Festivals make a comeback
More council election tickets p2
Graeme Packer steps down p3
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Hungry Monkey opens in Bowral
Samuel Cocks book launch
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15 MAY 2021
Search for new Council CEO over Jane Stroud will start work as Kiama Council’s new CEO on Monday 7 June, after she was the unanimous choice of councillors. “We are delighted with the quality of applicants who applied for the privilege to lead our Council,” says Mayor Mark Honey. “I’m thrilled to be able to announce that Jane has accepted the role.” During the recruitment process, which followed the sudden departure of the former General Manager Kerry McMurray, the title of the top role was changed to cover all responsibilities, including CEO of Blue Haven. Mrs Stroud comes to Kiama Council from a role as Director Sustainable Development at the Southern Downs Regional Council in Queensland’s Darling Downs. Prior to this, she was with Logan City Council, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, for 10 years. “Jane has worked in local government in Queensland for over 20 years and brings a wide range of planning, innovation and community experience at the executive level,” says Mayor Honey. “Jane has extensive leadership experience including: Acting CEO and Deputy CEO and Director level
on social planning. Mrs Stroud was also the president of the Queensland Local Government Community Services Association and Council says she is known in the sector for her deep commitment to community, strategic planning, ability to problem solve and her passion for engaging with stakeholders. In the official announcement, she spoke highly of the role and the challenges and opportunities it presents, “I’m very excited to be taking up the opportunity and can’t wait to meet the whole team and the community. “My family and I are looking forward to settling in and becoming part of the fabric of community. “I am personally very pleased to be able to bring my experience and skills to the role.” Jane Stroud - the first woman to lead Kiama Council Mayor Honey says, “We roles in several councils in from the Sunshine Coast are looking forward to Jane South East and regional University. joining our team. Queensland. She has also completed the “I would like to take this “She also has experience Australian Institute of Comopportunity to thank both working in large metropolpany Directors course and Council’s Director Environitan coastal councils, as has masters level training in mental Services, Jessica well as urban and regional community engagement. Rippon and Council’s Direccommunities. She was awarded tor Engineering and Works, “Jane brings a wealth of Queensland Local GovernMike Dowd for their stewardknowledge and energy to the ment Association ‘Young ship and leadership acting role of CEO.” Manager of the Year’, and is in the role of CEO since the Mrs Stroud holds a bache- also a member of the Ausdeparture of the former GM.” lor degree from the Univertralian Planning Institute, Mike Dowd will continue sity of Queensland and having held a national board in the role until Mrs Stroud postgraduate qualifications role for several years focused begins work.
Local duo on the rise
There are no limits right now for local comedic super-duo, The Inspired Unemployed, when it comes to the future they are making for themselves. Jack Steele and Matt Ford are the self-proclaimed battlers behind The Inspired Unemployed and if you don’t know there work, you soon will. Think of the relatable, larrikin charm of an early Paul Hogan, but in an age where you can create your own media channels.
Since their first Instagram video in 2019, they have taken social media by storm with their short skits building up over 1 million Instagram followers and 441,000 YouTube subscribers. With much of their work filmed in Kiama, the region is getting promoted each week to a growing audience for free, while other brands are paying to be associated with their popularity. “I was in year 7 and Jack
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Matt and Jack say friends and family are keeping them humble