The Bugle 3 June 2023

Safety concerns for school bus

Parents of Shellharbour Anglican College students are calling on Kiama MP Gareth Ward to intervene after Transport for NSW refused to fix an unsafe and overcrowded public school bus that services south of the school.

Katharine Haynes, mum of an 8 year old daughter and 11 year old son who both ride the bus to the end of the line in Kiama, was amazed when she saw no seatbelts on the bus, which travels on the highway, and up to 19 students standing in the aisle.

“That was the week before that terrible bus accident in Victoria. If that happens to this bus, it would be tragic,” Katharine says.

According to Katharine, Shellharbour Anglican College pre-empted the overcrowding last year and sent an application to Transport for NSW for extra buses. However, this was declined due to students having reasonable access to a

at all,” Katharine says.

“The train doesn’t work for high school students either because they finish 15 minutes later and miss the train.

“The only solution is more buses and safer buses.”

Parents have been concerned since the start of the year and have been in conversation with the school, but after Victoria’s horror bus crash that saw several students face life-changing injuries, they want action now.

“When the school gets knocked back by Transport for NSW, what do they do then? It’s a State Government issue now,” Katharine

places too.”

Mr Ward describes the situation as “totally unacceptable” and, in response to Katharine, has launched an online petition to ensure all school buses in the Kiama electorate are fitted with a seatbelt.

“Every child should have a seat and a seat belt,” Mr Ward said. “We can’t have kids not protected when travelling to school, especially on roads with high speed limits.

“I encourage parents and our local school community to sign my petition urging the NSW Government to act now and expand the NSW Rural and Regional Bus Seatbelt Program to ensure every child gets to school safely.”

Mr Ward has also put a question on notice to Parliament, asking the Minister for Regional Transport and

Mick joins NSW Hall of Fame

Footy legend and Gerringong publican Mick Cronin has added another accolade to his list of achievements after being inducted into the NSW Rugby League Hall of Fame. Mick was inducted at a ritzy gala at The Star in Sydney alongside former NSW Blues captain Danny Buderus and rugby league immortals Dally Messenger, Frank Burge and Dave Brown.

Mick is already one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history, having been inducted into the Parramatta Eels Hall of Fame in 2002 and the National Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2014, he was given the honour of being the inaugural ‘Champion of Parramatta’. He was first admitted into the Blues team in 1973, the same year he joined the national Kangaroos test squad. He played for the Blues for the next decade, in which time he scored a staggering

173 points.

Mick is often associated with his beloved Parramatta Eels, which he signed with in 1975, making the commute between Gerringong and Sydney for training and matches so he could continue to live in the area and run the local pub.

He won four premierships for the club from 1981-83 and Parramatta’s most recent win in 1986.

He continues to coach

Gerringong’s local team, the mighty Lions.

The NSW Rugby League Hall of Fame entrants are determined by a panel of former players, experts and journalists.

Players must have played at least 10 games for NSW or captained the team, as well as having played for Australia and been retired for at least five years.

by Brendon Foye

Mick Cronin with Danny Buderus

Kiama Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday

Surf Beach or Kiama Uniting Church, 2-5pm

SENTRAL’S Open Mic

Every Thursday

SENTRAL Youth Cottages, 5-7pm

In Harmony Exhibition

5-18 June

Fern Street Gallery, Gerringong, 10-4pm

Friends of Kiama Library

Ryan Butta: The Ballad of Abdul Wade

Saturday 3 June 2-4pm

Parkinson’s Walk

Sunday 4 June see page 13

Kiama Art Society Exhibition

Until 7 June

Old Fire Station, 10-3pm

Knit in Public Day

Thursday 8 June

Kiama Library, 2-5pm

Take a trip to the Coast Exhibition

9-14 June

Old Fire Station, Kiama, 10-3pm

Big Book Sale & Mini Fair

10-12 June see right

Kiama Fun Run

Sunday 11 June see right

G’gong Rotary Markets

Saturday 17 June

Town Hall, 8.30-1.30pm

South Coast Sings

Workshop and Concert

Saturday 17 June see page 10

Kiama Seaside Market

Sunday 18 June

Black Beach, 10-3pm

Written in Chalk: free film

Saturday 24 June

Church Point Centre, 7pm

Jamberoo Village Market

Sunday 25 June Reid Park, 9-2pm

Red Cross Run

Books & more

The Big Book Sale and Mini Fair is an event that should be marked on all bargain hunters’ calendars.

Theatre event: Wicked

The annual Red Cross Fun Run along Kiama’s coast is returning for its ninth year.

The event raises upwards of $7,000 for the organisation that assists with disasters across the nation like bushfires, floods and storm events as well as major international disasters.

“You may see Red Cross on television helping when a disaster hits,” President of Kiama Red Cross and organiser of the event Judi O’Brien says.

“But the Red Cross also helps in programs locally such as ringing vulnerable people and making sure of their welfare, helping young parents who are struggling to cope in our tight financial situations and so much more.”

The fun run/walk is accessible to everyone, even

Australian Open Tennis 2024

dogs, with three courses: a 21.1km for serious runners ($50); and a 5km and 9km ($20/$10 children) for runners and walkers – all along Kiama’s Coastal Walk.

A new addition to this year’s event is a virtual fun run which gives people a chance to support the cause if they can’t make it on the day.

Sunday 11 June

For details of start times and locations go to shorturl.at/ qCHSZ Register online before 9 June or on the day with cash.

