The Bugle 2 May 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
Online meeting approves relief Kiama Council’s first online meeting, conducted via video conferencing, has approved a financial relief package for ratepayers affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The temporary relief package is for commercial and primary place of residence ratepayers who cannot pay the next installment (31 May) of their current rates and annual charges. Those who apply to postpone the payment will not be charged interest for the deferral period up to 31 August, when the first installment of 2020-2021 will be due. Council will also refrain from implementing any legal recovery actions during that time. The generous package has the potential to affect Council’s cashflow by anywhere between $2.7 and $4.8 million, depending on its take-up. Ratepayers will apply for the deferral online, by filling in a simple form. No proof of hardship will be required, with applicants asked to provide a reason for the request from the options of: unemployed, reduced working hours, business interruption, loss of rental income or other (non-specified). “Councillors were very strongly of the view the form needed to be as simple as possible,” says Kiama Council’s General Manager, Kerry McMurray. Council has already intro-
Attendees at the April Council meeting: Cllr Mark Way, Cllr Matt Brown, Mayor Mark Honey, Cllr Don Watson, Cllr Mark Westhoff, Cllr Kathy Rice, Cllr Neil Reilly, GM Kerry McMurray, Cllr Andrew Sloan, Director Environmental Services Jessica Rippon, Director Blue Haven Clare Rogers, Cllr Warren Steel, Director Engineering & Works Mike Dowd and Acting Director Corporate and Commercial Services, David Mead
duced measures to help residents and local small businesses, including paying within two weeks of receiving a correctly rendered invoice, ensuring users of Council facilities are receiving a credit or refund for cancellations, and not charging fees for activities that can no longer be utilised (such as outdoor cafe chair fees). After a period of inaction, since our last edition the NSW Government has introduced relief measures to help councils cope with the new world they are operating in. Regulatory changes have been introduced to give more flexibility, including: ▪ allowing councils to delay sending out the first quarterly rates notice for 2020-21 and extend the payment deadline by one month ▪ removing the public notice
and instead allow them to be published on a council’s website. Mr McMurray says that, at this stage, he expects the budget will ready to present to the May Meeting of Kiama for documents to be avail- Council, in accordance with periods for reducing or able for inspection if they the usual timeframe. waiving fees are available electronically ▪ giving a one month extens“We have just finished a ion for submitting budgets, ▪ removing the requirement full line by line analysis of plans and annual reports for council notices to be this year, in order to see how Continued on p6 ▪ removing the requirement advertised in newspapers
Testing net widened Following the NSW Government doubling its COVID-19 tests to around 8,000 a day and the first relaxing of isolation restrictions, anyone with symptoms is urged to immediately get tested. “Testing is crucial in reducing community transmission of COVID-19 and managing local clusters,” says the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward. “Increased testing is an important step toward looking at lifting restrictions. “From now on, anyone in our community with symptoms of COVID-19, includ-
ing mild symptoms, should come forward and get tested. Testing is available seven days a week.” Testing is available seven days a week, through both the public and private health systems. The NSW Government is particularly urging all health care workers, aged care workers or workers in other high risk or residential care settings with symptoms to come forward immediately for testing. Similarly, any people who live in a residential care setting, or have contact
with health care, school or residential care settings with symptoms are particularly encouraged to come forward for testing, and to make their contact with these settings known. Testing is available locally at Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Wollongong hospitals. Details: If you have COVID-19 symptoms either: ▪ Contact your GP ▪ Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 ▪ Visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic at a local hospital.
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 Local cheesemaker wins the NSW Rural Women’s Award p 3 60 unit development for South Kiama Dr p3 Pulling off a Virtual KISS p4 Vale Ken Methold p 13 Help establish Kiama Community Radio p10 Part 1 of our Getting through isolation series p14
First National Coast & Country’s Real Estate News p7-10
Did you know...
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The Bugle Editor: Cathy Law 0412 415 101 Advertising:Steve Law 0428 662 499 Or emailthebugle@gmail.com or PO Box 304, Gerringong 2534 Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human.
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60 unit development Building a Cocoon for South Kiama Dr for dairy farmers
After 14 years, 11 previous DAs (only one of which was rejected) and a rezoning, approval has now been given for a 60 unit development on the vacant 9,320m2 block of land on the eastern side of South Kiama Drive. Developer Nick Daoud says the new design he has come up with is a big improvement on the previous design. “Every unit was looking inward to a central area, but now every dwelling is looking outwards to the surrounding vistas,” he says. “We always end up im-
Next time you’re at the Kiama Farmers’ Market, congratulate Cressida Cains of Pecora Dairy for winning the NSW Rural Women’s Award for 2020. Throughout her years in Artist impression from South Kiama Drive the dairy industry, Cressida has noticed a worrying trend proving the DAs we inherit for the development, the of small dairy farms closing large fig tree will remain a with a purchase.” their gates because they landmark in the area. He says that the develcannot make a profit under After acknowledging opment will take twelve the current model of selling community unease about months to complete once the size of the development, their milk. started. A start date has yet She applied for the award Councillor Andrew Sloan to be decided upon. to help slow this trend by Seven two bedroom units proposed the motion for the assisting dairy farmers to DA’s approval. and 53 three bedroom will develop and produce unique “An important reason for be housed in four two level branded products. me supporting this develbuildings. “I am passionate about opment is that this land was They will have lift access supporting willing smallto a central underground car zoned for medium density in scale dairy farmers to park, entered from Surfleet 2011 so that we could protect transform and grow their Place at the southern end of our agricultural lands from ing a low value commodity businesses,” she says. the development. further encroachment.” to producing high value “To stop being price takers, While a farm house, which Councillors Brown, Reilly product. and become price setters. does not appear on the Heri- and Rice voted against the “We farmers are a resilient “To transform from productage Register, will make way development. lot and I do believe there is a bright future for dairy farming in this country.” She will use the $10,000 bursary to create Dairy consent from any person. House (covered extensively safety and welfare of the Cocoon, an online platform “This means that decisions in previous editions) may be public during the pandemic and support network to help made by local councils, made without further public are some that could be felt dairy farmers to create their in local neighbourhoods. independent planning panels consultation. own branded products and One allows weekday con- create a secure and profitable or relevent regional planning “I’ll be writing to the Minstruction site operating hours long term future. panels can be overruled by ister on behalf of Council the Planning Minister for any and outlining it is really im- to be extended to weekends “Dairy Cocoon will assist reason or no reason at all. perative that the community and public holidays, to small dairy farmers who These approvals cannot be is still involved in planning ensure social distancing of wish to operate up the value workers without a loss of reversed when the pandemic decisions, and that whatchain with access to three ever fast tracking is done productivity or jobs. is over,” said a background things: business planning, to support the economy is Another allows home information for councillors education and industry connot done to the detriment of businesses to operate 24 As this includes the fast nections.” the local community,” says hours per day and to employ tracking the assessment of It will include a range of the Director Environmental up to five people other than State Significant Developbusiness tools, information the permanent residents of ment, Council is concerned Services, Jessica Rippon. and education, as well as an Amongst the broad sweep- the dwelling, providing they online community to facilithat a decision on the extencan abide by social distanc- tate connections and support. sion of sandmining by Boral ing orders that have been to the area around Dunmore issued to protect the health, ing rules. The site will enable farm-
Sweeping changes to planning Kiama Council is to express its concern about recent changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, which grant the Planning Minister unprecedented powers to override or assume responsibility for planning decisions made by local councils. The changes are part of the State Government’s COVID-19 response, to facilitate swift action. Under the changes, the NSW Planning Minister can authorise development to be carried out on land without the need for any approval or
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ers to create industry and product specific business plans, with advice around profit and loss, and sales and marketing. They will receive access to tailored training and education, including online courses and webinars, and they will be connected with industry experts and mentors. “It would surprise many to learn that every year more than the last, Australia adds about 40,000 tonnes extra of imported cheese to our supermarket isles whilst at the same time Australia’s milk production continues to decline,” says Cressida. “Australia is actually on track to be a net importer of dairy products.” She believes COVID-19 will encourage people to reject industrial food systems, in favour of local produce.
