The Bugle 30 May 2020 by The Bugle Newspaper

The Bugle 30 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

Year of challenge for new Gilmore MP When Fiona Phillips was elected the Member for Gilmore last May, the national spotlight was on her for bringing home the only Labor win across the country. In the normal course of events, a new MP’s first year is a steep learning curve, especially when the seat has been in the hands of another party for such a long time. It didn’t take long for the steep learning curve to become a roller coaster ride. By the end of 2019, Gilmore was again one of the epicentres of national attention in the bushfire emergency. Ironically, before the fires, one of Ms Phillips’ main focuses was fighting for more support for local farmers battling the big dry. “They couldn’t apply for the drought assistance loans, even though it was simple to see they were struggling with the drought,” she says.

“I chased and chased, and finally had a win on that many months later when they finally listened to how bad it was. “The severity of the bushfires proved our point in the worst possible way.” During the bushfires, she was on the ground every day, visiting staging areas and fire control centres. “I always focused on providing support and help where I could, bringing requested supplies ranging from gatorade to aeroguard,” she says. “You’ve got to support people through it, and that is the most

Given the circumstances in her electorate, Ms Phillips has delayed the formal announcement of Federal funding for a variety of community projects until now. She has recently announced the following Kiama organisations have been successful in receiving funding for their projects: ▪ $37,000 to the Kiama Show Society – awarded under the AgShow Program ▪ $3,500 for Landcare Illawarra – awarded under the Communities Environment Program ▪ $2,500 to Kiama Council for the microplastics survey – awarded under the Communities Environment Program ▪ $7,260 to Kiama Tennis Club – awarded under the Stronger Communities Programme ▪ $8,250 to Kiama Surf Club - awarded under the Stronger Communities Program. In addition, $72,397 was awarded to Kiama Meals on Wheels in April (see page 7), and $76,848 to Kiama Council under the Black Spot Program in March.

Get ready for Library Express p 3

New home sought for reverse vending in Gerringong p3 Cycling siblings look forward to local L’Etape p 3

Continued on p 12

Latest Federal funding

Inside this issue

Fiona Phillips with Committee members of the Kiama Tennis Club, Bob Morgan, David Graham and Ann Boulton. The Club received $7,260 to help with its court resurfacing.

Gerringong RSL Hall centenary preparations p 5

Council budgeting for $1 million deficit next year Kiama Council’s draft operational plan, on exhibition until 23 June, shows a budget deficit of $980,000 for the next financial year, after a COVID-19 related net loss for 2019/20 of just under $1.5 million. “If we hadn’t reduced our operating expenses in the last quarterly budget review by $1.5 million, our loss for

this financial year would have been about $3.4 million,” says Council’s General Manager, Kerry McMurray. To keep the deficit at this level, he has had to significantly cut the amount of new capital works proposed for the coming year. “We have $1.5 million of unfunded capital works that will potentially have to

be rolled over into the next financial year,” he says. The biggest item of these works are proposed road resealings. In contrast, money has been allocated for asset renewal, a strategy Mayor Mark Honey approves of as it will keep the standard of community assets up to

Double the demand for Kiama Meals on Wheels p7

Continued on p 4

Did you know...

Around 18,000 children and young people are in Out of Home Care in NSW. We need your help. 1300 000 WCF wcfoundation.org.au

Enquire about becoming a foster carer today.

Kiama Library reopens Re-Open For In-House Dining! $10 Fish & Chips every Wednesday Thursday Pasta Night 72 Manning St Kiama P: (02) 42330572 E: reservations@silicakiama.com.au W: www.silicakiama.com.au Like us on Facebook and Instagram for any daily specials!

Council’s Manager Library Services, Michelle Hudson, is looking forward to welcoming people back to Kiama Library again. “We’ve been closed to the public for eleven weeks, and people have been accessing our books via other means,” she says. “I’m not sure what the demand will be to visit, but we are hoping that people will come in, select their books and leave. “We are calling it Library Express.” The space can accommodate 30 people, in addition to staff, so numbers will be monitored. “We are asking people who are unwell not to come into the Library. Give us a ring and we can drop some books off,” she says. The existing Home Library service came into its own during the lockdown, with

many more people who were unable to leave their homes having their books delivered and collected by Council staff. The introduction of the Click & Collect service was very popular, with people ordering their books online or by phone and collecting them themselves. “We were kept so busy with Click & Collect we didn’t have time for some other projects on our list,” says Use of the Library’s extenMs Hudson. sive eBook resources also “It was a great success, but went up dramatically. we are phasing it out now To coincide with the restrictions have lifted.” reopening, the Library is introducing the Kiama Library app as an interface for all its services. “During the closure we’ve been working on the development of the app to meet our needs,” says Ms Hudson. “As part of it, we will be one of the first libraries in Australia that will be allowing people to check out their

Wagyu beef direct from our paddock to your plate Schottlanders is open for business! Buy your farm-fresh meat directly from us. Our Wagyu cattle are all grass-fed and free-range.

own books.” People will also be able to access the catalogue and book into programs, like talks and children’s sessions, once they are being offered again. As a safety precaution, all returned books will continue to be quarantined for three days before going back on the shelves. Details: The Kiama Library app is available for download from your usual app store.

The Bugle

MEAT AND SAUSAGES ALL PRODUCED AND PACKED ON THE PREMISES. 100% WAGYU PIES AND SAUSAGE ROLLS ALSO AVAILABLE.

Go to the Orders page at www.schottlanderswagyu.com.au or call 0408 245 212

Editor: Cathy Law 0412 415 101 Advertising: Steve Law 0428 662 499

Schottlanders Wagyu 96 Rose Valley Rd Gerringong

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.

Covid 19 rules are stringently applied. Plenty of room for social distancing.

NOW OPEN

6AM - 10PM 365 DAYS 4/45 ROLINS RD, GERRINGONG

Gerringong now has a clean, modern & eco-friendly coin-operated laundry, offering: large machines suitable for commercial work super-fast dryers ATM and note to coin machine laundry powder dispenser big-screen TV, free wifi and free device charging.

