The Bugle 16 May 2020 by The Bugle Newspaper

The Bugle 16 May 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

Red Shield Appeal goes digital in 2020 For the past 20 years, Graeme Packer has been coordinating the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal in the Kiama zone, organising the legions of door knock volunteers with military precision. The six month lead-up to the Appeal is usually a busy time for him, as he gathers volunteers from local service clubs, plans the areas they will cover and delivers the collection boxes and information. This year none of that is necessary as the Appeal is going digital, and with his usual enthusiasm Graeme is embracing the idea. Not a regular to donating online, the first thing he did was log into the system to prove to himself just how easy it is to use. “I wanted to give myself a user experience, so I can help anyone if they have any queries,” he says. “I’m not what you’d call tech savvy, but I felt it was my obligation to improve my skills so we can raise the $25,000 we usually do this year. “We anticipate seeing some of the greatest need that we’ve ever seen in our 140 year history serving Australians. “The Covid-19 crisis has financially crippled many Australians and it will take months to see the real impact it will have. “We know when the chips are down, Aussies come together and do what they can to give hope, this is no more important than now.”

While the Salvation Army raised $40 million particularly to assist bush fire victims, as usual the Red Shield Appeal is to keep the Salvation Army’s vital services going. The Salvation Army’s most recent annual report noted its social services provided more than one million sessions of care to Australians in need; helped 46,000 people experiencing homelessness, provided financial counseling to more than 65,000; and offered care to 13,000 people who were coping with family violence. Graeme, who in 2019 was named Kiama’s Citizen of the Year for his service to the community, usually relies on members of Kiama Lions, Minnamurra Lions and Kiama Seaside Probus to help knock on 5,600 doors. “We can’t ask them to do that this year, so instead they are helping by getting the word out to all their contacts to encourage them to donate online,” says Graeme. People have the option of donating to the Kiama appeal individually, or to sign up and volunteer to knock on digital doors through their own individual, workplace or group page (connected to the Kiama total). Details: You can donate now, until the end of June, with the official launch on the weekend of 23-24 May, at www.digitaldoorknock. salvationarmy.org.au/t/ kiama-salvos

From the Editor Given the constantly evolving situation the world is currently experiencing, please keep yourself up to date with other reliable news sources and health.nsw.gov.au We remain committed to keeping you informed about local news, at a time when our community spirit is serving us well. Stay safe, and help others stay safe. Form an orderly queue at the Rock Pool - only 10 allowed in at a time.

Inside this issue Rural land rezoning nears end of process p3

Graeme Packer is embracing the challenge of the digital door knock

Hopes for stimulus rest on Arts Precinct Having had time to analyse the NSW Government’s stimulus package for councils, Kiama Council’s General Manager says that it will have very little impact on its financial situation. “Council does not qualify for the job retention assistance, as we have been able to successfully redeploy our staff,” says Kerry McMurray. The option to take up low interest loans for projects is still being considered, keeping in mind the need to

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repay them at a future point. A hoped for increase in the level of Financial Assistance Grants given to councils has not yet eventuated, despite strong lobbying to the Federal Government by Local Government NSW and equivalent bodies. There is, however, an opportunity from the NSW stimulus package for a substantial boost to the local economy if Council is successful in getting special infrastructure grant funding

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for the long awaited Kiama Arts Precinct. The $19 million project, centred around the Old Fire Station and the newly acquired former ambulance station, is at the DA stage. This means it qualifies as being ‘shovel ready’, a requirement of the grants. “As well as being a much needed facility for our community, its construction would obviously have a big multiplier effect and give

Food truck causes storm p3 Folk By The Sea cancelled p 7 Kiama Lions Park loses plants p8

Continued on p5

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Mother’s Day in Gerringong has long been associated with the CMRI High Tea and Fashion Parade, and its loss as a fundraising event for this year is a cause of regret for both CMRI members and the community. With the network of other CMRI fundraising groups in the same situation, special initiatives have been devised by the head office to keep money coming in to support the work of the Children’s Medical Research Institute at Westmead. Tickets are on sale now for what is hoped to be the must attend (virtually) event of the year – The Jeans for Genes Virtual Gala, being held on 20 June. It is replacing a Ball usual

ly held at this time every year at the Wentworth Hotel in Sydney. “The best part is now you can attend from the comfort of your own home,” says CMRI Gerringong’s Lorraine Peade. “The dress code is Something Special with a touch of Denim. “The easing of restrictions mean that you’ll be able to get together with some friends to enjoy this amazing event. “Just like the regular Ball, there will raffle tickets to buy and great items to bid for, as well as entertainment.”

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Hosted by ABC presenter James Valentine, the Gala will include entertainment, interviews with Professor Roger Reddel, CMRI scientists and the families of the children they work with. The CMRI online store is also now selling Future Scientist Kits to capitalise on a renewed interest in science. Each kit includes items like pipettes and beakers, experiment ideas and craft items. The shop also stocks its popular Jeans for Genes merchandise and apparel. “Thankfully we were able to hold a successful screening of Military Wives on 12 March, just before the restrictions ramped up,” says Lorraine. “150 people came along and enjoyed the pre-movie refreshments and a good night out.” She says the CMRI Gerringong Committee is looking

ahead and the group is maintaining its social connections through phone calls and social media. While not meeting as a group, preparations are underway for the 30th Annual Quilt & Craft Show, scheduled for the second weekend in November, and they are hopeful their traditional Melbourne Cup Lunch can also go ahead. “The Monday group is sewing and creating their wonderful craft items but, sadly, have not been meeting as a group,” says Lorraine. “They completed 35 beautiful quilts by the end of March for distribution to victims of the bush fires.” Details: Find out more and buy your tickets for the Virtual Gala for $50 at

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Visit the CMRI shop at www.shop.cmri.org.au/

The Bugle

Editor: Cathy Law 0412 415 101 Advertising:Steve Law 0428 662 499 Or emailthebugle@gmail.com or PO Box 304, Gerringong 2534 Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human.