Thousands of books, DVDs, CDs and games will be on offer all for $2 or less over the June long weekend. The event is a joint fundraiser for local charities Homestead of Hope (which helps the homeless and marginalised in the community) and the Kiama Board for Employing Christian Education (which supports the Kiama High School SRE Ministry).

The event had great success last year pulling in a total of $7,000. Plants, cakes and craft will also be available on the day with coffee, tea and the obligatory sausage sizzle.

10-12 June, Ss Peter & Paul Church Hall, 9-4pm

Art for the Red Cross

Local artist and Gerringong Red Cross Member, Yvonne Clough, is holding an exhibition of her work, with 30 per cent of every sale going to Red Cross.

Many of Yvonne’s paintings feature magpies which, she says, are her favourite birds. A painting will be raffled and tickets are on sale on the day.

Gerringong Red Cross raises money to assist the vulnerable, those people falling through the gaps and those experiencing homelessness and loneliness. Such a worthwhile cause, so come and buy a painting to support this group.

Saturday 10 June, Gerringong RSL Hall, Belinda Street, 9.30am to 4pm.

Grand pub on the market Director shares vision

Michael Malone, the newly appointed Director of Infrastructure and Liveability, is enjoying overseeing Kiama’s engineering, roadworks, public services and parks.

He’s clear-eyed about what’s ahead, not just because of his previous experience with Wollondilly and Wollongong councils but, as a long-term resident.

“I’m prone to noticing potholes and drive my family nuts taking detours to see newly installed traffic calming devices,” he says.

It’s been a difficult few years on the engineering front with rains severely impacting roads, ongoing weather conditions, and contractor availability, meaning extended delays. The good news is the imminent reopening of Jamberoo Mountain Road means attention can be redirected towards other areas of concern.

Council’s financial issues resulted in severe cuts to last

year’s infrastructure budget. However, acknowledging that the financial challenges have been unsettling for the community, Mr Malone is pleased to share there’s a $9.7m budget for capital works for the next financial year.

The public will be seeing that money, from grants and reserves, in action on roads, the Hindmarsh Park development, paths, cycleways and car parks. Money is also

being set aside for implementing the recommendations of the Jamberoo and Gerringong flood studies.

In addition, a refresh of the traffic management plan; and reviews on the Holiday Parks and Waste Commercial Services, are underway.

‘The holiday parks are a continued page 10

Kiama’s iconic Grand Hotel is for sale for the first time in 20 years and is already attracting large amounts of interest.

This historic, centrally located pub has been popular with locals and tourists alike since 1891.

The same family has operated the pub for the last 20 years but as of late May, the hotel was put up for sale by Wollongong-based hotel brokers, Tourism Property.

The Nova next door will not be sold with The Grand and will continue to be maintained by the Salim Group.

According to broker Matt Davidson, there has been an enormous number of enquiries for the pub.

“Obviously, Kiama is an

iconic seaside town and lots of people like to be here so we’re seeing a strong interest at the moment,” Mr Davidson says.

“We are getting people particularly from Sydney, but certainly some local interest which is great. We would love

Farewell to Cathy & Steve

As colleagues of Cathy and Steve Law, we wanted to thank this brave couple for founding The Bugle newspaper and to congratulate them on the sale of this business.

Cathy’s dream was always to start a quality local newspaper because “local communities need good local news”.

The sale of their Little Blowhole Café in Tingira Ave (it became The Art Bar and is now Padre) in 2014 meant that while there were no more homemade cakes and muesli (The Best), the community instead received something even more valuable – a local newspaper.

The couple worked tirelessly to ensure that The

Bugle became a trusted source of news and information for the Kiama community.

Cathy was always willing to take on tough stories and ask difficult questions, never shying away from her duty to hold power to account.

Both she and Steve clearly understood the importance of a local newspaper in providing a voice for the community, shining a light on stories that would not be covered by larger media outlets,

reporting on local events, highlighting important issues or celebrating the good deeds of community members.

When they introduced The Bugle App – the online community hub with information

about local businesses, community groups and even the surf – she said it was “a sign of our commitment to the Kiama community, at a time when local news matters more than ever”.

Cathy’s passion, dedication and commitment to journalism have been an inspiration to all who have worked with her and her impact on the local community cannot be overstated.

Steve’s work behind the scenes kept the money flowing in, and his crossword gained a cult following.

The Bugle will continue to be a vital source of information for the people of Kiama. In an age where fake news and misinformation

are becoming increasingly prevalent, the importance of a quality local newspaper cannot be overstated.

They provide a vital service to the community by keeping residents informed and engaged with what’s happening in their town. They also play a crucial role in holding local officials accountable and in promoting transparency and good governance.

The Bugle team members would like to thank Cathy and Steve for their tireless dedication in creating, nurturing and delivering a quality newspaper to our community and wish them both all the best for the future.

by Perrie Croshaw

to see a local Kiama family take the asset on.”

The hotel has a bar, restaurant, TAB area and gaming room with 15 poker machines on the ground floor and 20 budget motel rooms upstairs. continued on page 10

Prime Fern St site sold

The old ANZ Bank and the house next door on Fern St in central Gerringong has been sold.

The identity of the buyer and the sale price are not yet known.

The 1500sqm property is ripe for redevelopment, with locals wondering what will eventuate given its B2 zoning on the main street.

Council is committed to undertaking a Gerringong Town Centre Study, the first update since the Gerringong Charette was developed in 1995, but the process has been delayed.