Multi task by using our DIY dog wash for your furry friends. The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 2

Gerringong needs Cycling siblings new home for look forward to reverse vending The South Precinct has been charged with finding a replacement home for the reverse vending machine, after the May Council Meeting voted for the removal of Gerringong’s existing machine from Jubilee Park (Mick Cronin Oval). Council staff had recommended renewing the licence to the operator, Tomra Collections, for another year after judging that the incon-

and the trial clearly didn’t work for nearby residents. “It is a very noisy facility and generates a lot of traffic. “We had trucks roaring up the street three or four times a day, and two or three of those times they would be emptying full skip loads of glass. “The noise is incredible. On a still day, it’s been heard as far away as Greta Street.” He says you have to live

staying there. Their cause was championed by Councillor Mark Westhoff, despite his association with the local Lions Club, which raised $35,000 through the machine last year. “It comes down to the fact it is an industrial facility that shouldn’t be in suburbia,” he says. “I wouldn’t like to live near it, so I had to look after those that do.” Mr McGroder says it is going to be hard to find somewhere else to put it in Gerringong, with Council already ruling out many other locations that it controls. The upper car park at Boat Harbour is the most likely spot at the moment, but Mr McGroder has his doubts about its suitablity. “I don’t think it would work for residents because of the truck traffic up and David McGroder and Councillor Mark Westhoff down that narrow street, and venience to nearby residents across the road to understand the risk of associated rubbish was outweighed by the bene- its full impact. ending up in the ocean.” fit to the community. “I didn’t think much about Both Mr McGroder and However councillors were it when it first went in, but Cllr Westhoff agree the best swayed by the representait just got busier and busier location for it would be on tions of residents, including when the one in Berry closed. suitable private land in an David McGroder, that the “I support the concept of industrial area. facility was not suitable so reverse vending and use it Council received $11,000 close to housing. myself, but the facilities a year rent for locating the “I know a lot of people shouldn’t be in residential facility on its land. will be disappointed in this areas. During the debate, Coundecision as the site was “This is community land, cillor Matt Brown stressed convenient for not only and yet it is being used for a his original opposition to the Gerringong residents but commercial purpose.” facilities, saying he predicta lot of other people and Mr McGroder was one of ed the problems that would organisations from the surten residents who lodged be associated with them. rounding areas who used this submissions against renewCouncil has to give one facility,” he says. ing the lease. There were no month’s notice for the facili“It was put there as a trial submissions in favour of it ty to be removed.

local L’Etape

Curtis and Amelia Trkulja still can’t quite believe that Australia’s Tour de France event is going to come by the top of their street. Thanks to Kiama Council paying their entry fees, the talented pair will be riding in the event with their heroes. “It is going to be really exciting to ride beside Amanda Spratt,” says Amelia. Curtis is looking forward to being around the elite Australian road teams he looks up to. “It’s going to be awesome!” The pair have been track and road cycling competitively since Curtis was six and Amelia was ten, and have been successful in gaining Illawarra Academy

The official map for the race on Saturday 28 November. Roads will be closed on a staged basis as the 6000 competitors pass by.

KIAMA, NEW SOUTH WALES – AUSTRALIA

of Sport Cycling 136KM Scholar(Elevation +2,770M) national events to mention, Saturday 28 November ships every year since they 2020 and have already shown the qualified at 13. She is now talent and dedication to realNEW SOUTH WALES 16 and he’s 15. ise their goals of representThey have won or were ing Australia one day. Continued on p6 placed in too many state and Wongawilli

Koonawarra

Penrose

B73

Glenquarry 15

• Local Government & Administration • Property & Conveyancing • Wills & Estates • Intellectual Property • Litigation • Commercial Law & Business • Environmental & Planning Law • Family Law

 1300 235 345

 cflegal.com.au

 info@cflegal.com.au

The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 3

Haywards Bay

Calderwood

A48

Lake Illawarra

Marshall Mount

Mount Murray

Kangaloon

B73

Macquarie Pass

Wingecarribee Reservoir

A48

Lake Illawarra

Avondale

Shellharbour

100

A48

Robertson

Burrawang

A48

Tongarra

Albion Park

A48

B73

Dunmore 9

Avoca

Curramore

Fitzroy Falls Reservoir

Knights Hill

Wildes Meadow

Jamberoo Mountain Road

Fitzroy Falls

125 9

Jamberoo

KIAMA

Fountaindale Road

Manning St

Barren Grounds Saddleback Mountain B73

Col de Fitzroy

Saddleback Mountain

Bellawongarah

7 7

11.6 km - 4.4 %

Browns Mountain

Tourist Road

Cambewarra Village

Bomaderry

Bolong

er Shoalhaven Ri v Terara

SHoalhaven Shoalhaven Heads Numbaa Island

West Nowra

2 km

KanangraBoyd National Park

Coolangatta Kurrajong Island

800 m 600 m 400 m 200 m 0m

SYDNEY

Blue Mountains National Park

Back Forest

Longreach

Climb Category 25

Crooked River Road

Meroo Meadow

North Nowra

Watersleigh

Climb Category Bamarang

Jaspers Brush

B73

The Race (136 km) Start of KOM

Fern Road

Start

KOM

Toolijooa

Tasman Sea B73

Village

Broughton

Berry Mountain

Beaumont

Finish

Berry

Princes Highway

Gerringong

Broughton Village Broughton Vale

Kangaroo Valley Road

B73

Illaroo

Rose Valley Willow Vale

B73

Moss Vale Road

Budgong

Kiama Heights

Foxground

Woodhill

Wattamolla

Kangaroo Valley

South Kiama Dr.

4.3 km - 8.8 %

Budderoo National Park

6.7 km - 8.5 %

EXPERIENCE THE TOUR DE FRANCE IN AUSTRALIA

With locations in Nowra, Berry, Gerringong, Kiama, Fairy Meadow and Wollongong. Carter Ferguson is a dynamic local law firm with extensive experience providing legal services within the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and greater New South Wales area. We provide clear, practical solutions to our clients.

