The Bugle 12 Feb 2022 by The Bugle Newspaper

Phillips’ pitch for second term p3

$3.4m sewage upgrade

Preview of Jazz & Blues Festival p3

Financial matchmaking

Greyleigh lodges DA p12

50 years of the Kiama Sevens Back in 1973, when they were involved in the first Kiama Sevens, little did these men know they were launching something that would last 50 years and still be going strong. No photos seem to exist, the detail is sketchy and some of those who played a big part in the early days have passed away. Kiama Rugby Club was in its heyday at the time, with three Wallabies – Geoff Shaw (the Australian team’s captain), Gary Grey and Brian Weir – and many other representative players. Ray Cleary was the coach. “It was just a bit of preseason fun,” says retired dairy farmer Gary. Sandy Rendel, long time secretary of Kiama Rugby and administrator of the Sevens for many years, says it was a trip to Eastwood for their new Sevens tournament that inspired the local event. “We didn’t win, but it was a lot of fun and we thought it would be good to have one down here.” Sevens tournaments were already popular in the UK, and the Brits in the team and the touring Wallabies who had seen it were keen to get the format up and running. After trialling the format at an end of season match in 1972, the first official Kiama Sevens was held on the last

brothers, Gary Pearce, Tom Price, Barry Stumbles, Willy O and Michael Cheika. “It is a sport and social concept that has stood the test of time,” says Terry Wetherall, who also played in the first match. “Although for forwards like me it was a bit fast!” No story on the Kiama Sevens is complete without a mention of the social side of things. “Right from the start a lot of locals turned up and there was a real picnic atmosphere,” says long time club member, Al Marsden, who played in the second Sevens and still volunteers on the day. “I only have vague memories because it was the 70s, and a lot of beer was drunk. Involved at the start: Sandy Rendel, Brian Weir, Gary Grey and John Cronin Saturday of February as a Gerringong team having a Luckily another team pulled “Beer was 20c for a cup pre-season warm-up event, few drinks they might have out, and they were able to from the keg, and the honour with 16 teams from 12 clubs won,” says Gary. introduce David Campesie to system didn’t work too well. competing. In the second year, the big the rugby world and the rest “They used to close off Controversially for the teams came along and eyes is history [he still holds the Bong Bong St from Manning rugby union governing still light up when those title of the Wallaby who has to the trainline, as so many officials in Wollongong, who involved talk about Kiama scored the most tries]. people would be at The found out afterwards, Gerrin- beating Randwick. Other rugby legends who Grand afterwards.” gong Hotel entered a team, “Right from the start it was used the Sevens to help Streakers make a regular made up of Gerringong rugby a big hit,” says Sandy. launch their careers were appearance to this day. league players – led by John “From the very early days, Simon Poidivon from Goul“It has been a magnificant and Mick Cronin. we would invite Australian burn and George Gregan, addition to the town, not But for Kiama winning, that selectors along so for country then with the Tuggeranong just as a sporting event but might have been the first and teams in particular it was a Vikings. as a tourist drawcard,” says last Sevens as rugby officials great way to introduce new With no Super Rugby back another Wallaby who played were very protective of their talent.” then, the teams used it as a in the first match, Brian Weir, amateur status. He remembers when warm-up for the season. who was General Manager “The final was pretty inQueanbeyan left their entry The list of greats who of Shellharbour Council for tense, with both the Cronins, too late and had to go on played in the Sevens includes 25 years. and if not for some of the standby for the competition. Ricky Stewart, all the Ella continued on p14

p13

12 FEB 2022

STOP PRESS:

Council releases warts & all report See page 3

Focus on local aged care

Local residential aged care facilities, Blue Haven Bonaira and Uniting Mayflower Gerringong, have managed to contain the spread of COVID-19 and maintain their standard of care during this stressful period for the sector. Uniting Mayflower Residential Aged Care Home has told The Bugle that while a total of 15 residents (out of 120) and 10 employees (including agency staff) have tested positive since 28 December, there are currently no active cases. “During outbreaks, to the extent possible, residents are cohorted to households or separated across different parts of the home,” said a spokesperson. The Blue Haven Bonaira Aged Care Facility reports that two residents (out of 122) and 18 staff tested positive since the precautionary lockdown was imposed on 2 January.

continued on p14

WHAT’S ON Kiama Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday Surf Beach, 3-6pm

Gerringong Rotary Market

Crooked River’s new festival offering

Saturday 19 February by the Town Hall, 8.30-1.30pm Crooked River Wines’ annual Grill N Chill BBQ & Kiama Seaside Market Stomping of the Grapes festival has been rescheduled Sunday 20 February Open Mic and a massive new three day Every Friday for youth Black Beach, 9-3pm festival has been announced SENTRAL Youth Cottages, Kiama Makers & for the April Long Weekend. 4-6pm Growers Market Stomping of the Grapes Saturday 26 February And just like that: will now be a one day event Black Beach, 9-3pm on 20 March instead of it exhibition by Jamie Cole being over two days in early Til 6 March Kiama Rugby Sevens February. Art Bar Kiama Saturday 26 February The same artists from the See page 1 Colin Harwood Exhibition original first day are playing 10-16 February Jamberoo Village Market on the new date, including Old Fire Station Sunday 27 February Spacey Jane, Mia Wray, The Terrys, Le Shiv and Daisy. Reid Park, 9-2pm Symbolism & Suggestion: “We had to postpone the exhibition by John Downton OAM Kiama Jazz & Blues event due to NSW restricTil 20 February 11-13 March tions,” says Joe Felice of Fern St Gallery See page 9

Open 7 days Lunch 11.30am Dinner 5.30pm

Crooked River Wines. The winery’s new three day festival, called Unwind in the Vines, will be held on the April Easter Weekend (16-18th). “Unwind in the Vines has been brought into play mainly because of the disruption to Stomping of the Grapes,” says Joe. “For every single bad news that you get, you’ve got to find a silver lining somewhere. “So we came together as a team and thought that if all these restrictions ease then everybody could enjoy themselves on this Easter long weekend as well as in March.” Unwind in the Vines will have Australian favourites Vera Blue and Winston Surfshirt headlining on the Saturday, and Amy Shark

and George Alice on the Sunday, with support acts yet to be announced. Missy Higgins will be headlining the Monday, with the other acts which were originally planned for day two of Stomping of the Grapes. “We just want to say thank you to everybody who has been so patient. It’s amazing to see how much support we’ve got in the past two weeks given we’ve gone What’s On is compiled by through a bit of a rough time,” says Joe. Jack Wallner. “Unwind in the Vines is If you have any events going to be a big weekend coming up, please and we are looking forward contact him on jack@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au to having everybody back on the hill.” or 0491 686 975.