It will result in a Town Centre DCP to guide future development.

all know that the changing landscape of our world brings with it exciting, yet challenging times, so in order to provide even more care and legal expertise for all our clients, we are proud to announce an expansion of our Board of Directors.

Alice Laurence, Jack Miller, Steve Warwick and Deb Russell lead our talented team of Lawyers and Licensed Conveyancers to provide expert legal advice, support and representation across the Illawarra and South Coast.

We

At Carter Ferguson Solicitors, we’re passionate about providing a more human, caring and contemporary approach to the Law.

Now even more care for our clients.

Michael Malone (left) with team members Drew, Kate, Adam and Craig

Project Rubicon

Kiama Council’s outdoor staff, more used to spanners and shovels, have become enthusiastic advocates of mobile technology, thanks to a collaboration with their office-based colleagues.

Project Rubicon has seen our cleaners, construction crews and Parks and Gardens team hand back their time sheets, job sheets and numerous other bits of paper in exchange for tablets, an intranet, and online forms.

Stage one

Project Rubicon started when Council shifted to our new OneCouncil system, which includes online timesheets.

This presented a major change for our outdoor workers, many needing a work email address (and log-in) for the first time ever.

Another change was needing to access a work computer to log their hours each week. While we provided each of our depots with a shared workstation for completing timesheets and checking emails, a lot of workers found it difficult to access the computer given their off-site work.

That’s when our IT team set up Project Rubicon, to roll out tablets to allow access to timesheets and emails while ‘in-the-field’.

The IT team worked with key outdoor staff, HR and Risk Management to ascertain what features were needed, or useful, to be installed on each tablet.

An example was including access to the ‘Fires Near Me’ website.

At this point the tablets were rolled out to our staff.

Workshops and drop-in sessions were also held to show our crews how to use the tablets, access their emails and update their timesheet.

Stage two

After receiving feedback from the outdoor staff and observations by IT, a second stage of Project Rubicon was initiated.

This included tweaks to the features of each tablet, such as turning on the cameras, removing website restrictions and adding a drawing package to allow mud maps to be produced and notes added to images of work done in the field.

The major initiative was creating staff a dedicated intranet hub providing access to online resources of particular use to outdoor staff.

Having an intranet hub meant changes to the page could be made easily by Council’s communications or IT staff, rather than relying on contractors to perform upgrades

Midwinter Festival

Kiama Council with Destination Kiama are once again hosting the Kiama Winter Festival (7 to 12 July) at Kiama Harbour.

The centrepiece of the Festival will again be a (real) ice skating rink, which proved such a hit in 2022. No skill level is required, but we’ll have our friendly penguins on hand to guide those feeling unsteady on the ice.

To add to the polar theme, we’ll have four igloos giving diners a cool but comfortable way to enjoy the fabulous food and drink on offer.This includes local bush tucker thanks to ‘A Taste of the Dharawal’ and a speciallyformulated ‘Kiama Winter Brew’ from Stoic Brewing. https://kiamawinterfestival.squarespace.com/

to the tablet software.

The reconfigured tablets were once again rolled out to key outdoor staff and have been very well received.

Stage three

The current stage of Project Rubicon involves using our outdoor staff’s enthusiastic adoption of mobile technology as part of their work, to move away from Council’s longstanding use of paper forms for much of our internal and external-facing processes.

This initiative had already begun in 2020 with the shift to OpenCities (Granicus) to manage our websites and intranet, using the OpenForms module, which is part of this platform.

While our office-based staff have been excellent early adopters in this transition, a key challenge was helping our outdoor workers make the switch, as they had a heavy reliance on a wide range of paper-based forms, job sheets, safety briefings and the like.

Our Risk Management team put up their hand to lead the way on stage three, digitising their various forms for risk assessments, chemical assessments and plant inspections.

They then trialled the new online versions for a month then collected feedback in meetings coordinators and team leaders.

Our IT team then refurbished two of the tablets to test the new digital forms in the field, then gathered further feedback.

This proving successful, the green light was given to go live with the new forms and organise for the remaining tablets to be upgraded to use them.

While it’s early days, our outdoor colleagues are loving the new technology and new online forms, and what it’s done to cut down their time spent on paperwork, which is now allowing them to focus more on the work at hand.

Meet our events gurus

Kiama is not only one of the coolest places to live in Australia, but thanks to our events team at Destination Kiama, is also a cool place to visit, no more so than this July when our Midwinter Festival returns.

Small in size, the team of Sally, Anett, Kristy, Lauren and Helen well and truly punch above their weight, landing great events for our municipality and helping local organisers get the most of out of their events as well. In fact, they’ve just launched a new destination event funding application platform to make it even easier to secure support for events in our region.

If you want to find out more you can contact the team by ringing (02) 4232 0444 or email events@kiama.nsw.gov.au. You can also stay in touch by subscribing to The Buzz email newsletter: https://kiama.com.au/

We’re seeking public submissions on our draft strategic and operational plans, budget and associated documents for 2023-24.

These include:

• Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan

• Draft Long Term Financial Plan

• Draft Community Engagement and Community Participation Plan

• Draft Fees and Charges 2023-24

You can have your say until 5pm, 14 June 2023: https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

Public notices can be found on our website. Subscribe to Kimunico and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Cameron, James, Michelle and Jake are just some of the people involved in Project Rubicon

Sally, Helen, Kristy and Anett (absent – Lauren)

Gerringong retail update

Gerringong Post Office owners Liz (Elizabeth) Bessesen and Andre Jonker have sold and now look forward to visiting grandchildren and travelling in their retirement. But they don’t plan to leave Gerringong.

