The Bugle 24 July 2021 by The Bugle Newspaper

Reprimands for two councillors

Need to support local business

Kiama Library’s new website

Create to Connect begins

Community battery for KD

p11

24 JULY 2021

Council commits to zero emissions

Council has adopted an ambitious Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP), which aims to achieve net zero emissions for Council’s operations and facilities by 2031. In addition, a milestone target aims to have at least 50 per cent of electricity used annually by Council provided by renewable sources by 2025. As onsite solar currently accounts for 5 per cent of Council’s electricity use, increasing solar and procurement of renewable energy are priority actions. A Community ERP will also be developed to encourage similar aims by residents and businesses throughout the Municipality. Research by staff has

highlighted “that Council has a responsibility and opportunity to show leadership to the community by taking a forward step and committing to an ambitious emissions reduction target and actions, for its own facilities and operations before requiring the community to commit to doing the same.” Council’s CEO, Jane Stroud, agrees, “It’s much better for us to change the way we do our business first and show some leadership in this regard. “It’s very exciting to be able to make change internally and to show that leadership for the community. “We want to set the standard and then hope they will follow our example.”

The July Meeting of Kiama Council has supported the controversial Planning Proposal for 5 Sims Rd, Gerringong, with some changes that will see it stay as RU1 land, but have general industries and landscaping material supplies included in that property’s permitted uses. The option that was chosen, out of four provided by

Council staff, was the same that was recommended to the June Meeting, and the only one that staff believed passed the necessary Strategic Merit test.

As a member of the Cities Power Partnership since 2017, Council has already introduced energy measures that have resulted in emissions and financial savings, including the installation of photovoltaic systems on Council facilities (the Leisure Centre, Council Chambers, Kiama Library and Blue Haven Aged Care Facility), and energy efficient lighting upgrades for street lighting and Council’s Administration Centre. Actions will be prioritised to streamline the transition with the least impact on economic, environmental and social resources. Council will take advantage of the multiple opportunities to source funding for pro-

posed actions through State and Federal grants/schemes, and look for opportunities to partner with other councils

Sims Rd passes first hurdle, for second time

Continued on p8

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in the Illawarra and the member councils in the Cities Power Partnership Program on larger scale projects and actions. In 2019/20, Kiama Council’s emissions profile showed 51 per cent of its emissions arising from the use of electricity and 24 per cent from the use of diesel. 21 per cent of the electricity was used by Blue Haven and 20 per cent by street lighting. In addition to the environmental gains, there will also be economic benefit in implementing the ERP. “We have already saved over $6000 a month at Blue Haven by changing our provider up there and some of the lights, so there are significant cost savings to be had,” says Council’s Director

The 99.6kW photovoltaic system on the Leisure Centre’s roof

Environmental Services, Jessica Rippon, whose team are leading the process. The plan recommends continual research into the opportunities for emissions reduction and for funding, as well as collaborating with member councils of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation and dedicating resources to monitoring and reporting. It also puts in place actions to reduce emissions, based around building design, on-site renewable energy generation and employee behaviour. These include: • Further upgrades of street lighting, in collaboration with Endeavour Energy

continued on p10

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WHAT’S ON Kiama Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday Surf Beach, 2-5pm

Kiama Seaside Market Sunday 1 August Black Beach, 9-3pm

Jeans for Jeans Trivia Night Saturday 6 August see right

Kiama Skatefest 7-8 August Kiama Skatepark

Gerringong Rotary Market Saturday 21 August Around the Town Hall, 8.30-1.30pm

KDSC Mental Health First Aid program 26-27 August More next issue

Kiama Makers & Growers Market Saturday 28 August Black Beach, 10-3pm

Given the emerging circumstances, and the number of events that have canceled, please note these events may or may not take place.

Reflections of Paddy & Jim

Jamberoo Village Markets Sunday 29 August Reid Park, 9-2pm

TerraHAHA Friday 3 Sept Terra Art Gallery, 6.30pm www.terraartgallery.com

Kiama Show Society Trivia Night Saturday 11 September

What’s On is compiled by Jack Wallner. If you have any events coming up, please contact him on jack@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au or 0491 686 975. Items are published at the Editor’s discretion.

see right

Anyone for Trivia? With all the cancellations, CMRI Gerringong is hoping to get a good roll-out for their annual Trivia Night which is still going ahead. It is always the grand finale for its Jeans for Genes campaign, which raises funds for the research of the Children’s Medical Research Institute. The hardworking Committee will also be selling merchandise and raffle tickets for its traditional denim quilt raffle, continuing their years of dedication to finding treatments and cures for serious conditions affecting kids. Merchandise and raffle tickets will be sold at Gerringong IGA on 30-31 July and 5-6 August.

Local artist Karen KnightMudie is holding a solo exhibition called Reflections of Paddy & Jim at Fern Street Gallery in Gerringong. The exhibition explores the journey of bushranger brothers Paddy and Jim Kenniff who faced the biggest court hearing in Queensland’s history in 1902 after two dead bodies were discovered. Karen uses watercolours and symbols of saddlebags, hats, guns and more to create floating veils of association for viewers to link in with the true story. Until 15 August at Fern Street Gallery, Gerringong

Thursday Pasta Night

Friday 6 August, Gerroa Fishermans’ Club, 6.30pm. Tickets $20 each from Cronin’s Liquor Gerringong. Enquires 0417 342 606

The Kiama Show Society is also planning a trivia night filled with games, raffles and prizes for 11 September. It will be held at Gerringong Town Hall and be hosted by Quizmaster Jade from Wave FM.

Tickets at www.kiamashow.com.au

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Lockdown concerns

The NSW Government’s decision to keep Wollongong and Shellharbour in the lockdown zone has been condemned by the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward. “I support lockdowns where there is an overriding public health reason to do so. When there are no cases of community transition, there is no case to lockdown our region,” Mr Ward says “If there was a sensible argument for lockdowns in our community, then so be it. But if such an argument exists, I’m yet to hear it. “If cases of community transmission appear in our community, I am more than happy to revisit the question of lockdowns. But in the absence of a clear explanation about the threshold test to lockdown a community, a clear explanation about the appreciable risk and the associated evidence, it is impossible to support this lockdown.” Local businesses affected by the COVID lockdown are still able to qualify for a range of Government assistance packages, even though they are not in a lockdown area. One measure of particular interest, given the high cost of rent in the Kiama area, is the Government offering land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords to financially distressed tenants (up to 100% of the 2021 land tax year liability). There is also a capped grant of up to $1,500 for residential landloards who do not pay land tax. Mr Ward has also called for the August sittings of the State’s Lower House to be delivered on-line, rather than requiring in-person.