For tickets or more information, visit: www.crookedriverwines.com

There’s more on For a comprehensive guide to What’s On in our region, check out The Bugle App to find out about live music and events. Download The Bugle App for free using the QR code on page 19.

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Council releases Phillips’ pitch for wart & all report a second term The Business Papers for the February Meeting of the new Council, its first full meeting, include a detailed report on the State of the Organisation that frankly outlines the myriad of issues impacting on Council’s financial sustainability. Councillors have already been briefed on the issues as part of their induction, as has the State Government; Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) and Finance Advisory Committee; the Blue Haven Board; and TCorp, Council’s financier. “As the CEO of two businesses, both facing signif-

icant viability risks, I have responsibility to make the elected representatives and our three key stakeholder board members aware of the situation and appraised of what management action and options can be explored in addressing these matters,” says Council’s CEO Jane Stroud in the report. Sessions have been organised for Ms Stroud to present the report to all staff. Speaking with The Bugle after its release, she said, “I want to reassure people that doesn’t mean we are broke. “We have good reserves. But like every household we have to live within our

means, and spend within budget. “We’ve learnt from other councils experiences like Central Coast, and their advice is to act early, know all the facts, and importantly to be open and honest about what we are experiencing with the public. They are our shareholders, and deserve the truth from their local government.” Mayor Neil Reilly says the councillors are right behind the new transparency. “The far ranging scope of the report reveals that Council has a lot of work to do to get the ship back on a

continued p8

$3.4m sewage upgrade at Barney Street

Sydney Water has commenced a 14 week project at the carpark on the southern end of Surf Beach, at the bottom end of Barney St, to reduce sewage overflow on private properties during extreme wet weather events. The $3.4 million in essential work, which began on Monday 7 February, involves: • decommissioning an existing underground Emergency Relief Structure (ERS) at the western end of the carpark • building, connecting and commissioning of a new, improved ERS at the eastern end of the carpark • installing a new water main connection • restoring the area once work has been completed. The pipe services about 1000 nearby properties. The extensive work will see

700 tonnes of rock removed for the new ERS, and on two separate occasions there will be generators/pumps running 24 hours a day for up to five days. One of the Barney Street residents we spoke to had seen overflows in his driveway, which flowed out onto the street, only a couple of times in seven years. Sydney Water has warned neighbours to expect noisy work from the rock breaking

Like the Liberal candidate for Gilmore, Andrew Constance, the sitting Labor Member, Fiona Phillips, thinks that people want Australia to do more to address climate change. “A vote for Andrew Constance is a vote for Scott Morrison’s polices on climate change,” she says. “There’s not a lot there. “We have a Powering Australia Plan, endorsed by the Business Council of Australia and the National Farmers Federation, which has a medium term target but is about investing more in renewable and increased demand on energy, cutting power prices parking. Access to Surf Beach from and boosting jobs. “It will train people for new the southern end will be energy jobs and boost jobs closed during the whole of locally. the work. “Investing in renewables is The Bugle has queried the way of the future and our Sydney Water about why regions are the perfect place this work was considered a priority given other overflows to do that.” As for Mr Constance’s that are regularly occuring in wet weather, and what other claim (made in this paper) work is being planned for the that his ministerial experience will help in Canberra, area’s aging infrastructure. she says, “You’ve only got to No response has come.

talk to people about what’s happened with the ferries or the light rail or the trains [when he was NSW Transport Minister]. I think his record on privatisation and outsourcing speaks for itself.” She says his championing of the Nowra Bypass needs to be seen in context. “His record as the Minister for Roads shows he has done nothing about it up until now. It has got to be classified as a State Priority to kickstart it, and he never took the opportunity to do that. “I’ve been campaigning for it for some time, as it will be a key piece of infrastructure that impacts everyone on the South Coast. “But the first thing is to get community support to have it made a State Priority project and start the pre-planning. “He was in the best position to do that, but never did.” Gilmore was the seat to win at the last Federal election, and the seat to hold at this one expected in May. Only a handful of sitting days

are left before the election. Campaigning has already begun on both sides, with the visits from leading party figures only to increase. Reflecting on her first term, Ms Phillips says, “It is probably fair to say it’s been very different to what I was expecting – first drought, then the bushfires and the ongoing recovery, seven disaster declared floods and then COVID. “The people of Gilmore have been through a lot, and my focus has been on where it’s needed to be, which is supporting the community through the worst times that we could ever imagine. “That role has been ongoing, every single day. “It has been a challenge but on the positive side, there has been an opportunity to help people. Being able to help people through these extraordinary times has been really special.” She’s been frustrated by what she sees as inaction on

continued p8

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Tag on the beach Kiama’s Surf Beach will be home to the first ever Kiama Beach Tag tournament in March, with 48 teams coming from across NSW and ACT to compete in the inaugural event. “It’s unreal and very exciting to be able to hold this event here,” says Steve Emmett, Tournament Director. “It should be a really good day and we are hoping to offer that all round experience of not only the beach tag action on the sand, but also plenty of things to do in the park.” Beach Tag is a variation of the popular game, Oztag. There will be three divisions in the competition – Men’s Open, Mixed Open and Mixed Youth (ages 15-18). Thirty teams have already signed up, and the organisers are hoping to get some more local teams in the Mixed Youth and Men’s Open divisions. “We’ve had good interest from teams out of town so far, but we are hoping to bring a few more local teams involved to fill up the event,” says Steve. “We’ve got two teams coming up from Cooma, plenty from the ACT, one from the Shoalhaven and quite a few from the Greater Sydney/ Central Coast area. “We are putting up about

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$10,000 in cash up for prizes across the three divisions, with the numbers in each division determining how much prize money they receive.” While the Beach Tag tournament is happening, there will also be activities happening on Coronation Park. The Kiama Leagues Club will then host the post-tournament dinner, including where the presentation to the winners. “We want to make it a unique experience for everyone to come and play on the beautiful beach in Kiama,” says Keiron Duncan, Tourna-

ment Director. “We also want to make it unlike any other tournament before, with the food and market stalls and that fun atmosphere with live music and a jumping castle. “It’ll even be great for locals that aren’t playing to come down and see what it’s all about and get involved and support the businesses. “We hope to make it an annual event if we can keep our sponsors on board.” The new event’s main sponsors are First National Coast & Country, Destination Kiama, Kiama Council and Cattleman’s Brewing Co,

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the new venture of Kiama’s NRL legends, Josh and Brett Morris. “It’s lovely to kick off the new year on a positive note with many of our regular events returning alongside new initiatives such as the Kiama Beach Tag,” says Sally Bursell, Destination Kiama’s Acting Tourism and Events Manager. “What could be better than throwing a ball around on the soft sand of Kiama’s flagship beach with a bunch of like minded people?”