“This is our home, why leave paradise?” Liz says.

The couple will be sorely missed judging by the overwhelming amount of praise on social media.

“Ever since we announced the sale, people have come in daily to say thank you. An old customer even drove from Shoalhaven Heads just to thank us before we left,” Liz says. “It’s just so humbling and overwhelming.”

“I’m going to miss my oldies and seniors from Mayflower,” she says. “Hopefully I can do something in the community to help them.”

Gerringong residents get to meet the new owners in early July. Liz and Andre say they are very well-qualified.

“We’re very happy with the new owners. We feel we’re passing it on to another capable family which is important,” Liz says.

Until then or until stocks last, they are having a change-of-ownership sale.

Liz and Andre thank the community for their kind words and for the support of local businesses in town.

The other big news in Gerringong is that after 23 years, Gerringong’s Bali inspired shop Siang closes after the June long weekend.

Owner Mick Gannon, famous for his Balinese furniture and homewares imports, is at last retiring. Everything in the store is on sale now.

“It’s been good having a business in Gerringong and very successful,” Mick says.

The On Print T-Shirt Company, which is next to the Enhance petrol station, will move to the Siang space.

Bombo Stairs nearly open

Council is asking people to respect the cordoning off of the new Bombo staircase for a couple of more weeks, after it has been used prematurely by some walkers.

“We need to keep people off until the project is officially handed over to Council,” says Director of Infrastructure & Livability, Michael Malone.

“I know that will be disappointing, as it looks ready to use.

“We just need to give the contractor the opportunity to tick off everything so they can hand us back the completed product. Then we can tell the public it is ok to use.”

Some have already accessed the stairs on finding barriers at the top and bottom were removed, but the barriers have now been reinstalled given the risks associated with using the stairs before they are fully in Council’s hands.

The $500,000 plus concrete and steel project was first funded by the State

Government in 2018, and was slow getting off the ground even before the contractor was appointed and had to battle floods, COVID and building supply shortages.

“The community has seen this going up for nearly three years now, and it has certainly been a challenging project for the contractor,” says Mr Malone.

“Every time the seas came up, every time it rained, the bottom end of their job was saturated and had to be shut down.

“They are almost there. Once they have handed it back to us and we’ve accepted it is all correct, we will be announcing it is open and the contractor will be allowed to take away their

THE BUGLE’S VIEW

They say all publicity is good publicity, but right now, Kiama is blessed with bloody great publicity.

And it’s all about people wanting to come here from somewhere else.

A couple of months after The Australian crowned us as Australia’s most liveable town, The Sydney Morning Herald has got in on the act, labelling us “a stunning place to visit”.

Last week, the Herald’s Traveller sung Kiama’s praise as the perfect place for a family-friendly weekend getaway:

cil what most of them were coming to see.

Unsurprisingly, the blowhole is the most popular spot for visitors, attracting more than a million people a year.

The second most popular spot is the beach while, over on kiama.com.au, the top two search terms are “Kiama Coast Walk” and “Markets”.

It’s The Bugle’s view that the more people visit Kiama, the better. We should do everything we can to encourage people to come for a weekend.

two fence panels.”

Bombo Headland is already a destination because of its spectacular scenery and global geological significance, and the staircase is expected to make it a must do section of the Kiama Coast Walk. A decision is yet to be made on its name.

Paid parking no quick fix

Any decision on paid parking in Kiama may be years away, says Mayor Neil Reilly.

The Mayor told the May Kiama Central Precinct (KCP) Meeting that, while Council has now resolved to form a working group to evaluate paid parking for visitors, the process of review, including reporting to the council, public exhibition and potential implementation, would take months if not years.

He also said that it took Wollongong Council up to eight years to see a return on its paid parking investment.

Councillor Matt Brown, who proposed the review into paid parking at the May Council Meeting, says ratepayers are subsidising the costs incurred by day-trip-

pers, including waste management, park maintenance and toilet upkeep.

He says that introducing paid parking for visitors is both equitable and fair, and other destinations had implemented it without affecting visitor numbers.

An earlier report noted any review of paid parking will require an examination and update of the Draft Kiama Traffic and Parking study.

The review would exclude Akuna Street parking, include Blowhole Point, and conduct a new parking analysis, including Gerringong.

Mayor Reilly says it will consider any and all benefits to the community – residents and businesses.

The review would need

to include research models used by other coastal towns; necessary conditions to ensure compliance with Transport for NSW guidelines; and the expenditure required.

These costs would include procurement consultation, capital equipment, infrastructure development, software, and ongoing maintenance.

There are also major issues to consider, such as the recipient of proceeds generated on Crown Land.

While the Destination Kiama Tourism Advisory Committee has given their support to the concept, a member survey by the Business Chamber showed 45 per cent for and 55 per cent against.

by Tracey Henderson

“The range of accommodation… the vibrant community feel… the astonishing natural beauty that surrounds it all and all the activities makes possible.”

On top of that, they singled out a smorgasbord of great places to eat, name-dropping Olive & Vine, Silica, Miss Arda, JJ’s, El Corazon Cocina de Mexico and Hanoi on Manning.

It’s nothing locals don’t already know, but it’s exciting to see in newsprint, nonetheless.

It also points to an important truth: tourism is the lifeblood of Kiama’s economy.

According to Tourism Australia, travelers bring in $244 million to local coffers every year.

And the number of people coming here is on the up –average annual visitor growth was 4.3 per cent between 2013 and 2019.