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Rural land rezoning nears end of process

Community consultation on the rezoning of a 40ha parcel of largely rural land, to the west of the Highway between Saddleback Mountain Rd and Weir St, is expected to commence in mid-June. The Masterplan for the site (below) now shows the potential for the development of approximately 265 R2 zoned residential lots (>450m²), 170 R2 zoned residential lots (>300m²), 20 R5 zoned large residential lots (>1,000m²) and several larger R2/E2/RU2 or R2/RU2 split zoned lots with limited building entitlements. It also identifies areas of environmental conservation and management, includ-

landscape and heritage challenges. Acting as the Relevant Planning Authority for the Gateway process, Kiama Council staff report that the additional matters have recently been satisfactorily addressed. They have recently requested comments from a variety of government agencies, including the RMS and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Division ing rainforest and Kendells of Biodiversity & ConCemetery, and access points servation, and the Illawarra from Weir Street and SadLocal Aboriginal Land dleback Mountain Rd, and Council. out to South Kiama Drive With community consultathrough the viaduct. tion expected to commence The final configuration will mid-June, it is anticipated be settled at the time of the DA. that the matter will voted on Following Kiama Council by councillors at the August refusing to support the or September meeting. original Planning Proposal Councillors originally to change the zoning of the rejected the proposal 8:1, site last March, White Con- saying it was not needed yet. structions appealed to the Council, however, is not Southern Planning Panel. the final decision maker on In endorsing the proposal this matter, with its recomfor Gateway Determination, mendation and the results the Panel outlined additional of the consultation process matters that needed to be then being forwarded to the addressed by the developer, Minister for Planning and due to the site’s particular Public Space to make the environmental, visual, final determination.

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Food truck causes a storm The President of the Kiama & District Business Chamber, Cameron McDonald, says the social media storm that erupted over the cancellation of a food truck visit to Kiama over the Mother’s Day weekend was a combination of misunderstanding and misinformation. New COVID-19 rules allow food trucks to operate from private land, without the usual approvals. Claims of bullying and blackmail to prevent the visit of the Wollongong food truck – leveled at a Chamber member – have reflected on the Chamber itself, which Mr McDonald says is unfair. “From my understanding there was no threat involved, just a conversation with a business owner and fellow Chamber member who didn’t realise his premises were going to be utilised by the food truck,” says Mr McDonald. Instead, Samara’s food truck offered a drive-in service for its Lebanese food from outside Stoic Brewery in Gerringong, a place where it has operated before. Persistent accusations by Samara’s have led to the Chamber writing to them asking them to stop or risk further action. Mr McDonald says that if such bullying behaviour had taken place, it would not have been acceptable behaviour for a member to have displayed, and there would have been ramifications for bringing the Chamber into disrepute.

“As a member organisation, our position is we would prefer people to go out and support a local business, rather than a business that comes in and wants to take the profits out of the community. “We are not telling people not to buy from food trucks; we are saying we would prefer people, when they go out, to think about shopping at a local business. “We strongly encourage people to use local businesses which are paying rent and local employees, as they are experiencing really difficult trading conditions. “Without visitors to the town, there is so much less to go around as it is.”

On another front, the Chamber has recently appointed Michael Emmett, Director of Blue Stone Building Group, as an interim director following the resignation of Amanda Smith from Purpose People Solutions. “Michael is a successful young businessman who has expressed interest in standing for a board position at our next AGM,” says Mr McDonald. “He is just the sort of person we need in the challenging times ahead.” Disclosure: The Bugle is a member of the Chamber. Samara’s declined to participate in this story.

Kiama Village update

It was last July when the owner of Kiama Village shopping centre lodged its revised DA for the redevelopment of the site, to include an ALDI, other shops and more parking. After much to-ing and fro-ing, they are now looking forward to a positive response from Council. “It has been quite a lengthy process, but it is important to get it right both for the community and the retailers we want to get into the centre,” says ISPT National Portfolio Manager, Kate Mathewson.

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Residents of a small divided section of Stafford St in Gerroa, who have been putting up with major building works in their street for over two and a half years, have had enough of the noise, dust and traffic issues and are reluctant to accept little can be done about it. “The houses are enormous, and drop deep down from the roadway where they hit a rock shelf,” says Brian Pickett. “The noise when they are cutting that is deafening. “People have started calling it Stafford Quarry.” With four building sites already on the low side of the street (three active as one is subject to a legal case), and another DA approved for the high side, the street is a hive of activity. “We’ve complained to Council about the amount of parking on the street, as we feel it is a real safety hazard, but there doesn’t appear to

be anything they can do.” When work happened on a Sunday, neighbours took on the added worry that local builders would be taking advantage of the COVID-19 easing on construction work hour restrictions To ensure major construction sites could continue working after implementing social distancing rules, the industry is now allowed to operate 24/7 across the state. Joel Stewart, of Lime Building Group, is building two of the houses on the street. He says there is no way that local builders will be utilising the extended hours as standard practice. “We had a contractor down one weekend to do a specialist aspect of a job, as it was the best way to fit it into his schedule,” says Mr Stewart. Even though they are

allowed to operate 24/7, he says people shouldn’t fear it is going to happen. “I’ve already got my blokes working 40 hour weeks, and no one wants to do more. “The extra costs involved with Sunday and after dark work just aren’t commercially viable for house building.” Mr Pickett has appealed to Council for construction approvals to be staged, but has not received a response.

