommodate newcomers while maintaining its small-town charm.

Jennifer Macquarie of the Fountaindale Group, the developer behind Golden Valley Jamberoo, says, “We’re creating a space where families can build their own legacies, much like our family has done for five generations. It’s about maintaining Jamberoo’s essence while allowing it to thrive.”

The project promises to boost the local economy while offering a unique liv-

ing experience. With its strong sense of community and access to nature, Jamberoo is attracting increasing interest from city-dwellers, young couples planning families and parents with young children.

Its proximity to Wollongong (26km) and Sydney (94km) allows residents to enjoy a country village lifestyle without sacrificing access to quality services, education opportunities, and family connections in the city.

Lawson Fredericks, cohead of the Fountaindale Group, adds, “We want to provide families the opportunity to experience the same supportive, safe environment we enjoyed growing up in Jamberoo, while still being connected to major urban centres.”

As regional Australia grapples with growth, Jamberoo’s approach could serve as a model for other communities. By balancing development with preservation, the village is positioning itself as a prime destination for those seeking a rural lifestyle with urban conveniences.

▶Spacious 800m² lots will go on sale early in 2025. To register your interest, visit goldenvalleyjamberoo. com.au.

Asha Ardill, Decorator, South Coast Colour

Neve Surridge

Cost-of-living pressures drive half of young Australians to prioritise retirement planning

Donna Portland

The escalating cost of living has forced young Australians to take proactive steps to secure theirnancial future.

According to recent research, conducted on behalf of HESTA, almost half (49%) of Australians aged 18 to 39 have begun actively planning for retirement, including salary sacrificing and using online tools to assess their superannuation trajectory.

The national survey, which sampled 1000 Australians, highlights a distinct shift in financial priorities among younger generations. While 49% of under 40s are now more focused on retirement planning, only 44% of those aged 40 to 54 and 29% of individuals over 55 reported taking similar actions.

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey says these findings indicate a growing recognition among younger workers of the critical role superannuation plays in their long-term financial security.

“It’s heartening to witness younger Australians becoming more engaged in retirement planning,” says Ms Blakey. “Even small changes made early can lead to substantial benefits in the future. For many, superannuation will be their most significant financial asset, and they are observing their parents retire with super balances that provide essential financial stability.”

The survey found that across all age groups, 41% of respondents had intensified their retirement planning over the past year. However, 51% made no changes, and 6% reported reducing their efforts, such as cutting back on salary sacrifice contributions or withdrawing

superannuation funds due to financial hardship.

Current economic challenges appear to be sharpening the focus on retirement planning for those under 40, emphasising the importance of early and consistent preparation for a secure financial future.

A key concern highlighted by the research is the fear of outliving financial resources

in retirement. Among those under 40, 68% expressed anxiety about running out of money, with 64% of 40 to 54-yearolds and 51% of those aged 55 and over sharing this concern.

Lifestyle maintenance in retirement also emerged as a significant worry, with 52% of 18 to 39-year-olds fearing they won’t be able to sustain their desired standard of living. This senti-

ment was echoed by 49% of 40 to 54-year-olds and 45% of those aged over 55. The research also highlighted gender disparities in retirement concerns. Women were notably more anxious about depleting their savings, with 65 percent expressing this fear compared to 57% of men. Women were also more likely to be concerned about health issues and potential medical expenses in retirement (6% versus 52% of men).

Ms Blakey acknowledged the immediate financial challenges faced by many Australians, but emphasised the longterm benefits of retirement planning.

“We recognise that many of our members are currently experiencing significant costof-living pressures,” she said. “While it can be daunting to think about long-term financial planning amidst these challenges, taking that first step can be incredibly powerful over time.”

Over the past financial year, 68,000 HESTA members utilised the Fund’s online Future Planner tool, which aids in retirement planning. Ms Blakey says two-thirds of these users explored the impact of making additional contributions, adjusting their retirement date, or altering their investment strategies.

“Providing tailored support and guidance is crucial for enhancing our members’ financial literacy and confidence,” Ms Blakey added. “We’re seeing that in just 10 minutes, members can make meaningful progress towards securing their financial future.”

The research, conducted by PureProfile, was carried out between March 8-12, 2024, with a representative sample of 1000 Australians, reflecting the population by gender, age, state, and location.

opinion

by Gareth Ward

Why you should vote No on September 14

Only months after winning the Second World War, Winston Churchill was voted out of office as Prime Minister. On this occasion he perhaps cynically quipped that ‘democracy is the worst system of government – except for all the others that have been tried’.

In a few weeks, voters in the Kiama Municipality will have the opportunity to decide on a referendum question which asks you if you would like a popularly elected mayor. For those who think this is a good idea, I ask that you read on and consider that the grass is not necessarily greener. I urge people to vote ‘No’ to the proposed referendum.

Currently, Kiama voters elect nine Councillors, and those Councillors not only elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, but they also play an important role in holding the Mayor to account.

If the mayor doesn’t do a good job – they can be replaced. If you elected a mayor once every four years, and that mayor doesn’t perform, you’re stuck with a dud.

Currently, if the mayor leaves office for whatever reason, another councillor can immediately take their place without the need for a costly by-election. The current arrangements mean a new Mayor would bring the experience and understanding of council and its deliberations on matters throughout that term.

We don’t directly elect the Prime Minister or Premier; these matters are determined on the basis of who can command the confidence of the chamber. The proposal to directly elect a mayor departs from the very important prin-

ciples of responsible and stable government. By our elected councillors determining who will be the mayor, the councillor who hold the office needs to focus on working collegiately and colourably with their colleagues in order to get things done.

Local government should be about bringing various skills, views, backgrounds, and talents together to progress the best interests of our community. A mayor elected from among elected councillors is more likely to foster this environment given they need the votes of a majority of their colleagues to stay in the job.

The corollary can be (and often is) that a popularly elected mayor may be at loggerheads with the elected councillors, which causes dysfunction and disharmony where the councillors become pitted against the mayor. I’ve seen this all too often in places like the Shoalhaven.

A popularly elected mayor will also allow a greater opening for party politics in local government as the two major parties know this position can be very influential over the course of a four-year term.

Our State Electorate of Kiama touches four local government areas. In my experience as your local MP, Kiama Council has had the least internal tumult and the most consistent collaboration between elected councillors.

Whilst I may not have always agreed with the decisions and direction of Kiama Council, debate in the council chamber is overwhelmingly respectful, dignified, and sensible.

Just like Churchill, I welcome whatever the decision of our community will be. I love democracy because the people always get it right.

Debby Blakey HESTA CEO.

Building a Successful Business: key factors for long-term success

Donna Portland

Building a successful business is a challenging endeavour, with many failing to achieve their goals. In Australia, 60% of businesses fail within their first three years, and 20% don’t even make it through the first year. However, those who succeed often do so by combining passion with strong business acumen. These successful entrepreneurs offer products and services that address pain points, solve problems, or fulfill passions.

Maximising your chances of business success requires more than just a great idea. It demands organisation, flexibility, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail, all while maintaining a clear vision of the big picture. Personal sacrifices are often necessary, as business success looks different for each entrepreneur and evolves with the

growth of the business. Setting and regularly updating goals is crucial. For example, an early-stage startup might aim for positive cash flow within a year, while an established business might focus on increasing wordof-mouth referrals or expanding into new markets.

To be among the 40% of businesses that survive and thrive, it’s essential to pay attention to six critical success factors. In this 6-part series, The Bugle has partnered with The Kiama & Districts Business Chamber to provide valuable advice on strategic focus, finances, people, operations, marketing, and tips for local businesses to address some of the current cost of business pressures.

Part 1: Strategic Focus

– key points to consider 1. Find your niche

Identifying a specific market segment for your business is crucial. This allows you to

craft a compelling value proposition and precisely define your target audience. Many businesses fail because they try to be all things to all people, spreading themselves too thin. Specialisation is a more effective strategy, especially for small businesses with limited resources. Focusing on a niche enables you to offer a unique product or service that stands out in the market.

2. Business plan

A clearly defined and well-costed business plan is fundamental to success. It serves as a roadmap, guiding your strategic decisions and helping you stay on track. This topic will be explored in more detail in the next part of this series, which focuses on Business Finances.

3. Foster innovation and agility

Outsourcing non-core functions can help small businesses concentrate their efforts on their core competencies. This nimble approach enables them to adapt quickly to market changes, seize opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition.

Being agile and innovative is essential in a rapidly changing business landscape.

4. Leadership and vision

Strong leadership with a clear mission and defined objectives is essential for guiding a business through challenging times. A well-articulated vision serves as a compass, helping to align efforts and prioritise actions. Without clear goals, businesses often struggle to find direction, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Realistic Key performance indicators (KPIs) are crucial for tracking progress and ensuring that everyone in the organisation is working towards the same objectives.

5. Passion and purpose

Understanding and articulating your ‘why’ gives you

a sense of purpose and helps you stay focused on your goals. This is especially important for business owners, as it can be easy to lose sight of your objectives amid daily challenges.

The ‘why’ behind your business is not only vital for your mission statement but also for your entire business narrative. Being able to communicate how your products or services add value to people’s lives fosters a deeper connection with both employees and customers. Passionate leadership inspires and motivates your team, helping to maintain focus and enthusiasm.

6. Understanding risks and rewards

Recognising the importance of calculated risks versus potential rewards is crucial. Before taking action, consider the potential downside: “What’s the worst-case scenario if this doesn’t work out?” If you can accept the potential risks and have a plan to mitigate them, you may decide to proceed. If not, it might be wise to explore other opportunities.

Being strategic about the timing of launching new products or services is also vital, as market trends and technological changes can significantly impact success.

Flexibility is another key factor in business success. Agile businesses can quickly pivot in response to changing market conditions, while those that are slow to adapt risk becoming obsolete. Pay attention to market and financial data, listen to customer feedback, and be open to changing your business model or pricing strategy if necessary. By focusing on these critical success factors, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of building a resilient and successful business. Stay tuned for the next instalment, where we will dive deeper into the financial aspects of running a business.

The MATT BROWN - DANIELLE STEEL Team

What We Stand For

✔ Support local jobs and businesses

✔ Make Kiama a Regional Events capital

✔ Promote projects with construction and design that enhance the character of our towns and villages

✔ Make Council assets more productive to reduce pressure on rates

✔ Upgrade park play equipment for children and tweens.

✔ Protect the quality and the pristine nature of our waterways, farmland and forests

✔ Reduce Council red tape and other costs

✔ Find other sources of Council Revenue

✔ Support more community strengthening initiatives and events

✔ Create greater awareness of, and support for, Mental Health

✔ Provide more parking in Kiama and Gerringong

✔ Industrial Employment Lands & a ordable housing for Bombo Quarry Masterplan

✔ Lobby Sydney Water to upgrade the Bombo Sewage Treatment Plant

✔ Support our Surf Clubs and other voluntary groups

✔ Upgrade our sporting grounds and facilities

✔ Jamberoo Preschool - find a solution!

✔ Upgrade Gerringong Town Hall to host weddings and other events

✔ Support an entertainment precinct for Kiama’s town centre

✔ Prepare a subdivision plan for Council land at Spring Creek to achieve a $50M return

From Kiama to Kenya: Bryan Malone’s work in Africa

Donna Portland

In the 27 July edition of The Bu-

gle, we shared the story of Kia-

ma resident Bryan Malone and his recent humanitarian trip to Rwanda, where he collaborates with engineering lecturer David Walker to empower communities through practical education and support.

Malone’s humanitarian efforts extended to Kenya in both 2018 and 2023. This is where he met Mary Wairimu Kamau and her children for the first time.

In 2023, Mary faced a dire situation. After her ex-husband forced her and her children out of their home, she found herself in Nakuru town, desperately knocking on the door of a local pastor.

The pastor’s wife recounted how Mary and her three children arrived in ragged clothes, starving and filthy. Today, Mary has a stable home and has emerged as a community leader and public speaker at local schools and conferences.

Mary extended her compassion to Njeri, a girl from an abusive family background, just like Mary. He took her in to live as part of her family.

Malone says, “I was able to raise the money for Njeri’s glasses and also send her to a private girls’ boarding school.” Njeri has now graduated from

high school and is legally able to work.

Mary’s journey to self-suffi ciency was further supported by a generous friend who pro vided a small second-hand car, which Mary has registered as a taxi. This kind of help, leading to self-reliance, is invaluable.

Malone is dedicated to offer ing practical assistance to those he meets. However, he faces fi nancial constraints in funding his charitable initiatives. “I am seeking financial support to continue the mission of raising Mary and her family to finan cial freedom,” he says. Malone says, “Mary and her four chil dren in Kenya need our sup port. Mary has taken in Njeri, a teenager who faced neglect and abuse, and is striving to provide a better life for all of them.

Funds raised will go towards education for the kids, a finan cial literacy course, and a coun selling certificate for Mary. Your help can truly change their lives, so donate by going to the Go Fund Me Page: https:// gofund.me/a5bc10dc

For more information or to get in touch with Bryan Malone, please write to The Bugle

Another way to assist chil dren all through Africa is via World Vision, the regis tered charity founded in the 50s that has been providing sponsorship for children for around 70 years.

Mary, from Kenya (L) and Frida, from Rwanda (R), have suffered much in their lives but they have found their voice as public speakers and leaders for those who are suffering.

Dementia Australia launches groundbreaking podcast

Donna Portland

Dementia Australia has launched Hold the Moment, the country’s rst podcast aimed at alleviating the loneliness and social isolation often experienced by those living with dementia.

The podcast, co-hosted by Jim Rogers, who has younger onset dementia, and journalist Hamish Macdonald, whose father is living with dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s, was developed with input from those affected by the condition.

Over seven episodes, Jim and Hamish engage in candid conversations with dementia sufferers, caregivers, and health experts, covering topics like managing a diagnosis, sleep disturbances, relationships, and staying active.

The stories shared are raw and honest, capturing the profound challenges and small victories of living with dementia.

"I felt very lonely after my dementia diagnosis. It’s pretty scary, scary territory," said Rogers. “Being able to hear

about others’ experiences in a positive way on a podcast like this would have been amazing when I was diagnosed.”

Recent survey data from Dementia Australia highlights the podcast’s importance: a third of respondents reported that people tend to avoid or exclude loved ones with

dementia, and nearly half noticed a decline in communication with those affected.

Macdonald, reflecting on his personal connection to the disease, said, “The stories shared will help break down barriers that discourage people from seeking help and reduce the impact of social isolation. Receiving news of

2024 NSW local council elections are Saturday, 14 September. Voting is compulsory.

You must vote within your council area or ward.

Find your nearest polling place

Election day is Saturday, 14 September Visit elections.nsw.gov.au

a diagnosis is huge, and I’ve been in awe of those willing to share their experiences to help others.”

Dementia Australia CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan, praised the podcast as a powerful example of resilience, thanking everyone involved for their contributions and support.

▶Hold the Moment is available on all major podcast platforms. Listen to the trailer www.dementia. org.au/podcast.

Episodes one and two of the seven-part series are now available with weekly episodes in the lead-up to Dementia Action Week (from 16-22 September).

Shane Warne legacy reveals concerning heart health statistics

Neve Surridge

Concerning results have emerged from the Shane Warne Legacy heart check program that ran across the Gilmore region over a four-week period. Some 83 per cent of participants who completed a full heart health check are reported to present with at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor.