Kiama Beach Tag Tournament is on Saturday March 26 at Surf Beach.

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Phillips pitch for a second term from page 3 need for better mental health

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the Government’s front to prepare for future bushfire emergencies. “We’ve already announced that Labor will have a national aerial firefighting fleet. “It is just one of the recommendations from the Commonwealth Bushfire Inquiry that the Government has not implemented. “The Government also hasn’t spent any of the mitigation money in the Emergency Response Fund to put in place actions to help prevent future disasters. “We’ve committed to spending up to $200 million dollars a year when we’re in government. The fund is already there but it just hasn’t been spent. We will turn it into a grant like program for councils to access.” With the Kiama LGA escaping the ravages of the Black Summer, there is much work that could be done to prepare for future fires. Her first term has taught her to accept that everything can’t be perfect all the time. “We’ve all learnt that when the technology doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world. “I think we can be really hard on ourselves sometimes, but it is ok not to be perfect all the time. We can make mistakes, and learn from them.” She’s now championing the

services for youth and to fix the problems in the aged care sector. “I was successful in getting a full Headspace in Batemans Bay and I want that for Kiama as well,” she says. With regard to the crisis in aged care, she says, “I think the Government has completely vacated the space in terms of not just the Royal Commission recommendations, but before that when multiple reports never addressed. “If some of that was addressed earlier, we wouldn’t have a lot of the issues that we have now. “The Government [in its latest move] is just trying to give financial handouts but not actually address the systemic issues that are there. “The situation is dire and needs to be fixed.” The former TAFE teacher is right behind Labor’s policy of making TAFE free. “Right now the big thing people are telling me is that they cannot find workers, but we haven’t spent enough time training people and retraining people,” she says. She sees it being connected to Labor’s commitment to make more things in Australia. “When you look back at everything that has happened over the last few years, it

shows that if we make more things locally – if we train local people – we are in a much better position moving forward. “We’ve seen cuts in supply chains that have really impacted people because we are so reliant on overseas. “It’s not rocket science, and it needs to happen.” Finding a solution to the affordable housing crisis is also a priority, given the rising property prices on the South Coast. “Affordable housing is a massive issue across the electorate and the Govt has completely vacated the space so that is why we are in the situation we are in. “Labor’s Housing Australia Future Fund is a $10 billion fund and the income off that each year will go towards building affordable and social housing. “There’s a number of different elements of it, including a certain amount set aside for women experiencing domestic violence, refugees, and affordable housing for essential workers, “I think it’s really exciting and certainly something we haven’t seen for a very long time.” In welcome news for some frustrated by poor TV reception, having already followed it up with the Minister and ACMA, Ms Phillips is determined to fix the problem.

TO THE EDITOR To the guy who thinks he is the only bloke with a colour printer in Kiama, Yes – we can see what you are doing and sometimes you are quite witty. But constantly sticking your little posters all over Life Saving warning signs is self-indulgent and dangerous. You are like that kid at the pool shouting ‘Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!’ Yes – we can see you but we are ignoring you. Get the hint and save your printer ink. Name and address supplied I was very disappointed by some harassment by a local couple to our son and family as they were going into Werri Fish Shop saying, ‘You outof-towners brought COVID here, you selfish people – you are not welcome here’. They drove off with a rude hand gesture and our daughter-in-law said that if it wasn’t for the fact that we are here, they wouldn’t come back. Our town needs ‘tourists’ who provide much needed patrons at our cafes and venues who would struggle to survive without them and that sort of attitude should be condemned and discouraged. Marg Merrick, Gerringong We welcome letters. Word limit of 150. Writers’ names and addresses must be provided. Letters published at the Editor’s discretion. Send to news@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

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Jazz & Blues Festival set to soar Prepare for lift off as the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival requests to transition into airspace. Kiama’s signature music festival is back and, in its 35th year, is ready to take you on a supersonic journey – which is a welcome relief after years of travel restrictions and limitations in movement. Friday 11 March to Sunday 13 March will see Kiama grooving to more than 80 performances, including internationally renowned performers, playing across 35 venues. New this year, dedicated

music ‘hubs’ will pop-up in town for multiple performances, including: • the Top Shops on Manning Street (behind The Brooding Italian, Manning St Cellars, Jemfish Takeaway and Top Shop Friendly Grocer) • Burnett’s Sound Garden (at Burnett’s on Barney), • wedding and event venue, Greyleigh • Jazz Alley on Terralong St (in the muraled alley next to Vinnies). The Check-in Lounge (AKA The Joyce Wheatly Centre) will be transformed by Trolley’d, a portable bar hire

Daddly Longlegs and the Swamp Donkeys.

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Credit David Cullen

service which serves native and local organic foods from re-purposed airline cars upcycled into bar trolleys. On Sunday, the Landing Strip (usually known as Hindmarsh Park) will again host seven hours of free music. “The Festival is a volunteer run, not-for-profit and is designed to transport us from the mundane to appreciating that we are a vibrant, connected and cohesive township that is united, by showcasing music, arts and culture,” says one of the coordinators, Becky Guggisberg. Some of this year’s highlights will include performances by Mike Nock, The Strides, The Vampires, Moussa Diakite, the all-girl legends Monstress, Daddy Longlegs and the Swamp Donkeys, and Jason Bruer & Hammerhead. Saturday afternoon will look after traditional Jazz fans with so many internationally acclaimed artists and the Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz session curated by Eric Dunan. Blues fans will have an equal amount of fun with legends Dom Turner’s (Backsliders) Rural Blues Project, Declan Kelly (The Bondi Cigars), Mitch King, Jay Howie, Tall Shaun, and more.

Jazz legend Mike Nock

Check in for a trip down The M1 with a Brian Enos/ doom jazz influenced improv performance to an unseen film by filmmaker James Kates at Fillmore’s, then stick around for experimental synth-driven BurningSockMonkey. More information about artists and venues in the next issue of The Bugle. 11-13 March, various venues. www. kiamajazzandbluesfestival. com.au

12 February 2022 | 9

Council’s warts & all report from p3

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steady keel. “Along with Jane, we were determined to get this report in the open as soon as possible.” While Council’s income took a battering from COVID, it also revealed systemic weaknesses as questions were asked about cashflow. “We’ve got some big decisions to make about what is really important to this community,” says CEO Jane Stroud. “What are our realistic levels of service? “We can’t keep doing what we’ve done. We need to take a more mature approach to running the two businesses – local government services and aged care.” She says after six months in the job, the tipping point came for her at the first meeting of the newly established Blue Haven Board in early December. She made her first report to the State Government a couple of days later. “In the absence of an elected body [Council was in caretaker mode], I went to the three most senior committees we had,” she said. A variety of Blue Haven issues to do with care and service delivery are mentioned in the report, but on top of these is the problem that until now Blue Haven’s activities have not been separated out from the rest of Council. “Blue Haven has no separate operating accounts and its finances are completely merged with Council’s general ledger,” says the Report. With Blue Haven accounting for more than half Council’s workforce and a large portion of its income (precise amount unknown because of the merged accounts), this has had the result of skewing data on a number of fronts. “It is a fundamental prob-

