The Bugle 20 May 2023

Budget for the times

The 400 pages of Council’s draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Fees and Charges, and Long Term Financial Plan were endorsed for public exhibition at the May Meeting without comment.

Mayor Neil Reilly says the reason is simple.

“It is because we have been living this budget for the past 18 months.

“We have had multiple briefings, input from our appointed financial advisor, our auditors and the Office of Local Government, and the result is pretty much a collaborative result.

“There are no surprises in it. We’ve looked at it so closely for a long time and been very open with the public about what we are dealing with.”

While the Audit Office did not qualify the recently signed off 2020/1 accounts with a going concern qualification – meaning it does not have the funds to pay its debts as and when they fall due – it came close, and the key priority of all of the financial plans is to ensure Council remains a going concern.

The draft budget for 2023/4 shows how crucial the sale of Council’s assets are, with a deficit of $11.9 million for the year unless money comes in from Council’s divestment strategy.

The pared down budget for the coming year will see all expenditure for capital works coming from grants or dedicated reserves, and

operational efficiencies.

Service reviews are to be conducted into the leisure centre, holiday parks, waste services and Pavilion operations to assess the best way forward.

In total, the forecast gain from sale of Blue Haven Bonaira (if reclassification is approved) and six other parcels is expected to bring in $31.2 million, which would result in a surplus of $19.3 million if they were achieved within the 2023/4 financial year.

The divestments would improve the working capital position by $14.7 million. As at the end of April, Council had negative available cash of $2.5 million.

“Any surplus we arrive at is going to be dependent on property divestments,” says CEO Jane Stroud.

“There are a range of properties at market or progressing to market and the two year cashflow times out those sales.”

The next off the mark will be the Akuna carpark site, which will be going out to market next week.

“Although the sale of key assets such as Blue Haven Bonaira (subject to reclassification of the land) will help restore our immediate liquidity, longer-term we are still running at a deficit, and there is much more work to be done to rectify this,” says Council’s Chief Operating Officer Joe Gaudiosi.

The Bonaira sale would also result in a reduction of current liabilities of around $70 million.

However the Long Term Financial Plan says it will still take until the 2026/27 financial year to achieve a balanced budget with positive unrestricted cash movement in it and future years.

“Our draft Long Term Financial Plan shows that, if we can work through the divestment of key assets, operational improvements and other initiatives as per our Strategic Improvement Plan 2, the structural deficit should continue to improve, with the Long Term Financial Plan showing a positive cash result in 2026-27,” says Mr Gaudiosi.

It will take until the 2032/33 financial year for the cash balance to reach a sustainable level.

Council is continuing talks with its banker TCorp to renegote a $15 million portion of the $45 million that falls due in August this year.

Council has resolved to pay off $30 million before then, as a sign of good faith.

“The way I gauge it is I am sleep more nights than I used to, because we are making progress,” says Mayor Reilly.

“We can see where we want to be and how to get there.”

Also on exhibition is the draft of Council’s Community Consultation Plan, which sets out a new vision for how it will consult with the community over various issues.

Ironically, Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang criticised the way the Plan was being put our for public comment.

“It deserves more than a 28 day exhibition,” she said.

Bravery awards for firefighters

has since made a full recovery and, with his family, is incredibly thankful to his own crew’s efforts on that day.

Each firefighter has been recognised with the Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service with Sean also receiving the Courageous Action Commendation, awarded on St Florian’s Day – a day where firefighters come together to applaud volunteers and staff who have gone above and beyond.

Two local firefighters representing Fire and Rescue NSW, along with 13 Shoalhaven firefighters, have been recognised for their heroic actions that saved the life of their colleague who collapsed while battling a house fire.

In mid February, Senior Firefighter Peter Bugden, from Kiama Downs, raised the alarm that a fellow firefighter had collapsed inside a Nowra home that was engulfed in flames. Station Officer Sean Doohan, from Gerringong, sprang into action kicking the rear door down and crawling through thick smoke and heat to

untangle his colleague.

Pre-emptively preparing a defibrillator, Peter joined forces with Senior Firefighter Ben Ingle, from Bomaderry, in dragging the unconscious firefighter to safety.

The courageous trio then worked tirelessly to perform CPR and use the defibrillator in tandem with police and arriving fire crews until paramedics could arrive.

Whilst the distressing scene was unfolding, crews on scene continued to distinguish the fire and rescue the several family pets that were trapped inside.

The collapsed firefighter

Race for Kids in Care

As a firefighter for over 20 years, Sean says the event is right up there with the worst scenarios.

“Our training enabled us to do everything we possibly could to give our mate the best chance of survival, with on scene paramedics doing an incredible job,” says Sean. He is humbled by the recognition and emphasised the importance of teamwork.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without being a team. The three of us working together is the reason why we managed to get him out and keep him alive.”

by Cassandra Zaucer

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter (right), Station Officer Sean Doohan and Senior Firefighter Peter Bugden

WHAT’S ON

Kiama Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday

Surf Beach or Kiama Uniting Church, 2-5pm

SENTRAL’S Open Mic

Every Thursday 5-7 pm

SENTRAL Cottages -Youth

Sticks & Stones Exhibition

Until 24 May 10-3pm

Old Fire Station, Kiama

Vault Exhibition

Fri 10-5 Sat 10-3pm till 3 June

Seven Marks Gallery

G’gong Rotary Markets

Saturday 20 May

Town Hall, 8.30-1.30pm

Friends of Kiama Library

David Duffy: Nabbing Ned Kelly

Saturday 20 May 2-4 pm

Bluescope Steel

Youth Orchestra

Sunday 21 May

G’gong Town Hall 2 - 5.30pm

Volunteer Expo

Wednesday 24 May Farmers’ Market, 2-4pm

Illawarra Machine

Knitters Parade and Sale

Thursday 25 May

Kiama Anglican Church, 10am Night at the Museum: Planting your feet

Thurs 25 May

GLAM, 5.30-8pm

Fern Street Gallery: In Unison

Until 28 May

Fern St, Gerringong 10-4pm

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Live Streamed 25-28 May

G’gong Library 10-12pm

Creative Trio Exhibition

26-31 May 10-3pm

Old Fire Station, Kiama

Kiama Makers & Growers Market

Saturday 27 May

Black Beach, 10-3pm

Jamberoo Village Market

Sunday 28 May

Reid Park, 9-2pm

Kiama Seaside Market

Sunday 28 May

Black Beach, 10-3pm

Kiama I Do

Sunday 28 May

10-3pm - see page 5

ADFAS Lecture: Gender & the Body

Thursday 1 June

Berry Uniting Church, 7.30pm

Lifestyle & Wellness Fair

Sunday 1 June

The Pavilion 9.30 - 3pm

Knit in Public Day

Annual Sorry Day

The Kiama wedding trail is a contemporary fresh wedding expo

This exciting concept will highlight Kiama as the perfect wedding destination showcasing all participating venues and their amazing setups Each venue will have the area ’ s most creative and inspiring suppliers, displaying the essential ingredients required to make your day perfect

Thursday 8 June see page 13

What’s On is compiled by Cassandra Zaucer. Events coming up: contact cassandra@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au or 0491 686 975. Items are published at the Editor’s discretion.

