The Bugle 18 September 2021 by The Bugle Newspaper

Landmark proposed

$3.3m for cycleways p3

Fundraiser for Grant Wilson p3

Growing new farmers p5

Pitches for your vote p6

p10

18 SEPT 2021

Planning begins for a $3m playground Local children and their families are in for a treat with Hindmarsh Park set to be transformed into a regional destination playspace. $3 million is to be spent on the project over the next two years, with the money coming from the State Government’s NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program. The Program was set up as a carrot for local councils to improve DA processing times. “Having met the requirements of the first part of the program, Council now qualifies for the first payment to design the project,” says Jessica Rippon, Director Environmental Services. Council is at the stage of seeking to engage a landscape consultant to start preparing the designs. Once that process is completed, it will go to a broad public consultation. The parents of Elsie Blackburn say they don’t use Hindmarsh Park during summer at the moment. “We go to Surf Beach because of the shade. The new one at Shellharbour Village is great too.” They think flying foxes would be a popular addition. For Coral Bryant’s mum, Brit, making it accessible to everyone will be the key. “I know they have done

a new one in Braidwood recently that is just crazy,” she says. “It needs to be for all ages and all abilities.” She thinks turntables are something that should be included, and that shade is a must. Destination Kiama sees the potential of the already popular park as a regional destination for families, and is keen to be involved with its planning. Councillor Neil Reilly is very pleased that a rocket will be considered as part of the project, something that the Director of Engineering & Works confirmed at the last Council meeting. “I first raised the idea of bringing back the rocket in 2018, as a bit of nostalgia combined with providing some adventure play,” he says. “With $3 million they will be able to include plenty of other fabulous things with it.” In its submission to the Public Spaces Legacy Program, Kiama asked for: upgrades to Hindmarsh Park including a new and accessible regional destination playspace and other enhancements such as shade elements, picnic shelters, tables, BBQs and water fountains. All of this needs to be

provided in the context of the planned Kiama Arts Complex – on the site encompassing the Old Fire Station Gallery and the former ambulance station (which has been acquired by Council) – and the traditional use of the Park for festivals and events. The need for an upgrade of the Hindmarsh Park facility has been confirmed by an online survey conducted by the Labor for Kiama Council team. With hundreds of responses from families across the LGA already, the major call is to upgrade the flagship playspace in Hindmarsh Park and for playgrounds across the region to be more accessible, better shaded and more engaging. “Our community has identified the need to have playgrounds that are more engaging and that include more interesting features like sensory equipment, as well as the need to improve access for children who have disabilities,” says candidate Imogen Draisma. A number of public spaces and playgrounds were identified by the community as needing urgent upgrades – in particular the playground in Hindmarsh Park, the Kiama Skatepark and the one at Illuka Reserve, which still has wood chips rather than a softfall rubber base.

Phone: 42322757

Four year olds Coral Bryant and Elsie Blackburn have no idea what is in store for them

NYE fireworks to be called off Destination Kiama’s Tourism Advisory Committee is recommending to the September Meeting of Council that this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks be called off due to continuing uncertainty around the COVID situation. Instead, it is proposing to hold a month long umbrella

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festival, Revel in May. “This will be an opportunity to showcase our most prized destination events that form the fabric of our town, many of which have had to cancel throughout the pandemic,” says the Chair of the Committee, Councillor Matt Brown.

The recommendation comes after balancing the desire to bring a large drawcard event back to the town, after it was cancelled last year, with consideration of the risks involved with going ahead with the event. Even with the release of

continued on p4

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The Water Runners are after your vote With years of experience and a repertoire of great songs, it’s no surprise that local bluegrass-infused folk band The Water Runners have been shortlisted as one of the nine finalists in the People’s Choice Award, as part of the inaugural Australian Folk Music Awards (AFMA). Since 2016, The Water Runners have been busy playing at festivals, pubs and events across the Illawarra, Sydney regions and beyond. They have also released multiple albums including their 2017 debut album Heading South, Point of No Return in 2019 and their latest record Further Down The Road which was released in July this year. The AFMAs were established to recognise and celebrate the musical and cultural talent, vibrancy, diversity and community nature of the Australian folk music sector. The People’s Choice Award is decided by public vote, while the other awards are assessed by a panel of five judges. The other People’s Choice finalists are Alice Cotton (NT), The Borderers (SA), Hillbilly Goats (QLD), Mont-

gomery Church (NSW), Sasta (QLD), Weeping Willows (VIC), Rebecca Moore (WA) and Ruth Hazleton (VIC). Voting closes midnight Thursday 30 September. The awards will be announced on Thursday 14 October.

To vote visit: www.folkalliance. org.au/afmas/ Keep up to date with The Water Runner at: www.thewaterrunners.com

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2 | 18 September 2021

The Bugle

Variations requested for landmark corner A four storey mixed commercial and residential building being proposed for the corner of Terralong and Collins Sts, opposite the Leagues Club, will bring wrap around verandahs back to the main street. However approving the development will require substantial height and floor space ratio (FSR variations) to be made. The DA, on exhibition until 21 September, is for: • the demolition of existing buildings (one currently housing First National Coast & Country and Nirand Thai, and the other the adjacent kebab shop) • the construction of ground level commercial tenancies • a first floor restaurant • ten apartments (five two bedroom and five three bedroom) • three levels of below ground carparking providing 41 car spaces (accessed by two car lifts from Rosebank Place). The developer argues that four storeys was envisaged for that site in the 2002 Kiama Charrette and the 2019 Town Centre Study, and that

pre-lodgement discussions were held with Council. “They showed us drawings from the Charrette and the Town Centre Study and said this is what the people of Kiama want – so we said this is what we’d like to deliver then,” says developer Dimitri Simons. “We’d gone in with completely different plans, but they told us this is what we’d prefer to see on the corner.” However the vision of a prominent corner building is not possible using the standard height and FSR restrictions, something that is planned to be incorporated

Kiama’s release from regional NSW Lockdown will depend on when it can go two weeks without a case being reported. At time of writing, a persistent trickle of cases have been reported for our LGA, and particles have been detected at Gerroa Sewage Treatment Plant. “The Deputy Premier has made clear that the metric for releasing areas from lockdown is two weeks without

a case,” says Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama. “If we can sustain two weeks without a case then I will certainly be writing to him, as I have done on the previous occasion, and asking for us to be released.” Despite the cases in the LGA, there has also been an ease in restrictions across NSW with five vaccinated adults now allowed to gather outside together for outdoor recreation and exercise.

$3.3 million for cycleways

Artist’s impression from the DA

in the new Town Centre DCP. The proposed building’s height varies from 13.8 to 18.4m and has a Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of 3.21:1. This compares to the zone’s height control of 11 metres and FSR of 1.5:1. The DA’s Environmental Impact Report says, “It is considered that variations to Kiama LEP development standards relating to maximum permitted Building Height and FSR are justified in the context of seeking to achieve an outstanding urban design solution for this prominent landmark corner site.”