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Council stimulus from p1

our economy a significant boost,” says Mr McMurray. “It would be an important factor in creating jobs and demand, and leave a lasting legacy.” It is by far the largest local project eligible for grant funding, but consideration is being given to applying for money for smaller capital works. “In finalising next year’s budget, we are trying to keep as many capital works projects on the books as possible, as we mindful of generating employment and income for suppliers,” says Mr McMurray. The 2020/1 budget will go to councillors for consideration in May, and Mr McMurray says candidly that, as outlined in previous issues, “It’s not looking pretty.” He says that despite this, people need not brace themselves for cuts in services. “Whilst I have a deficit that I need to look to reduce for the next financial year, it will be more about streaming back costs internally. “That approach will continue for the next couple of years.” Mr McMurray is playing a very hands on role in the budget preparations, given his background as the architect of Council’s Fit for the Future success and the departure of the Director Corporate and Commercial Services, Rob Owen, in February. As Mr McMurray puts it, “The organisation elected to go in a different direction, and as a result Rob has chosen to leave.” David Mead is acting in the Director role, which will not be advertised in the foreseeable future due to a freeze on recruitment as part of the COVID-19 risk management process. With regard to Council’s rate relief package, where rates can be deferred without interest being charged, Mr McMurray says it is still too early to assess what the take up will be. He regrets an unfortunate error that resulted in those who pay their rates via direct debit being charged a month early. “It was identified quickly, with the direct debits being reversed within 12 hours after that,” he says. “Affected ratepayers have been contacted, and we have offered to pay any dishonour fees.” Apart from dealing with the financial fallout of COVID-19, the General Manager is spending a great deal of time working on organisational planning for the future. “This pandemic has changed things for good,” he says, firmly believing that the four square metre rule and social distancing will be the new norm. “We are looking hard at what will this organisation look like going forward, in terms of its interaction with the community? “For example, we are investing significant money now and over the next 12 months to build a new website from the ground up, to encourage and enable increased transactions online.” He says that Council’s Administration Building is simply not big enough to house staff under the new safety ratio. “It has been very strongly reinforced that this building isn’t fit for purpose. “While it is always an unpopular decision to build a larger council administration centre, we are going to be in the situation where there really is no choice.” He believes businesses in town are facing the same hard choices, as they take a pandemic resiliance approach rather than return to business as normal. At time of writing, Council is still waiting to hear the rules governing the reopening of playgrounds and exercise equipment. “If our 36 playgrounds and 65 pieces of outdoor equipment need to be cleaned every day, costs will mean we may have to limit which ones we open,” he says.

Skiers urged to put spare goggles to a good use Sue Thorley, the operator of Ski Holidays and Tours and a former member of the Advisory Board of Destination Kiama, is right behind an initiative to get spare ski goggles into the hands of health professionals in the Asia Pacific area who are without proper eye protection on the COVID-19 frontline. “So far, in the USA, nearly 38,000 goggles have been donated to more than 550 hospitals via Goggles for Docs but they still have thousands of unfulfilled requests,” says Sue. “Australian and New Zealand skiers have now been asked to step up and help in our region.

“Many of us have old equipment hanging around, and this is a great time to put it to use.” She has set up a collection point at her home, and encourages people to drop them in. The first shipment has already been sent from Australia to Indonesia. Details: Collection point is at 2 Orana Ave, Kiama. More details on the initiative are at www.gogglesfordocs.com.au

Community news Public exhibition Notice of repeal of Contributions Plan No 5 – Car Parking Contribution – Gerringong and Plan No 6 – Car Parking Contribution – Jamberoo At the 21 April 2020 Council meeting, it was resolved to repeal Contributions Plan No 5 – Car Parking Contribution – Gerringong and Plan No 6 – Car Parking Contribution – Jamberoo for the following reasons: • The costs associated with the works included in the works schedule associated with Plans No 5 and 6 have now been recouped; • The contribution amount currently in place is inadequate to fund the type of car parking infrastructure that may be required in the future; and • At the May 2019 meeting, Council resolved to endorse the preparation of a new contributions plan framework. In accordance with section 33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 notice is hereby given that Contributions Plan No 5 – Car Parking Contribution – Gerringong and Plan No 6 – Car Parking Contribution – Jamberoo have been repealed.

Council received the following development applications.

10.2020.50.1 LOT: 2 DP: 1186570 63 Crooked River Road, Gerroa Patio cover

LOT: 626 DP: 201833

10.2020.54.1 LOT: 72 DP: 1012803 92 South Kiama Drive, Kiama Hydrotherapy swimming pool, hebel wall and fence

10.2020.55.1 LOT: 2 DP: 631374 25 Belvedere Street, Kiama Alterations and additions to existing garage and change of use to secondary dwelling

10.2020.56.1 LOT: 20 DP: 29245 64 Charles Avenue, Minnamurra Demolition of existing dwelling and associated structures Properties considered by Council to possibly be detrimentally affected by any of the above applications will be contacted individually and advised of their submission opportunities under Chapter 2, Kiama Development Control Plan 2012. Further details on the making of submissions can be found on Council’s website www.kiama.nsw.gov.au or by ringing 4232 0444 during normal office hours.

Development consents In accordance with Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Council advises that the following Development Consents are now granted.