We asked the Kiama Coun-

But one thing we ought to have a conversation about is making sure people who spend time here spend money here too.

According to the Council, the average spend for domestic tourists who come for the day is $95.

We should be aiming to double the daily spend.

We don’t just want to see Sydneysiders drive down to look at the Blowhole, we want them to ride around town on a rented e-bike from Kiama Cycles & Sports, grab fish and chips for lunch from Jaws and browse the offerings at Bombo Clothing Co.

The Bugle thinks this should be the goal of all tourism advertising: don’t just come for something, come for everything.

We look forward to putting this to the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, when we interview him shortly.

From our Publisher

Dido St DA is on way

A development application has been lodged with Kiama Council for a sub-division creating 67 residential lots at Spring Creek.

The proposal is for 60 semi-detached dwellings and seven detached dwellings, a private road network, and a public recreational park. In addition, the development of the steep site will include stormwater and civil infrastructure and rehabilitation of the waterway.

We will report further when more details appear on the Council’s planning portal.

The view from the top of the stairs

Deb has worked in the Real Estate industry for most of her life and having owned and operated her own Real Estate and Stock and Station Agency for many years she pride's herself on effective communication, accountability and problem solving as being central for a successful working relationship.

Deb is happy to assist you in all your commercial real estate needs. Contact her today!

for a rural lifestyle change but still want to be close to the coast? This beautiful property in Far Meadow is the perfect fusion of coast and country, surrounded by beautiful expanses of rural farmland and just a few minutes' drive from both the sparkling sands of Seven Mile Beach and the historic township of Berry with its boutique shops and eateries

Cedar Ridge

Murphy is our commercial property manager at

FROM GARETH WARD

Gareth Ward writes to the people of Kiama

the Country Valley Pty Ltd going into administration, safety improvements on the Kiama Bends and promised upgrades to local schools –just to name a few!

Let your creativity bloom for Spring Garden comp

front of device, the better off the next generation will be.

Dear readers,

At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for their support at the most recent State Election.

It is an enormous honour and privilege to serve our community in Parliament and I will continue to work hard every day to ensure our community is never forgotten and that we secure outcomes that matter most.

I write this column as Parliament resumes for its second week and I have already given notice of a bill to address local residents concerns around agritourism, asked questions in Question

Time of the Premier on State-based disability supports and homelessness, placed a range of questions on notice to Ministers on everything from the transfer of Jamberoo Mountain Road to the State Road network, environmental concerns around the Dunmore Hard Rock quarry, support for local dairy farmers due to

To form a majority government in NSW, a party or coalition parties require 47 seats in the Legislative Assembly. As the current government only has 45 seats, the government require the support of the cross-bench to pass its agenda. As the first independent MP for Kiama, I have been addressing each issue before the Parliament on its merits and putting the views of our community at the heart of each decision I make on your behalf.

I have supported Government Legislation to protect Sydney Water front future privatisation by placing Sydney Water in the NSW Constitution. I have also offered my support to the NSW Government to increase wages for our frontline workers like nurses, ambulance officers, and fire fighters.

However, I am concerned with government plans to abolish the Active Kids Rebate which provides $100 to each school-aged child to participate in out-of-school sport.

I think we can all agree that the more time kids spend being active rather than in

I have established a petition calling for the government to retain this initiative to support families with the costs of living and the petition can be signed on-line on my website: www.garethwardmp.com.au

I have also responded to local parent concerns around seat belts on school buses.

I think every child travelling to school on a bus should have a seat and a seat belt and I have commenced a petition calling on the NSW Government to fund improvements to our bus network to ensure student safety. You can also sign this petition on my website.

I also moved to establish an inquiry into training for frontline emergency services who engage with people living with cognitive impairment or cognitive decline following the tragic events involving Claire Nowland. Sadly, the Government didn’t support this proposal. Should you wish to visit Parliament, I would be more than happy to host any community groups that would like to attend Question Time and tour the building. Feel free to contact my office to make arrangements.

Warm regards, Gareth

Essential See the real thing: end of financial year clearance.

No other collection even comes close to the fine imported carpets you’ll see at these unbeatable end-of-year prices in the Persian Carpet Gallery. You’ll select from Australia’s largest and most respected collections... gathered over 50 years of astute selection at their source. All handcrafted and guaranteed authentic with assured trade-in value. In fact many are rare masterworks of excellent provenance, heritage and heirloom quality This is an investment that will improve with age and continue to reward you every day At these prices, even your accountant may approve. And you can take one home to try before you buy.

The Kiama Garden Club’s Spring Garden Competition has officially launched for another year and contenders are urged to get colourful and creative in their gardens and enjoy the wellbeing gardening brings.

“The purpose of gardening is to share your garden with others,” says competition coordinator Ursula Lischer, who encourages all gardeners to enter regardless of experience.

“Entering the competition gives you an opportunity to receive feedback on your garden and you just never know where that will take you,” Ursula says.

While judging doesn’t take place until October, Ursula encourages gardeners to fill gaps in their gardens now while the planting time is ideal and “think about what’s going to be looking its best in Spring”.

Jenny and Don Brown were winners in 2021. Jenny says, “I thought our garden wasn’t good enough and definitely not worthy of entering a competition but a friend encouraged us to enter. It was an opportunity to push ourselves a little bit further into making the garden the way we wanted it to be.”

Jenny encourages those

gardeners who are hesitant in entering the competition to “just do it and enjoy it”.

“Gardening is an expression of your own creativity so there’s no good or bad,” she says.

