FREE COMMUNITY PAPER Distributed In The Kiama LGA
Kiama deputy mayor knows what matters most
Danielle Woolage
Community, connection and kindness. These are the things that helped Kiama Council Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters nd moments of light in the darkness that descended after her son’s suicide four years ago.
They are also the things she brings to her new role where she wants to promote cultural change, to hear all points of view and to weigh up what’s best for the greater good.
“I believe in supporting each other, working as a team, I believe in connection, not division,” says Cr Matters who will never forget the kindness, compassion and support the community showed her family after her 18-year-old son Sam’s death.
It’s why she stepped up to be a voice for the people.
“I want to support the community that supported us,” Cr Matters says. “It took me a couple of years to come out the other side of Sammy’s suicide. But the community was there for us when we needed it. Now that I’ve adjusted to the reality of life without Sam, this is my chance to give back.”
A third generation member of Gerringong’s Miller farming family, her community roots go deep. So do her connections. Cr Matters has been serving Gerringong locals since her first job as a teenager at Honey Surf Shop (now Natural Necessity) more than 40 years ago.
From the age of 23 to now, the mother of three boys has run several successful businesses, first in Gerringong, then in Sydney, before returning home to open The Hill Bar and Kitchen seven years ago, with husband Dean.
“When I opened my first business in town my son Josh was 10 weeks old,” Cr Matters says. “He grew up in the shop. I’d be working with him by my side and realise he was missing again. He would bum crawl down the arcade to the chemist to ‘help out’.”
Helping out appears to be a family trait. Cr Matters joined the Independent ticket to garner support for close friends, Cameron McDonald, who was elected mayor in October, and Erica Warren.
“When I signed up for this, Cameron told me I was safe at number three (on the ballot ticket) and wouldn’t get
into local council,” she laughs. “So I saw myself as a support for Cameron and Erica, people I strongly believe in. I’m still wondering how I made that leap from running safely at number three, to becoming deputy mayor.”
But Cr Matters is never one to shy away from a challenge. She was voted in as deputy by her fellow councillors, a testament to their faith in her ability to get
the job done.
“Since Sammy died I decided I was going to make the most of every opportunity I’m given,” she says, fighting back tears. “I’m like a sponge, I love to learn, I want to soak it all up. I find the council business papers fascinating and I read every one of them. I really respect the time and effort that goes into them.”
She admits she can get frus-
trated by the “slowness” of decision making in local government. “In business you have to be quick on your feet, local government is a different process,” she says. “I’d like to see things done a little more efficiently, but I’m getting better at being patient.”
Kiama Council was placed under a performance improvement order two years ago for failing to meet its legislative responsibilities in relation to its financial management. The council is now a step closer to having this order lifted. The NSW Audit Office, responsible for overseeing the council’s financial improvements, this month gave the organisation’s 2023-24 financial statements the tick of approval.
With the council’s finances back on track and a new team of councillors, Cr Matters believes this could be a “turning point” for the council.
“We are all quite young, six of the nine of us went to Kiama High School and many of our teachers were there to support us on election day,” she says. “We all have strong community connections. It is an opportunity for us as councillors to work together with council and the
community to service the community’s short-term and long term infrastructure needs in an area that is rapidly growing, like all coastal towns.”
Housing development is a key issue for both local and state government and Cr Matters is keen to start working on strategies to “get the balance right”.
“We can’t say ‘oh no not in my backyard’ there needs to be considered and sustainable growth for new families moving into the area, and for retirees who want to downsize but still want a small yard or garden,” she says. “I would love to look back, down the track, and say ‘we got this right’, we kept the village, the community and the connections while also making space for new families to join it.”
Cr Matters’ biggest concern is not having enough time to achieve all the things she would like to do for the community in her four-year term.
“There is a lot to do in four years and I hope we can fit it all in,” she says. “But I am confident councillors can work together as a team, with the council, to get the best outcomes for the community.”
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Do we need a defibrillator
Lleyton Hughes
The Kiama Blowhole draws around 900,000 visitors annually, making it one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Yet, despite its popularity and the risks associated with the surrounding rocks, there is no defibrillator installed at the site.
Over the years, 25 people have tragically lost their lives at the Blowhole, with several more fatalities occurring at the rocks nearby. Just this past August, a father and son lost their lives in the area.
Dr. George Puris, a local healthcare provider since 1974, has long advocated for the installation of a defibrillator at the Blowhole, more specifically at the lighthouse. He has written extensively to The Bugle, highlighting the potential life-saving benefits of having such a device on-site.
“A defibrillator, like the Heart Starter, costs only $360,” says Dr. Puris. “It’s simple to use—just follow the instructions, place it on the chest, and it can save 7 out of 10 lives. No need for CPR or waiting 20 minutes for paramedics.”
Dr. Puris, along with The Bugle, has raised the issue with Kiama MP Gareth Ward, who in turn wrote to the Minister for Health, Hon. Ryan Park MP. Unfortunately, Ward received a disappointing response from the Minister’s office.
“The Minister expressed appreciation for the matter being raised but indicated that no assistance or government funding would be provided at this time,” Ward says.
One of the key challenges in installing a defibrillator at the Blowhole is that the area is Crown land, which compli-
at Kiama Blowhole?
cates the approval process.
“Since the Blowhole is Crown land, there are several layers of approval required. First, the relevant local authorities, such as Kiama Council, would need to support the initiative,” says Mr. Ward.
“Then, permission from the state government, through agencies that manage Crown land, would be necessary to ensure compliance with regulations. Funding would likely remain a hurdle, but community grants, local fundraising, or state government initiatives could be explored.”
Ward notes that the complexities of managing Crown land pose unique difficulties
for small towns like Kiama.
“The bureaucratic processes involved in gaining approvals and the lack of direct control by local communities can hinder necessary upgrades or safety measures. It’s something that needs to be addressed to ensure residents and visitors are safe and well-served, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Blowhole,” says Mr. Ward.
In response to inquiries about the installation of a defibrillator, Kiama Council issued a statement clarifying the current situation.
“Kiama Council currently has 20 defibrillators installed at key locations, including Blow Hole Point. Our Visitor
Information Centre adjacent to the Blowhole has one, as does our nearby holiday park, Kiama Harbour Cabins.”
While this response reassures that defibrillators are available at key sites nearby, the absence of a device directly at the Blowhole raises concerns, given the risks associated with the rocky coastline and the high number of visitors.
As discussions continue, local advocates like Dr. Puris are hopeful that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure that a defibrillator will be installed at this popular yet perilous landmark. Check out the location of defibrillators in our LGA on The Bugle App.
Kiama Blowhole.
(Photo : Darren Parlett)
Community Support
Floods in After Cakes on Collins Robbery
Cakes on Collins, a local bakery in Kiama, was the target of a robbery on Wednesday, 6th of November, at 8:30 AM. Kelly Morgan, the owner, was opening the shop when an unknown male suspect seized the opportunity to steal two pink bags containing her grey macbook, cards, and other personal items.
Lest We Forget: REMEMBRANCE DAY
11th November marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I.
The ceremony at The Kiama War memorial Arch, Monday 11th November at 10:45am, was a solemn and peaceful event. President of Kiama Jamberoo RSL, Gary McKay, led the event, alongside Mayor Cameron McDonald.
Many wreaths were laid at the foot of the arch and Warwick Sporne played ‘The Last Post’ on the Bugle.
After the ceremony, a ‘Lone Pine Tree’ was planted by the archway to replace the previous pine which was lost after flooding.
Morgan had left her handbag visible to a delivery driver and an artist who was working on a mural outside the shop. With her back turned, the thief quickly grabbed the bags. “That’s when he came in and grabbed it. I heard a noise… but the fridges crack and make noises all the time so I just thought it was that,” Morgan said. It wasn’t until Morgan realised her handbag and one of the bags were missing that she
The pine is the same as the ones found in Gallipoli, serving as a tribute to remember our fallen soldiers. Remembrance Day is a time for all Australians to unite in solemn respect and remembrance for all those who served and died for our nation.
There were also local RSL sub-branches that hosted commemorative services across the Kiama electorate to pay respects to and pause to remember the heroes who served our country.
Remembrance Day is a time for all Australians to unite in solemn respect and remembrance for all those who served and died for our nation.
gan’s friend said to the man. When Morgan locked eyes with him, he fled the scene. Despite chasing after him, he managed to escape. Woolworths is reviewing store footage in an effort to identify the thief.
The stolen card was later discarded by the suspect and found by a member of the public, who contacted Morgan to return it.
asked if anyone had seen anything. “No one else saw it happen. It was so quick,” she added. Fortunately, she had her phone and keys on her at the time.
Shortly after the incident, Morgan received a notification from her banking app, alerting her that one of her cards had been used at a Woolworths store. Staff at the store flagged the transaction, and Morgan and a friend confronted the suspect.
“I think that’s my card,” Mor-
Despite the traumatic experience, Morgan has expressed her gratitude for the support from the Kiama community. “Lots of people from the community that I never met, just wanted to give me a hug and it was very nice,” she said. The support continued throughout the day, with many people visiting her shop, and her cupcakes selling out.
As I visited Cakes on Collins, a thoughtful local dropped off a potted plant to express their sympathy and support, a beautiful reminder of how the Kiama community comes together in times of need.
Landcare Illawarra launches community project
Hindmarsh Rose Valley Cabbage
Gilbert
The Cabbage Tree Palm stands tall among Kiama’s green landscape, an iconic symbol to locals and tourists alike. Landcare Illawarra’s new community project aims to future proof these palms to protect and preserve this unique species.
Member of the Landcare Illawarra committee, Alison Windsor, encouraged the community to attend the event launch on Thursday 14 November to learn more about the project.
The Cabbage Tree Palm once thrived in the rainforest in the Kiama area, now the palms are dispersed across farming land, struggling to regenerate naturally.
“There’s no future trees coming back up and that is due to either the cows eat-
ing the seeds that are falling from the parent trees, or they’re trampling them into the ground.
“There’s no new generations, once those trees have died that will be it, there’ll be none left in the Kiama Municipality,” Alison says.
The palm can grow up to 30 metres in height, with the tallest trees being 100 to 200 years old, they’re a slow growing species.
Landcare Illawarra has received interest from farmers in the community who would like palms planted on their properties, with Landcare supplying trees and fencing to help the species thrive.
“We want to future proof them so people can drive down Mount Pleasant or drive from Kiama to Jamberoo, and have all those beautiful Cabbage Palms that you can still see,” says Alison.
I’m proud to be your local voice in parliament and to continue delivering cost-of-living relief, tax cuts and vital projects like Kiama headspace and the new Gerringong Surf Club.
I’m here to help you with issues like Medicare, Centrelink, aged care and pensions, the NDIS, Veterans’ Affairs and community grants. I can send you my Seniors and Pensioners Kit, and arrange special birthday and anniversary messages.
I’m on your side.
4423 1782
Fiona.Phillips.MP@aph.gov.au
3/59 Junction St, Nowra NSW 2541
FionaPhillips.com.au
Palms.
Shelby
Warwick Sporne playing The Bugle.
Veronica Bardsley
Kelly Morgan at her shop, Cakes on Collins.
New development for Council
Kiama & District Business Chamber hosted the annual Mayoral Breakfast at the Sebel Hotel 14th November.
Eighty chamber members and invited guests attended to hear the inaugural address from the newly elected Mayor Cameron McDonald.
Mayor McDonald opened his address by sharing how his role now demands balancing addition responsibilities alongside his business and family commitments - a true juggling act. However, he declared emphatically that he is up for the challenge, a sentiment echoed by other councillors. Mayor McDonald stated that he is committed to making Kiama the best place it can be.
With six of the councillors having gone to school locally, it does feel that the sentiment is shared by the whole team. A betterment of our local community to continue for the next generation - which includes infrastructure to sustain thoughtful development.
To that end, Mayor McDonald shared with the business community some breaking news.
A unanimous vote by the councillors two weeks ago which led to the purchase of the Big River site on Shoalhaven Street for $6.3 million, the terms to be paid over 3 years. This site backs on to the Kiama Council Depot covering an area of about 1.5 hectares between Shoalhaven Street and Belvedere Street.
Being ensconced in a residential area, this site will now be combined and developed to create residential dwellings to fall in line with the state government’s mandated quota targets for new housing developments. The land will first have to be rezoned and then repurposed.
As Mayor McDonald noted, the site previously housed a gasworks, which has left contamination issues to address—potentially at a cost of $8 million. However, he considers this investment worthwhile, given
that the development could bring in estimated revenues of $50 million for the council through the sale of residential units.
The Kiama Council Depot, operational since the 1960s, has served as a focal point for staff but is now considered unsuitable for current needs. Plans are underway to amalgamate this facility with the Minnamurra Depot, which will be upgraded to provide a purpose-built, safer working environment. The cost of this relocation has yet to be determined. So it is bold, strategic moves for our new Councillors - just off the ranks! 24 days in! The Mayor McDonald continued to say that there will be further sites studied to determine best fit for purpose - for example the leisure centre.