Need for locals to support local business The latest Spendmapp Monthly Report, for April 2021, shows how vulnerable the Kiama region’s economy was to this lockdown, and how important it is for locals to change their habits and support local businesses during this downturn. Spendmapp, which Council has a subscription to, analyses bank transaction data by time, geography, expenditure category and type to allow for continuous monitoring and analysis of local economic activity. In April (the latest available figures which were presented to the July Council Meeting), total local spend was $29 million, with $16.9 million (58 per cent) of this coming from visitors and $12.2 million from people living here. Of the total local spend of $29 million, 48 per cent was discretionary spend (eg. dining out, entertainment, clothes – a tap that can be easily turned off); 43 per cent was for consumer staples; and the rest was spent on services and other categories. In contrast to that, locals also spent $44.2 million out-

side the Municipality during April ($18.5 million of this was online spending). Businesses were enjoying somewhat of a boom on an annual comparison, as visitors returned after the lockdown in 2020. During that time, total local spend was half of its level in 2021, although resident local spend was only 16 per cent lower. The Kiama & District Business Chamber has started a social media campaign to encourage more locals to support local businesses which have lost their customers from outside the area as well as locals who have to socially isolate. It is giving away $100 a week for the next five weeks for the best social media posts to support the cause. All you need to do is buy something from a local business, take a photo and post it on Instagram or Facebook, with the tags #kiamachamber #supportlocal and #(the name of the business). The Chamber’s annual Buy Local campaign will start later in the month.

Reprimands for two councillors Two years after being sent details of Council’s investigation into his conduct, the Office of Local Government has reprimanded Councillor Matt Brown for engaging in misconduct while representing Kiama Council at a tourism conference in Townsville in November 2018. The Bugle has only just become aware of the decision, which was made on 18 June and made publicly available on the Office’s website. The website shows that Councillor Warren Steel was also reprimanded in March this year, another decision that The Bugle and the public were not aware about. Councillors have told us, since publishing this story on The Bugle App, that it was the first time they were made aware of either of the decisions. When contacted for comment, Cllr Brown said that it wouldn’t serve any public purpose to report on it, “It is an old news that basically

Warren Steel

confirms I told the truth all that time ago. “Everyone knows I went through a rough patch back then.” He believes the referral to the Office was politically motivated. “I am concentrating on moving forward now I have got over that patch in my life and I am about to announce a great ticket with some great policies, and I have been working hard as a councillor,” he says. The matter was referred to

the Office by Kiama Council in May 2019, after an independent investigation into allegations of breaches of the Code of Conduct by Cllr Brown when he was in Townsville, representing Kiama at a tourism conference, concluded the breaches occurred. A confidential session of the Kiama Council’s May Meeting accepted the findings and adopted the recommendations of the report, which required Cllr Brown to

River) without having to have extra testing. The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, is concerned the rules could have unintended consequences, “From my point of view, if there is to be a construction shutdown in Greater Sydney to prevent the spread of COVID, then all we seem to have is an Order that has pushed potential problems to the regions that by and large have avoided a major COVID outbreak.

“Surely they could work out that if construction workers could go to another area to work then they would.” The noticable arrival of extra tradespeople has had concerned locals contacting The Bugle, as well as the Police and NSW Health. “I want to know what procedures are in place to track their movements,” said one caller. “It’s not right they can

continued p4

Knock-on effect of construction pause It’s salt in the wound for local tradespeople, who usually work in the lockdown zone, that tradespeople from that zone are allowed to come down here to work. While all construction in the lockdown zone has been paused until the end of July, as a measure to combat the latest COVID-19 outbreak, tradespeople from the lockdown zone can travel to jobs within 50 km of the zone border (the Minnamurra

Terralong Street during the school holidays

Matt Brown

continued p12

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Reprimands given from p3 has made a public apology

undertake a ‘training period’ for the rest of his term, and ban him from attending any more conferences. In this latest decision, the Acting Deputy Secretary, Local Government, Planning and Policy, also imposed another penalty – suspending Cllr Brown’s ‘right to be paid any fee or other remuneration to which he would otherwise have been entitled as a holder of civic office for a period of one month (without suspending him from civic office for that period)’. This equates to one twelfth of $19,000. The Acting Deputy Secretary’s statement of reasons for reprimanding Cllr Brown and suspending his right to be paid for that period has been made public, and includes: ‘Councillors must conduct themselves when carrying out their functions in a manner that does not bring Council or holders of civic office into disrepute and their conduct must be proper and ethical. They must also act lawfully, honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence in carrying out their functions under the Act. Clr Brown engaged in conduct at the Conference that fell significantly short of the standard of behaviour expected of Councillors.” He noted that Cllr Brown

for his actions. Harsher penalties could have been imposed, including suspending the councillor from civic office for a period of up to three months. Mayor Mark Honey and the CEO Jane Stroud saw the response from the Office of Local Government and acted on it, but it was not reported in Business Papers for the July Meeting of Council or communicated in any other way. “There was no compulsion to put in the business papers,” says Mayor Honey. “Sometimes you have to respect people’s privacy. I know it was an incident that happened in the public arena, but there is still an element of privacy involved.” It seems that Council has followed this process earlier in the year, when a decision of the Office of Local Government (again available on their website) reprimanded Councillor Warren Steel for misconduct in failing to manage a conflict of interest when considering a DA at the December 2017 Meeting. The Office found that Cllr Steel took no action to manage the conflict, and noted: “A reprimand and publication of a statement of reasons is warranted to communicate the seriousness of this, having regard to the importance of the public

Planning and traffic recommendations to go to the new Council The inadvisability of Sydney consultants coming down for final site visits during the snap lockdown has meant a number of planning reports generated by the Kiama Town Centre Study were not lodged at the July Council Meeting as expected. These included the Heritage Review and a Development Control Plan for the Kiama CBD. “The intention had always been for the exhibition periods to be after the election, so this has given us more time to get feedback from a community review panel while we are in caretaker mode,” says Council’s Manager Strategic Planning, Edward Paterson. “When the new Council

has been formed, they will be presented with draft documentation that has already been reviewed by community representatives, to smooth the process going forward for public exhibition.” Mr Paterson will soon be contacting organisations that have already been involved in stakeholder consultation – including the precinct committees, service clubs, the Business Chamber, the Historical Society and community representatives serving on Council committees – for them to nominate a representative to be on the panel. The Town Centre Traffic and Parking Study will also be presented to the new Council, after the election on 4 September.

being able to have confidence in the probity of Council’s decision-making processes. It is also important to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.” The Deputy Secretary’s report goes on to say, “While suspension has been imposed in other matters where a councillor has failed to disclose a conflict of interest, in this case, I believe due regard can be had to Clr Steel’s extensive period of unblem-

ished public service prior to this instance of misconduct, and his full cooperation with the investigative process.” When contacted by The Bugle, Councillor Steel contended that he believes he did nothing wrong. The full reports are available at www.olg.nsw.gov.au

Community news Development Proposal Designated and Nominated Integrated Development In accordance with the Community Participation Plan ubder the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, notice is hereby given that a Development Application for Nominated Integrated Development and Designated Development has been received seeking development consent for the following proposed development: 10.2021.156.1 LOT: 12 DP: 1259233 LOT: 1 DP: 1005217 96 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley Alterations and additions to an existing farm building and the use of that building as an abattoir to process up to 120 head of cattle per annum

Applicant: Plannex Environmental Planning Consent Authority: Kiama Municipal Council Integrated Authority: NSW Department of Primary Industries – Water – Natural Resource Access Regulator

ePlanning Portal Reference: PAN-114400 In accordance with Schedule 1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, notice is hereby given that a Development Application for Designated Development and Nominated Integrated Development has been received seeking Development Consent for the abovementioned proposed development.