Judges use various criteria, including general impression, landscaping, colour, theme and overall transition and unity of the area, to determine the winning garden.

The judge of Jenny and Don’s garden said it was the creative and interesting elements in their garden that caught her attention.

“It’s also about expressing a feeling. The judge told me what she looks for in a garden is the way it makes you feel and when she walked into my garden, it made her

feel good and wanted to explore,” Jenny says.

Categories include: Garden over 1000m², Garden under 1000m², Edible Garden, Predominantly Native Garden, Courtyard/Balcony or Indoor Garden, Senior Living Complex Garden and Children’s Garden. Gardeners can enter up to 2 categories.

To enter contact Ursula at kiamagcsecretary@gmail.com

Entries close 22 September with judging between 9-13 October and presentations on 27 October.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Garden Club member Dianne Rendel, and Ursula Lischer with Federal Member Fiona Phillips at the launch

A rare opportunity for land in Berry

A perfect combination of rural appeal and village charm, Berry is an internationally recognised historic township nestled amid rolling pastures with easy access to glorious South Coast beaches and easily connected to Sydney.

Berry Lane offers the opportunity to become part of the rich fabric of this close-knit community, with a rare release of land lots within an easy stroll of this beloved village. Build your dream home and experience the way of life you’ve always dreamed of.

Encompassing 118 prime homesites with an average lot size of 580m 2 and parcels up to 1000m 2, this new estate will provide opportunities for a diverse range of lifestyles. Featuring attractively wide streets softened by beautiful landscaping, this community is oriented to the appealing green vistas of the surrounding escarpment and hinterland. Introductions to local builders can be arranged to explore an exciting selection of home design options.

A chance to sing

Aspiring singers will be handed the microphone at the South Coast Sings

Twilight Concert finale after learning the craft in 4 workshops among inspiring musicians.

Singers of all ages and experience can explore jazz, classical, pop or music theatre styles and master how to sing with confidence.

Everyone is invited to attend the Concert which will showcase pop, jazz and a little Mozart with proceeds to the Children’s Medical Research Institute.

Saturday 17 June, workshop 9.30am; concert 5.30-7pm Kiama Pavilion. Book at trybooking.com.

Workshops: Students $20, Adults $60. Concert: $20.

Blue Haven hearing raises many issues

Those opposed to the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira used last night’s Public Hearing on the reclassification of the public land – from community to operational land – as their first and possibly last chance to raise a variety of issues in a public forum.

The sale cannot proceed without the reclassification and, at the very least, many argued strongly that – if the reclassification was to take place – historic Barroul House should be excised via subdivision beforehand and remain in community hands.

Emeritus Mayor Sandra McCarthy, who was mayor in 2011 when the State Government offered to sell the Kiama Hospital site, said the community land classification wasn’t the oversight that is now being claimed.

“The intention was to keep it in public ownership,” she said.

“Council can operate there under the current classification.”

Ms McCarthy and a number of speakers raised the issue of apprehended bias, given Council is ultimately to decide whether the reclassification occurs and the approved sale cannot proceed without it.

“I am really concerned that

Council has approved the sale of community land,” she said.

“The approved sale prior to public consultation negatively influences the proper process.”

Former Councillor Howard H Jones agreed, “This reclassification is to facilitate the sale.

“There is no reason to reclassify as it is used by the community.

“This meeting is a tickbox exercise for a predetermined outcome.”

He criticised the lack of public consultation over the decision to sell.

“This is the biggest financial and societal decision in Council’s history.”

Fellow former Councillor Howard R Jones decried what he sees as the lack of transparency in the decision to sell Blue Haven Bonaira, including the failure to provide promised independent business cases on the options.

“Reclassification is one of the most significant things a council can do. Is there a significant public benefit from this?” he said.

A number of speakers objected to the description of the community classification as an anomaly, including former Chief Engineer Noel Edgell, “It was sold provided it was used for aged care. For the Government to say it [reclassifying to operational] is to correct an anomaly is quite wrong.”

A Blue Haven resident, Peter Maywald, said, “Caring for a community is the core business of council.

“They did not see a need to reclassify it until they wanted to sell.”

Central Precinct voiced its support for Barroul House being excised from any reclassification, arguing against the loss of social capital and that it is not required for the aged care operations.

“From Day 1 Barroul House was considered a community asset,” said Sue Eggins of the Kiama & District Historical Society, mentioning a clause in the hospital sale contract ensured Barroul House was restored.

“Any future sale should have a caveat to make sure it remains available for use by

the public.”

“The Federal Government provided $1.4 million to restore it as a community hub,” she said, noting the Society had been fighting for its restoration for 25 years.

Ms McCarthy said, “A change in the classification will be contrary to Federal and State Government funding agreements.”

The Federal Government also contributed $2.4 million for the Matterson community hall and meeting rooms and the State Government contributed a total of $14.8 million.

Peter Meaney raised the issue of residents in Blue Haven Bonaira possibly having a financial interest that needs to be taken into account in the reclassification.

“I think residents are morally and legally entitled to Council getting an opinion on whether they have an interest in the matter,” he said.

Of the 16 speakers, just one resident supported the reclassification, saying that Council shouldn’t be involved in specialised businesses.

The independent Chair of the hearing said that a written report on the submissions and speeches would be presented to Council within seven days, outlining the key themes but not giving a recommendation as that is not part of their role. The report will be made available to the public.

The State Government has given Council the status to make the final decision on the reclassification, which is expected to go to either the June or July Meeting.

