The Bugle 26 March 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
Celebrating our Seniors With 27 per cent of Kiama LGA residents qualifying to call themselves ‘seniors’, fifty per cent more than the national figure, we’ve got a lot of people to celebrate in this year’s local Seniors Festival (formerly Seniors Week). With the help of a $1000 grant from the State Government, the weekly Kiama Farmers’ Market is planning a number of special activities for seniors, including cooking demonstrations by James Reeson of the TV show Alive & Cooking, free coffee from the Kiama Youth Centre and the Brooding Italian, free pots of herbs from Burnetts on Barney, presentations and tastings by Slowfood Saddleback and live music. They even have willing volunteers to help the ‘more senior’ seniors carry their shopping. “The emphasis will be on the importance of including fresh produce in your diet, and also the benefits to mental health of getting out and socialising,” says the Market’s manager, Tricia Ashelford. “Many seniors already come down to our Market every Wednesday and tell us how much they look forward to it.” Other activities offered by Council during the Festival, 1-10 April, include classes, a trip to Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club, motorcycle
Inside this issue Report from the Sydney anti-merger rally p3
Donations to help refugees p3
Norma Bunter is a regular at the Market, and loved being asked to ring the opening bell last year
trike rides, a farmyard visiting Blue Haven, contribution they make to our community. a BBQ lunch, a bike ride, a Pizza Brunch & “It is also about having fun, so I encourage Garden Tour at the Kiama Community Garden, everyone to participate in as many events as entertainment and inter-town trivia competitions. you can.” “The Seniors Festival is very much about cele- Details: Special Seniors Kiama Farmers’ Market, Weds 6 April, 2-5pm. nswseniorsweek.com.au brating our wonderful seniors and the positive
Jimmy comes to town p4
Watch this space After six months of uncertainty, councillors have given approval for the Noble brothers to develop the land adjacent to their shops in Fern Street, Gerringong, and the adjoining block of public reserve which they lease from Council. The approval comes after months of lobbying by the South Precinct to ensure the original intent of the Charette for Blueberry Hill was respected. They contend it envisaged an open piazza area which the Nobles could have exclusive use of during
operating hours, but would revert back to open land after hours. The glass balustrades included in the original plans have now been disallowed on the leased land, although they will continue to be a feature of the development on the Nobles’ land. It is also a condition of the approval that the roof structure not be installed any further west than the Fern St verandah line of the $1.5 million development. While there are still grey areas as to how the condi-
tions of approval will be implemented, and their preferred position was for there to be no roof structure over any of the leased land, Howard Jones of the South Precinct says that “It is as good as we are going to get.” He’s happy that their agitating has kept alive the issue of retaining public access to the land the Nobles are leasing. Without the balustrading, Council will need to develop and implement landscaping plans for the remaining public reserve so that it forms a
Disabled surfers rule p8 seamless connection with the new development. Some sort of terracing will be needed to be incorporated to overcome the height difference in the blocks. “We have asked to be part
of the on-going discussion about how the boundary should be developed,” says Howard Jones. Once started, building works are expected to take six months to complete.
What’s on? Every Wednesday Kiama Farmers’ Market Kiama Harbour 3-6pm
On weekends Live music at The Sebel, Kiama Leagues Club, The Mecure, Jamberoo Pub and other venues.
25-26 March Kiama Makers & Growers Market, Kiama Harbour, 9-2pm
27 March Jamberoo Village Markets, 9-2pm Kiama Seaside Markets Kiama Harbour, 9-3pm Twilight Jazz & Blues Concert See p3
Jim Eames, The Flying Kangaroo See right
3 April Gerringong Music Club: The Marais Project See right
5 April Book launch: The Midnight Watch See right
7 April Art at the Library talk See below
Pics & Flicks: Far From Men, Gerringong Town Hall, 8pm
2-3 April
16 April
Blowhole Big Fish Classic
Family, Local and Social History Expo More detail next issue
2 April Friends of Kiama Library Talk:
17 April
Behind the scenes at Qantas
A Swedish interlude
Riversdale Concert Series: Joseph Tawadros Quartet see bundanon.com.au Berry Conversations See page 5
30-1 May Wings over the Illawarra Albion Park Airport KISS Arts Festival Kiama Harbour
9 April Secondhand Saturday See page 4 Gerringong Golf Club Fundraiser Event: Beach Party Gerringong Town Hall, from 7pm. Tickets $20 from Cronin’s Liquor, byo nibbles and drinks.
