Checkmate at the Market G’gong playground getting makeover

The Old School Park playground in Fern Street Gerringong is getting a $162,000 makeover in May, thanks to grant funding.

Kiama Council is replacing the equipment but keeping the shade sail, footpaths and shelters. The replacement is part of the Council’s asset renewal program to ensure that playgrounds meet Australian Standards.

The new equipment will include: climber and zig-zag ladder.

Ten year old Jake O’Brien loves chess, and his keenness to share his passion has started a new tradition at the Kiama Farmers’ Market.

The success of the inaugural outing of Jake’s Chess Sessions, in a prime position by Surf Beach, means the boards will be back again every Wednesday.

Jake, who has been playing chess since he was four, is keen to get as much experience as he can.

“He took to it really quickly and now it is a real passion,” says his mum Nicole.

“We come to the markets regularly, and he was the one who suggested it might be a great place to find some more people to play against.

“Tricia [the market manager] jumped at the idea as another way of building community, and we brought along the chess sets to share.”

Jake, who hopes to be a writer, says he plays each game as if it is a real battle, with each of the pieces playing a role.

He will be playing in his first tournament in Wollongong in May, as part of the Kiama Public School team.

As well as playing to hone his skills for that, he’s looking forward to sharing his passion by helping others.

“It’s amazing how many kids know how to play,” says his grandfather Neil Nelson, who enjoyed watching all of the action at the first event.

“It’s great seeing them interact with each other in this unusual setting.”

Young people aren’t the only ones who can get involved.

“Players of all ages and abilities are welcome to come along,” says the Market Manager Tricia.

“Apart from chess, there will be checkers or backgammon on offer to tempt you to get involved.”

Vale Neville Hawke

Long-time resident of Gerroa and active community participant, 94 year old Neville Hawke sadly passed away on 9 April 2023.

Living in Gerroa, Neville could enjoy his two passions, fishing, and Holstein-Friesian cows.

Lifetime member of the Holstein Association and Secretary of the NSW Branch for 12 years, Neville loved the black and white cows, enthusiastically promoting their superiority over other breeds.

He was happiest being amongst them and their breeders as judge at Royal Easter Shows.

Neville had a deep appreciation of genetics and animal husbandry which he happily shared as a lecturer at Hawkesbury Agricultural College and later as an advisor on cattle herd improvement in rural NSW.

In retirement, Neville could be seen many days pushing

• adventure/climbing station including commando tube, ‘O’ challenge ladder, counter panel, slide and stairs.

• a climbing structure including rock climbing/ bouldering panel, tyre

• a two-bay swing set including parent/toddler ‘tango’ swing, rope basket swing and classic strap swing. Work is expected to start at the beginning of May and take around four weeks, weather permitting.

The community was consulted about the equipment in 2020 but the project was halted due to COVID and a lack of funding.

When The Bugle approach- ed the Gerringong South Precinct group after the announcement, it had not as yet received any information about the upgrade timeline but welcomed the news.

Secretary Raewyn Thomson says, “It sounds fabulous and is a lovely idea. At least we have a park, unlike Gerroa.” by Perrie Croshaw his boat out to sea with friends, knowing the best fishing grounds. He enjoyed sharing his catch with friends and neighbours.

Neville was a foundation member of the Gerroa Community Association; he served on the Board of the Gerroa Probus Club; and was an active member of the Uniting Church in Gerringong.

Neville leaves behind his beloved wife Nancye, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.

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Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether we welcome it with open arms or resist it with all our might, it is a constant force that shapes our lives.

Our community is currently experiencing a period of growth, innovation, and new possibilities.

Here’s an update on some of the exciting changes happening around us and how they may impact you.

First, I have some fantastic news regarding Akuna Street. We sold the property late last year, and the new owners are planning to bring not one, but two supermarkets to the area!

Eddy Haddad, director of Level 33 Property Group, which bought the site, has also revealed plans for a gym and a selection of stylish venues in the currently underutilised space behind our Terralong Street shops.

In addition to these developments, we have welcomed a new state government and not one but two new local ministers.

Ryan Park, the Minister for the Illawarra and Member for Keira, has expressed his keen interest in Kiama.

I have known Mr Park for some years, and he is a longtime friend of Kiama MP Gareth Ward.

We are looking forward to scheduling a meeting with cesses, investing in technology, improving efficiency and continuing to provide a great ‘customer experience’ to you, our community.

Minister Park in the near future.

Our other local minister is Paul Scully, Member for Wollongong, who has been appointed the new Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

I know Minister Scully, as an Illawarra representative, has a detailed understanding of the challenges facing coastal communities, including in Kiama and across the Illawarra.

I am looking forward to working with Minister Scully and I have invited him to visit Kiama as soon as possible to discuss how we can make our local communities the best possible places to live, work, and play.

I am also proud to announce Council’s progress toward financial stability. We have planned better budget controls, reduced unnecessary expenses, and begun more accurate longterm financial planning to secure our future prosperity.

This includes divesting from certain assets that others will more effectively manage.

Our focus is now shifting to enhancing the delivery of public services.

Another change I am happy to report is that we have received the sign-off on our audit for the 2020-21 financial statements, with the Auditor General moving past our previous financial uncertainties.

This marks a significant step forward, although there are still many more to take. Our path to continued progress is clearly outlined in the updated Strategic Improvement Plan 2 for Kiama Council, which was endorsed at this week’s ordinary meeting on 18 April.

Lastly, your Council has changed significantly over time. Things are more complex now.

Lucky for us, we have recently discovered that, while complexity is hard, it is not a bad thing.

Complex systems, like in nature, are more resilient and adaptive.

Servicing

› Switchboard upgrades

› LED lighting

› Electrical inspections

› Smoke detectors c/w

We will soon be commencing reviews of some of our key services, with an eye towards streamlining pro-

We lose our more fragile parts as we go through adversity and come out the other side smarter, stronger and better prepared for the next change that will inevitably arise.

FULLY

0497001175 0408420536 Licence no. 351250C