Pulling of a Virtual KISS YES, WE ARE OPEN SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES IN PLACE ISOLATION DELIVERIES AVAILABLE, JUST CALL US TO ARRANGE 80 Barney St Kiama 4233 1322 Open 7.30 - 4.30pm weekdays & 7 - 4pm Saturdays
Like the experienced troupers they are, Dave Evans and Tamara Campbell, lived up to the adage ‘the show must go on’ by staging a Virtual KISS Arts Festival this year. After testing the water with some online pub quizzes, they realised that bringing their KISS Festival into people’s homes was going to be possible. “The consistent feed-back we received from our quizzes was that people felt like they had had a night out,” says Dave. “We were really proud of ourselves for facilitating that.” With the help of funding of $9,900 from Kiama Council and the encouragement of Destination Kiama, the show went on, compered and
co-ordinated from their home in Kiama Heights. “We are really pleased we decided to hold it on the originally scheduled weekend (24-26 April), rather than hold it over as we think we hit peak isolation cabin fever,” says Dave. “Now that restrictions are beginning to ease, people will have more options for socialising.” Following the format of past Festivals as much as they could, an online lantern making workshop by Phil Relf was held on the over 300 people logging on. Saturday saw the emerThursday, with the creative guru streaming live from his gence of a Virtual Main Stage Show with four home. This left time for people to different acts entertaining a largely family audience make their own lanterns to participate in a Zoom parade with clowning, juggling, from their backyards on the unicycling and acrobatics. Performers included last Saturday night. As usual, Friday night was year’s festival favourites Dr. an adults only Kabaret, with Hubble’s Bubbles Show and artists ‘zooming’ in their per- The Pitts Family Circus. formances from Sweden, Las Sunday saw the creation Vegas, Melbourne, Sydney, of a new element, a Family Game Show with prizes Albion Park and Kiama. “It was great to be able to donated by local businesses. As part of the Festival, choose the artists we wanted Spring into a healthierlocal you. visual artists and KISS without having to worry Penny Sudabin and about the logistics of getting • Want to move more & regulars do more? Tim Rushby-Smith created them here,” says Dave. • Planning a new exercise theprogramme? ComPASHion Gallery The only ticketed event, – an the• Kabaret far exceeded its Tired of feeling stiff & sore?online virtual gallery usual capacity audience with of faces and messages from
Festival participants. The Saturday and Sunday events were live-streamed on Facebook and watched from as far afield as USA, Hawaii, UK, Europe and Asia, with a total audience of over 3,500 people. “We can’t wait for next year’s Festival to really capitalise on the extra social media reach we created over the weekend,” says Dave. “Exciting as Virtual KISS was though, there is no substitute for the real thing.” Details: View the live stream shows on the KISS Arts Festival Facebook page. The ComPASHion Gallery is at www.tinyurl.com/ y8zunydx
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Community news Public notice
No land currently zoned E2 Environmental Conservation will be rezoned for residential purposes as part of these Planning Proposals.
Proposed Road Closure under Section 38B Roads Act 1993 In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Kiama Municipal Council proposes to close the Council public road adjacent to the properties listed in Schedule 1.
Kiama Municipal Council is the plan making authority for these Planning Proposals. The Planning Proposals and supporting documentation may be viewed on Council’s website from 4 May 2020 to 30 May 2020.
At the 21 April 2020 Council meeting, it was resolved to repeal Contributions Plan No 5 – Car Parking Contribution – Gerringong & Plan No 6 – Car Parking Contribution – Jamberoo for the following reasons:
Comments on the Planning Proposals are welcome and should be addressed to the General Manager quoting:
Schedule 1: • Lot 8 DP 38283 adjacent to 14 Farmer Street, Kiama; and
• The costs associated with the works included in the works schedule associated with Plans No 5 & 6 have now been recouped
• SC3184 – Lot 2 DP 1018217, Dido Street, Kiama
• Lot 1 DP 1120514 adjacent to 16 Farmer Street, Kiama Upon closure of the road, Council intends to retain the land as operational land and/or sell the land to the adjoining landowner should the adjoining landowner be interested in the acquisition of the land. All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, Kiama Municipal Council, PO Box 75, Kiama NSW 2533, within twenty eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement. Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration. Once the submission period is completed, Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal. Council Ref: Farmer Street Road Closure. Enquiries: Samantha Bell on 4232 0444.
• SC2771 – Lot 3 DP 1018217, Dido Street, Kiama
• The contribution amount currently in place is inadequate to fund the type of car parking infrastructure that may be required in the future; and
• SC2962 – part of Lot 2 DP 805229, Dido Street, Kiama Submissions must be received by 4pm on 1 June 2020. You should clearly state reasons for any objection. Submissions may be included in reports to Council or be publicly available. You must indicate in writing if you wish for your name and address to be withheld. A person who makes a public submission to a council in relation to a planning application made to the council is required to disclose the following reportable political donations and gifts (if any) made by the person making the submission or any associate of that person within the period commencing two years before the submission is made and ending when the application is determined:
Multiple PPs for properties in Dido Street, Kiama – Amend Kiama LEP 2011 by rezoning land from RU1 Primary Production to R2 Low Density Residential Gateway Determinations have been issued to Council to proceed with the exhibition of three Planning Proposals to amend the Kiama Local Environmental Plan 2011 to facilitate residential development on Lot 2 DP 1018217, Lot 3 DP 1018217 and part of Lot 2 DP 805229, Dido Street, Kiama.
(b) all gifts made to any local councillor or employee of that council. A reference in this subsection to a reportable political donation made to a local councillor includes a reference to a donation made at the time the person was a candidate for election to the council.
Development applications
Council received the following activity application.
Council received the following development applications.
20.2020.4.1
10.2020.46.1
LOT: 116 DP: 778781 64 Meehan Drive, Kiama Downs
LOT: 436 DP: 30547 14 Eureka Avenue, Kiama Downs Attached deck LOT: 1 DP: 258741 254 Willowvale Road, Willow Vale
Activity approval
(b) all gifts made to any local councillor or employee of that council. A reference in this subsection to a reportable political donation made to a local councillor includes a reference to a donation made at the time the person was a candidate for election to the council.