Berkeley SYDNEY Kanahooka Dapto

Horsley

Dapto

Numbaa

Worrigee Brundee

Wollongong Lake Illawarra

Comerong Bay Shoalhaven Heads 25 km

#LetapeAUSTRALIA

KIAMA

Council’s draft budget

New members for Cultural Board

Three dynamic and involved Glass artist Olivia Gates community members have is about to complete her secbeen appointed to the Kiama ond degree at the Australian community expectations. Cultural Board, at a time National University School “There hasn’t been a of Art and Design, having significant cut on that side of when funding for the long awaited Arts Precinct is also studied overseas at the the budget [$11.7 million is hoped to be obtained as part Alberta University of the being allocated]. Arts in Canada, the Corning “I have to compliment the of the COVID-19 stimulus initiatives. Museum of Glass (New staff for running the budget With a 1st Class Honours York State, USA) and the the way they have.” degree Bachelor of Fine Pilchuck Glass School in Mr McMurray is keen to Arts, Megan Seres has Washington State. stress that the savings have She is keen to use the come from hundreds of cost worked in the arts industry perspective that her overcutting measures, rather than for over twenty years. She is a visual artist and is seas travels have given her cutting Council’s operations. best known for her portrai- to encourage young people “We will certainly be running very lean, but at this ture work, as the 2016 win- in Kiama to pursue their stage there will be no reduc- ner of the Moran Art Prize. passion in the arts. tion in any of the services or programs that Council currently delivers.” The expected loss means Council will not meet the Fit for the Future operating performance ratio, although the other ratios will be met. “We will still be recovering from the impact of Spring into a healthier you. COVID-19 in next year’s • Want to move more & do more? budget,” he says.

from page 1

After a long career in international finance, Graeme Gherashe now works freelance and has focused on working and giving his expertise pro-bono to the arts and culture sector in Australia, including the Australian Arts Orchestra, the Australia Council for the Arts, the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) Magabala Books, Hayes Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Country Arts SA, and the National Association for the Visual Arts).

Extra parking in sight

• Planning a new exercise programme?

National Training Masters Third Term Courses 2020 Enrolling now for Kiama Training Centre

• Tired of feeling stiff & sore?

Face to Face classes are OPEN with Covid-19 social distancing measures in place here at NTM

TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment 1 day per week for 18 weeks Wednesday 9am – 4pm July to Dec 2020 Classes start 29 July 2020 BSB42015 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management 1 evening per week over 6 months July to Dec 2020 Tuesday 5pm – 8pm Classes start 28 July 2020

Your Local Dental Team • Kiama

Our services include sedation using Relative Analgesia.

NSW Government Smart and Skilled funding may be available for eligible students

Call 1300 653 501 to enrol today! RTO CODE: 91284

4233 0926

Offering maximal care & minimal intervention to ensure your oral health.

BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety 1 day per week for 18 weeks Tuesday 9am – 4pm July to Dec 2020 Classes start 28 July 2020

www.ntm.edu.au

Kiama Council’s Director The larger car park will be significant amount of earthEngineering & Works, Mike set on terraced levels, and an works, and other challenges, Dowd says the Gerringong extra entrance and exit will which means the car park CBD will have increased be provided at the southern south of Figtree Lane will be We’re here to support your parking space this summer, end of Figtree Lane. closed during construction. spine andtojoint health. The work is scheduled to with upgrades the Figtree A traffic management plan Lane car park, near the IGA. commence after the comple- will be developed to ensure Taylor C hirop raparking ctic Kand iama The upgrades will see 24 tion of the new Gerringong access for Street,upgrades Kiama are more spaces added to the Library and Museum in1/89 Manning deliveries.The current car park, as well August, to reduce disruptions expected to take two months, as improvement in traffic and loss of parking. www.taylorchiropractic.com.au and be completed before the arrangements. The upgrades involve a busy summer season.

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

www.keithlester.com.au

The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 4

RSL Hall centenary in 2021 The names on the external and internal walls of the Gerringong RSL Hall are a roll call of the village’s long-standing families – the Nobles, the Sharpes, the Johnsons, the Weirs, the Millers and the Campbells to name but a few. Designed by Sir Henry Parkes’ son, Varney, in 1921, the Hall has played an important role in the social history of the village ever since. As the centenary of its opening approaches in November 2021, the Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch has commissioned a history to be written, and is seeking the community’s help through the sharing of memories, photos or other memorabilia. “Robyn Florence has written a number of local histories, and we are delighted she is going to do this for us,” says the Sub-Branch’s President Michael O’Leary. The distinctive building, acknowledged as one of the best examples of its kind,

Notice of Public Exhibition of amendments to the Kiama Community Participation Plan 2019 At the 21 May meeting, Council endorsed the amendments to the Kiama Community Participation Plan (CPP) 2019 for public exhibition. The CPP outlines how and when Council engages with the community across their planning functions. The draft amendments to the CPP may be viewed on Council’s website www.kiama.nsw.gov.au from 30 May to 29 June 2020. Public submissions on the draft CPP are welcome and should be addressed to the General Manager quoting SC3286. Public submissions must disclose if the author has made any political donations of gifts to minimise any perception of undue influence. The public submission should clearly state reasons for any objection or support. Public submissions may be included in reports to Council or be made publicly available. You must indicate in writing if you wish for your name and address to be withheld. Public submissions need to be received by 4pm on 29 June 2020.

Draft Operational Plan 2020-21 Public Exhibition In accordance with Section 405 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council has prepared the draft Operational Plan and supporting documentation for 2020-21, comprising of:

was built in three months by the Repatriation Committee. It was used as an office for Gerringong Council up until 1945, when the RSL bought it from them. “It was a real social hub for the community, with many celebrations being held here,” says Michael. “A lot of local families have a long association with the Hall, and we need them to come back with stories. “We are also working with

Helen McDermott of the Gerringong & District Historical Society and the Red Cross, as they have a great history here as well.” In addition to the history of the Hall, the book will also include stories of the local people who served in the Second World War and subsequent campaigns. This will be a follow up to Names on the Wall, which documents those who died in the First World War.