Councillor Mike Cains acknowledged that the councillors have put great faith in the CEO Jane Stroud and Mayor McDonald for leading these initiatives. The mayor also confirmed the council satisfaction with the audited financial statements which will be presented in the ordinary Council meeting on 20 November with the Auditors Report for the year ending 30 June 2024. (These can be viewed on the Council’s website and any person can make a submission in writing to Council with respect to them. The closing date for Council to receive public submissions is 27 November 2024.)
The mayor is meeting with Minister Scully when he is attending the Country Mayors Association meetings in Syd-
ney this week with Council CEO Jane Stroud. The advocacy programme is key and the Council is determined to get a share of the financial injection on offer as infrastructure is paramount for the growth of our area. This includes our sewerage capacity and road capacity.
Mayor McDonald also shared that the Councillors would be releasing a roadmap of where they want to go for the next two years. As Councillors the document is a way to hold themselves accountable moving forward and to create an open and transparent approach to their roles. Mayor McDonald declared that the team as a group was relishing the challenge before them and he was deeply proud to represent the community.
He was joined by fellow Councillors in a panel discussion after the address - Councillors MikeCains, Melinda Lawton, Melissa Matters, Stuart Larkins and Erica Warren in attendance. Their hidden gems in the LGA highlighted the fabulous spots that we can boast of and showed a personal side of them.
Questions relating to their goals and legacies, support of local business, a recurring theme, with a suggestion of Brand Kiama to underpin our services and products. With a plethora of business acumen in the make up of the new Council, one would hope for an improved outlook for Kiama Council and the community. The mood at the Sebel was light and celebratory with an air of expectation of great things to come.
Kiama Council Reaches Financial Milestone with Clean 2023-24 Audit
K iama Council’s 2023-24 financial statements received an unqualified audit from the NSW Audit Office, marking a significant achievement in the Council’s financial reform efforts. This clean audit is a critical step towards lifting the NSW Government’s Performance Improvement Order, aimed at guiding the Council towards sustainable financial practices.
Council CEO Jane Stroud praised the accomplishment, attributing it to the dedication of Council staff. Chief Financial Officer Olena Tulubinska recognised the finance team and other departments for their role in achieving this result, which demonstrates the Council’s renewed commitment to financial transparency.
Mayor Cameron McDonald expressed relief, noting on Kiama Community Radio that failing to meet the Performance Improvement Order could lead to Council administration, effec-
tively silencing elected officials and community representation. The 2023-24 financial statements report a $14.2 million loss, up from $7.6 million the previous year, driven by unavoidable expenses like wage increases for aged care workers and disaster recovery costs. Despite these setbacks, the Council remains on track for a balanced budget by 2026-27.
Mayor McDonald credited previous Council leadership for initiating financial reforms and expressed confidence that the Council’s ongoing efforts will reinforce trust within the community. The audited statements will be presented at the Council’s ordinary meeting on 20 November.
These can be viewed on the Council’s website and any person can make a submission in writing to Council with respect
Council to
missions
Mayor Cameron McDonald with Rita Sullivan from Knickerbockers and Counsellor Erica Warren.
Calls for Broader Reforms to Address Council Conduct
Lynne Strong
Karen Renkema-Lang, former Kiama Councillor, has called for strengthened reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in local government. Her submission to the NSW O ce of Local Government’s (OLG) review of the Councillor Conduct Framework criticises some proposed reforms, particularly the increase in mayoral powers and the creation of a “Privileges Committee.”
Renkema-Lang, who served from 2021 to 2024, decided not to seek re-election due to her concerns about council conduct. “Misconduct in NSW councils—from bullying and misuse of funds to conflicts of interest—too often hits the
headlines, with little accountability. Ratepayers ultimately bear the cost,” she said.
Her primary concern is the proposal to expand mayoral powers, which would allow mayors to expel councillors from meetings and impose financial penalties. “Giving mayors this authority creates a largely unchecked avenue for abuse,” she warned, adding that mayors already hold significant power. Renkema-Lang cited past misconduct, including cases of bribery by former Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas, to illustrate how unchecked power can be exploited.
Renkema-Lang also opposed the proposal to model the councillor code of conduct on NSW Parliamentary standards, calling it “aspirational and impractical.” She suggest-
ed aligning it with existing Safework NSW and fraud prevention policies to provide a more effective basis for accountability.
Source: Bouquiniste
“I am also concerned that the scope of the review is limited to Councillor conduct,” she added. “It’s not just Councillors who behave badly. An internet search brings up many examples of senior Council staff acting inappropriately or engaging in corrupt conduct and even fraud.
The scope of the review needs to cover complaint management for all council officials to ensure it is managed consistently and holistically.”
Transparency is a major theme in her submission. She supports removing private investigators from councillor conduct cases in favour of an independent committee, and
she cautioned against banning briefing sessions for councillors, as these are essential for informed decision-making.
“Councillors frequently need briefings on financial, legislative, and planning matters. Banning these sessions could harm decision-making,” she argued, suggesting public access to these sessions as a transparency measure.
Renkema-Lang’s recommendations include renaming the “Privileges Committee” to better reflect its purpose, implementing stricter criteria for council candidates, and ensuring that transparency measures are effective.
“If we want real accountability in our councils, we need councillors to demonstrate higher standards of integrity and better behaviour,” she concluded.
A celebration of our community
The best thing about our community is, our community. As the weather warms up and we move towards silly season, more and more activities and festivals will celebrate who we are as a community.
The Kazador, Changing Tides and Kiama Unplugged are just a few examples of the diversity and vibrancy within our community.
But life is not just about festivals, fun and Fillmore’s.
This week Brooke Pittman covered the ten-year anniversary of Dementia Inclusive Kiama. What started out as a pilot partnership between researchers at the University of Wollongong, Alzheimer’s Australia and Kiama Council a decade ago, has continued to grow despite the challenges of funding, COVID-19 and the one thing that no one has enough of – time.
The stigma around dementia, cognitive decline and the associated mental health challenges for both sufferers and carers, still exists today. That Dementia Inclusive Kiama have been advocating, supporting and increasing awareness over the last ten years is a testa-
ment to everyone involved in the project and every part of our community that has supported and included themselves in the discussion.
Over the last ten years a lot has changed in this space. At that time, diagnosis was not as accurate as it is today and the lack of education and awareness facilitated a stigma around the condition and this often resigned sufferers to exclusion from society – further exacerbating the decline of their health and wellbeing.
Now, organisations like Dementia Inclusive Kiama understand the social implications of dementia and the importance of awareness and education to ensure that sufferers can have the best quality of life, whilst living with dementia.
So, as we crawl towards the end of the year and spend more time with family and loved ones, some of whom might be suffering from terrible diseases like dementia, know that our community is full of people who are sufferers, carers and supporters. And The Bugle’s View is that our community is so much better off because of them.
Donna Portland & Meg Storey
In the current economic cli-
mate, building a successful business comes with added challenges, particularly around managing rising costs.
To support local businesses, The Bugle, in partnership with the Kiama & District Business Chamber, continues its sixpart series on critical success factors.
After covering Strategic Focus, Finances, Operations, People, and Marketing, this edition focuses on practical tips to address the pressures of business expenses, helping you stay on track for growth.
Work on your business, not just in it: One of the most valuable pieces of advice for business owners is to step back occasionally and assess the bigger picture. Working on
Building a Successful Business: Useful tips to alleviate business pressures
your business rather than just in it can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and profitability. With that in mind, here are some actionable tips to help you manage costs more effectively and avoid unnecessary spending.
Streamline systems and processes: Having efficient systems in place is essential for saving both time and money.
Review your existing processes to identify areas where you can introduce greater efficien-
cy. Consider using productivity apps like QuickBooks or Xero for bookkeeping, Asana for project management, and Canva for affordable design needs. For social media, scheduling tools can help you plan ahead and avoid the rush of last-minute content creation.
Even simple automations, such as sending automated emails to request Google Reviews, can save you time while improving your SEO. Track client projects or job sheets electronically to reduce the flood of emails in your inbox. Additionally, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will make onboarding and training new staff much more straightforward, increasing productivity while reducing training costs.
Foster a positive workplace culture: A great company culture can work wonders for your bottom line. A supportive and respectful environment not only improves staff morale but also boosts productivity and reduces employ-
ee turnover - both of which directly impact your profitability. As leaders, focus on trusting and delegating more to your team, empowering them to take ownership of their roles. A strong culture fosters loyalty, reduces recruitment costs, and improves overall business performance.
Outsource to the experts: As the saying goes, sometimes you have to spend money to save money.
Outsourcing non-core tasks - like accounting, marketing, or administrative functionscan free up valuable time for you to focus on growth.
The key is knowing your profit margins and understanding what areas make the most sense to outsource. If you’re unsure about where to start or how to calculate profit margins, consider seeking advice from a business coach.
Kiama is home to many knowledgeable coaches who can provide tailored advice to suit your specific needs.
Leverage Artificial Intelli-
gence: Artificial Intelligence (AI) may sound intimidating, but it’s a powerful tool that can save your business both time and money.
Whether you need help crafting a challenging email, brainstorming social media content, or generating copy for marketing materials, AI programs offer cost-effective solutions. With many free and affordable options available, AI can provide quality results quickly, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
Prioritise self-care: Amidst the hustle of managing business pressures, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly mattersyour well-being. Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term productivity and success.
Setting personal boundaries is critical. Schedule time for activities that make you happy, whether it’s a swim at the beach, enjoying a coffee at your favourite café, working out, or simply unwinding with Netflix. Make sure to block off
“you” time in your calendar, just as you would for business meetings, to ensure it actually happens.
In conclusion, running a successful business is a multifaceted journey that demands strategic focus, financial discipline, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of people and marketing.
As we’ve explored in this series, the key to thriving in today’s competitive environment lies in balancing these elements while adapting to the evolving pressures of the marketplace.
Whether you’re refining your systems, embracing new technologies, or focusing on self-care, each step you take brings you closer to long-term success. Remember, the most resilient businesses are those that are proactive, continually learning, and always ready to innovate.
Stay focused, stay flexible, and your business will continue to grow, no matter the challenges ahead.
Lynne Strong
Ebony Wilson didn’t grow up in dairy farming; her journey began when she met her husband, Tom, a third-generation dairy farmer from a well-known local family. Tom’s family farm, however, didn’t have room for him to join, so Ebony and Tom are making their own way in the industry. Despite the challenges, Ebony’s passion has only deepened, turning what started as an unexpected path into a calling.
“When I first got involved, it wasn’t just a job. It was a lifestyle, a passion,” Ebony reflects. “I’ve been doing this for over a decade now, and it still feels like there’s always something new to learn. I love my cows—they’re everything to me. ”For Ebony and other young women in dairy, technology is more than just a convenience; it’s a way to improve the farm and future-proof their operations. Though her current farm doesn’t have the latest tools, Ebony’s admiration for tech-driven solutions is unmistakable. She speaks
with enthusiasm about the radio frequency identification devices (RFID) used for cow health monitoring, heat detection, automatic drafting, and apps that help with breeding.
“Even though we don’t use a lot of the new tech on the farm, I’m fascinated by it,” she says. “The RFID collar system, for example - allows you to see exactly what’s going on with the cows, even when you’re not there. It’s amazing to know you’ll have the right information when you wake up for morning milking.”
The DataGene Good Bulls app has also become a cornerstone in her work, allowing her to select bulls based on specific traits, a tool that helps farmers match breeding choices to herd needs. “I was looking for something to help me keep track of my heifers and came across the app,” she laughs. “Now, I can pick the best bulls to improve specific traits — it’s like designing the perfect herd!”
For Ebony and Tom, the dream of having their own farm is as strong as ever. But the road to that dream is challenging, especially with the
Embellish: celebrating 21 years of style and community in Kiama
because there wasn’t anything like it at the time,” says Liz.
high cost of land and limited leasing opportunities. Tom has been working as a contractor on other farms, while Ebony has been building her own small herd, one calf at a time.
“We’re always on the hunt for leasing opportunities, but it’s tough,” Ebony says. “Tom
and I, we work so hard, and we know we’d make a great team if we had our own place. Until then, we’re just putting everything we have into building our future, cow by cow.”
Ebony sees more young women getting involved in dairy than ever before, and
she feels proud to be part of this shift. “There’s an old-fashioned mentality that maybe girls shouldn’t be here, but times are changing. I see more women in the industry than men sometimes, and it’s great to see the girls getting involved.”
Her story is one of grit and vision, with women at the forefront of advancing dairy. Alongside friends and workmates like Kate Bourke and Charley Heyblok, Ebony is creating her own path, one that combines tradition with modern technology. These young women aren’t just tending cows; they’re learning the genetics, the data, and the intricacies that shape a thriving herd.
“If I had the chance, I’d love to invest in genetic technology, embryo transfers, and those types of innovations,” she says with a smile. “To think we can design a herd that’s perfect for our environment—it’s just incredible. And that’s where I see
the future of dairy.”
The challenges of high land costs and limited access are real, but Ebony’s optimism shines through. She hopes that new partnerships with milk companies, supermarkets or local initiatives will help young farmers like her and Tom.
Jamie Hamilton, her current boss, is exploring ways to engage milk companies in investing in farmland so young farmers can lease it.
“We have a lot of people supporting us,” Ebony shares. “It’s not an easy path, but we’re part of a community that wants us to succeed. That’s what keeps us going.”