Demolition of existing dwelling, construction of new dwelling and wood heater
advised of their submission opportunities under
10.2019.245.1
Chapter 2, Kiama Development Control Plan 2012. Further details on the making of
LOT: 272 DP: 1235808 21A South Kiama Drive, Kiama Heights
submissions can be found on Council’s website
Dwelling, detached garage and storage shed
www.kiama.nsw.gov.au or by ringing 4232 0444
10.2020.25.1
during normal office hours.
LOT: 15 DP: 14188 15 Pacific Avenue, Werri Beach
Council advises that the following Development Consents are now granted.
Demolition of dwelling
DA Tracker now available For details of the latest development applications received, and development consents granted, or to track a DA, scan the QR Code or visit https://da.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Home
LOT: 4 DP: 156317 136A Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
20.2019.28.1
LOT: 0 SP: 91533 134 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
LOT: 812 DP: 216533
Demolition of existing dwelling, construction of residential flat building comprising twelve
Demolition of existing dwelling and construction
Wood heater
(a) all reportable political donations made to any local councillor of that council,
LOT: 274 DP: 14188 57 Werri Street, Werri Beach
Council has issued the following activity approval. LOT: 274 DP: 14188 57 Werri Street, Werri Beach
A person who makes a public submission to a council in relation to a planning application made to the council is required to disclose the following reportable political donations and gifts (if any) made by the person making the submission or any associate of that person within the period commencing two years before the submission is made and ending when the application is determined:
10.2019.244.1
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979,
10.2020.49.1
Comments on the Planning Proposal are welcome and should be addressed to the General Manager quoting SC3374. Submissions must be received by 4pm on 1 June 2020. You should clearly state reasons for any objection. Submissions may be included in reports to Council or be publicly available. You must indicate in writing if you wish for your name and address to be withheld.
lot strata subdivision
In accordance with Section 4.59 of the
Dwelling alterations and additions
The Planning Proposal and supporting documentation may be viewed on Council’s website from 4 May 2020 to 1 June 2020.
residential units, associated parking and twelve
Development consents
10.2020.48.1
Kiama Municipal Council is the Plan-making authority for this Planning Proposal.
• 11 Manning Street (i.e. Council Chambers) – rezone from SP2 Special Infrastructure to B2 Local Centre and increase the permissible building height and floor space ratio; and
applications will be contacted individually and
10.2020.47.1
• Part of 2 Havilah Place (i.e. old retirement village) – increase the permissible building height and floor space ratio
Note: Any ‘reportable political donation’ or ‘gift’ made after lodgement of the application must also be disclosed within seven days of the making of the donation/ gift. Local Government and Planning Legislation Amendment (Political Donations) Act 2008.
detrimentally affected by any of the above
Dwelling
Properties considered by Council to possibly be detrimentally affected by any of the above applications will be contacted individually and advised of their submission opportunities under Chapter 2, Kiama Development Control Plan 2012. Further details on the making of submissions can be found on Council’s website www.kiama.nsw.gov.au or by ringing 4232 0444 during normal office hours.
The Contributions Plan No 5 – Car Parking Contribution – Gerringong & Plan No 6 – Car Parking Contribution – Jamberoo may be viewed on Council’s website: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au
Properties considered by Council to possibly be
LOT: 1201 DP: 1231676 21A Barclay Street, Gerringong
Wood heater
In accordance with section 33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, notice is hereby given of Council’s intention to repeal Contributions Plan No 5 – Car Parking Contribution – Gerringong & Plan No 6 – Car Parking Contribution – Jamberoo.
A Gateway Determination has been issued to Council to proceed with the exhibition of a Planning Proposal to amend the Kiama Local Environmental Plan 2011 in regards to:
Note: Any ‘reportable political donation’ or ‘gift’ made after lodgement of the application must also be disclosed within seven days of the making of the donation/gift. Local Government and Planning Legislation Amendment (Political Donations) Act 2008.
Activity application
• At the May 2019 meeting, Council resolved to endorse the preparation of a new contributions plan framework.
Planning Proposal – Amend Kiama Local Environment Plan 2011 to allow additional residential and commercial development on land at 11 Manning Street and part of 2 Havilah Place, Kiama
(a) all reportable political donations made to any local councillor of that council,
Public exhibitions
Notice of Intention to repeal Contributions Plan No 5 – Car Parking Contribution – Gerringong & Plan No 6 – Car Parking Contribution – Jamberoo
10.2019.201.1 44 Golfers Parade, Kiama Downs of new dwelling
To scan download a QR Code Reader from the App Store or Google Play.
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: Mr K McMurray, General Manager 11 Manning Street (PO Box 75), Kiama 2533 Phone: 4232 0444 Website: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au
R E S PEC T
•
I NTEG R IT Y
•
I N N OVATI O N
The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at 5pm on 19 May 2020 in Council Chambers.
•
TE AMWO R K
The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 5
•
E XC E LLE N C E
Rate relief from page 1
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we can recover some of our financial position this year. “Our net impact of lost revenue and reduced expenses likely to have a detrimental effect on the current budget of $3 million. “It will also have flow-on impact for next year’s budget.” With the aim of kick-starting community infrastructure projects to stimulate the recovery, the NSW Government has announced a $250 million increase in low cost loans to eligible councils, as well as offering principal and interest payment deferrals on existing loans upon request for the next six months. In addition, as councils are not eligible for the Federal JobKeeper support package, the State Government has introduced a three month Council Job Retention Allowance of $1500 per fortnight per qualifying staff. The total allowance is capped at $112.3 million, and will be drawn from the Jobs for NSW fund. $32.8 million has also been allocated to help councils meet increases in the 2020/21 Emergency Services Levy. “We’re currently assessing the details of the stimulus package to determine the implications for Council and our community,” says Mr McMurray. The financial assistance package does not include the call Kiama Council made for the State Government to increase the Financial Assistance grant payment to councils to one per cent, to help them maintain essential functions and services. Council has also called for increased apprenticeship opportunities.
ANZAC spirit shines
Our community took up the challenge of finding other ways to commemorate ANZAC Day this year. “It was pleasing to see so many people standing in their driveways, and placing flags and tributes on their houses,” says the Vice President of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch, Gary McKay. “In a way, not being able to have the service has made people realise how important it is to them and others.” In Gerringong, a family service led by 10 year old KJ Sullivan and his 8 year old sister Cha Cha, was accompanied by bugle calls by Denis Langley on trumpet. It ended with Kevin Sullivan playing his ANZAC tribute song, Pilgrimage.
Mayor Mark Honey laying a wreath at Jamberoo
The Sullivan family conducting a footpath service at Gerringong
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REAL ESTATE NEWS The latest real estate report for the Kiama Municipality
What a year it has been and it is only April!
Property well positioned in Covid-19 comeback
Terry Digger Drought. Bushfires. Floods Managing Partner and now a pandemic. But First National Coast & Country through it all, the Australian character has shone through.