There’s more on

Set across 5 venues each will have their rooms set up ready for a wedding ceremony & reception This is a wonderful opportunity to speak to venues and suppliers in a fun engaging atmosphere, con

For

What’s On in our region, check out The Bugle App to find out about live music and events. Download The Bugle App for free using this QR code

The annual Sorry Day Ceremony held by Kiama Council, to acknowledge and remember the injustice experienced by the stolen generation, will again be held outside the Old Council Chambers.

The special event will include a smoking ceremony by Aunty Gwenda and husband

Stan Jarret, raising of the flags, and a performance by the Djaadjawan Dancers.

The day will also mark the

start of Reconciliation Week where Australians can learn about our shared histories, cultures and how to contribute to achieving reconciliation.

This year’s theme is ‘Be a Voice for many Generations’, which encourages everyone to pull together and be a voice for reconciliation.

Friday 26 May, Old Council Chambers, Manning St, 10-11am

Rocking good time

The Rotary Club of Gerringong is celebrating twenty years’ since being founded with a rock’n’roll themed dance and fundraiser.

Local four-piece band, Werri Music Collective, will provide the tunes on the night with all proceeds to international disaster relief.

Dress up in your dancing gear and enjoy a fun night out supporting a worthwhile cause.

Saturday 3 June, Gerringong Town Hall, 7-11pm. Seating at tables of eight. Tickets on sale at www.trybookings.com/CHODK

News team: Belle Wood, Managing Editor 0411 728 770 belinda@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Cathy Law 0412 415 101 news@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Tracey Henderson, 0420 841 544 tracey@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Brendon Foye 0413 091 543 brendon@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Cassandra Zaucer 0491 686 975 cassandra@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Advertising: Steve Law 0428 662 499 Veronica Bardsley 0491 679 128 advertising@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Office 2, Edessa Arcade, 88-90 Terralong St, Kiama

Gareth Ward’s return to the floor of the NSW Parliament was a high profile affair when the Premier Chris Minns said he and ministers wouldn’t take questions on the floor from him until the Parliamentary Ethics and Privileges Committee makes a finding on Mr Ward’s status in this Parliament.

In response, Mr Ward has started the process to refer the Premier to the same Committee.

The referral made by the Premier to the Privileges Committee yesterday did not mention the name of the member or the electorate, so as not to prejudice any future trial. The Committee has been asked to consider whether any action should be taken given the circumstances of the previously suspended member being re-elected. It will report to Parliament by 8 June.

Outraged by the strategy of refusing his questions in the meantime, the Member for Kiama says, “I will be referring Mr Minns to the Privileges Committee through the Speaker for refusing to legitimate and reasonable answer questions. Parliamentary oversight is not an optimal extra, it’s fundamental to our democracy and the actions of the Premier in Parliament reflect entirely on him.”

As it is, Mr Ward’s questions will be taken on notice, where they are tabled in the Parliament but are not the subject of any Parliamentary debate in themselves and are answered in writing. Mr Ward has been lodging these throughout his suspension from the House.

Explaining his actions to the media afterwards, the Premier said, “There are serious charges that he is facing as a member of the

Kiama Cabs closing

After more than 30 years in operation, Kiama Cabs will end its services on 28 May after the company failed to find a buyer.

Owner Gavin McClure took to Facebook to announce the company’s closure, saying that no-one had taken up the opportunity to buy Kiama Cabs following its decision to sell the business due to ongoing health concerns.

“It’s been a very tough decision to make, but 30 plus years is a long time,” Mr McClure wrote on Facebook.

“Unfortunately, it’s not the type of business that we can close for 3 months while we attend to our health issues and then come back and recommence.”

Thankfully for local veterans and war widows, Kiama

Cabs will continue running its health-related transport service, and pre-booked group transport can still be arranged.

Kiama Cabs will continue looking for potential suitors to acquire the business, and interested parties can reach out to kiamataxis@gmail. com for further information.

“We are disappointed that no-one has taken up the opportunity to take over and continue to operate a local taxi service despite many months of advertising the business for sale and us personally reaching out to as many possible interested parties as we could think of,” said Mr McClure.

Kiama Cabs declined to comment.

by Brendon Foye

public, and they have to be weighed against his involvement in the Legislative Assembly.

“It’s up to the Privileges inquiry what the recommendation will be for his continued service in the Legislative Assembly.

“I’m going to take any questions that he asks of the government on notice until we get a determination from the Privileges Committee.”

Ward spent the last year of his previous term suspended from Parliament – meaning he was unable to speak or vote, or even enter the building – following him being charged with three counts of assault with act of indecency, and one count each of sexual intercourse without consent and common assault.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which will be heard in April 2024.

Akuna St: Early insights

Eddy Haddad, of Level 33 Property Developer Group, has confirmed it’s plans for the Akuna St landholding includes not one but two supermarkets.

“We are still in the early design stages and anticipate lodging our DA within a couple of months,” he told The Bugle.

“But I can say there will be two supermarkets, specialty stores and cafes/restaurants in the development, along with luxury apartments.

“I am very excited as this is going to be an iconic site.

“There is no room for error. It is all about bringing the right retail tenants to this development to come and occupy the spaces.

“It is going to be a development that will attract outsiders to Kiama just to visit these stores.”

Some have already lodged their design briefs for the

space to help the design process, and a selective expression of interest campaign for the retail speciality stores will be conducted.

In addition to an inhouse design team, they are working with PBD Architects on the project.

Mr Haddad says at this stage he expects there to be less than 100 apartments, with the focus on high-end living.

He also says the design will include a cobblestone laneway through the old Mitre 10/Collective building from Terralong St.

“There will be retail below, and commercial space and apartments above the activated thoroughfare,” he says.

And as for parking, Mr Haddad says, “We will be

Snub outrages Ward Council pulls plug on live music at Fillmore’s

taking parking off the street, with a couple of hundred car parks for the shopping component, as well resident parking.”

Level 33 is in close discussions with Council about the design, and once the DA is approved he expects construction will take 24 months to deliver it’s own project. The DA will be guided by a site specific chapter of the Kiama Town Centre DCP.

“We are a development and construction company, so we aren’t at the mercy of a third party builder,” says Mr Haddad.

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Alice Laurence, Jack Miller, Steve Warwick and Deb Russell lead our talented team of Lawyers and Licensed Conveyancers to provide expert legal advice, support and representation across the Illawarra and South Coast.

Fillmore’s hopes of continuing to host live music through its current consent have been dashed, with Council giving it three weeks to comply with its consent conditions.

“We have three weeks of grace, and then we have to stop having any live entertainment – not just music but comedy or other performances,” says owner Morgan Lewis.

He contends that State planning rules encouraging the live music industry give all cafes the go ahead for live music without the need for separate approval, with the noise level a recommendation.

“The legislation clearly states that when you are open you can have live performances. It is very clearly broken down with examples on the planning website,” he says.