1 April
Let us know if there’s an event you’re organising. Just email the details to emailthebugle@gmail.com or phone 0412 415 101 Listings are free, and at the editor’s discretion
Titanic delves deep The sinking of the Titanic continues to fascinate, inspiring many storytellers to build on the bones of the true events. David Dyer’s novel, The Midnight Watch, speculates on why a passing ship didn't intervene. As the RMS Titanic was slowly sinking, its crew could see the lights of another ship on the horizon. They called for help by Morse lamp and the new Marconi telegraph machine, but there was no response. Just after midnight the Titanic began firing distress rockets. The other ship, the SS Californian, saw these rockets but didn’t come. Why not? The author is visiting Kiama as part of his book tour.
Gerringong Music Club kicks off its 2016 program of concerts with an afternoon showcasing the talents of the professional musicians who come together as The Marais Project. Members of the ensemble share a Swedish heritage, and the afternoon promises to be a smörgåsbord of Sweden’s folk and early music, played on period instruments. The group regularly records for ABC Classic FM and broadcasts for Fine Music 102.5. Two of their new works were CD of the Week nationally on the ABC. Details: Sunday 3 April, Gerringong Town Hall, 2pm. Tickets $20 for non-members (on sale from 1.30pm). Free entry for children, students and members of Gerringong Music Club. Afternoon tea is available.
Details: Tues 5 April, Kiama Library, 6pm. Bookings are essential, 4233 1133.
Coast Walk comes to the Library
In his latest book, The Flying Kangaroo, Gerringong’s Jim Eames brings to life the extraordinary characters, events and challenges that have made Qantas an Australian icon. As former press secretary to the Minister of Aviation and former Director of Public Affairs for Qantas, he’s lived and breathed aviation, and knows the airline inside and out. The book brings together stories told by a man who has Qantas blood running through his veins. It looks like Friends of Kiama Library will have another sell-out on their hands. Books will be available for signature, sale and discussion over afternoon tea. Details: Sat 2 April, 2.30pm, Kiama Library Auditorium. All welcome. Visitors $8 and members of Friends of Kiama Library $5.
The Bugle Editor: Cathy Law t 0412 415 101
Attention Tradies and DIYs
AUTUMN CEMENT SPECIALS No need to leave town, no need to even leave your truck…
Burnetts On Barney are passing on massive autumn price savings Bag prices (+gst) Sand and Cement $5.80 Savings of up to Concrete Mix $6 $3 per bag GP Cement $6.50 Quickset Concrete $6.80 Brighton Lite Off White $8 Yes, you can even pre-buy pallets at this trade price! Plus, all trade account customers who spend $500 on any Burnetts On Barney products go in the draw to win back $500 in product. Sale and customer draw ends 30 April.
80 Barney St, Kiama t 4233 1322 Open 7-4.30 Mon-Fri
Sales: Steve Law t 0428 662 499
Drivers Wanted A Kiama passenger transport business requires Casual Drivers across all departments. Taxi Drivers, Hire Car Drivers, Casual Bus Drivers and Special Education Drivers are all required. Applicants with a driver’s authority preferred, with immediate start considered, however those that will need to obtain this will also be considered. Applicants must be able to work some weekends and some night shifts as required. Local applicants preferred. Call 0414 377 505 or email kiamatransport@ gmail.com
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As the first in Kiama Library’s Art@ the Library program, Bob Shaw is staging a solo exhibition Explore The Kiama Coast Walk, throughout April. There will be an Opening Talk on Thursday 7 April at 6pm, with wine and cheese provided. In addition to the 12 large images on display, Bob has produced a 40 page hardcover book on the Walk which will be available for purchase on the night.