We appear to be entering the recovery phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We will be successful by facing this together
Strong response from Governments and Banks Jason Stalgis
Managing Partner First National Coast & Country
A recent report on Australian residential real estate by CoreLogic says that although activity in the property market has declined, actual values have held up very well.
Responding to each of these crises with swift action, common sense, intelligence, humour and above all, a sense of shared responsibility. I have never been so proud to be an Australian. But despite that, the Covid-19 situation is a real challenge for all of us, with potential illness, markets drying up, economic hardship striking everyone and for us as individuals, our social networks under strain. It is important to remember though, that the drought did finish. The fires were contained and extinguished. The floods did subside, and we will overcome the challenges of this crisis as Australian’s always do. We will roll up our sleeves, knuckle down and make it work.
This data confirms our own experience here in the upper south coast. This follows what was an excellent recovery of values, times on market, auction clearance rates and reduced discounting. The market was near record levels as we entered this challenging time. Governments at every level, have responded by enacting policies to ensure that we as individuals and our economy in general, will to come out of this in the best shape possible, with the strength to pick up where we left off and start to grow again.
The banks and other financial institutions are showing sound business While the current situation has set back market performance, property sense in adapting their policies and loan conditions to fit these excep1911 | Kiama 4232 2888 remains one of the soundest investments for long-termGerringong wealth creation.4234tional circumstances. This special property report looks at real estate performance over the past year and outlines the opportunities we have before us.
We are available to discuss your real estate questions and needs in our Kiama and Gerringong offices, which remain open.
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TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS IN REAL ESTATE Virtual sales aids help buyers view homes
Covid-19 Rent Relief
The latest in virtual reality tools allow buyers to get a detailed view of properties for sale without leaving their own living room. Sellers take note - you may need these marketing tools!
What it means for you ERIN BROWN
Businss Development Manager First National Coast & Country
The NSW Government has announced a $440 million dollar rent relief program. This is in addition to a six month moratorium on evictions for tenants who fall into arrears because of they have lost income due to Covid-19. There have been incredible advances in online visualisation and virtual reality tools that are available to our customers. The illustration above is a virtual staging of an empty property. Staging is normally where we bring in an interior designer to temporarily furnish an empty house to help buyers see the full potential of a property. A virtual staging places 3D furniture over a photograph of the empty rooms using a library of furniture styles. Clever digital designers can match the colour-scheme and room lighting for a very realistic result. Very appealing. Another popular tool is a virtual walk-through of the property. Here our photographic technician snaps a series of photographs of the interior of the home using a special camera that takes a series of high resolution photographs at many points within the property. There are many proprietary systems that can do this, but one of the more powerful is
The $440 million is to be delivered by way of land tax waivers or rebates for landlords.
Talk to us about virtual tools available to you
If you cannot make your residential rent payments because you have lost 25 percent or more of your income because of COVID-19, your landlord must engage in a good-faith negotiation about your circumstances before they can trigger a default on the tenancy or lease.
Where you want to introduce buyers from all over Australia to your property and to show it in the best possible light, then the virtual staging systems and virtual 3D walk-throughs are highly effective - particularly when social distancing regulations remain in place.
A Revolution in Holiday Rentals RachEl MackENzIE
Holiday Property Manager First National Coast & Country
We manage homes from Minnamurra, through Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads. the Matterport Platform. Here the camera is teamed with a cloud-based application running on an iPad. It uploads both the photographs and spatial data about the location and the room dimensions.
Last year we commissioned an advanced webbased software management system to allow bookings from online holiday booking giants like Airbnb, Expedia and Homeaway; as well as taking direct bookings on our own website.
The home photography takes around an hour, depending on the size of the property, and then the data and images are stitched together into an interactive movie that can be viewed on a computer or mobile device.
The system helped us manage things like cleaning and maintenance, as well as taking online payments, automating contracts,
The data tools allow for a 3D “DollsHouse” view of the property to be quickly built up and floor plans can be automatically generated.
The funding will be split evenly amongst property sectors, with $220 million of support provided to both commercial and residential landlords. Upcoming land tax payments will also be deferred for three months
These visual tools range from the simple to the complex, starting with excellent still photography by our experienced professional photographers, to professional videos that capture the full flavour of a property with colour, movement, audio and music.
First National Coast and Country has been providing a holiday rentals management service for local holiday home landlords for several decades.
Simply clicking on a room or doorway will zoom you to that spot and allow you to look around as if you were there.
The rebate is for amounts up to 25 per cent of the rent and business and residential landlords are eligible if they pass the savings to tenants.
First National Coast and Country can offer you a range of visual tools to allow potential buyers or tenant to remotely view your property.
sending property details to holiday makers and a thousand and one other details that go to make a happy and enjoyable stay for holiday makers. It also manages payments to owners. The current Coronavirus lock-down has temporarily made holiday travel difficult, but those restrictions will be eventually lifted. People who have been shut up in their homes for many weeks will be seeking the freedoms and pleasures of the wider world for weekend getaways and longer holidays in our beautiful villages. Our new online system will help us meet this future demand rapidly and efficiently. Its ability to manage cleaning and maintenance schedules will be vital as the restrictions are lifted. For those owners of holiday rental properties who want to discuss their options goingforward, please call me on 4234 1754
COAST AND COUNTRY Meet the team that helped make us an Agency of the Year
Jason Stalgis
Ryan Stalgis
Joe Dignam
Greg Crumpton
Julie Vaux
Terry Digger
Dana Edwards
David Hall
Clair Nunn
Andy Wharton
The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 8
ProPerty Market PerforMance and kIaMa UPdate Kiama has an aboveaverage number of people with university or diploma level qualifications. People inKIAMA KiamaQUALIFICATIONS work principally in the service
The property market in Australia rebounded strongly during the past year, and was set to establish new record highs for property values for both houses and units.
Postgraduate Degree
In the Kiama municipality median home prices for March this year showed a 7.2% year on year increase from five years ago, a growth of 42.5%. KIAMA
Mar-20
Median House
Dec-19
$890,000
7%
Graduate Diploma & Degree
4%
Batchelor Degree
24%
Advanced Diploma ...
17%
Certificate Level
33% 0
Mar-15
5
10
15 20 Percentage
25
30
35
industries, including health care, education and training and accommodation and food services.
$830,000 $624,500
Our rental market remains strong
In the past year ,there were 49 three-bedroom house sales for an average of $800,000 while there were 37 four-bedroom house sales for an average price of $980,000. $1.25m
Commercial Property Update
KIAMA PROFESSIONS
15%
Health Care & Social Assista...
13%
Education & Training
12%
Construction
9% 9% 8%
Public Administration & Safe...
KIAMA HOUSE PRICES - 4BR and All
Accomodation & Food Service... Retail Trade
6%
Professional, Scientific & Ter...
$1.0m $750k
The March quarter rental figures showed a nationwide increase of 1.8% in rents, with Kiama showing an annual increase of 1.9% last year, and 19.6% over the past five years.
$500k 2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
All houses
4 BR houses
The upper south coast remains very popular with buyers, with www.realestate.com reporting Kiama as a “high demand” area with 15% higher interest per home than the national average.