With every calf and every advancement in technology, Ebony and her peers are redefining dairy farming. This new generation of women, driven by resilience, passion, and a love for technology, is shaping the future of the industry— one farm, one herd, and one new idea at a time.
Nestled in amongst the hustle and bustle of the shops on Collins Street, Embellish sets itself apart with its unique clothing and gifts.
Owner Liz Lindsay and her daughter Amy, have been running the business for 21 years, with the support of the local community being the key to their success.
Liz will be holding birthday celebrations all weekend on Saturday 30 November as a way to get the community involved and give back after achieving such a huge milestone.
Opening Embellish in 2003, Liz and Amy wanted to provide products that weren’t available in Kiama, including shoes, hats, and evening wear.
“We were hoping we’d be adding something to the Kiama landscape with this shop
“We try hard to have quirky little things that are unusual, not too expensive, and something for everyone.”
Embellish is a business that has adapted to their clientele’s wants and needs, now stocking more practical and versatile clothing that suits what customers are looking for.
“We try to listen to what people want and provide what they ask for, I’m happy to try and get things for people.”
“It’s satisfying to be able to ring someone and say ‘we have got a dress that you’d love’ or ‘we’ve got you that gold evening bag’, I enjoy that sort of personal service that we can offer,” Liz says.
Liz and Amy’s dedication to quality and community ensures that this respected local shop will continue to thrive for years to come.
SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER, 9AM-12PM
33 Collins Street You’re invited to Kiama’s Premium Coastal Retirement Community’s
Shelby Gilbert
Ebony Wilson.
The Pool: A documentary about life in one place
Ian Darling’s The Pool is a film about just that, a pool. It is a 90 minute examination of a singular place - its community, individuals, rituals, obsessions, stories, connections, quirks, emotions, history and much more. It is a film that aims to simply observe a place, a place which encapsulates so much of what makes life, life that it becomes much more than a place - it becomes a world.
The world at the centre of The Pool is the Icebergs Ocean Pool in Bondi. If you were to visit the Icebergs Ocean Pool you would be given a small idea of this world - a mere outline in plain pencil. Darling’s film fills in these lines with intricate details, colour, dimension and ultimately life.
The film grew out of Darling’s desire to create a documentary that would explore community—a theme that became all the more relevant during the isolation of COVID-19. Initially uncertain of the subject to explore, Darling’s inspiration arrived unexpectedly.
“I was down at the pool having coffee one morning, after a swim, with one of the champion swimmers. And I said, I’m looking for this uplifting film about community. And she said, How about here? Sometimes the best ideas are right under your nose. I thought, actually, that’s great. It’ll let me explore everything I wanted to—this beautiful location and a broad spectrum of community members. It was the perfect opportunity,” Darling says.
The Pool is unconventional in that it doesn’t follow a traditional plot or focus on any one main character. The pool itself is the protagonist. As you watch, you find yourself sinking into the rhythms and patterns of the pool’s community.
This is enhanced by the film’s unique structure, which doesn’t adhere to chronological order. Instead, the documentary is divided into sections that showcase different facets of the pool’s life. These segments are separated by meditative montages or continuous shots of waves, swimming, and water—a deliberate choice to create a calming atmosphere.
“We thought, let’s just make a film that encourages people to watch the waves and stop looking at their phones, just settle into it,” says Darling.
“All of the films I’ve made have tried to get into the rhythm of the subject, and swimming is inherently meditative. The pool is such a beautiful place. We need to spend more time looking at the ocean. So we’ve incorporated a lot of moments where people can just dream about their next swim, or their next surf, or even reflect on their own lives. I want people to think about how they feel about their community, and what they’re yearning for.”
Throughout the documentary, we meet several of the pool’s regulars: a group of squad swimmers who train every morning, a woman who is terrified of the water but keeps swimming, and another who swam daily during her cancer treatment, imagining that the bad stuff was leaving her body out of the top of her head. One of the most poignant moments features two friends who meet every morning for a swim and a coffee.
“They’re a couple of friends who meet at the pool at exactly 6:47 every morning. They just came alive on screen. They represented everything we wanted. You couldn’t have scripted
it. One says, ‘I like to use a bit of talcum powder after the swim.’ Then they both dive in at exactly the same time at opposite ends, get out at the same time, and head up for coffee—ordering exactly the same coffee every day,” Darling says.
The touching exchange between Russell and Adrian encapsulates the film’s themes of friendship and routine:
Russell asks, “Can you imagine a time when we’re not coming here every morning?”
Adrian replies, “No.”
Russell nods and says, “Good answer.”
Darling reflects, “In that two-minute exchange, we captured so much about what we yearn for—why friendship is important, why routine matters. Swim squads exist because people don’t want to let each other down. Two friends rely on each other to show up at 6:47.”
Darling says these types of moments weren’t scripted or anticipated - they just happened.
“We didn’t exactly know what we’re getting on any day, but we just knew that we would keep coming back, and eventually we’d get what we wanted to tell the full, comprehensive story of what that consciousness was in the pool.”
The Pool is a fascinating, feel good, beautiful documentary which simply observes and attempts to encapsulate a tiny, microscopic location on this enormous round sphere we’re all floating on. And it shows just how much life and energy and complexity can be held inside one tiny location.
▶The Pool is showing in select cinemas around Sydney now, visit this website for all showtimes.
Orry-Kelly: The Unsung Star of Kiama and Hollywood
Lleyton Hughes
Orry-Kelly was a three time Oscar winner who worked with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis and Katherine Hepburn. He has credits on 300 lms which include titles like Casablanca, 42nd Street and Some Like It Hot. When he died in 1964 his pallbearers included Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, Billy Wilder and George Cukor and his eulogy was read by Jack Warner.
You would expect a man like this to be widely celebrated and known in his home country, especially his hometown. And yet, ask the majority of people in Kiama if they know who Orry-Kelly is and they would be hard-pressed to give you an answer.
Yes, Orry-Kelly was born in Kiama in 1897 and lived here until he moved to Sydney at age 17. He won three Academy Awards in 1951, 1957 and 1959 and he is known for the way he would tailor the clothes toward the actor and the character.
Other than a few artefacts featured in the Pilot’s Cottage Museum and the Orry-Kelly stage in Hindmarsh Park - Orry has not had much prominence in his hometown.
President and Secretary of the Kiama Historic Society Sue Eggins says that this is an improvement as when she joined
the organisation in the middle of the 1980’s they had no record of Orry-Kelly at all.
“No one knew or had heard of Orry-Kelly, I hadn’t heard about him and we didn’t even have a file on him in the museum. We had a file on his father William Kelly, but nothing on Orry. All they had was that they thought his name was Horace,” says Eggins.
Eggins first found out about Orry in 1994 when she was handed an 8 page Vogue Magazine article written by Karin Upton Baker.
“That was just a wonderful article,” says Eggins. “And from that I started talking about him. I’ve probably done a hundred talks all over - some for the historic society, the library, Probus clubs, the Lions club, Apex clubs, lots of bus groups that come to the museum - so I’ve been preaching about him but still no one seems to have heard of him.”
In 2015, Australian Director Gillian Armstrong (Little Women) released the film Women He’s Undressed, a documentary film about Orry’s life. Eggins is credited as a researcher for the film.
“The producer Damien Parer came down a number of times and then Gillian Armstrong contacted me and she came down a number of times with Katherine Thompson, who was the scriptwriter for
the film,” says Eggins. “I drove them around the town, showing them the different places. I picked a lot of spots that they could film from, they wanted photos without the highway and the trainline so I showed them that. I picked out a dozen photos from the archive, which were photos of the town around 1890 and the 1900s as that’s when Orry would have lived here.”
Eggins felt the film might have brought Orry-Kelly back into the spotlight, but she still feels he hasn’t got enough awareness in the local area. As a result, Eggins and a group of individuals called Kiama Icons and Artists are planning a major event to celebrate Orry in July, 2025 at The Sebel.
“He was a little boy in Kiama who went off to become a Hollywood star. He was the only Australian for a long time with three oscars. It’s been ten years since the film, so anything to get Orry back into the spotlight,” says Eggins.
“This event will celebrate Orry’s life, his movies, fashion, art, plays - everything. And I just hope that he finally gets that recognition he deserves.” If you’re interested in supporting this celebration, join Kiama Icons and Artists on December 1 at 3 PM at The Sebel. Together, we can honour Orry-Kelly and ensure his legacy is remembered.
Orry Kelly young (left), older (right), a design for Some Like It Hot (middle), Some Like It Hot poster (bottom) and three oscars (bottom left).
Ian Darling and his crew. (Source: Shark Island Productions)
An
captivating the audience.
The Country Women’s Association marked a grand 25th anniversary of ‘Opera in the Valley’ last night at Jamberoo School of Arts, led once again by the talented Maestro Glen Amer.
This year’s program was dedicated to the works of Puccini, commemorating the centenary of his passing, and featured a line-up of vocalists who breathed life into each piece with stunning precision and charisma.
This is my second year covering this remarkable event, and once again, Glen Amer delivered a top-tier performance. Known for his engaging commentary, Amer provides insightful introductions to each piece, offering the audience both context and humourtransforming the night into an experience that’s as educational as it is entertaining. His warmth and wit create a comfortable atmosphere, making each artist’s performance even more memorable.
One standout aspect of ‘Opera in the Valley’ is the complete absence of microphones. The singers’ voices fill the hall with clarity, every note resonating beautifully, unaided by technology. Dressed in elegant attire - either classic tuxedos or glamorous gowns - the performers exude star quality.
The ticket, priced at only $60, includes an extraordinary level of entertainment and the CWA’s signature spread of treats at the supper that follows the performance.
In a moment of pride for the event, Amer mentioned that soprano Catherine Bouchier, a newcomer to Jamberoo, will soon perform at the Opera House on New Year’s Evea performance commanding hundreds of dollars per ticket!
Catherine Bouchier’s presence was both powerful and electrifying, with her statuesque form and striking voice
Another debut in Jamberoo, baritone Gennadi Dubinski, originally from Russia, won the crowd with his rich tones, especially during his lively rendition of “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof.
Returning favourites also graced the stage. Mezzo-soprano Michaela Hodgson (formerly Leisk) brought her expressive face and vibrant personality to each song, drawing particular applause for her rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”
Tenor Matthew Reardon, known for his warm stage presence, enchanted the audience with his rich tones, delivering each piece with heartfelt precision.
The event concluded with a breathtaking performance of ‘Amigos Para Siempre,’ involving all four singers, but the encore, Nessun Dorma, from the Turandot opera, brought the audience to their feet.
Although traditionally a tenor piece, the female vocalists joined in parts, adding a fresh dimension to this muchloved aria.
Special commendation goes to Glen Amer, who skilfully accompanied every piece on piano, and even sang two selections himself.
The performers - Bouchier, Hodgson, Reardon, and Dubinski - were spectacular, each bringing their unique flair to the evening. Acknowledgement and thanks also go to MC Brian Petschler, Vivienne Marris, Alan Fowlie, Trevor Fredericks, the Jamberoo Rural Fire Services, and of course, the CWA, whose tireless members make this event possible.
A special mention goes to Cathy Delhaas, who has organised ‘Opera in the Valley’ since its inception.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the next gathering on the first Saturday in November 2025, confident it will continue to inspire and entertain. Until then.
SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER, 9AM-12PM
Collins Street You’re invited to Kiama’s Premium Coastal Retirement Community’s
Donna Portland
Annual Christmas Toy Drive launched to help less fortunate
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has today o cially launched his annual Christmas Toy Drive with the festive season fast approaching.
Mr Ward said the beneficiary this year would be the Albion Park Youth & Community Care Inc. located in Russell Street, Albion Park, which supports so many local families and young people in need in the lead up to Christmas.
“Christmas is a time of celebration and relaxing with our loved ones. Sadly, there are still some local children and young people facing disadvantage at this special time of year,” he said.
“For the past 10 years, my annual Christmas Toy Drive has always been about bringing people together regard-
less of their postcode to help spread some Christmas joy to hundreds of disadvantaged children and young people across our region.
“Over the past several years, the Kiama electorate office has been overwhelmed by the generosity of local residents and small businesses who have kindly donated a wide variety of toys and gifts, and I really hope that it can continue this Christmas.
“New and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Kiama electorate office 102 Terralong Street, Kiama, between now and up until 5pm on Tuesday 17th December 2024.
“Let’s keep the Christmas spirit of giving alive and come together to help spread some festive joy to those who need it most this Christmas,” Mr Ward concluded.
Jamberoo Students Honouring Remembrance Day Through ‘Draw to Remember’
Katie Loutit
At Jamberoo Public School, students have recently engaged in a heartfelt initiative titled “Draw to Remember,” organised by the Wollongong RSL Club to help students understand the signi cance of Remembrance Day. Each class received a Remembrance Day pamphlet and a set of chalks, providing a blank canvas for students to create their own tributes to those who have served.
After thoughtful discussions about the importance of the day, each student created a unique design on their pamphlet, showcasing their individual reflections on remembrance. The activity encouraged both creativity and collaboration.
Once each student completed their artwork, classmates voted on a favourite piece, which was then reimagined as a larger mural to represent the class’s shared vision.