Kiama Council has been successful in its application to have unspent money from the Minnamurra Boardwalk project redirected to other cycling-related projects. $3.3 million is to be redirected by the State Government’s Active Transport Fund, out of the $3.8 million remaining from the Boardwalk grant of $4.5 million. The Minnamurra Boardwalk project is in mothballs, The Premier also released after its estimated cost blew out to $15.5 million when the a Roadmap to Freedom, specifying the freedoms that design was complete. “This investment will see will come into play for those the completion of the seven who are double vaccinated, once 70 per cent is reached. kilometre Jamberoo Valley Cycleway, linking Jamberoo “I cannot stress enough how important it is for people with the rest of the Kiama cycleway network,” said the to get vaccinated – if you Minister for Regional Transhave not had both doses of port and Roads, Paul Toole, the vaccine by the time we hit the 70 per cent milestone, when announcing the grant. “The cycleway won’t just you will not be able to take provide locals with alternaadvantage of these freetive transport options, but doms,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Lockdown continues

will also become a tourism drawcard for cyclists and walkers to enjoy the rural landscape between the two townships of the Jamberoo Valley. “Our experience during the pandemic is that people have embraced the importance of regular exercise, and the projects being funded will support that demand for paths and routes to cycle, jog and walk.” The cycleway currently ends at Browns Lane and, in applying for the money to be redirected, Council estimated completing the project would cost $2.4 million. The new funding will also cover: • the extension of the Gerringong pathway between Omega Flat and Fern Street, using an elevated design solution • opening up bike access in the Kiama town centre

The last stretch of the path at Browns Lane

• network connectivity around the Minnamurra Bike Skills Track • investigating improving the road shoulders on the Princes Highway around the Kiama bends. The exact breakdown of costs for these projects has not yet been released. Mayor Mark Honey thanked the NSW Government for supporting the projects, which also help progress a number of wider community goals. “Increasing options for locals to ditch the car for their bike or walking shoes is an important part of the Kiama Health Plan,” he said. “It will also help our efforts to reduce our carbon emissions as a community, and form part of our forthcoming Community Emissions Reduction Plan.”

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The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Hospital District (ISLHD) has released information on its plans for meeting increased projected demand for intensive care and COVID ward capacity in the coming months. “Like every Local Health District in NSW, we are further escalating our well established COVID plans in line with the stepped approach to increasing capacity across the entire NSW Health system,” said ISLHD Chief Executive Margot Mains. The Illawarra’s COVID treatment is being centred at Wollongong Hospital, where the COVID Intensive Care Unit is currently working at 75% of its level one capacity. A second COVID ICU can be open within 12 hours, if needed. In addition, Wollongong Hospital has dedicated COVID Ward areas that are currently working at

around 30% of their capacity, including housing patients transferred from other health districts. “Wollongong’s capacity to care for COVID patients in a dedicated ward will increase to 74 beds over the next three weeks, by utilising the space that previously housed the COVID vaccination clinic,” said Ms Mains. Shoalhaven Hospital is also looking at increasing its capacity with a dedicated COVID ICU and Ward, including the establishment of a Medical Respiratory COVID Ward. At this stage, it is not expected that Shellharbour Hospital will have any COVID specific wards. For patients not requiring hospitalisation, capacity is being increased in the District’s Virtual Community Care Centre, allowing teams to look after COVID positive patients in their own homes.

Rotary looks to help The Rotary Club of Gerringong Sunrise has launched an initiative to assist members of the Gerringong and Gerroa community who are struggling with anything during the current lockdown. The Rotary Club are reaching out and offering assistance to local residents who are not currently receiving vital visits from loved ones who usually help them do jobs around the house. The Club has already started helping out residents and can assist in many different ways such as going shopping, walking a pet, cooking, putting out the bins, gardening work and more. “So far, I have had a request by both my neighbours to help them download their

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vaccination apps,” says the Club’s Sue McGilvray. “These jobs are things that their kids or grandkids would usually help them with when they come to visit and if they can’t wait until the end of lockdown then we can do it.” Rotary’s offer has been approved by NSW Health and all visits will be conducted in a COVID safe manner by fully vaccinated Rotary Club members. Each task must be completed outdoors and with only one other person. “For anyone wanting help, you can ring me about what you’d like done and then I’ll contact one of our members to help out with it,” says Sue.

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NYE

from page 1

the Roadmap for reopening, it remains uncertain what restrictions/limitations will be in place at the end of December. “It is looking unlikely that events that encourage mass gatherings that are not ticketed nor provided allocated seating will be permitted,” says Councillor Brown. “Council does not have the resources or infrastructure required to enforce COVID physical distancing requirements nor to manage contact tracing for a large audience that is spread widely with viewpoints along the coast.” Making the decision this early will save the costs of investing time and effort into organising a large scale event that might not be able to be held. Those resources will now be employed in organising an event outside of peak tourism time, when more is known about the new operating environment. It is proposed that Destination Kiama staff will oversee a working committee of community event organisers to develop and deliver Revel in May. “It will be a series of smaller events held at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues across the Municipality, which will attract visitors to town during a quieter time,” says Cllr Brown. “We have a high level of support for the concept from within the industry and business community.” It is envisaged the program will include a wide range of events, including creative arts, music and food. Organisers of the Illawarra Folk Festival, held annually at the end of January, have also cancelled their 2022 event for the same reasons. The Kiama Show is still being planned for 21-22 January.

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The Bugle

Fundraiser for Grant Wilson In mid-August, Kiama Down’s Grant Wilson was airlifted to Royal North Shore after a freak accident at the new Bike Skills Park at Minnamurra. He sustained a C4 incomplete spinal injury, leaving him a quadriplegic. “After surgery and a week recovering in ICU, he is currently rehabilitating in a spinal unit at the Prince of Wales,” says close family friend Olivia Kent, who is also a member of his congregation at Kiama Baptist Church, where Grant is a pastor. “COVID has only made this difficult time even more painful for his family, as due to restrictions they are likely unable to see him as he rehabilitates for the next few months. “The future is unknown for Grant, but what his family does know is that his determination will see him home ASAP. “Along with elation and relief, this will also bring challenges – both mental and physical. “One of the biggest of these challenges will be autonomy, mobility and accessibility.” With this in mind, and wanting to help in a practical way, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for a new car, as the Wilsons have been told theirs is too

old to modify. “We are preparing for this in advance so they don’t have to worry about the costs that will be involved,” says Olivia. “As we all understand, this will be critical for his independence, freedom and mental wellbeing along with access to work and autonomy.” As a pastor at Kiama Baptist Church, Grant has become well Grant Wilson, his wife, Kate and their three children, Zoe, Izzy and Jake known through the many He also helps run multiple outreach programs he has youth/kids programs within been involved with to serve the community. The Minister for Health his community and foster a “He possesses kindness, has signed an exemption to sense of ‘together-ness’. generosity, humour, friendallow libraries to be open Last year during lockdown, liness, determination and a for the purpose of click and this included putting together loving nature,” says Olivia of collect. community care initiatives her friend. Kiama Library will be reto organise dozens of food People wishing to donate instating this service, which hampers to be delivered should go to www.gofundme. proved popular last year, as to families in and around com/f/grant-wilson-driving- soon as processes can be Kiama, for people who were independence-together arranged. were out of work.