KIAMA Median Rental
38% 37% 17%
Rented
Established Couples & Families Elderly Couples
9%
Older Independents
8%
Maturing & Established Independents
8%
1%
To date, there has been only a slight increase in days on market and vendor discounting.
Independent Youth
7% 5%
The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic were slow to show themselves, but with social distancing measures introduced to stem the spread of the virus, activity in the real estate sector has slowed.
Older Couples & Families
13%
$460
On 7 April, the National Cabinet announced a Mandatory Code of Conduct (Code) for COVID-19 impacted small and medium-sized commercial tenants. Many local businesses have had to close their doors altogether to meet Covid 19 regulations while others have been able to adapt their business model to comply, keeping their employees at work and generating income. Some of our local food outlets have adapted quickly, introducing apps for ordering and employing extra staff for delivery, introducing a new ‘Covid way’ of dining out. Applying The Code of Conduct for rent relief is an ongoing and individual assessment endeavour. Having an experienced commercial representative during these challenging times can be a great asset to both landlords and tenants. The Code presents landlords and tenants with the flexibility to agree on the terms of any variations to their existing commercial leasing arrangements, in line with the stated principles, rather than seeking to provide a one size fits all solution. Contact me on 02 4232 2888 to discuss your commercial property needs or requirements.
Success in Gerringong & Gerroa
First National Coast & Country reinforced its leading position in the Gerringong and Gerroa markets with a number of high-value sales results and recently being awarded Real Estate Agency of the Year by RateMyAgent.
The recovery in the property market was well underway at the beginning of the year, driven by low interest-rates, political stability and more relaxed lending requirements of the banks.
Elderly Singles
14%
$540
Commercial Manager First National Coast & Country
Recent market challenges
The home occupancy shows that couples without children live in about 50% of properties, followed by families with children and single unit families. KIAMA DEMOGRAPHICS 16%
$550
However, we expect some softening in the market as occupancy rates begin to climb and as landlords of temporary holiday rentals switch to long-term rentals.
Kiama’s demographics are instructive to property investors and home buyers. The total population of residents in the Kiama Council district is 23,000, with over 30% of those in the 60+ age group.
19%
Mar-15
Responding to Covid-19, governments have announced financial packages designed to moderate any sudden moves in the domestic and commercial rental markets and to build long-term confidence in the markets.
KIAMA HOME OWNERSHIP Owned Outright
Dec-19
Property analytics firm CoreLogic reports that gross rental yields for quarter one this year “are 4.10 per cent compared to 3.95 per cent in the previous quarter and 3.77 per cent a year ago”.
Home ownership in the Kiama Council district shows an even split between homes owned outright and homes with a mortgage, with a smaller percentage of homes rented.
Owned with a mortgage
Mar-20
SUSAN SPENCE
Maturing Couples & Families Elderly Families Young Families
Coast & Country sold nearly 60% of all property in the Gerringong and Gerroa market, nearly two and a half times that of its nearest competitor.
WE KNOW THE JOY OF A NEW HOME
LOCAL FOR 30 YEARS • Sales • Rentals
• Holiday rentals • FREE appraisals
First National Coast and Country have helped thousands of families move in, move out, trade up and scale down.
Call us. We understand homes.
The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 9
THREE LANDMARK HOME SALES
Property sales that beat the market for Coast & Country customers The property market for the past year showed a steady recovery in both values and numbers on the market. Discounts eased and the number of days on the market decreased while auction clearing rates returned to boom-time levels.
18 PACIFIC STREET - KIAMA
While the current situation has set back market performance, real estate property remains one of the soundest investments for long-term wealth creation. Here are three sales that delighted our vendors with sales values far above market expectations.
WILLOWVALE - GERRINGONG
Pacific Street has long been on the desired location list for Kiama residents and this property had the required aspect and views synonymous with this popular area. Situated on a generous, elevated block and bathed in northerly light, this versatile home was appealing to many potential buyers as it was a desirable “lifestyle property”, in one of Kiama’s best locations. The property was last sold in the 1980s. It’s ideal location, and exceptional presentation rewarded the sellers with a significant return.
One of the most prestigious rural holdings on the South Coast, this wonderfully rich and fertile farming property located within 90 minutes from Sydney CBD was offered to the market for the first time in several generations. Terry took the 68.8-hectare property to the marketplace with a marketing campaign that generated 150 buyer enquiries, with 35 inspections, and 22 contract requests. The historic property Stratford Estate - sold in just 33 days.
PRICE: $1.7 million AGENT: Andy Wharton CONTACT: 0412 638 708
REcENT SALES
152 HEAdLANd dRIVE - GERROA
One of just a small handful of properties on Headland Drive’s waterfront reserve with easy access onto secluded Shelley Beach, a gorgeous north-easterly aspect and breathtaking ocean and headland views. The property last changed hands in 1999. The vendors said: “Thank you for the amazing sale of our house. We are both very happy with the service you provided from our first introduction when you came into our home, we knew then we had found the right man.
“The result exceeded our client’s expectations”.
“You put us both at ease and after two weeks of open house our house was sold”.
PRICE: $4.3 million AGENT: Terry Digger CONTACT: 0417 760 669
PRICE: $2.75 million AGENT: Ryan Stalgis CONTACT: 0423 593 149
RESIDENTIAL PRoPERTIES foR SALE
RESIDENTIAL PRoPERTIES foR RENT
commERcIAL PRoPERTy foR SALE
11 WILLOWBANK PL, GERRINGONG
33 LITTLE CREEK ROAD, BERRY AGENT - Greg Crumpton : $2.2 - 2.4 million
4 Bedroom Executive Living $680 per week
6 DOWNEY STREET, KIAMA
7/20 BONG BONG STREET, KIAMA
87 MERRICK CIRCUIT, KIAMA
22 ELAMBRA PARADE, GERRINGONG AGENT - Julie Vaux : $895,000
103 BLAND STREET, KIAMA Fully furnished, loft style cottage - $390 per week
6/232 SHELLHARBOUR ROAD, WARILLA AGENT - Dana Edwards : $350,000 + GST
AGENT - Julie Vaux : $1,030,000
AGENT: Dana Edwards : $1,100,000
AGENT - Andy Wharton
Gerringong 4234 1911 | Kiama 4232 2888 15 ANEMBO CR, KIAMA HEIGHTS AGENT: David Hall - $890,000
6/41 BANKSIA DRIVE, KIAMA AGENT - Andy Wharton : $570,000 - $590,000
46 HEADLAND DRIVE, GERROA Unforgettable Gerroa views - $595 per week
G6/128 BELINDA STREET, GERRINGONG AGENT - Greg Crumpton : $400,000 ex GST
119 Fern Street GERRINGoNG - 4234 1911 2/110-112 Terralong Street KIAMA - 4232 2888 The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 10
Safe, but connected As with other aged care centres, Blue Haven Bonaira has strict safety measures in place to guard against COVID-19, with staff doing all they can to keep up morale. “While this has meant no visits by family and friends, nor outside activities such as shopping trips or excursions, staff have gone all out to ensure residents remain connected with their loved ones and the wider community,” says Clare Rogers, Council’s Director Blue Haven. “Virtual visits for families have been introduced, with tablets allowing everyone to enjoy seeing and talking to each other.” The Friends have also donated digital pianos for the home, which have already unveiled the talents of one resident, who now keeps everyone entertained most days. The centre’s Lifestyle Team has also helped residents to brighten their balconies, establishing small gardens for them to enjoy and tend to. The staff themselves have also taken on the task of adding some brightness by dressing up and celebrating Wacky Wednesday weekly. At Easter, residents received eggs generously donated by Jamberoo Action Park, and special Easter messages thanks to the Friends of Blue Haven. They were also able to mark ANZAC Day with a small but solemn private service, where a resident lowered the flags to halfmast and laid a wreath. Tributes were also set up in each home, with the live stream of the official service