10.2019.27.1

10.2019.65.1 LOT: 34 DP: 1181744 2 Surfleet Place, Kiama Demolition of existing structures, construction of sixty two residential apartments and sixty two lot strata subdivision

10.2019.90.1

10.2020.51.1 LOT: 502 DP: 33905 39 Bonaira Street, Kiama Alterations and additions to existing dwelling, swimming pool, spa, deck and associated landscape works LOT: 20 DP: 1193900 13 O’Mara Place, Jamberoo Shed and watertank

10.2019.156.1

LOT: 21 DP: 241462 5 Robson Place, Gerringong Carport

LOT: 1 DP: 150976 17 Minnamurra Street, Kiama Alterations and additions to dwelling, addition of detached gym and car space

Development applications

10.2020.52.1

10.2020.53.1

LOT: 138 DP: 14188 92 Renfrew Road, Werri Beach Demolition of existing shed and construction of detached dual occupancy, swimming pool, garage and two lot Torrens title subdivision

10.2019.155.1 LOT: 9 DP: 29242 79 Stafford Street, Gerroa Demolition of existing structures, construction of attached dual occupancy and two lot Torrens title subdivision

15 Riversdale Avenue, Kiama Downs Dwelling

10.2019.164.1 LOT: 53 DP: 1231950 98 Barney Street, Kiama Dwelling

10.2019.216.1 LOT: 208 DP: 1227771 48 Surfleet Place, Kiama Fencing

10.2019.229.1 LOT: 127 DP: 748796 74 Gipps Street, Kiama Alterations and additions to existing kingdom hall

10.2019.236.1 LOT: 15 DP: 14188 15 Pacific Avenue, Werri Beach Dwelling

10.2019.242.1 LOT: 206 DP: 1227771 44 Surfleet Place, Kiama Dwelling

10.2020.4.1 LOT: 205 DP: 30126 5 Anembo Crescent, Kiama Heights Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of dwelling

10.2020.14.1 LOT: 6452 DP: 1117144 51 Stafford Street, Gerroa Two lot Torrens title subdivision

10.2020.38.1 LOT: 30 DP: 32320 9 Willawa Avenue, Gerringong Demolition of dwelling

DA Tracker now available For details of the latest development applications received, and development consents granted, or to track a DA, scan the QR Code or visit https://da.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Home To scan download a QR Code Reader from the App Store or Google Play.

All submissions will be made publicly available. If you do not want any part of the submission or your personal details released, because of copyright or other cogent reasons, please indicate this clearly in your submission together with an explanation. However, you should be aware that even if you request that you do not wish information to be published, there may be circumstances in which we are required by law to release that information (for example, in accordance with the requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009).

Address all correspondence to: Mr K McMurray, General Manager 11 Manning Street (PO Box 75), Kiama 2533 Phone: 4232 0444 Website: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au

RESPECT

The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at 5pm on 19 May 2020 in Council Chambers.

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The Bugle 16 May 2020 • Page 5

To the Editor

Remember The Bugle is your local newspaper. If you have news you want to share, just send an email to emailthebugle@gmail.com or research local issues at www.thebugleonline.com

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A recent change in NSW State Government policy means that local councils are no longer required by law to use paid advertising in newspapers for notices such as Development Applications as a cost-saving measure, not just in these COVID-19 times, but permanently. I regard this as an extremely adverse policy change given that public advertising of such matters in a readily viewable form such as in a local newspaper is greatly superior to any alternatives. In the interests of local democracy and good communication to ratepayers and residents alike it is to be hoped that Kiama Council is not planning to change its current long-standing policy of providing important Community News in a regular and timely manner in a local newspaper. Gordon Bell, Kiama

tion/Documents/gp-flu-vaccine.pdf) to a list of all medical practices with supplies (including private stock) of the various flu vaccines. There was a shortage in this area but I found two practices within fifteen minutes drive of Kiama that had availability and booked in at one of these. Many practices in the Southern Highlands are also listed. I was somewhat disappointed that none of the four medical practices I contacted advised me that the government had published this list as it gives people who want or need to be vaccinated the option to do so without having to wait until it is arguably too late. Rhonni Garven, Kiama

In its submission on Kiama Council’s Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), the Kiama Central Precinct (KCP) community Having been (almost) group is a calling for convinced over the past few Councillors to ask for an weeks that I am elderly and urgent revision of the actions vulnerable, I made the deci- detailed for all planning sion to have a flu vaccination priorities in the LSPS, to this year. I have read that ensure Kiama’s sustainabilcontracting the flu is likely ity beyond the short-term to lower your immunity and stimulus of fast-tracking so make you more suscepti- of construction and develble to other illnesses such as opment, as directed by the Covid-19. NSW Government, might My regular medical prac- provide. tice was out of the vaccine The recent widespread for the over 65s and was not bushfires and the COVID-19 anticipating another delivpandemic have had immeery until sometime in June. diate repercussions for the I rang another three local community of the Kiama practices and all explained Municipal Council, for our that they had long waiting country, and for our world. lists of their regular patients Globalisation is in a state of so were not able to assist me. disarray and uncertainty. The I fired off an email to Ga- tourism and retail industries reth Ward who immediately (reliant on international responded with information trade) are now in a very including a link (www. vulnerable state, and the health.nsw.gov.au/immunisa- growing degradation of our

environment (state, national and global) means that the certainty of food and water security into the future may be a challenge for Australian’s in general. Further, as scientific evidence illustrates, unpredictable events such as extreme weather, more intense and more frequent wild-fires, coastal erosion and inundation, and loss of biodiversity are likely to become more prevalent in the future. Kiama Council’s LSPS could be a powerful and important instrument to position the Kiama community to be more resilient and adaptable into the future. However, KCP’s detailed and evidence-based submission reveals the narrow focus of Kiama’s draft LSPS on tourism and on development and construction. The KCP submission also reveals the lack of LSPS actions to address concerns repeatedly expressed by many Kiama residents and ratepayers: “that development is out of control; developer profits take priority over the values and priorities of the wider community, and that this is leading to long term detrimental outcomes for local residents. It is leading to the loss of character and heritage, detrimental environmental impacts, traffic and parking congestion, and is detracting from one of the main reasons people visit Kiama – the unique character of our towns and villages, our green and scenic landscape and our numerous historic buildings.” If Kiama councillors vote to adopt the LSPS in its current form, Kiama Council will have missed a great opportunity to be proactive and innovative in its response to the above-mentioned crises. It will have missed an