On November 7, Terry Stamp from the Jamberoo RSL Club visited the school to view these artworks and talk with students. Accompanied by Miss Louttit, Relieving Principal, he joined students in discuss-
ing the meaning behind each drawing, which Beau, a student from Kookaaraa, followed with a poignant reading of In Flanders Fields to add a reflective note to the day.
Impressed by the students’ efforts, Mr. Stamp remarked, “The children’s words and drawings reflect a deep understanding and respect. I am impressed with their commitment to honouring Remembrance Day.” His presence provided a meaningful connection to the day, enhancing students’ ap-
preciation for those who have served.
This experience culminated in a Remembrance Day service at the school on November 11, attended by students, families, and staff. Led by the school captains and vice-captains, the ceremony included moments of reflection, with students placing flowers on the stage to symbolise their gratitude and respect for the fallen.
Special guest Michael Souter from the Jamberoo RSL Club joined the gathering, witness-
ing the students’ tributes and sharing in the community’s ceremony. The flowers placed during the service were taken by Mr. Souter back to the Jamberoo Memorial Arch, adding a touch of the students’ honouring efforts to the local memorial. Jamberoo Public School’s involvement in the “Draw to Remember” program illustrates their commitment to fostering historical awareness and respect, helping students carry forward the lessons of the past with pride and honour.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward getting into the festive spirit.
Jamberoo Public School Remembrance Day.
Gerringong Celebrates 150 Years of History with Glamorous Night at the Museum
Lynne Strong
Gerringong marked a historic milestone with a “Night at the Museum” event, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Gerringong Library and Museum. The evening drew a crowd of 130 community members, local leaders, and dedicated supporters, all recognising the signi cance of this cherished institution.
Sandra McCarthy, former mayor and a key advocate for the project, spoke passionately about the library’s transformation. “The School of Arts is our oldest heritage public building, and preserving it as part of this library and museum complex truly connects past and present,” she said. “It’s a beacon of community resilience and growth, embodying everything we value here in Gerringong.”
Adding her unique voice, Caroline Baum, journalist and founding editor of Women’s magazine, brought sparkle to the evening with reflections on the enduring role of libraries in community life. “I love a good acronym, and ‘GLAM’ is memorable and clever—bringing a bit of bling when you don’t expect it,” she shared, referencing the library’s new nickname. Baum also noted the profound role of libraries in storytelling and connection, drawing from her experiences as a lifelong library user. “Libraries are a place to share secrets; they’re the guardians of
our stories,” she said, adding, “Visiting a library also helps to see what makes a place tick— it’s a privilege to see this library be such a vibrant centre
for Gerringong.” Baum fondly recalled her early visits to he Wimbledon Library in London with her mother, capturing the audience with her heartfelt
personal history and love for libraries.
The event showcased new exhibitions and renovations, highlighting the hard work of library staff and volunteers. Community members wandered through displays, recognising items from the past and celebrating the museum’s evolution. Reflecting on Gerringong’s commitment to heritage, McCarthy concluded, “This library stands as a testament to the spirit of our town. We’ve preserved the past, but we’ve also created a dynamic space for the future.”
With over a century of history and a bright future ahead, Gerringong’s GLAM facility remains a treasured community asset, embodying the town’s commitment to history, learning, and community.
Gerringong Pics and Flicks Film Support and Training Scholarship 2024 Awardees Announced
Gerringong Pics and Flicks
Incorporated, a community-run not-for-profit organisation that has hosted monthly film screenings at Gerringong Town Hall for 24 years, continues to support the cultural life of the local community through various outreach programs.
This year, the organisation has awarded film training scholarships to two young adults residing in the Kiama LGA: Regan Anderson and Lleyton Hughes. The scholarship, valued at $1,000, provides up to $960 in financial assistance toward fees for two Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) short courses, along with a $40 membership for Screen Illawarra.
Regan Anderson, one of the awardees, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Communications and Media with a major in Screen Production at the University of Wollongong. With experience in film, photography, screen and stage writing, as well as acting training from Newtown School of Performing Arts, Regan plans to produce a comedic short film that highlights the beauty and lifestyle of the South Coast from a young adult’s perspective. This concept is drawn from her own experience moving from Sydney to Kiama, and she intends to collaborate with local filmmakers and actors. The University of Wollongong has offered Regan access to film and editing equipment.
Lleyton Hughes, the second scholarship recipient, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Creative Writing and works part-time as a journalist with The Bugle, Kiama’s local community newspaper. He covers arts, film, and leisure topics, with a film column and interviews with directors. Lleyton’s project fo-
cuses on creating a short film exploring the motivations behind challenging sports like boxing, using Kiama locations and local actors. The Bugle has committed to supporting his project by providing camera operator support and camera practice, which will enhance his AFTRS training.
Gerringong Pics and Flicks has partnered with AFTRS, Australia’s premier screen arts and broadcast school, to subsidise these short courses, and with Screen Illawarra to provide networking and support opportunities.
Awardees will have the chance to create individual profiles on Screen Illawarra’s website, connect with industry professionals, and attend educational events.
The scholarship also includes a mentoring session with filmmaker Nick Bolton, President of the Screen Illawarra Board.
Gerringong Pics and Flicks invites local professionals with skills in filmmaking, screenwriting, directing, production, or editing to support Regan and Lleyton on their projects. Those interested can email their contact information and a brief bio of relevant skills to picsandflicks@gmail.com for potential collaboration.
▶Visit www.aftrs.edu.au/ course-types/short-courses for more information.
Christine Waite, Solicitor
Librarians Lauran Mills (L) and Lauren Watkins (R) with guest speaker Caroline Baum (C).
(L-R) Emeritus Mayor Sandra McCarthy and Stephanie Kemp.
Lleyton Hughes
Crooked River Winery Honoured as Conservation Leader
Local MP Gareth Ward has officially presented the Business Conservation Champion Award to Crooked River Winery in Gerringong, celebrating their outstanding achievements in sustainability and environmental conservation.
Joining the winery’s Managing Director Roger Lloyd and Sustainability Manager Dr. Joel Walsh, Mr. Ward praised the team’s dedication to biodiversity, environmental tourism, and landfill reduction efforts.
“I’m thrilled to recognise Crooked River Winery’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” Mr. Ward stated. “Their work in reducing landfill and boosting biodiversity is essential for our region's future.”
Mr. Lloyd expressed his gratitude: “It’s wonderful to receive this acknowledgment from our local Member. This award highlights the significance of the conservation work we’re doing here.”
Crooked River Winery's Key Achievements:
• Land for Wildlife Certification
• Partnerships with Landcare Illawarra, WIRES, and Gerringong Lions Club
• A 10-hectare biodiversity area to protect the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Subtropical Rainforest community
Gareth Ward MP for Kiama presenting a Business Conservation Champion Award to Crooked River Winery
• Nature Walk Tour with Landcare Illawarra for environmental tourism
• Planting 2000-2500 trees through NSW Local Land Services
• Transition to 100% carbon-offset energy and onsite solar power for winery operations
• Sponsorship of Gerringong Surf Club
Gerroa Combined Probus
Managing Director Mr Roger Lloyd and Sustainability and Operations Manager Joel Walsh PhD. 1 2 3 4 5 6
- Enhanced waste management to minimize landfill
• Improved sustainability reporting
“Crooked River Winery has become an industry leader in conservation, setting a high standard for local tourism and hospitality businesses in our area,” Mr. Ward concluded.
[1] Peter Lacey thanked by Member of our club Marilyn. [2] Roger and Denis Sporting their colour matching ties Celebrating ‘Probus Month’. [3] All enjoyed the Vallies concert at the SEC followed by lunch. [4] Guest Speaker, Peter Lacey, Founder of the South Coast History Society. [5] “Combined Probus Club Luncheon” which was held at the Warilla Sports Club. [6] Margaret Carmichael from Kiama Harbour Combined Probus (in the yellow top) stepped in to have a photo with members from the Gerroa Combined Probus Club, (L-R)Glenice, Jackie and Laurie, she also cut the cake.
Farewelling important people in Gerringong
In Gerringong, our close-knit community always gave departing residents a grand farewell, especially if they held positions of respect—Bank Managers, Town Clerks, teachers, clergy, and doctors. These farewells were heartfelt and traditional, often a dinner, dance, or musical evening arranged by the townsfolk.
Despite their modest lives, these townspeople offered genuine generosity, expecting no recognition for themselves, and passed down this neighbourly kindness through generations.
Farewells were not only gestures of respect but had become a social custom. Bank Managers and Town Clerks were typically honoured in local public halls.
Clergy send-offs were more reserved, with tea parties, concerts, or Sunday school picnics, fitting to their station.
Police officers, doctors, and teachers, widely respected and familiar to all, received equally thoughtful farewells.
Early doctors, for instance, were community pillars, often treating patients with little expectation of compensation, while police officers connected with every family as part of their community duties.
Life in these simpler times was less burdened with formalities, allowing doctors to occasionally escape on fishing boats or police officers to enjoy leisure activities.
These send-offs were carefully planned events. Speeches, music, and familiar jokes created an evening of camaraderie, and the same sentiments and sayings were welcomed each time.
Afterward, the women quietly coordinated cleanup in the hall’s backrooms, displaying their practiced teamwork.
Teachers received farewells at the school, where they were presented with gifts and sent off with the standard farewell speeches and a well-planned supper.
A headmaster’s farewell, however, stands out as a memorable example.
The chairman handed him a generous wallet of forty-three pounds, and as he responded to the many heartfelt tributes, he declared, “Friends, I thank you all for the kind things said about me. It worries me that I will be missed so much… so I think I’ll stay!”
The room fell silent as his announcement sank in.
A tentative applause began, but it lacked its usual enthusiasm, and a wave of quiet embarrassment passed through the room. Had they, in a sense, been taken advantage of?
True to his word, the headmaster stayed another year, but his standing in the community never fully recovered.
Those who had celebrated him would save their generosity for the next successor, once the departure was final.
This story remains a reminder of the fine balance between tradition and the unspoken expectations that come with it in our little community.
A Teen’s Dream Voyage: Charlie’s Unforgettable Windstar Cruise Adventure
Article written by C.Shaw (aged 15)
Irecently experienced my rst Windstar Cruise on the Windsurf sailing yacht, travelling from Athens to Venice—and what a trip it was!
Waking up in a new town every day and paddleboarding in the Adriatic Sea made it a trip of a lifetime for this teenager from Australia, and it wouldn’t have been the same without the Windstar experience. I’ve been on many cruises before, some with over 5,000 guests, so I was surprised to find only 270 passengers on board.
The ship was smaller than I expected, but it had everything I needed, and I’ll never go back to the big cruise ships again.
Highlights
1. The Crew: The crew was absolutely amazing. Every staff member was friendly, helpful, and always smiling. They worked hard while having fun with us, which made the journey special. One highlight was the crew show towards the end of the journey. It was so funny, and it was unforgettable dancing in a conga line with the singers and performers.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia: I never dreamed of seeing water as blue and perfect as in Dubrovnik, which became my favourite stop. We walked the City Wall in the old town, found a secret door to an outdoor bar, and even went cliff-jumping off the rocks. We spent the evening on a cable car with views over the town, followed by a 5-course dinner. The next
day, we joined a kayaking tour around the island—absolutely beautiful. I’ll definitely be going back to Dubrovnik.
3. Korčula, Croatia: Our timing in Korčula was perfect, as the locals were celebrating “half New Year’s Eve” in town.
The Windsurf Captain let us stay longer so we could join the fun. We spent the day at the beach, with music blasting like an outdoor nightclub. I enjoyed every minute.
4. Meeting New People: My trip wouldn’t have been the same without the people I met. I made friends with an American family my age, and we spent evenings playing hideand-seek, card games, swimming in the deck pool, and even challenging the adults to trivia. I loved meeting all the people onboard, especially a
Polish lady who always joked with us.
5. Food and Drinks: The food was spectacular. Each day had a new country theme for lunch, which was perfect for a picky eater like me. I especially loved dinners in the Amphora Restaurant with my waiter, Rudy, who showed us magic tricks. My favourite night was the outdoor barbeque in Dubrovnik, with incredible views, meats, salads, and desserts. How could life get any better?
Windstar created an intimate and incredible journey that left me with beautiful memories.
If you would like to learn more about Windstar Cruises, please call Travel Focus Group on 4209 2044.
Clive Emery
Carolyn Peaty of Unanderra was delighted to win the Merelyn Pearce wall hanging in the last Quilt & Craft Show raffle.
November Fun, Fashion, Fabrics, and Fundraising for CMRI Gerringong
Lorraine Peade
The Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) Gerringong branch extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Melbourne Cup Luncheon at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club.
The day was filled with fashion, fun, food, and plenty of chances to pick a winner with raffles, sweeps, Lions Club lucky trifectas, and TAB bets. Special thanks to the staff at “The Fisho’s” for their hard work and attention to detail.
Raffle Winners and Highlights
The raffle’s top prize, a $200 dining voucher at The Noble Gerringong, generously donated by CMRI member Deidre McLoughlin, was won by Janet Poppett of Gerringong. Many other attendees also took home raffle and lucky chair prizes, adding to the friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. All funds raised went to support vital research at CMRI.
32nd and Final Quilt & Craft Show
Last weekend, CMRI Gerringong held its 32nd Quilt & Craft Show, featuring over 80 quilts and wall hangings that delighted members and visitors alike.