Labor Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said the program could be a lifesaver, pushing people to spark up a conversation with their GPs.

“It really wasn’t surprising to see the results, because there are so many people out there that don’t have their heart health checked regularly,” Phillips said.

More than a thousand people took part in the free program, with nearly 40 per cent of participants being referred to their GPs for management or treatment.

“Tragically, one Australian dies every 12 minutes from cardiovascular disease, so with more than a third of Gilmore participants referred to their doctor for a follow-up, you can see how these free checks could definitely save lives,” Phillips continued.

According to the 2021 Census, 5.3% of Kiama’s population have some form of heart disease, including angina.

The Shane Warne Legacy provides free self-service medical grade health checks with a focus on cardiovascular health. Jackson Warne, son of Shane Warne and the Shane Warne Legacy Ambassador, said the health checks could give someone the gift of a healthy future.

“The peace of mind you have once you know your numbers is very reassuring and could save your life,” Warne said.

Dementia choirs unite for an uplifting concert

The Dementia Choir - Alchemy Chorus South Coast - is set to unite with their inspiration and sister choir, Alchemy Chorus Canberra, for a heartfelt musical event. The Canberra choir played a crucial role in supporting the South Coast group when it rst began in Gerringong in October 2022.

Alchemy Chorus is a unique ensemble that brings together individuals living with dementia, along with their relatives or close friends, volunteer musicians, and sing-

ers. Together, they create an atmosphere of joy, storytelling, and community through the power of music.

The name ‘Alchemy’ perfectly encapsulates the choir’s mission: blending diverse elements into something truly valuable. The choir is inclusive, welcoming those with dementia who can still participate and benefit from singing, as well as their care partners. There are no auditions - every voice is treasured, and every participant is embraced.

Dr Christa Wood, Founder and Manager of Alchemy Chorus, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event,

5 facts about tears

1. Tears have layers, the inner layer has some mucous to help our tears stick to the eye, the outer layer is oily to prevent evaporation.

2. Tears flow, they are produced in the lacrimal gland above the outer corner of the eye, and they drain through a tiny opening in the inner corner of the eye called the punctum. Tears drain to the nasal cavity, which is why your nose runs when you cry.

3. Tears are necessary, they lubricate the eye and flush away debris, but they also deliver oxygen and nutrients around the eye and remove waste products. Tears are also the first line of defence for the eye against infection.

4. There are different types of tears, normal or basal tears, reflex tears to flush away an irritant, and emotional tears.

5. Are your eyes dry? Dry eye is very common, and can make your eyes red, gritty, tired, sore, and paradoxically, watery. Fortunately, there are a range of ways to manage this, starting with occasional use lubricating drops.

Due for an eye exam? Used your health fund rebate for the year? Call us or make an appointment online.

Jean Anderson

EyeQ Optometrists

124 Terralong St, Kiama 4232 2610

Convenient

saying, “We are thrilled to join forces in a combined concert in Goulburn to showcase the beautiful voices of those living with and alongside dementia.”

The essence of the Alchemy Choirs is about leaving dementia at the door and immersing

in a few hours of singing, camaraderie, and joy. As working choirs, they focus on vocal and breathing exercises, harmonizing, and even performing canons, all while ensuring that they hold at least two public performances each year.

The much-anticipated concert will take place on 14 September at St Nicholas’ Church in Goulburn, a convenient midpoint between the two choirs. The performance is set to begin at 1pm, and the choirs are hopeful that the local com-

munity will come out to support this inspiring event. Alchemy Chorus South Coast operates as a program under the Rotary Club of Gerringong Sunrise Inc., embodying the spirit of service and community through music.

Study shows seniors benefit from a little help with exercise

Malin Dunfors

More seniors would exercise, and exercise better, if classes were subsidised, a recent study by Monash University found.

Twelve-week exercise classes of low-to-moderate intensity led to “significant improvements in physical function” and decreased time sitting, a university media release stated.

The study primarily aimed to determine which factors made older Australians participate in community-based exercise classes.

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), formerly known as the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science, commissioned and ran the classes all over the country. The classes were gym, circuits, yoga, pilates, balance, aerobics and aqua aerobics, with each participant paying an average of $8 per class.

“Exercise Right for Active Ageing” program involved 7,000 people over the age of 65 from every state and territory, including regional and remote areas. Many of the older Australians had high levels of comorbidity.

“So far, few studies of this

scale have been completed in Australia so this research will help cement what we know about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise for older adults,” said Dr Christina Ekegren of the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre.

She conducted the study together with the Associate Professor Sze-Ee Soh, Associate Professor Darshini Ayton and Professor Helen Skouteris of the School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine.

According to the WHO Global Action Plan, up to 60 per cent of older adults around the world do not meet the current global physical activity guidelines. Access and costs have been cited as major barriers, and research suggests that older adults would benefit from receiving financial subsidies for group exercise classes.

Donna Portland

Alchemy Choir. (Photo: supplied by Dr Christa Wood)

Kiama Surf Club encourages volunteers to help out

TTo continue Kiama’s Top Tourism legacy, Kiama Council recently installed tree top fairy lights. Hung between the historically recognised Fig Trees in Hindmarsh Park, they have been illuminating Terralong Street since 3 July.

As construction continues in Hindmarsh Park, the lights have been anticipated to generate positive use of community spaces during the night time. Kiama Council, Tourism & Events Manager, Sally Bursell hopes that the lights will allow the visitors to enjoy a safe night out in our local community.

“The lights are designed to create an inviting and magical atmosphere, adding a sense of adventure to Terralong Street and Hindmarsh Park,” Bursell said.

“On top of that, studies have shown that lighting not only makes people feel more comfortable after dark but also encourages them to spend more time in public spaces, enhancing the sense of safety.”

Bursell, hoping that illuminated public spaces will help the Kiama community to feel safer after dark, with the potential to improve Hindmarsh Park’s adjacent businesses.

“Studies have shown that lighting not only makes people feel more comfortable after dark but also encourages them to spend more time in public spaces, enhancing the sense of safety.” Bursell said.

“This, in turn, can boost the night-time economy by encouraging more people to go out and spend money. We do acknowledge however, lighting is an important ingredient to support night time activation, but people will generally only venture out if there are places to go and reasons to be there.”

he Kiama Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) launched a new patrol roster on August 29 in an attempt to make life easier for existing members and to try to inspire more people to volunteer.

The new roster will make it easier for patrol volunteers to pick different hours and will make the overall process more flexible to accommodate for busy schedules.

Kiama SLSC club captain Natasha Osmond-Dreyer has been captain for just over a year and she says one of the biggest issues she has found is navigating around people’s busy lives and she hopes this new roster will fix this issue.

“Because our numbers are relatively small for how many hours we have to fill out throughout the season. It means that the impost on each person is quite high. In the past people would say to me, Natasha I’m only available on 5 weekends before christmas, 4 weekends after christmas and I can only do 4 hours on this day and 4 hours on a different day and I can’t do a full day of patrol,” says Osmond-Dreyer.

“We have never been able to accommodate that. So we’re looking at giving greater flexibility for existing members of patrol and to try and bring in new members.”

This flexible roster has been

successful for both Bermagui and Killcare SLSC and Osmond-Dreyer utilised aspects of both of their systems to try and create the perfect solution for Kiama SLSC.

“Members can now go onto a website and self-select their patrol teams, look at their shifts, choose to do a morning here and an afternoon here or a full day,” says Osmond-Dreyer.

It’s really designed to increase participation, reduce the stress on each person. We

want to really ensure that we maintain the highest quality of safety and service on the beach for the season. I’m hoping that it will increase overall engagement and be a more efficient distribution of time and resources on the beach.”

To patrol the ocean for your local SLSC you need to have your bronze medallion, but Osmond-Dreyer says that they also need more volunteers on the sand and this only requires a first aid certificate.

“Most people think that you have to have a bronze medallion to patrol. But you don’t. The base qualification you need is a first aid certificate. Most other people on the beach will have a bronze medallion because we need people to be rescuing people in the water, but we also need people on the sands to deal with whatever comes in. There’s multiple ways to get involved with surf life saving,” says Osmond-Dreyer.

In terms of why you should volunteer to be on the patrol teams, Osmond-Dreyer says it is a rewarding and fun experience. You are both giving back to the community and improving your own beach knowledge so that you can always feel confident in the many beaches Kiama has to offer.

“For your own benefit you will get all the necessary training and skills to supervise yourself and your family on the beach. You would be more comfortable going in the water and knowing where to find a rip and what to do in an emergency. From a community point of view it’s about meeting new people, making new friendships and giving back to the community,” says Osmond-Dreyer.

“I genuinely believe that people feel safer, enjoying the water and the beach when they know that there’s somebody to help them if they need help. You only have to look at the number of people who get into problems in rips at the beach to know that it is so well needed.”

▶If you are interested in volunteering for the Kiama SLSC please contact Natasha at clubcaptain@kiamaslsc.com.au.

There are no minimum hours required, and Natasha is open to anyone who is interested.

those who make generalised, unspecific, undeliverable promises to somehow ‘improve the lives of everyone’ in the Council area

and our

those who specify - in detail before the election – all the initiatives they will ardently pursue on the new Council to return it to functional from dysfunctional, to return it to financial from unfinancial and to return to basic Council services of a reasonable standard.

The Kiama SLSC patrol team. (Source: Natasha Osmond-Dreyer)

Hindmarsh Park fairy lights.

(Photo: Peter Izzard)

Eleanor Bailey

R U OK? Day

Australia’s National Day of Action, R U OK? Day will take place on September 12 this year to remind Australians that any day is a day to start a conversation that could change a life.

The reminder comes as 72 percent of Australians are reporting elevated levels of distress according to Suicide Prevention Australia. However, R U OK? research has found that 90% of people who are regularly asked “R U OK?” feel more supported, connected and cared about.

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton notes, that R U OK? Day is an extremely important day of the year, but she stresses that people shouldn’t just wait to be reminded, they should be constantly asking this question.

“There is an increase in supporting behaviours around R U OK? Day, our National Day of Action. However, we don’t want people wait-

ing until September to reach out to the people in their world who might be struggling because life happens every day,” says Newton. R U OK? Day promotes regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you, helping to prevent small things from becoming big things.

By checking in regularly, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.

Conversation tips and crisis support contacts can be found at ruok.org.au.

▶To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.

Essential tips for job seekers

Donna Portland

One of the most challenging decisions for any job seeker is committing to the job search. It’s crucial to allocate adequate time for preparation and active searching and give it high priority.

Define your criteria: Begin by making a list of criteria that define what you’re looking for in a role. Clearly identifying your objectives will help refine your search terms, making it easier, and more likely to find suitable positions.

Tailor your applications: When you find a role that interests you, read between the lines to gauge the level and fit of the job. Tailoring each application, including your cover letter and resumé, increases your chances of success. Don’t spend your time and effort applying if you have a low chance of selection.

Research the company: Thoroughly research the companies you’re considering. Ensure they are reputable and have a positive culture. This will help you avoid potentially problematic employers and colleagues.

Utilise networking: Don’t overlook potential resources outside of job boards and platforms. Networking can provide valuable leads and assistance. Reach out to friends, family, teachers, and even new contacts for advice and opportunities.

Understand employer needs: Each employer has unique requirements, such as start dates and qualifications and other possible constraints that may or may not be compatible with yours. One thing that all employers are looking for is some degree of positivity, so demonstrate positivity in your cover letter and interviews.

Manage your online presence: Be mindful of your social media presence and the impression that it gives out. Employers often check platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Ensure your profiles represent you well.

Consider your commute and relocation: Be realistic about the commute. If a job is located more than an hour’s journey away, consider if you’re truly prepared for the travel, especially with today’s fuel prices! or if relocation is an option? Employers often

view long commutes as potential red flags. Follow up: It’s common not to hear back after submitting an application. A common reason for this is that it takes time to respond to all the applicants, and most people are time poor, so you won’t necessarily get a response. A simple follow-up email can set you apart though. Employers appreciate tenacity and politeness, which can leave a lasting impression for possible future opportunities.

Understand company policies: Once you land the job,

familiarise yourself with the company’s policies and procedures. This is especially important for supervisors and managers, as these documents define roles and responsibilities within the organisation. It also shows your commitment to your responsibilities and attitude towards being a good team member.

By following these tips, you’ll enhance your job search process, make a strong impression on potential employers, and increase your chances of securing and retaining your desired position.

Are you a young person in Kiama who wants their voice heard? Join the

Youth Forum

WImogen Draisma

challenges that his age group experiences.

Harrison Ledger

ith the local government elections fast approaching, the voices of young people who experience our community in a di erent way than the rest of the population tend to fall by the wayside.

held next Thursday, 29 August at 3.00pm. The session will be guided by questions and topics suggested by an open survey, fill it out to get your questions answered.

Cr Draisma is the Deputy Mayor of Kiama Council, she became one of the youngest female politicians at the time of her introduction to Council. At only 25 years old, she has advocated for a range of issues that she believes in; diversity, affordable housing, mental health, reduction of carbon emissions, maximising renewable energy resources and arts and cultural hubs.

Kane Presland

Ledger is 19 years old, making him one of the youngest candidates to nominate for Kiama Municipal Council. He is currently studying Law, Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of NSW.

Jordan Casson-Jones

A study conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission showed that young Australians vote because it is compulsory, not because they see their vote as a form of change for the way they experience their future.

Low youth participation in the electoral process occurs across most democracies. In order for young people to feel engaged and enliven the election process, The Bugle is establishing a youth forum for councillor-candidates to listen and act on the issues that affect our young community.

The first event hosted by the recently established youth forum will give young people in Kiama a chance to ask constructive questions and suggest topics for discussion to the four speakers:

Presland is dedicated to improving mental health within the community, he is actively involved in the Veteran Surf Project and Waves of Thinking. He manages the beloved Penny Whistlers cafe and is strongly committed to affordable housing and employment

Casson-Jones, who was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year Award for suicide prevention in 2021, is second on the ticket and he identifies that one of the main issues affecting young people in Kiama at the moment is the rise in the cost of living, and he says his first focus will be on addressing that.

The online forum will be

“Because the government doesn’t affect my day to day life. Therefore I don’t care who gets elected,” a participant in the study said.

The study found that onein-two students feel they lack the knowledge to understand the issues, parties on the ballot and voting system.

Photo: Andrew Neel/Unsplash

Source: R U OK?

‘Housing is a human right’: What young councillor-candidates have to say

Lleyton Hughes and Neve Surridge

Youth engagement in local council matters isnite in Kiama. Whether it is lack of information, enthusiasm or simply because young people think council matters don’t apply to their everyday lives, it’s something that needs attention.

That’s the reason why The Bugle hosted the first Youth Forum meeting with Kiama Community Radio on Thursday, 29 August. The discussion provided hope for the future of young people represented in politics.

Three councillor-candidates attended the session, including; Imogen Draisma, incumbent Deputy Mayor and Labor Councillor, Kane Presland, fourth on Matt Brown’s independent group ballot and Harrison Ledger, fourth on the Labor party ballot.

Jordan-Casson Jones, second on the Greens party ballot, was also going to attend but got called away to assist with an active bushfire. He was given the same questions as the other candidates but replied to them individually.

Housing affordability

Housing affordability is a known issue in Kiama, especially for young renters who are met with a fraught process of minimal available housing and of those available, far above a feasible weekly price.