However, after receiving legal advice on the matter, Kiama Council’s Director Planning, Environment and Communities, Jessica Rippon, says it is more nuanced than that and some of the live music recommendations being relied upon by Fillmore’s aren’t legislated.

“The part of the legislation that talks about live music being an exempt developcontinued on p6

At Carter Ferguson Solicitors, we’re passionate about providing a more human, caring and contemporary approach to the Law.

Paul McDermott and Glenn Moorhouse at Fillmore’s comedy night

G’gong Fruit Barn closes after 22 years

It is the end of an era for Louise and Dennis McMahon, who are retiring after 22 years of providing Gerringong with fresh fruit and vegetables.

The pair have been operating out of their home garage as the village’s greengrocer since 2004, and 26 May will be their last day.

“We have based our business on selling the freshest Australian produce, and that’s what people want,” says Louise, who grew up in her parent’s fruit and vegetable shop on Manning St.

“Greengrocers buy from their agents direct from the farm at a fair price to farmers. Nothing we have, even on a Friday, is older than five days from harvest.”

When asked what the best part of the 22 years were, Louise replied, “It’s the customers that have made it

memorable.”

While talking to The Bugle, four customers came in for their weekly supply and Louise knew everything about them, from their age to their occupation and even how long they have been customers for – all of them being 20 plus years.

“We have seen so many customers that were pregnant who now have kids in university, and we have seen kids who were 3 or 4 years old now grown up and married. It’s been really lovely,” Louise says.

“Our customers have always been supportive and loyal. Without them, you don’t have a business, but you also don’t have the fun.”

Louise and Dennis have always offered their customers free delivery – which continued through COVID lockdowns. Kiama local, Ra-

chel Edwards, says they have never missed one.

“The produce is always of amazing quality, and it is always served by a very lovely

and friendly couple with fabulous customer service,” says Rachel, who has been a loyal customer for over 17 years.

“The McMahons are so

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Louise outside the garage Dennis is looking forward to reclaiming

dedicated to what they do and have been for so long. They are a big part of the community.”

Louise says it’s now time to go out and enjoy themselves. Dennis is also excited to get his garage back.

They are kick starting their retirement with an overseas trip in August before coming home to caravan around Australia.

No special event is planned to mark the occasion as Louise says it would be too emotional.

“This is our home so we will still be here, and customers will see us around town,” she says – that’s when they aren’t travelling.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Fundraising effort for Berry chef

The community is rallying for well known South Coast chef Rob Salmon, who was involved in a very serious accident on the highway near Silos Estate where he runs the restaurant.

He sustained multiple life threatening injuries in the accident on Monday, was airlifted to Sydney and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

As well as being behind catering and restaurant business Salmon & Co in Berry, he ran Seahaven Cafe in Gerroa when it first opened (now The Blue Swimmer).

A gofundme page has been created to help him and his family get through the difficult journey ahead.

Jamberoo Mt Road reopening June

Unless the weather interferes again, Council has announced that it plans to reopen Jamberoo Mountain Road in June, after its closure last July, to the relief of local residents and businesses.

While Council is not prepared to be more exact than that at the moment, it is good news because before this their commitment included the prospect of work stretching out until September.

The Secretary of the Jamberoo Ratepayers and Residents Association, Ros Neilson, is delighted by the news.

“The closure of the road for so long has not only inconvenienced local residents and been a real problem for Jamberoo businesses - the lack of east-west connectivity has been a problem for the whole Municipality,” she says.

“We recognise that it was a difficult engineering problem to solve and thank Council for their efforts, but some

people have done it really tough through the closure.

“I think we should have a party to celebrate!”

Mark Linnertson, owner of Nerilee Antiques, is one of the business that has been badly affected by the lack of through traffic, “The impact has been very hard to bear. The newsagent shut and we were looking at shutting, but if it’s only a month off then we will probably make it.

“It was a big engineering project, so we knew it would take some time, but let’s hope it doesn’t shut again.”

But even through these times, a new business has opened looking to the future.

Charlotte Paterson of the new Jamberoo Postie café says, “I know from talking to the village that they are looking forward to it finally opening.

“Everyone is very aware of the impact it has had on small businesses, so I think it

will definitely help the whole village with more through traffic, on weekends as well.”

Those impacted by major repairs being conducted on Foxground Road and Wallaby Hill Road are still waiting for re-opening dates.

Work is progressing on cage and gabion baskets to stabilise the former, with recent weather events and some rock movements requiring an update to the program for re-opening.

Following delays due to contractual issues, preliminary work has started on Wallaby Hill Road.

The contractor for the Jamberoo Mountain Road site, Civil and Civic, are now working on the best way forward for the project.

“Thanks to the affected residents and business owners for your patience and cooperation during this project,” says an update from Council.

Tree to go

The May Council Meeting approved the removal of a protected Norfolk Island pine tree to make way for a new house on a subdivided block on Werri St.

Council staff noted that removing the tree was likely inevitable for any future dwelling on the site, as it hindered compliant housing design and posed safety risks as it continued to grow.

Concerned by the precedent it would set, Councillor Kathy Rice opposed the motion, saying, “It becomes clear that protecting the tree is less important than constructing a building to meet the needs of the property owner.

“Whatever happened to buyer beware?”

She further questioned dismissing environmental controls, believing that the community’s strategic plan and planning controls should guide decisions, rather than individual housing needs.

In support of the motion, Councillor Imogen Draisma noted the concerted effort of Council staff and the property owners to make changes to address “a very complex parcel of land” and she couldn’t reject the DA given the housing crisis.

The DA was approved with six councillors for, and Councillors Rice, Renkema-Lang and Keast voting against it.

No more Saturday market

THE BUGLE’S VIEW

The last time property was this expensive, Bob Hawke was Prime Minister, MC Hammer was on top of the charts with “U Can’t Touch This” and Peter Sterling was about to win his second Rothmans Medal.

That was September 1990 – when the average Aussie needed to shell out 45.5 per cent of their income to buy a house.

Today, that same figure is 45.4 per cent.

ness owners this week, it’s clear these rate hikes are rippling through the local economy – people are spending noticeably less.

A local hairdresser says her turnover is down and her cash flow has taken a hit.

“Customers have been rescheduling their appointments because they simply can’t afford it. It’s hard,” she said.

Council has announced the Kiama Seaside Market, operated by the Kiama & District Business Chamber, will continue to operate at Black Beach (16 times a year) and the Kiama Farmers’ Market will continue to weekly at Surf Beach under its new licencing arrangements.

The new system is based on an independent land valuation rather than a per stall fee as in the past.

This has led Kerrie Humphrey of HiViz Events not to participate in the Expression of Interest (EOI) to continue running her Kiama Makers & Growers Market under the new system, as she felt that it did not take into account the practicalities of running a market.

After nine years, she is holding her last Saturday market down at Black Beach - the Kiama Makers & Grow-

ers Market - on 27 May.

While frustrated by the experience trying to get her points across to Council, and concerned about the fate of her stallholders, Ms Humphrey is already moving onto her next venture. She is relaunching the markets at Bulli Showground as the Bulli Village Market on 11 June, while continuing to operate her markets at Milton and Moss Vale.