opportunity to ensure the concerns of the Kiama residents and ratepayers will be genuinely, fairly, and adequately factored into planning decisions in the future. It will have also missed an opportunity to ensure Kiama’s unique requirements for the future are considered in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan; which is currently being reviewed to “reset priorities to ensure continued delivery for the Illawarra Shoalhaven community for the next 20 years”. Karen Lang, President, Kiama Central Precinct, Kiama It was great to see so many mums, dads and their children making good use of Kiama Councils bike paths last weekend! The enjoyment and health benefits of cycling would be denied to most families who are fearful of riding on public roads if it wasn’t for the foresight and planning by our councillers. Hopefully, the construction of the Swamp Road bike path will eventually reach Jamberoo and the Eastern section join up to the Kiama Downs track when the Council are able to purchase the necessary level land. Many thanks to Kiama Council for supplying residents with this excellent cycleway, enjoying safe bike riding is giving everyone much pleasure and freedom. Robert and Christine Sloan, Gerringong. We welcome letters. They may need to be edited for space reasons, and are published at our discretion. Please send to emailthebugle@gmail.com

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COVID-19 claims Folk By The Sea ABOUT REAL ESTATE Housing Values Remain Strong Terry Digger

Managing Partner First National Coast & Country

The housing market has shown a steady rise over the past year, and that continued in April despite the social distancing regulations associated with Covid-19. The Sydney market showed a 3.2% increase in the last quarter while regional NSW was steady at 1.9% growth in value over the quarter. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organisers of Kiama’s annual music festival, Folk By The Sea, to reluctantly cancel this year’s three day event, scheduled for September 25-27. “Folk By The Sea attracts performers from overseas and around Australia, and obviously we are not in a position to invite those performers to our festival this year,” says festival coordinator Rod Cork. “There is also no certainty musicians and even patrons would be allowed to travel to Kiama by then. “We also have no idea what the regulations and restrictions on public gatherings will be by September. “Even if the situation is improving by then, there is a chance that if COVID-19 was to flare up again later in the year, that a ‘lockdown’ would be reinstated.

“We had reached the point where we either started contracting for performers, services and promotion for the festival, or cancel. “Having decided that the risks were too great, we reluctantly decided to cancel.” Artistic Director David De Santi says the Illawarra Folk Club had received 205 artist applications for Folk By The Sea from all over Australia, and it was a blow to have to decline them. The Illawarra Folk Club remains hopeful of running a limited one day event in the Kiama Pavilion on September 26, using local artists and performers from Sydney and other nearby regions. “Obviously the constraints on this will be what may be ‘legal’ at the time, making performers and the audience are safe, and the potential financial risk to the Illawarra Folk Club,” says Mr De Santi.

Highlander play at the 2019 Folk By The Sea

“We are certainly willing to do something to support the folk music community, and a clearer picture of what may be possible will develop over the coming months. “We will provide updates when appropriate.” Mr Cork is optimistic about resurrecting something from the cancellation of Folk By The Sea for performers and music fans. “We hope that this idea is more than just a possibility. “We feel by the end of September public health concerns hopefully will have eased considerably, and that people will be ready for some live music!” he said. Plans for the Illawarra Folk Festival, held annually at Bulli in January, continue apace.

This result is remarkably stable.

Bells toll for climate action

A ringing of the church bells of St Peter and Paul’s on 15 May has been organised by the Kiama chapter of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change group, to highlight the need for continued efforts to address climate change. It coincides with an online School Strike for Climate, and the beginning of Laudato Si (Care for our Common Home) Week, marking the 5th anniversary of the Pope’s endorsement of scientists’ warnings. A spokesman for the group (which has Catholic and Uniting Church members), Peter Clarke, says www.illawarrafolkfestival. the bells are being rung to com.au acknowledge: ▪ the emergency of human induced climate change ▪ the increased risk of more frequent and catastrophic bushfires ▪ more frequent and destructive droughts ▪ more frequent and destructive floods ▪ another bleaching of the FINANCIAL PLANNING Barrier reef ▪ an ineffective Australian response to climate change. Globally, emissions are still on track for a 40C rise by Genuine advice without hidden sales the end of the century. – Red Door Financial Planning has never accepted commissions Mr Clarke says his group from banks or insurance companies and never will. is calling for a more proactive and bi-partisan politi– Reasonable fees based on the work you receive, not the cal response to the climate balance of your savings. change emergency, to secure the future of generations to – We specialise in retirement planning. come. Talk to Josh Sweeney “It is up to us to combat “Josh has saved me about www.reddoorfp.com.au the influence of the fossil $6,000 per year in fees” fuel lobby in the only place 1300 535 396 that matters, in the ballot Red Door Financial Planning is a Corporate Authorised Representative of PGW Financial Services Pty Ltd - AFSL: 384713 box.” The Bugle 16 May 2020 • Page 7

There has been the usual winter drop off in the number of listings and settlements which has been exaggerated slightly by the social distancing regulations. Market listings have not shown the expected levels of declines and are recovering well over the past weeks. The figures show mortgage activity remains reasonably constant. As the government feels it is safe to start allowing more social interaction, we can expect that pent up demand in sales and rentals markets to assert itself. First National Coast and Country have had strong home sales both here in Kiama and in the Gerringong and Gerroa markets, with increasing activity in Minnamurra and Shoalhaven Heads. Call us to discuss your real estate needs on 02 4232 2888 in Kiama, or on 02 4234 1911 in Gerringong.