The Environmental Impact Statement, plans and supporting documents for the proposal can viewed on our website, using DA Tracker, from 24 July 2021 to 21 August 2021. For assistance with DA Tracker contact Customer Service between 8.45am and 4.15pm Monday to Friday. Due to COVID-19 safety measures, viewing of these plans and documents at our Customer Service counter is not possible..

Note 1 – Council’s preferred method of any submission would be via email, in which case communication from Council on this matter may be made to your email address. Note 2 – The substance of any written submissions may be included in reports and be available for the applicant to consider.

Note 3 – All submissions may be made publicly available. If you do not want any part Requests to Council for the provision of hard of the submission or your personal details copies of documentation will incur a fee as released, because of copyright or other per Council’s Fees and Charges. Public Plans cogent reasons, please indicate this clearly in for the development are also available for your submission together with an explanation. viewing on Council’s website under Track My However, you should be aware that even if DA during the notification period only. you request that you do not wish information to be published, there may be circumstances Written representations regarding the proposed development may be submitted by in which we are required by law to release 21 August 2021 by any person. All submissions that information (for example, in accordance with the requirements of the Government Application has been received by Council for received may be made available for public Information (Public Access) Act 2009). consent to the abovementioned development. inspection unless otherwise requested. The development proposes to carry out earthworks within 40 metres of a natural waterbody and is Nominated Integrated Development as defined under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 seeking the General Terms of Approval for a Permit issued under Section 89, 90, or 91 of the Water Management Act 2000 from NSW Department of Primary Industries – Water – Natural Resource Access Regulator.

All submissions will be made publicly available. If you do not want any part of the submission or your personal details released, because of copyright or other cogent reasons, please indicate this clearly in your submission together with an explanation. However, you should be aware that even if you request that you do not wish information to be published, there may be circumstances in which we are required by law to release that information (for example, in accordance with the requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009).

Address all correspondence to: General Manager 11 Manning Street (PO Box 75), Kiama 2533 Phone: (02) 4232 0444 Website: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au

R E S PEC T 4 | 24 July 2021

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I NTEG R IT Y

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I N N OVATI O N

The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at 5pm on 17 August 2021 in Council Chambers.

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TE AMWO R K

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E XC E LLE N C E The Bugle

Solution found for netball woes Following the story in our last edition, Kiama Council and MP Gareth Ward moved swiftly to address issues raised by the Kiama Netball Association regarding the positioning of the COVID testing site between the netball courts near the Leisure Centre. “We had a meeting with Kiama Council and Gareth Ward who supported us by sending letters to the NSW Health Department and Laverty [who runs the testing site],” says President of the Kiama Netball Association, Rhonda Beedles. “Then a Council employee did all the liaison work to get the clinic moved and sorted. So that worked really well.” But it’s still not smooth running for the annual netball competition, as some of the members live or work up in Shellharbour and the competition has had to be

put on hold. “We were able to let our teams start training last week and had some training games last Saturday, where we combine a couple of teams together,” says Rhonda. “We’ve been working well with the people doing traffic control for the clinic. “A lane was cordoned off so cars could line up in that area and not block the lane that goes next to the Leisure Centre. “We gave the testing clinic team coffee as it was really cold and windy down there last weekend. “Our girls are very happy and we’ve received lots of thank yous for sorting this problem.” The Association has updated and implemented its COVID plan so all adults and children over 12 wear facemasks while they are not on court.

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

by Perrie Croshaw

Discover a new side to Kiama Library After months of development, Kiama Library has launched its new interactive and easy to navigate website, which features extra resources. “The new platform offers a lot more opportunity for searching and interactivity and there’s a lot more technical capability with the new technology behind the website,” says Catherine Taylor, IT Librarian at Kiama Library (right). “It is also very mobile friendly, because it’s got great swipe features, and there are more ways to better examine the information on the site. “For example, we have adult, youth and kids access points now which gather all the relevant parts of our services and resources together for those particular age groups.” The new resources on the revamped site include Kanopy video streaming, National Geographic and Gale eLearning databases. “Kanopy is really exciting because it has 30,000 different films, videos, documentaries and kid’s programs that you can download for free,” says Ms Taylor. “It’s fantastic and it has a

different kind of programming than what you might find on Netflix, so it’s very complimentary to our service and fits in with our agenda. “The new National Geographic e-resources are fantastic as well, because it includes every single edition that they have ever issued. “And we also have Gale eLearning databases which have a business centre, a science centre, a health and wellness centre, and more centres for general interest and academic information.” The new site also has a

local history section with over 100 stories to be read, a shelf help section with an ‘Ask a Librarian’ option and a redesigned youth section with HSC resources. “The shelf help section has a lot of different genres to explore and author suggestions to help people discover their next great read,” says Ms Taylor. “The Ask a Librarian section has a small questionnaire about favourite genres and books and then a librarian will go and find the titles they think the customer will

like and will reserve them to be collected. “We also redesigned our youth section with a really good HSC resources section, which is great for the students doing HSC this year, as well as more pages and information on topics like diversity and mental health.” The new resources and e-services are for Kiama Library members. For more information visit: www.library.kiama.nsw.gov.au by Jack Wallner

24 July 2021 | 5

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Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. More than 27,400 people in Australia had a stroke for the first time in 2020. The theme for National Stroke Week 2021 (2-8 August) is United by Stroke, to celebrate frontline healthcare workers who save lives every day and the health professionals who support the recovery of survivors. All Australians are encouraged to learn and share the F.A.S.T. (Face.Arms.Speech. Time) message this National Stroke Week: • Face: Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? • Arms: Can they lift both arms? • Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? • Time is critical: If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away. More than 80 percent of strokes display at least one of the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.

Trevor Phillis is the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Kiama for 2021/22, taking over the reins from David Smark who stewarded the club through the very challenging 2020/21year. Many of the normal revenue raising activities, such as monthly BBQs at the Kiama Seaside Markets, the Car Show and the Antiques Fair, had to be forgone. The Club remained focused on community needs and led the charge on Mental Health First Aid, running two courses, in Kiama and Gerringong, with the financial support of a state government grant and leadership of Mal Bracken. Errol Chopping also ensured the Club continued its work with local youth.

Working in concert with Gerringong Rotary, the Club was able to raise funds through a car raffle using online and traditional methods under the leadership of John Kenny. The COVID challenge led the Club and all members to adapt and embrace new technology including online meetings for a significant portion of the year. Members were very pleased in being able to return to regular weekly dinner meetings before the emergence of the Delta strain. Throughout the year the Club was able to support members welfare and continues to be a vibrant club with over 30 members, of mixed gender and all walks of life.

More information at www. strokefoundation.org.au

Call 4233 1313 for appointments Tues, Wed & Fri 8.30am to 5.30pm 3/5 Railway Parade Kiama (Next to Kiama Library)

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STOP STRONG WINDS, BIRDS & ANIMALS LIFTING THE LID ON YOUR BIN!

Kiama Rotary changeover

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SECURE-A-LID BIN LOCK After extensive trials, you can now secure your bins against strong winds, birds and animals and prevent contents spilling out. The Australian designed Secure-A-Lid bin lock is an easy fix solution! Automatically unlatches upon waste collection (side load collection trucks only).