“I gave it a long hard think as it wasn’t an easy decision to make,” she says.

“I just didn’t think it was fair that the rent for my smaller market - which I had managed for nine years - was going up 40 per cent, as well as having no weather cancellation policy given the flat fee.

“I didn’t think it was fair I should have to be paying as much as the Seaside market,

when it was double the size [60 stalls vs 100-150 at the Seaside Market] and the same price.”

After the first EOI was withdrawn for further discussion, not-for-profits were offered a 25 per cent discount on their fees. HiViz did not qualify for that.

Farmers’ Market Manager Tricia Ashelford says, “I was relieved our EOI was accepted, and am looking forward to nutting out some of the conditions so they reflect our reality,” says.

“In particular, given we are committed to holding a market each week and can’t make one up, we are concerned about having to pay for park usage when we are also paying to use the Uniting Church. This wasn’t factored into our costs before.”

Kiama I Do: Get married in paradise!

With picturesque views of rolling mountains and calm seas, and a wide range of leading wedding venues and suppliers, Kiama and the surrounding area is already an enticing place to tie the knot.

The Kiama I Do wedding trail ties it all together for a day that showcases the area as the perfect destination wedding venue.

Participating venues will have rooms decorated as a wedding ceremony and reception with a range of essential suppliers, including florists, bakers, photographers, musicians and djs, and dress makers, on hand for enquiries.

Venues include The Pavilion Kiama, Sebel Harbourside, Crooked River Winery, Mercure and Jamberoo Lodge.

The Pavilion Coordinator, Jackie Hall, says the event –which began six years ago –attracts up to 3,500 people to the venues.

“This is really important in terms of attracting people to our area which is so beautiful. The coast is wonderful and very picturesque for weddings especially,” Jackie says.

“There are just so many options for people to be able

to choose what type of wedding they would like and we have the venues to be able to offer that.

“For Kiama itself, we can offer pretty much everything that not only the bride and groom need but also the guests on the day as well.”

Sunday 28 May, 10-3pm www.kiamaido.com.au

It’s a good way of illustrating just how hard ordinary people are getting hit by the Reserve Bank’s interest rate hike-athon.

And, of course, buyers aren’t the only ones getting smashed by successive rate rises.

Families with a mortgage – including thousands who took out loans on Phil Lowe’s promise rates were going nowhere until 2024 – are under the pump. And they’re under the pump in a big way.

According to Finder, more than four hundred thousand households missed a mortgage payment in the second half of last year.

It’s no secret mortgage stress is a massive problem in Kiama.

A couple of months ago, the Illawarra Mercury interviewed a local family forced to sell their car to help keep up with mortgage payments, which had gone up by $1300 a month.

That’s $15,000 a year extra for a family already paying lots more for electricity, petrol, and groceries.

Given the 2021 Census found Kiama’s average monthly mortgage payment was $2194, it’s safe to assume locals are now on the hook for at least $3000 a month.

How are families supposed to get ahead and plan for the future when it costs that much just to keep a roof over their heads?

Speaking to Kiama busi-

It’s a similar story for Darren Longbottom, owner of Zink Surf, who says he’s been forced to cut costs and is looking hard at layoffs.

“A business is no different to a personal or family budget. Along with obvious slowing trade, we have a cost to business which is increasing with not only inflation but with what seems like endless rising interest rates,” he said.

It’s not just mortgage holders up against it, though –renters are in a similar boat.

When the Census was published two years ago, the average weekly rent in the Kiama LGA was $485.

Today, of the 74 available rentals in Kiama and surrounding suburbs on realestate.com.au, only seven are on the market for $485 or less and there’s nothing with two bedrooms for less than $600.

Last week, The Bugle promised to start a new conversation about the future of our community.

We’re speaking up about interest rates and the cost of living today because our community literally doesn’t have a future if solutions aren’t found to make property more affordable.

That’s why, in the coming months, every time we speak to an elected official – be it the Mayor, an MP, or a Minister – this will be our first question. And it should be yours too.

From our Publisher

THURSDAY NIGHTPOTPIES

Live music at Fillmore’s

Continued from p3 ment refers specifically to the requirement that you have to meet the conditions of consent for your facility, otherwise you have to go through a process such as a change of use that allows you to do what you are doing on site,” she says.

Council has told Fillmore’s it has until 2 June to comply with a Development Control Order requiring it meet its conditions of consent regarding noise and operating out of the permitted hours.

Under these the café must cease any noise over 5dB above the background noise and trading outside of permitted hours, and restrict patronage to 50 seated customers, from that date or risk heavy fines.

The Order was originally imposed on 28 February, but was extended to allow for further investigation of the owner’s take on the matter and allow for Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival performances to happen there.

“We are not closing them, we are just asking them to meet their conditions of consent,” says Council’s Director Planning, Environment and Communities of the latest development.

“Alternatively they can lodge a DA to vary their conditions, or seek an alternate form of approval that allows

them to do the kind of live entertainment that they are wanting to do onsite.”

Mr Lewis strongly believes he has the right to continue to operate as is.

“The reality is they want us to do a DA so they can shut us down,” he says.

“If you speak with businesses in town there isn’t a DA that goes through smoothly. It feels like a poisoned chalice.

“Nothing goes through quickly, and the restrictive conditions nearly send them bankrupt.

“You can just imagine what they will try to impose on us.”

Ms Rippon says, “We would love to see the vibrant venue that is Fillmore’s continue for many years to come, however it must do so with the appropriate approvals.

“We are keen to work with the owners to support them through the application process and to have a venue that supports the arts and provides a safe and positive environ-

ment for the community.

“There is a solution to this issue – lodging a DA and working through the process required to support Finding Filmore’s be the best live music venue that it can be.”

While loathe to go to court,

Mr Lewis believes he has a very good case and will do so as a last resort.

“I am doing all I can to avoid taking them to court. It will be a waste of time, stress and our community’s money,” he says.

He is consulting with legal and planning experts, talking with other businesses and our MP, and says he has a direct line to the newly created Minister for Live Music.

“They are saying our primary purpose is not food and drink, it is live entertainment. But how do they explain me being open more nights without live music – it has to be equal to or less than [to be auxiliary part of the business],” says Mr Lewis.

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Rate matters

Kiama Council has contacted the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to have last year’s approval for an additional special variation (ASV) made permanent.

An administrative error meant that Kiama was the only council to apply for a temporary ASV, when NSW councils were allowed to apply for an ASV for an additional 0.9% increase on top of the 2023 prescribed rate peg.

The 2024 rate peg is 5.1%. With the temporary ASV expired, Kiama Council is required to reduce the maximum rate increase to 4.2%, a financial shortfall of around $174,000 per year.

The Council has made a formal request to IPART to amend its 2022 submis-

sion, seeking to make the ASV a permanent change. Until this is received, the proposed budget for 2023/4 reflects the lower amount.

While recently notified land values have showed a major jump in the Kiama LGA, rate increase for individual properties will vary depending on the change in land value in relation to the average change in land value within a rate category.