Cr Draisma highlighted the current situation of shared housing in the town, “at the moment you’re at the behest of the market where there are multi-bedroom places in Kiama so you have to pair up with

quite a few people to get your foot in the door for a rental.”

“Good housing needs to be diverse. It’s about utilising existing stock,” Cr Draisma continued.

Ledger agreed with the approach, “I think we have to have these intergenerational concerns in our brain. When we have these huge barriers, not just financial but logistical, of getting young people housing and a roof over their head.”

Short term rentals

Cr Draisma also confirmed that the current council was in talks with the state government to have short-term rental applications (STRA’s) regulated. All three were in agreement that there needed

to be controls implemented to limit these STRA’s.

Casson-Jones discussed the need to preserve the environment when looking at future housing developments in the area.

“There is an amount of housing that needs to be built to ease the pressure, but we also understand that the environment and fertile land around Jamberoo and west Kiama needs to be preserved,” said Casson-Jones.

“A lot of people I’m aware of will sign a six-month lease between March and October, and then will get kicked out for the summer so that the homeowners can make big bank over the summer period and then repeat,” Presland said.

How the preference system works in NSW Local Government Elections

Six percent of properties in Kiama are registered as shortterm accommodation, only falling slightly behind the eight per cent registered in Byron Bay.

Casson-Jones has felt the immediate effects of short stay accommodation in the region, he currently lives between two Airbnb properties himself.

“Short stay accommodation has put pressure on the housing market, as coined by the University of Wollongong as the ‘Airbnb effect’ where rents in regional and tourist centres have gone up from about $550 a week in 2020 to $800 a week in 2022.”

“It changes the tenor of the places, as the services change from servicing a residential domestic population to ser-

vicing tourists… The Kiama Greens acknowledges that and highlights in our campaign the need to investigate the policies to free up holiday rentals,” Casson-Jones said.

Presland commented on the wealth generated by these short-stays and Airbnbs being used outside of Kiama, “their profits aren’t redistributed to people in the community and they’re more distributed towards shareholders in that group who aren’t necessarily from Kiama.”

Kiama nightlife

Nightlife is another core concern for young people in the area, with the social areas limited and new business owners fearing closure due to noise

Lynne Strong

The preference system used in New South Wales (NSW) local government elections is known as optional preferential voting within a proportional representation framework. Here's how it works:

1. Voting Above the Line:

When you vote above the line on the ballot paper, you are voting for a group of candidates as a whole. By marking a single box above the line, your vote goes to the entire group in the order that the group has predetermined. If the group receives enough votes to elect more than one candidate, the preferences are automatically distributed to the next candidate in the group.

2. Voting Below the Line: If you choose to vote below the line, you can mark your preferences for individual candidates. You do this by numbering the candidates in the order of your preference. You

complaints, which Council manages.

“Everything hits the snooze button [at 4pm] and there’s nothing for anyone to do,” Cr Draisma said.

The special entertainment precinct, launched with a petition this July, is an initiative Cr Draisma and incumbent Councillor Stuart Larkins have supported. “Working with state government, Council can identify a particular area in our town centre, which means they can operate louder, sound is permissible, music is permissible… There needs to be real opportunities for artists to occupy spaces,” Draisma said.

Whilst all attendees were in agreement that there is work to be done in the nightlife scene, Presland commented on being cautious of going too far.

“It’s a real challenge because we need to attract people to that nightlife. But we also need to think about how far we want to go with this because you look at Noosa and Byron Bay and they have great nightlife but at the cost of the town being run out by other people,” Presland said.

The forum ran for an hour, with other topics discussed including mental health support services and supporting youth engagement in local council. To watch the full meeting, go to The Bugle’s online app. ▶If you are a young person in Kiama and you are passionate about the town and have ideas that you want to express, please email The Bugle at: hello@the buglenewspaper.com.au. Stay tuned for the next announcements surrounding the Youth Forum.

can choose to number as many or as few candidates as you like. If your first choice candidate doesn’t have enough votes to be elected, your vote will be transferred to your next preference, and so on, until a candidate is elected or all your preferences are exhausted.

3. Counting the Votes:

Votes are counted in stages:

First Preference Count: All the first preference votes are counted. If a candidate or group receives enough votes to reach the quota (the number of votes required to be elected, based on the total number of votes cast and the number of available seats), they are elected.

Transfer of Surplus Votes: If a candidate or group has more votes than the quota, the surplus votes are transferred to the remaining candidates or groups according to the preferences indicated by voters.

Elimination and Redistribution: If no candidate meets the quota after the first count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their

votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates according to the next preferences marked on the ballot papers. This process continues until all the seats are filled.

4. Importance of Preferences:

Preferences are crucial because they allow your vote to continue counting even if your top choice isn't successful. This ensures that your vote still contributes to electing a candidate or group that aligns closely with your values. It also means that voting strategically—by understanding how your preferences might be distributed—can have a significant impact on the final outcome of the election.

In summary, the preference system allows for a more representative outcome by enabling votes to be transferred based on voter preferences, ensuring that the final elected candidates reflect a broader consensus within the community.

KIAMA FOLK FESTIVAL '24

PROGRAM SUMMARY

FRIDAY 15 concerts/events starting at 5pm, Welcome to Country, Opening Bush Dance, 5 venues

SATURDAY 55 concerts/events starting at 10am, Sirens of the Sea, Workshops, Dances, Blackboard Concerts, Sea Shanties galore, Poets Breakfast (9am), spoken word events, 8 venues

SUNDAY 30 concerts/events starting at 9.30am, Poets Breakfast (8.30am), 7 venues | nale concert at Kiama Bowling Club from 5.30pm FOR FULL PROGRAM OF EVENTS SEE THE WEBSITE

Welcome to the 2024 Folk by the Sea, Kiama's own Folk Festival. If you have never been to a folk festival before, here is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the water and see what there is to offer. We guarantee that you will see some incredibly talented acts performing that you may never have heard of. The thing about folk festivals is there tends to be something for everyone! Why not buy a day ticket if you just want to see what all the hype is about. Come along, support live music and experience the exciting and welcoming atmosphere.

friday 20 September

NORFOLKSADDLEBACKKENDALL

RUGBY CLUB VERANDAH BAR BALCONY

saturday 21 September

3.30PM FUNNY SONGS RUSSELL HANNAH + FESTIVAL ACTS 3:30PM RARE BIRDZ 3:30PM 4PM PIRRITU

4.30PM

PAVILION BUILDING RUGBY CLUB ANGLICAN HALL 9AM MORNING POETS ROBYN SYKES & STONYBROKE 9AM 9.30AM 10AM GOOD TUNES SESSION 10AM THE DON'T BE TOO POLITE GIRLS 10.30AM THE CON ARTISTS 10:30AM WOMEN IN AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLADS 10:30AM BRUCE WATSON 10:30AM 11AM THE OTHER NOONANS 11AM TRAD CONCERT VARIOUS ARTISTS 11:15AM 11.30AM 12PM ERIC | MARRAWUY 12PM MARIAH MCCARTHY 12PM HEDY BLAAZER 12PM 12.30PM BROKEN CREEK 12:30PM WOOLLY YARNSPIN, HOST RUSSELL HANNAH 12:45PM 1PM 1.30PM FRED SMITH BAND 1:30PM LUCINDA WILLIAMS TRIBUTE PENNY HARTGERINK 1:30PM MIKE MARTIN 1:30PM 2PM THE PIE EATERS 2PM RUSTY VS REDFERN SHANTY CLUB 2PM 2.30PM 3PM THE BOTTLERS 3PM PENNY DAVIES & ROGER ILOTT 3PM SIRENS OF THE SEA, 3PM Host KELLY BROUHAHA BROKEN CREEK HEDY BLAAZER ISOBEL KNIGHT MARIAH MCCARTHY SANTA TARANTA THE GLEANERS

ALLEN

FIDDLE CHOPS APOLLINE 4:45PM 5PM MIKELANGELO 5:15PM 5.30PM SHELLIE MORRIS 5:30PM SANTA TARANTA TRIO 5:30PM 6PM FIDDLE TUNES OF THE ILLAWARRA THE PIE EATERS 6PM MARCO & RUSTY 6PM 6.30PM THE GLEANERS 6:45PM 7PM CYMBROGI 7PM

BLACKBOARD

BLACKBOARD - 2 ACTS 1-1:30PM KIAMA PIPE BAND

sunday 22 September

BROKEN CREEK

Weaving and compelling a musical reimagining of Australiana for banjo, guitar, ddle and voice that tell stories from Australia’s past and present.

APOLLINE

A lively group of young folkies, equipped with alluring voices and innumerable instruments to deliver a foot-stomping experience of genre-bending folk.

BRUCE WATSON

An icon of the Australian folk scene – a masterful craftsman of songs and story weaver.

CAREFREE ROAD BAND

Carefree Road Band will perform their Simon and Garfunkel Tribute show which highlights the multi-instrumental band.

TCYMBROGI

CIGÁNY WEAVER

Fusing the passion for folk music, the precision of classical, and the spontaneity of jazz, creating a rich and vibrant atmosphere for both the heart and mind.

From Brittany to Shetland, Norway to Spain, and Clare to Cumbria, Cymbrogi explore ancient musical pathways. Join the journey, travellers.

ERIC | MARRAWUY

Eric Avery, Kabi Marrawuy Mumbulla, is a violinist, vocalist dancer and composer from the Ngiyampaa, Yuin and Gumbangirr people of NSW who works with his family’s custodial songs to deliver haunting & moving performances.

FIDDLEDANCE

An Illawarra-based band, performing various genres of music, ranging from bush songs through to Irish/Celtic and Bluegrass.

FRED SMITH

“Fred Smith is simply the best folk/country musician working in this country…beyond writing some of the nest songs about Australians at war, he has created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotional and insightful.” (Bruce Elder, SMH).

GLOVER & SORRENSEN

Welcome to stand-up comedians Glover & Sorrensen, where you get twice the laughs, twice the drama, and twice the unexpected.

HEDY BLAAZER

A singer-songwriter based on Gadigal land, delivering what could be described as  Australiana, Indie Folk, or Alt Country, or just boil it down to a gifted songwriter on the rise.

ISOBEL KNIGHT

Isobel Knight’s heart-stopping voice, ear-worm melodies and lyricism have carried her music into hearts and charts and overseas tours.

JESSICA ALLEN

With green hair and a golden voice, singer/songwriter Jessica Allen showcases her indie-folk style, vocal looping talent and massive vocals.

KELLY BROUHAHA

Kelly is a powerhouse vocalist, transversing the lines of folk, country, blues, soul & jazz. From big blues to soulful country, it's music that is real, raw and vulnerable.

KIAMA PIPE BAND

Playing traditional pipe band music with Celtic origins from Scotland and Ireland.

KIAMA SEA SHANTY CLUB

Ahoy ye folky blaggards!! A rollicking rousing renditions of songs of the sea is all you get from the Kiama Sea Shanty Club. Participation join in or ye may be keel hauled!

MARCO AND RUSTY

Mark Ballesi and Russell Churcher are long-time folk musicians whose rich vocal harmonies and down-to-earth instrumentation on guitar, banjo and dobro bring to life songs that will engage, amuse and uplift your heart.

MARIAH MCCARTHY

Central Victorian folk singer/songwriter, Mariah and her band, broaches themes of love, loss, betrayal and tragedy with authenticity, and often haunting melancholy but always a glimmer of precious hope.

MIKE MARTIN

A contemporary Australian singer/songwriter who is perhaps best known as the driving force behind ‘The Kameruka Bush Orchestra’, has a passion for traditional Australian Bush music.

MIKELANGELO, THE BEAUTIFUL BEASTS & SHANE

Mikelangelo, with his distinctive baritone and well-worn guitar, will take the stage in various forms—performing solo, paying tribute to The Pogues' Shane MacGowan with an all-star band, and leading his eclectic roots group, The Beautiful Beasts.

PENNY DAVIES & ROGER ILOTT

Singing songs of substance with warmth and humour, accompanied by nger-picked 12 string guitar and mandolin.

PENNY HARTGERINK

Kiama songstress Penny Hartgerink will perform a tribute show featuring her favourite songs of one of her greatest musical in uences - legendary US Blues and Roots singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams.

PETER WILLEY

A seasoned stand-up, singer and guitarist with an arsenal of stories, jokes, impressions, poems, original songs and parodies.

PIRRITU

Ngiyampaa man Pirritu’s music is a gentle, honest, and melodic personal journey that entices you into the depths of sadness, love, and shimmering hope - a cultural journey to connect back to land, language and family.

RARE BIRDZ

Songs and spoken word stories that revolve around lush harmonies, quirky lyrics, and intimate deliveries.

REDFERN

SHANTY CLUB

Originating from a small, noisy bar in Redfern and expanding around Sydney, Shanty Club deliver group karaoke done loud and right.

RHEINBERGER AND WILSON

A musical comedy duo combining razor-sharp songs about modern life and love with brooding accordion, gutsy guitar and sweet harmonies.

ROBYN SYKES

A multi-awarded spoken word artist who writes and performs original poetry.

SANTA TARANTA TRIO

Presenting their new show “Dark Folk”, vocalist

Hayley Egan, Italian accordionist Salvatore Rossano and Argentine Bassist Emiliano Beltzer present a lighthearted examination of dark and macabre folk themes.

SHELLIE MORRIS

Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Dr Shellie Morris AO creates music and sings in around 17 Australian Aboriginal languages, preserving and promoting culture.

FESTIVAL RAFFLE

Tickets $5, 3 for $10, 7 for $20

DRAWN 3PM SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, NORFOLK ROOM

PRIZES: Guitar from Haworth Guitars, 3 Day Double Pass to 2025 Illawarra Folk Festival, Ukulele, $100 Vouchers for Haworth Guitars, $100 Voucher Hanoi on Manning Restaurant, Swag of Festival Merchandise

SPERANZA STARBURNER

A kaleidoscope of charisma, who has been mesmerising audiences with his vibrant stage shows combining ow arts, LED spinning, and contact juggling to create an unforgettable spectacle of crystal, light, and re.

SOUTHERN CROSS BUSH BAND

Providing great music for bush dances for over 40 years, with the bands’ callers helping you put your feet in the right places.

STONYBROKE

Now Allan Stone is a poetry bloke, otherwise known as Stonybroke, who’ll make you laugh and make you cry, or spin you yarns about pie in the sky.

THE BOTTLERS

Bringing to the stage a very danceable, melody enlivened, high energy, nine-piece folk music experience, in a soaring chorus of walloping bush ballads, singalongs, poetical amazements and broadside emblazonment.

THE BUTTER TRACKERS

A collective of musicians who play traditional Irish Music sessions and welcome all acoustic instruments and players of any level who would like to come and join in!

THE CON ARTISTS

Are a carnival of percussion, wind, brass, accordions, and ddles – and all-ages community band combines young up-and-coming WollCon students, adult community musicians, and some of the region’s most prominent folk musicians.

THE

DON'T BE TOO POLITE GIRLS

Dale Dengate, Kerith Power and Molly Jane Ellis have been performing at folk festivals since the 1970s, drawing on the importance of words, rhymes, with a sense of humour and parody in getting their ideas across to audiences.