Or email us at emailthebugle@ gmail.com Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human.
PO Box 304, Gerringong 2534
SHOP ONLINE for regional and local food Greenbox is a non-profit, regional food co-op based in Gerringong, run by a team of passionate volunteers
www.greenbox.org.au Order online every week from 10am Fri to 7pm Mon for collection or delivery Thurs from 2.30 to 6pm
Donations come at right time Members of Kiama Welcomes Refugees have had a busy time of late as the contents of the restaurant above the shops at Jones Beach (which is being transformed into a gym) and Kiama Ocean View Motor Inn (which is being redeveloped) were donated for distribution to the refugee community. Some goods were also donated to the Homestead of Hope.
Over 55 people from the three local Lions clubs (Gerringong, Kiama and Minnamurra); the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic churches; and the Men’s Shed, as well as other members of the community, banded together to collect and sort the goods. Trailers and utility trucks were piled high with chairs, tables, linen, bedspreads and blankets.
Beds and sofas were lowered from balconies. Special mention must be made of Steve Carlson, son Anthony and friend Aaron (Kiama Fibreglass and Repairs) who provided a truck and some young muscles. John Knox was also able to borrow Kiama Council’s double-decker trailer. Large quantities of cooking and eating equipment were also donated,
as well as tables and chairs. In a mammoth effort, all of the electrical goods were checked and tagged by Barry Silburn. Everything is now in storage. The group is working with refugee organizations in Wollongong and already newly arrived families from Syria and Liberia are being assessed so the donations can fill their needs. The donations coincided with news of the imminent arrival of more refugees to the Illawarra. Around 600 refugees from Syria and Iraq are expected to be resettled in the Illawarra in 2016 as part of Australia’s response to the world humanitarian crisis. Details: If you would like to join the Kiama Welcomes Refugees Group, please contact Sharon Parker at 0408 217 127 or email nknc@hotmail.com to be added to the email list.
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Taking the no merger message to Sydney
We asked Paula Gowans, artist and member of the Kiama Cultural Board, to give us her impression of the anti-amalgamation rally in Sydney:
It is 1965, the protestors are climbing on board, ukuleles tuning, placards and banners occupy the few empty seats. Someone hands out the words to the songs and the chatter is all about outrage and optimism. Someone says, “OK everybody, let's practice We Shall Not ...... Fast forward to 2016. ...be MERGED.” Some of us on the train to Sydney to protest the forced amalgamation of Kiama with Shoalhaven are reliving a political past. Others are feeling the protest high for the first time. We commandeer a whole carriage. Forming a human Kiama Wedge behind our big green banner, we surged to the front of a small stage in Hyde Park like we owned it. The Buskers organised themselves around the mic for a rousing opening of the event. Strum, strum. Everybody sing now: Like the lighthouse standing by the blowhole, we shall not be merged. LGAs from all over NSW are represented, including Shellharbour, Gundagai, Tumbarumba and assorted Sydneysiders. Fiery speeches on the idiocy of the amalgamations, bad faith of the process, and the importance of local democracy. The Buskers did us proud by closing the proceedings. A good day to be from Kiama.
heaven for buyers and sellers
Now in its eighth year, Kiama’s Secondhand Saturday has become a much anticipated event, for both buyers and sellers. The Council organised community car boot sale gives people the opportunity to sell, buy, swap, sell or give away unwanted items rather than sending them to landfill. Stallholder registrations are open to residents of the Kiama Municipality only. Buyers come from everywhere. Details: Sat 9 April, Black Beach, 8am til noon. Register with Council as a stallholder by 5pm on Thurs April 7.