“What is the point of having a vision if it isn’t grounded in reality?” lem,” says Ms Stroud. She has extensive experi“Council’s operations and ence in the development of Blue Haven are two distinct CSPs, and is looking forward businesses. to the process. “I’m not sure why this Given the amount of staff has not been raised as an turnover, none of the senior issue before by our external staff involved with the develauditors.” opment of the last CSP are Forensic auditors are still with Council. already in the process of A large number of options dividing the accounts, with are outlined in the Report, inMs Stroud expecting it to be cluding asset sales – not only CEO Jane Stroud completed by late March. Akuna St [which is about Significantly the Report governance, staffing and to go to market], but also puts on the public record for quality systems and procethe old nursing home site at the first time that Council’s dures to help inform quality Havilah Place. initially indicated investment Council decisions.” Ms Stroud cautions against in Blue Haven Bonaira of For example, the policy on quickly taking these easy op$56 million has more than Developer Contributions was tions to restore the finances. doubled to $106 million. last revised in 1993. “The thing is you only ever Indications are that its “Legislatively we are supget to sell something once, so profitability is trending posed to do that every seven we need to be considered in downwards and that it is years, and it is a revenue what we do,” she says. unsustainable in its current generating activity,” says Ms That applies to the Blue operational model. Stroud. Haven business as well. TCorp lent $45 million for “And the way that we mea“We will look at whether the Blue Haven Bonaira desure and reward our employ- full ownership and managevelopment, and $10 million ees’ performance hasn’t been ment is the best way going has already been repaid. updated in 20 years.” forward. There are many Ms Stroud has been meetMs Stroud is keen to different models for us to ing with TCorp weekly, and improve Council’s commitconsider.” says they are quite satisfied ment to professional project The same goes for the with how Council is address- management, as lack of it imposition of a special rate ing the issues. has caused problems on a variation. “They are really happy variety of fronts. Mayor Neil Reilly says, with how they have been The CEO says she has “The Council’s job is to engaged,” she says. not released the information identify the root causes In summary, the Report to attribute blame, but rather and challenges and develop says that there are three fun- so it can to be used construc- with our councillors, staff damental matters immediate- tively to help develop the and community a pathway ly affecting the business and required update of the 10 forward. its future: year Community Strategic “We’d like as many people • Financial sustainability Plan (CSP). as possible to attend the CSP – cash flow, liquidity, and “It isn’t going to serve workshops so we can benefit financial management anyone to do that. It is more from their opinions.” • Organisational capability, important to look at the sysFactsheets are being culture and performance tems, and fix the root cause. prepared by Council as – investment in people, “With so many different backgrounders for the CSP systems, performance challenges in the organimeetings. Workshop details: management and culture sation – everything urgent, Mon 21 Feb (5.30pm – 8pm): has been weak everything needing attention Jamberoo School of Arts • Risk and governance – and resources – there is a Wed 23 Feb (5.30pm – 8pm): risk exposure created by desperate need for prioritizaNorth Kiama N’hood Centre lack of strategic direction, tion,” says Ms Stroud. Thur 24 Feb (9.30am – 12pm): policy, poor decision mak“That’s what I need to do Joyce Wheatley C’ty Centre ing and lack of resources with the councillors and the Thur 3 Mar (5.30pm – 8pm): and revenue. councillors need to do with G’gong Library and Museum The Report says it has taken the community through the Bookings essential www.kiama. decades to arrive at this posi- CSP. nsw.gov.au/csp-workshops tion, “Across the board there “It is a lead document that has been a lack of planning, should shape all our work.

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The Bugle

Council utilises its walls With the imminent closure of two local galleries and the folding of the Kiama Arts Trail, our artists are set to receive a major helping hand. Kiama Council has created space in the Council Chambers and Mayor’s Office for regular displays of artwork, plus, even more significantly, moves are afoot to create an important dedicated exhibition space. “Displaying art in the Council Chambers will be an ongoing proposition,” says Mayor Neil Reilly. “And I also plan to put in a mayoral minute at next week’s meeting to transition the refurbished old Council Building on Manning Street into an arts space, where we can give local artists the opportunity of showing their works plus display some of the valuable art our Council already owns. “Let’s use something that looks like an art gallery – a very, very prominent and distinctive heritage building – to send a message to our community that art matters.” Neil says it’s especially important to send this message after what we have been through over the past couple of years. “Let’s look forward to a brighter and more creative future,” he says. Neil will be looking for support from other councillors

Artists Helen Pain and Robyn Sharp with Mayor Neil Reilly

for this initiative to put the arts literally front and centre in this community. News of the addition of these spaces comes at a crunch time for artists. “We are at a break point,” says Foxground artist Robyn Sharp. “We are about to lose two significant spaces - The Art Bar is sold and Terra Gallery is having a closing sale and will be closed by March.” The impact of COVID has also been hard. The current exhibition in the Council’s rooms (referred to on the Council website as Seniors Week for artists 65 and older) is in fact a fine show of Kiama landscapes (for sale) created by some of the region’s best local (and ageless) artists, Helen Pain, Robyn Sharp and Ron Knott. The community is welcome to view these works anytime Monday to Friday 8.30am

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

to 4.30pm, no bookings necessary. Helen, who is president of the Kiama Arts Society, admits that artists have been affected by the loss of the Kiama Arts Trail. “Our art society, which is a very active group, plans to look at different examples of Art Trails and may consider kick starting something similar again.” The Society has more than 200 members located in the Kiama region, Wollongong and other parts north. Membership is $40 per annum. While current lighting in the Council Chambers is poor, making art display tricky, Mayor Reilly says that he plans to submit a recommendation in next year’s budget to upgrade technology in that space – including the microphones and the voting system – and this will include

better lighting “not only to display the artwork better, but also so that the community can see more clearly what happens in council meetings.” Council’s CEO Jane Stroud kicked off the revitalisation of Council spaces last year. “This room [the Mayor’s office] was a gloomy, dingy, spiderwebby place with old, sad furniture. Jane had the walls painted white to brighten the space and found new furniture to make it more comfortable for people to view the paintings and come and talk to me,” says Mayor Reilly. He would welcome help with the heritage exhibition space. “If we have a benefactor for the Arts, we would be happy to accept their generosity to help with this space, to make sure that is becomes a great aspect of our community.”

by Perrie Croshaw

The exhibitions in Kiama Council Chambers and Mayors Office run for six weeks. Council’s Administration building is at 11 Manning Street. The Chambers are through double doors in the lobby and the Mayor’s Office is the single door to the left of that (neither room has signage yet). Please respect closed doors showing rooms are in use.