Michael O’Leary, Wesley Hindmarsh and Jeff McCLenaughan, the Committee of the Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch

“We invite the families of peoples whose names are mentioned on our honour rolls to provide us with any information they can,” says Michael. Details: You can contact the Sub-Branch by emailing gerringongrsl@bigpond.com

Operational Plan 2020-21 & Delivery Program 2017-21

Revenue Policy 2020-2021

Fees and Charges 2020-21

Budget 2020-21

The draft documents are on public exhibition until 4pm, Tuesday 23 June and are available on Council’s website: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au Written submission on these draft documents are invited from the public and should be forwarded to the General Manager, PO Box 75, Kiama 2533, or via email: council@kiama.nsw.gov.au. Council will be considering the submissions at its Extraordinary Meeting to be held at 5:00 pm on Tuesday 30 June 2020, to adopt the Operational Plan and associated documents. Written submissions close at 4:00 pm on Tuesday 23 June 2020 Please note that 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).

Community news Activity applications

Development applications

Council received the following activity applications.

Council received the following development applications.

20.2020.5.1

10.2020.57.1

LOT: 347 DP: 30547 39 Eureka Avenue, Kiama Downs Wood heater

LOT: 1 DP: 781177 72 Collins Street, Kiama Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

20.2020.6.1

LOT: 639 DP: 31323 31 Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs Attached dual occupancy and two lot strata subdivision

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.

10.2020.58.1

LOT: 989 DP: 236616 9 Merindah Avenue, Kiama Downs Wood heater

Development consents

In accordance with Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Council advises that the following Development Consents are now granted.

10.2020.59.1

10.2019.239.1

LOT: 308 DP: 1072115 14 Frolic Street, Gerringong Erection of dwelling to create dual occupancy and two lot Torrens title subdivision

20.2020.7.1 LOT: 265 DP: 720070 Crooked River Road, Gerroa LOT: 264 DP: 720070 107 Crooked River Road, Gerroa LOT: 2 DP: 1051317 107 Crooked River Road, Gerroa Operate caravan park

LOT: 15 DP: 39393 23 Noorinan Street, Kiama Dwelling alterations and additions, swimming pool and associated deck

10.2020.60.1

10.2020.21.1

LOT: 4 DP: 1181744 25 Surfleet Place, Kiama Dwelling

LOT: 429 DP: 30547 28 Eureka Avenue, Kiama Downs Use of existing deck

10.2020.61.1

10.2020.37.1

LOT: 81 DP: 751292 1615 Jamberoo Mountain Road, Knights Hill Chicken coop

LOT: 6 and 7 SEC: 24 DP: 758563 22 King Street, Kiama Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

10.2020.62.1

10.2020.45.1

LOT: 155 DP: 865465 67 Burnett Avenue, Gerringong Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

LOT: 65 DP: 30200 17 Flinders Avenue, Kiama Downs Proposed deck and demolition of existing deck

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: (02) 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 23 June 2020 in Council Chambers.

•

TE AMWO R K

The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 5

•

E XC E LLE N C E

In the schoolground

DESIGNER KITCHEN STUDIO Complete joinery fit outs | Custom flat packs | Free quotes

2534dks@gmail.com Showroom & Workshop 4202 5482 6/11 Bergin Street, Gerringong

www.designerkitchenstudio.com.au

 Custom built homes with a solid concrete exterior  Thermally efficient  Easily adaptable to meet bushfire requirements  Faster build times with no compromise on quality

0409 622 175

www.illawarraprecasthomes.com.au

Lifts for Life. Simple Lift Solutions

Stay in your own home with our Smart Home lift

On Monday Kiama High School welcomed students back to face to face learning. It is great to hear the chatter and laughter of students moving about the school once again. Things are nowhere near normal as we cannot run excursions yet and we continue to have in place enhanced safety and hygiene practices to ensure our focus remains on keeping our school community safe. Over the last six weeks of students learning remotely we have been very well supported by families working together with teachers to engage students online. Our teaching staff have been fabulous; creating resources, meeting with their class in the virtual world and checking in on those who need a little extra support. It has been a real team effort. Online learning has also provided the impetus to further develop our Bring your Own device (BYOD) Program. Staff and students have had a steep learning

curve in effectively using ICT tools. We cannot let this opportunity be wasted and will build on the knowledge we have gained. Our P&C had a wellattended Zoom meeting which was focussed on how our school is managing in all areas including our P&Crun canteen. This meeting provided clear information for all attendees and worked very effectively. It may be

a regular feature during the cold winter months! To demonstrate our innovation regarding regular events that cannot proceed as normal we invited staff and students drop in to a space in the library to launch Reconciliation Week. People came come together to share an Acknowledgement of Country by creating paintings, drawings or signs, creating photo and video messages

to be uploaded as part of Reconciliation Australia’s live virtual event. During this time Kiama High School students have also contributed to community events. Year 11 student Emma Davison’s performance on Sea Tunes, stream by the sea, was very entertaining and shows that she is a versatile young performer.

Catherine Glover, Principal

Cycling siblings look forward to local L’Etape from page 3 The official route for the grueling 135 km race, which features 2,770m of elevation, has recently been released, and registrations are now open. Starting in Kiama, the race will travel along the coast to Shoalhaven Heads, then west to Berry, Kangaroo Valley and Fitzroy Falls, before heading back to Kiama via Robertson, Jamberoo and Saddleback Mountain. Florent Malézieux, L’Étape Australia Race Director,

says, “The course is compact and challenging, perfect for experienced riders who want to push themselves or for riders who recently took up cycling and want to set themselves a late year challenge.” Amelia and Curtis are looking forward to having a home town advantage. “Getting to race on the roads we train on most days will be amazing,” says Amelia. “It will be a great not having to worry about cars.”

While she is the better on the flats, Curtis is a hill climb fanatic. “I love climbing up Berry Mountain and Barrengary,” he says. “Local knowledge will definitely help on the climbs, as I’ll know where to pace myself and where to really go hard.” The route for an 80km ride – an abridged version of the race with just one of the three climbs – will be released shortly.