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WHALAN Frances Bridget Carlin of Kiama

Passed away peacefully on Sunday, 5th of September 2021 at Blue Haven, Kiama. Previously married to Kevin. Dearly loved mother of Andrew, David, Jane, Mark, Susan and mother-in-law of Helen, and Ian. Much loved Grandma of her grandchildren Grant, Sarah, Carlin, Elise, James, Eliot, Ethan, Joel, Kris, and their partners. Gran Fran of Kyran (dec), Jakobi, Makiya, Tyler, and Flynn. Loved daughter of Joseph and Linda Brassil (both dec). Loved sister of Alexis (dec), John (dec), Jim, Mary (dec), Pat (dec), Joanne and Clare (dec). Frances will be sadly missed by her loving family and many dear friends.

Aged 85 Years Always Loved and Sadly Missed Forever in Our Hearts A life well lived We will miss your smiling face, a special person, no one can replace. Due to current restrictions a private service was held on Wednesday, 15 September 2021.

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Growing farmers of the future

If the average age of a farmer is 56, who in 20 years’ time will be growing our food? “Statistics tell me farming is in its last generation in Jamberoo Valley,” says local Alan Smith. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, he’s right. Australian farmers are old, and getting older, with the average age of 56 being 17 years above the national average for other occupations. But the good news, says Alan, is that “there is a generation of entrepreneurial future farmers who are resilient, passionate and filled with energy.” Friends Lauren Beresh (science background) and James Allen (electrical engineer) are two of these young, entrepreneurial farmers. With several years’ experience managing and working in small-scale market gardens in the Hawkesbury, Lauren and James started looking for land to lease or share closer to home in the Dapto to Gerringong area. Alan answered their call, offered them three acres of land in Jerrara Road, provided them with a shipping container, access to water and entered a profit share arrangement with them.

“We aim to grow seasonal vegetables with organic and sustainable farming methods. With only three commercial growers in the Illawarra, home to 300,000 people, our primary goal is to positively impact food access and security for local communities,” says Lauren. “When people come up with these ideas, I think they need to be supported,” Alan says. “If not, the land that doesn’t get used gets turned into houses eventually.” Lauren and James are already hard at work getting control of the soil and removing the stubborn kikuyu grass. They will plant and harvest by Christmas a crop of seasonal vegetables – salad mixes, greens, beets, carrots, radish, turnips, zucchinis and broccolini. When they get some infrastructure organised, they will plant tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, coriander and rhubarb, then bigger things like cabbages and cauliflowers. “We won’t be certified organic to begin with, but will be growing everything organically – no chemicals. We are happy to work with local restauranteurs to grow vegetables they cannot find,” James says. They are also keen – post COVID – to work with

schools. “It would be awesome to get primary school and early high school kids involved. “Often they don’t know where their food comes from and many of them don’t like veggies. But when they taste something that’s grown with care, they discover it tastes so different.” Lauren says that they are also – again post COVID – keen to work with younger people to show them that farming is a viable career choice and would like to hire and mentor some young people in the future, too. “It’s important to show young people that we can run a small market garden farm on a budget. We haven’t gone out and bought a 100-acre property. We have found someone to work with on land that’s not being used. “Jamberoo has a huge potential for this kind of small farming. Local landowners might not want to farm it themselves, but they might want to see agriculture happening on their land,” James says. “Another important thing about sustainable and regenerative agriculture is that we are not trying to take as much land as possible. We are essentially soil farmers and we have crops that grow in it.

“We are keen on keeping the soil as healthy as possible and creating biodiversity in a region.” The local neighbours they’ve met seem keen to support these young farmers. “We hope that when it becomes safe, people will come out to the farm for working bees and maybe buy some food from us,” Lauren says. “We would like to see a community develop here.” Alan is keen to work with others who want to do something similar. “We are known as being a farming community,” says Alan, “But we need to be a thriving diverse farming community with multiple people doing multiple things. “Then you have what the locals and the tourists want. We will all get the economic benefit. “At the moment in Jamberoo we have a water park that gets 15,000 people on a weekend. But they all turn left and go home to Sydney. “We want them to turn right and come into our village.” At the moment, Lauren and James are in need of wood mulch. You can contact them at newgrowersjamberoo@gmail. com and follow their journey @ newgrowersjamberoo. by Perrie Croshaw

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The Bugle

Lobster season starts September is the start of the lobster season, and Kiama’s last commercial fisherman berthed in the Harbour is busy bringing in his catch. Mark Horne, a fourth-generation fisherman, has been in the industry for 21 years and his son, Bradley, is also now a fisherman. From September until February or March, you can see Mark’s boat, the Junee, filled with lobster pots. After that, he turns his attention to ocean leatherjacket. “Kiama is a real hot spot for lobsters on the NSW coast,” says Mark. He believes that Kiama should be better known as a place where you can get fresh, local, sustainably caught fish. “That should be a key message about this area.” He started his Lobfish business in 2013 and sells some of his catch locally through the Kiama Fish Market at the harbour. “We are talking to Steve at the Market about maybe putting some green lobsters in there this year for a trial, so you can BBQ them, cook your own – ultrafresh!” says Mark. “At $35 for a 500gm lobster – or two halves at $12 – that’s cheaper than lamb!” He is keen to underline the sustainability of his business. “When it comes to seafood, sustainability can be a delicate word to use and it’s not something we consider lightly. For us, sustainability is synonymous with viability. Without it, everything we do hangs in the balance,” he says. “The Lobster Fisheries is the most sustainable fishery in NSW, and the stock is that high now, as opposed to 1020 years ago. “This sustainability comes from the research by the Department of Primary