In brief
Merger: keeping up the fight The government appointed Delegate, Greg Wright, is expected to deliver his report on the proposed merger of Kiama and Shoalhaven councils to the Boundaries Commission at the end of March. However his assessment will not be publicly available until the decision on whether the merger should proceed is made by the Minister of Local Government by the end of June. Into this period of uncertainty has been tossed the news that those councils not merging will have their elections in September this year, while those that are merging will have their elections in March 2017. In Sydney, Woollahra and Mosman councils are looking to launch separate legal actions against the forced merger proposals, and it may be possible for Kiama to register an interest to benefit from the outcome of the proceedings. Council is seeking formal
Making parking easier
legal advice on the matter. Kiama’s decision to go to a poll on the issue means that the focus is now on making sure as many residents as possible turn out to vote, as it is not compulsory. On the advice of the Electoral Commission, the question to be posed has changed to: Do you want Kiama Municipal Council to amalgamate with another Council? Brainstorming at community engagement sessions has considered how best to maintain the anti-merger campaign, up to and past the poll, recognising the final decision will be political. “There is clearly going to be a series of attacks on councils over the next couple of months,” says Mayor Brian Petschler. “I am confident that Kiama can stand up to any criticism.” The poll is to be held on Saturday 7 May.
Showground comes alive
Timed parking signs are to be erected on the western side of the public car park at Johnson St, Kiama Downs, restricting parking to one hour between 8.30-5.30pm during the week and 8.30-12.30pm on Saturdays.
Gym approved Approval has been given for a gymnasium to be established upstairs at the Kiama Downs shops. Concern about possible noise has been alleviated by the hours of operation beginning at 6am and the doors to the verandah staying closed til 8am.
Gerroa deferal A decision on the alterations and additions proposed for the post office, shop and attached dwelling at Gerroa has been deferred, with the owners being asked to consider other roof options.
Extension for Leisure Centre
Photo: David Finlay
Secondhand Saturday:
Rain and cold didn’t stop more than 3000 people turning out to see Australian seventies’ and eighties’ music legends, including Jimmy Barnes, perform at the Showground. It is going to be very noisy at Blue Haven in twenty years time...
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Work is to begin on an extension to the aerobics room at the Kiama Leisure Centre and the provision of a dedicated room for spin classes. The project is being partly funded by an anonymous donation by a long term user of the facilities.
Clubhouse renovations Kiama Rugby has received a $20,000 grant from the State Government to update the clubhouse, including enclosing the balcony.
Once more, with feeling
Room for a Baby Grand? An anonymous donor has offered Kiama Lions a Kwai Baby Grand Piano to sell with the proceeds to be used on the renovations of the Lions Respite House for Carers. The very fine piano was regularly used for practice by contestants in the Bowral Piano Competition. It is in excellent condition and is currently in professional storage in Bowral. It has an estimated worth of $5-7,000. Anyone interested in purchasing this beautiful instrument should contact Jerry Granger-Holcombe of Kiama Lions on 42323098.
WAKE UP WONDERING WHERE YOUR DREAMS & PLANS HAVE GONE? Do you feel: • Overwhelmed? • Isolated?
Following hot on the heels of its 2016 Festival, the Kiama Jazz & Blues Club is presenting a Twilight Concert in Hindmarsh Park on Easter Sunday. The evening will feature long-time Festival favourites Dr Don's Double Dose, Sound of KoKo and local musicians Lee Holman and Sean Emmett. Bring a picnic and enjoy the last Sunday of daylight saving. Details: Sunday 27 March, 6-9pm, Hindmarsh Park. Gold coin donation.
Finding a home for caravans and boats
Cultural grants
The search for a location for a caravan and boat storage facility has widened from the one originally mooted at the old tip at Crooked River. The Water Board site at Kiama Downs or other sites on private or council owned land are possibilities. “It is recognition that this is a growing issue in our community,” says Mayor Brian Petschler. “People
The recipients of the summer round of Council Cultural Grants have been announced. Funds are going to the recording of a five song EP, the inaugural Kiama Readers Festival, musical performances in the new rotunda at Jamberoo, an art project examining aspects of death and life, and a music video featuring local landscapes and community.
facility like the one in Heathcote would be very popular, not only with locals but with people who regularly visit on holiday. The fine for parking on the footpath in a built-up area is $101. Council’s rangers are have to walk onto the road responsible for enforcing to get around caravans or the legislation, and have a boats illegally parked on the policy of issuing a Notice to footpath.” Comply before penalties are It is thought that a storage imposed.
