The Bugle 13 June 2020

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The Bugle 13 June 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 welcomes its visitors back The easing of travel and dining restrictions just before the June Long Weekend resulted in a huge shot in the arm for local tourism and hospitality businesses. The new manager of Council’s Surf Beach Holiday Park, Gordon Tolman, says the pent up demand for a holiday was evident immediately a date was set for the travel restrictions to ease. He knows the area well, having managed Council’s Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park for the last three years (a role he still holds). Within two days of news that restrictions were being lifted on June 1, all of the accommodation at both holiday parks was booked out. He says the properties are in peak condition, not only because of the over $4 million refurbishment of Surf Beach, which was completed before Christmas, but the extra maintenance and improvements that have been done while the parks were closed. “People who can’t travel overseas are looking for other quality destinations.” Karen Ronning, Manager Destination Kiama, is very happy with the way people flocked to the region. “We understand that all accommodation was booked out, which was what we wanted to hear,” she says. “From a tourism perspective it was great to see the area back to its vibrant self, and for us to have the opportunity to welcome visitors back.

“The weekend demonstrated the affection people have for our area, by their willingness to return so quickly.” Major strategic promotions of our area, organised by Destination Kiama staff during the down time, are to begin soon. These include campaigns and partnerships with influential travel guides: Time Out, Broadsheet and Australian Traveller. “We’ve also got weather crosses happening for Channel 7 and Sunrise,” says Ms Ronning. “The timing is perfect in the run up to winter, which we want to be busier than usual this year.” The influx of visitors faced a new reality, as hospitality businesses had reduced capacity to service their needs. After being deserted for months, the footpaths were suddenly crowded as people waited to be served. “It was one of the busiest weekends we have ever seen – as crazy as I’ve seen it at Christmas and Easter,” says Pete Henderson, who started his Penny Whistler Cafe almost five years ago. “People just exploded out of the gates of Sydney. “They were just so happy to be out and about.” Whereas he could sit just under 60 inside before COVID-19, his cafe is now limited to 22 inside plus its outdoor seating. “When it was just 10 seats, it was hard to manage and

Continued on p 12

Inside this issue Upgraded amenities at Kevin Walsh Oval p3

Gareth Ward on the need to reopen safely p3

Barroul House opens its doors p 6 The Manager of the Surf Beach Holiday Park,Gordon Tolman, by the new pool

From the Editor:

The Bugle is here to stay

Given the dreadful news of the closure of so many local newspapers around Australia, you need to know The Bugle is committed to continuing to provide a local news service for the Kiama region. In fact, we are on the cusp of expanding our service to the community in a new and exciting way. We’ll let you know of our plans in future issues. The failed business models of the bigger publishers aren’t an indication people don’t want, or need, local news

Phone: 42322757

21B Barney Street, KIAMA After Hours Towing 0438 424 574

any more. In this crazy world it is more important than ever that we know what is going on where we live. Other communities are in shock that they will no longer have access to local news. Because local news matters. Over almost six years, The Bugle has developed a reputation for being a ‘must read’, and this means we Our Editor, Cathy Law are a great way for local through their support that companies to advertise to you are continuing to get the community. your ‘free’ local news. Don’t forget that it is

Fax: 4232 2676 ksmr@bigpond.com

Preparing to tell Gerringong’s story p7

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PINK SLIPS – CAR, VAN, BIKE, TRAILERS


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