As Council puts it in its myth busting information on its website, “Council does not receive any more money due to land values going up, we can only increase our rates by the amount of the rate peg set by NSW Government’s IPART.”

by Tracey Henderson

Opportunity to discuss The Voice

Kiama residents will have the opportunity to ask a local expert about the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament this week.

Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Voice Referendum: Listening and Responding

Aboriginal Christian leader, writer and speaker, and Wak ka Wakka women Brooke Prentis will host a lecture on the proposed Voice to Parliament, which Australians will vote on in a referendum later this year. Prentis is a grassroots community organiser with no political affiliation, who told The Bugle that the reception to these events has so far been fantastic.

Be informed and better equipped for respectful conversations with Brooke Prentis

As this would require al terations to the constitution, a referendum must be held to approve any changes. The referendum is scheduled to take place this year sometime between October and December.

“People were really appreciative of being presented with a balanced view,” said Prentis. “We bring diversity to these meetings so people are well informed. We have people who are passionate about the issue from both sides of the aisle, as well as a lot of people who are undecided.”

The referendum will ask Australians to vote on creating an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which would

Kiama Council unanimously passed a motion in May 2022 to adopt the principles of the Uluru Statement of the Heart, the document that preceded the call for a Voice to Parliament signed in 2017.

Sunday 21 May at 7pm at Kiama Uniting Church and will be followed by a Q&A and supper, with a suggested donation of $10. by Brendon Foye

although

are rarely 80 years old!

Kiama local Jan Strodder and Gerroa’s Marie Sail are avid walkers who on their 80th year decided to do something challenging.

The friends of 10 years, with friend Suzanne Mondy from Sydney, hiked a total of 13 km from Eagles Nest to the top of Mt Kosciusko last month, and next year they plan to tackle the entire 18.6km return journey.

“You’ve got to have a goal,” Jan says.

The walk took over four hours to complete and was challenging in parts, according to Jan - especially the large number of steps right before the summit.

“It was worth it. Just like being on top of the world,” she says.

As the oldest walkers on the day, they even inspired others to have a crack.

“There was a young man at the top who was so excited that we got up there. If you can do it, he said, my mum can do it too. He phoned his mum and she’s going to come and do it for her birthday,” Jan says.

Marie is excited to tackle the entire walk next year and acknowledges that it’s a good challenge like this that keeps one going.

“It was all we imagined and more. What I was surprised most about was the feeling on the walk. The atmosphere was beautiful, and you can’t put your name on why it was so nice,” Marie says.

Jan and Marie are no stranger to long walks. They enjoy walking locally, including return walks from Gerroa to the other end of Gerringong, up Saddleback Mountain and from Minnamurra to Shellharbour.

by Cassandra Zaucer

The climb to Mt Kosciusko’s summit is a feat many nature lovers tackle,

they

Plaque unveiling at Jamberoo

course to the club, funded the acquisition and development costs and the residual was devoted to sport.

“A lot of the facilities were originally put together by volunteers,” says Greg.

“We just have to hope the next wave of volunteers come through to follow us and ones that preceded us.”

He says the improved facilities have generated a surge in use, not just by sports players, but also those making use of passive recreation and easy access.

The names Keith Irvine and Kevin Walsh, and more recently John Hanigan, have long been associated with sporting fields in Jamberoo, but it was only recently plaques were unveiled in their honour.

Council has already installed plaques at other sporting venues named after local people, as a way of promoting awareness of their contributions over time.

“We wanted to wait until all the improvements were completed,” says Greg Walsh, son of Kevin and President of the Jamberoo Combined Sporting Clubs Inc.

“It finally fully recognises the contribution that these

volunteers made to our sport and other facilities within the village.”

Family from near and far gathered for the occasion, along with old friends and representatives of the sporting bodies benefiting from, and appreciative of, their legacy.

Twenty-one members of the Hanigan family travelled from Wagga Wagga for the unveiling

Over the last five years, over $2 million has been spent in a coordinated way to improve facilities in the sporting precinct in the centre of town, that Greg estimates to be around eight hectares.

“It is amazing that everything is here together. Croquet, cricket, soccer, touch, golf, bowling, tennis, swimming, rugby league, passive recreation and the youth hall – it is such an asset for the community.”

Formerly a dairy farm, where sport was played once the cows were moved off the paddocks, the land was bought by Council in the late 1970s when Neville Fredericks was mayor.

Doing the Tate Place subdivision, and selling off the golf

“The thing that pleases us the most is the whole area is so user friendly for people with a disability, especially given our special bathroom facilities.”

The latest funding will improve lighting, as a safety measure for women using the park.

Kyle Ferguson, President of Jamberoo Cricket Club, with Keith Irvine’s nephew Geoffrey, neice Leeanne Flower and her daughter Alicia, and Mayor Neil Reilly

Longbottom family’s surf legacy

As a teenager, Ross Longbottom fell in love with the freedom surfing offered, and now 70 years on his dedication to surf culture continues to run through his bloodline.

Board design and surfing has now defined three generations of the renowned Longbottom family.

The youngest of the family to carry on the surfing talent is Summa Longbottom, granddaughter of Ross and daughter of Dylan – one of the best big wave riders and shapers in the world right now.

She is following in her dad’s footsteps, chasing mammoth waves at Cape Fear in Tasmania and Portugal’s Nazare, the world’s biggest wave, at just 14 years old, and also shaping her own boards with the help of Dylan.

Recently in Victoria, 20-year-old Summa surfed the best wave of the day among the world’s best big wave surfers and four days later, conquered Tahiti’s infamous surf break, Teahupoo,

on the biggest swell of the year.

“She made a bunch of crazy waves and had two big wipe-outs which she handled like a true legend,” says Dylan, who tows her in.

“Next for Summa is chasing big waves all around Australia and in Indonesia then to Nazare in November.”

Dylan, along with older brother Darren, a surf shop owner, grew up surrounded by some of the best surfers and shapers of the time as Ross was a pioneer of the surfboard industry.

Ross judged some of the first professional surf competitions and worked for 20 years at two dominant board factories firstly as a glasser and then owner at the latter.

Growing up in Ross’ factory is a core memory of Dylan and Darrens, and it’s what inspired them to start their careers in the surf industry.

Ross threw the pair into the surf at a young age and they became talented board riders on Kiama’s surf breaks when they moved from their hometown in the Sutherland Shire in 1990.

“The character of each of the boys

showed in their surfing. Dylan was a big wave rider right from the start, he had no fear. But Darren was a measured surfer like me, he wouldn’t take on a wave if it was dangerous,” Ross says.

Dylan’s trademark fearlessness led him to surf some of the world’s most terrifying waves including Nazare and Teahupoo during the Code Red Swell – one of surfing’s

most historic days.

It scored him a role as a Hollywood stunt double for the Point Break remake and he is known for the time he stole Darren’s board –shaped by Ross, starring KISS star Ace Frehley on it – painted it black, put foot straps on it and did aerials in the surf. Ross says it’s what put him on the map.