Tourism appointment Carole Johnston has been appointed as Council’s interim Strategic Tourism and Marketing Manager, following the resignation of Lisa Evans. The role is until the end of the year, when Council’s arrangement with Kiama Tourism runs out. Carole has run a marketing and event management company for more than ten years, and is a former director of Kiama Tourism..
Conversations in Berry A series of Sunday afternoon public conversations with well-known authors and cultural figures will be held in Berry this year. The first is to feature Angus Trumble, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, in conversation with Mary Cunnane, book editor and former literary agent. Novelists David Malouf and Nicholas Jose are locked into to speak in September. Details: 17 April, Berry Sport & Rec Centre, 2-4pm. $25 ($20 conc) tickets from Berry Music Centre or via the Berry Conversations facebook page.
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• Misunderstood?
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Out & about At the 2016 Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival This year’s Festival attracted big crowds to over 70 performances held at 30 venues around town. The Indian Summer added to the atmosphere, and had people dancing in the streets. Thanks to the hardworking members of the Kiama Jazz & Blues Club for organizing this free community event.
Festival regulars, Hot Potato, continued their tradition of livening up Terralong St and encouraging young musicians. Festival stalwarts, Steve Ivory, Eevi Stein and Ross Eggleton at the Festival Opening
A big crowd of fans came to Hindmarsh Park to watch the sun go down on local band Tommy M & the Mastersounds. Their farewell performance showed what a talented group of young musicians they are. The band formed while most of its members were at Kiama High.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Club member Meryll Faulkner loved the atmosphere when Blue Eyes Cry played at the Little Blowhole Café Art Bar. The dancing couple behind are Leanne Mitchell and Steve Vassallo.
At the Mardi Gras Regional Art Prize
As expected, local dynamo Kimberley Abbott was an inspiring and entertaining speaker at CMRI Gerringong’s latest fundraising event, celebrating International Women’s Day. Above: Karen Fishpoole (left) Sharon Abbott, Kimberley Abbott, Carly Abbott and Molly Fishpoole.
Jenny Asquith and Simon Marlton celebrate her work being chosen as the People’s Choice in the Inaugural Mardi Gras Regional Art Prize. The winner of the $3000 prize was Brisbane artist Nikolai Preece, for his work Orry with Himself (above right).
The Bugle welcomes your contributions to our social pages just send us some pictures or let us know an event is coming up. emailthebugle@gmail.com
Kiama Tennis Club Inc. Now at 2 locations: Noorinan St and Blowhole Point For Court Hire, Membership or Ladies and Mens Competition enquiries please call 4232 2431 or email membership@kiamatennis.org.au 6
The Bugle Crossword Across 6. This is a primary or secondary place of learning 9. Having an unpleasant smell 11. Snakelike marine creature 12. Large ornamental letter used by early printers at the start of chapters of a book 14. The government stands or falls in this 15. A stop; a halt; a moderation of pace 16. Sailing Boat 17. The conscious mind 20. Republic on Asian sub continent 21. Sits on and controls vehicle 22. Raising customer awareness of a brand or product 23. Eventual; best; last one 25. Rome burned while this emperor fiddled 27. Compass point halfway between north and north east 29. A form of art 31. Thick viscous matter 32. Left eye 33.The father of your mother or father 36. Tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels 37. Utter profanities 39. We save this time at the start of spring summer 43. Wife of John Lennon 44. Electronic machine you watch 45. Noun: a proposal for an appropriate course of action Down 1. Where one's car or motorcycle is parked undercover 2. Silky coated sheepdog 3. Fruit. Served in salad 4. Very large hill 5. Compass point midway between East and SouthEast 7. Long style of word Cafe 8. Qld senator and ex-rugby league player 10. Process of covering the Earth with masses of ice 13. Offspring of parents 16. Sing by changing register
