Town loses Jazz Alley mural

Kiama has lost an artwork that celebrated the town’s connection to Jazz & Blues after it was painted over.

The mural, simply titled ‘Jazz’, was painted on a lane wall adjacent to the St Vincent de Paul Society shop on Terralong St.

The work was painted by local artist Mikey Freedom in 2017 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival that year.

As an avid fan of jazz himself, Mikey said the mural was directly inspired by the vibrant album artwork associated with the genre.

However, the mural has since been covered by a layer of beige paint as part of renovations to the Vinnies store.

Mikey told The Bugle he was disappointed his mural had been erased, which had originally been gifted to the town for free.

“I’ve been painting murals for over three decades, and I know they can be costly at times, but I don’t like that to be a hindrance,” says Mikey.

“I like the idea of investing in where I live and not making it all about money, so it’s about giving freely what I do and what I love doing so I can enhance where I live.”

Kiama residents and visitors can still see Mikey’s work around town, including on the side of the Scout’s Hall at Black Beach, and Little Earth Cafe near the Little Blowhole.

Mikey said giving back to the community was an important part of living here, whether it’s an artwork or any other assistance.

“Everyone has something to provide, something to give their community.

“They just have to look first at what’s in their hands, it doesn’t have to be up in lights or out of the ordinary, it can just be whatever is in yourself to do.

“If we only think in big picture terms, I think we miss what we’re able to contribute.

“It just so happens that I’m an artist that paints murals, but I’m sure there are people that do amazing things that they don’t see what they’re doing is special.

“ Just by virtue of sharing it, they add to who we are and where we live.”

by Brendon Foye

Kiama Bridge Club

Wednesday evening sessions have now recommenced at our clubhouse by Bonaira Oval, from 6 30pm

For more information, call Ruth on 0404 871 216

I believe that building strong relationships will open doors to strong partnerships.

Two weeks ago, I headed up to Macquarie Street and met with Ron Hoenig, MP. He is a very impressive man, and so he should be, he’s the Member for Heffron, Leader of the House and the Minister for Local Government. The previous day he said some pretty harsh words about our previous council’s financial choices. I made a point of meeting with him and I was there to tell him we have gone a long way to fixing that. He knew, congratulated our council, and will help us on the way to recovery.

Collaboration with State Government heavy hitters is a great way to make shared progress on complex community issues that our council is experiencing, but cannot act alone to solve.

Last week I met with Ryan Park MP, Member for Keira, Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, and Minister for the Illawarra and the

South Coast. As Minister for Health, he understands Aged Care is a pretty precarious business for a council. As Minister for the Illawarra, he understands Kiama and will help us with our intention of moving away from aged care, leaving it to those better equipped to deal with that business.

Last Friday I made a point of meeting with Lisa Berwick, Senior Executive of the NSW State Audit Office. Lisa is a member of the Senior Executive Service with more than 25 years experience in accounting, assurance and risk management. When she speaks, I listen. I found that she understands our situation and is well aware of the steps we have taken to stabilise our finances, and again, is willing to help with the next steps of divestment.

As I write this, I am in Canberra, making Kiama visible on the Federal radar, while attending the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government and the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum.

Yesterday I had a meeting with Councillor Linda Scott, President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Her guidance and connections are of strategic value to Kiama and I intend to make the most of this.

I am away from my home in the bush capital to show the Feds the intentional choices that we have made and will continue to make to drive change and transformation for a better future for our area and your council.

Linda has organised a day in Federal Parliament for the members of ALGA, the first in my history of local government.

When we are strategic, we play a long game, carefully building relationships and establishing building blocks that will shape council, serve communities and deliver lasting results.

Strategic relationships play a crucial role in the functioning and success of our council.

These relationships, especially with Federal and State governments, are of paramount importance as they enable Kiama Council to effectively address the needs and aspirations of our communities. By forging strong partnerships, we can access vital resources, collaborate on policy development, and promote the interests of residents in our Local Government Area. We stay informed about upcoming legislative changes, funding opportunities, and strategic planning initiatives.

I know that a lot of people depend on our council for the multitude of services we deliver. I believe effective collaboration, communication and awareness at all levels will ensure we have partners in high places who will enhance our ability to address the diverse needs of our community. We’re better together!

NAIDOC news

With the annual NAIDOC Awards fast approaching, Kiama Council is encouraging the community to place their nominations which will recognise outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our region.

After the success of local Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week events, Mayor Neil Reilly says it is an ideal time to consider those who deserve recognition.

“Let’s now turn our minds to those indigenous people, be it neighbours, family friends, workmates or teammates,” says Mayor Reilly.

“You can make a nomination based of their achievements in their own right, as an individual or an organisation, young or old, for their work or volunteering efforts.”

Make a nomination via Council’s website before Sunday 30 June. The Awards ceremony will be hosted at Kiama Pavilion on 29 July.