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Industries Lobster Fisheries group in which we are heavily involved. “There are areas down the coast where they catch the transparent puerulus or baby glass lobsters and table the percentages. At the moment these numbers are way off the Richter.” Mark’s annual catch has quotas based on how many shares he has in the industry. The total annual catch is 180 tonne and Mark’s slice is 3.4 tonne. He can take lobsters up to 180mm. “Anything above that or with eggs is chucked back. Lobsters can grow up to 10kg but you will never see one of these – they are the breeders up on the breeding ground.” The Eastern Rock Lobsters start to migrate around mid to late September and their destination is the breeding grounds off Coffs Harbour, which are out in 100 fathoms of water on the continental shelf. “At the moment the travelling lobsters are in-shore. The traps are checked after 30 days. The longer the trap

is on the bottom, the better the chance of catching one passing by.” Bradley is keen for consumers to learn more about lobsters and especially about their sustainability. “We only harvest for six months of the year to give them the space to breed and replenish. “This provides our local ecosystems the protection they need to replenish themselves effectively and

ultimately ensures that ecosystems don’t become overfished. “As soon as the whales start to move north in June for their annual migration, we pull up stumps and call it a day on our annual season, to give them plenty of room to move freely and safely.” Keep track of their fishing at www.instagram.com/ lobfish_seafood/ www.lobfish.com.au

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Opening postponed

The planned opening of the long awaited Gerringong Library & Museum complex has had to be put back. It had been hoped to open on 28 September, the 30th anniversary of the opening of the first Museum. Our lockdown has caused additional delays, and handover is now not expected for a couple of more weeks. “We can’t wait to use the space,” said Jessica Rippon, Director Environmental Services.

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Old Bangalay makes way for sandmining Boral choosing to cut down a Bangalay tree, at least 100 years old, on Threatened Species Day horrified people who have been campaigning against the expansion of its sandmining operations across the highway, to the land surrounding Dunmore House. “For the sake of eight months’ worth of sand mining, a healthy monarch has been lost forever,” says the chair of Friends of Minnamurra River, Will Chyra. “Boral could have saved this tree if they had an environmental conscience.” The tree was the only Bangalay on the first site that is being prepared for sandmining, opposite Minnamurra Recycling Centre, and was close to the fenceline. Will was told that it was being removed to provide truck access to the site. “I asked whether it was more appropriate to move the gate rather than cut the tree down. “Bangalays only develop hollows after 100 years, and I was told me there were three in the tree and one on the ground so it is probably much older.

“Relocating the cut down hollows doesn’t make up for cutting down the tree.” Bangalays are the dominant tree species of the Bangalay Sand Forests of the Sydney Basin and the South East corner of NSW bioregions, which were recognised by the State Government in 2005 as an endangered

Blue Haven Illawarra has joined Kiama Community College and Kiama High School to offer two new aged care training opportunities for locals looking to start a career in the growth industry. Kiama Community College is providing a Certificate III in Individual Support and Kiama High School is providing a two year schoolbased traineeship for senior students. “We have consulted heavily with Blue Haven in the development of our program to ensure that when our graduates complete their course, they will be very suited to the way Blue Haven operates and the types of things they are looking for in the age care workers,” says Helen Zwicker, Executive Officer of Kiama Community College. “Blue Haven has had direct input into the unit selection and content of the Certificate III in Individual Support qualification.” The five month course is a nationally recognised qualification and also includes a compulsory 120 hour work placement, which can be done at Blue Haven. “This course also involves work placement at Blue Haven, providing industry specific training in a real workplace for the practical

side of their studies,” says Ms Zwicker. “It can be quite a challenge to find placements for students doing a course but part of this partnership is that Blue Haven have said they will provide work placements for all those people, which will be great experience for them. “This is the first time we have offered this certificate and we have just hired our first aged care coordinator and are currently hiring our first trainers.” The Kiama High School traineeship will involve students who are in their senior years studying at school and TAFE. They will also need to complete a minimum of 100 days or about 800 hours of work at Blue Haven. When students graduate, they will have their Cert III qualification and their HSC. “It’s a great opportunity for students to get a head start in terms of a career in that area and there are currently five year 11 students who are doing the traineeship,” says Mitchell Grove, Kiama High School Careers Advisor. “It’s really important for students to have options to engage in the workforce while they are still at school and to also have the chance

Government. The tree was removed to allow heavy vehicle access to the site and was located in the disturbance footprint of the project. The location of the heavy vehicle access ensures safe setback of the right hand turn lane as per the request of Transport for NSW, Shellharbour Council and Kiama Council. “Prior to undertaking the vegetation clearing, the Flora and Fauna Management Plan was updated by an ecologist endorsed by Department of Planning Industry and Environment in consultation with Shellharbour Council, Kiama Council and Fisheries NSW. “The tree was felled by a qualified arborist and supervised by a qualified ecologist. Eight hollows were salvaged from the tree and relocated to similar remnant vegetation areas under the supervision of a qualified ecologist. An additional hollow will be relocated at a later date.”

ecological community. The hollows provide habitat for local wildlife, importantly Greater Gliders, which are also endangered. A spokesperson from Boral has provided this response: “Tree clearing is permitted on site under the development consent issued in November 2020 by the NSW I wish the new CEO well, in managing the business of Kiama Council. Why, after so many years, under the previous management, is the organisation not in good financial order? Obviously this is what the new CEO either knows or wants to know and to correct. to pursue vocational pathThe answer is that the ways and not just university financial management team pathways. and organisation has not “The traineeships are all been capable of doing its job. done and dusted at the end Now, they will resist change of Year 12, so the students and they may be strong will have their HSC, their enough to prevent this new Certificate III qualification broom approach. We could and a good amount of paid end up with the same old, employment experience same old. They will begrudgunder their belt.” ingly seem to cooperate. Blue Haven CEO Jane Stroud says the new training More staff will be appointed and we will have little change opportunities were a response to recommendations at a greater cost. The business like way to from the Royal Commission deal with this problem is to into Aged Care. make logical, considered, “The Royal Commission recommended more govern- cost cutting changes. In short, this means the old ment funding to train our aged care workers,” she says. team has to go. The new team has to be given clear “Rather than wait for this directives and get it right in to happen, we’ve created a local partnership to achieve it twelve months or they too have to go. It is a tough world right now. outside Council, why not “This partnership will within? benefit our Blue Haven As an after thought, I know residents, Kiama Community College, Kiama High and our why the elected Council Members did not do their job wider community through quality care and skilled local and get this matter in order before now. It is because they employment.” had no idea. To find out more about the Barry Clissold, Gerringong

TO THE EDITOR

Training locals for jobs in aged care sector

course visit: www.kcc.nsw.edu. au/ Or call Kiama Community College on 42321050

by Jack Wallner

We welcome letters. Word limit of 150. Writers’ names and addresses must be provided. Letters published at the Editor’s discretion. Send to news@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

The Bugle

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18 September 2021 | 9

2021 COUNCIL ELECTION

These people want your vote If COVID hadn’t postponed the NSW council elections again, this issue would have been the one where we would be introducing you to the new Kiama Council. Instead, we have given all of the groups that have thrown their hat into the ring the opportunity to make a direct pitch to you. More info available on The Bugle App.