The exhibition showcased the talents of quilters from Gerringong, Kiama, Shoalhaven, and the Illawarra. Members from the Kiama Quilters’ Guild and the Wollongong branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild also demonstrated their skills daily.
The CMRI Craft Stall, a fa-
Gerringong Lions' Christmas Parade
vourite feature, displayed children’s clothes, teddy bears, Christmas decorations, and a wide array of handmade crafts. Dedicated life members Marg Weir, Mena Sharpe, Joyce Sharpe, Dawn Miller, and Edith Burgess, along with other members, worked diligently each Monday throughout the year to prepare for the show.
Community support has been invaluable to CMRI Gerringong, and the show’s success would not be possible without help from local businesses and organisations, including Gerringong IGA, Gerringong Lions, Gerringong RFS, Rotary Club of Gerringong, The Bugle, and Ray White Real Estate.
Looking to the Future
The 2024 Quilt & Craft Show marks the final event to be organised by the current CMRI Gerringong Committee, making it a time for celebration and reflection.
As CMRI Gerringong looks ahead, new fundraising possibilities will ensure that the legacy of 65 years of community-driven support continues.
Upcoming Events
• Christmas Cake Stall: Saturday, 7th December, from 8:30 am outside the pharmacy on Fern St. These homemade cakes make perfect holiday gifts.
• Bunnings BBQ: Sunday, 8th December at Shellharbour.
Thank you again to our generous community for your support.
We look forward to many more years of success and innovation in medical research fundraising.
Dave Peade
Yes, it’s back! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 21, at 10 a.m., when the Gerringong Christmas Street Parade returns.
Organised by the Gerringong Lions Club, the event is generously sponsored by Kiama Council through the Signature Event Funding Program and The Gerringong Bowling Club.
Community groups, local businesses, and organisations are invited to join the parade by entering a float. The Hill Bar and Kitchen will be sponsoring an award for the “Best Float,” with a $100 gift voucher prize. Wave FM 96.5’s Jade, from Illawarra’s Fun Breakfast, will be this year’s MC, while the Hot Potato Roving Band will entertain the crowd.
Confirmed floats include Shoalhaven City Pipes and Drums, Kiama Pipe Band, Natural Necessity Surf Shop, State MP Gareth Ward, Federal MP Fiona Phillips, Mayor Cameron McDonald, Gerringong Men’s Shed, Illawarra Pipe Band, Ray White
SPORTS CLUB & EVENTS
Real Estate, Gerringong Junior Rugby League Football Club, Gerringong Dogs’ Group, Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade, Gerringong Netball Club, Gerringong Auto, Mayflower Village, and Gerringong Breakers FC.
To participate or learn more, email gerringongchristmasparade@gmail.com. If you have questions about float requirements, call Liz Atkins at 0410 578 111, or visit the Gerringong Christmas Parade Facebook page. The parade starts and finishes at Cronin Oval, Blackwood St., proceeding down Fern St.
Whether you're new in town or a longtime resident, come out to enjoy this community celebration!
Community Defibrillator at Lloyd Rees Reserve
Last year, Bendigo Bank of Gerringong and Oak Flats donated a defibrillator (AED) to the Gerringong Breakers Football Club. Initially intended for travel with the All Age teams, the AED has now been donated for community use at the north end of Werri Beach,
thanks to a joint initiative by the Breakers, the Lions, and other local clubs.
The Lions funded and installed an all-weather cabinet for the AED, with ongoing maintenance supported by the Werri Beach BoardRiders, Gerringong Surf Club, Gerringong Netball Club, and Gerringong Rugby League Club.
Positioned on the amenities block at Lloyd Rees Reserve, this AED serves a critical need for the many locals and visitors in the area, including beachgoers and those using the Kiama to Gerringong Coastal Walk. It’s Gerringong’s second AED with 24/7 public access.
Lions’ Ongoing Community Work
The Lions remain active in maintaining local landmarks. Their recent efforts at Boat Harbour include mowing, weeding around the large tree, and re-mulching the Commemorative Garden overlooking Werri Beach.
They are also preparing for their Christmas delivery to the Supported Accommodation and Homeless Service Shoal-
haven/Illawarra (SAHSSI) in Nowra. A trolley at Gerringong IGA is available for community donations, with suggested items including pantry goods, children’s toys, gifts for teens, and petrol vouchers. Donations will be accepted until November 30, and the Lions have committed $1,000 in items to add to community contributions.
Lions Christmas Raffle and Goodies
The annual Lions Christmas raffle is underway, with tickets sold on Fern St. most Saturday mornings until the draw on parade day. Prizes include:
1. Three nights' accommodation in Kiama (value $1,000)
2. A Makita rotary hammer drill (value $600)
3. A Gerringong Golf Club package (value $500)
4. Core Store and Blue Goose vouchers (value $250)
5. Two tickets to the Ash Grunwald concert at the Co-Op (value $100)
Lions Christmas cakes and puddings are also available for purchase. Support a great cause while treating yourself to festive goodies!
Are you involved with local sport?
Lions puddings and cakes, with President Steve Pottie.
Location of the AED (defibrillator) on the amenities block at Lloyd Rees Reserve Nth Werri Beach.
Dementia Inclusive Kiama celebrates 10 years of advocacy, learning and raising awareness
Brooke Pittman
Congratulations to De-
mentia Inclusive Kiama who celebrated their 10th anniversary on 7 November,, a signi cant milestone in advocacy and learning for our community. The initiative has successfully paved the way forward in creating dementia-friendly environments.
Kiama has emerged as a leader in developing and fostering a community that embraces and supports individuals living with dementia, setting an example for towns and cities across the country and beyond.
The anniversary event highlighted the core principles of the initiative: building awareness, creating trusted relationships, and prompting environmental, intellectual and emotional support within the community.
Dementia Inclusive Kiama’s vision goes beyond just providing services - it is about creating a dementia-friendly culture that encourages inclusion and
participation. This approach involves educating the community, from local business to schools, on how to support individuals living with dementia.
The project also promotes intergenerational collaboration, bringing together young and old to create a deeper understanding of dementia and its effects on the individuals and families.
The project has seen incredible success in driving awareness through national and global collaboration. Earlier this year, Dementia Inclusive Kiama welcomed a group of healthcare professionals from South Korea to explore innovative strategies and implementation into the community.
Held at Kiama Anglican Church, the celebration kicked off with a free educational workshop and talk given by Kate Swaffer and Dennis Frost, who both live with dementia.
The key speakers shared stories about their involvement in the project and how the project contributes to their work and community impacts.
The afternoon session shifted focus to celebrating and sharing stories around what the project had achieved over the decade-long effort, followed by the cake cutting.
The speakers went on to discuss the success so far as well as the next steps. Dr. Lyn Phillipson and Kate Swaffer were crucial to establishing the project in 2014, at the time Kate was the first person with dementia to be employed by Alzheimer’s Australia (now Dementia Australia).
The second phase now involves graduating from ‘dementia-friendly’ to ‘dementia enabling’. The project will continue to engage people living with dementia and increase membership of the Dementia Advisory Group.
As Kiama continues to lead the way in creating dementia-inclusive environments, the 10th anniversary serves as a celebration for the work already done to create truly inclusive communities where everyone, regardless of age or ability, is valued and supported.
Stand in solidarity against domestic violence with Zonta
Veronica Bardsley
Domestic violence is an ongoing evil in our world, while victims suffer in silence, conviction rates for domestic violence abusers are low compared with other crimes in NSW. Zonta club of Kiama/ Shellharbour will be holding a ceremony of remembrance for the lives taken by violence. You can join them in solidarity at Coronation park in Kiama, November 25th at 6:30 for a 7pm start.
This solemn event will honour victims of domestic violence and raise awareness for the prevalence of these crimes. A shoe display will show one pair representing each life taken by domestic violence in NSW this year.
“Through shared stories, reflection, and a peaceful
sound healing session, we will remember those lost, support survivors, thank first responders, and stand united against domestic abuse.”
Attendees are invited to bring a flower to place by the shoes, to honour our fallen brothers, sisters and children.
In Australia on average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner and one man every month is killed. One in six women and one in sixteen men have experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner since the age of 15. Indigenous women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-Indigenous women.
It’s easy to read these facts and not understand the weight of these words. But these facts unearth a shocking revelation that you prob-
ably know many who are dealing with this devil everyday. You may unknowingly be a friend to an abuser, or a victim. As a collective community, we need to demand change.
As of now, more than 80 women have been killed due to domestic violence this year in Australia.
No more silencing victims, no more protecting perpetrators and no more violence. Join Zonta in a ceremony of remembrance, grieving and demand for change.
▶Support Services Support is available through organisations like 1800RESPECT (Australia’s national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service), which provides resources, crisis counselling, and assistance in accessing safe housing.
Sip, swap and shopThe Great Gong Clothes Swap
Veronica Bardsley
The ‘Great Gong Clothes Swap’ at The Kazador at Black Beach on Sunday, 10 November, was a blast.
Shane ‘Lady Moon’ and her hard-working team are passionate about upcycling clothes and making it easy to find new treasures without breaking the bank.
This event was a little differ-
ent from The Kazador’s usual lineup of performances. Attendees were encouraged to bring in clothes they no longer wear and swap them for something new-to-them. There was a great selection of preloved items to browse.
Ticket holders were welcomed with a drink on arrival and a warm greeting from the team. The sunny weather made it the perfect day to relax with a post-shoppping bev-
erage in the seating area after a fun shopping session. Hard to beat the views here! Shane and her team run these events regularly, so be sure to check them out on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
If you missed it, don’t worry! There’s still plenty happening at The Kazador for the rest of the month, including ‘Paint and Sips,’ magic shows, and their free Friday and Sunday ‘Wine Downs.’
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice
Dr John Salmon is pleased to announce that he is practicing full time in Kiama.
Offering quality gentle dental care in a calm and relaxing environment.
Lip Repositioning Surgery: A Lasting Solution for a Gummy Smile
For many people with a gummy smile, even joyful moments can feel uncomfortable. Covering your mouth when smiling or laughing, carefully posing for photos, or feeling self-conscious in social settings are common experiences. But it doesn’t have to be this way. At Kiama Dental Specialists, we understand the profound impact a smile can have on confidence, and we are here to o er a solution:
Lip Repositioning Surgery.
A gummy smile, also known as Excessive Gingival Display, occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue shows above the teeth when smiling. This can be caused by factors such as a hyperactive upper lip, prolonged jaw
development, or the natural position of the upper lip. For many individuals, this leads to a gum-to-lip distance of 4mm or more, creating a pronounced gummy appearance.
Lip Repositioning Surgery is the treatment of choice for a gummy smile caused by a hyperactive upper lip or natural position of the upper lip.
It is a specialised, minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce excessive gum display by lowering the position of the upper lip.
Dr. Lizzy Hui and Professor Alex Quaranta, both highly skilled in periodontal plastic surgery, perform this procedure by removing a small strip of tissue inside the upper lip and securing it in a new, lower position.
This technique restricts the hyperactive elevator muscles responsible for lifting the lip too high, providing patients with a balanced, natural smile.
One of the most appealing aspects of this surgery is its permanence. Unlike temporary treatments like muscle-relaxing injections, Lip Repositioning Surgery o ers a long-term solution that does not impact speech or other facial functions. Patients can enjoy immediate results, seeing their new smile as soon as the recovery period is complete.
Imagine no longer feeling the need to cover your mouth when you smile or laugh. Our patients frequently share how this procedure has not only improved their appearance but also boosted their confidence in social and professional settings. A beautiful, broad smile can be life-changing.
If you’ve been struggling with a gummy smile and are ready to explore a permanent, confidence-restoring solution, contact Kiama Dental Specialists to learn more about Lip Repositioning Surgery.
We’re here to help you smile without hesitation.
Community Events
Tech Savvy Seniors - 12.30-2.30pm, GLaM
19 Nov: Intro to Social Media pt2
26 Nov: Intro to Online Shopping
U3A Talks Term 4 - 2pm North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre
18 Nov: Tom Hunt - Story of Carbon
25 Nov: David Butcher - Veterinary Science as a Career 2 Dec: Sonya Ankerholz-Potts - Tornadoes Jamberoo Pool Reopening - 16 Nov, Jamberoo Zonta Remembrance Day - 25 Nov, 6.30pm, Coronation Park, Kiama Christmas Market - 28 Nov, 7pm, The Pavilion Kiama Not Dead Yet: Crones of Cabaret - 19 Nov, 1.30pm,
Liquid Geometry Scott Chaseling
26 Oct - 26 Nov Sevenmarks Gallery
6-8pm,
tickets for the Kazador Kiama Season
Werri Beach G.gong Garden Club
2nd Wednesday, 10am, Gerringong Uniting Church Hall
van, are holding a fundraiser at Kiama Bowling Club on Friday 6 December at 7:30pm with live music, raffles, and prizes, before they travel to the International Blues Challenge (IBC).
The IBC is being held from January 7 to 11 2025, and is run every year in Memphis, it’s a showcase of blues music and talent, and a great opportunity for musicians.
