VP Day 75th anniversary p3
Latest rezoning proposal p3
L'Etape event postponed
National food awards finalists p5
Preschool flood damage
p9
p11
22 AUGUST 2020
Yellow Up: a way to show you care Judging by the early signs, an initiative of the newly formed network, Gezza Cares (see p7), will be turning our region Yellow, as a way of sending a message of solidarity, kindness and hope for everyone in light of recent tragedies. Following advice and the experience of professionals in the field, Gezza Cares decided to implement a yellow theme across Gerringong, but are delighted people in other locations are joining in. Evidence demonstrates that a quick response by a community to suicide can assist to reduce suicide contagion (multiple suicides in a short space of time in one area). The initiative is kicking off on Saturday 22 August, but many have got into the spirit early. Paramedic and Gezza Cares spokesperson Shane Wicks says, “Yellow is the colour of hope. “Gezza Cares would love to see our town turning yellow as a sign of compassion and support for all those affected by the sad events in our greater community lately, and to create a sense of hope and solidarity. “We love that the community has already jumped on board and we are seeing yellow bows, ribbons and hearts all over town. “There is yellow on our
letterboxes, along gates and fences, yellow pom poms and garlands hanging from trees, yellow stickers going up in shop fronts and ribbons on cars and bikes. “Our local sports clubs and schools are all taking up the yellow theme initiative in their own unique ways too.” This includes yellow electrical tape being used as armbands at upcoming sporting matches. Maggie Dent, author, parenting and resilience educator and resident of Gerringong, says, “I want to emphasise the importance of giving people something to do after a series of tragedies like these, a way to understand and start to process what has happened, and manage our big feelings about it all. “Our young people are ahead of us in that they can identify the things they need to do to help each other through this. “By Yellowing Up Gerringong and surrounds it gives everyone a role to play and a way to begin the long process of healing.” For more information on Gezza Cares, and other community fundraising and education opportunities , see page 7. For Council's latest response, see page 3.
No New Year's Eve at the Harbour for 2020 See page 2
Council applies for $1m in disaster relief In response to recent severe storms and floods along the NSW coast, the Kiama LGA (as well as the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Newcastle) is now eligible for disaster assistance. The assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The assistance will help cover the costs associated with the operational response and repairing damaged essential public assets, such as roads. Council's General Manager, Kerry McMurray, told The Bugle that he has applied for $1 million from the fund, largely to repair the landslip on Jamberoo Mountain Road, and smaller culvert repairs on Wallaby Hill. Other roads are currently being assessed for cracks, but at this stage they appear minor. The road closure on Jamberoo Mountain Road is expected to last between three and six months.