Screen time tips Last time I shared screen time guidelines for children. Unfortunately, we know that half of children exceed the recommended 2 hours per day or less. Here are some tips to reduce vision and other problems occurring from screen use. Encourage Moderation Children are more likely to become short-sighted if they spend more than 2 hours on screens, and less than 90 minutes outside each day. Reducing your own screen time as an example can help. Ensure Good Posture Devices shouldn’t be closer than the distance to your elbow. Change Focus Encourage your child to occasionally look up and away from the screen or their books. Take a break every half hour You can use a clock or timer Consider lighting Using screens outside or in bright areas can cause glare and strain. Take care in cars Limiting use of devices when travelling can help your child use their long vision, play games, and enjoy their surroundings. Distract Use distractions or healthy snacks to break up screen time No screens within 1 hour of bedtime This will help your child fall asleep and stay asleep.

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Event bringing together investors and Small Caps Anthony Hourigan, of local company Cloudbreak Wealth, says his inaugural Small Caps event, designed to bring growing companies and potential investors together, has the potential to become an annual financial matchmaking event. “These Small Cap companies have a struggle getting their stories out there, but by the same token there are plenty of motivated investors looking for somewhat undiscovered opportunities to invest their money,” says Mr Hourigan. “There is no other event like this to bring them together. “My big hope is it becomes an event where people go away from it having made some really valuable connections for their business, and that investors are keen to come again and again.” The event will see twelve emerging growth companies (currently with small capitalisations, hence the name Small Caps) give presentations to an invitation-only audience of 70 cashed-up investors. Amongst the investor group will be a mix of high net worth individuals and families, local business owners,

investment advisers and fund managers. In the style of the popular TV show Shark Tank, three start-up companies will also be given the opportunity to make a pitch to the investors to take their ideas to the next level. Local returnable cup startCloudbreak Wealth’s Anthony Hourigan (right), Joe Calcraft and Josh Sweeney up, Green Caffeen, will be one of those. tations, it’s really important With that in mind, DestiA former Macquarie Bank to give the opportunity for nation Kiama has invested institutional stockbroker, Mr companies and investors $1,000 in the inaugural Hourigan moved to Kiama to mix in a very relaxed event, which is being held at 10 years ago, setting up atmosphere, so they can ask The Sebel Hotel. Cloudbreak Wealth to use his questions they might not in a “Everyone who is coming research and high level conpacked room and get to know down is staying for at least tacts to recommend opporthe individuals better,” says one night, so it will be a real tunities for local and other Mr Hourigan. boom for the local economy,” high net wealth individuals. Gerroa pro-surfer Dean says Anthony. These include providing seed Bowen, one of Cloudbreak “We’ve also purposefully or pre-listing capital, private Wealth’s clients, is to be the used local suppliers for equity and direct share guest speaker at the event’s everything from the signs to investment. opening lunch. the catering.” Plenty of time for network“We see Small Caps as a The event is also being ing has been planned into the way to not only showcase supported by the Kiama & Small Caps event, including businesses to investors, but District Business Chamber, a corporate marquee at also to promote the region and one of its members, the Kiama Sevens on the as a great place to visit, live Seed Space Venture Capital, Saturday. and do business from,” says which is associated with two “After the formal presenMr Hourigan. of the start-ups.

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The Bugle

Greyleigh’s venue ambitions A DA has been lodged which seeks permission for the historic farm Greyleigh, on Long Brush Road, to be given temporary use approval for it to become an event venue. The property already operates as an exclusive holiday rental, but has made no secret of its ambitions to host a variety of events in its extensive 34 ha (94 acre) grounds, looking north over the Jamberoo Valley and off to the coast. Its $5 million renovation was reported in an earlier issue. The property is owned by Charlie Daoud, and the events side of things is to be managed by well known local identity, Erica Warren. The DA seeks approval for the holding of a wide range of events, including weddings, indoor acoustic live music and dinner shows, day time markets, other corporate/community events, art exhibitions, educational (agricultural students) and farm animals day activities, wellness workshops and writing retreats. The temporary use approval would be for a maximum of 52 days per year on the RU2 zoned land. All uses are aimed at increasing tourism visitation to the area, and providing

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cultural and agricultural Proposed hours of operatourism experiences. tion are 8-10pm Mon to Sat The events will be held and 8-9pm on Sundays. in the existing, recently An existing carpark has renovated barn and shed capacity for 40 cars, and structure (known as The Gables) and surrounding grounds. Outdoor events may require the erection of temporary marquees or cabanas, market stalls, artworks and sculptures, and amenities. Weddings would be capped at 150 guests, and be held either indoors or outdoors between 2-10pm. The application is for a maximum of 250 people to attend outdoors, with no simultaneously held events increasing the numbers.

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Kiama Sevens 50th Photo: Susan Fielding, All Together Creative

Sunday

continued from p1 ing,” says Sandy.

By the mid-90s, there were up to 52 teams competing and the emphasis was very much on the social side of the event, which led to fears about its sustainability. “In 2013 we made the decision not to accept international or composite sides – you had to be an Australian club, so prize money would go back to clubs,” says Mark Bryant, who has been involved with the Sevens since 1994 and been Tournament Director since 2008. “Because of the quality of the teams in the competition, Australian Sevens selectors come along each year to look at up and coming players.” He introduced a women’s competition in 2009, and made other improvements to the format. “If Mark Bryant hadn’t come along and taken over the fundraising and liaising with the rugby powers that be, we wouldn’t still be go-

“He has protected our weekend, made it self-funding and it raises a lot of money for running the Club each year.” It is now the longest running Sevens tournament in Australia. Fittingly, this year will see 44 teams compete for $50,000 in prize money spread across seven finals, including a new 2nd Division women’s competition. “Both the men’s Cleary Bros Cup and the women’s Sebel Vase are equal prize money of $10,000,” says Mark, who is expecting over 5000 people at the Showground for the 50th event. “Many of the clubs are treating it like a reunion and bringing old players down.” A luncheon to launch the 50th is being held on 11 February, with Wallaby legends John Eales (guest speaker), Glen Ella and coach Bob Dwyer in attendance.

Both Glen and Bob have history with the Sevens, with Glen playing and Bob coaching the Randwick side. On the day, the finals start at 4.30pm, after Touchdown Helicopters bring the trophies to the ground at 4pm. “They are are going to be handed over by Glen Ella and former Wallaby and local Scott Fava,” says Mark. The last game will start at 7pm. With this year’s Sevens being a bigger event than normal, Mark is looking for some extra people to lend a hand on the Friday for set up, and on the day. Contact him on 0439 640 896 or use the enquiry form on the Sevens website.