KEEP
connected. planning. growing. Your Community College is helping you to stay connected and keep growing during these challenging times. That’s why we are offering a range of free online courses in Term 2 for Seniors, Small Business and Job Seekers. Please call us on 4232 1050 or visit our website kcc.nsw.edu.au to find out how we can assist you. A resident enjoys her new courtyard flowers
provided in individual rooms or the lounge areas. Mother’s Day is the next event on the calendar, with a lavish afternoon tea of champagne, punch and chocolate-dipped strawberries, as well as gifts from
the Friends of Blue Haven, being planned. “With all the events of 2020, it’s hard to believe everyone only moved in last December,” says Ms Rogers. Blue Haven Care Home has recently welcomed its
What might have been
With the 250th anniversary of the landing of Captain James Cook in Botany Bay, Mal Bedford has reminded members of the Kiama & District Historical Society the Endeavor sailed past Kiama on 26 April 1770. “Unfortunately Cook and the crew missed the Blowhole, Bombo Beach, Saddleback Mountain and the mouth of the Minnamurra River. The reason being that it was 2am in the morning!” Two days later, Captain Cook and some crew members tried to land a longboat at Woonona. Local Wodiwodi people watched on as the surf prevented the landing. “Had they landed then, they would have found water and fertile soil, as well as a climate as he said later was the best in the world for Europeans to live in. “It makes you think what could have been, Wollongong could have been the first settlement.” The Pilot Cottage has a display of this remarkable voyage in its windows facing Diggies, for those walking by.
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The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 11
vices
Cyclists in danger on Kiama Bends
Councillor Warren Steel has gathered support from other councillors in his campaign to have road shoulder built on two sections of the Kiama Bends, in spite of a lukewarm response Transport for NSW. Both sections are on the northbound side of the Highway, with one just before the top of the first hill, where the shoulder and bicycle lane ends simultaneously. Cyclists are forced into the main traffic lane on a blind corner. The other section is before the Kiama Heights exit, where cyclists again have to use the main traffic lane. “I really believe we need to request state or federal government assistance to immediately rectify this situation before there is a fatality,” says Cllr Steel. In a response to Council, Transport for NSW acknowledged that widening the road at this location would provide safety benefits and alleviate concerns, but said the topography was difficult and the work would be expensive. No funding is currently available. More cyclists will be using the route in the leadup to the L’Etape event in November.
Mayoral column Mayor Mark Honey communicates directly with residents and ratepayers in Kiama at the time, and to improve her knowledge traveled to India on many occasions to further her studies. She developed a love of traveling, touring Australia and overseas, sometimes with a group – at other times backpacking with a friend. Since the lockdown I haven’t seen mum. The COVID-19 measures My wife, Anne, is her daily have certainly changed our contact and has been her lives, especially when it only visitor. Each morning comes to those celebrations Mum phones Anne’s mobile and commemorations that at about 8.30 – she gives we all take for granted. two rings and then hangs up. We’ve learnt to ‘Stay at This lets us know that she Home’ during Easter and is out of bed and has had a mark ANZAC Day from our shower and all is well! own front yards. Fortunately, mum has Now we have Mother’s always been an avid reader Day (Sunday, 10 May). and this has kept her going My mother has always these last few months. been an inspiration to my To keep in touch, the brothers and I throughout family phone mum regularly our lives. but we also have a family During our school years WhatsApp – my brothers, she encouraged scholarship, their wives and all the grandnever pushing but always children – and when Anne supporting. visits mum she is able to Her sportsmanship taught show her what the family us to enjoy sport, and try at has been up to. all times to excel. We have asked all the We learnt from her not to family to post a family photo fear new things. next week – and with the In the 1970’s she became a easing of restrictions we will yoga teacher, a little unusual be able show Mum that all
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is well with the extended Honey family. Whilst hardly a social media guru, I’m pleased that Kiama Council is throwing their support behind the idea of everyone sharing their ‘Mother’s Day Moments’, via whichever social platform they use. I encourage you to post up your ‘Mother’s Day Moments’ with the hashtags: #mothersdaymoments #kiamamums While on Council matters, I want to thank my fellow councillors and staff for working together to produce a COVID-19 financial relief package for our community. The package includes a range of financial relief measures aimed at alleviating financial distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost to Council’s bottom line will depend on how many access the relief package, but could be in the order of $5.9 million. But every single councillor agreed that the relief to the community outweighed the financial loss. You can find out about the relief package at: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au
Along with many things at the moment, the Kiama & District Business Chamber’s 2020 Buy Local Campaign is temporarily on hold. Once restrictions have eased and businesses are able to reopen and trade as normal, we will be relaunching the campaign and extending the closing date. For businesses that have already registered and are still open, any receipts collected now will be eligible for inclusion so please retain them.
Our local businesses need our support now more than ever, so remember to always Think, Shop and Buy Local. We look forward to bringing you the 2020 Buy Local Campaign very soon. In the mean time keep an eye out for businesses displaying the BIG TICK. The BIG TICK is an initiative of the Business Chamber to highlight those businesses that are open even if it is in a reduced or changed capacity and are adhering to the social distancing and health regulations. The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 12
Vale Ken Methold When Ken Methold settled in Kiama, nothing would be the same. Ken was a script writer, TV and movie producer, novelist, playwright, internationally acclaimed creator of over 100 ESL books and the world’s most eccentric Alpaca farmer. While others looked at Kiama and saw beautiful beaches and peaceful hills, Ken looked and saw – Hollywood. And his beady, showbiz, monocled eye fell… on the Kiama Lions. Lions members found themselves performing first in a theatre group, then on radio (producing CDs and MP3 for vision impaired children) and finally, in community movies, all for charity. As Lion Gerry McInerney recalls of A Town like Ours, “Almost all club members
were involved and who will forget the final scene with several hundred extras, parading with police, fire brigade, ambulance and emergency services to the theme music of the previous Olympics.” Who else but Ken… Ken had three great loves: family, showbiz and charity. Charities included the Cancer Council and Amnesty International. He donated the copyright of his ESL books to the Lions, who printed and distributed 52,000 copies to schools in needy countries. He campaigned tirelessly for writers and was a founding member of the Copyright Agency Limited, which tracks and pays vital royalties to over 40,000 Australian artists and writers.