Subsidised at $15 per lock (RRP $29.95) for residents of the Kiama Municipality ONLY. (maximum 3 locks per household). Easy to install. Instructions provided with each bin lock. Watch the instructional video online here or at https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Binlocks

Available now! Purchase from the weighbridge at the Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility, 446 Riverside Drive, Minnamurra, Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm. Proof of residency required.

6 | 24 July 2021

The Bugle

Building connections through creativity A new Create to Connect program – being run by SENTRAL, Kiama Council’s Youth Service – is aiming to empower young people to develop their creativity by linking them with inter-generational mentoring, helping skill development and providing opportunities for them to showcase their work. “Young people often feel a sense of not being visible to the rest of the community, or when they are it is for a negative reason – we wanted to highlight their positives and strengthen connections within the community,” says Melissa Andrews, SENTRAL’s Youth Services Coordinator. “The program we have developed, funded by the State Government’s Youth Opportunities fund, is youth-led and really fills a gap. “We want to help young people feel part of the rich arts culture we have in Kiama, and let them see how they can make a living out of their creative pursuits by talking with others who have done it.” After much research, Create to Connect will be offering graffiti art workshops, mural projects, open mic nights, song writing workshops, recording studio and music production workshops, personal branding and marketing workshops, and other showcase opportunities for young people. The weekly Open Mic events have already kicked off to an enthusiastic audience, with a wide range of music, spoken word and comedy performances encouraged. They are being held each Friday at the Youth

ABOUT REAL ESTATE BUYER INTEREST REMAINS HIGH TERRY DIGGER

Principal First National Coast & Country If homeowners from Kiama to Shoalhaven Heads are to be concerned about listing their property for sale, we’re here to put your thoughts at ease. Since the lockdown began, we’ve continued to see high transaction rates with several brilliant results across the region.

Centre in Hindmarsh Park, 3-6pm. The Pimp My Ride project will be happening in early August. Participants will use spray paint and posca paint pens, and completely redesign bikes, skateboards, and helmets. “Young people can come along and work on our bikes, or bring their own bike, skateboards, and helmets to be redesigned,” says the project’s Coordinator, Abdul Lawal. A program of events will be offered in the school holidays, including graffiti art and music groups. Around 10 local artists working in various fields have already put up their hands to share their experience with local youth. “Others are welcome to come along as mentors at any of the events related to their field,” says Ms Andrews. “We want them to share stories with young people about how they have got into the industry and how they have been able to make a living. These inter-generational

conversations are incredibly valuable.” July has also seen the reopening of drop-in sessions at the Youth Centre on Thursdays (3-8pm), with the added attraction of a firepit and free pizza (donated by Dominos). Above: Meisha McGroder playing at the first Open Mic

Young creatives interested in the program should go to the Youth Centre on Thursdays or Fridays to talk with staff about the opportunities, or get in touch via social media or www. sentral.kiama.nsw.gov.au Expressions of interest are still open for creative professionals to get on board (facilitators, mentors, etc.,). Please contact abdull@kiama.nsw.gov.au

Election approaching

Given the current COVID situation, instead of holding its planned Meet the Candidates event, Kiama Central Precinct is arranging to record interviews with the first two candidates from each ticket for the 4 September election. Their responses to the questions will be available as podcasts on Kiama Community Radio and as videos on The Bugle App’s election pages. Candidates will be given the four questions beforehand, and be given an opportunity to respond at the end. The first round of interviews are being conducted next week, without an audience, for groups that have already announced their tickets. Another round of interviews will be held on 5 August, once the registration period closes. Kiama Council will go into caretaker mode on 7 August. During this period staff will continue to go about their work, but the elected Council cannot make long term financial or policy decisions. An information session has already been hosted by Council to prepare candidates for what is involved in the role.

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Several factors are influencing this demand, including the continued low interest rates, higher than usual savings due to international travel not available and Sydney siders continuing to seek a regional lifestyle move along with an increasing interest in coastal escapes to add to their property portfolio. The recent lockdowns across the Greater Sydney region have only reinforced what a beautiful idyllic location we have here and how valuable it is to classify as regional NSW. First National Coast & Country are continuing to field many enquiries from buyers regarding new properties and we’re noticing many of our properties slated for Auction are selling before the Auction date. This is largely due to our successful marketing strategy and accommodating our clients locally and across Australia to ensure the best outcome is achieved. If you’re thinking about putting your property on the market, now is the time to do it. Buyer demand is increasing each day and with our Spring selling period only five-weeks away, the First National Coast & Country team are ready to get your property ready for a September launch.

SALE OF THE WEEK

GERRINGONG HOME SELLS FOR $3.465M AGENT: Ryan Stalgis Ryan has achieved another fantastic result, setting a new record for the surrounding area and was half a million dollars above the original price guide. Well done Ryan on another exceptional result and congratulations to both the vendors and purchasers of this unique property.

CURRENT LISTINGS • • • • • • • •

5 Tate Place, Jamberoo Auction | David Hall & Terry Digger 68 Kiarama Avenue, Kiama Downs Contact Agent | Terry Digger 135/47 S’haven Hds Rd, S’haven Hds $240k - $250k | Claire Nunn 19 Macquarie Street, Jamberoo $2.6m | David Hall & Terry Digger 101/17 Noble Street, Gerringong $1.85m - $1.95m | Jason Stalgis 37/134 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama $690,000 | Dana Edwards 122 Renfrew Road, Werri Beach New to Market | Joe Dignam 100 Belinda Street, Gerringong $2,200,000 | Terry Digger

RECENT SALES • • • • • •

w w w. c o a s t a n d c o u n t r y f n . c o m . a u 24 July 2021 | 7

Sims Rd Planning Proposal continued from p1

The June Meeting passed an edited down version of the motion, which the Department of Planning returned to Council as it was lacking the necessary detail. “What is being proposed is a very sensible way forward,” said Councillor Matt Brown during the debate. “This does meet the Strategic Merit Test, it has been spoken about since at least 2016, our community does support its council and its decisions, and the discussion of what would be on this land if it wasn’t industrial was containers or a service station, which would be a heck of a lot uglier.” The Planning Proposal, by Gerringong businessman Derek McMahon, is seeking to allow general industrial development on the triangular site to the west of the Highway, formerly used by Fulton Hogan. By giving the land additional permitted uses, rather than changing the zoning, Council will be the only determining authority for industrial uses on the site. It will also allow Council to stipulate the specific business types and the size of their operation. “It is a step in the right direction for local business and employment,” says Mr McMahon. Councillors Andrew Sloan

and Kathy Rice were the only ones to vote against sending the Proposal for Gateway, the next step in the planning process (Councillor Mark Westhoff was absent). Both criticised the Proposal as not passing the Merit Test as they judged it, and pointed out that the land was not considered for industrial use in the Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), the 20 year strategic vision finalised in June last year. All of Council’s land use planning decisions – anything to do with the Local Environment Plan and the Development Control Plan – now has to be framed within the context of the LSPS. “Why wasn’t it put forward for consideration in the LSPS if it has been talked about for some time by the Economic Devevelopment Committee?,” said Cllr Sloan. “If we listened to the people we would be going through a proper process with the LSPS, identifying the sites, debating them, and then picking the best sites.” A study on where industrial land should go, proposed by the LSPS, is due to happen in the next year. “General industry was never considered by the community in the LSPS,” said Cllr Rice. “The proposal is shortcircuiting the usual process.