Mid-year trading hours (Swiss) 18.Trditional style of iron/ steel roofing sometimes rusted 19. Where the wood or coal is burnt in the home for warmth 22. Large apartment: usually on the top floor of the Building 24. Pony club in Poem written by Banjo Patterson (7,4) 26. If you are thrown out of this you have been defenestrated 28. Cultured dairy product 30. Of or relating to a physical injury or wound to the body 34. Day equals night. Occurs twice a year 35. Medical Practioner 38. An object with a spherical shape 40. A place to sleep 41. Israelli machine gun
Last issue’s solution
Use a local Appliance repairs CVC Appliances: Repairs to washing machines, stoves, dishwashers, dryers etc. t 0401 294 810
Carpenters The Bugle crossword is compiled by Stephen Law
John O’Donnell Carpentry: All property maintenance - decks, pergolas, windows etc. No job too small. Lic R77219 t 0401 301 620
Horticultural services Burnett Trees: Kiama Municipality’s own tree care service - skilled, insured professionals for all tree care, pruning, removal, stump grinding and mulching. t 4233 1311
The Bugle
Builders Burrell Builders: Cracked brickwork, underpinning, insurance/structural repairs. All building work. Ln3281c t 0419 378 000
Plumbers N 9, ow 00 p 0 rin co tin pi g es !
Local stories and local readers means a great opportunity for local businesses to reach the entire Kiama district
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Kiama Plumbing & Drainage: Affordable, reliable plumbing and gasfitting services. t 0405 654 035
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Find out how to reach this market effectively by contacting Steve on 0428 662 499 or via bugleadvertising@gmail.com 7
Our listing of local businesses providing trades & services is designed as a handy reference for people wanting to get work done by a local. At just $10/line, it’s a great way to grow your business. Contact Steve on 0428 662 499 or at bugleadvertising@gmail.com
Surfers share the thrill Rather than our regular Postcard Home, we’re pleased to include this report from Jim Bradley on last week’s Disabled Surfers event (photos by David Finlay):
283 hardy disabled surfers took to the waves last Sunday at the annual ‘Hands on Day’ at Gerroa. And when we say ‘waves’ we mean genuinely big waves - 4m plus. While all the able bodied surfers of the region were wisely dogging it (surfing
translation: ‘piking it’) due to the daunting conditions, 40 participants including 12 wheelies, were out there carving. Running three boards, the small army of 170 water volunteers, using ‘world’s best practice’ as developed by the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia, ensured the event was conducted safely at all times.
Even our own irrepressible Kelly McCann, a C2 quad, surfed the big foamy waves, being resuscitated the whole time. Inspirational. Big thanks go to all involved including the students from surrounding high schools - Kiama, Bomaderry and TIGS (they were absolutely brilliant), as well as the Sutherland Shire Scouts, Bunnings for the BBQ, local surfers (who like to be able to ‘give back’) and lastly the wave god Huey, who held off the rain until the event was over.
For next year’s events or for any news of the DSAA including a youtube of Kel surfing see www.disabledsurfers.org Lastly, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Disabled Surfers Association. We now have 16 branches across all mainland states, totally run by volunteers with no government recognition or funding as we fall through the cracks.
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Help care for Seven Mile Beach
The Seven Mile Beach Landcare group is looking for extra people to help with its next planting day. “We have held two successful working bees already this year,” says Linda Brazier. “Maintenance was carried out to replace grow guards and stakes, and some weeding was done to keep asparagus fern at bay. Despite the unseasonably warm March weather, and lack of rain, all plants are thriving.” Plans are underway for a large planting of tea tree in the same area, near the track opposite the Kiosk, to fill in some of the gaps and extend the work area a little further. “Planting is a rewarding experience and with many helpers, it doesn’t take long to plant 100 trees,” says Linda. “Even if you’ve never had landcare experience your help is most welcome!” All equipment, materials and friendly expert tuition are provided. Don’t forget hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water bottle. Details: Sunday 3 April, 9am. Meet at the site, half way along the track opposite the Kiosk on Crooked River Rd. Enquiries to James on 42343448 or Grant on 0427066921.