The Bugle 11 January 2020
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
Kiama rallies to help fire affected Locals continue to dig deep to help our neighbours to the south in the aftermath of the devastating start to the fire season. A collection at the New Years’ Eve celebrations on the harbour gathered over $20,000 for local Rural Fire Service brigades, and many other initiatives have raised money and delivered essential goods to ravaged towns. For examples of the latter, both Kiama and Gerringong surf life saving clubs became collection points for water, non-perishable food and the like, and drove trucks down to help the residents of Lake Conjola (see page 10). Kiama Leagues Club was opened for a night as an evacuation centre as an overflow centre for Bomaderry Bowling Club, and stands prepared to be called upon again. Kiama Council has been working closely with Wollongong and Shellharbour councils to provide assistance to Shoalhaven Council. “There is daily communications between the four general mangers,” says Kiama Council’s General Manager, Kerry McMurray. “Every council has provided some practical assistance, directly in response to requests.” As an example, Kiama has recently sent three garbage trucks and drivers down to Sussex Inlet to do a much needed rubbish run. “We are assessing what our capability is to provide
From the Editor
In this sombre start to the year, I am very aware that our fortnightly edition may very quickly be overtaken by events. So in this edition we look to celebrate the amazing response our community has had to the crisis and its on-going efforts to help others. You’ve done us proud.
Inside this issue Councillors focus attention on climate change risk p 3 Ward thanks volunteers p 3
resources and plant without having a significant impact on our own services, bearing in mind we are significantly smaller than Wollongong or Shellharbour,” says Mr McMurray. Council staff are also on duty at the Illawarra Emergency Operations Centre every time it is activated. With the fire season far from over, our area is not immune from threat. “We are aware of the potential threats and believe that every piece of planning that could be done has been done,” says Mr McMurray. “We have taken every action and step, and conducted significant planning, to be prepared to be able to respond proactively should the need arise.”
Mayor Mark Honey with members of the Jamberoo and Gerringong RFS on New Year’s Eve
No Kiama Show for 2020 The Kiama Show Society Management Committee has taken the decision to cancel the 172nd Kiama Show, scheduled for 24-25 January, due to the ongoing bushfire situation. “The Committee has considered long and hard all the demands that weigh heavily on our volunteers, competitors, judges, stewards, entertainers, our attendees and the rural community at this time,” says the Show Society President Neil McLaren. “This, combined with the effects of the ongoing drought, make the decision
community especially our rural landholders and farmers. We extend our condolences and sympathies to all those affected by the fires. “At present it is of greater priority for all of us to keep families, livestock and property safe. We are making to cancel the most appropri- every endeavour to support those in need. ate action. This decision is “We look forward to better for the safety and well-being of all attendees and the wel- times and continuing our Kiama Show tradition of a fare of the livestock. great, annual community “Our Kiama community and our neighbouring fami- event in 2021.” It is only the second time lies of the South Coast and in its long and proud history Tablelands show societies are feeling the shared stress, that a Kiama Show has been anxiety and pain of all of the canceled.
Reprieve from demolition p5
Congratulations on HSC results p 9