Councillors were told it was not appropriate for them to speak at the hearing, given they will be making the final decision.

A recent NSW Department of Health survey gave all aged care homes in the Kiama LGA 3 stars overall for their facilities (out of five) but only 1 or 2 stars for their level of staffing.

The staffing rating is determined by the total number of minutes of nursing or personal care each resident receives each day.

RFBI Berry Masonic Village was the best performing home in the region, earning four stars overall.

from page 3 vital part of our visitor economy, so we need to make sure that we are doing our best to keep people coming into Kiama and providing customers for local businesses,” he says.

Mr Malone is impressed by his team, feeling that their work is sometimes underappreciated.

“Some of our crew start at 4 am – cleaning toilets, emptying bins, cutting grass, fixing potholes,” he says While he understands the community’s frustration with weather-related delays in mowing and road repairs, he encourages people to say ‘hello’ to Council’s workers occasionally, remembering they’re doing their best to keep Kiama clean and safe.

Acknowledging residents’ interest in their town, Mr Malone urges them to report problems directly by phone or the ‘report problem’ link on the Council website.

Further, he courageously invites community members to contact him directly if there’s a delay in addressing an important issue, saying he may not know the answer but will find the right person to help.

“Right now, I can only look forward to what we’re hoping to deliver for the community. But in the future, I want to be able to look in my rear vision and be proud of what we’ve done.”

shares vision The Grand for sale

by Tracey Hendersen

from page 3

Mr Davidson says it is ready for a new owner to maximise its potential, noting that Kiama is dreadfully under-supplied for tourist accommodation, with less than 200 motel rooms.

“A lot of buyers have been talking about doing substantial renovations. We feel that a boutique rooms with ensuites would add great value to the property.”

Councillor and chair of the Destination Kiama Tourism Advisory Committee Matt Brown says the limited accommodation in Kiama, due to the removal of tourist zoning, provides a rare opportunity to invest in The Grand with its beautiful high ceiling rooms.

“A new owner could bring them back to their former glory,” says Cllr Brown, who describes The Grand’s potential as limitless.

“Imagine cocktails and 5 star dining on a rooftop bar with views of the Kiama Harbour in one direction and Surf Beach in the other.

“I really hope they keep the rustic charm downstairs though.”

by Cassandra Zaucer

Sorry Day reflections Committee vacancies

As Kiama citizens gathered to mark Australia’s 26th Sorry Day at the Kiama Pavilion earlier this month, local Indigenous leader Aunty Gwenda Jarrett explained the significance of this day for First Nations people.

“Sorry Day for us is a significant symbolic event that happens around the country. It’s very special for us and very sad for others because as you know, all the trauma and tragedy and all those people that were taken, some of them still haven’t found their families today.”

National Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the introduction of the Bringing Them Home report, a landmark document detailing the treatment of the Stolen Generation of First Nation children who were forcibly taken from their homes.

It wasn’t until 2007 that the Australian Government recognised the occasion in any official capacity.

Kiama Council’s Sorry Day ceremonies were presided over by Stuart Larkins, our first Councillor of First Nation’s heritage. The welcome to country performance came from the Djaadjawan Dancers and the smoking ceremony was done by Aunty Gwenda and husband Stan Jarrett.

This years’ theme is: “Be a

Voice for many Generations,” encouraging everyone to be a voice for reconciliation. The theme has taken a whole new meaning this year as the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament was on the minds of those in attendance.

Aunty Gwenda says that while she had initially rejected the Voice to Parliament, she now supported it after working closely with the community, her family and government ministers such as Aunty Linda Burney.

Meanwhile, at the Kiama Uniting Church last month, Aboriginal Christian leader, writer, speaker and Wakka Wakka woman, Brooke Prentis spoke to around 60

people about the upcoming Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.

Brooke encouraged those in attendance to read the Uluru Statement from the Heart – a document that outlines the largest consensus by First Nations peoples on the need for recognition and reconciliation – and to spark conversations with friends and family about the statement and referendum.

She also spoke about the significance of Voice, Treaty and Truth and shared a timeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who have petitioned successive governments to recognise their rights and respect their culture, identity and spirituality through a treaty.

As it stands, Australia is the only country in the world without a treaty with its First Nations people.

More information at: ulurustatement.org yes23.com.au recogniseabetterway.org.au

by Brendon Foye

Former councillor escapes jail time

Former Kiama councillor Brendon Comber has dodged jail time after pleading guilty in March to a number of offenses, including using a firearm for intimidation.

Mr Comber will instead serve a community corrections order for the next two years, and will have to adhere to a good behaviour bond during that time, as well as continue therapy to treat his ongoing mental illness.

The former councillor was charged in February 2022 after an incident involving the repossession of a truck Mr Comber was buying via hire purchase was taken from his home without his consent.

The truck stored close to half-a-million dollars worth of music and sound equipment, which was taken along with the truck when Mr Comber failed to pay the final $2000 payment for the truck.

Once he found out his home had been broken into in order to repossess the vehicle, Mr Comber grabbed his .22 calibre rifle, which he was permitted to own, and placed it in his car, along with his wife and young children to find the truck.

While the rifle was loaded with a magazine, there was no actual ammunition inside it.

When the truck was locat-

ed in Gwynneville, Mr Comber blocked the vehicle at an intersection in an attempt to retrieve it.

The parties moved to a side-street, during which time the driver called the local police to intervene.

A major point of contention during the proceedings was whether Mr Comber ever pointed his weapon at someone, however, all parties agreed that the rifle was never pointed at another person, and was instead left in a bag on the passenger seat as a form of intimidation.

