The Bugle 9 May 2015
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
New, improved plan for hospital site As the planning for the Centre of Aged Care Excellence on the old Kiama Hospital site builds momentum, new plans have been released that show how the project is shaping up as it moves past the concept stage. The latest plan, which still has to be ratified by Council but we believe has the enthusiastic support of councillors, has a number of significant changes including the deferal of the controversial proposal to sell off eight residential blocks at the rear of the site to help fund the
development. “By deferring the issue of the ultimate fate of the land at the back of the site, we can focus on getting the Centre of Excellence up and running,” says Mayor Brian Petschler. The DA documentation is expected to be completed in July, with work to begin in mid 2016. Timing is dependent on a number of factors, including the expansion of Port Kembla Hospital to accommodate the beds currently at Kiama. The Area Health Service
will need to construct its new premises at the front of the site before the demolition of the old hospital can be undertaken. A welcome addition to the complex is a proposed community activities centre, able to be used for group gatherings and a variety of other activities. The on-site car parking has also been expanded to include part of the rear area of the site. Rather than five residential buildings, the new plan has three two and a half level buildings aligned on angled
view corridors, with the living area on the top floor set back to alleviate privacy concerns. The reconfiguration has increased the number of independent living units to 51 (from 36), and reduced the number of assisted living units to 16 (from 22). As with the previous plan, historic Barroul House will be restored and used for a variety of purposes, with the revised plan giving it more prominence. The architects are working closely with experts in aged
care to ensure the facility is a true centre of excellence. “The revised plans are a great improvement,” says Councillor Andrew Sloan. “The addition of community activities rooms, the retention of more open space, the layout, the link through to Bonaira Reserve, and, of course, the location will combine to make this a lovely place to live.” He says that while it is an expensive project, it will provide an economic return to the community in the long term.
More recognition for our young achiever At this year’s Illawarra Women in Business Awards Kiama’s 20 year old Melissa Tierney was presented with The Young Achiever Award for her work with The Disability Trust. Each week, Melissa spends her Friday evening with a group of children and young adults, all with a disability. Through Music Makers, she teaches them to dance, sing and perform. Each year, the group showcases their talents through a performance evening concert. Through these evenings, she has transformed the lives of those with a disability, by enabling these young people to showcase their talents confidently and professionally, before a full live audience of over 350 people. By the end of 2014, she had raised over $60,000 for the Trust over five years, and her efforts continue (see details of this year’s concert at far right). Melissa has previously received honours from Kiama Council and was Kiama Showgirl in 2014. She has also been a tireless fund-
Inside this issue Kabaret fun comes to Kiama p 3
New fitness policy in a nutshell p 3 Postcard from the Western Front p 8
Roo does West Side Story p 4
Melissa and Dexter
raiser for Dexter, a local boy with cerebral palsy and medical issues. The IWB Awards also recognized the efforts of local businesswomen. Lisa Burling of LBPR was a finalist in the Businesswoman of the Year category and received a highly commended award. Meryll Faulkner of Making Faces Makeup Studio and Nadia Guillaumier of NEG Photography were both finalists in the Home Based Business Award.
Details: Music Makers Fundraising Concert, Fri 22 May at Waves, Towradgi Beach Hotel Tickets $25 or $15 under 16 available from 0409 976 987