“We went in the Sydney Blues Challenge and the winners get sponsored and sent over there as a representative of the Sydney Blues Society,” says Dan.
Winners of the 2024 Sydney Blues Challenge, Nathan Beretta and Kiama local Dan Sullivan, are raising money to compete in the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA.
The Duo, Beretta & Sulli-
“We got talked into going into this challenge and we went up and won it luckily enough, and it all just sort of developed from there.”
The last time Dan competed in the Sydney Blues Challenge was at least ten years ago, next year will be his third time at the IBC.
“It’s gonna be great, but we’ll just be taking it as it comes, we
“At the Roo is where your dreams can come true” Darren Parlett Makes a Splash in ‘The Little Mermaid’
Veronica Bardsley
Local resident Darren Parlett has been a dedicated member of the Roo Theatre Company since December 1991. From his first performance as the lovable Scarecrow in The Wiz, Parlett has delighted audiences in over twenty productions. Now, he is thrilled to be part of the cast in the Roo Theatre's latest pantomime, The Little Mermaid.
This lively show follows the classic story of Ariel, the Little Mermaid, as she dreams of exploring the surface world. True to pantomime tradition, the production is packed with humour for all ages - there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Parlett will take on two roles in this production: the sailor, Mac Erol and the understudy of the villainous Jones, one of the henchmen. He will be taking the stage as ‘Jones’ in three out of the ten shows. In one of the show’s musical highlights, Parlett will belt out the iconic Killer Queen by Queen. As anyone who has tried knows, Freddie Mercury’s vocals are notoriously challenging, but Parlett is undeterred. "What
a challenge it is... I'm nailing it!" he laughs.
But the spotlight might not only be on Parlett—his award-winning dog Charly could make a surprise cameo. “My dog Charly might be in the show too,” Parlett said. “I’m taking him to rehearsals, and so far, he’s doing really well… We’ll just have to see how he goes." One of the directors even told him, “I think this might be Charly’s big stage debut!”
Charly is no stranger to the limelight, having already earned accolades in the local dog show circuit, winning Best Groomed at the Kiama Show in 2024 and Best Dog in Show at the Port Kembla Fear Fest as well.
As a long-time member of
The Roo Theatre Company, Parlett is passionate about encouraging others to get involved in the arts. "Get involved, meet new friends, and you never know—doors might open," he says. "You don’t have to be a ‘NIDA graduate’ to perform. We’ve had people walk through our doors who have gone on to have professional careers in the arts." For anyone wondering where to start, Parlett is clear: "The Roo is for you."
In addition to his theatre work, Parlett has branched out into film, making appearances as an extra in shows like Return to Paradise on ABC, season 2 of NCIS: Sydney, and even sharing the screen with American comedian, Will Forte, in Sunny Nights. Parlett’s dedication to the arts is truly inspiring. For locals who’ve always wanted to get involved in theatre, this may be the sign you’ve been waiting for. As Parlett puts it, "At the Roo is where your dreams can come true."
The Little Mermaid will hit the stage from the 10th to the 25th of January 2024 at The Roo Theatre, you can find information and tickets here. It would make a great Christmas present for someone!
won’t be getting too wound up about it, because you’re sort of playing against the whole world,” says Dan.
Dan is no stranger to getting involved in the community, previously he was heavily involved in the Kiama Jazz Club and Kiama Jazz Festival.
Tuesday 10 December 2024 - $130
Includes: Light morning tea en-route, visit and fruit picking at the wonderful Bilpin Fruit Bowl (fruit picked at your expense), lunch at Bilpin Fruit Bowl, chance to purchase other fresh products at the fruit bowl and return coach transport. A great day to get your Christmas fruit – straight off the farm!
Australia Day Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
Sunday 26 January 2025 - $285
Includes: Light morning tea, 3 hour lunch cruise with Captain Cook Cruises upon the Sydney Crystal Catamaran (includes private charter for our group, Welcome Drink and Buffet Lunch), Australia Day Events on the Harbour and return coach transport. Further drinks available on board to purchase at own expense. Please Note: Minimum numbers required for trip to proceed. May Gibbs’ Nutcote
Wednesday 12 February 2025 - $120
“Some of the people I met through the Kiama Jazz Club were huge influences,” he says.
Dan has been working with the Kiama Bowling club for over ten years and says they’ve always helped him, with host ing the fundraiser being a great support.
“A big thanks to Kia ma Bowling Club for tak ing it on … they just dropped everything to help me out and put this night on,” he says.
Some of Australia’s biggest blues acts will be at the fundraiser, including Ray Beadle and Frank Sultana.
▶Tickets for the fundraiser can be found at South Coast Tickets.
Includes: Light morning tea en-route, visit to May Gibbs’ Nutcote the harbourside home & studio of May Gibbs which includes entry, guided tour and lunch in the Bib & Bub Tearoom, and return coach transport. What a lovely day to spend a Summer Day! Get in quick, limited spots!
Please note: Walking involved. Full flight of stairs and sloping paths.
The Best of Port Macquarie
Date: Monday 17 to Friday 21 February 2025
Price: $2045 per person twin share. Add $399 for singles Tour Highlights: Scenic lunch cruise on the Hastings River, Sea Acres Rainforest Park, Koala Hospital, Roto House, Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries Farm, Mid North Coast Maritime Museum, Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park, Cassegrain Winery and sightseeing around the townships of Laurieton, Bonnie Hills and Lake Cathie.
Price includes: 4 nights accommodation at Waters Edge at Port Macquarie, all breakfasts, all dinners, light morning tea on various days, 4 lunches, entry to all attractions and coach pick-up and drop off from your home in the Illawarra.
Shelby Gilbert
Juggling life: workshop for men
Kiama Uniting Church
Darren Parlett's various characters over the years
Knickerboxers pop up shop !
ACROSS
1 Innocuous (8)
5 Neckwear (6)
10 Fat (5)
11 Philosophy without morality (9)
12 Logical (6)
5 LETTERS
21 Hang by attachment (7)
24 Wanders (6)
27 Forcibly remove from power (9)
28 Indigenous people (NZ) (5)
29 Screech (6)
30 Process of mesmerisation (8) DOWN
1 Stop (4)
2 Without principle (9)
3 Serving implement (5)
4 Alarmed (8) 6 Mollusc (7)
7 Seance board (5)
8 Mexican hats (9)
9 Parasitic plant (4)
14 Photos (9)
16 Named after a particular person or group (9)
17 Raised track over low ground (8)
19 Apparition (7)
22 Show contempt (5)
23 Earth (4)
25 Japanese noodles (5)
26 Insult (coll)
13 The smell of the ocean (4,3) 14 One of the colours of the ocean (3,5) 15 Materialise (6) 18 Relaxed (2,4) 20 Ridicules (8)
4 LETTERS
Music in the Park Returns to Hindmarsh Park
This December
Music In The Park will take place on the Orry Kelly stage on Sunday December 15th, from 2pm to 6pm.
This free event will feature a mix of local talent, ranging from grassroots performers to professional acts, including The Swamp Critters and The Ramoans.
The event is being organised by Charlie D’Amico who has worked across NSW in the live sound industry for over 35 years. As an audio technician and licensed electrician, D’Amico has done lots of corporate work as well as putting on his own events.
His concerts in Hindmarsh Park include Australia Day Events, Music in the Park, Tsunami Fundraising Concert and Farm Aid Drought Fundraisers, where he was honoured by receiving a Healthy Cities Illawarra Award for two Farm Aid concerts in Kiama and Wollongong.
In a nice synergy, D’Amico was the first and last person to use the old Hindmarsh Park Stage, and now will be the first to use the newly renovated stage.
After a few years’ break, D’Amico is keen to resurrect the ‘Music in the Park’ initiative on the new Hindmarsh Park stage.
“Council has provided the community with a fantastic new playground and stage. I had some input into the technical side of the stage set up and I am determined that this
great new facility be used to its fullest potential” he said.
D’Amico also wants to encourage other groups, schools or performers, to utilise the new stage. “When I have been putting on events I have paid up to $5000 to have decent staging constructed so we are very lucky in Kiama to have this amazing stage at our disposal.” he said.
In a post covid world, people like Charlie D’Amico are working hard to give local artists the chance to perform. D’Amico said “Times are particularly tough for musicians at present and this event will give a paid performance opportunity to some of our local acts.”
D’Amico hopes next year will see the event happen again, and on a regular basis.
“Kiama has always had a reputation as a musical community and when this event
was held in the past it was very much appreciated by the local musos and audiences” he said.
Music in the Park is proudly supported by Kiama Municipal Council, The Bugle, and D’AmicoSound. The event is funded through a small Cultural Grant from Kiama Council, and D’Amico hopes that, with continued support, the event can grow and secure a greater level funding in future years so that it is a viable option for organisers and performers.
There will also be a spot for a band from the Youth Centre. Any performers interested in future events please email Charlie at damicosound@ aapt.net.au.
Our LGA is certainly lucky with the calibre of shows, music and entertainment on our shore!
MEET THE CREW OF THE MV SIGNA:
Rookie
Lleyton Hughes
As part of The Bugle’s support for the MV SIGNA making its way to Tasmania, we’re excited to bring you a weekly series of stories about the ship and its dedicated crew.
The first series of stories will focus on the six crew members who are manning the ship as it embarks on a journey across the South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea to reach Tasmania for the International Timber Boat Festival.
Peter “Rookie” Rook is a retiree who found himself roped into helping with the SIGNA refurbishment when a friend asked him for a little help.
What started as a couple of days ‘here and there’ soon turned into much more.
“So I started there a day or two a week, and then it just kept going and going, and they haven’t let me go since. There’s no real expertise in any
one area, just a lot of sanding, painting, and doing what you can,” says Rookie.
Rookie enjoyed the camaraderie of the crew and admits he learned quite a bit along the way.
“It takes up a lot of time, and I like getting out to fish myself. I haven’t had the chance to get away for a while. But all the boys were really good, and I’m actually surprised by how much I picked up.
A lot of skills and knowledge, particularly in carpentry and other areas,” he adds.
For Rookie, the turning point came when they were finally able to lower the boat back into the water. That moment marked the realisation of just how much hard work they’d all put into the project.
“Once we got it back in the water, it was a great feeling. It meant we could get it moving and into the water, and the work had started to feel a little monotonous because it was the same sort of thing every day. It’s quite enjoyable being
on the boat down here,” says Rookie.
When asked if he’d consider doing something like this again, Rookie’s answer was simple: “If John gets another boat, no.”
For Rookie, the greatest reward will come when they finally sail the boat they’ve poured their hearts and souls into all the way to Tasmania. He’s excited to represent Kiama at the festival.
“We’re representing Kiama – it’s a boat from Kiama, and the whole crew is from Kiama. You need a crew to run the boat, and it makes sense that the ones who brought it back to life would be the ones sailing it,” says Rookie.
▶The MV SIGNA crew is still seeking fundraising support to help get their boat to Tasmania and they need the community’s help. If you’d like to pledge, please get in touch with us here or email hello@thebuglenewspaper.com.au
Veronica Bardsley
Introducing the first member of the MV Signa crew, Rookie.
“A once-in-a-generation voice such as Donovan’s must be heard, shared & celebrated.” — Beat Magazine
BUNDANON ARTISTS & MAKERS MARKETS
7 DECEMBER • 10am-4pm
Come together and support our creative community just in time for the festive season
The inaugural Bundanon Artists & Makers Market will bring together a curated lineup of stallholders sharing a wide range of unique handmade items.
ALEXANDER BOYD IN CONCERT
SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER, 2PM
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see pianist and composer Alexander Boyd perform a program including Schumann’s Sonata G minor Op.22 and Chopin’s Impromptus N.1 and N.2.
EMMA DONOVAN & DJINAMA YILAGA
SATURDAY 11 JANUARY, 5PM
Australia’s queen of soul, Emma Donovan & her band take to the stage at Bundanon, supported by South Coast Yuin choir Djinama Yilaga with a breathtaking performance in Dhurga language.
Donovan & her band will play her new album ‘Til My Song is Done’, blending reggae, gospel, soul & country in a performance that will enchant audiences with heartfelt songs & rich storytelling.
Photo: Ruby Boland
Donovan.
Photo: Ian Laidlaw
“Beautifully controlled, lyrical playing, I was left marveling at his consistently dazzling pianism.”
Alexander Boyd. Image courtesy of artist.
No Limits for young tennis players
ing competitive tennis or just playing tennis in general,” says Daniel.
On Sunday 3 November, a group of tennis students travelled to Sydney to attend the No Limits Girls Squad event at Olympic Park’s Tennis NSW Centre.
The event provides an opportunity for young tennis players to develop their tennis skills, meet new people, and learn about future pathways in the sport.
Daniel Jones runs Jones Co. Tennis based out of Kiama, and as one of the lead coaches of the No Limits girls squad, he has expressed how this program has been a great opportunity for these students.
“Three of our students travelled up to Olympic Park and they were joined by about 50 students and coaches and they also had the ex-player Casey Dellacqua there as well,” says Daniel.
The event proved to be a great experience for the students who got to do activities and drills run by Casey Dellacqua and a team of coaches, who delivered a class for them to participate in.
“It’s creating an environment where they can have fun in their local environment, but also where they can see the pathway going forward if they wanted to continue play-
The No Limits initiative is a five-year plan by Tennis Australia that strives to achieve gender equality and increase the number of girls and women playing tennis.