L’Étape Australia by Tour de France will be held on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November. It will be an important event to support the region’s recovery from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic by attracting overnight visitors who will spend with local businesses. The race will be covered on SBS and is expected to attract worldwide attention. Details: www. letapeaustralia.com

Supporting Seniors to Stay at Home

; Three sizes of fully enclosed car to choose from – including wheelchair suitable - in a choice of 200 great colours

; Runs on standard power, with emergency phone, motion sensor plates & battery backup ; Building works included ; The fully automatic lifts are manufactured in Europe from Quality European Parts ; We are the Illawarra’s only local lift company.

FREE in-home consultation service Call 1800 695 438 or email sales@lifts4life.com.au 1/28 Shaban St, Albion Park Rail

Personalised in-home care for seniors that is dignified, reliable & relationship-led. We offer solutions that are tailored to individual needs, from companionship, to dementia care and home help. HomeInstead.com.au | Wollongong, Kiama & Shoalhaven | Ph: 02 4295 6829 The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 6

Kiama Meals on Wheels: double demand, less hands ABOUT REAL ESTATE SALES AND VALUES REMAIN STEADY Terry Digger

Managing Partner First National Coast & Country

Over the past month, sales and values of properties have remained steady with the real estate data firm CoreLogic, reporting an increase in preliminary auction clearance rates above 70% with increases in volumes. This has also been our experience at First National Coast & Country, where we have seen steady demand and good sales results. 2020 was always going to be special for Kiama Meals on Wheels, as members of the community-run organisation were looking forward to celebrating its 50th year. Circumstances have overtaken those plans for the time being, with the Management Committee acting swiftly to ensure the continuation of the service at time of great need. “We’ll get around to celebrating some time, and it will be bigger and better – we just don’t know when,” says Kiama Meals on Wheels’ Manager, Joanne North. The service introduced strict COVID procedures back in late February, well ahead of other organisations. In late March, they made the decision to let their 310 volunteers take a break so that new systems could be brought into play.

“Some people might not have understood the urgency at the time, but the Management Committee realised that we needed to stop and reassess the way we were doing things. “The concern was that quite a lot of our clients have compromised immunity and were extremely vulnerable, so the less people going into their homes the better. “The only way to do it was minimise the amount of people doing the work, and to introduce a contactless delivery system.” At the same time, they were determined not to lose the social interaction and welfare checks that are an integral part of their service. Apart from working closely with family members, carers and other in-home service providers, Kiama Meals on Wheels has been keeping in touch with its clients by

Joanne North (centre) with members of the Meals on Wheels team, Amanda Corbyn and Angela Prasser

phone to make sure they are alright. “It has been a coordinated approach to make sure no one falls through the safety net,” says Ms North. As part of the streamlining of the service, clients are now receiving frozen meals rather than hot ones. Emergency relief funding from the Federal Department of Health has financed new freezers and paid for drivers. The extra resources were needed with Kiama Meals on Wheels now providing twice as many meals as it did earlier in the year. “Not only have our existing clients increased the number of meals they need so they don’t have to go out, but our client numbers have gone up by 20 per cent,” says Ms North. She is well aware that

many of their volunteers are ready and able to come back to work, but she wants to take things slowly to protect both the clients and the volunteers. “The hardest decision is how do we transition our volunteers back into the workplace and keep everybody safe at the same time? “Some of our volunteers have been with our service for the whole 50 years, and are still going strong. “I am really looking forward to getting the volunteers back on deck, but we need to be cautious.” The service is gradually taking some people back on the roster to make sure the systems are robust. “This place used to be a hive of activity, with so many coming and going, but that can’t happen now.”

Jamberoo Youth Hall solution The Jamberoo community FINANCIAL PLANNING

Genuine advice without hidden sales – Red Door Financial Planning has never accepted commissions from banks or insurance companies and never will. – Reasonable fees based on the work you receive, not the balance of your savings. – We specialise in retirement planning. Talk to Josh Sweeney www.reddoorfp.com.au 1300 535 396

“Josh has saved me about $6,000 per year in fees”

Red Door Financial Planning is a Corporate Authorised Representative of PGW Financial Services Pty Ltd - AFSL: 384713

will continue to be involved with the management of the Youth Hall, following strong protests about that role being taken over by Council. Members of the community will be appointed to a committee to manage the Hall on Council’s behalf. Jamberoo is ending up with a different management system to the other Council halls, in recognition of the community’s role in building the hall. A system of governance will be established for the operation of the committee, and its effectiveness will be reviewed after a year.

The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 7

While property is a good long-term performer in times of uncertainty, I think the reason may be more than this. We are seeing an increase in enquiries from qualified metropolitan buyers who are seeking a better work-life balance by living in near city locations like the upper south coast. Staying connected via the internet has proven remote working can be very successful. Interestingly, many agents are also fielding enquiries from returning expat Australians, who have left highpowered overseas jobs and are now seeking a lower stress lifestyle here in Australia. As the government eases restrictions on social interactions, we look forward to the opportunities ahead.

Our Mother’s Day Giveaway Winner The First National Coast and Country Mother’s Day Giveaway proved to be very popular with dozens of entries. The winner would be one special mum who would receive a scrumptious $125 grazing platter supplied by Picnic By The Sea! Winner Taryn Gunning with her Mothers Day Grazing platter from Picnic By the Sea

The winner was Taryn Gunning who said she was “super excited and grateful”.

AN EXCITING 50 ACRE LIFESTYLE PROPERTY FOR SALE

THE BREATH TAKING VISTAS OFFERED BY ROSEBANK FARM Agribusiness | Building Size: 349 m² | Land Area: 23.22 ha

Within a 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney CBD ‘Rosebank Farm’ is a magnificent rural holding close to Kiama and Jamberoo, with an escapement backdrop and stunning ocean vistas over Kiama, Bombo Beach and the Pacific.

Call us to discuss your your real estate needs on 02 4232 2888 in Kiama, or 02 4234 1911 in Gerringong.