“I feel strongly the community should be involved in making such significant decisions.” Amongst other things, Cllrs Way and Watson said they were supporting it for the local employment opportuntities it would provide. Aware of community concerns about the Proposal, Council has published FAQ to explain the planning process and confirm the requirements that must be followed. As an example, this question looks at what the decision means:

If the Proposal passes Council tonight does that mean the development is guaranteed?

No, the process must include further consultation and investigation. It will be required to be reported to the new Council for consideration later this year or early next year. If the change is made to the zone and or uses allowed on the land a further process is also required for any development to occur. This includes a development application process which will outline the exact use of the land, any buildings proposed, car parking, landscaping etc. These details are then further assessed and also provided to the community for comment.

The FAQ list is on the news page of www.kiama.nsw.gov.au,

Concern heritage is being washed away Friends of Minnamurra River (FOMR) has concerns about the way an archaeological dig was being conducted in the grounds of Dunmore House, prior to work starting on the approved sandmining site (the dig has been paused by COVID restrictions). They have appealed to Boral to conduct full archaeological investigations at the two sites near the Minnamurra River estuary classified as highly to moderately significant for Aboriginal heritage. While NSW regulations on archaeological and cultural heritage assessment allow for the ‘salvage’ of potential archaeological site using the flushing method being employed, FOMR contends that method results in artifacts that tell little about Aboriginal cultural heritage as they are not dated. “Flushing with water leaves only a jumble of undated stone artefacts of very little scientific or educational use,” says FMOR Chair, Will Chyra. “It destroys practically all other material which could otherwise be used to scientifically determine the age of the site, the richness and change of Aboriginal lifestyle and culture through time, as well as climate and other

local and regional environmental changes over many thousands of years. “This tragic wastage of our human cultural heritage and knowledge of prehistory is worsened by the fact that the government regulations require the stone artefacts recovered, probably many thousands to hundreds of years old, to be bundled together and sent to the Australian Museum in Sydney just for storage.” In response, Boral has told The Bugle the salvage work in the current location is due to be completed shortly, and that the current field work involves Registered Aboriginal Parties as part of the cultural heritage assessment. “Boral places great importance and value on Aboriginal and archaeological heritage,” says a Boral spokesperson. “The current activities being undertaken at Dun-

more are following strict compliance conditions in relation to cultural heritage salvage work. Boral has been engaging with Aboriginal stakeholders on this site since 2018 and we continue to work with them through this process. “The use of water for wet sieving is standard archaeological practice and enhances the ability to retrieve Aboriginal objects. Our current process involves collecting samples for dating purposes. The results of the work will inform future management, provide educational opportunities and allow for a greater understanding of local Aboriginal heritage.” In response to a reader’s memory that clean fill from Gainsborough had been dumped at the site, Boral says testing to 10 metres at their current study site does not indicate it happened there.

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Lifehacks for youth Our skater in Tokyo Kiama Lions has got behind another initiative to help local youth, in addition to the $15,000 it recently donated to the Kiama & District Stronger Community. The latest $7,000 donation will give local youth aged 15-18 the opportunity to join a Lifehacks program run by Habitus, to get the skills and knowledge they need to deal with the changes happening in each of their lives. The Lifehacks Program, which is being fully funded by Lions, was created by Dr Monty Badami and Habitus to give local youth a two day program to provide them with the life skills needed to deal with physical, emotional, social and psychological changes. “A number of young people

in the community and members of the High School SRC actually approached me for the Lifehacks program, so we are doing it in response to what they told us they wanted,” says Habitus’ Dr Badami, a Kiama-based anthropologist who has been closely involved with initiatives to improve youth mental health. “It occurred to me that there was a real need to support young people to develop skills like emotional intelligence, social skills and resilience because they were the sort of skills that I found to be the most important things when you get out of school, but they aren’t well taught there. “If it wasn’t for the Lions Club we wouldn’t be able to

Council staff that can now working from home Most of Council’s behind the scenes staff will be working at home until the end of the Public Health Order, 31 July at this stage, as a precautionary measure. “We will be down to a skeleton staff in our administration building, but our customer services – the Leisure Centre, Library, tourism office, SENTRAL and other facilities – and our outside workforce will still be working on site,” says Council’s CEO, Jane Stroud. “It will be business as usual in pretty adapted circumstances.” The Customer Service team will continue to manage phone calls and counter enquiries, but residents are encouraged to use online services if they can. ADVERTISEMENT

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run a program like this. The funding gives us an opportunity to not only support the kids in the community but to really understand what their needs are right now. “The truth is that the young people are trying to tell us something really important and we need to listen to them.” Lifehacks is mapped to the Department of Education’s Life Ready Program which is designed to prepare and support youth for when they encounter situations related to health and safety as they become more independent and gain more responsibilities. In the activities, participants will learn tools to help cope with change, skills to prevent violence and bullying and gain awareness of physical/emotional/personal wellness. “We are delivering the Lifehacks program with the Life Ready Program,” says Dr Badami. The Lifehacks program is for any student aged between 15-18 living in the Kiama Municipality, and will be held in Kiama on 13-14 September. For tickets and more info: https://events.humanitix.com/ lifehacks/tickets by Jack Wallner

Ahead of his departure for the Tokyo, The Bugle has caught up with Kiama’s skateboarding Olympian, Kieran Woolley, who is in the US training hard for Olympic gold. “Preparation for the Games has been going well,” says Kieran. “I’ve had a week in LA skating, caught a couple games of baseball in San Diego, surfed a bunch and skated plenty of parks along the way. “I even had an afternoon skating at Tony Hawk’s [American professional skateboarder] house with Jack Fardell [Australian professional skateboarder] which is a bucket list tick for sure!” Australia has five skaters to compete across the four events. Along with Kieran, the other four are Shane O’Neill, Keegan Palmer, Poppy Olsen and Hayley Wilson. At only 17 years old, Kieran is the youngest male park skater competing in Tokyo and has tied in age with swimmer Isaac Cooper for the youngest Australian Olympian in this year’s team. “I’m heading off to Tokyo on the 27th and I’m working hard and making sure that it’s going to be a great show,” says Kieran. “And in other news, my brother Danno made the most of my absence and won

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the Open Men’s division of Competitors will try to exthe 360 Skate Competition ecute their best sequence of the other weekend picking up tricks during three 45 second $1000 cash.” runs. The skateboarding Kieran will be competing competition will run from in the Park event at the 25-26 July for Street events and Olympics. The course will be 4-5 August for Park events based on transition concrete at Tokyo’s Ariake Urban bowls ranging from 1.5-3m Sports Park. in height and contain a range of skate features like spines, by Jack Wallner gaps and grinds.