Saturday 26 February, Kiama Showgrounds, from 8am

Tickets must be bought online ($15). Masks recommended. Find out more, or buy tickets, at www.kiamasevens.com

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The residents were placed in isolation in their rooms and provided dedicated support. Affected staff isolated at home. There are currently no active cases amongst residents, and four staff still recovering. One administrative member of the Blue Haven Community Services team also tested positive on 23 December, resulting in the office being closed and all staff isolating at home for 14 days. Both providers are cautiousoptimistic that their efforts to restrict the spread have been successful. Blue Haven Bonaira is implementing a staged re-opening. “We want to help family and friends visit our residents where possible. And we know that many are especially keen to do so, given the restrictions we had to place over the festive and holiday season, but we are balancing this against the high-level of COVID-19 transmission in the wider community,” says Kiama Council’s CEO Jane Stroud. “I want to assure our residents and their loved ones

and we’ll keep you up-to-date as we manage your health and safety.” Family and friends need to book their visit to Blue Haven (one visitor per resident per day, between 102pm), ensure they are fully vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 and take a temperature, symptom and RAT test on arrival. Meeting outdoors is being encouraged. Care and compassionate visits can be made at any time. Uniting says they have developed a protocol based on the industry code for services experiencing an outbreak, to safely enable visits for residents who rely on regular visitors to receive essential support. “We also use Zoom calls to connect people as much as we can to keep families and loved ones connected and are also ensuring that we communicate regularly with family members whose loved ones are in a service experiencing an outbreak,” said the spokesperson. Given their national operations, Uniting is advocating a revised national approach to responding to outbreaks in

residential aged care, which balances infection control with the other important health and wellbeing needs. “Currently we must apply different approaches in different locations as each Public Health Unit is thinking differently. Ideally there would be one, evidenced based ‘best way’ for the circumstances at hand,” said the spokesperson. At Blue Haven, all residents who have opted in have been double vaccinated, with 87 per cent having already received their booster. Uniting says most of their residents are double vaccinated, with 75 per cent of residents having been boosted nationally. Half of Blue Haven staff have already received their boosters, and Uniting is strongly encouraging all of its employees to have their booster shots. “Given recent changes to reduce the time between the primary vaccination and the booster to three months and the impending mandating of boosters for employees, we expect the rate of boosters amongst our employees to significantly increase in February,” said a Uniting spokesperson.

The Bugle

Honouring the fallen

No dogs at markets being reconsidered

John Stead (know by many old timers as Norma’s son) and Richard McCarthy OAM of Honour Our Fallen, a notfor-profit organisation, are hoping to honour ex-service men and women by getting local schools or community groups to place Australian flags on the graves and memorial plaques of fallen soldiers on ANZAC Day this year. “We hope to be able to recognise all of our fallen by placing these flags,” says John, who is the organisation’s facilitator for the area. “Once you put them in the ground and see all these Australian flags fluttering in the breeze, it looks really amazing. “Then you go and look closely and you pick up a story of who that person was while paying respect to them.” There are 180 cemeteries around Australia where service clubs, schools and community groups are already facilitating the flag commemorations. John and Richard hope to get schools in this area involved to teach them about Australia’s fallen soldiers and to generate an appreciation of veterans and current defence personnel. “By involving schools, it’s a full process of education as

Council’s CEO Jane Stroud has given hope to dog owners, who have enjoyed taking their pooches to the markets for many years, that they may still be able to do so – but it will be up to the new Council to decide on the policy. In our previous edition, The Bugle told of Council notifying market organisers that dogs would not be allowed at the markets. Reasons given for this change were the parks being dog free areas (except on a leash on a path); and a prohibition on dogs within 10 metres of a food preparation area in a public space or any children’s playground. “I apologise for the sudden imposition of a new ruling that Council has not yet had the opportunity to discuss or to formally resolve a formal position on,” says Ms Stroud. “While we do need to follow food safety guidelines and the Companion Animals legislation set down by the NSW Government, we also need to be reasonable and practical.” She acknowledged that literal application of the rules may not actually be possible due to topography, lack of footpaths or open spaces, and said that the issue would be reviewed via further discussion and a decision by Council.

well as building respect in the community, because they get to know the people in some ways and their history,” says Richard, Director of Honour Our Fallen. “We even give the schools a research manual to make it easy for the teachers to do a lesson plan so the students can research the names and then place the flags. “The feedback we’ve had from the schools has been unbelievable and the kids have really enjoyed doing it.” The flags, which are all Australian-made, are placed in time for ANZAC Day and are left out for about a week before the school or community group take them down to be reused later on. “The chosen day is ANZAC Day being Australia’s commemoration of every conflict; however a lot of schools have requested to do it in conjunction with the local RSL on Remembrance Day as well,” says John. “It’s an idea of educating students to recognise the service men and women passed and alive that have represented their country and thanking them for their service.” This will be the first year Australian flags will be placed in our local cemeteries under Honour Our Fallen, and the men hope the

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

community will be behind uniform, like the Ambulance, the idea. Fire and Police, because they “The program has been all deserve thanks. created to thank all those that are gave service to the To find out more or if you community and we are taking have a problem with a flag the first steps to honour all being placed on someone’s those in the defence service,” grave, call John Stead on says Mr McCarthy. 0414 946 694. “I am then hoping we can go onto the other services that wear an Australian

Ms Stroud and Mayor Neil Reilly will be meeting with market coordinators soon to discuss the issue, with the aim of coming up with a sensible and pracitical management solution for all parties. “I’m hoping that by meeting and listening to the market operators I will get a better understanding of how they manage their leased spaces already, and how we can work with them on a proactive approach to dogs, on or off leash, within their leased market area,” she says. “After those meetings, a report will head through Council for a decision that staff can then action.” In the meantime, the CEO says, “Dogs and their owners are welcome in Kiama and have always been a valued part of our community. “I think the majority of people know that being a responsible pet owner involves having your dog under control at all times. “Most people are fantastic at doing this and I thank them sincerely. “Keeping dogs on a leashes in busy areas, picking up after pets, and avoiding being too close to food preparation/ service areas is also really helpful and always appreciated.”