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Mayoral column Mayor Mark Honey communicates directly with residents and ratepayers

Returning to ‘normality’ after our COVID-19 restrictions, is going to be a long, slow and sometimes frustrating process for all of us. Council is busy preparing for when we can reopen our doors. But, given the significant number of facilities, services and programs, it will take a little while to return to business as usual. On behalf of everyone at Council I ask for your patience and tolerance in the weeks ahead. Of course it won’t be business as usual for any of us. Even this old dairy farmer has learned to do things differently, especially when it comes to the online world. We’ll be once again holding our monthly Council meeting online next week. But this is only the tip of the

iceberg of how Council has adapted to working online. It’s not just Council that has made this shift. Many local businesses have adapted to life online. In fact, they’re doing so with great enthusiasm and retailers that have established online shops are already benefiting from doing so. Our community has done a great job meeting the challenges thrown at them, and our local businesses are an important part of that. We’re seeing our local shops change the products and services they offer, creating or improving their e-commerce platforms, increasing and refining their digital marketing and social media activity and offering home delivery. Council officers have played a supporting role in this. This includes our Economic Development Manager organising webinars with the Kiama and District Business Chamber, to help business owners successfully move online. These have proven very popular, and a second series is already underway. Find out about them at www. kiama.nsw.gov.au

Our Destination Kiama team is also playing a part. With tourism being discouraged at the moment, the Destination Kiama team has to making sure locals are aware of what is open, closed, changed and being home delivered. This includes setting up the Kiama@Home Facebook page for local businesses and local customers to keep each other up-to-date. All of us wish COVID-19 had never happened. But the changes our businesses have had to make, is an example of how our community can come out of this crisis not just stronger, but smarter as well. I feel that this will enable our Municipality to continue well beyond the 160 years we’ve already been together. Finally, a few COVID-19 reminders. Our Administration Building is still closed, so you can’t visit but you can call or email them: (02) 4232 0444 or council@kiama.nsw.gov. au. If you want to pay your rates in person, you can visit Australia Post. If you are experiencing financial hardship, due to COVID-19, you can defer your payment without incurring interest, as part of Council’s COVID-19 financial relief package. There’s more information at: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/ covid-19 Please stay safe, practise physical distancing, wash your hands and get tested if you feel unwell. I’ve downloaded the COVID-19 SAFE up and encourage you to do the same.

Hands off our plants: Kiama Lions Club

Kiama Lions Club members who tend the Kiama Lions Park in Collins St are very disappointed that one of the camelia bushes they planted to mark their club’s 50th year has been stolen. “It isn’t the first time that new plantings have disappeared from the site, but this one is particularly disappointing,” says Ian Chellew, a Lion who regularly donates his time and experience as a horticulturalist to the Park. At great expense in terms of their small budget, the Club planted three advanced camelias – a new species called Volunteer. “We are hoping to replace this plant and trust that it can be enjoyed by all the residents of Kiama,” says Ian. “We wanted to publicise the theft to get people to be on the lookout to help

The Bugle 16 May 2020 • Page 8

prevent further losses. “Our members all wear Lions Club uniforms when working in the garden, so that should help. “Please call Crimestoppers if you note anything unusual.” The park was established by Lions members over 25 years ago and is solely maintained on a regularly, usually weekly basis, by a band of dedicated members. “It is a haven for those who want to rest,watch the trains and possibly partake in a coffee break while enjoying the plants growing there,” says Ian. “It is visited by the many day tourists and holiday makers as well as locals who have passed on many favourable comments on the beauty and the serenity away from the hustle and bustle of central Kiama.”

Ian Chellew, with fellow Lion gardeners

The gardening, lawn mowing, planting, pruning and fertilizing is done by the Lions Club members using their own equipment, with no other income apart from that produced from the monthly maintenance of the Bureau of Meteorology site at the Quarry area. The Park runs along the side of the railway from Collins St, through to Collins Lane. “If you haven’t stopped by yet, we’d love you to do so,” says Ian. The intersection where the Park is located, on the corner of Collins St and Bellevue St, was highlighted in the final report of the Town Centre Study as a perfect location for a gateway entrance into the town.

Community College there to help Kiama Community College is offering a complimentary training and support service for local businesses and community organisations, so that they can successfully use technology to work remotely, or provide services to members and clients during this period of change. “The Community College has been assisting locals to stay abreast in new digital technologies for over 30 years,” says CEO Helen Zwicker. “Our community needs this more than ever right now, so we are stepping up by providing this free service. “Social distancing is going to be around for some time, and we want to help organisations, large and small, to find a new way to operate. “People need to stay connected and continue their paid or voluntary work in the most effective way possible. “We don’t want them to feel alone during this time, but to know they have the support of local experts from the College.” Zoom is just one of the online tools that may be useful at this time, enabling regular meetings to be held. “On top of the free training we offer for this, we can work with the group organiser or business owner to help them make the most of their meetings.” For those seniors still looking to improve their online skills as individuals, Kiama Community College is providing another round of free classes, starting soon, so

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they can learn to communicate with friends and family; or become more comfortable shopping for groceries and other items online. The College has also received a lot of enquiries about online courses from people seeking to enhance their job skills or develop new hobbies at a time when employment or access to usual activities is scarce. “We have developed a series of courses that will be conducted on Zoom to enable people to keep growing in a meaningful way,” says Ms Zwicker. “Programs are diverse and include courses such as Microsoft Excel and MYOB on the job skills side of the equation, as well as French, Spanish, harmonica and photography classes.” To support the community, these courses are either free or heavily subsidised until June 30.

Details: More info about courses can be found at www.kcc.nsw.edu.au or by calling 4232 1050.

Free TAFE courses prove popular Following an overwhelming response to the initial suite of courses announced earlier this month, 13 new fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone who wants to upskill during the interruption to their employment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 85,000 people have enrolled in the fee-free courses since they were first announced, with more than 40 per cent of those enrolling at TAFE for the first time. The new courses replace those which have reached enrolment capacity to ensure there are still 21 accredited courses available for people to study through TAFE NSW. “The incredible uptake to the initial 21 fee-free short courses shows that while many businesses across NSW are in hibernation there is a strong desire to upskill and gain new qualifications during this challenging time,” says the Member for Kiama and Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward. The new short courses include: ▪ Leading Teams ▪ Digital Security Basics ▪ Build your Digital Literacy with Coding ▪ Create a Brand Presentation ▪ Undertaking Projects and Managing Risk. “The NSW Government is committed to providing opportunities for people to upskill so that they can get the promotion or job they want once this pandemic ends,” says Mr Ward.