Floaters

Have you ever noticed an “insect” that floats in and out of sight but doesn’t go away? This is a floater. Floaters occur inside the eye, in the vitreous. The vitreous is clear gel that fills back two thirds of the eye. The vitreous is 98% water but it contains protein fibres which make the gel much thicker than water. Over time, the vitreous shrinks and the protein fibres clump together forming clusters big enough to cast a shadow on the retina. Some people’s floaters appear as tiny spots or flecks. To others, the floater appears to be a thread or a web. Still others see them as clear little bubbles. Many people have a combination of shapes and sizes. Can floaters be treated? Yes. For a small percentage of people floaters greatly reduce their quality of life. Come in and I can refer you for this relatively safe treatment. Can floaters be a serious problem: Yes. If there is a sudden increase in the number of floaters – for example, if a curtain comes down in one field of vision – this can indicate a problem such as a retinal detachment. If you experience any sudden flashes of light or new floaters, it is important to see your optometrist as soon as possible, as there may be damage to the retina.

Jean Anderson EyeQ Optometrists 124 Terralong St, Kiama 4232 2610 Convenient online bookings eyeq.com.au 24 July 2021 | 9

Working Hard and Getting Results for Kiama, Kiama Downs, Gainsborough, Minnamurra, Bombo, Jamberoo, Gerringong and Gerroa

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WARD MP

Member for Kiama

02 4232 1082

02 4232 3577

STOCKER Margrit (Grete)

of The Old School House, Dunmore Passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Saturday, 17th of July 2021. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Erica and Rick (Dec), Jane and Chris. Much loved Ma of Lee, Byron, Gracie, and many others. Loving partner of Ron. Beloved second mum to Kerryn, Marc and his family. Aged 81 Years

Forever in Her garden and Our hearts. A Private Cremation has been held. A Memorial Service is to take place at a later date.

Kiama@parliament.nsw.gov.au garethwardmp.com.au Authorised by Gareth Ward MP, 102 Terralong Street, Kiama NSW 2533. Produced using parliamentary entitlements.

Bin lid problem solved In time for the windiest months of the year, Kiama Council is rolling out a system to secure garbage bins against strong winds and animals. The Secure-A-Lid bin lock is now available at a subsidised price at the Dunmore Recycling Centre. After trialling many bin locks, this Australian-designed system was chosen, with one small change – the position of the latch is different to the one recommended by the manufacturer. Council’s Waste Management Office Josephine St John says the position of the latch was moved to improve the function of the lock. “Over the years we have trialled several bin locks. Last year I came across this one which is based on the gravity lock principle. If the bin is knocked over the lid remains PRIMARY APPLICATION NO. PA83608 BY MICHAEL RYLAND HOSKINS AND GILLIAN HOSKINS (‘APPLICANT’) TO BRING LAND UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE REAL PROPERTY ACT 1900 BY WAY OF ADVERSE POSSESSION Application PA83608 has been made by MICHAEL RYLAND HOSKINS AND GILLIAN HOSKINS (‘Applicant’) for a title pursuant to Part 4 of the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) (‘Act’) (possessory title) in respect of the undermentioned land: - Property situate at Local Government Area of Kiama, Locality Jamberoo - Being land referred to in part of 720 acres Portion 8 contained in Crown Grant Serial 62 Folio 22 - In the Parish of KIAMA County of CAMDEN. The Applicant claims title by possession adverse to ALICK OSBORNE, their successors and assigns. The Registrar-General intends to grant this application on the expiration of one month from the date of publication of this notice, unless before the expiration of that time period an objection is lodged in the form of a caveat pursuant to section 74B of the Act.

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tight. But when it is lifted and tilted by the garbage truck, the locking arm swings free from the latch, releasing the lid. “We did an extensive trial with a handful of households on their garbage and recycling bins. We found where the latch needed to be positioned on the corner of the bin and we are now confident with the product. “It’s very simple to install and we have produced our own step-by-step video exclusively for our residents.” One size fits all (small or large bins) and is not dependent on how much weight is in the bin. Jessica Rippon, Director Environmental Services, says “The Secure-A-Lid not only helps keep our beautiful towns and villages clean, it prevents litter going from the street into our stormwater and then our creeks, rivers and the ocean.” Blown away litter is a nuisance not only to residents but also to truck drivers who have to get out and upturn

the bins, says Ms St John. “Because of the windy nature of this area, residents sometimes put bricks on top of bins. And if the driver doesn’t see this because it’s dark, that brick does more damage to the truck.” The locks cost $15 each (RRP $29.95) with a maximum of three locks per household. Purchase at Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility, 446 Riverside Drive. Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm. Proof of residency required. Further info at www.kiama. nsw.gov.au/Binlocks by Perrie Croshaw

Zero Emissions target • installing more LED lighting upgrades and smart control lighting on Council facilities • including low carbon options as a key selection criteria in its procurement policy • developing and embedding best practice environmentally sustainable design specifications (such as the Green Star buildings rating system) into capital works and maintenance progams • choosing energy efficient plant and equipment, and water efficient applicances, for new installations and upgrades • continuing waste minimisation strategies. Measures to replace existing energy supplies with that from renewable sources include: • installing more solar PV systems • sourcing a competitive renewable Power Purchase agrement • investigating battery storage options and mid-scale solar farm opportunities • continuing with the

from p1

Revolving Energy Fund which reinvests financial saving from energy efficiency and renewables projects to reinvest in future projects • an accelerated phase out of diesel engines • transitioning Council’s fleet to hybrid or fully electric vehicles where effective and practical • investigating Council providing electric vehicle charging stations, for use by it and the public, as well as developing a policy to encourage the installation of private and commercial charging stations. Remaining emissions will be counteracted by the purchase of offsets (after ensuring the offset projects align with Council’s values), investigating bulk buying opportunities, and initiating its own emissions reduction projects to create its own offsets. A renewable power purchase agreement with an independent power generator is seen as critical in meeting both renewable and emissions targets.

The Bugle

Community battery for Kiama Downs One hundred Kiama Downs properties with installed solar systems could be the first in the Illawarra region to benefit from a 200/400KW community battery to service and store their electricity. Endeavour Energy has proposed the project to Kiama Council as part of its Community Battery Initiative Program, to enable residents to store their excess solar power in the battery for use later on. The proposed community battery would be located on the road verge of Henry Parkes Drive, on Council community land. “Kiama Downs will be one of the first communities in the Endeavour Energy network to receive a community battery,” says CEO Endeavour Energy, Guy Chalkley. “The first batteries are proposed for Kiama Downs and Bungarribbee in Blacktown City where there are many solar customers and where there is high demand on the existing network infrastructure. “This is an exciting development for our customers that reflects our transition to a modern grid.” Batteries allow excess photovoltaic generation during the day to be stored and accessed during peak periods in the evening. This maximises renewable energy productivity and reduces reliance on grid supplied fossil fuel generated electricity. “Privately owned batteries are currently a very expensive option for many households so community batteries offer an innovative approach to sharing to use the energy generated by rooftop solar systems,” says Mr Chalkley. “It drives down energy bills for participating customers, lessens our dependence on coal-fired electricity and helps to stabilise the flow of energy on the grid.” The recommendation put forward to Kiama Council by Endeavour Energy, and passed at the July Meeting, was for it to support the project and the community consultation process, as well as provide in-kind financial

support up to $2000. “Endeavour Energy has proposed that Council partner with us in the delivery of this battery because it is an important local initiative that addresses Council’s own environmental policies,” says Mr Chalkley. “Endeavour Energy can develop the battery on its own but a community-based partnership will help drive better outcomes and help promote energy efficiency in the community.” Endeavour Energy will also collaborate with Council and the community to finalise the design of the battery. It is proposed the battery becomes a public art project, potentially as a green scape in order to blend into the surrounding vegetation. Endeavour Energy will also be required to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment, which will cover site-specific aspects such as consultations, visual and noise impacts, heritage impacts and accessibility. “We don’t believe there are downsides to community batteries, especially when they are well considered and placed sensitively,” says Mr Chalkley. “They are a proven technology that can deliver cost savings to customers and improve environmental outcomes by directly reducing our reliance on electricity from conventional sources such as coal-fired generation. “They are quiet to run and the battery is subject to statutory advertising and planning controls and Endeavour Energy will undertake the necessary statutory planning to advance the proposal of this community battery. “We expect a community battery can be installed and operational in the first half of 2022. We are looking forward to working with the community in making this happen.” Details of how to be one of the 100 connected to the battery are not yet available.