“The No Limits Girls Squad has been an ongoing program that was funded by Tennis Australia, they were really trying to help grow the eight to ten year old girl groups, and really trying to get that engagement happening on a local level,” Daniel says.
The program’s vision is ‘no limits for women and girls on and off the court’, and provides an opportunity to bring girls together from across the state.
“These events have really shown that there’s a community and they’ve been able to come together, meet other students that share similar passions and goals and see that they’re not alone on court,” Daniel says.
The No Limits girls squad has provided a great opportunity for young players, and Daniel has expressed that they’re open to kids of all ages who want to get involved in Tennis.
Jones Co. Tennis is opening up positions for new players to join in 2025, for more information they can be contacted via Facebook or their website.
Jamberoo rugby league club announces 2025 inaugural sponsor
Lleyton Hughes
The Group 7 Jamberoo Rugby League Club (RLC) have o cially got a new name, the Jamberoo Golden Valley Superoos. The announcement comes alongside the introduction of their 2025 inaugural sponsor: the developers behind the Golden Valley subdivision.
Jennifer Macquarie, Director of the Fountaindale Group, the developers of the Golden Valley subdivision, says the partnership with the club is an hon-
our and a great opportunity for both parties.
“We’re very excited to be doing this because we know that clubs like this are the backbone of small towns,” says Macquarie.
“This subdivision will bring 50 new families to Jamberoo, and what better way for them to integrate into the community than by getting involved with and joining the football club?”
Trevor Dallas, President of the Jamberoo RLC, describes the partnership as a significant financial relief for the club, adding that it strengthens the connection with the community.
“As a small community trying to field a first-grade side, there’s a lot of pressure. There are cost constraints, and having the Fountaindale Group on board to support us really gives us a vote of confidence. It’s reassuring to know that the community is behind us and wants to see us succeed,” says Dallas.
Jamberoo has produced a number of outstanding rugby league players over the years, but Dallas acknowledges that, due to the town’s size, the club must rely on recruiting players from outside the area—something that can be financially challenging. The new sponsorship will help address this.
“While we’ve been fortunate to have junior players progress to higher levels, we’re a club that needs to bring in outside players to remain competitive, and that’s costly,” says Dallas.
David Hall, Vice President of the club, highlights that the new subdivision will not only bring in new families but also new contributors to the club, helping to sustain its growth.
“This is great for both groups – Fountaindale and us. They’re bringing more people into Jam-
beroo, which means more potential supporters and contributors to our club, and that’s something we really appreciate,” says Hall.
Macquarie agrees, adding, “We hope to deliver new young players, volunteers, and bring a fresh energy to the community.”
After a challenging 2024 season, where the team secured only two wins, the Jamberoo Golden Valley Superoos are optimistic about the 2025 season. With a number of new players already signed, Dallas is confident the squad will be much stronger.
“We’re shaping up pretty well so far. It was a tough year last year – our long-term coach retired, and we lost a lot of players. But this year, the same coach is back after 12 months of preparation, and Jono Dallas is coaching alongside him. We’ve got a competitive squad, so we’re feeling pretty confident,” says Dallas.
The Jamberoo Golden Valley Superoos will wear jerseys and club apparel featuring the Golden Valley logo, and their clubhouse will also be known as the Golden Valley Clubhouse.
Bugle staff writer
(L-R) David Hall, Jennifer Macquarie and Trevor Dallas.
No Limits Girls Squad with Casey Dellacqua.
Lightning McQueen's Gretel B., channeled superwoman when she scored a magnificent flying try last wednesday against Taggeroos in the U14 mixed competition.
GERRINGONG NIPPERS
KIAMA JUNIOR CRICKET
KIAMA U11 GOLD VS JAMBEROO
MEL BOU RNE CUP
celebrations at the Sebel, KLC and Gerringong Coop
Jon Harris Photography
Jon Harris Photography
Clr Erica Warren hosting Gerringong Coop Melbourne Cup
What Libraries Can Teach Us About Real Trust in a World of Empty Promises
Lynne Strong
In today’s world, trust is a precious and sometimes eeting thing. We’re constantly being urged to “trust” in public gures based on big promises and catchy rhetoric.
But, as I was reminded recently, there are institutions— quiet yet powerful—where trust is built not on words but on decades of reliable actions. Libraries are among these places, and in a world of grandstanding and spin, they offer us a timeless lesson on what genuine trust looks like.
During the Gerringong Museum’s 150th-anniversary celebration, I had the privilege of speaking with Caroline Baum, celebrated author, journalist, and passionate library advocate.
I asked her to choose a book on the spot for our photo shoot—a tough task with only a few seconds to decide! She quickly selected The Spy and
Caroline
Athe Traitor by Ben Macintyre, an intriguing choice that hints at her interest in themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of trust. It’s hard not to wonder what she might have chosen with a little more time to think about it.
In her talk, Caroline delved into the ways libraries and librarians cultivate trust, not with rhetoric or promises, but by being steadfast pillars of knowledge and privacy.
Libraries don’t need to ask for our trust—they earn it. They stand firm against censorship, advocate for open access to information, and create inclusive spaces for all.
In these spaces, the kind of trust we yearn for in other areas of public life is built quietly and authentically, with actions that speak louder than any slogan ever could.
Caroline highlighted a powerful contrast. While politicians often ask the public to “trust” them without neces-
sarily backing it up, libraries have spent generations proving their commitment to the communities they serve. In a world where we often feel let down by once-trusted institutions, libraries remind us that true trustworthiness is about showing up, day after day, to serve the public without fanfare.
For readers of The Bugle, Caroline’s insights offer a timely reminder. If we’re looking to place our trust in public figures, let’s seek out those who, like our libraries, consistently “walk the talk.”
The lesson from libraries is clear: the most trustworthy institutions aren’t the ones that ask for trust; they’re the ones that quietly earn it, every day. Next time you step into your local library, consider the values it upholds.
And perhaps, take a moment to think about which book you’d choose in just a few seconds—you might be surprised at the insight it brings.
Baum’s Inspiring Reflections on
t Gerringong’s “Night at the Museum” celebration, distinguished journalist and author Caroline Baum delivered an evocative speech, sharing re ections on the importance of libraries, her personal journey as a lifelong reader, and the crucial role libraries play as spaces of knowledge, freedom, and trust.
Baum began with an ode to libraries, describing them as more than just shelves of books. “Libraries are a place to share secrets; they’re the guardians of our stories,” she said, capturing the emotional resonance libraries hold for many. Her journey
with libraries began when she and her mother, a French immigrant, discovered the UK’s vibrant public library system.
“In France, libraries were slow to stock new titles and limited in scope. But in England, the library opened up an entire world for her,” Baum recalled. For her mother, libraries became not just a place to borrow books but a source of social connection, education, and self-discovery.
Baum drew a poignant comparison between Indigenous storytelling traditions and modern libraries. “For First Nations people, country, nature, and family are their libraries,” she noted, adding that these sources of knowledge have withstood
the test of time, offering resilience that digital or physical media sometimes cannot.
This perspective echoed throughout her speech as Baum highlighted how libraries remain vital, democratic spaces—places not influenced by commercial interests, unlike most public spaces today.
One of the evening’s most powerful themes was Baum’s discussion of libraries as defenders of free speech.
She described alarming censorship trends in the United States, where librarians in certain states could face jail time for stocking books deemed “obscene.” This alarming trend, she cautioned, has spread internationally, even reaching local
Libraries,
Activism, and the Power of Trust
libraries in Australia. “A library is a democratic space where you’re free to borrow a book or pass by it and choose something else,” she argued. Baum’s belief in the right of adults to choose what they read underscored her broader call to protect these spaces from censorship and to respect the diversity of thought they nurture.
Baum also honoured the resilience of librarians, both past and present, whom she affectionately dubbed “women with spine.” She recounted the courageous efforts of the American Library in Paris, which stayed open during WWII, even lending books to soldiers on the front. The library’s leaders, particularly Dorothy Reeder,
kept it functioning against the odds. This theme of resilience continued with stories of Australian librarians who went beyond traditional roles to support social justice and freedom of speech, such as New York’s Radical Reference Collective, a group of librarians who offered protestors resources and legal information. Baum declared, “When it comes to standing on the barricades, librarians will be there to protect your rights.”
In a world where many institutions have lost the public’s trust, Baum emphasised that libraries remain beacons of reliability and openness.
“We are constantly being told these days that data is more valuable than oil, but I would ar-
gue that trust is more valuable still,” she said. As Baum sees it, libraries, free and open to all, are one of the last public spaces that uphold trust as a core value, fostering communities by providing access to knowledge without commercial motives. Her speech closed with a heartfelt tribute to librarians everywhere who have dedicated themselves to supporting their communities, protecting free speech, and offering spaces where people can learn, reflect, and grow.
Baum’s powerful words left the audience with a renewed appreciation for libraries and the important social, cultural, and democratic values they represent.
Have you been to see a
Lynne Strong
Caroline Baum. (Source: Lynne Strong)
Former Mayor Sandra McCarthy Reflects on the Long Road to Gerringong’s New Library and Museum
Lynne Strong
At the recent “Night at the Museum” celebration, marking the 150th anniversary of Gerringong Library and Museum, former Mayor Sandra McCarthy took to the podium to highlight the remarkable journey that brought the current facility to life. Her speech acknowledged the long-standing efforts that began in 2009, finally culminating in the building’s opening in 2021.
McCarthy emphasised that public libraries are “more than books” and that Gerringong’s library is one of the most used services provided by the council. “Libraries provide free and equitable access to information and are a safe, convenient community space for learning, heritage, and cultural activities,” she noted. McCarthy’s remarks underscored how essential libraries are to the social and cultural fabric of Gerringong, reflecting the town’s commitment to learning and community connection.
McCarthy’s focus shifted to the vision and commitment of Kiama’s council executive team in the early 2000s. In 2005, council began a planning exercise to assess the need for expanded library facilities, noting the library’s limited hours and small collection that no longer met the needs of Gerringong’s growing population, particularly with young families moving into the area.
She gave special recognition to then-General Manager Michael Forsyth, whom she credited for his foresight in recommending a new library and museum centre. “Forsyth’s plan was clear,” McCarthy said, outlining his points on community needs and the potential of a centrally locat-
ed facility at the old School of Arts. Forsyth identified the heritage building as a fitting site, and his vision was to co-locate the library and museum, creating a dual-purpose space that would offer expanded resources and greater accessibility.
The council accepted Forsyth’s proposal and established a steering committee that included representatives from the South Precinct Historical Society, library staff, and council members, with McCarthy herself as mayor. This committee was responsible for selecting an architect and working with the community to bring the project to life. In 2011, the design plans were approved, and after several funding applications, $1.25 million in federal funding came through in 2016, followed by state support. McCarthy acknowledged the persistence needed, saying, “Nothing ever happens fast in local government, but it’s important that you get it right, and this plan was the right plan.”
The building which was officially opened in 2021, she noted incorporated the latest technology enabled by the NBN rollout, offering features like ocean views and natural light that brightens the library space. Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs, McCarthy concluded, “This building represents the heart of Gerringong’s community spirit—a place where heritage meets future generations, a testament to the vision of the council and the community’s commitment to making it happen.”
McCarthy’s heartfelt account highlighted the importance of collaboration, determination, and a shared vision that made the new Gerringong Library and Museum possible, ensuring it remains a vital, vibrant part of the town for years to come.
Emeritus Mayor Sandra McCarthy and Stephanie Kemp.
REVITALISING RELATIONSHIPS HEALTH&WELLNESS
Considering an Affair? Here’s What to Think About First
Tempted to stray? Many find themselves at a crossroads, facing the allure of an affair whether it be physical or emotional. But before you act, there are some critical things to consider.
First, ask yourself why. Affairs often stem from unmet needs or disconnection in a relationship, but the thrill of secrecy might mask deeper issues that, left unaddressed, could resurface. Reflect on whether the affair truly holds what you’re seeking, or if it’s an escape from facing unresolved matters in your current partnership.
Consider the potential fallout. Affairs can bring temporary excitement, but they also carry risks – emotional, physical, and relational. Relationships founded on trust can be challenging to rebuild once that trust is broken. If you share a life together, the impact can ripple into areas
like family, friendships, work and even finances. Reflect: is there a way to rediscover that excitement within your existing relationship? Honest communication with your partner can often lead to a renewed connection or, if necessary, an open discussion about what each of you needs. Sometimes, couples counselling or individual therapy can help explore these areas without causing harm.
Ultimately, an affair may not be the answer you’re looking for. Reflect deeply, and ask yourself if you’re willing to make a choice with potential lasting consequences. Often, the harder road of communication and self-discovery leads to far more rewarding destinations.
▶If you need help contact our relationship expert Caryn Walsh 0414375526
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Restless Legs Syndrome: understanding the condition and its management
Donna Portland
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterised by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, often triggered by uncomfortable sensations.
These sensations typically occur in the evening or at night, especially when a person is sitting or lying down. Although moving the legs temporarily relieves the discomfort, the symptoms often return, making it difficult to relax and sleep.
RLS can begin at any age and tends to worsen as a person grows older. Its impact on sleep can significantly interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life.