Kiama

2/110-112 Terralong St ph 4232 2888

Gerringong 119 Fern St ph 4234 1911

w w w. co a s t a n d co u n t r y f n . co m . a u

Remember The Bugle is YOUR local newspaper.

Mayoral column Mayor Mark Honey communicates directly with residents and ratepayers

If you have news you want to share, just send an email to emailthebugle@gmail.com or research local issues at www.thebugleonline.com

pre-paid funeral plans

The perfect time

to plan ahead is

Call 4232 2371

to discuss our range of pre-paid funeral plans

today

STAN CRAPP FUNERALS 125 Manning St, Kiama

The challenges and changes to our lives during this pandemic seem to be coming thick and fast. Just as we adjust to one ‘new normal’, further developments mean new rules for everyday living and working. For our community, the changes starting Monday 1 June will have a significant impact. As one of the closest holiday towns to Sydney, the lifting of regional travel bans will see the return of large numbers of visitors. You may have seen or read

my comments in other media that we are well prepared to welcome back the day-trippers and holiday-makers that are the lifeblood of our local economy. For its part, Council will be re-opening the visitor information centre and our holiday parks. Council staff have also been assisting local business with information and advice to step up their operations. When I say we are wellprepared I mean it. A lot of work has and is still being done to ensure that when we open our doors to visitors, everyone is safe, our visitors and our residents. Council will have limits on how many people can be inside our visitor centre and holiday parks. There will be signs and floor decals to help customers stay safe while inside, as well as hand sanitiser units and sneeze guards for our customer service areas.

We will also be asking for cashless transactions when making payments. Local business owners and operators will be doing much the same. I acknowledge that the return of large numbers of visitors will cause anxiety for many, however we are a relatively small community that relies on these visitors. These are anxious times. But a staged and well-considered return to ‘business as usual’ is in everyone’s interest. I hope that physical distancing, patience and tolerance is shown by our visitors to our businesses and residents and in return we are able to show patience and tolerance to our visitors during this adjustment period.

vices

Working with you to get you where you want to be...

4236 2559

The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 8

Offering service in all areas of law, including family law Renata Matyear solutions@simplicitylaw.com.au

Show your support for Kiama Community Radio By mid-June, Kiama is set to have an embryonic version of its own community radio station, KCR. Initially, a weekly hour long show will be broadcast over the internet, via a dedicated website. Over time, more audio content will be accessible via podcasts, webcasts and possibly over other channels. The new service will be the first of its kind dedicated to communities in the Kiama region. “The idea for KCR came about when we were all suddenly told to stay home, and all the ways we usually connect to each other were taken away from us, particularly for the older generations within our community,” says Graeme Gherashe, a founding committee member. “There’s a lot of global information available right now, but nothing that is specific to our own backyard. “We are hoping that this new service will reignite our community spirit by sharing positive news stories and local information. “Our local artists in

YES, WE ARE OPEN SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES IN PLACE

KCR volunteers: Graeme Gherashe, Grant King, Neil Reilly, Gabi Cabral, Laura Hill, Diana McLaren, Karen Lang, Helen Lear, Brian Warren, Madeleine Scarfe Photo: Bradley Robert Photography

particular are wasted sitting at home by themselves; we want them to continue their craft and keep us all entertained with their music, stories and projects.” KCR’s launch format will include interviews with local artists, musicians, writers and performers; information on which local businesses are currently operating;

local news; Kiama history; and fun content for kids and families. The station’s inaugural host will be local comedian and actress, Diana McLaren. The station is currently looking for anyone with production and technical radio experience, both in front of the mic and behind the scenes, and an IT Manager.

The community-based organisation is also looking for donations from individuals or sponsorships from businesses to help with the initial costs. Carter Ferguson has already stepped up to provide legal advice.

ISOLATION DELIVERIES AVAILABLE, JUST CALL US TO ARRANGE 80 Barney St Kiama 4233 1322

Details: To volunteer, donate or be a sponsor, email kiamacommunityradio @gmail.com or donate via their GoFundMe Page.

Open 7.30 - 4.30pm weekdays & 7 - 4pm Saturdays ADVERTISEMENT

On Your Side. Coronavirus COVID-19 A range of measures have been announced to address the impact of coronavirus across our community, but things are changing rapidly. 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

3/59 Junction Street Nowra NSW 2541 1/6-8 Orient Street Batemans Bay NSW 2536 The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 9

Fiona Phillips MP @fiboydphillips

WWW.FIONAPHILLIPS.COM.AU 02 4423 1782

Authorised by Fiona Phillips, ALP, 3/59 Junction Street Nowra

Getting through COVID

Hot chips from Kiama’s resident anthropologist, Dr Monty Badami But even though it only lasted for two hours, there was something different about So this week my wife and I our most recent ‘divorce’. broke up. Although this isn’t As we divided the assets the first time we have ‘con- and fantasised about what sciously uncoupled’ during we would do with our newCOVID-19. At last count, found freedom, we genuineI think we were up to seven. ly evaluated where we were Nobody told me having and where we wanted to a relationship and being an take things. It honestly could adult was going to be so have gone either way. hard... but add COVID to the But in the end, we decided mix and it’s been a veritable that things weren’t actually nightmare. that bad, that it would be too

Part 3: Making Changes!

much hassle to really break up. We worked out that we really do love each other, even if we don’t always like each other. So we negotiated our next major contract review to wait until after the kids finished school. It was only fair. Neither of us wanted to go through adolescence again on our own. In any case, allowing for good behaviour, we could be out in 8 to10!

But as we transition out of isolation, and mental health experts prepare for the ‘psychological tsunami’ that is about to hit us, there is no doubt that coronavirus has placed increased pressure on our relationships… even the good ones! Either way, we have reached our sliding doors moment. We are emerging from a turning point, and now we gotta work out what to do next.