12 February 2022 | 15

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FROM THE MAYOR Neil Reilly talks directly with residents and ratepayers

You’ll also will find Council Chambers (and my office) alive with creativity, via a rotating display of artworks. Local artists have been invited to hang their work in Kiama Council’s admin building public spaces, council chambers and the Mayor’s office. Works will be on display In a place as beautiful as for a period of six weeks for ours, it is little wonder art council staff and the commuand artists flourish. nity to enjoy and, if they wish, During this council term, purchase. Good for eyes, the we will be showcasing singarts and our walls. ers, musicians and visual artCurrently if you visit the ists in Council Chambers to council building, you’ll see assist this thriving, creative paintings by Robyn Sharp, aspect of our community. Helen Pain and Ron Knott Our council meetings will gracing our walls. be enhanced by the talents Robyn Sharp has been inof local musicians, who will spired to capture the natural start off our meetings on the beauty of plants around her, right note. At our ordinary pure water from the escarpmeeting on 15 February, Pen- ment, abundant wildlife of ny Eastlake will be playing birds and animals and the prior to the meeting, greeting tranquillity of the rainforest. guests and also will open Colourful works by award our proceedings. Catch this winning artist Helen Pain online or in person at our are an impressionistic treat… chambers. We plan to have vibrant and alive with colour a different musical act every and emotion. Her talent goes month. beyond her art, where Hel-

One of Helen Paine’s artworks that are on display

en’s leadership of the Kiama Art Society has inspired many local artists. Ron Knott is a traveller, teacher and prolific artist. His work is inspired by the environment, its colours, textures and constantly changing surfaces. I love the

whimsical touches that add a dimension of delight to his work. I believe anything that engages our creative mind helps us all to communicate and feel connected. At this time, we need that!

Show Life Membership for Dulcie Piper Dulcie Piper has been recognised by the Show Society for her lifelong commitment to the Kiama Show. She first attended as a child with her family, the Wards. She exhibited handcrafts and cooking in the Pavilion and helped her family show cattle. Dulcie later became a Pavilion steward, and then when her sister Nancy Waters became Show Secretary (a position she held for many years), Dulcie would assist her in the week leading up to the Show. She worked at

the desk taking in Pavilion entries until the 2019 Show. In addition, she helped out with catering and on the gate during the Show, and was well known for selling raffle tickets, a role which she was well suited for as who could resist her smiling face at the table inside the Pavilion. “Dulcie has been a dedicated member of the Kiama Show throughout her life and her contribution deserved to be recognised with Life Membership,” says Group 5 President Michael Brennan presenting Dulcie with Life Show Society President Neil Membership at the 2022 Kiama Show. Husband Ray Piper (right) McLaren. is also a Life Member.

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www.middletonfp.com.au call 02 4232 4402 17 Bong Bong St, Suite 12, Holt Centre, Kiama, 31 Kinghorne St, Nowra, NSW 2533 NSW 2541

Middleton Financial Planning is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Clearview Financial Advice Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 331367

16 | 12 February 2022

The Bugle

For the love of swimming After 21 years, a new

newsagent in Jamberoo

Kiama Swim Club is back and Race Secretary Corinna Walker is calling people of all ages and abilities, from 4 or 5 years old, to sign up to continue the club’s almost 70 year history. “Swimming is really great for our mental health and anyone with asthma”, says Corinna. “The club has a social side too, it’s not just competition.” She says there are lots of kids out there who really look forward to their school swimming carnival or are part of Kiama Council’s swim school or swim squad. The Kiama Swim Club is another opportunity for these kids to swim every week, for an hour on Friday nights. “It’s a chance to practice your racing skills, gain confidence and have fun with people who love to swim,” she says. “We have Week A and Week B. We run three events every night - we always run freestyle. “Week A will have freestyle, breastroke and butterfly. Then Week B will have freestyle, backstroke and medly. “You can elect to swim varying distances – kids can

do, say, 25m or 50m freestyle, then 100m backstroke or 200m butterfly – mix it up anyway they like up to 1500m. “Or if they only want to do freestyle, then that’s what they do. Our big kids can get into the water and help them, or someone can walk along the wall with them, or they can have a noodle with them.” Club members can either just swim at the Friday night racing or go to carnivals. “There are basic carnivals for 4/5 yr olds, then older kids and right up to the nationals with kids that have just finished their HSC.” Corinna explains that the idea of the Kiama Swim Club is to compete against yourself. “You get points for racing on the Friday night. You will go in a heat with swimmers with similar times, but you are only ever trying to beat your own time, competing against yourself.” You won’t beat your time every week, Corinna says. The kids that normally win the trophies are the ones that come regularly but are also the ones that aren’t so great at swimming, because they

can take off more time each time they swim. “The swimmers that are really fast can only shave off milliseconds and it’s really hard for them to keep making significant improvements,” she says. “So, it’s the swimmers that have room to improve that get all the awards at the end of the season.” Socially, the club has, say, a pizza night on the last event in summer or goes out to a restaurant when COVID allows, as well as celebrating Christmas together. The carnivals are also social occasions. “When we go to, say, a two day carnival down in Ulladulla, we will all stay down there and maybe go out to dinner on the Saturday night.”

Kiama Swim Club meets every Friday night at 7pm during school term at the Kiama Leisure Centre. The cost to join is $100 for the full year. For further details contact Corinna Walker, Race Secretary, on 0405509716 or email kiamaracesecretary@ gmail.com with your children’s name and date of birth ahead of the next meet. by Perrie Croshaw

Natasha Dean, new owner of the Jamberoo Newsagency, says that former owner Andy Waugh should be recognised for doing such a great job for such a long time. “It’s not every day you see someone who sticks out 21 years running the same business. “He’s been such a fixture in the township and I know that many members of the community want to thank him for his contribution to the village.” Andy was born in Jamberoo 73 years ago so has seen quite a few changes in this once sleepy rural village. He’s seen quite a number of changes in the newspaper industry too – “the business in printed newspapers isn’t what it used to be,” he says, “and we have had to diversify into many other products over the years, but the whole time we’ve been very well supported by our local village.” The newsagency still delivers newspapers locally and this will continue. The new owners, Natasha and Anthony Dean say they purchased the newsagency for lifestyle reasons. “We live locally and we wanted both of our children to go to pre-school, then primary school in Jamberoo,” says Natasha. “Anthony, who was born and bred in Jamberoo, is at present a diesel mechanic in Unanderra and under a truck

from 6am to 5pm but I was looking for a career change so knew a local business would be ideal. “I spotted a sign in the window in September and we started the conversation then.” Natasha’s sister Anna will also be working behind the counter during the week. Andy, on the other hand, will be “trying really hard to do nothing” when he finally leaves the newsagency. Before this business, he worked as a metallurgist at the Port Kembla steelworks, had a grocery store/ newsagency/postmaster over the mountains, then did quality assurance for a company that made components for cars, went to Brambles to do quality management there, but they ended up asking him to manage their transport. “My wife Barbara retired about five years ago, so it hasn’t been fair to her me working so hard. But we don’t want to sit back and watch TV all day,” Andy says. “I’ve got about two years of things to do around the house both inside and out. Then we have planned a

trip down along the Murray across to Adelaide depending on how COVID pans out.” But Andy can’t go on holidays for a couple of weeks until she has her head around the business, says Natasha. And then he might be a phone-a-friend for a while. “We are nervous, excited but really pumped,” Natasha says. “Andy has been great with the changeover, very supporting and helpful – there is a lot involved in a newsagency. “He has a great relationship with the community. “While I’ve been in doing the changeover, I’ve seem the banter and how he is, and all the community members that have come in are really supportive of his retirement and saying lovely things.” She and Anna plan to add some giftware and change things up over time. The current opening hours are Mon-Fri 7.30-5 and Sat, Sun 7.30-11.30, “But we might extend these hours as COVID opens things up and we add giftware into the shop,” Natasha says.

by Perrie Croshaw

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12 February 2022 | 17

vices

OUT AND ABOUT

At the Farmers’ Market’s 8th The Kiama Farmers’ Market celebrated its 8th anniversary with cake and sunshine, much to the delight of regulars and visitors!