THE GLEANERS

The Gleaners - Sam De Santi and Hannah PelkaCaven - are united by a love of traditional music and a commitment to creating new joyful arrangements.

THE GO TWOS Folk festival luminaries The Go Twos, Rosie McDonald and Nigel Lever, are joined by the uber talented Quentin Fraser on dobro and guitar and Anne Palumbo on upright bass.

THE GROOVE

Founded by the dynamic duo of Sako and Damo who deliver a cultural blend of Spanish, amenco and classical guitar inspired riffs with driving syncopated afro percussive grooves.

THE OTHER NOONANS

Blending satire, parody, social justice and more with harmony and musicianship. Oh, and they’re both blind so don’t expect any dancing!

THE PIE EATERS

Alan Musgrove and Robert Stephens – play Australian traditional music with a gritty rootsy edge with toe-tapping ddle and piano duets as well as accordion, guitar and vocals.

TRIBAL JEWELS

Tribal Jewels Dance Co brings a colourful engaging gypsy style belly dance to the stage, allowing women of all backgrounds, sizes & ages to enjoy dance and be proud of who they are.

GUIDE TO ENJOYING YOUR FOLK

If you’re gearing up for your rst folk festival, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

• Purchase Your Pass Online: Save both money and time by buying your pass in advance through the festival’s website.

• Get the Full Program: Use this liftout or scan the PROGRAM QR CODE and create your own schedule. The program will be your go-to guide, detailing venues and performers.

FESTIVAL

• Plan Your Schedule: Grab a drink, sit down with the program, and decide which performers you want to see. Consider using a highlighter to mark your must-see acts.

• Embrace Exploration: Don’t stress if you’re unfamiliar with many of the artists. Wander around the festival site; you might stumble upon new music that surprises you. Feel free to dance, listen, or even participate in spontaneous activities.

• Late-Night Sessions: If you still have energy after the main performances, head to the bar where musicians often gather for impromptu jam sessions. Some of the festival’s best music happens here!

3 DAY ADULT PASSES

Adult 3 day Advance $115, closing 15 September (SAVES $15), Full price $130 | Youth (12-17yrs) $30 | Child (U/12) Free DAY/NIGHT PASSES

Friday Night - Adult $40, Youth $5 | Saturday - Adult $70, Youth $25 | Sunday - Adult $40, Youth $20

BUY ONLINE Mastercard/Visa www.folkbythesea.com.au

BUY OVER THE PHONE Mastercard/Visa 1300 887 034

BUY AT THE KIAMA PAVILION from 5pm Friday 20th September Tickets will only be for sale on site if not sold out prior!

ACCOMMODATION

call Destination Kiama on 1300 654 262 or visit www.kiama.com.au

Folk by the Sea is organised by volunteers from the Illawarra Folk Club

Established in 1979, the Illawarra Folk Club has been hosting concerts in the Wollongong/Illawarra region for decades. Since 1985, it has also presented the Illawarra Folk Festival, now one of Australia’s leading folk events. The Club, a community-based group, is dedicated to preserving and promoting folklore through regular concerts and events. Members include local musicians, dancers, poets, and storytellers. For more information or to get involved, call 1300 887 034 or email info@illawarrafolkclub.org.au www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au | www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au 2025 FOLK BY THE

Ash Grunwald at the Gerringong Co-op review

Donna Portland

August 30 saw the popular Australian blues

musician Ash Grunwald take to The Co-Op Gerringong’s stage, captivating a sold-out crowd with his signature sound. The atmosphere was electric, as fans from all walks of life gathered to soak in the live music experience that many, especially those of us who grew up in the ‘80s, have long been craving.

The enjoyment in the room was palpable, with everyone clearly relishing the opportunity to enjoy live performances once again.

The crowd was diverse in age, though it leaned slightly toward the ‘over 40s’ demographic, proving that Grunwald’s appeal spans generations. With his masterful bluesy guitar work and rich vocals, he effortlessly drew the audience into his world, making it impossible not to get swept up in the moment. Grunwald’s performance was more than just a gig; it was an experience - a testament to his prowess as a live musician.

Currently on an extensive tour across Australia, Grunwald’s dedication to his craft is nothing short of impressive. Before his Gerringong performance, he played in a string of diverse locations including Mudgee, Canobolas, Wagga Wagga, Silverton, Chatswood, Avalon Beach, Bulli, and Pambula. Following this show, he’s heading south to Moruya and Milton, then continuing on to Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. To say he’s hardworking is an understatement; Grunwald is a true road warrior, bringing his music to every corner of the country.

This isn’t the first time Grunwald has played in Gerringong. I last saw him perform at the Winter Festival at Crooked River Winery over the June long weekend, where he delivered a sensational set that left the

crowd thoroughly engaged and wanting more. Throughout his career, Grunwald has released nine studio albums and garnered five ARIA Music Award nominations.

Notably, five of his albums have made it into the ARIA Albums Chart top 50, including Fish out of Water (2008), Hot Mama Vibes (2010), Trouble’s Door (2012), Gargantua (2013), and Mojo (2019). His latest single, “Life Without You,” is now available for streaming and download: https://linktr.ee/ ashgrunwald.

Grunwald’s musical journey began in Melbourne, where he learned guitar and bass from his grandfather. Although initially training as a secondary

school teacher, he chose to follow his true passion for music at age 26. His first recording, a cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Going Down Slow,” was a collaborative effort with his grandfather, marking the start of what would become an illustrious career. By his early twenties, Grunwald had already played in several bands, including the Blue Grunwalds and the Groove Catalysts, and had also formed a couple of duos.

In addition to his musical achievements, Grunwald is also an author. In August 2019, he published his first book, Surf by Day, Jam by Night, where he interviewed 15 of the world’s top surfer-musicians, including Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Jack Johnson, Dave Ras-

tovich, Pete Murray, and G. Love, among others.

On a personal note, Grunwald is married to Danni Carr, the founder of the highly successful How I Quit Alcohol podcast. Together, they made a life-changing decision in January 2017 to quit drinking, initially committing to a 12-month hiatus that has since turned into a journey of lifelong sobriety.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that The Co-Op in Gerringong is a venue not to be missed.

Beyond hosting incredible gigs and performances, it’s a well-appointed space for conferences and receptions, with excellent amenities and a lovely outdoor area perfect for a breath of fresh air.

Ross Wilson performance lights up The Pavilion Kiama

Fresh off the heels of a sold-out concert in Bowral last weekend, the legendary Ross Wilson brought his electrifying energy to Kiama, performing at The Pavilion on Saturday 31 August.

At 76 years old, the Melbourne-born artist’s career spans over five decades, with no fewer than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits under his belt as a singer, songwriter, and producer. As one of Australia's most awarded, respected, and beloved musical icons, Wilson continues to captivate audiences nationwide. With a self-proclaimed "hippie" spirit, Wilson shows no signs of slowing down. Having been at the forefront of every major musical trend since the 1960s, his passion for music remains as vibrant as ever.

A crowd of around 350 fans filled The Pavilion, eager to witness Wilson’s magic. Although initially seated, the audience couldn’t resist the urge to move once Wilson and his band took to the stage. Classic hits like Eagle Rock, Come Back Again, and Chemistry had the crowd on their feet, dancing in the aisles. The front of the venue quickly became a tight space as fans gravitated towards the stage, a testament to the magnetic pull of Wilson’s performance. It’s worth noting that The Pavilion may want to consider more room for dancing at future gigs, as the appeal of live music clearly knows no bounds.

Forming in 1970, Wilson fronted the band Daddy Cool which had a number one song Eagle Rock released in 1971by far his biggest song - that stayed at number 1 on the Australian singles chart for ten weeks. There is another Daddy Cool song he likes more, due to its simplicity: Come Back Again. It’s the sister song to Eagle Rock and he plays both at every gig saying that he never gets sick of it.

Daddy Cool’s debut album Daddy Who? was released in July 1971 and smashed all previous sales records in Australia - an astounding 50 years ago. Breaking up in August 1972, Daddy Cool briefly reformed during 1974-1975 before disbanding again.

The 1976 formation of Mondo Rock delivered several epic 80’s hits Cool World, State of the Heart, Chemistry,

No Time, and Come Said the Boy. After 15 years of amazing success Mondo Rock disbanded in 1991, although they periodically appeared at reunion concerts.

Now in the 21st century Ross Wilson continues on as a solo performer, producer and major songwriter. He has continued to achieve success and make his mark during the 90s and beyond with his songs being recorded by artists as diverse as Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, DEFFX, Custard, Jennifer Rush, Troy Cassar-Daley, Leslie Avril, Hey Gringo, You Am I, Uncle Bill, Keke, Renee Geyer, Christine Anu, Duane Jarvis, Elkie Brooks, Ann Kirkpatrick and Lee Kernaghan, Sovereign, Pleasantville, Beccy Cole, Sonic Jihad, and The Wiggles! Wilson has also produced songs for the legendary Skyhooks, Jo Jo Zep, The Johnnys, and The Screaming Jets. Over a 50-year span Wilson has actually never been out of the limelight and has been twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. He’s been working as a solo performer since Mondo Rock and gathers the best musicians he can find for his touring band to play his vast assortment of hit songs but retains creative control and high levels of professionalism. He has been quoted as saying, “Musically, I’m more in tune than when I was younger. As a performer, I probably used to be a bit wilder, but now everything I do counts. I hire the best musicians I can because I like to sound good.”

His biography sums it up perfectly: “Ross Wilson is probably the only person in Australian rock music who can't make a comeback simply because he's never been away”. Now resting on his catalogue of classics, in 2023 Wilson released the EP She’s Stuck on Facebook All the Time featuring four totally new tracks. To launch the EP he announced his biggest national tour since the 80’s with 40+ dates across the country from Oct 2023 - and he's still going! There are still lots more venues to catch Ross Wilson live, so check out his website or FaceBook page for dates and locations all over Victoria and NSW.

The closest to Kiama are: Wollongong on 28 Sept., Gundaroo 22 Nov. , Milton 23 Nov.

Donna Portland

Ash Grunweld on stage at the Co-Op Gerringong.

Ross Wilson performing at the Kiama Pavilion

Kiama local breathes life back into historical records

Neve Surridge

A generous local has safeguarded a vital glimpse into Kiama’s history with a $10,000 dollar donation to preserve 662 invaluable microfiche or microfilm reels.

For the uninitiated, microfiche is a flat piece of film containing microphotographs of the pages of a newspaper, catalogue, or other document. Over time, microfiche can deteriorate, also known as ‘vinegar syndrome’ where the film emits a vinegar smell and the film can shrink, curl or become brittle.

The collection of this important historical data has been an ongoing project for the Kiama Library and Family History Centre. Preservation of these archival records is no easy task, taking the group several years to get through

the digitisation process.

A Family History Centre Officer Carolyn Morrow hosted a presentation in the community where a local member selflessly provided an anonymous donation of ten thousand dollars to preserve the remaining reels.

With the support of the donation, the project has been passed onto Imaging Australia and New Zealand, an organisation which specialises in digitisation.

Erin Tierney from the Kiama Library noted if it hadn’t been for the donation, there was a very good chance some of their reels could have deteriorated to the point where they were unable to recover any information from them.

“We were blown away and so grateful. It is such a generous offer,” said Erin.

Some of the information includes “magistrate records from the early 1800’s; indentures of apprenticeship; colonial secre-

Dentist troubles in our early days

Mark Emery

tary papers; crew and passenger lists; clergy and school indexes and coroner inquests”.

Once digitised, the archives will be accessible in the Family History Centre and searchable in the Kiama Library database through optical character recognition.

“Many people come to the Family History Centre wanting more information about their ancestry or to view historical news articles or documents that aren’t available anywhere else,” Erin said.

The project is expected to be completed in November, with the priceless documents available for future generations.

▶For further information on accessing the Family History Centre’s services, please visit their website: https://library.kiama. nsw.gov.au/History/ Kiama-FamilyHistory-Centre

Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice

Idon’t think any person can claim that a visit to the dentist is a pleasant experience. My mother, God love her, took a lot of uoride tablets when she was pregnant, and consequently visits in my early childhood were relatively pain free. Fluoride added to drinking water these days also helps.

You may shudder hearing about the experiences of people going to the dentist 100 years ago. It is all a true story according to my father, local historian Clive Emery. Half a century ago he wrote that his own father “was a wiz” if we ever got sick with home remedies but there was one thing he could not cure, and that was toothache; sore throats were fixed by a dusting of ground alum. But the former required the attention of a dentist, if a mouth wash of baking soda failed to effect a cure.

Dad wrote that in such circumstances his mother, our grandmother, mother would convince his father, my grandfather, that it was necessary to take us to the dentist, John E. King in Kiama.

could not put up with the wailing any longer, and insisted Mr King would fix the tooth. Upon examination, he always declared the ache was not the top tooth we pointed out, but its corresponding bottom one, so to prove he was right he pulled them both for the price of one. This wasn’t a bad bargain when you look at it, but the repetition made a mess of one’s permanent grinders on each visit.

As it happened, we were almost anaesthetised before we sat in his chair. A short examination during which he adjusted his glasses before pronouncing a verdict which was always an extraction, we were invited to ‘open wider please,’ while he advanced with the hypodermic needle and filled one’s mouth with anaesthetic, and then took over with the pliers.

when he got it up to speed the drill was applied. In the meantime, he wrapped his arm around your head, so he wouldn’t drill a hole through your cheek if it jumped out of the hole he was making for the amalgam filling. If he happened to hit your tongue with the drill he said ‘sorry’ in your ear but kept on drilling. He must have learned the value of a kerosene tin during apprenticeship, for he too, brought one along for the teeth the students could spare.

His surgery was in Manning Street, at the top of a long flight of creaking stairs, and even a tearful appeal to mother that the tooth had stopped aching, would not stop her from leading the offending tooth and its owner into the surgery, where an awful cocktail of smells, mostly chloroform, together with a howling child with a bloody handkerchief to his mouth and being borne out of the surgery by his mother. A kerosene tin with its bottom spattered with blood and teeth, was enough to convince the bravest lad to cry quits.

Mother would have none of it. Mr King was the man to stop a boy from wailing all day about a toothache. She simply

In a trice there was a tinny sound as the tooth joined the others in the kerosene tin and would ache no more. Mother always brought one of dad’s big handkerchiefs and this was pushed into the mouth. She paid John and thanked him for his trouble, and it was down the stairs and into the car before it got any cold air into the mouth. Dad would say, ‘another one gone’, and start the engine and we’d head for home. It took about four hours before one’s tongue was able to be used, or to swallow, for both throat and tongue had also been anaesthetized and were quite numb. Then the venerable John sold out to dentist Turton, who loved filling teeth rather than pulling them.

There was another dentist named Denning who came to the Gerringong school and operated in the Memorial Hall. He didn’t have a motor-driven drill like Turton but had one which he operated with a foot pedal and sent the wheels spinning with a string belt running on pulleys, and

I think my worst and most memorable experience was with dentist Mr Butler of Berry whom I called upon in later years. Two days after an extraction my jaw swelled up and rested on my chest for nearly a fortnight, and when I breathed, I was accompanied by a swarm of sympathetic blowflies who were disappointed that I stayed alive! After a month my mouth had resumed its shape, and I went back for another extraction, and I’m blowed if the same thing didn’t happen! I was rinsing my mouth with a wash of Condie’s crystals three times a day, and my tongue needed a shave, but I was unable to shave either my face or my tongue for the next fortnight! That was an experience I hope never to repeat! Fortunately, I retained sufficient molars to see me through, aided by a few caps of gold and porcelain, and the expertise of modern practitioners that would have sent dad turning catherine-wheels if he knew what they charged, for what he paid was in cold hard cash, and there was no such thing as Medicare, nor any redress under the canopy of heaven! Those were my father Clive’s experiences of dentists in the days of yore, a recurring nightmare for every young person. So if your children are whining about a visit to the dentists, tell them they’re lucky it’s 2024.