Team Reilly

Team Reilly will launch a better council by ensuring that we retain the character of our area, make council more responsive and become better listeners to our community. Unfortunately, we have a Council with a deficit. We talk about this in financial terms, but that is not the deficit that scares me. The most significant deficit in our council today is a deficit of collaboration. No councillor can claim any achievement without collaboration between councillors, staff and the community… that’s the truth. A collaborative approach based on trust, reputation and respect is central to Team Reilly’s vision. Our point of difference is that we are clear how we will achieve our goals. See our website at https://www.neilreilly.com.au/ I am leading a real team, where any one of the members could be elected to council and immediately bring excellent skills, collaboration and common sense to the work. Second on the team is Julia Roso who runs a successful agri-business in Jamberoo. She is an environmental en-

Councillor Reilly’s Team Reilly

gineer who managed strategic infrastructure-planning at Moreton Bay Council, one of Australia’s largest and most successful. Julia will bring a working lifetime’s experience to council. Next is Steve Vann who worked in Kiama council for twenty-three years. Steve has an open, no nonsense approach. He advocated for council workers with such fairness and ability, he not only gained the respect of the workers, but of senior staff. He is an active listener and a great win-win negotiator. As a result, he was invited to work with councils all over the state. Candy Andersen spent 12 years running the largest and most successful serviced apartments business in town. She combines business and language education management skils and is experienced in international relations and policy. Pamela Baxter speaks the dialogue of democracy. As a former senior member of the Australian Electoral Commission, she worked in Cambodia and has been instrumental in emergency education management in a range of world trouble spots. As an independent coun-

cillor, I have achieved a good measure of success… elect Team Reilly, and this success will multiply community benefit. That’s collaboration.

Authorised by Neil Reilly, 4 McFaul Place, Kiama

SAFE Kiama

published our comprehensive Policy Document in July, it’s now been expanded to encompass the issues of most concern. This includes our recently published Mental Health Statement, and a soon to be released Families Policy. This week we are releasing our Housing Policy. S.A.F.E. Kiama’s housing policy is informed by community concerns, providing a balanced and well-planned approach to determine when, where, and how housing developments take place. We will not sit back and let property speculators and “market forces” take over our land. Our housing policy identifies proactive initiatives ensuring parking, traffic and infrastructure are not overloaded but are delivered in step with development. It includes pragmatic and sensible approaches to improve the quality of housing, preserve the charm, character and heritage of our area, and to prevent marginalisation of the homeless and disadvantaged. Vote 1 for Karen Renkema-Lang & S.A.F.E. Kiama for a Council that is Sensible with money, Accountable in decision making, delivers Fair planning outcomes, and is Environmentally responsible. You’re in S.A.F.E. hands.

These elections are an opportunity to put things right. We urge you to vote mindfully, to be aware of candidates, their affiliations & their policies. A vote for S.A.F.E. Kiama will result in well researched and evidenced based policies addressing issues that matter to you. My name is Karen RenkemaLang, I am the lead candidate for the S.A.F.E. Kiama independent group, running for a place on Kiama Council. Standing with me are Sarah Marlan, Dan Balding, Madeleine Scarfe and Denis Balding. Sarah, Dan and Denis bring the kind of knowledge that only comes from being in a community for many decades. Madeleine and I bring a wealth of professional experience in governance and planning. The elections may be delayed, but S.A.F.E. Kiama has continued to consult with the community to ensure our policies properly reflect what is most needed. We all want a Council that works cooperatively, under strong leadership, to make fair decisions that will deliver a more promising future. While S.A.F.E Kiama Sarah Marlan & Karen Renkema-Lang

Thinking about bringing your retirement forward?

The Greens Jodi Keast, Tanya George and Kathy Rice

Find out more at safekiama. org or phone 0452 426 390 anytime

Authorised by Karen Renkema-Lang, 4/20 Dido St, Kiama

Kiama Greens

Kiama Greens has an outstanding team of candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections on December 4th. All are experienced community leaders who want to use their skills to benefit the entire Kiama community. Details of their strengths and backgrounds can be found in the Vote section of The Bugle App. Over the years, Greens Councillors have shown a sensible and considered approach that reflects their thorough understanding of Council reports and their awareness of the community perspective. We have and will continue to hold meaningful conversations with you and will listen to your concerns. We care about the park you play in with your children and the trees at the end of your street. We care about the playground you take your grandchildren to and if it’s accessible to everyone. We care about the ocean and river you swim in and the paths you walk to enjoy the view. We care about your health and wellbeing and will take responsibility to promote and improve positive mental health. We support cultural activities that give meaning to your life and will protect our built heritage. We will help you to protect our agricultural land from urban sprawl, look after the environment and work to achieve net zero emissions and 100% renewable energy across our whole LGA. There are many more reasons to consider voting for a Greens Councillor and our policies show them clearly. https://kiamagreens.org.au/ policydetail/

Councillor Kathy Rice notes that “Over the next Council term, Councillors will consider a range of important issues that include restructuring the Council with improvements to Council’s finances, studying housing needs and reviewing planning controls, responding to the challenge of Climate Change and considering new ways of strengthening community support”. “I couldn’t have hoped for a better team to address these issues with” she said. “Our backgrounds in finance, governance, planning, environment and community health will provide a great springboard for Council.” If you vote for a Greens Councillor, we will stand up for the things that matter. Find out more at https:// kiamagreens.org.au/

Authorised by Howard R Jones,

407 Free Selectors Rd, Foxground

Your Community Candidates

Your Community Candidates are the only team contesting this election that has outlined our plan and charter with our local community. We believe in transparency and accountability. If you elect our team, we will: • Oppose over-development. Our team want balanced and sensible development that protects our environment and village character. We are sick of Councillors making excuses, ignoring community consultation and failing to properly plan; • Keep downward pressure on rates, and ensure responsible use of residents funds; • Deliver positive action to develop Bombo Quarry for future housing, industrial growth and community use. Whilst council has ‘talked’ about planning for the future, their lack of action on this major op-