Kiama Community Radio update
It’s only been five weeks since the first meeting to discuss the possibility of starting Kiama Community Radio, and the community is already getting behind the idea. Councillor Neil Reilly has joined the team to help co-ordinate the content, bringing with him his experience and passion for performance. “It’s going to be a great Ken was unstoppable. asset to the community, In his final days he sold particularly right now when the film rights to his last we have been so unexpectnovel. The contract arrived edly disconnected from each on the day he died… And other,” says Neil. there were you, thinking a Deb Langton from Carter little thing like death would Ferguson is helping out with obstruct him… legal advice and discussions Vale Ken. Kiama will are continuing with Kiama never forget you. Community College and Linda Aronson VOX FM. Diana McLaren is working on a website and Facebook page, so that on air content can be supported by online material, intended to broaden the experience through roughly on a dollar for dollar operation.” additional material and basis by Council. The motion to defer information for listeners. “The Hall was built by included a call to set up Bugle readers so far have Jamberoo residents.” a committee of Council proved to be a wealth of unHe refuted claims in a representatives, including tapped skills and experience, report to Council that the councillors, and relevant with technicians, artists and Hall is only used by a small local stakeholders, and for it presenters offering their number of user groups, say- to bring back its findings to assistance along with local ing it was used constantly. the next Meeting. professionals and consul“We have no doubt that The Youth Hall is due tants willing to contribute. Council has good intent in to benefit from around “It is truly going to be a wanting to take over the $300,000 in much needed community effort,” says Jamberoo Youth Hall, and upgrades, as part of the State Founding Committee memthe current caretakers Lesley Government grant funded ber Madeleine Scarfe. and Vic East have indicated improvements to the recretheir wish to retire,” said ation precinct. Details: If you would like to Stuart Richards, also of the It is hoped that the Hall can get involved please email kiamacommunityradio@ Jamberoo Combined Sports be integrated into the overall gmail.com Clubs Inc. project as a multi-purpose “However a suitable local centre for the whole comhas offered to take over munity, with a low cost fee and work with Council to structure to ensure its use by ensure the efficient ongoing various groups.
Hands off our Youth Hall After meeting strong opposition from locals, a proposal by Kiama Council for it to take over the operation and management of the Jamberoo Youth Hall has been deferred until the May Council Meeting. “This facility was built by the community, for the community and we want to make sure the Jamberoo Youth Hall remains an icon in the village for future generations,” said Greg Walsh of the Jamberoo Combined Sports Clubs Inc at Public Access prior to the proposal being considered by councillors. “Funding for the Hall was raised over several years by the Jamberoo Youth Hall Association and it was matched
The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 13
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Writers Festival: online and on steroids Organisers of the inaugural Yarra Valley Writers Festival aren’t going to let a pandemic get in the way of putting on a top class program – instead they’re inviting readers from around the country to attend online, at a fraction of the cost of attending the festival in person. The 11 hour professionally produced Festival, hosted by Michael Veitch, will be
streamed live on Saturday 9 May. The program, curated by playwright Hannie Rayson, includes panelists as notable and diverse as Charlotte Wood, Christos Tsiolkas, Clare Bowditch, Richard Glover and David Williamson. In addition, starting 5 May, there will be umbrella events of Sunday Writerly Sessions, offering satisfying one hour
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Getting through isolation Hot chips from Kiama’s resident anthropologist, Dr Monty Badami
Part 1: The golden rules of ISO Up until recently, I’ve been doing pretty well. I think it is because, my job requires me to spend time with different people, living with them in their communities and learning about how they make sense of life, how they adapt to change, how they remain resilient and survive in the most challenging of circumstances. So, for the most part, I have been watching this hot mess unfold with the eyes of an anthropologist. To quote the Horace Miner, anthropology is about making “the familiar strange and the strange familiar”. It is by looking at the things we take for granted with the eyes of someone completely different that we can make sense of the mundane everyday stuff of life. Whether I’m moving through the beautifully organised flows of traffic at the markets or standing in line in my designated space at Woolies, I can’t help catching myself lifting my head out of the cloud of the new freaking normal. And with a furrowed brow and one eyebrow raised, I hear my inside voice stopping me in my tracks with a metaphorical “What you talking about Willis?” It is amazing how strange this all is. What is even more amazing is how quickly the strange became so familiar without us even really noticing. And I think that is what makes it all so surreal. When I look around our little community, I am inspired by how well we have adapted. And before you say anything, I know
The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 14
how privileged we are to live in this beautiful location, surrounded by a physically distant yet socially connected community. But even in spite of that, I am getting some wicked cabin fever! Happy hour seems to be starting earlier every day (yes that’s right… I said every day… what are you going to do about it?). I resent my wife for going to work (who, by the way is a nurse, so she’s like a total hero!). And even though my kids are just awesome, the sound of their voice makes my blood curdle (OK, so that one has been happening for a while!?). And I’m telling you this because I want you to see me not as an expert, but as a human being, because it is our humanity that is going to get us through all of this. So in this first part of the series, I want to share with you the golden rules of ISO (Isolation). Although I’ll let you in on a little secret, they’re actually the golden rules
of everything… parenting, teaching, adulting, being human… take your pick! 1. The first rule of ISO is DON’T PANIC! 2. The Second rule of ISO is DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY! 3. The Third rule of ISO is GO EASY ON YOURSELF!... nobody is perfect… everybody stuffs up… we’re all just faking it til we make it! And I’m going to invite you over the coming weeks to gaze at this moment of history through the eyes of an anthropologist, accepting difference and embracing imperfection. You see, the fact we are imperfect doesn’t make us failures, it makes us human. The fact we are human is why we need each other. The fact we need each other is why we come together to form communities and cultures. The fact we have cultures and communities is precisely why our species is able to survive.
A competition for our times:
Win some hand sanitiser! While the toilet paper crisis seems largely to be over, hand sanitiser is still hard to obtain.
That’s why we are pleased to offer you the chance to win one of three 500ml bottles of medical grade anti-bacterial hand gel, made in Nowra by Shoalhaven Health Co. Just send an email to buglecompetitions@gmail.com telling us your favourite song to wash your hands to, or just tell us something to make us laugh. Closes 11 May.