Now STAFFORD FASHIONS delivers a new way to shop We have been hosting fashion parades in and around the Kiama area for many years… now you can shop with us online. Visit www.staffordfashions.com.au to view our Winter range. SPECIAL 10% DISCOUNT FOR THE BUGLE READERS Just type in the discount code THEBUGLE1 at the checkout For phone orders, please call us on free-call 1800 595 455

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Getting through isolation Hot chips from Kiama’s resident anthropologist, Dr Monty Badami It’s like I’m trapped between the two extremes of hope and despair, and I am just So, it feels like I’ve been bloody over it! stuck for days now, just At one end is guilt-ridden, trying to find a hook for the fear-fuelled, manic, hypernext part in this series. productivity, on the other is It’s not that I don’t have the deep, depressive exanything to write about. haustion, and then there’s Trust me, I’m that guy at the fifty shades of crazy in parties that you just wish between. would shut up about all that You know, where you culture and ritual and symoscillate between abundance bols mumbo jumbo. mindset and scarcity mindset; But even though it finally ‘I’ve got this’ mindset and feels like there is light at the ‘I seriously have no idea end of the tunnel, there’s what I’m doing’ mindset; something about the easing ‘I love my family’ and ‘I of restrictions that complihate my family’; and don’t cates things for me. get me started on homeschool! I still have fear and confuI’m sick of ‘the new norsion, but it is tinged with a mal’, ‘unprecedented times’, weird feeling of something ‘uncharted territory’, ‘pivot’, I can’t quite put my finger ‘survive’, ‘it’s all ok’, and on… Oh I know… it’s hope! ‘we’re all in this together’.

Part 2: Make a Choice!

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And so what humans need is an instruction manual, and that manual is culture. As anthropologist Clifford Geertz pointed out, it is human nature to have culture. But, culture is not simply the lens through which we view the world, it actually shapes the world in which we live. To paraphrase Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner, a Ngarrindjerri elder from South Australia, isolation is an opportunity to learn about our culture, to learn about who we are. But our own culture is a very slippery thing. It is hard to see, and has never been set in stone; you see culture is constantly changing. So this week’s Hot Chip is to start paying attention to

the things you never really thought about before. Pay attention to the things you are doing that help you to deal with the anxiety of the moment. Start noticing the things that were once invisible, but have now been revealed by this crazy little thing called COVID. And when you feel stuck, as I was, remember that resistance is a window into a need not being met. So rather than getting furious about the craziness, why not get curious? Use it as a chance to learn more about who you are, what you need, and then decide how you want to get through this. Remember where we were before COVID. Pay attention to where you are at right now.

Visualise where you want to be, and make a choice. What kind of world do you want to live in? What kind of culture do we need in order to make that world a reality? What kind of human do you need to be to create that culture? And when you’re completely buggered, after having done all of that… don’t forget to celebrate! It’s hard work, coping with change… and in the uncharted territory of these unprecedented times, as we struggle to face the new normal, whether you are trying to pivot, or just trying to survive, it’s all OK, we’re all in this together...because of COVID 19!

Phillips: Too many people falling through the cracks

An opinion piece by the Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips:

In times of economic crisis, we need to rely on governments to provide a safety net for people in our community who need it most. With unemployment set to rise above ten per cent after the far-reaching impact of coronavirus, this has never been more important. Every day, more and more people are telling me their story and each one of them is heartbreaking. For so many local people, they have needed to rely on the Government’s help for the first time in their lives and that has been a challenging and upsetting experience. With so much uncertainty, it has been hard to know where to turn. We began the call for a wage subsidy weeks ago – it was urgent and it was necessary. In a wonderful show of bi-partisanship, the

JobKeeper and improved JobSeeker supports passed the Parliament with the urgency needed and will soon be helping thousands of locals to keep their jobs and pay their bills. I wholeheartedly welcome that. But still there are thousands who are missing out. A young mum who took a break to care for her children and has only been working again for 11 months. An experienced Special Effects technician working freelance on a movie for 6 months. A 17 year old at the start of their career. A family on migrant visas working in the local nail salon for years. People who feel they are as deserving as everyone else – but they have been left out. These are the stories that I hear, the people falling through the cracks. The Treasurer has the power to help them. He can make those chang-

es today and include these workers in the scheme. He can help mums and dads pay their bills, help support young people preparing for university or just starting out. He can help migrants working hard for a better life. I hope he will. So until then I will keep sharing these stories and letting these voices be heard. Together, we will get through this. If you’ve got a story to share, I would love to hear it – you can email me at Fiona. Phillips.MP@aph.gov.au

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The Bugle Crossword 1

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ACROSS 1. Paul Keating’s description of the inner city leftist idealogues: Balmain ______ weavers 3. Mammal whose young are developed in a pouch 8. Joints connecting the forearm to the upper arm 9. Maths definition of its area is Pie times Radius Squared 11. Joints between the legs

36. Curved coastline. Australia has a Great one 37. Johnny Cash sang about the trials and tribulations of a boy with this name 38. Adjective form of ocean 40. Name of the body of water between Tas and Vic 41. Villages on outskirts of city 43. Warm blooded animal that give birth to live young 44. Duck billed egg layer 45. NZ PM