www.middletonfp.com.au Call 02 4232 4402 Dream, Plan, Achieve

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10 | 18 September 2021

Mark Croxford’s Your Community Candidates

The Bugle

portunity is inexcusable; • Improve lifestyle and the liveability of our entire municipality by investing in activities for our young, families, and older residents. People love our community but we need investments that add value to why people love living here. Your Community Candidates are all local people with reallife experience that are ready to provide the strong local leadership our council needs. In 2019 Kiama Council spent 49 cents of every dollar of your money on staff costs. According to NSW Government’s ‘Your Council NSW’ website, councils in the same category as Kiama spent on average 32.5 cents on staff. Kiama Council also spent 32 cents in the dollar on contracts and materials in 2019 compared to an overage of 27.3 cents of similar councils. This is the same Council that slugged ratepayers with a more than 16% rate increase! Our Council can do so much better. But it needs the right leadership at the table. Re-electing the current ‘mob’ will see more of the same. More excuses, more mismanagement, more rate increases and no vision. It’s time for real change where the people’s representatives set the agenda – not the bureaucrats. On December 4 you have two choices. You can reward poor performance, or you can vote for a team that has a plan with the energy and experience to get things done for our community. Take our survey https://bit. ly/3z1y7fE www.yourcommunitycandidates.com.au

from all corners of our local government area. Our ticket has long-time locals and new-comers. We are all committed to our residents – aged, local families, youth and singles. In particular, we want to provide more support to the volunteers who are the “glue”

owners, those who have previously served on council, and people with experience in government and policy. All are community activists and advocates with strong professional track-records of listening to people and their concerns, and turning that into considered and prudent

KIAMA TERM 4 2021 COURSES RTO #91284

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action. We have the experience needed to set the Council back on track, both financially and with regards to the fundamentals of good, representative, transparent governance in the best interests of our residents. If elected, the Kiama Labor team will: • Reinvigorate the community’s ability to influence planning decisions in our beautiful LGA while respecting and protecting this precious place, our land and waterways, and act to set our region up for success and prosperity now while safeguarding the place for future generations. • Work with our state and federal MPs to secure funding for essential services in areas of mental health, accessibility for older residents, improving youth services and facilities, holistically recognise all our history and heritage, and support the arts and creative sectors Authorised by Mark Croxford, • Develop policy to reinvig37 Henry Parks Dr, Kiama Downs orate Kiama’s night time economy and create jobs Authorised by Matt Brown, for locals, post-COVID; 46 Bonaira St, Kiama • Actively protect our unique coastal environment and work to make Kiama Council operations zero-carbon; work with Our ticket aims to be reprelocal businesses and comFirst, finances. We are comsentative of the community munity groups to move mitted to creating a sustainwe will serve – something swiftly to reduce their able, safe, healthy and happy our current Council is not. carbon footprint. future for our community We stand for fairness, We are committed to transwith mental health as one inclusion, true representaparency and up-front about of our priorities. We should tion and for finding solutions our values and where we do this in a financially-reto the issues our community come from. We are a Labor sponsible way. We should raises. We will do our part to ticket, unanimously endorsed not rely on subdividing land, deliver essential services that by the Kiama Labor Branch, like Elambra, or raising rates support our young people, a motley bunch of true believabove CPI, to keep our budour ageing residents, our ers, still keeping the flame get balanced and sustainable. families, our frontline workof fairness, equity, inclusion A previous Council spent ers, and our local businesses. and a fair go for all alight. more than $10M purchasing Our team is made up of And the only people we will the old Mitre 10 site in Teryounger and older residents, answer to are the community ralong St (now The Collective) working people and “retirwe represent. Authorised by J. Cole, and the Akuna St site behind ees” (read: still working hard Shop 6/4 Tingira Cres, Kiama it for a second supermarket, for the community), business extra car parks, units etc. We need this money back, and more, to stay Fit for The Future. We need to ensure we get the best and most vibrant town centre possible, with proper spaces for art (including performing arts). We are committed to seeing this through. Our team is as diverse as our community and come The Kiama Labor team, led by Imogen Draisma (2nd on left) of our communities eg. Surf Lifesavers, sporting groups, community groups, charities, etc. Our policies to date include: • Protect your property rights • Support local jobs and businesses • Make Kiama a Regional Events Capital • Promote projects with construction and design which enhance the character of our towns and villages • Upgrade of play equipment in our parks to make them better for children and tweens. Bring back The Rocket! • Support solar along with other cost and energy saving measures • Protect the quality and the pristine nature of our waterways, farm land and forests • Reduce Council red tape and other costs as well as time spent dealing with Council • Improve bicycle safety • Find a solution to School Pick-Up and Drop-Off! • Make Council assets more productive to reduce pressure on rates

We love Kiama Gerringong Kiama Jamberoo Labor

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MAYORAL COLUMN Mark Honey talks directly with residents and ratepayers I understand the hesitation and anxiety of many, but please, if you are eligible, get the jab. As it stands we’ll be under restrictions of one form or another in the short term, including these school holidays. While I would love nothing more than to see visitors Getting everyone COVID vac- back in Kiama and our shops cinated may or may not be a and cafes bustling, this unforrace but it is pleasing to see tunately won’t be happening. our municipality performing My message to our many well, with more than 76 per loyal and regular holiday cent of people in Kiama LGA makers is: please keep home having had one jab and more if that’s required, and we than 50 per cent of us fully hope to see you soon. vaccinated. Of course the COVID rules This will be helped by the apply to us locals taking time arrival of more than 17,500 off from work to enjoy the additional Pfizer doses from warmer weather and our Monday at Wollongong’s beaches. mass vaccination centre. We do have the luxury of This is our best way forbeautiful beaches on our ward in the long term if we’re doorstep, but COVID safety to keep safer against COVID measures still apply there and get back some sort of a like everywhere else. normal life. Our lifeguards and volun-

teer lifesavers begin their patrol season this weekend. Their job is keeping us safe in the water, not having to make sure we are following the COVID rules about group sizes and face masks. Fingers crossed COVID will not further delay the local government elections now set down for Saturday 4 December. I have written before on the need to have greater diversity in our Councillors to reflect the make-up of our community. Of course this doesn’t just apply to elected councillors. We have a number of committees that include community representatives. Having a healthy mix of people for these positions is also critical. There’ll be more opportunities for fresh faces at the table on committees when the new council forms after the elections, so please keep this in mind. Finally, we have started our campaign for the local Australia Day Awards for 2022. All local HSC students will get the opportunity to complete If you know someone and a their studies in 2021, with the full complement of HSC group doing amazing things exams to go ahead from 9 November, with ATARs released in our community, why not on 20 January and HSC results released on 24 January. nominate them for these The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward welcomed the news. awards? “After a disruptive and stressful year, our local high schools Details are on council’s students across the Kiama electorate now have the certainty website: www.kiama.nsw.gov. of the timetable and eight weeks to focus on preparing for au/australia-day-awards their exams,” Mr Ward said.