Clive Emery

Trevor, James (standing) at Blowhole rockpool c.1920’s.

A dentist_barber chair at the GLaM. They were interchangeable as were the users.

Caffeine: weighing the benefits against the risks

Donna Portland

Caffeine is a stimulant and the most commonly used drug in the world. Data from a survey on attitudes towards coffee conducted in Australia in 2022, showed that coffee culture was deeply embedded in the Australian lifestyle.

Evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption can bring both benefits and risks.

The widely accepted recommendation is a maximum intake of 400mg a day – about four to five cups. The consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents is discouraged by medical professionals.

75 percent of survey respondents claimed that they enjoy at least one cup of coffee a day. 28 percent reported they enjoy three or more cups of coffee a day. Benefits may include increased alertness, energy, and concentration.

Caffeine features in tea, coffee, and chocolate, and it is regularly added to gum, jellybeans, waffles, water, syrup, marshmallows, sunflower seeds, and other snacks. Caffeine occurs naturally in the leaves, seeds, or fruit of more than 60 plant species, including coffee beans, tea leaves and buds, kola nuts, cacao beans, guarana seeds, and yerba mate leaves.

Caffeine may have some wide-reaching health benefits, but not all of these have been fully confirmed by definitive research, including:

Easing certain types of headaches or migraines, boost-

ing weight loss or preventing weight gain, increasing attention and alertness, improving physical performance, enhancing some thinking skills and slowing mental decline and more.

But high consumption of caffeine may have bad effects on pregnancy, fertility, glucose control, and other aspects

of health.The recent trend of adding caffeine to drinks and snacks has raised new concerns, whether caffeine overdose could occur in energy drinks aimed at young adults.

Caffeine is unsafe when used in very high doses, as it can cause irregular heartbeat and even death.

Despite its widespread use

and numerous benefits, caffeine is a powerful substance that should be consumed with caution.

Understanding the balance between benefits and risks may help individuals make informed choices about their caffeine consumption.

how to make

Rhubarb sparkling wine

I’m definitely up for anything pink and sparking served in a flute glass.

This recipe was provided by the lovely ladies at the Gerringong Community Garden. So, if you have lots of rhubarb in your garden at home, here’s what you can do with it.

Recipe

Ingredients:

3½ cups rhubarb

3½ cups of sugar

Juice of 2 lemons

12 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

4 litres of water

Method:

Chop up your home-grown rhubarb into small pieces to make three and a half cups.

Add into a large vessel which has been well cleaned and rinsed with boiling water, along with three and a half cups of sugar. There are several suitable vessels: ceramic fermenting crock, a food grade lidded plastic bucket or large glass jar.

Add the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, four litres

of water, and leave in a cool, dry place to ferment for three days. Then bottle and leave for around three weeks. Glass bottles are preferable. Then pop it like a champagne bottle! Expect some fizz, just like real champers. It’s quite delicious and satisfying and costs a lot less than the bottle shop.

You can add mineral water into your glass if you prefer a less sweet beverage.

Garnish with strawberries.

▶A wonderful variation is to use half strawberries, half rhubarb.

This delightful rhubarb sparkling wine is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a celebration of homegrown produce.

Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the garden, this bubbly pink creation is sure to impress. So, gather your rhubarb, get fermenting, and raise a glass to the sweet satisfaction of homemade wine. Cheers to the fruits of your labour!

The arrival of spring brings the beauty of blooming flowers, but also the unwelcome return of hay fever allergies. For many, this season marks a frustrating battle with symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. So, what can you do to ease these bothersome symptoms?

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that affects one in five Australians. Despite its misleading name, hay fever isn’t caused by hay and doesn’t result in a fever. It’s an allergic reaction from your immune system, triggered by allergens such as pollens,

grass, dust mites, and animal fur. While most people manage their symptoms with a combination of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays, some find that these measures aren’t enough. If your hay fever symptoms persist and interfere with your daily life, it may be time to consult a doctor. Keeping a record of your triggers - whether they arise at work or home - can provide valuable insights during your consultation. Allergy testing, including blood tests or skin prick tests, can help identify specific allergens contributing to your discomfort. However, it’s essential to consider test results along-

side your medical history and symptoms to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

During a skin prick test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is applied to your skin, typically on your forearm, upper arm, or back. The medical professional will then lightly prick the skin where the allergen was placed. If you’re allergic, the area will become swollen and itchy, but this reaction usually subsides within two hours. While the test may be

mildly uncomfortable, most people find it tolerable, and the results are available within 20 minutes.

It’s important to remember that a positive allergy test result doesn’t necessarily mean that the identified allergen is the sole cause of your symptoms. Discussing your results with your doctor can help determine if lifestyle adjustments are necessary. There are four primary ways to treat hay fever, depending

on your specific allergens and the severity of your symptoms: minimising exposure to allergens, nasal irrigation, immunotherapy, and medication. Common medications include intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and decongestant sprays and tablets. Be mindful of potential complications like middle ear and sinus infections, as untreated hay fever can increase the risk of developing asthma or worsen existing asthma.

As the season progresses, don’t let hay fever take the joy out of spring. By understanding your triggers, consulting with your healthcare provider, and following an effective treatment plan, you can keep your symptoms in check and embrace the season with a clear head and open eyes. After all, spring is a time for renewal. Don’t let allergies hold you back from enjoying it to the fullest.

Donna Portland

Donna Portland

Rhubarb fiz (L) and Rhubarb-champagne fermenting jar (R). (Photo courtesy of Pip Magazine)

Eric Avery: Headline Act at Folk By The Sea 2024

Indigenous violin maestro and headline act of Folk By The Sea, Kabi Marrawuy Mumbulla - widely known as Eric Avery - has become a cultural icon, blending his rich heritage with exceptional musical talent.

Avery captured the nation’s attention as the star of the Optus “It Starts with YES” television commercial, where he portrayed a steelworker who played the violin for his workmates during lunch breaks while secretly dreaming of performing with orchestras.

The commercial, filmed at the Port Kembla Steelworks and various other locations, was released in 2022. It tells the inspiring story of a steelworker whose colleagues, moved by his performances of “Working-Class Man” on the violin, decide to film and upload his lunchtime recitals to social media. The clip goes viral, catching the attention of an orchestra that offers him a chance to perform. In true Optus fashion, the steelworker-violinist’s response is a resounding “YES.” The final scene shows the violinist stepping onto the stage before a vast audience, ready to fulfill his dream.

Avery was a perfect fit for the role. By 2022, he was already an established performer with a series of impressive credits, including collaborations with international stars like celebrated US cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Australian pop icon Tina Arena. He was also a 2021 Myer Crea-

tive Fellow and a visiting artist at Bundanon in the Shoalhaven in 2019. Avery, who is a versatile violinist, vocalist, dancer, and composer, hails from the Ngiyampaa, Yuin, and Gumbangirr peoples of New South Wales. His work is deeply connected to his cultural roots, often incorporating his family’s custodial songs. His haunting compositions frequently feature the Ngiyampaa language, offering a deeply evocative

experience as he sings while playing the violin.

Reflecting on his experience filming the commercial, Avery shared that it not only built his confidence in performing before cameras but also allowed him to form lasting friendships with the musicians he met during the production. “I also got to play with an orchestra and made some good friends among the musicians I met doing that ad,” he said.

Avery’s journey with the violin began in his early teens. Growing up in the St George area of Sydney, he first picked up a toy violin at age 12. “It was really a toy, but I was able to make notes on it,” he recalled. His mother soon recognised his potential and bought him a proper violin when he was 13. Avery began teaching himself but eventually started lessons at 14, after his mother insisted on formal training. “The teach-

er described me as a ‘wild horse that needed to be tamed,’” Avery said. “I am not sure that I needed taming, but the lessons gave me much better technical skills and allowed me to really hone my skills and control how I wanted to play.”

He further refined his style busking in the Blue Mountains with his father, who played the didgeridoo, while also studying dance for three years. Today, Avery seamlessly blends his musicianship, dance, and singing into his live performances, creating a uniquely immersive experience.

Avery is particularly proud of his role in preserving and promoting the languages of his ancestors, especially those of his father’s family, the Ngiyampaa people of north-western NSW.

“I actually got to listen to my Ngiyampaa ancestors singing in their own language in a recording at the National Library, made in the 1970s by a linguist who was seeking to preserve the language,” he shared. “I now sing those songs—and I was fortunate to perform them at a land rights ceremony at Mt Grenfell, near Cobar, a few years ago. That was a very spiritual experience.”

Folk By The Sea Director Neil McCann sees Avery as one of the must-see acts at the festival, where he will perform twice on Saturday, September 21.

“I can’t go past Eric Avery as the act that I am most looking forward to seeing perform live. He is a unique performer, and I think he will bring something very special to our festival,” McCann said.

In addition to Avery, this

year’s Folk By The Sea festival will showcase a diverse array of musical styles among its 44 acts. Other Indigenous performers include the award-winning Shellie Morris from the Northern Territory and Victorian singer-songwriter Pirritu. The festival’s eclectic lineup also features the baritone brilliance of Mikelangelo, who will perform a tribute to The Pogues’ Shane McGowan, and talented young female singer-songwriters like Hedy Blaazer and Isobel Knight. Attendees can also look forward to the energetic sounds of folk bands like Cigány Weaver. For those who enjoy a good laugh, the festival will offer comedy performances from circuit favorites Glover and Sorrensen, comedian and storyteller Peter Willey, and the Illawarra musical comedy duo Rheinberger and Wilson. Kiama, the host town, will be well represented by local talent, including the Kiama Sea Shanty Club, the Kiama Pipe Band, singers Penny Hartgerink and Jessica Allan, and The Carefree Road Band, whose nine members include Kiama residents Louise and Mark Raue and Joel Robards.

▶The Bugle has published the full program for Folk By The Sea as a lift-out in this edition. Save it for September 20-22, so you can see the full line-up of acts. Tickets and additional information for the three-day festival, held at Kiama Showground, are available at www.folkbythesea.com.au.

Drag Music Bingo is fun: Come again, Joslyn!

Veronica Bardsley

Crude, rude, and downright fabulous - that’s how one could describe the Drag Music Bingo night at Kiama Golf Club on Saturday, 31 August. The incomparable Joslyn Bosoms turned the usual bingo game into an outrageous blend of belly laughs, risqué humour, and high-energy tunes that left the audience in stitches, some even 'clutching their pearls' in shock. If laughter truly is the best medicine, then this night was a full cure for all who attended.

The music bingo featured a playlist of Joslyn’s favourite tracks, proving her knack for

setting the right vibe in a room filled with over 50 enthusiastic attendees. Her confident command of the AUX had everyone dancing, singing, and having fun. Lucky winners were treated to drink vouchers, exclusive Joslyn Bosoms merchandise, and even a cheeky surprise from the infamous “bag of gayness.”

Kudos to Sharon at Kiama Golf Club for orchestrating this fabulous event. If you’re hoping to see more of this entertaining queen, show your support and let’s make Drag Music Bingo a regular gig. Here’s to many more nights of music, laughter, and just the right touch of naughtiness!

Donna Portland

Courtesy of Folk By The Sea

Our Local Heroes Honoured at Volunteer of the Year Awards

Lynne Strong

The 2024 Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrated our local heroes that put the needs of the community above all else. The ceremony was hosted by Gemma Rygate, Chief Executive O cer of The Centre for Volunteering.

“It’s fantastic to celebrate the incredible efforts of volunteers who contribute so much to our communities,” Rygate remarked.

Over 139,000 nominations were received across New South Wales, a figure that speaks volumes about the vital role that our volunteers play in our communities. Rygate also highlighted that volunteers contribute an astounding $178 billion annually to the NSW economy.

Among those recognised, a few are familiar faces in our community:

Barbara Adams, from Jamberoo, took home the awards for Regional Senior Volunteer of the Year and the overall Regional Volunteer of the Year. Under her presidency, the Jamberoo Red Cross raised over $100,000 and organised community events like the Jamberoo Australia Day celebrations and the town’s Christmas decorations. Barbara will proudly represent the region at the state finals in December.

From Gerringong, Joelie Robson was honoured for her work with Disaster Relief Australia. Robson has dedicated her personal time to assisting those in crisis situations.

David Abela of Kiama has brought hope and joy to children and families battling cancer through his work with Camp Quality.

John Knox from Kiama Downs, a stalwart of the Minna-

murra Lions Club, has quietly gone about making the world a better place, one service project at a time. Knox was recognised for his various charitable contributions.

Vivienne Marris from Jamberoo, was recognised for her work with the Jamberoo Country Women’s Association including local initiatives and providing support to her community.

Finally, Judi SandilandsCincotta from Kiama, a volunteer with Guide Dogs NSW who spends her days as a therapy dog handler with five-yearold labrador, Ollie. They attend high schools, courts, libraries, police and ambulance stations across the region to bring comfort and support.

Local state Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward took to the stand to share personal stories of his experiences with volunteers.

Honouring the pillars of our community

Lynne Strong

As the community of the Illawarra prepares for the annual Volunteer of the Year Awards, we take a moment to recognise the extraordinary individuals, who quietly yet powerfully shape our lives.

Among them is Jamberoo resident, Vivienne Marris, a name synonymous with dedication, generosity and the joy of giving back.

Vivienne is no stranger to the volunteer scene. A successful businesswoman, Vivienne has long believed in the power of community support, channelling her resources to uplift local initiatives. From junior soccer teams to the performing arts, Vivienne’s contributions are as varied as they are impactful.

“I’ve always felt that supporting young people is crucial,” Vivienne said. “Whether it’s through sports or the

arts, it’s about fostering the next generation and ensuring we have a strong foundation for the future.”

One of Vivienne’s most important initiatives is the Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship, a program she established to support young talents in the community.

The scholarship, now in its fifth year, has already helped several young people pursue their dreams, from attending dance schools to joining esteemed programs like NIDA.

“It’s not just about the financial support,” Vivienne explained. “It’s about acknowledging the commitment these young people put into their passions. That recognition can make all the difference.”

Vivienne’s philosophy on volunteering is refreshingly simple yet profound. “Volunteering is like smiling,” she said. “It’s contagious. When others see the joy it brings, they want to be a part of it too.”

“Volunteerism can save lives, but it can also change lives,” Ward said, recalling a farmer whose life was turned around by the simple act of joining a Men’s Shed.

“As someone who has benefited from volunteer efforts myself, I know firsthand the difference volunteers make in our communities,” Ward continued.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Your work is a shining example of the difference that committed volunteers can make in our society. Let’s continue to spread the word about the importance of volunteering and inspire others to get involved,” Rygate concluded.

▶ Watch this space for interviews with our local heroes.

Vivienne Marris

(L-R) Gareth Ward, Barbara Adams, Judi Sandilands-Cincotta with Ollie and David Abela.