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Kiama Greens Standing Up for What Matters

Vote 1 kiamagreens.org.au

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24 July 2021 | 11

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MAYORAL COLUMN Mark Honey talks directly with residents and ratepayers to ensure our key services and facilities continue to operate, these include: waste collections; cleaning public toilets, streets and reserves; ranger services and planning and development assessments. Our public facilities remain open such as the Administration Centre, Kiama Library, Kiama Leisure Centre, SENThe current COVID-19 situa- TRAL Youth Services (Thurstion in our region is escalatday and Friday afternoons), ing and while our Municipali- Visitor Information Centre ty (as of writing) is not locked and Minnamurra Waste and down, we have been heavily Recycling Centre. affected. Our playgrounds, reserves, I want to assure our compools and beaches are still munity that Kiama Council accessible as well. services will continue as we Council’s Customer Service adapt to the new COVID-19 team is still answering phone public health orders from the calls and counter enquiries, NSW Government. although I encourage you to Here is a summary of what use our online services if you we are doing to continue our can rather than make face-tooperations while protecting face visits: www.kiama.nsw. our workforce and our comgov.au munity. Also, please wear a mask We have shifted staff to when visiting our buildings, working from home where and check-in using our QR possible, to comply with the codes and the Service NSW new public health orders, App. which came into force on I want to congratulate our 21 July. Blue Haven team in particWe have also established a ular for their excellent work roster of staff needed on site, protecting our loved ones

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from p3

come down here at this time.” Mark Redding, owner of Kiama-based Integrity Homes, says he knows many in the industry are unclear on what they can or cannot do. “This latest measure to close down the construction industry in the lockdown zone came as a surprise, as last time it was considered an essential activity,” he says. “It takes a lot of effort to keep on top of it, and there is a lot of confusion within the industry.” Luckily for his business, at the moment it only has a couple of jobs happening in the lockdown area, with many more on the go locally and further south and in the Highlands. “It is a matter of juggling the trades available to keep all the jobs going,” he says. “Tradespeople can travel within 50km of a lockdown zone without extra testing, but once they go beyond that they have to be tested every seven days.” He says some of his Sydney-based tradespeople are choosing not to come down at the moment, as a safety precaution.

New goal post for the Lions Gerringong Lions Rugby League Football Club has received $6,500 in funding from the NSW Government to upgrade the goal posts at their home ground. “I am extremely pleased to be able to secure this funding under the NSW Government’s Local Sports Grants Program which will go towards the installation of new goal posts,” says Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama. “These funds come on top of previous grants I have

secured for the Gerringong Lions Club who are very well supported by the local Gerringong community in the local Group Seven Rugby League competition.” With funding that the Lions have received in the past, the Club has been able to renovate and extend their clubhouse, build a new gym and upgrade change room facilities. “I would like to acknowledge the Club President Daryl Hobbs who has been

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at the Bonaira Aged Care home. Obviously COVID-19 is a particular threat to the elderly members of our community and I know Blue Haven have been absolutely thorough in their safety precautions and following public health orders. These include vaccinations. Over 85 per cent of Blue Haven residents have received vaccinations, over 50 per cent of staff have received their first vaccination and over 45 per cent are fully vaccinated. By the end of August, it is expected that 80-85% of staff will be fully vaccinated. Remember, while you can’t visit our Bonaira aged care home, we are still offering video chats with residents to help everyone stay in touch. Another measure Council has taken is reviewing our construction projects to ensure our contractors have COVID safe work plans. To stay up-to-date with the status of our facilities and services you can visit Council’s COVID-19 web page: www.kiama.nsw.gov,. au/covid19

Construction pause issues

on september 4

a tireless advocate for the club for many years and has worked extremely hard to see major upgrades to club facilities come to fruition,” says Gareth Ward. In turn, Daryl Hobbs welcomed the funding. “On behalf of the Gerringong RLFC members, our valued supporters and volunteers, I wish to thank Gareth Ward MP and the Grants Unit at Sport NSW for the opportunity to apply for financial funding for upgrades

Vote 1

to our local sporting facility at Michael Cronin Oval.” “Without their support and confidence in us achieving our goals, these important and very much needed improvements for our grounds mean sporting participants including the community of Gerringong would not exist.” by Jack Wallner

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12 | 24 July 2021

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Kiama as Twin Peaks Twin Peaks, True Detectives, The Wicker Man – all were influences on local author Nicola West’s dark debut novel, Catch Us The Foxes. Set in Kiama, the novel is a psychological thriller that follows a young journalist’s gruesome discovery at the town’s annual show. Protagonist Marlowe ‘Lo’ Robertson has to decide whether she wants to help keep a dark family secret or break the biggest story of her career. So Twin Peaks’ Homecoming Queen, Lara Palmer, becomes Catch Us The Foxes’ Kiama Showgirl, Lily Williams. When Lo stumbles on the body of her best friend she discovers strange symbols cut into her back. Her father, Kiama’s Police Chief, makes her promise not to reveal this detail. She says that her readers should be warned of some triggers in her novel – mental Illness, suicide, homosexuality – as her story is inspired by local urban legends and real crimes in the Illawarra, like the torture and murder of former Wollongong mayor Frank Arkell in 1998 after his home was exposed as the venue of paedophile parties. Nicola grew up in Kiama and is the daughter of third generation police officer.

After high school, she moved to Sydney to pursue a career in journalism and initially started working on writing a memoir about some horrific medical issues she experienced as a young woman. But a move back to Kiama after her apartment had flooded, coupled with an airing of the third Twin Peaks’ season The Return, set her on her novel writing path. “Because I was watching Twin Peaks in my hometown, it suddenly made me realise what a perfect little murder town Kiama was. I immediately started Twin Peaksifying the town, working out who my Laura Palmer would be. “Obviously because it’s an Australian town she couldn’t be a prom queen. So, I thought, of course, she would be a show girl. That was the catalyst for everything, and the novel all built from Lily Williams, my victim.” Nicola has already received criticism from readers for locating this dark cultish story in a real town. She knows it’s rare and “a tiny bit controversial” to use a real name for a place setting especially for the subject matter of her book which is quite heavy ( Jane Harper’s The Dry is set in a fictional Victorian town). But says she has always been obsessed with Picnic at Hanging Rock

and she loves the way that story blurs the line between fact and fiction, taking this real world location and turning it into a thing of legend. “I see a lot of similarities between Hanging Rock and Saddleback Mountain, which is where a lot of the nefarious things happen in my book. “Despite the horrible things I allege happen in Kiama, it really is a love letter to the town and the landscape. “I wanted to achieve the same thing that Picnic at Hanging Rock had achieved and turn this place that was

so familiar to me into this nightmare and a thing of legend.” The title of her book Catch Us The Foxes is part of a bible verse in the Song of Solomon: “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom,” which she says in essence means “Take preventative measures to protect this love from anything that could harm it.” Catch Us The Foxes, by Nicola West. Published by Simon and Schuster. RRP $32.99 by Perrie Croshaw

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24 July 2021 | 13

OUT AND ABOUT

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At the the book launch for Wall of Tears

Over thirty people braved the elements, and wore marks, to attend the launch of Wall of Tears, the first novel by Gerroa relationships counselor, David Kerr. It is based around a true story told to David by a friend when he visited the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem – often referred to in the West as The Wailing Wall – in 2013, and explores the creation of modern Israel at a human level.