Last issue’s solution 1

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39 40

and hands 16. Groovy area in the west 39 DOWN end of London and bohemian 40 1. Cloth draped from area of New York 43 youngster’s neck to collect 19. Hand digit joints feeding mess 20. Type of tree that keeps 2. Joints between the shins its leaves all year round 45 and thighs 22. Type of tree that drop 4. Fermented cut up raw its leaves in Autumn and pelvis 23. Maths formula for its cabbage 24. Egg laying mammal 12. Solicitor or barrister volume is Pie times Radius 5. Protective garment worn found only in Australia 14. Leader of Russian revoSquared times Height dividover the front of one’s 25. Jack Spratt could eat lution ed by three clothes and tied at the back no ---, his wife could eat no 15. Australian nocturnal 25. Digits connected to the 6. Digits at the end of your lean arboreal creature hands feet 26. Place of exercise that 17. Name of lab assistant 28. Name of sea off Qld 7. Coniferous tree only rehas been closed during played by Marty Feldman in 29. First name of Ms Buttrose discovered in 1994 (7,4) Covid-19 Frankenstein’s Monster 31. At any time 9. Pistons go up and down 27. Faster than a jog 18. Finnish Mobile phone 32. Sea between Australia inside these 30. The second city upon manufacturer and NZ 10. Clothing fastening device which the A bomb was 21. Name of the longest side 35. Inventor of the safety 13. Joints between arms dropped of a right angled triangle lift/elevator

33. Sea between Australia and West Papua 34. 29 across is the chair of this corporation 36. Pair of straps that hold up one’s trousers 37. This geometric plane has four sides of equal length 39. Sea between Australia and Timor Leste 42. Hair coat colour of horses. Reddish brown body colour. Crossword compiled by Steve Law

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Life in quarantine

Postcard home Some time ago, we spent five months traveling widely in South Africa and Namibia, going away from our daughter’s home on excursions in our hired campervan. One journey took us through virtually uninhabited country down to the Skeleton Coast. If we had to head south without refueling, then petrol would not be available until we reached a dot on the map called Mile 108 – it was going to be a near thing. Risk taking adventurous Susan voted to go ahead, so off we went. After traveling along a plain for quite a while, with scenic mountains on either side, the road descended into a wide deep river valley, lined with rugged peaks. Crossing the valley, the road climbed the other side before slowly ramping down to the bleak plains that extend 50 km inland from the Atlantic coast. There was still enough petrol to return to Khorixas, but we pressed on. At the Springbok gate into the Skeleton Coast NP we obtained the permit to travel on to the coast, and then south. The ranger said we could not go north, as Terrace Bay was closed. He was very helpful though, saying there was quite a lot

of traffic. If we got stuck someone would be sure to help, and if we did not leave through the Ugabmund gate this evening, the rangers would come looking for us. He also told us the distance to Mile 108, and we estimated we could reach it with 20 or 30 km to spare. Our first view of the Atlantic included a fog bank out to sea. Fog is a perpetual feature of the Namibian coast, and is one reason why that coast abounds in shipwrecks. Pity the poor sailors wrecked on this shore, with no fresh surface water available for hundreds of kilometres. We turned onto the coast road, and were immediately confronted by a sand dune which half covered the road. Would the whole road be like this? Would the steady headwind of 20 or 30 km/h cause us to fall short? We drove down the road, stopping to view a shipwreck (actually more like a fishing boat wreck), but not daring to detour to a derelict oil-drilling rig. The wind strengthened, and the sky ahead turned murky. Suddenly we were in a sand storm. Luck was with us, because it died quickly, and we were able to drive on at an economical speed.

Now they are safely back in Kiama, we can reveal our postcard from Queenstown a month ago came from prominent Kiama residents Jerry and Sue Granger-Holcombe, who were stranded there by their British passports. Here’s Jerry’s report of what it was like to be in quarantine:

Half an hour later, though, Eventually we reached the southern gate at Ugabmund, we thankfully coasted into Mile 108, probably still havstill about 40 km short of ing 30 or 40 km in the tank. Mile 108. If we ran out of petrol on this stretch, nobody Susan & Bruce Morrison, would come looking for us Kiama now we were outside the If you’d like to share your National Park. travel story from The fuel gauge had entered somewhere you’ve been at some time, send your its pessimistic stage and, of postcard home (even if course, the estimate based on you got back a long time the trip meter was increasago) to emailthebugle@ ingly unreliable, so we were gmail.com getting nervous.

After one month in isolation in New Zealand we had the exciting prospect of 14 days under quarantine in Sydney. Processing at Sydney Airport took two and a half hours, with medical checks and quarantine briefings. After this we were allocated to the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at the Quay. Police and military checks on arrival there took another one and a half hours, before eventually we had a military escort to our room. We were not given a key, and there were guards on every floor 24/7 to ensure no one left their rooms. Meals (best described as adequate, but sadly lukewarm) were placed on the floor outside the room, followed by a knock to advise of its arrival. Most came in a cardboard box with balsa wood or plastic cutlery (no metal in case we became suicidal). We could have alcohol – one wine bottle or a six pack of beer per person per day. Rationing was imposed after some folks got ‘stir crazy’,

had too much to drink and trashed their rooms. Our room was on the 20th floor with a small comfortable lounge with dual aspect views and a separate bedroom. The windows did not open and there was no balcony, so no fresh air for two weeks. We managed to last the distance with books, puzzles, cards and TV. But occasionally it was a struggle. We have never been fans of daytime TV and have now been thoroughly put off cookery and reno programs, and banal quiz games. Every day a nurse would ring to ensure we had not killed each other and were showing no COVID symptoms. It was a joyful release after 14 days, to smell fresh air and then to finally travel home. ADVERTISEMENT

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I know there is a lot of angst in our community following the impact of the recent bushfires and now coronavirus.

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3/59 Junction Street Nowra NSW 2541 1/6-8 Orient Street Batemans Bay NSW 2536 The Bugle 16 May 2020 • Page 12

Fiona Phillips MP @fiboydphillips

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Authorised by Fiona Phillips, ALP, 3/59 Junction Street Nowra