As a big wave rider, Dylan became an internationally recognised shaper who specialised in big wave boards and is now one of the very few shaper surfers.

“He makes certain boards for certain surf conditions. The big waves, especially ones like Nazare, need big boards that are completely different to any other board in the world,” Ross says. “Dylan is one of very few

who makes them, and he has the top guys riding them.”

Dylan now runs his two factories in Bali and the Shire, Dylan Surfboards –which ironically sits on the same street Ross worked on – and although he has retired to 30-foot waves, he has business across the world especially in Morocco and Canary Islands.

As for Darren, he worked his way through surfboard factories and unknowingly completed all the right steps to end up opening his own surf shop, which he did in 2004.

Along with Zinc Zurf on Terralong St, where he stores Dylan’s boards, he coowns Kiama’s Rip Curl store and continues to successfully run the two businesses.

“I’m so proud of Darren and Dylan. They have made good lives,” Ross says.

After ending his wave-riding days, Ross keeps himself fit by taking daily walks and swims.

When he is not out of the country or journeying through Australia in his treasured Kombi van with his partner, he stops in at the cafes of Kiama for a coffee.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Blue Haven Committee

The Blue Haven Advisory Committee has held its first meeting, appointing Elizabeth Kelly as its Chair and Paul Sadler as Deputy Chair.

Ms Kelly has held senior strategic and policy governance roles with the Australian public service and was previously a practising solicitor with Blake Dawson Waldron along with various Government Departments. She is also a member of the Council’s Finance Advisory Committee and her mother lives in Blue Haven.

Mr Sadler is an industry consultant with an extensive executive career in the aged and disability sector. His consultancy prepared the sell/lease/keep review of Blue Haven, which was presented to the Council in February.

The committee’s purpose is to monitor the activities of Blue Haven and provide advice. Its objectives include maintaining care quality, regulatory compliance, monitoring performance, reviewing and acting on various audits and review feedback and complaints.

Unlike the Blue Haven Board formed briefly last year, it is not a Section 355 and has no delegations to act. It is purely an advisory body.

Other committee members include Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly, COO of Kiama Council and Blue Haven Joe Gaudiosi, Manager of Aged Carer and Operations at Blue Haven Rachel Hall, and Manager of Retirement Village and ILU Operations at Blue Haven Jodie Hopkins.

The Committee will meet quarterly during 2023, and is seeking an additional member with clinical care experience.

Summa surfing the wave of the day in Victoria

Ross, Dylan and Darren in the early days

Road safety reminder

The Kiama Lighthouse will be bathed in yellow light this week to help raise awareness for the nearly 1200 people killed on our roads each year.

The display comes as part of National Road Safety Week, which runs from 1421 May. The lighthouse will be lit up with yellow lights each night of the week from 8pm to midnight.

The lighthouse joins other iconic NSW landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Golburn’s Big Merino to support the initiative.

NSW Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the initiative was pertinent to country roads, which accounted for 67 per cent of deaths on our state’s roads.

“Any death on our roads is one too many which is why we are committed to our goal of reducing road trauma to zero in NSW,” said Ms Aitchison.

“Communities around the state will be supporting the week by taking the pledge, wearing a yellow ribbon and promoting road safety messages at council chambers, coffee with a cop events, and even a local rugby game on the Mid North Coast.”

National Road Safety

Week is an initiative from Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, created by Peter Frazer OAM, who tragically lost his daughter in a road incident in 2012. Each year, the organisation asks Australians to take an online pledge to “Drive so others survive.”.

“I’m asking every driver and rider to make their own commitment to actively protect the lives of all those on the road ahead,” said Mr Frazer.

“You can start by going to roadsafetyweek.com.au and taking the pledge. Then ask your family, friends and colleagues to do the same.”

by Brendon Hoye

Red Shield needs you

The Salvation Army is kicking off its Red Shield Appeal with a new leader at the helm and the same mission to help those in the community that are struggling.

The annual charity drive, which officially takes place 20-21May, will look to raise $1.9 million in donations across New South Wales through community collection, door knocking and online fundraising.

The organisation is urging anyone interested in volunteering to participate, as the last few years have been particularly challenging for everyone, and particularly those already living below the breadline.

“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now is the time,” said Salvation Army Public Relations Secretary Major David Collinson.

“Grab your friends, your workmates, or make it a family outing or a group activity for your club – just get involved. The community needs your support more than ever.”

This year marks the second time the Kiama and Jamberoo Appeal has been managed by new zone director Tracey Wicks, who took over from long-time director Graeme Packer. Graeme retired in 2021 after 23 years

of organising the local event. What a feat!

Ms Wicks is a 24-year Salvation Army officer, and has seen first-hand how import-

ant these initiatives are for local services like domestic violence agencies.

“I’ve worked with the Salvation Army in social services, housing, domestic violence, etc. so I’ve seen where the funds actually go and how vital donations are for their survival,” Ms Wicks told The Bugle

“In the Illawarra, we have services like crisis accommodation that don’t receive any government funding, so events like the Red Shield Appeal are a big part of how we’re able to fund these services.”

Ms Wicks said fundrais-

ing efforts will continue for some time after the official collection dates. As well as collecting donations at local markets across Kiama and Jamberoo, Minamurra Lions’ Club will also be involved in door-knocking.

The Salvation Army is accepting online donations for those that can’t participate in person. You can check out the Kiama Salvos donation page below.

A concert is planned in Wollongong on 20 May to raise funds for the Appeal. Go to wollcon.com.au for details.

by Brendon Foye

Event funding round now open

To continue to drive events and festivals within the local community, funding is available via the Destination Events Funding Program for events that support the visitor economy.

The Municipality is fortunate enough to hold an array of events that feature live music, arts and culture, sport, and food and wine that encourage tourism and the community to thrive.

Events such as the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival, Kiama Sevens and more recently the SurfLife Music

Festival have been funded by the program.

Eligible events will include those that:

• attract intra and interstate visitation

• appeal to Kiama’s key visitor markets

• occur outside of recognised peak periods

• encourage overnight stays and inspire repeat visitation over the longer term.

Destination Kiama is considering whether a separate budget and funding program would be more appropriate for community events.

This would mean assessing events such as Kiama Jazz & Blues and KISS Arts Festival based on their community and social impacts rather than having to respond mainly to economic and tourism related benchmarks.

The next big event, which we will tell more about in our next issue, is the Kiama Winter Festival (7-12 July), designed to build on the success of the ice skating rink last year.

Applications close 22 June. Enquiries to events@ kiama.nsw.gov.au

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Volunteering in Kiama LGA

Not a single event, community service or initiative happens in our community without the hard work and dedication of volunteers.

This National Volunteer Week (15-21 May), the focus is on how volunteers are change makers.

As Councillors, we celebrate ‘Change Makers’ – and this means taking the opportunity to thank the many volunteers in our local community who give their time, expertise and theircare to others.

This week, I reflect on the many change-making initiatives started right here in Kiama, such as the Man Walk, that are changing the lives of people across the

country.

