Local wedding honours

labour, first home builder stimulus packages being wound back and the end of a prolonged cheap credit-fuelled surge”. In fact, “the industry has been at the centre of a perfect storm.”

Prof. Swan, observes that bankruptcy, particularly of home builders, is very hard to predict, and says that “there is very little that individuals can do in response other than expensive legal action”. He recommends avoiding buying off the plan.

“There are large, reputable builders who have been around for many decades. This offers some protection but far from complete,” he funds will be lost and finding another builder to complete the work is difficult because of increased material costs.”

He also noted that home warranty insurance (under the Home Building Compensation Fund) could only be claimed five weeks after an insolvency event, which is the case under the Master Builders’ Association standard contract.

“The cover is also based on the original cost of works, which is likely to rise because of the same events that led to the insolvency”.

A/Prof. Nicholls is conducting investigative research into consumer pro- superannuation fund goes into liquidation, members’ investments are protected, and if a bank goes bankrupt, customers’ deposits are protected, but if a homebuilder collapses, he said new homebuyers’ deposits are not protected.

“Our research focus will be to understand how to reduce systematic risk in residential construction by learning from financial and professional service regulation,” said A/Prof. Nicholls. He explained the outcome of the research would be to propose a regulatory framework that will minimise risks for those looking to

D Y T R I P S A

The Great Synagogue, Sydney

Tuesday 29 August $115

Several venues and local businesses from the Kiama LGA have been recognised in the Illawarra & Southern Highlands Wedding Industry Awards.

The Awards are dedicated to recognising, supporting and rewarding wedding businesses in regional areas.

Greyleigh has won in the Wedding Venue – Farm and Country category for The Gables (pictured).

It was also highly commended in the Boutique Wedding Accommodation category.

General Manager of Greyleigh, Hamish McCallum, says they are extremely happy to be recognised in these industry awards and to have been voted for by their couples.

“We’re really excited to see the venue gaining such feedback and recognition so soon since we have been open to the public,” he says.

“Awards in these categories of boutique wedding accommodation and wedding venue farm and country do really represent the nature of the product we’re offering to the market.

“We’re excited to see the results of next year’s awards.”

Other local wedding venues have also been recognised in the awards; Sebel Kiama has won the Wedding Venue – 4-5 star Hotel category, The Pavilion Kiama has been highly commended for Function Centre Wedding Venue and Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club in the Surf Club venue category.

Several local businesses, including Making Faces Makeup Studio, have also seen success in the awards.

Owner of Making Faces Makeup Studio, Meryll Faulkner, notes how wonderful it is for the smaller businesses to be recognised.

Other local award recipients included:

• Sharon is my Celebrant (Minnamurra): winner of Civil Marriage Celebrant

• Always Flowers Kiama: highly commended for Wedding Florist

• Culinarians Catering (Kiama): highly commended for Wedding Caterer

• Henry Clive Caravan Bar (Gerringong): winner of Caravans, Trucks, Carts & Bars

• Meet Mable Bar Service Gerringong: highly commended for Caravans, Trucks, Carts & Bars

• Bella Spa Gerringong: highly commended for Day Spa

• The Wedding and Event Creators (Gerringong): winner of Decorator & Stylist

Includes: Light morning tea en-route, guided tour of The Great Synagogue, lunch at The Juniors at Kingsford and return coach transport

Tina, the Tina Turner Musical

Wednesday 13 September - $175

Includes ticket to Tina the Tina Turner Musical showing at Sydney’s Theatre Royal and return coach transport

Whale Watching Cruise Jervis Bay

Friday 22 September $140

Includes: Light morning tea en-route, 2 5hr Whale Watch Cruise with Jervis Bay Wild Cruises to view migrating Humpback Whales and return coach transport Lunch stop during the day in Huskisson at own expense Pick up locations from Gerringong through to Wollongong

Echuca & The Mighty Murray River

Sunday 10 to Saturday 16 September 2023

$2725 per person twin share Add $515 for singles

Tour Highlights: Port of Echuca Tour, Great Aussie Beer Shed, Murray River Paddlesteamers day cruise, National Holden Motor Museum, The Spanner Man, Sharps Magic Movie House, The Big Strawberry and Chocolate Apple Factory

Price includes: 6 nights’ accommodation at Wagga Wagga (1), Echuca (4) and Albury (1), breakfasts, dinners, light morning teas, all lunches, entry to all attractions and coach pickup and drop off from your home in the Illawarra area.