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David Kerr with his publisher Tahlia Newland of AIA Publishing, who lives in Foxground

Excellent opportunity in this autonomous, part-time role. We are after a highly motivated candidate who values the role of The Bugle in our community and can work with businesses to unlock its potential for them. Enquiries to Natasha Osmond-Dreyer 0408 555 124

Jayne Hartgerink and Christine Kerr

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1. Society ruled by women 7. Which month contains the horses’ birthday 8. Bird living quarters 10. Summer footwear. Some people wear them with socks. 11. When you put money into a bank account you make a -----14. Rider of a race horse 16. First name of new Nationals leader 18. Maker and fitter of horse shoes

19. Mr Morrison said he did not hold one of these 21. Male horse that has been neutered 23. Baby horse 24. Originally a Finnish mobile phone company 26. Horse seat 28. A bet forecasting the first three finishers in finishing order 30. American folk singer awarded Nobel prize for Literature in 2016 (3,5) 34. Australian who broke (and

still continues to hold) the world water speed record in 1978 36. Adult male horse 39. Light hearted pleasure 41. Woollen garment with buttons down the front 43. What a crim lives in in a gaol 44. Victorian racecourse where Melbourne Cup is held 45. Society ruled by men 46. Health care institution including Out Patients etc

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1. Long hair on horse’s neck E L E O 2. Rodent J I D L O P A L P C A M 3. Edible hand held containI I E L A er in which an ice cream is C A N B E R R A S served. Maths formula: V = E E T R pie r 2 h/3 W A T C H E 4. Common ingredient of H N beer and most breads B O O T C H E 5. Grown up female horse V B L U E 6. Weekday on which the D E E R M R I O Melbourne Cup is held M F S I X N 9. Casual summer pants A D L I B T 10. Official at a race track N O A D E L A I 12. Town in Texas and France N O W N M G 13. Best selling auto brand in I M E L B O U R 2020 in Aust N E E 15. Horse dad G O U L B U R N M 16. Lead singer of Cold Chisel 39. Young female horse 17. Hard working Dr who 40. Minor ancient Greek feis Chief Medical Officer of male nature deity inhabiting NSW rivers woods etc 20. Medicinal potion 42. If you leave the door just 21. Bloke with manners open it is said to be left ---22. Horse mum 43. Young male horse 23. Someone who has committed a serious crime. He Crossword compiled by should be in a 43 across. Steve Law. Correspondence 25. Female donkey welcome to crossword@ 27. A variant of Covid - 19. thebuglenewspaper.com.au Ms Goodrem’s first name. 29. A bet on 1st and 2nd places in a race 31. Main island in the state of Hawaii 32. Lead singer of Midnight Oil 33. Female fox 35. What one puts on the fish hook 37. Summer beach footwear 38. Skin on your skull

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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.

The South Coast keeps on getting greener. Celina Gregory Licensed Real Estate Agent Servicing Berry, Gerroa, Gerringong, Kiama and Jamberoo

0417 662 441 celina.gregory@belleproperty.com

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

24 July 2021 | 15

POSTCARD HOME

Seniors turn 20

A few years before COVID, as part of our trip to China, we did the ‘must-do’ walk on the Great Wall. Setting out from Beijing for the Ju Yong Pass, the most accessible part of the Wall from there, the day was cold and cloudy. On the way we first stopped at the Summer Palace. The Palace, gardens and lake, which cover about three km2, were built in 1750 as a summer retreat for the imperial family. It was also rated as a ‘must-do’. Snow started to fall as we arrived. The unassuming entrance arches gave little indication of the beautifully decorated palaces, temples, pavilions, halls, gardens and the now completely frozen over lake. The whole complex was designed to soothe, to please the eye and achieve harmony with nature and, even in the wintery snow and cold, this effect was still apparent. Although a stroll along the exposed, open sided Long Corridor would have been much more pleasant in summer, we could still enjoy the beautifully painted timber roof and supports.

Kiama Power is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Seniors Club this year with the most teams they’ve ever had and a new clubhouse. “The Seniors Club started with just one Men’s team and we have gradually built it up to two men’s and two women’s teams for the first time this year,” says Seniors’ President Kim Williams. “We’ve been quite successful over the years, but when we started off that wasn’t the case. We were beaten quite convincingly in the first years until the team was built up.” The Seniors Club was established to give the Junior players aspiration and a team to play for as they got older. “After the Junior Club began in 1999, they decided to try and get fathers and others to make a pathway for them coming through,” says Kim. “The Juniors started at the High School oval with a marquee as the canteen and after 20 years we have now got a new clubhouse, about 13 junior teams and four

Leaving the Palace, we drove north, pausing at a jade factory for lunch. On display were beautiful jade, marble and ceramic statues, carvings, vases, ornaments and decorations. The visitor was invited to open their wallets. Some did. Snow was still falling, and was several centimetres thick on the ground, as we arrived at the Pass. The Wall rose out of the white like a huge juggernaut. This part of the Wall is one of the best-preserved

sections, and is impressive. It is up to ten metres high and, at the top, several metres wide with battlements and watchtowers. The Wall was first built here about 2,500 years ago and was re-built about 600 years ago. It crossed the valley, climbed up the steep surrounding valley sides, and ran along the ridges until it disappeared into the haze of the gently falling snow. During winter, the sleeping quarters for the troops would have offered precious little

r a B & Bistro

protection against the bitter cold. But it was the troops who were ordered to assault the wall, that I pitied most. Des Lang, Kiama

If you’d like to share your travel story, send your postcard to: news@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

senior teams.” The Senior Men’s side is one of the strongest teams in the South Coast AFL after winning the grand final multiple times. “We won the Men’s Premier Division in 2009, 2011 and 2018 and the Division 1 (Reserve) team also won in 2009 and in 2017,” says Kim. “We haven’t won them all but our Premier Division has always made it to the finals.” Kim hopes the Power will keep expanding with more male and female Juniors and Seniors having a go. “Lifelong friendships have been made as some have played together since under 10s and are now in their 30s and are still playing. “Having girls and women play has bought another dimension to the Kiama Power club and they are now a really strong team.”

The 20th celebration: Saturday 31 July, Kiama Leagues Club, from 7pm. Tickets $50 from www.trybooking.com by Jack Wallner

The first Men’s Senior team in 2002

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