Use a local Appliance Repairs

CVC Appliances: Repairs to washing machines, stoves, dishwashers, dryers etc. t 0401 294 810

Carpentry

King Carpentry: Decks, pergolas, maintenance, renos. No job too small. Call Wayne 0411 639 233 L/N 69526C Noel Smith Building: Extensions, renovations, bathroom specialist, pergolas/decks, tiling, maintenance. 30yrs experience. Call Noel 0417 131 459 Free Quote L/N 147744C

Concreting

Handyman South Coast: Trade qualified - Painting, carpentry, plastering, pressure cleaning, all repairs & renovations. Property Maintenance Specialist Fast, fixed, fabulous! Danny Fagan t 0407 118 311

Lawnmowing

Hathaway Gardens: Reliable mowing and gardening service. We service Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa and surrounding areas. Call Lawrie 0411 888 333

Lock Services

Illawarra Security Lock Service: Lock Outs, Locks Supplied and Fitted. Free consultation. No automobiles. t 4232 3255 or 4236 1783

Lay 1 4 U Concreting Services: Slabs, house and sheds, footing, paths and drives, colour stencil, stamp exposed. 40 yr exp. t Ron 0414 724 221. Fully insured. No job too small! LN139098C

Painting

Your Rubbish/Junk removed - Tip runs. Also High Pressure cleaning & Flyscreens. Call Ian 0497 042 441

Metal roofing, roof carpenters, roof tile repairs, shed buildings and re- roofing. Contact Danny 0418 298 743.

Clean-up Services

Custom Fabrication

Col Whitehurst Painting – Qualified, Reliable, Honest, Insured. Interior. Exterior. Heritage. Free quotes. 0400 135 128

Roof Contractors

Gates, railings, repair welding, any kind of welding Stonemasonry & Heritage Services For all aspects of stonemasonry, contact Brad Rimand custom trailers. German quality and 10% discount on any fabrication. Call Juri 0421 339 786 mer at BR Stonemasonry & Heritage Services Lic 292667C t 0401 337 629 Electrician Paul Risby Electrical Contractor: Residential – Commercial – Industrial. 24 Hour Call Out Service. If you’d like to advertise t 0497 001 175 Licence No: 109635C

Handymen

Kiama Property Maintenance & Carpentry: Decks, Pergolas, Windows, Painting, Plaster repairs. All your maintenance needs & carpentry. John O’Donnell LIC#R77219 t 0401 301 620

your trade service here, contact Steve on 0428 662 499. Only $10+gst/line.

The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 10

And much like the revelations we used to have after one of those life-changing nights out in our twenties, there’s every chance we’ll wake up tomorrow morning with a sore head and only a vague memory of that commitment we made as we watched the sun rise over a world of infinite possibilities. You see, whilst the big moments bring our awareness to the stuff that we want to be different, it is what we do everyday that creates the lasting change we actually need. Real change takes time. And if we don’t do this right, we will just fall back into old habits and return to ‘business as usual’. All that growth will disappear as we realise that it’s just too hard to turn those beautiful dreams and intentions into a viable reality. Or worse, we’ll make rash, life-altering decisions as a knee-jerk reaction to the discomfort we are feeling in the here and now. So, this is where sociologist, Jack Mezirow, and his 10 Steps of Transformative Learning can help us. They go a little something like this: 1. A Disorienting Dilemma – Holy crap, something big just happened! (sound familiar?) 2. Self-examination – Wait, what just happened? What’s going on? How do I feel about this? 3. Sense of Alienation – I’m a creep. I’m a weirdo. What the hell am I doing here? I don’t belong here. 4. Relating Discontent to Others – Really? No! You’re going through the

same thing? I feel kinda great knowing that you are just as messed up as I am! 5. Explore Options – So what could I do now? 6. Plan – OK, how am I going to do this? 7. Acquire Knowledge – What skills do I need to learn to make this plan a reality? 8. Experiment – Give your plan a go, play around with it and see which bits work and which bits don’t. You can totally make some mistakes here too… that’s how we learn after all. 9. Build Confidence – Keep going, it only works if you work it! 10. Reintegration – Look at you! You’ve changed so much! You’re like a pretty butterfly! And so as we come out of isolation, it is very possible we are entering the hardest part of all of this, so remember that you are not alone! Nobody actually knows what they are doing, and there is support available if you need it. This will end. Things will change. Nothing lasts forever. There is always another way. You got this! If you or anyone you know is struggling, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. If you are having issues in your relationship, contact Relationships Australia. There are also a range of COVID related support services at www. nswmentalhealthcommission. com.au

The Bugle Crossword 1

10 11

16 17

18 19

32 33

35 36

Last issue’s solution B

snake B 34. Aust Government Chief Medical Officer H 36. Which of the three north poles is moving towards Siberia (nothing to do with Santa) 37. International morse D code distress signal E 38. In metres how close C can one park to a corner I D where there are traffic U signals O 41. Warm garment U wrapped around your S neck 42. In 500 card game The Bird card is the ----44. What is a mallard? 45. Premier of Victoria 46. A very large ball of hot glowing matter in space

N E Z I

P P

U Y

W A

S W

F T

A T

Y A

R C

M R

L N

Bordeaux and California 31.Highest card colour & number not used in four handed 500 card game (5,4) 33. New name of Bank of NSW 34. Tactic in 500 where the bidding player tries to win no tricks 35. Temperature system that measures freezing at 0 degrees 39. Short Jedi master in Star Wars 40. How many corners in the ABC Monday night current affairs program 43. Royal Agricultural Society (1,1,1) Crossword compiled by Steve Law

Helping couples and families through difficult times Private and Confidential Mediation Expertise

COVID-SAFE, No minimum spend

Kiama Pharmacy is committed to safety during COVID. Utilise our free delivery service within Kiama Municipality and Shell Cove. Available Mondays to Saturdays. No minimum spend. Contactless payment available over the phone or via the medAdvisor App.