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ACROSS 1. Einstein’s theory to do with time and space 5. Name for cooked sheep’s liver (5,3) 10. Rattus Rattus 12. Hatched fly eggs 13. First name of one of three former judges of Masterchef 14. Two babies born at the same time 18. Person born in Scotland 19. Where a family has one
child they are referred to as an ---- child 20. Last name of 2nd wife of King Henry VIII, Mother of Elizabeth I. 21. Making a molehill out of an ------23. Abbreviation of underpants 25. If the ---- fits wear it. Location of Maxwell Smart’s mobile phone. 26. Amount of items in a baker’s dozen
28. Annoy, irritate exasperate, make worse 30. Spiced rice dish that has cooked grains that do not adhere 33. Two of a kind 34. Fall to one’s knees, genuflect 36. Sharp cutting bits on a saw 38. Australia Rugby Union CEO fired in mid April 2020 40. Zodiac sign for people born between August 23 and
Last issue’s solution P
September 22 41. Sweet bell-shaped fruit 42. Food made from R flour, water and salt. Staff of life. 44. Alcohol supermarket owned by Woolworths (3,7) 46. Kiama newspaper which has recently ceased printing 47. 100 runs or years C DOWN 2. Consume food 3. Aust based airline that has gone into administration 4. 1st or last syllable of an Arnott’s chocolate biscuit 6. Tropical island surrounded by lagoon and encircled by a reef 7. Cafe, restaurant; usually licensed 8. Cat 9. Crescent shaped buttery French pastry of Austrian origin 11. Garment for upper body (3,5) 15. Garment for upper body with no sleeves 16. Food produced by bacterial fermentation of milk 17. Sharp section of a knife 20. Americans’ favourite style of headware (8,3) 22. Three babies born at the
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same time 24. First Aust born Gov Gen and first native born GG in all the Dominions (5,6) 27. Alcohol retail chain owned by Coles 29. Aust Rugby League CEO fired in April 2020 30. One who does not believe in your gods 32. Description of chickens who forage outside 35. Pants that were sometimes blue and/or denim 37. Precursor to AIDS (1,1,1) 39. Internet conferencing tool in much use at present 43. Lots of this will break a drought 45. Japanese currency
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Crossword compiled by Steve Law
Death notice
Marjorie Joan Curll 15.5.1939 – 25.4.20
Passed away peacefully aged 80 years. Born in Ballina. Lived the last 25 years in Kiama. Beloved wife of John. Loved mother and motherin-law of Stephen, Kellie, Marcela and Ron. Proud and loved grandmother of Jesse and Teaghan. Sister to Ken (deceased), David and Yvonne (deceased). Survived by her dearest life-long friend Janice. Loved by her neighbours and many friends in Kiama. Forever in our hearts.
Financial assistance is available for individuals, sole traders, and small businesses and their employees. Information on help for businesses can be found at: www.business.gov.au or call 13 28 46
I know there is a lot of angst in our community following the impact of the recent bushfires and now coronavirus.
The latest health and general advice can be found at: www.health.gov.au or the Coronavirus Health Information line on 1800 020 080
Our community has been hurting for months and I want to ensure local people do not get forgotten, but I know that many local people are having difficulty understanding the available support.
NSW Health’s 24 hour hotline Health Direct on 1800 022 222 www.australia.gov.au
We all need to play our part in slowing the spread of this virus, so please continue to follow the social isolation rules and stay home unless absolutely necessary.
www.nsw.gov.au
www.treasury.gov.au/ coronavirus/businesses or call 1800 020 008
This is a very difficult time for many of us. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Information on help for individuals and families can be found at:
Stay safe, follow the guidelines and wash your hands regularly.
www.dss.gov.au or call 132 850 www.my.gov.au or call 13 23 07 for your online services portal
If you are having any trouble accessing the available support, please don’t hesitate to contact my office on 4423 1782 or email Fiona.Phillips.MP@aph.gov.au
Visit my website for further details. WWW.FIONAPHILLIPS.COM.AU
FIONA PHILLIPS MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GILMORE
FIONAPHILLIPS.COM.AU
(02) 4423 1782
The Bugle 2 May 2020 • Page 15
Fiona Phillips MP @fiboydphillips
WWW.FIONAPHILLIPS.COM.AU 02 4423 1782
3/59 Junction Street Nowra NSW 2541 1/6-8 Orient Street Batemans Bay NSW 2536
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On Your Side. A range of measures have been announced to address the impact of coronavirus across our community, but things are changing rapidly.
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Coronavirus COVID-19
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Authorised by Fiona Phillips, ALP, 3/59 Junction Street Nowra
Blue Haven Lament
Postcard home Greetings from lock down in a French village. What strange times we are experiencing. Five weeks ago, I wore a mask in the supermarket and everyone looked at me strangely. Now, not wearing a mask makes you the odd one out. France has been in government imposed lock down for 6 weeks now. Before one leaves the house, an attestation, declaring your reason for being outside, must be completed. A new one for every excursion out. The valid reasons are limited and relate to work, caring for aged of infirm family members, shopping (one person per shopping trolley) and exercise, which must be taken within a 1km radius of your residence. Little has changed in the village except there is even less vehicle traffic. Everyone is observing social distancing when they meet on the street, and we all honour a two metre distance barrier in our local shops. Or we just wait outside until its our turn. The queues still back up while our baker lady takes her time to chat until every customer has said what they
Thanks to the wonderful author of this poem, who sent it to us to publish anonymously.
We didn’t mind the change of pace Because our lives were full But to bury us before we’re dead Is like red rag to a bull!
I’m a very social person I love to meet my mates But lately with the virus here So here you find me stuck inside We can’t go out the flamin’ For 4 weeks, maybe more gates. I finally found myself again You see, we are the ‘oldies’ Then I had to close the door! now It didn’t really bother me We need to stay inside If they haven’t seen us for a I’d wile away the hour I’d bake for all the family while But I’ve got no bloody flour! They’ll think we’ve upped and died.
want to say. It’s always a good wait in the butcher too, because every piece of meat is cut to the individual’s order – bacon and ham, and beef parmentier or dauphine potates included. You want mince? A large piece of beef is taken from the glassed cabinet, cubed and then fed through the mincer. Hamburger patties? The same applies, but a different machine. This one produces perfect large round lean burgers, which tolerate cooking rare. Free range eggs are bulk in a basket on the counter top – now behind a plastic screen.
We have lost our weekly market, but a profusion of farm gates sellers has appeared offering everything from fresh asparagus and walnuts, to sheep’s milk yogurt and cheese and seedlings for the veggie garden. We are fortunate to have a large house, so we can spend an entire day not coming together until apero time. We also have a lovely garden that is just bursting into spring life. We keep ourselves well occupied and are quite content. These are very challenging times and it’s so important we check on our friends and
neighbours. As the days get longer and the early evenings warmer, we sit out in the garden and watch the sun setting in a strangely quiet, pink sky, completely absent of the busy criss-cross of vapour trails – a constant in previous years. Lesley Matheson-Smith, Belpech
Now Netflix is just wonderful They’ll never know the things I like a gutsy thriller I’m swooning over Idris we did Or some random sexy killer. Before we got this old There wasn’t any Facebook At least I’ve got a stash of So not everything was told. booze We may seem sweet old ladies For when I’m being idle Who would never be uncouth There’s wine and whiskey, But we grew up in the 60s – even gin If I’m feeling suicidal! If you only knew the truth!
There was sex and drugs and So let’s all drink to lockdown To recovery and health rock ‘n roll And hope this bloody virus The pill and miniskirts Doesn’t decimate our wealth. We smoked, we drank, we partied We’ll all get through the crisis And were quite outrageous And be back to join our mates flirts. Just hoping I’m not far too If you’d like to share your wide travel story from Then we settled down, got somewhere you’ve been married To fit through the flamin’ at some time, send your gates! And turned into someone’s postcard home (even if mum, you got back a long time wife, then nana, ago) to emailthebugle@ Somebody’s Gerringong 4234 1911 | Kiama 4232 2888 Who on earth did we become? gmail.com
2/110-112 Terralong Street KIAMA - 4232 2888 119 Fern Street GERRINGONG - 4234 1911
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