To play our important part in all of this, Kiama Council is holding our first ever Volunteer Expo on 24 May at the Kiama Farmers Markets (postponed from 17 May due to inclement weather).

We’re keen to celebrate the positive changes our volunteers make in and around our municipality.

We also want to promote volunteering and help our local organisations to recruit more volunteers.

Although Kiama has a slightly higher proportion of volunteers than the national average, statistics from Volunteering Australia show the rate of volunteering through an organisation has declined over time.

For people aged 18 years and over, the rate has declined from 36.2% in 2010 to 28.8% in 2019. Both men and women are volunteering less.

Therefore I urge any locals who have been thinking about how they might ‘give back’ or contribute more to our community to consider

giving volunteering a go.

Not sure where to begin?

We’ve made it easy to explore opportunities in volunteering.

Our Volunteer Expo provides a chance for you to chat to around 30 different local organisations and find out what activities you can support and get involved with.

There’s something for everyone – with representatives of organisations on hand including the Red Cross, Vinnies, Sing Australia the CWA, Lions Club, The University of the Third Age and more.

You can also speak to Council representatives about volunteering at Blue Haven or the Kiama Visitor Centre.

According to Volunteering Australia, the most common types of organisations for which people volunteered were those relating to sport and physical recreation (30.7% of volunteers), religious groups (23.1%) and education and training (18.8%).

Volunteering Australia’s definition of volunteering is

Local Dental Team • Kiama

“time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.” And it is estimated that around a fifth (over 5 million) of Australians volunteer at some point each year. I hope you’ll be one of them.

Finally, on behalf of the community, I’d like to thank all of our volunteers – for all the early starts, patrols, rescues and fundraising that you do to make our community thrive.

Flowers for Pacific Ave’s first album

Local alternative rock band Pacific Avenue have made waves with their first album debuting at #3 on the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) charts, beating out the likes of rock legends The Smashing Pumpkins.

Flowers is the band’s first full-length album since the group formed in 2017. Pacific Avenue signed an exclusive recording deal with BMG in 2022, allowing the band to release two full albums as well as use the major label’s Sydney recording studios.

Call 4233

As well as a stellar debut on the ARIA charts, Flowers debuted at #10 on the Australian iTunes charts. Pacific Avenue, which consists of members Harry O’Brien, Ben Fryer, Jack Kay and Dom Littrich, is currently on tour in the UK before returning home later this year to tour Australia in July and August.

The boys received a rapturous reception from longtime local fans at the recent SurfLife Festival in Gerringong.

Imogen Draisma talks directly with residents and ratepayers

Share your love of knitting GLAM twilight market scares up new talent

The Diagon Alley Twilight Market that saw over 600 magic enthusiasts flock to Gerringong Library last year was a hit thanks to the stallholders, makers and performers.

Expressions of interest are now open for those of any age who want to be involved in this year’s enchantment of the Library.

“We will have a photobooth and roving entertainers and hopefully even more market stalls displaying the imagination and creative skill of our local makers.” Market goers will be able to peruse the stalls, enjoy live music, have their fortune told and take part in challenges and puzzles to win a prize.

Paid parking more likely

The idea of introducing paid parking for visitors in Kiama gained further support at the May Council meeting.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Matt Brown, aims to replicate the success of paid parking in other LGAs, such as Byron Bay.

Celebrate creativity and share your passion for knitting this Worldwide Knit In Public Day at the Gerringong Library on 8 June.

Bring your current handiwork projects and top tips to the library to share with other knitters and view two dozen of the best local Wrap With Love blankets.

For far too long, knitting has been misconstrued as something solely reserved for grannies, but the truth is, it’s a creative and rewarding pastime that is meant for all ages, genders, and anyone with a passion for self-expression.

That’s why the aim of this special day is to encourage more people to pick up the needles, and the Kiama knitting scene is happy to help those just starting out.

Boni Maywald not only

knits but organises knitters to make squares for Wrap With Love, a voluntary charitable organisation which wraps more than 30,000 people each year in Australia and the world with love and warmth.

“In the first half of this year, local knitters, stitchers and crochet afficionados have particularly pulled out all stops to provide finished Wrap With Love blankets for distribution to those affected by disasters and conflict,” she says.

“We have donated around 250 local blankets in the past four months for distribution locally and overseas, including to those still affected by floods and fires in north, south and western NSW, and also to Syria and Turkiye quake victims and to support Ukrainian refugees staying

in Sydney under the special three-year visa arrangements.”

This past year, aside from continuing to support the monthly casual Knit+Chat groups at Kiama and Gerringong libraries, Knit With Love have also helped Bonaira Care Home set up its own weekly knit group, so that residents can enjoy continuing to create while sharing stories of their lives.

“One Care Home resident was especially thrilled to win a prize at this year's Kiama Show for her skillful Bavarian Crochet blanket,” says Boni.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day Thursday 8 June, 10am to 2pm Gerringong Library, Blackwood Street

by Perrie Croshaw

Kiama Librarian and organiser, Carla James, says stallholders, makers and performers who love all things magic, Harry Potter, witchy, or spooky should host a stall on the night, and are encouraged to decorate their stall to suit the theme.

“We were completely thrilled with the turn out at the inaugural event and this year, we are going to make it bigger and more wondrous,” Ms James says.

“We will also have special prizes for anyone who comes dressed up in their best magical garb!” Ms James says.

To get involved as a stallholder, maker or performer, visit the Kiama Library website before 30 June. No fees apply.

While Cllr Brown acknowledged the need to consult with Kiama residents and Transport NSW, he noted that the business community was already supportive of the idea, provided that parking costs were not imposed on residents and the funds were directed towards public services.

Cassandra Zaucer

Friday 14 July, Gerringong Library and Museum, 3-7pm by

During the meeting, Cllr Croxford expressed his support for the proposal, highlighting that many day-trip visitors enjoy Kiama’s ambiance and facilities, without necessarily spending money with local businesses.

The soon to be formed Infrastructure and Liveability Committee will be asked to form a working group to review the implementation of visitor paid parking.

After the Meeting, Mayor Reilly observed that Kiama is embarking on a paid parking journey, with money for a report on the issues involved allocated in the budget.

by Tracey Henderson

Real sound. Really comfortable.

At the CMRI Mother’s Day High Tea

The High Tea organised by the Children’s Medical Research Institute Gerringong Committee on Saturday 13th May was an outstanding success.

Around 150 people enjoyed the fantastic delicacies home cooked by our members, endless cups of tea and coffee and the lively fashion parade featuring

a range of clothing for all ages and sizes.

Fashions from Beyond the Beach, Bombo Clothing, Kalm, Natural Necessity, Ziba and Forrest Golf Wear.

CMRI members in the kitchen — from left Judy Quine…sworth, Pauline Manning and Deidre O’Loughlan

Amanda Dodson, Faye Redgrave, Lorna Wardle, Bronia Waldon, Veronica Dzelde and Mary Wilson

Kathy Preddey and Jan Goddard of Gerringong

Maggie Mavrakis, Thelma Hobbs, Imogen Scott, Rebecca Scott, Nicole Stewart, Loretta Milani, Ren Rutledge, Lynne Rutledge and Karen Staples made it a family affair!.