Symptoms:
The primary symptom of RLS is the persistent urge to move the legs, accompanied by sensations such as:
• Discomfort during rest: unpleasant feelings often emerge after periods of inactivity, such as sitting in a car, airplane, or movie theatre.
• Temporary relief with movement: symptoms usual-
ly subside with activities like stretching, jiggling the legs, pacing, or walking.
• Increased symptoms in the evening: the discomfort is typically more intense at night.
• Nighttime leg twitching: RLS is sometimes linked to periodic limb movement of sleep, a condition causing involuntary leg twitching and kicking during sleep.
People commonly describe RLS sensations as crawling, creeping, pulling, throbbing, aching, itching, or electric. These feelings usually occur on both sides of the body and are felt deep within the legs, though they can also affect the arms.
Impact on Daily Life: The severity of RLS symptoms can vary widely. For some, the condition is mildly uncomfortable, while for others, it can severely impact their quality of life. Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common, leading to excessive daytime drowsiness. In severe cases, the disruption of sleep can contribute to depression and other mood disorders.
While the sensations of RLS are challenging to describe, they are distinct from muscle cramps or numbness. The hallmark of the condition is
the irresistible need to move the legs, which may improve or worsen over time. In some cases, symptoms may even disappear for a period, only to return later.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of RLS is often unknown, but research suggests it may be related to an imbalance of dopamine, a brain chemical responsible for controlling muscle movements.
The condition sometimes runs in families, particularly when it begins before the age of 40. Genetic factors have been identified on certain chromosomes that may contribute to RLS.
Pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, or hormonal changes can exacerbate RLS symptoms. However, these symptoms typically subside after childbirth.
While RLS can develop at any age, it becomes more common as people age and is more prevalent in women.
Although RLS is usually not associated with serious underlying medical conditions, it can co-occur with other health issues such as peripheral neuropathy, iron deficiency, kidney failure, spinal cord conditions, and Parkinson's disease.
Managing Restless Legs Syndrome:
For those with mild RLS that isn’t linked to an underlying health condition, simple lifestyle changes can often provide relief. These may include:
• Avoiding evening stimulants like caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
• Quitting smoking.
• Engaging in regular daily exercise, while avoiding strenuous activity close to bedtime.
• Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding naps, and relaxing before bed.
During an RLS episode, the following measures may help alleviate symptoms:
• Massaging the legs.
• Taking a hot bath in the evening.
• Applying a warm compress to leg muscles.
• Engaging in distracting activities like reading or watching television.
If RLS symptoms interfere with your sleep, cause daytime drowsiness, or significantly impact your quality of life, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can offer medications and other treatments to help manage the condition.
The biblical story of the Tower of Babel tells of a time when all humans spoke the same language. But when they attempted to build a tower that reached the heavens, God caused them to become unable to understand one another, leading to the tower’s collapse.
er exploration of Jiawei’s life, his motivations, and the people closest to him.
Lleyton’s Lens
Chinese-Australian artist Jiawei Shen’s new four-panel work, titled Tower of Babel, spans 130 square metres and stands 7.5 metres tall. The title borrows from the biblical story and resonates deeply with the ambitious scale of his art.
This title is also shared by James Bradley’s documentary Welcome to Babel, which chronicles the creation of this monumental piece over seven long years, and it was this wild ambition that immediately drew him to the project.
“It was the grandeur of the project, the fact that he was an artist with a crazy dream, this ambition to do this massive project that was going to take years. I mean, that's always a good story,” says Bradley. Jiawei’s artwork attempts to depict the history of communism, a subject deeply personal to him due to the profound impact communism has had on his homeland. What began as a documentary to explain the artwork’s meaning evolved into a deep-
“The piece is so complex that it needed explanation. Jiawei spent hours explaining it to me before he even started. From his descriptions, I could tell the work would be fascinating, but it quickly became clear that the film was about more than just the artwork. It was about why he was doing it,” says Bradley.
As Bradley delved deeper into Jiawei’s story, he began to learn more about Jiawei’s wife, Lan Wang, an artist in her own right. Though Lan initially wanted to stay in the background, her personal history became an integral part of the narrative.
“She didn’t want to be in the film much—she was content to stay in the background. But as we went along, we realised that her own story, particularly her difficult childhood during the Cultural Revolution, was crucial to understanding Jiawei’s work,” says Bradley.
Lan’s story adds an emotional depth to the film. Her contrasting experience to Jiawei’s provides a richer perspective on their shared history. For example, she confesses that she cannot even look at her husband’s immense artwork in their home because it brings back painful memories of the past. Her own work, by contrast, focuses on the harmony of nature, a stark contrast to the intense, politically charged themes of Jiawei’s art.
Lan Wang provides a balanced perspective in the film. While she is vital to Jiawei’s work—driving him everywhere, preparing meals, raising their daughter, and doing all the housework—her presence also raises thought-provoking questions.
Is it fair that a man should be neglecting all of his duties to create a singular piece of art that actually is painful for his wife to look at? But, on the other side of the coin does this pain reflect the immensity and potential impact of this singular piece of art?
In addition to Jiawei and Lan’s story, Bradley’s own personal connection to Chinese culture adds an emotional layer to the film. His late wife, who was from Hong Kong, played a key role in bridging the gap between Bradley and Jiawei. Tragically, she passed away in 2019 after a long battle with cancer, an experience that deeply affected Bradley as he continued work on the documentary.
“My wife was Chinese, from Hong Kong, and she introduced me to China and its people. She and Jiawei’s wife got along very well. It was incredibly difficult when she passed away during the making of this film. The process of creating Welcome to Babel became even more personal for me,” says Bradley.
It seems that whilst Bradley was recording an artist attempting to create a hugely ambitious project, Bradley
may have been doing the exact same thing with the documentary - which took him 12 years to complete.
“It’s part of the human condition to set challenges for ourselves, and meeting those challenges affirms our existence and gives us some sort of power. This was my first feature documentary, and one of my ambitions was to have it screened at the Sydney Film Festival. Not only did it screen, but it won the Best Documentary prize,” says Bradley.
“It's that sort of sense of achievement that I felt I needed, especially after going through some pretty difficult times with Kathy being sick for three and a half years and being her carer. So it's just interesting how these things happen. I started the project with her, and of course, the film is dedicated to her.”
Welcome to Babel is a moving, fascinating, and beautiful exploration of human ambition. It captures the deeply personal and complex histories of Jiawei Shen and Lan Wang, and the artwork that encapsulates so much of what shaped their lives. It shows the best and worst of human ambition—the capacity to build monumental creations, but also the potential to destroy them.
▶Welcome to Babel is out in select cinemas on November 14, you can find the screenings of the film at https://www.welcometobabel.com/screenings
1 Brad Wenzel and Jenny Judd
2 Lynn and Malcolm Bedford
3 Eliza and Gloria Dalla Valle
4 (L-R) John and Helen Francis, Anto and Felicity Brocca, Jane and Piers Parbury.
Michaela Hodgeson, Mezzo Soprano
1 Brian Petchular MC (L) with Melissa Matters (R) 2 Viv Marris 3 Gennadi Dubinski, Baritone (L), Matthew Reardon, Tenor (R) and Glenn Ameron the piano 4 Catherine Bouchier, Soprano 5 Lynne Strong and Belle Wood 6 (L-R) Vanessa and Liv Talbot with Anne Hattersley 7 (L-R)Chris Bergman, Florence Rankin and Graeme Lock Lee.
Cedar on Collins charity event May 2024
Kiama connection
Carol Goddard
The year was 1916. Eighteen-year-old John Henry, a boy from Mascot, enlisted in the Australian Army to ght a war half a world away.
Young and idealistic, he was soon sent for training to learn the basics of trench warfare and signalling. Deployed from Sydney to Kiama, he and thousands of other young men settled into a makeshift tent city on the Kiama Showgrounds. John trained in signalling on the headland overlooking Kendalls Beach and practised digging trenches on the sands of Bombo Beach before being shipped out to Beersheba to join the Light Horse Brigade.
The harsh conditions of the Middle East took a toll on John; within three months, malaria had found him, and he spent much of the First World War in and out of care. He was lucky—he survived. Although he suffered occasional bouts of malaria for the rest of his life, he returned home, met a girl, and raised a family.
Fast-forward to the late 1950s and early 1960s. Each summer, John Henry’s sonin-law, Norm, packed up his wife and two young kids for a camping holiday in Kiama. Living just two hours north, Norm would load up his Dodge truck with a double bed, bunks for the kids, a large icebox, a metho stove, a kerosene lamp, and a centre-pole tent. He even brought his toolbox, for Norm was a hardworking carpenter, picking up jobs whenever and wherever he could.
Money was often tight, and though he occasionally placed a bet on the horses, whether he won or lost didn’t change his commitment to the annual trip to Kiama. Each year, they camped on the headland overlooking the round Rockpool, under the shade of pine trees. Today, this spot is home to rental cabins, the Kiama Visitor Centre, and Diggies café. But back then, it was a bustling camping ground filled with tents, plywood caravans, and families enjoying the simple pleasures of life by the sea.
Norm set up their threeroom tent, and for the next few weeks, while his wife and children enjoyed Kiama’s beach-
es, the Rockpool, bike rides, and the joys of camping, Norm took off with his carpenter’s toolbox to find work in town.
If there was money left after camping fees, he could take a day off to enjoy the beach with his family—those were the good days.
Another leap through time brings us to the 1980s. Norm’s little boy, Gary—John Henry’s grandson—had grown up,
met, and married me. By then, we had two of our four children, and on occasional weekends, we would drive from Sydney down to Kiama and Gerringong, just for the pleasure of seeing the lush green hills rolling to the sea. Each time, we’d return home wishing we could live in this beautiful place. But the universe had other plans, and it would take another forty years before we
finally became locals in Kiama—arguably the most wonderful place in the world.
For over a hundred years, our family’s connection to Kiama has endured, from John Henry’s time to the present day. Gary found our home, and in May 2021, we moved in, ready to live the Kiama life to the fullest.
If John Henry were here today, he’d heartily approve.
Kevin Richardson and Geoff Boxsell Changed the Way We Spread
Lynne Strong
In our village of Jamberoo, legends Kevin Richardson and Geoff Boxsell reshaped how Australians enjoy their morning toast. If you’ve ever spread a creamy, soft blend on your bread without tearing it to bits, you have these two— and their team—to thank.
Kevin started at Jamberoo Dairy Factory as a 15-yearold apprentice, soaking up knowledge from mentors like Ned Roach and Steve Dare.
Alongside Geoff, the factory manager, Kevin became part of a team that didn’t just make dairy products—they made premium dairy products and redefined them.
Geoff was the strategist, Kevin was the craftsman, but both are quick to credit their coworkers. “It was a team effort,” they say, remembering their multiskilled crew who stepped into any role needed to keep production running and innovation alive.
“And full credit to our farmers,” Kevin added.
“You can only make premium products with premium milk, and our farmers’ milk quality was second to none.”
Their story of spreadable “butter” began with a simple goal: make butter better. By culturing cream with cheese
culture, they achieved a rich, new flavour profile. But the team didn’t stop there. After perfecting their cultured cream butter, they experimented with adding vegetable oils to create a product that stayed soft straight from the fridge. The result? A smooth, spreadable blend with the flavour of butter and the ease of a spread. They affectionately dubbed it “Stuff,” knowing they couldn’t legally call it butter. But “Stuff” was an immediate hit, and the team was determined to get it on store shelves. Then came the warning: the Department of Agriculture threatened to deregister Jamberoo Dairy’s butter licence if they continued production. Despite the pressure, Kevin, Geoff, and the whole team didn’t back down. They kept refining “Stuff” and eventually due to consumer pressure it finally gained approval, though it had to be labelled “spreadable”
Today, every tub of “spreadable” owes a debt to the innovation and resilience of Kevin, Geoff, and the Jamberoo team.
Their work—and their teamwork—changed the industry, bringing a small village invention to breakfast tables across Australia, one smooth spread of “Stuff” at a time.
Photo from 1975 of Geoff Boxsell Manager of Jamberoo Dairy Factory from 1959-1984.
John Henry Alexander McKeand
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Lynne Strong
This group of ladies from Kiama had every intention of catching the train, but as plans often go, they found themselves hopping on a bus instead – and what a fabulous entrance they made! Decked out in outfits that radiate personality and flair, they caught more than a few glances as they made their way to the
Gerringong Co-op to celebrate Melbourne Cup Day with a luncheon. It’s not every day you see such a vibrant gathering on public transport, and each of these women had a story to tell about her outfit.
True to their values, no one here dashed to the shops for a new dress. Instead, they chose from their existing wardrobes, pulling out pieces that have stood the test of time – some even decades old. For these la-
dies, fashion is as much about memories as it is about style. Their bus driver even joined them for a quick photo, making it a moment to remember. Together, they embody the spirit of the day – celebrating friendships, sustainability, and the fun of dressing up for an occasion. The bus journey might not have been part of the original plan, but with this group, every moment is part of the adventure.
(L-R) Lou Barton, Annie Allin Jan Eadon, Penny Scott, Lizzie McDonald, Sue Thorley and Brad Vine(bus driver). (Source: Lynne Strong)