The Bugle 21 March 2020

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The Bugle 21 March 2020

A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com

Do your bit by buying local In response to the extra pressures being put on our business community by the COVID-19, the Kiama & District Business Chamber has brought forward the launch of this year’s Think Local, Buy Local campaign. The campaign was initiated last year to breathe some life into the local economy over the winter months. “We really need to do something that will make a difference to sales now, rather than wait,” says Chamber President Cameron McDonald of Carter Ferguson. “There is so much threat to local businesses at the moment. “It was bad enough with the fires and then the floods. Businesses were already closing down. “Now people have taken on board the need for social distancing and businesses are suffering again. “The Buy Local campaign is our way of encouraging people to help support local businesses, no matter what they need to buy.” When customers spend $50 or more in one transaction with a business registered for the campaign (easily identified by a big red symbol), they are entered into a draw to win one of six prizes totaling $5,500. “This is double the prize money for last year, and we’ve also brought in a sys-

tem to make sure the prize money is recirculated within the Kiama economy,” says Mr McDonald. The businesses which submit each of the two first prize winning transactions will also receive prizes. Businesses do not have to be members of the Chamber to participate, and expenditure can cover a full range of services not just retail. Full details are available from www.kiamachamber.com.au Melissa Judd of Toyworld was one of the first businesses to enter. “We’ve already had a steady stream of people coming in to buy board games, puzzles and craft to keep them occupied at home. “We really appreciate their support, and want others to know that we’ve got your self-quarantine needs covered, no matter your age!” While a drop off in customers is most easily noticeable in shops, there are not many businesses escaping the pinch. “The Chamber is trying to come up with other ways to help them get through this crisis, but it is difficult when our board members have issues of their own to deal with,” says Mr McDonald. The Chamber has met with Council to discuss the situation, and is now investigating ways to use technology Continued on p4

From the Editor

Given the constantly evolving situation the world is currently experiencing, please keep yourself up to date with other reliable news sources and health.nsw.gov.au We remain committed to keeping you informed about local news, at a time when our community spirit will serve us well. Stay safe, and help others stay safe. We are all in this together.

Inside this issue How to self-isolate p2 Bottler of a fundraiser p 3

Sarah and Melissa of Toyworld in Kiama take delivery of their Buy Local sticker

Party is over for holiday rentals A reprieve is in sight for neighbours of anti-social holiday houses who have come to dread weekends and longer breaks. Without any fanfare, a Code of Conduct developed by the NSW Office of Fair Trading to govern the operation of short term holiday rentals has been passed by State Parliament. It is hoped the long

Phone: 42322757

21B Barney Street, KIAMA After Hours Towing 0438 424 574

awaited Code, which comes into effect on 10 April, will provide a framework for ending anti-social behaviour in so-called party houses. Until now, there has been very little that councils could do to address neighbour’s concerns, as they have no ability to deal with the major complaints, usually noise and bad behaviour. While the new rules are

Fax: 4232 2676 ksmr@bigpond.com

not yet available online, they are expected to follow the draft Code of Conduct announced last year. Under that regime anyone can lodge a complaint, against specific guests, hosts or a premises, with the Commissioner for Fair Trading. If the Commissioner determines that the complaint is valid, they may issue a

Festival fallout p7

Kells buys into the Kiama legal market p 10

Continued on p12

ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS • LOG BOOK SERVICING • BRAKE & CLUTCH SPECIALIST • AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIRS SMASH REPAIRS • INSURANCE CLAIMS & PRIVATE WORK • WINDSCREENS • TOWING TYRES • BALANCE AND ROTATION • FULL RANGE AVAILABLE REGISTRATIONS

PINK SLIPS – CAR, VAN, BIKE, TRAILERS


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