EMAIL US sales@ kiamapharmacy.com.au

PHONE US

Family and relationship disputes Separation and divorce mediation Financial and property settlements Parenting plans & post-separation disputes Disputed wills & estate mediation Conflict Resolution-for-One Couples mediation

02 42 32 2532

PHONE APP medAdvisor on App Store or Google Play

Let us help you, today. Matthew Maxwell – Principal Mediator Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner* e: info@maxwellparker.com.au m: 0403 436 453 Kiama, NSW

ORDER DROP BOX In the pharmacy window 02 42 32 2532 83 Manning St Kiama www.kiamapharmacy.com sales@kiamapharmacy.com.au

*Authorised issuer of Family Law s60I Certificates

maxwellparker.com.au

The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 11

E N

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

WE DELIVER FREE

U M

O A

I A

G V

E R

L E

maxwell parker

ü ü ü ü ü ü ü

A A

R O

A T

T O

R P

U B

B N

chaff bag and drowned 13. Alan Jones said our PM should shove a sock down 38 39 40 41 her throat and give her a 42 43 few backhanders DOWN 14. Style of bread which has 2. Biblical tower where been made at home during 44 people spoke many different lock down sauce ACROSS weeks and months of a year language 17. A game in which players 3. Mild breeze; a British 12. Red suit in 500 card 1. Aust marsupial that does 21. Nought, Nothing, 0. mark off numbers off a card game cubed poo 22. Uncouth obnoxious bloke Ford car from 1950/60s as they are called 4. Quaffable liquid contain- 23. First name of NSW 5. What boils at 100 degrees 15. Cane’s bro 24. Playing card of the suit ing malt hops yeast and 16. The number of BILLIONS chosen to rank above the C at sea level? Premier water of dollars underestimated by others 6. This Rock’n’Roller has 24. Device upon which an LP Jobkeeper program been described as having 27. Smaller foam and fibre- 7. Black suit in 500 is played 8. A set of cooking instruc18. Month in which QEII’s left the building glass surfboard 25. What colour are you tions birthday public holiday falls 28. What is U235? 9. Short story with a moral tickled if you are extremely and animal characters. Some 19. Wind direction coming 30. The ink depositing point 9. Which month has an extra pleased day in a leap year? from compass bearing 157.5 of a pen written by Aesop. 26. The Aust state in which 11. Alan Jones said she degrees (1,1,1) 10. Meat surrounded by 32. In Snakes & Ladders, The Big Pineapple is located should be loaded into a 20. Chart showing days, pastry served with tomato where do you go on the 29. Red wine grape from 37

S A

Fiona Phillips’ first year

Postcard home Our trip in June last year was a very special and unique experience for us as we were part of a team invited to participate in the 2019 China 4 City Dragon Boat Festival. My husband, Richard and I headed off to Shanghai with Chris, also from Kiama and Lynne, all of us members of the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club. We met up with the rest of our team, which included dragon boaters from Canberra, Sydney and western NSW. Our motley crew ranged in age from thirty to over seventy and during the three-week tour we all formed great friendships. We joined up with other teams from around the world to be immersed in the fascinating culture of dragon boating. We raced in regattas, visited museums and ancient temples, enjoyed many banquets and cultural shows, as well as visited beautiful Chinese gardens. Crowds lined the waterways where we competed against the international and highly skilled Chinese teams. Richard came along

as our supporter and was given the role of ‘Cultural Attaché’. He was proud to give a well-received speech representing all the international teams at the opening ceremony of our first Dragon Boat Festival in Nantong. Most of our travel was by coach, however from Shanghai to Guangzhou we all travelled for 18 hours on a very crowded sleeper train. Surprisingly, we did manage a little sleep in the tiny threetiered bunks surrounded by

from page 1

luggage! In Guangzhou we participated in a spectacular tournament with over 120 teams. Dragon boats usually have ten or twenty paddlers, but this regatta included races with the very long, narrow 100 paddler dragon boats. The skill and timing of the paddlers was amazing! Our tour ended in Guangzhou with a huge formal banquet of around a thousand people and included plentiful rice wine, gift exchanges, performances and

! k c a 'We re B 1st June

New Relaxed Menu

Same Great Cocktails & Crafts

Dinner 7 days lunch fri | sat | sun 02 4230 7500 @YVESBYTHESEA

dancing. Every team was required to contribute to the entertainment with a short performance. Lucky for us, due perhaps to the rice wine, all efforts were appreciated. A fabulous end to a very memorable trip! Merin Korber, Kiama If you’d like to share your travel story from somewhere you’ve been at some time, send your postcard home (even if you got back a long time ago) to emailthebugle@ gmail.com

important thing. marked for bushfire areas are “There is no way I could still failing to get through, have gone off to the cricket and she is continuing to as if nothing was happenlobby on that front. ing.” She says she is now foHaving been through three cused on recovery, both from bad firestorms at her own the bushfires and COVID-19. home, she felt great empathy “Gilmore has done it really with those who lost their tough and needs help to homes. recover. “At one stage I was home “Apart from the $10,000 alone as the rest of the fami- provided to some small busily had gone off for a holiday nesses by the State Governand it was just too scary to ment, there has been no help. stay there. “We need significant sup“You just don’t know port for our tourism industry which way the fire is going to get us through this.” to decide to go.” With Federal Parliament In January, she began operating under the new fighting for a direct cash social distancing requireinjection for small businesses ments as well, her time in the affected by the fire, directly Chamber is being rostered. or indirectly. “There aren’t as much “I talked about the unfold- opportunities to speak, but ing economic crisis in the I managed three on my first media and Parliament. day under the new arrange“That absolutely linked ments.” to the $10,000 bush fire assistance grants for those businesses whose income was down 30 per cent. “4,856 businesses in Gilmore have now received that payment, pumping $50 million back into the economy.” Ms Phillips is disGerringong 4234 1911 | Kiama 4232 2888 appointed that other The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips Federal funds ear-

2/110-112 Terralong Street KIAMA - 4232 2888 119 Fern Street GERRINGONG - 4234 1911

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

WE KNOW THE JOY OF A NEW HOME

n o o S u o Y Se

LOCAL FOR 30 YEARS • Sales • Rentals

• Holiday rentals • FREE appraisals

The Bugle 30 May 2020 • Page 12

First National Coast and Country have helped thousands of families move in, move out, trade up and scale down.

Call us. We understand homes.