HSC exams to go ahead

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New mental health service

A Head to Health pop-up service is now available to support the mental health of people of all ages struggling during the extended lockdown. The service has been established by COORDINARE – the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network (PHN) – and other PHNs, with Federal funding. To access Head to Health, people can simply call 1800 595 212 to discuss their needs and concerns. They will then be directed to mental health services in their area that most appropriately meet their individual situation. Dianne Kitcher, CEO of COORDINARE, says Head to Health support is available to anyone of any age in the community, with or without a GP mental health treatment plan. No appointments are required to access the service. “Mental health issues don’t discriminate. Many people in our region may have never been exposed to stressors like this before but are facing new challenges due to COVID-19,” says Ms Kitcher. “Head to Health is designed to offer a seamless service for guiding people in mental distress or feel they are unable to cope with the extra pressures brought on by the pandemic to the right support.” The local pop-up is being run by Family Services Australia in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Community Services Hub at Stockland Shellharbour City Centre. “If you are referred to receive services from the Head to Health Pop Up, you can choose from telehealth or COVID-safe face-to-face appointments,” says Ms Kitcher.

HALL

Ronald Arthur (Ronnie, Hally, Ron) of Kiama

Passed away Monday, 30th August. Will be deeply missed by his wife Marcia – the love of his life. By his four children Wade, Emma, Greta and Abby – who were the pride of his life. By his three sons-inlaw Stewart, Tony and Rob – whom he thought the world of. By his 7 grandchildren Ava, Sebastian, Tilly, Jai, Ally, Harry and Asher – the joys of his life who called him “Pop”. By his two remaining sisters Colleen and Wendy, his many other family members and all his friends. Born in Kiama 71 years ago, we will love him forever. Due to covid restrictions there will not be a service for Ronnie, however we have setup a Facebook page in memory of Ron. www.facebook.com/rammhall Please share with us your own photos and memories.

12 | 18 September 2021

The Bugle

Have you downloaded The Bugle App yet?

It’s our community hub of news and information

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18 September 2021 | 13

Celebrating koalas says Warren. “These were on the escarpment above Jamberoo, at Foxground and at Seven Mile Beach. “The most recent sighting at Seven Mile Beach was in 2005.” Excitingly, when we first published this story on The Bugle App, we were told a van owner had taken a picture of a koala there earlier this year. Unfortunately we have been unable to contact him ahead of this issue to verify the sighting. We still hope to. Despite their efforts, Gerroa Environmental

Koalas in the Southern Highlands

Protection Society (GEPS) members have searched the Seven Mile Beach area without success, but haven’t given up hope. “The most likely place to find them would be in their favourite habitat and feed trees – the swamp mahogany, red gum and blackbutt trees – but unfortunately many of these species have been historically cleared for sand mining,” says Warren, one of the founders of GEPS, which continues to fight sandmining expansion. “Norm Robinson identified koalas in Budderoo National Park in 1988 and there have been recent sightings at Knights Hill as part of the Southern Highlands Koala Conservation Project, so they probably do still exist in our LGA, but sightings are rare and few.” Warren says it is surprising there isn’t more awareness of the loss of koalas from our area, and that that reinforces the need for increased environmental awareness and vigilance in protecting the remaining habitat for other animals. “We have many more wonderful animals on the brink of extinction in our LGA, including the endangered Greater Glider population at Seven Mile Beach. “So, let’s protect Kiama’s

bushland, stop the ongoing clearing of vegetation, strengthen wildlife corridors that connect vegetation fragments and plant more habitat trees to ensure more of our native animals don’t disappear in the future.”

Party with koala experts

If you want to find out more about koalas in a quirky format, then Koala Karaoke is a night not to be missed. It is a fun night of singing, science and Koala conservation put on by the Southern Highlands Koala Conservation Project. Last year they installed microphones at 123 sites all over the Southern Highlands to hear koalas ‘sing’, as they do when they’re looking for a mate, or trying to scare of other potential suitors. Bellow might be a more accurate term. They’ve analysed 10,000 hours of audio, and now want to share their findings with the world. Former Kiama local, Margot Law, has roped in TV’s Julia Zemiro to host the party, so it is bound to be fun. Over 10 per cent of NSW’s koalas live in the Wingecarribee LGA, as does Julia.

Tuesday 28 September, 7-8.30pm. RSVP at eventbrite to get your free tickets with a zoom link: koalakaraokeparty. eventbrite.com.au

Everyone knows sunglasses with good side protection are important, but why? Part ii.

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Fiona Weir Walmsley from Buena Vista farm in Gerringong serves us up another recipe. This time it’s an old-fashioned slice.

Last time I covered the effects of suffering pterygium and the importance of your sunglasses offering side protection. This week we look at pinguecula and some of the associated symptoms often experienced by sufferers. A pinguecula (pin-GWEK-yoo-lah) is a yellowish, slightly raised thickening of the conjunctiva on the white part of the eye (sclera), close to the edge of the cornea. Pingueculae typically occur on the eye’s surface between your eyelids. While pingueculae are more common in middleaged or older people who spend a lot of time in the sun, they can also be found in younger people and even children. Especially those who spend time outdoors without protection such as sunglasses or hats. In most people, pingueculae cause few symptoms. But a pinguecula that is irritated might cause foreign body sensation. In some cases, pingueculae become swollen and inflamed, a condition called pingueculitis. Irritation and eye redness from pingueculitis usually result from exposure to sun, wind, dust or extremely dry conditions. In these cases eyedrops can ease the inflammation. The best drops to use are lubricating drops, and steroid drops in severe cases. So when you are choosing your sunglasses for this summer, think about side protection.

Photo: Jason Hodges

As September is Save the Koala month, Warren Holder – long time environmental campaigner and Greens candidate for the Council election – has raised the question as to whether there are any koalas left in our Municipality. The research of environmental scientist, Norm Robinson, shows koalas were historically found at Minnamurra Rainforest and Seven Mile Beach. “The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage database identifies six historical sightings of koalas in our Municipality since 1980,”

TIME TO COOK

Passionfruit slice Oh, humble slice, of church fete and morning tea at Grandma’s. I’ve been so rude about slices. Really, I thought. Slices? Why? They have neither the crunch of a biscuit or the wonderful texture of a cake. And then I moved to the country. Slices are everywhere. And they are GOOD. I made this one this week for a picnic. Incredibly quick to make and so yummy. The bottom layer has crunch and chew and the top is a firm and creamy condensed milk and passionfruit combination. What is not to love?. Really. Type ‘passionfruit slice’ into Google and you’ll get this recipe twenty times. No one owns it. Not the Country Women’s Association ladies. Not Taste and not Gourmet Traveller. Pfft. My Mum gave it to me one hundred years ago, photocopied from the Gerringong Mayflower Retirement Village Gerringong Cookery Book. We used that book for everything when I was growing up. It’s more of a pamphlet rather than a book, I guess, and Mum’s copy has almost disintegrated. A very wellloved friend. FULL of slices. Ingredients 150 g (1 cup) self-raising flour 90 g (1 cup) desiccated coconut

110 g (½ cup) white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 125 g (½ cup) butter, melted 395 g (14 oz) tin sweetened condensed milk zest and juice of 1 lemon 2 fresh passionfruit or 3 tbsp tablespoons tinned pulp Method Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 18 x 28 cm (7 x 11 in) slice tin. Mix the flour, coconut, sugar, vanilla and melted butter together and press into the prepared tin. Bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool. Turn your oven down to 120°C (250°F). Mix the condensed milk, zest and juice of lemon zest and juice and the passionfruit together. Spread on the cooled base and bake in the slow oven for 10 minutes. Allow to cool. In some versions you now spread it with cream, but if it’s sitting in the fridge next to the apples even without the cream it’s going to call and call me. Apples or slice? Apples or slice? Put it in a container and take it to friends. The WHOLE slice, Fiona. *Cough* Maybe there are just one or two pieces that didn’t quite fit into the container. They’re in the fridge. What apples?!