Kiama Romans Hot Rod Run

Lleyton Hughes

David Bailey loves cars. He loves racing cars, and he loves xing cars. He likes refurbishing old cars and he likes building them from scratch. With the annual Kiama Hot Rod Run on in Kiama 6 - 8 September, The Bugle spoke to Bailey about this insane lifelong passion.

Having caught the racing bug, Bailey began his journey riding motocross at 16. From there, he got a job as an apprentice mechanic. It was during the apprenticeship he realised that he loved fixing and toggling with cars.

In 1988, a new category called HQ racing was introduced for racers, who wanted to get into racing but couldn’t afford it. The aim was to create a class of racing that was both affordable and exciting. This was Bailey’s first foray into real car racing.

“ I thought, well that progresses my next step up into racing cars. So I built, from the ground up, a HQ Holden for this HQ race series which started in 1988 and is still going now,” says Bailey.

Bailey pursued HQ racing for a while, before taking a break to start a family. After 10 years away, he wanted to get back into it and began with motocross again. Although he enjoyed it, his body couldn’t handle it any longer.

This led him to production car racing, which is a racing category where unmodified (or slightly modified) production cars race each other.

“This is basically how it was in the 70s. Get them off the showroom, a few modifications and then let's go racing. So I bought a Toyota 86, turned it into a production car in 2012 and did production car racing right up to this year,” Bailey says.

A popular race within production car racing is the Bathurst 6 Hour. Bailey has competed in it four times and twice, raced in his own built car, a Toyota 86. He has been most successful in this car.

“I was lucky enough to get third in our division in consecutive years. And it felt amazing racing my own car and coming third after a six-hour race around Bathurst. It was really hard work. Then to come back and think I actually built that car and, not only did we race it,

but it lasted. When there were bigger teams than us who had issues,” he says.

Then Bailey came across a 1970 Ford V6 GT Capri, one of the only cars of its kind still in running order in Australia. It sparked some nostalgia, and he just had to have it.

“It combined my two loves: old cars and racing. Also, my very first car when I was 16 was an old Ford Capri, a little 1600, and I had that for a year or so before I sold it and bought the V6 GT. But back in those days, you used to think it was just another car.”

He races the Ford Capri in historic races, which are races limited to a specific era. For Bailey that means cars that were used as race cars before December 1985.

“This car has been a racecar since 1980, it has a proven history of racing. It raced against Peter Brock and Allen Moffat back in the early 80s. So I could build another car exactly the same beside it, down to the nut and bolt, but it will not be a historic race car because it has no history of racing,” says Bailey.

He raced the car down at Victoria’s Winton Raceway but didn’t test its limits too much as, he says, drivers have to get used to new cars. He was also

wary of crashing the Ford Capri as the parts for it aren’t easy to find these days.

“By the last race on the weekend, the guy who owned it told me that the best time it had ever run around that course was around 1 minute 53s with racing tyres. We ended up going round in 1 minute 52s on non-racing tyres. I told him after, we could find another 2 sec-

onds in this car easily. There's just a few maintenance issues,” says Bailey.

As to why he has dedicated his life to cars and car racing, especially historic racing, Bailey confirms that there is a little bit of nostalgia involved in reviving these old cars and bringing them back to life.

But he also says that he has an enthusiasm and apprecia-

The Bugleproud sponsors

tion for cars that can’t be explained. He just loves them.

“The amount of money that you spend is ridiculous. Some people make a spreadsheet with all of the money they spend on a car and that is the last thing I would ever do. I don’t want to know how much I spend on a car. I love fixing cars just as much as I love racing them.

There are just things you can’t put a value on in money. Why do people go rock climbing? Surfing? Hang gliding? Because it's something they love.”. Apart from racing and building/fixing cars, Bailey gets to express his passion during car shows, where he meets like-minded people, is able to share his ideas and possibly steal some from fellow car lovers.

“Car shows are a great community event, it brings a lot of people into a town. Even people who aren't that into cars, will come because they like looking at old cars. And when you go to any car show, there is such a wide variety of cars. You’ve got everything from maybe a car that's ten-years-old to something that a guy spent ten years restoring, which is 50-years-old. There’s always stories to be told and you’ll find that people at car shows are very open and there’s no secrets, which is way different to racing where everyone has their own secrets,” he says.

▶The Romans Kiama Hot Rod Run takes place in various locations around the Kiama LGA from 6 to 8 September. You can access the schedule via the Bugle app.

David Bailey with his 1970 Ford V6 GT Capri. E36 race series BMW. 1970 Ford V6 GT Capri.

GROUP A 1

McDONALD Cameron

INDEPENDENT

WARREN Erica

INDEPENDENT

MATTERS Melissa

INDEPENDENT

BURNS Mark

INDEPENDENT

MCMAHON Derek

INDEPENDENT

POLICY AND ACTION ITEMS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE,

Pay down Council debt. Spend within our means. Keep rates low. No special rates variation.

Bring professionalism back to Council. Prioritise c ustomer service. Track our financial progress, and publicly report every six months.

SENSIBLE DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL FIRST SERVICES

Maintain our unique coastal and rural environment. Carefully consider any future growth and infrastructure before we agree to do more. Meet our State growth housing targets on time. Don’t lose our right to plan and guide develo pment. Keep development application processing local and cut times in half. Lift our ga me in community housing without negatively impacting market prices. Modernise the L ocal Environmental Plan.

IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE

Lift the standard of our sporting and recreation fa cilities. Transfer costs of Jamberoo Pass to the State Government. Push for Sydney Water upgrade s to Bombo Sewerage Treatment Plant, stop the uncontrolled sewerage overflows, im prove Jamberoo Sewer infrastructure capacity. Ensure growth doesn’t clog our highways a nd jam local streets.

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT FOR OUR FUTURE

Local jobs for local people. Pursue activation of a local nighttime economy. Innovate and work regionally, but stay unique.

Authorised by Cameron McDonald, 18 Manning Street, Kiama NSW 2533.

Enter the Dragon: How an Illawarra IT mogul forged his own path

If Bruce Lee hadn’t been quoted as saying “To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities”, it could as easily have been Serge Niazi, CEO of IT&T.

The business, which Niazi started as a one-person operation out of his home in 1994, has grown into one of Illawarra’s leading providers of IT and telecommunications solutions. It now employs 22 people in-house (plus national and international contractors for specific projects).

It’s quite the achievement, especially considering Niazi arrived in Australia as a skinny 14-year-old after escaping a war-torn Middle East. But Niazi is not much for beating his own drum, instead he hopes that by sharing his story, it will inspire refugees and immigrants who find themselves in similar circumstances.

Much like he himself has drawn inspiration, and continues to do so, from one particular martial arts pioneer.

“Since I was a little kid, my uncle was always watching Bruce Lee and doing Kung Fu,”

he says. When Niazi became a teenager, he also joined a Kung Fu class in Sydney.

An impressive collection of Bruce Lee quotes decorate one of the walls of his office.

“I basically follow everything he says,” says Niazi, which makes sense since Lee often spoke about being shapeless like water in order to easily adapt to one’s environment.

Niazi has pretty much been forging his own path since he first landed in the Land Down Under.It’s a day he’ll never forget. Niazi had asked his mum, who had already escaped to Australia, how far it was to Wollongong? Not too far, she replied as she prepared to pick up her sons from the airport in Sydney all those years ago.

What she didn’t know was that Niazi and his brother would be arriving a day earlier, just in time for her birthday.

The two brothers, who didn’t speak any English, gave the address to the cab driver and off they went. But after 40 minutes passed and they still weren’t in Wollongong, they began freaking out.

Finally, they arrived safely at their destination and knocked on the door. Niazi’s mum opened the door just to quickly shut it again. She just couldn’t believe her eyes. It was the best of birthday presents.

Niazi’s introduction to his adopted new home involved its fair share of culture shock but he pressed on and came to study at the University of Wollongong, where he earned a Master’s Degree with Distinction and Honors.

After taking a Bachelor of Mathematics and Computer Science, and a Master of Commerce in Business Information Technology, he began looking for a job.

Niazi was short-listed for all the forty roles he applied to but still, no one hired him. So began a (career) journey which saw him take whatever job he could get and seize opportunities wherever they presented themselves.

After deciding that he didn’t want to commute every day from Wollongong to the Sydney suburb of St Leonards for work, if that meant miss-

BLOW Your Bugle

HAVE YOUR SAY, EMAIL US HELLO@THEBUGLENEWSPAPER.COM.AU or 'CONTACT' ON THE APP - 150 words

Note these are readers opinions and do not represent the Bugle View

As a regular but rather bemused Bugle reader I was confused by the page 3 article “Cometh the hour, cometh the man” in the 24 August –6 September edition of the Bugle. Whatever the origin of this saying (and it certainly seems to have been said on December 20, 1948, by Cliff Gladnet, an English bowler, when he came in to bat in a test match against South Africa in Durban in 1948) I fail to see how it relates to KMC Mayor, Neil Reilly!

Mr Reilly has been a KMC Councillor since 2008 and Deputy Mayor since 2014, so he seems to have been in a unique position amongst current councillors to have asked questions as KMC lost many millions of dollars of its ratepayers money.

One bus carries 30-40 kids –that’s 30-40 less cars taking up time and space and teacher time to supervise at ‘dropoff’ and surely it’s ‘greener’ if you want to use that argument – one bus vs 40 cars! Where did we get the ‘school drop-off’ idea anyway? America? It wasn’t a thing in the 70’s and 80’s that I remember, and it obviously isn’t practical at the primary school given its location and probably not practical at many primary schools anywhere – yet we persist with it. Surely there’s a better way!

G Maxwell Kiama

ing out spending time with his daughter, Niazi started his own business. He hustled and hustled, often bringing potential clients a coffee or a cake, and slowly began building relationships. Still, it didn’t generate any business. Until something called the internet appeared big time.

“All these people are knocking on my door, they go ‘Serge, can you do this’? ‘Yeah, no problem,’ ” Niazi recalls. He said he had seen hundreds of customers and all of a sudden, 60 of them wanted to do business.

As Niazi’s company grew, one obstacle after the other presented itself: financial hardship, fraud, the ramifications of Covid – you name it. But through it all, he kept going, maintaining his sense of humour and gentle spirit. It has served him well.

“The longest customer has been with us for 25 years,” Niazi says as the tiny business he started all those years ago now celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The article lists “personal highlights” from Mr Reilly’s time as Mayor...KMC Ratepayers and Bugle Readers might produce a very different list with a lot of unanswered questions...and where did the “million dollars” that finally alarmed Mr Reilly and referred to in the Bugle article actually go? The article doesn’t say.

Neither does Neil Reilly, although he claims to tell the “unvarnished truth”...perhaps just not enough of it?

G Letham

I read with interest the traffic and parking issues highlighted in your story about the proposed new Thomson Street development and in particular the issues around the primary school with ‘school drop-off’.

I wonder why we don’t go back to the school bus doing the work, do school busses even service the primary school anymore? I know parents want to drop their little bundles of joy at the school gate and helicopter on outa there, but is it really sustainable and practical?

What happened to putting kids on school busses and travelling to school that way?

I have been following the Bugle article on the ICAC letter, waiting for the addition of the response from Council. I now note that the Council has responded with: Kiama Council were contacted for comment, and said that they “cannot comment on current Councillors or candidates during caretaker period, as per our Local Government elections (caretaker period provisions) policy.”

I have downloaded the Caretaker period provisions and cannot find any clauses that would prevent more detailed information being made public or at least the letter being released to the people who were referred. The ICAC matter has nothing to do with campaigning, none of the people involved are current candidates and the matter is not related in any ways to DAs, policy matters, Council meetings and briefings, social media, community consultation and engagement and any of the items considered in the Policy. Will this end up being a case that the people who were referred have to apply for the document under the provisions of the GIPA (Government Information - Public Access) Act.

How appalling. Howard R Jones

Serge Niazi

Kiama local volunteers at the Paris Games

Jamberoo Preschool's future at risk

Neve Surridge

Kiama local, Joan Hughes is playing a vital role in this year's Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games. She is currently in the French capital working as a support volunteer to provide spectators with disabilities, or those who need assistance a helping hand to navigate the venues and events of the Paris Games.

When the call out came for volunteers, Joan put her hand up half way through 2023. She has previously volunteered with the 2000 Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games, which she believes strengthened her application.

Joan has developed a keen sense of recognising fellow Aussies around France, the sight of green and gold making her proud.

“I have connected with many Aussies by recognising their accents or those wearing green and gold. Some are supporting athletes, others are

working in Paris and I’ve met Aussies who are holidaying in France,” she said.

Back on her home turf, Joan is heavily involved with volunteering, mostly on governance boards that focus on ageing issues.

“Being a volunteer in any capacity is a way of giving back to the community who have provided me with many educational and professional opportunities throughout my life”, she said.

There were 45,000 registered volunteers at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics responsible for welcoming spectators and guiding them around venues, as well as assisting with sporting events.

zHer experience has been a fulfilling one, and she is keen to continue volunteering overseas in the future, “‘I will never forget my volunteer experiences in Paris and the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people. Travelling in another country is always an enriching experience and what’s not to like about being in Paris, the city of light…. and love.”

Jamberoo Pool entry fees create confusion

Kiama Council has updated the Jamberoo Pool facilities page to reflect new entry fees for 2024-25. Residents voiced their concerns on Facebook about the fees.

“Our family certainly won’t be able to use the pool as much”, a concerned resident wrote.

Entry fees are listed as $4 for adult entry, $2 for children and $10 for a family pass. Residents called upon the Council to ask why community consultation hadn’t taken place before fees were finalised.

“What does Jamberoo get for the rates we pay? We don’t have a library like Gerringong”, another resident wrote to the Council. Labor Councillor Stuart Larkins responded to the outrage.

“It was put out for public consultation in Kiama Coun-

cil’s Fees and Charges document around May 2024,” Larkins said, “I’m a little surprised to see that the fees were introduced without the changes to the pool opening times.”

The fees are outlined in Kiama Council’s Fees and Charges document for 2024-25 which was released in July of this year.

A Jamberoo resident conducted a survey eight years ago, asking residents if they would be happy to pay a small fee and prefer longer opening hours, both questions were responded affirmatively.

“Council also needs to obtain money for a pool covering, to help stop it turning into a duck pond for the other half of the year,” Larkins said.

The pool is still listed as having free entry on the NSW Government website. It is currently closed and scheduled to re-open in December 2024.

Donna Portland

The future of a beloved preschool in the Kiama Local Government Area is in jeopardy following the Kiama Council's decision not to renew its lease.

Jamberoo Preschool, a community-owned, not-for-pro t institution, occupies a oodprone council block granted to the school in 2008 under a 20-year lease. Over the years, the community has invested heavily in the school's construction, only to see it repeatedly inundated by oodwaters - eight times to date.

"Council has decided it is easier to let the lease expire in four years rather than undertake any flood-proofing measures," said Mike Cains, leader of the ‘Fresh Start for Kiama’ group and a candidate in the upcoming local government election.

In 2021, a Kiama Council report recommended building a flood-proof barrier for the preschool, but the necessary funding never materialised. The cost for essential subroad surface drainage, which could significantly alleviate the school's flooding issues, is estimated in the millions.