Janet and Gordon Edmonds from the Northern Suburbs, with Glen and Carol Snowdon

Vanessa and Jemima Jeffries, Alex Wade, and Nathan Poulton and his kids Alfie and Maise

Denise Duncan and Kellie McInerney with her children Grace and Blake

Lauren, Nancy and Dan with kids Indie and Beau

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www.keithlester.com.au 18 | 12 February 2022

The Bugle

THE BUGLE CROSSWORD 1

LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTION 8

9 10

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33 34 38 40

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ACROSS

1. Prime Minister who had a swimming pool named after him 5. A bet in which the first two places in a race must be predicted 9. Popular red wine grape 10. Australian aboriginal wind instrument 12. Numbers puzzle game 13. Game in which players build up words on a board 15. Chemical element in common salt 17. Country town named after

Prince William of Citrus Fruit 18. Diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea 19. Female mechanic in Aust soap opera played by Kylie Minogue 21. One who accepts bets 22. Approximately. Especially a date in the past. 25. Offal in lamb’s fry 27. Aust. king who abdicated in 1936 31. Discontinued soap opera in 19 across 32. Common name for Instant

Lottery Ticket 34. Which Aust State loses more money per person to gambling than any other jurisdiction in the world 40. Instrument to measure radioactivity (6,7) 42. Variety of wheat grown in Aust ideal for pasta making 44. Mountain upon which Noah’s Ark beached 45. Greek engineer who jumped out of the bath and yelled Euraka!

DOWN

1. First name of 1 across 2. Girl or young woman 3. 2nd element in common salt 4. Pakistani language 6. The sub continent country 7. Aust Rock n Roll Band (1,1,1,1) 8. An account of someone’s life written by a 3rd party 10. Vic Premier Andrew’s anti vaxer nickname (8,3) 11. Act or behave in a jovial or exuberant fashion. Past tense. 14. Species of edible fish 15. Rhyming slang: Apples and pears 16. Mafia code of silence 19. Giant one eyed mythological Greek monster 20. Labourer 23. Australian of the year 2022 24. & 38. The tractor unit in a semi-trailer (5,5) 26. Two babies born at the same time 28. Sheep’s coat 29. Slang for greyhound or racing dog (4,6) 30. A bet forecasting the first three places in a race in the correct order 33. Car with electric engine, battery and petrol engine 35. New crossword game competitor 36. Name of QE11’s dad and great grandson 37. Baby’s pacifier 39. Grind one’s teeth in anger 41. Pop singer Lady ---- who wore the steak dress

I N D

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Crossword compiled by Steve Law. Correspondence welcome to crossword@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

For local news between editions

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12 February 2022 | 19

Family effort for cancer research

POSTCARD HOME For many years, one of the great joys of living on the South Coast is visiting Arthur Boyd’s Bundanon. My sons and I have climbed Pulpit Rock to get a view of the old home from the southern side of the Shoalhaven River; I’ve been mesmerized by musicians at regular concerts in the Glenn Murcutt designed Boyd Education Centre; and I’ve been witness to some of the most moving performances, dance and soundscapes at Siteworks events. During Christmas 2020, I held my breath as catastrophic flames from the Moreton National Park headed towards the property, while the $43m collection of artworks from Boyd, his family, Sidney Nolan, Brett Whitely, Joy Hester, Charles Blackman and other artists were hastily packed into a truck and moved to Sydney. This month, I was back at Bundanon for the opening of the $34 million underground Art Museum and Bridge which lies near the Murcutt building. The planning for this new concrete bunker seemed prescient in 2020 considering those wildfires. The new art museum’s first show, From Impulse to Action, includes a selection of Boyd’s drawings for Robert

Helpmann’s ballet Elektra (1963). The Bridge hovers above the property (reminiscent of one of Boyd’s floating figures) and houses a selection of king bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, as well as learning spaces. Down a separate road is the Arthur Boyd Homestead (built in 1866), his studio, the artists in residence building, the musician cottages and

the art collection store. While Bundanon has a great permanent café, Ramox, open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (worth heading up there if only for lunch and a view of the magnificent Shoalhaven River), it was fully booked on our visit so we had lunch at Cambewarra Estate Winery, also on Illaroo Road. Head Chef Joshua Greenhill grew up locally before

working with Matt Moran’s Aria Catering and Michael Moore’s O Bar and Dining. The food was exceptional and accompanied by the winery’s award-winning Chambourcin. Take a trip there soon. Perrie Croshaw, Gerroa

Ben Woods, his wife Kate and their two kids, Abby and Riley (aka Team Woods) from Kiama Downs are surfing every day this month for SurfFebruary, to raise money for cancer research at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. “Cancer has impacted my family a fair bit with my wife’s dad having prostate cancer over the last couple of years and her mum currently battling cancer, as well as my grandad,” says Ben Woods. “SurFebruary came at a time when we’ve all been thinking about cancer so we thought to see what we can do about it.” The initial goal for Team Woods was $500 and they have now raised well over $2000 which Ben says was unexpected. “It started off as just us doing our own little bit to raise some money,” he says. “But it exploded and we are

very happy with our results so far and it’s only early days.” This is the first time the Woods family have done SurFebruary but as showing support for cancer research is close to their hearts they are already planning to do the fundraiser again next year. “One of the things I saw when I signed up for it was the statistic that ‘one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime’,” says Ben. “It’s touched our family but there’s so many others in the community that have also been impacted by cancer. “It’d be really great if the rest of the community get behind it or sign up for future SurFebruary’s to also raise money and spread awareness.”

To donate to Team Woods, visit: www.2022.surfebruary. com/ben-woods by Jack Wallner

If you’d like to share your travel story, send your postcard to: news@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

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20 | 12 February 2022

Bugle August.indd 1

The 9/2/22 Bugle 4:49 pm