Pauline Mair, Marg Barrett, Helen Johnson, Hayley Alchin and Trinity Owen were impressed with the sweet treats.

ACROSS

1. Shank. British thieves’ slang for a knife weapon.

7. Retiring age for Commonwealth judges as per referendum in 1977.

10. Modern kitchen appliance for cooking hot chips etc without oil (3,5)

13. Aust Rugby League coach who has coached 900 games from 1987 to the present

14. Small axe, tomahawk

18. Recently re-elected and recently rolled head of NSW

Nationals

19. Pottery raw ingredient

20. Austrian founder of physchoanalysis

21. Part of the body on both sides of the spine between the lowest ribs and the hip bones

24. Small pistol with a large bore, which is very effective at close range

25. To cause someone to feel as if they are going to vomit

27. Age of criminal responsibility in Australia

28. Hammer with a large, usually wooden, head

On Your Side.

I am your representative in the Australian Parliament. I can help with issues like Medicare, Centrelink, aged care and pensions, the NDIS, Veterans’ Affairs and community grants. I can also arrange special birthday and anniversary messages, and information for pensioners and seniors. You can contact me on 4423 1782.

30. Finnish: small room used as a hot air or steambath

31. Flat cutting edge of a knife

32. Cupboard with shelves or drawers

34. New National Party member, elected President of NSW Legislative Council

36. Ties, collars, scarves, shawls etc (4,4)

38. Animal slaughterhouse

41. How old would Joe Biden be at the end of second term if re-elected (6,3)

42. Complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical

or other systematic order

44. PM in power when voting age lowered from 21 to 18

45. Aust pension age if one is born after 1st Jan 1957

DOWN

22. Abominable, execrable, abhorrent, repugnant; invidious, loathsome

3. Physiognomy. Study of people’s facial features or expressions.

4. What they call Peanut Butter in QLD. Peanut -----

5. Noah’s boat

6. First name of Aust One day Cricket Captain who told his brother to bowl underarm to NZ team.

8. First name of Barry Humphries’ alter ego

9. Viking with red hair. Aka ---- the Red

11. Age one has to be to have a beer in one’s hand in licenced premises

12. Age at which one can get one’s provisional driver’s licence

15. Minimum prison sentence in months before one is disqualified from voting while in prison

16. Name of the St George Illawarra team

17. Highest court in NSW established in 1823

22. How old must one be prior to one’s first solo flight in an aircraft

23. First country in the world to allow women the vote AND to stand for parliament from 12th June 1922

24. Feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction

26. French President who advised an Aust TV reporter, “I don’t think, I know.”

29. First woman elected to Aust House of Reps in 1943

30. Style of knife and women’s high heel shoe

33. The age one become a teenager

35. Qld Police commissioner placed in jail for corruption,

who recently died aged 95

37. Noun (obsolete). Property, as distinguished from rent or income.

39. Monetary unit in Gambia

40. Top court in Australia

43. What every English TV constable calls his boss

Crossword compiled by Steve Law.

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

Pattern glare and tinted lenses

Tinted lenses can be very helpful for people who experience what is called pattern glare. This can be associated with various conditions like concussion or whiplash, people who experience photosensitive migraine, photosensitive epilepsy, and a rare condition called visual snow. They can also help reading performance in people who experience moving and jumping words who have been diagnosed with dyslexia.

An excellent summary of the scientific evidence of this can be found on the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists website. Unfortunately, the use of tinted lenses in people with reading problems is very controversial. This may be due to the fact that whilst there is no evidence to support the use of tinted lenses to treat reading problems and dyslexia in isolation, some of those people will have pattern glare and will gain benefit. I assess for benefit of tint through subjective means, but also objectively by measuring changed rate of reading. Sometimes the reading rate improvement can be as high as 30%, and absolutely life changing.

If you have any concerns about your eye health then give us a call to make an appointment.

Jean Anderson

For oyster lovers there could be no greater indulgence than a weekend away down the NSW South Coast for the famous Narooma Oyster Festival celebrating the Rock Oyster, native to New South Wales estuaries.

The festival is held on the shores of the picturesque Wagonga Inlet in Narooma on the first weekend in May and is a feast for the senses for lovers of this complex, delicious and luxurious salt-water bivalve mollusc. 2023 did not disappoint. Oyster lovers came out in force, delighting in the bounty of freshly harvested and shucked oysters on offer, served at the height of the season and the peak of their glory.

A favourite on the New South Wales food and beverage calendar, the festival boasted a packed schedule of general admission activities as well as special ticketed experiences commencing on Friday afternoon concluding with an oyster hangover breakfast on Sunday morning.

Attendees enjoyed produce from dozens of oyster and other food and beverage vendors, live music, market stalls, oyster shucking competitions as well as light projections and spectacular fireworks on Friday night. A real treat for the kids young

and old!

The delectable Rockies were served ‘au naturale’, with a myriad of dressingstraditional kilpatrick and mornay to more unusual offerings like the New Orleans“Po’ Boy”. This was a rich concoction of cooked oysters with spices in a creamy bacon sauce, served in a hollowed out baguette. Sound rich? It was!

Ticketed events included

a Long Table Dinner, Yuin Native Food Exploration, Ultimate Oyster Experience Masterclass, Champagne and Oysters cruise on the inlet, Saturday night salty Festa and more!

To cap off the festivities, the grand finale Sunday Hangtown Fry breakfast at Club Narooma included oyster omelettes, as well as bloody/ virgin Marys, garnished with - you guessed it - fresh

oysters.

Exhausted but not defeated we made our way back home to Kiama with treasured memories of a wonderful briny weekend.

Cappodanno, Kiama

AFL Indigenous Round

The Kiama Power AFL Club is hosting its inaugural Indigenous round with a smoking ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

The Club will host a handful of men’s and women’s matches between Kiama and other teams from the Illawarra at Bonaira Oval over the weekend on 27-28 May.

The event will kick off with a women’s game between Kiama and Figtree, followed by a smoking ceremony and Welcome To Country conducted by Aunty Gwenda Jarrett. Sunday will be dedicated to the juniors, with matches from 8am until 6pm.

Kiama Power also worked with local elder Aunty Jodie Stewart, as well as Indigenous students from Kiama Primary and High Schools to create a commemorative jersey featuring artwork that represents the Dharawal Nation, the traditional custodians of the land.

In addition to the local teams, the Club will also host 17 students from Katherine High School in the Northern Territory who will participate in the games.

The students are currently touring the region as part of a program visiting local facilities like the University of Wollongong, and seeing the ocean for the first time.

Kiama Power says members of the public are welcome to attend alongside its local sponsors, club members and players.

The schedule for Kiama Power AFL Club’s Indigenous Round on Saturday 27 May is below:

• 10.40am: Women’s Game

• Noon: Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Aunty Gwenda Jarrett

• 12.20pm: Men’s Division

• 2.10pm: Men’s Premier Division by Brendon Foye

Sofia

Kiama Power Indiginous Round Jersey