The Bugle 4 June 2016
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com
2016 local election:
Inside this issue
Who will stand?
Local farmers avoiding worst of dairy crisis p 3
No sooner will the dust have settled on the Federal election than candidates for the local election will be vying for voters’ attention. The news that Kiama Local Government Area is heading to the ballot box on 10 September is an aftershock of the decision not to proceed with the merger. Had the merger with Shoalhaven happened, then the election would not have been until September 2017. With only nine weeks until nominations for the election close (a month out from polling day), there is still some indecision from
current councillors about whether they will run again. It is also expected the emphasis placed on the importance of local government during the anti-amalgamation campaign will have the effect of encouraging new people to stand. Warren Steel has been on Council for twenty years, but is still considering his position. “Six months ago I was definite that I wasn’t going to stand, but I’ve been humbled by the support I’ve received encouraging me to keep at it. At this stage no, but I’m beginning to have my doubts.
“At 77 I’m starting to feel old, but I’m also fired up by the disgraceful way we were treated during the amalgamation process.” The other elder statesman on Council, Mayor Brian Petschler, says he is still undecided and is talking to other potential group members before making his decision. “Despite the recent pressures, I am still enjoying the role, so it is a toss up,” he says. Neil Reilly will be standing for a third term at Council, but says if he gets in it will be his last. “I have a number of things
I want to achieve, and then I’ll call it a day,” he says. “I think it is very healthy to have a turnover of councillors as it brings in fresh ideas. “I encourage people to think about nominating. It is rewarding work, not only participating in decision making but helping individuals in their interactions with Council.” He says the last six months has been very difficult as councillors and staff have been distracted by the amalgamation. Kathy Rice is “most likely” to run again, but says
it is too early to say as she doesn’t know who else might emerge to run on the Greens ticket. However, as the only female councillor, she is adamant about the need for more diversity within the Council. “A number of very good women were nominated last time, but none of us were placed first on the group listings. Until that happens, we’ll continue to get male dominated councils.” Half-jokingly, she says that maybe the women should unite under the one Continued page 3
Launch of Gerringong Then and Now p4
Meet the Federal candidates p 5
Help make this mountain of wool into wraps An anonymous local has donated a truly impressive amount of wool to Wrap with Love coordinator, Rae McClymont. In 1992 Wrap with Love began with the idea to help as many people as possible by providing warm Wraps to ward off hypothermia. Since then, more than 400,000 Wraps to people in over 75 countries, including Australia. Rae became involved in 1998, wanting to do something practical to help the people of Kosovo. She’s been knitting the ten inch squares, sewing them together and encouraging others to help since then. “It would be great to use this donation as a way of getting more people involved in this wonderful cause,” she says. “Some of us are getting a bit old, and we need some younger people to get involved.” The Library will be holding its annual Knit In in July, but there is plenty of good knitting time before then.
Red Cross Fun Run p7
Details: If you’d like to join in this uniquely Australian humanitarian effort, contact Rae on 4237 7984. ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS • LOG BOOK SERVICING • BRAKE & CLUTCH SPECIALIST
•
AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIRS
SMASH REPAIRS • INSURANCE CLAIMS & PRIVATE WORK • WINDSCREENS
Phone: 42322757
•
Fax: 4232 2676
21B Barney Street, KIAMA ksmr@bigpond.com After Hours Towing 0438 424 574
TOWING
TYRES • BALANCE AND ROTATION
•
FULL RANGE AVAILABLE
REGISTRATIONS • PINK SLIPS – CAR, VAN, BIKE, TRAILERS