Mr Cains recently visited Jamberoo Preschool and met with its director to discuss potential solutions. "Council has been uncooperative in helping find alternative accommodations," he remarked. "They suggested the local youth hall, but it's obviously too small for a preschool that is growing as rapidly as this one."

Jamberoo Preschool currently serves 67 families and has over 100 families on its waiting list. It is widely regarded for its high staff-to-child ratio, providing local children with an exceptional social and pre-school education.

While there are grants available from the NSW De-

partment of Education to establish or build a new school, these grants require a longterm site lease—a condition Jamberoo Preschool currently cannot meet.

In a turn of events, the Fountaindale Group, developers of the newly approved Golden Valley Road subdivision, offered a small parcel of land from the old Araluen farm as a potential new site for the preschool. This offer is seen by some detractors as a trade-off to facilitate the approval of Golden Valley Road Stage Two.

"It's a beautiful site, with an old fig tree and space for a veggie garden and a chook run," Mr Cains acknowledged. "It's certainly a generous offer. However, Golden Valley Road Stage Two is part of Kiama Council's medium- to longterm housing strategy, which could be up to 20 years down the line – unless fast-tracked. For this to help the preschool, Golden Valley Road Stage Two would need to be fast-tracked into the 'short term' section of Kiama's new housing strategy."

But Jamberoo Preschool doesn't have 20 years, and it barely has the four years left on its current lease. "Securing a site and starting any renovation or construction work needs to happen now if the school is to have any chance in the grant application process," Cains warned.

"Kiama Council has left Jamberoo Preschool's future in limbo, and that is simply not acceptable," he continued. "Council must take an active role in securing a permanent alternative home for the preschool."

According to Cains, Kiama Council's responsibility is to help villages within its LGA become more independent and resilient. However, achieving this vision for Jamberoo requires significant

work. "If we envision Jamberoo as a thriving village of 2,500 to 3,000 people, then failing to provide more housing, let alone a preschool, is simply unacceptable," he emphasised.

If elected, Cains pledges to work with other councillors to ensure that the preschool secures a permanent, longterm home that supports Jamberoo's future growth. He also mentioned that the new preschool would be a key component of a proposed "Advocacy Plan" he hopes to introduce. This plan would collate infrastructure projects, advancing them to shovel-ready status, thereby enabling Kiama Council to capitalize on state and federal grants and subsidies as they become available.

"Right now, Kiama Council lacks an advocacy plan," he explained. "The last term of council left us with little more than some resolutions and a few dot points."

"This is about setting Kiama up for the future, creating more liveable towns and villages, and putting the community first," Cains concluded.

The Kiama Labor team have told The Bugle that they are also committed to ensuring solutions can be found for Jamberoo pre-school. Both Councillors Imogen Draisma and Stuart Larkins sit on the recently established Jamberoo Preschool working group, and are advocating for solutions both at the current site and a future move.

Clr Larkins commented, “We know through the Jamberoo-Gerringong flood studies that a swale and a culvert is required to address flooding problems at the preschool. The costs of these pieces of infrastructure goes up to $4 million - money that Council simply does not have. Council has been advocating to the Federal and State Governments in

obtaining disaster mitigation funding and as councillors, we will continue to advocate for Jamberoo pre-school and addressing flood mitigation.”

Both Councillors are also happy to support moving the pre-school and liaising with the community on alternative locations.

Kiama Council have said, “Council has been in ongoing contact and discussions with our tenants Jamberoo Preschool over the issue of regular flooding at the preschool premises.

“The current building in which Jamberoo Preschool is located (adjoining Council’s community hall, Jamberoo School of Arts) is owned by Kiama Council and leased to Jamberoo Preschool with the current lease due to expire 2028.

“However, due to the repeated flooding of the premises, both parties have agreed this is not a viable long- or medium-term arrangement and the Preschool is looking at options to relocate. Council understands Jamberoo Preschool management has been speaking to another local provider about a potential move into that organisation’s premises.

“Kiama Council has been helping to facilitate this transition including providing support for the preschool to seek funding for the move (eg: from NSW Government and/or NSW Education Department), Council has also participated in discussions with local MP Gareth Ward and Jamberoo Preschool towards this aim.

“In the meantime, Council is committed to assisting where we can, providing staff to help clean-up after flooding incidents and helping the Preschool move into the Jamberoo School of Arts section of the premises if/when flooding is predicted or occurs, if that space is available.”

Jamberoo Community Preschool.

Jamberoo Community Preschool, flooded.

Joan Hughes

Neve Surridge

The Bugle (kiama)

1 Name the three primary colours.

2 True or false: Santa Claus was originally believed to wear green?

3 What is the name of the holy book of Islam?

4 On which continent would you nd the Amazon rainforest?

5 In Guardians of the Galaxy, what is Star Lord’s (pictured) real name?

6 What is a baby guinea pig called?

FUN FACTS

1 Cats can’t taste sugar

2 A honeybee’s wing beats 230 times a second

3 An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain

4 A shrimp’s heart is located in its head

5 Tigers have striped skin as well as fur

Junior crossword

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

7 What two words were joined together to make the name ‘Wikipedia’?

KIDS’ QUIZ

8 What is Thor the god of?

9 What is the capital of Tasmania?

10 What is biology the study of?

1 Happy, jolly

2 Spaghetti is a type of this

3 Sport with tries and scrums

4 Large stream of water

5 Elephants’ tusks are made of it

6 Chocolate Factory owner, Willy —

7 Australia’s — Barrier Reef

8 Side of a mountain – good for skiing!

ANSWERS: MERRY, PASTA, RUGBY, RIVER, IVORY, WONKA, GREAT, SLOPE, (MARRIAGE)

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you nd ve di erences between these two images?

WORD FIND

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

TAOISM TEA

UMBRELLA WALL Secret message: A cradle of civilisation

PUZZLES

7 September - 20 September

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.30 Unforgotten. 1.15 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (M) 2.00 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG) 2.40 Becoming Frida Kahlo. (PG) 3.55 Micro Monsters. (PG) 4.45 The Assembly. (PG) 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG) 8.15 Vera. (M) 9.45 Return To Paradise. (M) 10.45 The Queen And Us. (PG) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Rage. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 O siders. 10.30 World This Week. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.25 Darby And Joan. 3.10 Nigella At My Table. 3.40 Amazing Spaces. 4.30 Restoration Australia. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 News. 7.30 Return To Paradise. (PG) 8.30 Unforgotten. (M) 9.15 Miniseries: Better. (M) 10.15 Fisk. (PG) 10.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG) 12.15 Endeavour. 1.45 Rage. 3.05 Australia Remastered. 4.00 Late Programs.

Love Your Garden. 4.45 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Aust Story. 8.40 Four Corners. 9.25 Media Watch. (PG) 9.45 Q+A. 10.45 News. 11.00 The Business. 11.20 Planet America. 11.50 Miniseries: Better. 12.50 Grand Designs. 1.40 Love Your Garden. 2.25 Rage. 3.35 Catalyst. 4.30 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. 10.05 The Bee Whisperer. 11.00 Great Irish Interiors. 11.30 Great Irish Interiors. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Motorcycle Racing. FIM Superbike World Championship. Round 8. Highlights. 3.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 4.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. 4.35 Wonders Of Scotland. 5.30 Frontlines. 6.30 News. 7.30 Cumbria: The Lakes & The Coast. 8.25 Secrets Of A Royal Estate. 9.20 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes. 10.15 Late Programs. 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Makybe Diva Stakes Day and Run To The Rose Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Second semi-final. 11.00

6.00 Athletics. Sydney Marathon. Continued. 9.30 WorldWatch. 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Great Irish Interiors. 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Etched In Gold. 3.30 Etched In Gold. 4.05 The Last Violin. 5.30 Frontlines. 6.30 News. 7.30 The Ottoman Empire By Train. 8.25 Amazon: The Lost World. 9.25 Ancient Superstructures. 10.25 Dinosaur With Stephen Fry. 11.20 The Sean Connery Paradox. 12.20 A Spy In The FBI. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.35 Surveillance Oz. 3.00 Border Security: Int. 3.30 Border Security. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 News. 7.00 The Voice. 8.45 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.45 Mr Bates Vs The Post O ice: The Impact. 10.45 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 9. Sandown 500. Day 1. Highlights. 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 8. Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Second elimination final. 6.00 9News Sunday.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 9.45 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 10.15 Inside The Steam Train Museum. 11.10 Auction. 11.40 Auction. 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 History Of Britain. 2.50 Railway Journeys UK. 3.25 The Cook Up. 3.55 Scotland’s Sacred Islands With Ben Fogle. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.35 Michael Palin In North Korea. 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. 10.10 Have I Got News For You U.S. 11.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 2.00 Catch Phrase. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) 9.05 The Rookie. (M) 10.05 S.W.A.T. (M) 11.05 The Latest: Seven News. 11.35 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PG) 12.35 The Event. (M) 1.35 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.30

Back Roads. (PG) 8.30 The Assembly. (PG) 9.15 The Art Of... 9.45 triple j’s One Night Stand. 11.15 News. 11.30 The Business. 11.50 Miniseries: Better. 12.50 Four Corners. 1.35 Q+A. 2.40 Grand Designs. 3.30 Catalyst. 4.30 Late Programs. 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 9.35 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 10.05 Inside The Steam Train Museum. 11.00 Auction. 11.30 Auction. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Have I Got News For You U.S. 2.55 Railway Vietnam. 3.25 The Cook Up. 3.55 Scotland’s Sacred Islands With Ben Fogle. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 8.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS News. 10.30 Late Programs.

Media Watch. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Great Australian Stu . 3.55 Love Your Garden. 4.40 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 8.40 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 9.30 Planet America. 10.00 Would I Lie To You? 10.30 News. 10.45 The Business. 11.00 Interview With The Vampire. 12.00 Miniseries: Better. 12.55 Grand Designs. 1.45 Killing Eve. 2.30 Love Your Garden. 3.15 Rage. 3.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. 10.40 Compass. 11.10 To Be Advised. 12.00 News. 1.00 The Assembly. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Great Australian Stu . 3.55 Love Your Garden. 4.45 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. 8.30 Return To Paradise. 9.30 Amazing Spaces. 10.20 News. 10.35 The Business. 10.50 Miniseries: Better. 11.50 The Art Of... 12.25 Grand Designs. 1.10 Killing Eve. 1.55 Love Your Garden. 2.45 Rage. 3.35 Catalyst. 4.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Planet America. 12.00 News. 12.55 Van Der Valk. 2.25 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 3.15 Spicks And Specks. 4.00 Love Your Garden. 4.45 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. 9.20 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 10.05 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 10.45 News. 11.00 Miniseries: Better. 12.00 Grand Designs. 12.45 The Larkins. 1.35 Rage New Music. 5.00 Rage.

6.00

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.35 Border Security: Int. 2.05 Catch Phrase. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) 9.05 Made In Bondi. (M) 10.10 First Dates UK. (M) 11.20 The Latest: Seven News. 11.50 Ambulance: Code Red. (M) 12.50 Holey Moley Australia. (PG) 2.30 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 9.35 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 10.05 Inside The Steam Train Museum. 11.00 Auction. 11.30 Auction. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. 2.30 Insight. 3.30 The Cook Up. 4.00 Scotland’s Sacred Islands With Ben Fogle. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.35 Secrets Of Our Universe With Tim Peake. 8.30 Pompeii: The Discovery With Dan Snow. 9.25 Miniseries: The Sixth Commandment. 10.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.35 Border Security: Int. 2.05 Catch Phrase. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 8.30 The Front Bar. (M) 9.30 Air Crash Investigations. (PG)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 9.40 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 10.10 Inside The Steam Train Museum. 11.00 Auction. 11.30 Auction. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sing To Remember: Defying Dementia. 2.55 Railway Journeys UK. 3.30 The Cook Up. 4.00 Scotland’s Sacred Islands With Ben Fogle. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 Great Australian Walks. 8.25 Junior Doctors Down Under. 9.20 Rebus. 10.15 SBS News. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 MOVIE: Hailey Dean Mysteries: 2 + 2 = Murder. (2018) 2.00 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. (PG) 2.15 Catch Phrase. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Home And Away. 8.30 MOVIE: The Devil Wears Prada. (2006) (PG) 10.50 To Be Advised. 12.25 Magnum P.I. (M) 2.30 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.00 Human Error. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 9. Cronulla Sharks v Wests Tigers. 9.50 9News Late. 10.20 The Equalizer. 11.20 Resident Alien. 12.10 Tipping Point. 1.05 Pointless. 2.00 Explore TV. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 9.35 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 10.05 Inside The Steam Train Museum. 11.00 Auction. 11.30 Auction. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Sing To Remember: Defying Dementia. 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Tombs Of Egypt: The Ultimate Mission. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 My Grandparents’ War. 8.25 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Laos. 9.15 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. 10.15 SBS News. 10.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 News. 12.00 MOVIE: Hailey Dean Mysteries: Dating Is Murder. (2017) (PG) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 7.20 To Be Advised. 11.15 Armchair Experts. (M) 12 .00 GetOn Extra. 12.30 Taken. (M) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 NBC Today. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00

Transport through classical music on September 15

Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival

Eleanor Bailey

On September 7 Wollongong City Council will present the Creative Wollongong Short Film Competition at the Lakeside Reserve in Kanahooka.

The theme of the festival is: “Short films about water by local film makers” and the festival will run from 5pm to 8:30pm featuring the best short films that were submitted.

Wearepassionateaboutwhatwedo, andensurethateventhesmallestofdetailsislookedafter.

Gerringong Music Club is scheduled to bring Duo Histoire to the Gerringong Town Hall at 2 pm on Sunday 15 September 2024. Remarked as one of Australia’s most unique and engaging chamber duos, Nick Russoniello (saxophone) and Murilo Tanouye (classical guitar) have used their diverse repertoire to engage and transport their listeners to tango halls in Argentina, the streets of Sāo Paulo, salons of Paris and the laneways of Sydney.

Featured at Sydney Festival and regularly aired on ABC Classic FM, their most recent album, Autumn/Winter will make its way to visit Gerringong remarked as a standout event in the region’s musical calendar. Make sure you mark your calendars!

Event details:

What: Duo Histoire

When: Sunday 15 September 2024 2pm - 3.30pm. Doors open at 1.30pm.

Where: Gerringong Town Hall, 106 Fern Street, Gerringong NSW

How: Book tickets online or at the door (Members, children and students are free. Visitors $30)

Make sure to tune in each week for a new

The festival is free to attend and festival goers are encouraged to bring a picnic, a blanket or folding chairs. Dapto Rotary Barbecue, Ken’s Cones and OMG Donuts will be on site selling food and snacks.

The winners of the competition will be announced as well with $4,000 worth of prizes to give away thanks to our supporters including Australian Film Television and Radio School, Ten Alphas and Camera Hire Wollongong.

▶Please note, this event is weather-dependent. In the case of bad weather, please check the Creative Wollongong Facebook page for updates.

6.30pm

2-5:30pm,

9.30am-12pm,

Sip

1pm

7.30-9pm,

7.45-9pm,

Markets Community Events

Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers & Residents Association (JVRRA)

1st Tuesday,

Kiama Library

Waminda National Conference - 17-19 September, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Nick Hartgerink - Blue Haven: The First 40 Years - 14 Sept, 2pm, Kiama Library Auditorium

Kiama U16 Girls crowned champions

Lleyton Hughes

The Kiama Knights under 16’s girls tackle team were crowned the Illawarra Group 7 Rugby League Merged Competition premiers on Saturday August 24 when they defeated Corrimal 14-10 at Wollongong’s Win Stadium.