Jean Anderson

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1. Espresso coffee with a dash of milk 4. Espresso coffee with steamed milk and a dusting of chocolate powder 9. Current capital of Indonesia 10. 21st Century PM who holidayed in Shoalhaven Heads in Jan 2019 12. What a bloke wears around his neck when he gets dressed up 13. Back of the neck 14. Colour of the fleece of

39. Meadow 42. Docking of this cruise ship in Sydney led to COVID 19 outbreak (4,8) 43. Annual fundraising gathering held at schools 44. 19th letter of the Greek alphabet!! 45. International swimwear firm founded at Bondi in 1914 46. Extremely accurate clock/ watch

Mary’s little lamb 18. Aust city where there was to a cricket test Aust v Afganistan in Nov 21 20. Another name for an espresso coffee (5,5) 21. Bedroom furniture associated with The Lion & The Witch 22. Fictional Edinburgh-based Police Inspector 23. What colour was the little boy, who was asked to come blow your horn, the sheep’s in the meadow, the cow’s in

the corn 25. The lion in Tales of Nania 26. Headwear worn by bicyclists and motorcyclists 28. God of love and son of Venus 30. PM who received a $250 fine for not wearing a life jacket 32. Milk coffee served in a glass 36. Settee style associated with a potato 37. Lowest value bid in 500 card game (3,6)

1. If you have made your bed and you are lying on it, this is what you are lying on 2. Noah’s boat 3. With this one rows or steers a boat 4. NSW Chief Health Officer and NSW Woman of the Year 5. What one takes with a camera 6. Heavy duty paper-based product 7. Abbreviation of Instante Mense 8. Highest value bid in 500 card game (3,2,6) 9. Largest planet in the solar system 11. Name of Kim and Kanye West’s child 15. Magical word that precedes Pocus 16. 2021 winner of Bledisloe Cup (3,6) 17. Australian style of milk coffee (4,5) 19. Ex-PM who has been fined $500 for not wearing a mask in public 23. Smoked meat served with eggs for breakfast 24. Dog breed associated with fire engines

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A reminder to local clubs and associations that not only can you get a free listing on The Bugle App, but you can use it to publicise your group’s news and events (within reason). Download the App and have a look at what other groups are doing already.

Crossword compiled by Steve Law. Correspondence welcome to crossword@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

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18 September 2021 | 15

Resiliant shorebirds return to Seven Mile Beach

POSTCARD HOME I started my trip to the Tip of Australia, Cape York, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was there two years ago that I met Mark and Matt. Mark was planning on trading his Vespa in on a real motorcycle to ride to Cape York. Matt was planning on fishing in the Torres Strait with his family. I knew that if I went motorcycling with Mark and Matt took my family fishing, everyone would be happy. On 14 June 2021 we set out on our BMWs – me from Kiama on a GS1200 and Mark from Sydney on his new GS750. My birthday the day before provisioned me with extra socks and underpants. We breakfasted in Gloucester at the Roadies café, conversed with my uncle in Tenterfield, discovered reasonably priced beach front real estate in Toogoom. Rocky and Mackay, and Cairns provided further shelter and sustenance. We changed to off-road tyres at Cairns and crossed the Daintree by ferry. Our path north was now sandy, muddy and/or gravelly with creek crossings thrown in. I busted my new tyre 200 kms from Cooktown and some helpful 4WDers, an Irish stop/go girl and Rob the proprietor of Hann River

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Roadhouse combined to save my life and return my bike to Cooktown. Both Captain Cook and I have been stuck in Cooktown to repair our vehicle and restart our escapade. He was there for six weeks, me for two days. I don’t expect they will rename it Hesloptown. The road from Cooktown to the Tip of Australia is about 25 per cent bitumen. The rest varies from recently graded dirt (not much) and deep sand, gravel, corrugations the size of beer cans and rocky water courses (too much). Red dirt permeates everything. It is not for the faint hearted. Our accommodation varied from dongas at the various roadhouses to the lovely Bluehoose at Portland Roads. Our comfortable cabin at Cape York Ice & Tackle was a surprise, as were the delicious mud crabs they gave us. Matt and my family flew in (remember them, they were mentioned in the first para). We boated to Albany Island where we stayed for the next fantastic five days of relaxation, fishing, croc spotting and shark hunting. A full description would require another Postcard. The return trip was equally exciting. The Atherton Tablelands provided a perfect

Eggs from endangered shorebirds nesting at Seven Mile Beach were all washed away with the recent large storms. But this reporter can confirm that the Pied Oyster Catcher breeding pairs are back and trying again! While the dunes near the bridge from Burke Parade have been halved in size, protective fences have been erected again around this small area to allow the shorebirds to nest in safety. A couple of dunes have been left unfenced for children to play on. Masked Lapwings, a pair of Pied Oyster Catchers and some Red Capped Plovers (which are only about the

bike road and beautiful dairy country. Outback Queensland was straight roads, big skies and tumbling tumbleweeds. We waltzed into Winton, qantased to Longreach and hated Hughenden. We overtook multiple Road Trains with multiple trailers as well as caravans of Caravans. In NSW, Lightening Ridge and Mudgee provided R&R.

size of Blue Wrens) are sharing this small space. The challenge for Sally, our local National Parks shorebird protector, is to spot any eggs very quickly and immediately set up a small electric fence around them to keep the foxes away. Other endangered birds are also nesting around tracks 6 and 7 on Seven Mile Beach. So, keep your eyes peeled and keep your distance when on the beach – these birds don’t make ‘nests’ as such, but lay their eggs directly onto the sand. The eggs and then the chicks are mostly sand-coloured, so are very hard to see.

by Perrie Croshaw

We had five weeks and 10,000 kms of adventure. Fortunately, we had dodged COVID’s closing doors like the end credits of Get Smart. Ross Heslop Kiama

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