The Knights’ had a very impressive final series considering that when the regular season wrapped up they were in third position on the ladder and couldn't afford to lose any of their final series matches. Their first semi final was a do or die game against the fourth placed Collegians. Their next final was a preliminary final against the second placed Western Suburbs and the grand final was against the first placed Corrimal team.

The Knights miraculously won all three games and president of the Kiama Knights Junior Rugby League Club (JRLC) Carl Middleton says the keys to their success was enjoyment and how close-knit they were as a team.

“Whenever you saw those girls run out they were just having fun and enjoying their footy. They were really cohesive and they got along well as a team and a group. When a footy team is like that and they gel like these girls did then the rest will just follow,” says Middleton.

Some of the players in the team were new to tackle rugby league and both Middle-

ton and coach Craig Simon say their improvement from the start of the year to now has been astounding.

“Their skill level has been outstanding which is a big factor in why they win. It’s a credit to those girls because for anyone who starts rugby league it usually takes a little bit to build up your skills, but it appears that these girls just picked it up quickly. So it's a credit to Craig and the team around him, but mostly it's a credit to those girls,” says Middleton.

“With half the side new to the team, some completely new to tackle rugby league, they all improved out of sight. By the end of the season they were coming to me asking to start the games because they were enjoying it so much,” says Simon.

Simon has said that he is very impressed with how the Illawarra girls tackle competition has developed and advanced since its inception and believes this year was as good as he’s seen it.

“Girls tackle is improving every week and it will continue to improve. The ball movement and reading of the game is getting better. But the defense, especially the tackling techniques, are standouts and it just makes the comp very competitive,” says Simon.

The Knights won their grand final 14 - 10 and scored three tries. These were scored by Ella Churchill, Ella Greatz and Noa Lindsay. Their one conversion was kicked by Neve Higgins.

Kiama golfers brave wild conditions in NSW/ACT PGA Associate Championship

Kiama Golf Club golfers

Dylan McDonald, Wil Daibarra and Chase Boreland took part in the NSW/ ACT PGA Associate Championship at Tura Beach Country Club last week, competing for a $50,000 prize purse.

The trio, who grew up in Kiama and work in the golf club’s pro shop, travelled to Merimbula to compete in the four-day tournament for trainee golfers from across Australia. Prize money for the event, run by PGA Australia, jumped from $25,000 to $50,000 this year,

attracting 120 PGA associates.

It was McDonald’s first time playing in the Championship as a first-year trainee and conditions at Tura Beach Country Club were difficult, with winds reaching up to 70km/h on two of the four match-play days.

“It was a tough couple of days,” says McDonald. “It was blowing a gale on Wednesday and Friday.”

McDonald finished equal 48th, while Daibarra tied for 34th. Boreland missed the cut to play in the second round of the tournament. Tura Beach Country Club has tournament hosting rights for the next three years and McDonald will put

of 30 competitions the associate golfers are required to play in over the course of their traineeship. At the end of their three years as associates, the golfers can join the Australasian PGA Tour, if selected, and play in professional tournaments.

“Hopefully over the next few years I’ll get good enough to give playing (on the Australasian PGA Tour) a go,” says 29-year-old McDonald. “I started playing golf pretty late in life, when I was 20. I didn't play any junior golf but I worked in the pro shop and was a bit of a golf nut, so getting a job in the industry is perfect for me.”

Daibarra started his golfing

journey as a 13-year-old junior and the 21-year old is in the final year of his traineeship. He plans to join the PGA’s Qualifying School next year to shoot for a spot on the Australasian Tour.

“I’ve set myself a goal to make the tour in three to five years,” says Daibarra, who teaches golf lessons when he’s not working in the pro shop or out on the course perfecting his game.

The trio sold raffle tickets to help fund their travel and accommodation costs for the week-long event and three lucky winners will receive a 45-minute lesson with each of the golfers.

The girls celebrating after the hooter. (Source: Kiama Junior Knights Facebook)

The Under 16s Kiama Knights Rugby League Tackle Champions. (Source: Kiama Junior Knights Facebook)

Danielle Woolage

Dylan McDonald (L) and Chase Boreland (R) braved wild weather to contest the NSW ACT PGA Associate Championship.

Four Junior Kiama rugby club teams win grand final

Lleyton Hughes

Five teams from the Kiama Junior Rugby Union Club (JRUC) played in the grand nals on Sunday, September 1 at the Wollongong Vikings Rugby Union Club ground and four came away with the win.

The junior grand finals have only six age groups (Under 10’s, 11’s, 12’s, 13’s, 14’s and 16’s) and five of those six featured a Kiama JRUC team.

The Under 10’s, 11’s Black, 12’s and 16’s managed to win their grand finals, while the 14’s ended the season runner’s up. It was the Under 12’s third grand final win in a row.Junior President of the club, Renae Sukavakarua has been associated with the club since the 1980’s and she says she has never heard of a year being so successful.

“I’ve been around for a long time and I’ve never heard of this much success. When you look at the club as a whole to have every single team make the finals series and then to have 5 juniors in the potential 6 grand finalswe’d have to be up there with the best,” says Sukavakarua.

Sukavakarua credits the overwhelming success of 2024 to the dedication and commitment from the players, coaches, parents and volunteers which also made them one of the biggest clubs in the Illawarra district.

“Rugby is a Sunday sport and the Illawarra district ranges from Shoalhaven to Bowral to Camden to Campbelltown to Avondale. So if your child has a game at 9am in Bowral on a Sunday it’s

Kiama Rugby Union: Grand final, here we come

It definitely wasn’t the start that Kiama had hoped for.

It’s been a long time coming but on Saturday, 30 August, Kiama RUFC made it to the grand final. They did it in spectacular fashion, beating Campbelltown 26-24, in a nail-biting thriller that’ll be sure to go down in local rugby history.

It was the kind of game that’s hard to explain unless you were fortunate enough to experience it first hand. For starters, it was a beautiful, balmy spring day and a huge number of Kiama supporters had made it to the Vikings Rugby Club in Wollongong to watch the first grade battle it out against Campbelltown in a do-or-die semi-final.

Campbelltown, as expected, came out hard and fast, taking an early lead.

not ideal. But this year the commitment and dedication from everyone has been amazing,” says Sukavakura.

“This year we fielded an under 7’s, 8’s, 9’s, 10’s, 11’s, 12’s, 13’s, 14’s and 16’s team. It pretty much made Kiama the biggest club in the Illawarra district. We’ve got amazing coaches, people helping out and working, and the kids and the parents are all dedicated and committed to being there week in and week out.”

On top of this success for Kiama, a number of players and coaches were selected to bring their work to the representative level in 2024. U16’s player, Asher Chapman played in the NSW Country U15’s side. While his teammates Lacom Poching, Jack Mann & Phoenix Johns were part of the winning NSW Country U16’s side.

Coaches Wise Sukavakarua (Renae’s husband), Dean Wheeler, Dan Searle, Rikki Papesch and Patrick Hughes were all selected as Illawarra District Representative coaches.

Renae Sukavakarua has a long history and attachment with the Kiama club, her husband plays in the senior levels, two of her sons play in the juniors and her father Ted Moore was the President in the early 90’s.

“Way back, I think it was either 1990 or 1991, my dad was president of the Kiama Blowhards. So from the mid 80s I have been a part of the Kiama Rugby Club. My husband, Wise Sukavakura, has played over 140 games for Kiama Rugby and still plays second grade,” says Sukavakura.

Then around ten minutes into the first half, Kiama’s Atu Taufa was tackled and his head got caught, after which he remained laying on the ground. He had had his shoulder injured the previous weekend.

After being assessed, a neck brace was put on and an ambulance called to take him to the hospital. “Taufa was in good spirits throughout,” says Jack Smith, players rep for the Kiama Rugby Football Club.

He also sends a special thank you to the nurse from Campbelltown, who quickly came out on the field to help assess Taufa’s condition and who stayed with him and the team until the ambulance arrived.

Yet, returning to the field, the team played like there was no tomorrow and began scoring try after try, creeping closer and closer on the scoreboard.

But Campbelltown, a potential final spot in their sights, wasn’t ready to give in and with

ten minutes to go, it looked to be a sealed deal.

Unless, you asked the Kiama supporters, that is. “Go Ki! One more try!” echoed around the ground. The team heard the call and kept pushing. With around 1:30 minute left of regular time, Kiama scored a try and had a successful conversion. All of a sudden, it was 2624 to the cows favour.

After holding on for the last nerve-wracking minutes of the game, Kiama won and the ground erupted in a sea of black and white – family, friends and fans – all there to celebrate a

well-deserved, magnificent and simply put, epic win.

“Yeah, good. Hard game. Tough game. But this is what you want, you want these tough games at this time of the year,” says a moved coach James Patrick.

“I was just happy we didn’t make any mistakes. We’re right on our line and the boys, I’m just so proud of them.

Happy over what they’ve done. We got one more game, and against the best team in the comp. I feel sorry for the Campbelltown guys because it could have gone either way.

And again, I’m just proud of our guys that we were on that side of it. We’re not winning these types of games so it’s very satisfying. I love it.”

▶The grand final is on Saturday, 7 September, 3 pm at Collegians sports stadium against Shoalhaven. We can’t wait to see you there. The Kiama second grade fell short against Shoalhaven in their semi-final with 48-26 but congratulations on a great 2024 season!

Malin Dunfors

The Under 12’s Grand Finalists

The Under 10’s Grand Finalists.

It’s a family affair. Kiama first grade celebrates after the team’s win. (Credit: Linda Faiers)

Medal rewards for paralympians at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

On 28 August, the Paris 2024 Paralympics opened. It’s the rst summer Paralympic Games ever hosted by France.

From 28 August - 8 September, over 4,400 athletes from all over the world compete in 549 medal events.

Co-captained by Angie Bal-

lard, eight-time Paralympic medallist in athletics, and Curtis McGrath, triple gold medallist in para-canoe, the 2024 Australian Paralympic team consists of 160 athletes. Out of those athletes, 61 make their Olympic debut.

On Monday 26 August, in the lead up to the games, the Minister for Sports, Anika Wells, announced that the Federal Government will re-

ward Paralympians who win medals at the Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games.

“The investment by the Australian Government recognises the importance of Paralympic sport in Australia,” said Alison Creagh, Paralympics Australia President, in a media release.

Creagh said that medal rewards, which Paralympians

first received during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, was a timely boost.

“Knowing that their achievements are valued equally to their Olympic colleagues will give our athletes more confidence and motivation to compete at their best.”

Tokyo dual gold medallist Madison De Rozario carried the Australian flag along with Para-swimmer Brendan Hall dur-

ing the Opening Ceremony.

“Paralympians aren’t here in Paris for money – we’re here in the green-and-gold because of what it means to us to compete for our country,” De Rozario said.

“But this support tells us as Paralympians that we are valued. It also tells the public that athletes with a disability are equal with non-disabled athletes.”

Wheelchair Basketball

Tristan Knowles of Wollongong, and Luke Pople of Koonawarra, were part of the Australian Rollers. Their Olympic quest came to an end after Great Britain beat them in the quarter final with 84-64. But the Rollers had stayed in touch with their English opponents until they took the lead in the fourth quarter.

Malin Dunfors

Kiama entrepreneur puts female empowerment front and centre at City2Surf

Malin Dunfors

Almost 80,000 people crossed the nishing line of the City2Surf 2024 on Sunday, 11 August. Among them was Kiama entrepreneur Bek McAlister, who completed the fun run in her undies.

“I definitely got some strange looks because of the slogan on my t-shirt,“ she says.

The slogan ‘Got Discharge, Get Luckies,’ (inspired by the 1990s Got Milk? ad campaign), refers to McAlister’s business Luckies Knickers, which she launched in May this year.

Tackling the topic of discharge in women’s underwear caused by natural body secre-

tions, she discovered it was a design issue and went about fixing it. Bek designed knickers with a colourful gusset to conceal stains and added merino layers to deal with the everyday scent and moisture.

McAlister says discharge still has a dirty connotation. “It remains one of the last taboos. Women are ashamed of it, and for no reason.” She hopes to change that stigma, as a step in women’s empowerment, which is why she decided to run City2Surf sans pants.

In 2023, McAlister ran the world’s largest fun run with a group of friends, who all sported the Luckies Knickers t-shirts. But this year, it was only a friend and her.

“Funnily enough, it was an

unseasonably hot day,” McAlister says. “I said to my friend, ‘It’s so boiling hot, why would you be wearing pants?’ “

Despite receiving a few funny looks, she says it was worth completing the run in a somewhat unorthodox way as it resulted in several sales.

McAlister, who went to Kiama Primary School and Kiama High School, works full-time while developing her business on the side. “I’ve had corporate roles but I also have a creative side. For this, I took a big leap and risk,” she says.

Her next launch will be released in about three months, so stay tuned.

Summer sailing season is upon us

Tony Jarrett

Sailing for the whole family

People seem to think that sailing is a very expensive sport, at Oak Flats Sailing Club that could not be further from the truth. In comparison to team sports, sailing is very affordable, to start sailing you don’t even need to own a boat!

Local sailors established Oak Flats Sailing Club in a shed near what is now known as Deakin Reserve in 1950. We have a proud history for the past 75 years in the Oak Flats/ Shellharbour community. We have gained a reputation of producing accomplished sailors, who have succeeded and progressed to be state and national title holders, including Spiral Class 4.6 National Champion, Sydney to Hobart runners up 2022 and overall winners 2023.

Newly renovated sailing clubhouse

We pride ourselves on creating a secure, safe and friendly family atmosphere with lots of fun for all our members. We are a not-forprofit community-based

sporting organisation. Oak Flats Sailing Club is proudly affiliated with Australian Sailing. Our newly renovated sailing clubhouse is situated in picturesque parklands at Deakin Reserve Oak Flats, just off Central Ave on the Southern Shores of Lake Illawarra.

Our sailing is conducted Sundays from September till May weather permitting. The club operates every Sunday during summer starting at 9am. It is located at Deakin Reserve, the Boulevarde Oak Flats. Our sailing club provides a safe, fun sailing experience with beginner lessons at our sailing school held Sunday mornings, starting at 9:00am.

Club races and beginner lessons

Oak Flats Sailing Club provides Club Boats & P.F.D.’s (lifejackets) as well as expert tuition. We welcome people of all ages. For the more experienced sailors to quench their competitive thirst, our club races are held from 1:00pm till 4:00pm. Full on water supervision is provided by qualified volunteers using our powered support craft. Volunteers needed!

Runners in flamingo costumes at City2Surf

Bek McAlister at the finishing line of City2Surf 2024. Bek McAlister with a pair of Luckies Knickers. (Photos credit/ Eva Kokklemans)

The City2Surf 2024 crowd, runners and spectators alike, were in for a treat as Kiama’s Dimitri Reid (L) and Sam Bloor (R) did the fun run in full flamingo outfit. (Credit: Sportograf)

by Brian Scott

4 (L-R) Catherine Lyall VP, with caterer Gülçin Töpel (Saltwater cafe) and Sandra Bottrell.

Madeleine Scarfe and Bernie Hems with local member Gareth