Mr Comber was initially charged with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offense, but that charge was eventually dropped before sentencing.

The judge accepted that while Mr Comber had been suffering from ongoing anxiety and other mental illnesses at the time, it was no excuse to permit “vigilante behaviour”.

In handing out her sentence, the judge stated that Mr Comber could have faced the possibility of prison time, but given his lack of any previous criminal record and commitment to improving his mental health, there was “no way I would think about sending him [to prison]”.

by Brendon Foye

People wanting to make a contribution to the LGA have until 4 June to apply to sit on one of Council’s new advisory committees – the Infrastructure and Liveability Advisory Committee and the Sustainable Communities Advisory Committee.

“These committees bring together councillors, key staff, representatives of community groups, government agencies and specialist advisers,” says Mayor Neil Reilly.

Three positions are available on each committee.

The roles are voluntary and nominees must be available for at least one meeting every two months for two years or more. They do not need to have technical expertise, as that can be brought in when needed, but do need to have strong community connections.

“I strongly urge everyone who can contribute their time, skills and experience to consider throwing their hat in the ring,” says the Mayor.

“We need a committee system that not only drives our community’s shared vision for the future but is representative of our community as well.”

For further details and to apply visit the News page on the Council website.

Appliance Repairs

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

Bricklaying

Over 40 yrs experience. Small jobs, brick fences, letter boxes & brick repairs. Fully licenced. R77154

Terry 0400 359 790

Concreting

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

Clean-up Services

Rubbish/Junk removed - Tip runs. We recycle your tip waste. High Pressure cleaning. Call Ian: 0497 042 441

Draftsman/Building Designs

Development Applications. Complying Developments New houses. Duplexes. Alterations & Additions. Decks. 25+ years experience. Michael Laidler 0410 126 354

Electrical Services

Paul Risby: Residential - Commercial - Industrial 24 Hour Call Out Service. Call 0497 001 175 LN: 109635C

Garden Services

About Lawns & Gardens: for services including Mowing, Garden Clean-Ups, Regular Maintenance, Weed Control, Pruning, Hedging, Planting, Mulching, Fertilising & Rubbish Removal. Matthew 0479 101 474

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

Handyman South Coast: Trade qualified for painting, carpentry, plastering, pressure cleaning, all repairs & renovations. 'Fast, fixed, fabulous!'

Danny Fagan: 0407 118 311

Painting

Beasant Painting & Decorating: Interior & Exterior, New Builds, Repaints, Timber & Deck Maintenance

Lic 183642 Steve: 0424325580 Melissa: 0414534990

Col Whitehurst Painting: Qualified, Reliable, Honest, Insured. Interior. Exterior. Heritage.

Free quotes. 0400 135 128

Plumbing

RBP: Plumbing, drainage and gas fitting. Blocked drains a specialty! Call Ross 0435 125 750 Lic:262955c

Stonemasonry

BR Stonemasonry & Heritage Services: All aspects of stonemasonry, contact Brad Rimmer at T: 0401 337 629 Lic: 292667C

Window cleaning

Flash Window Cleaning: Window cleaning internal/ external; full gutter service; building washes; pressure cleaning; venetian blinds; and solar panel cleaning. For a free quote, call Jamie 0448 714 374 To advertise your service here, contact Veronica: 0491 679 128

FROM THE MAYOR

tee structure shares some similarities with matrix management, as both involve the integration of individuals from different areas of expertise into teams.

ing we respectfully reference our First Nations people, caring for the environment and listening and acting on the ideas of the young and much more.

Walk for Parkinson’s

There is an old joke that a camel is a horse designed by a committee... probably not fair to either animal, or committees.

In the grand scheme of things, committees often get a bad rap.

They’re wrongly seen as slow-moving, self-centred and find it difficult to reach a decision. Let’s try to change this perspective.

We at Council are forming two new committees, to be the hub of many others.

Core members will be people who are able to manage a wide range of disciplines, have an open mind, are good with people, have a sense of priorities and who are not afraid to suggest a camel if necessary.

We are looking for two lots of three outstanding individuals to become the core of a new idea of committees.

The proposed commit-

We’re currently recruiting for our core members, but we’ll also invite additional experts to join from time to time, in order to address specialist needs and promote community engagement.

We need people with boundless enthusiasm, capable of injecting our committees with a surge of energy, contagious excitement.

We also need strategic thinkers; masterminds who can see the big picture, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and connect the dots.

In the midst of all this, we also need people who can bring a sense of calm and perspective to the table, soothing voices of reason.

All this will combine into two additional committees, which can pull in extra help when needed, to consider the vast diversity of work that our community expects and deserves.

This work will encompass things like the creation of walking tracks, management of companion animals, ensur-

So, if you’re ready to embark on this delightful committee adventure, where we work hard, enjoy harder, and form bonds that last a lifetime, then we want you!

Join us in creating committees that will shatter stereotypes and redefine the way we collaborate.

Together, we’ll write a story filled with teamwork, laughter, and maybe a camel or two.

Submit your application today, and let’s make these committees the stuff of legends! Go to www.kiama. nsw.gov.au/Council/News/ New-Council-Committees

Lastly but not leastly two shout outs: One for our Deputy Mayor who wrote so eloquently in the last column about Volunteers, and secondly a farewell for Cathy Law, formerly of The Bugle Anyone would be hardpressed to do what she did, as well as she did and as efficiently as she did. We all owe her.

Volunteering catches on

Volunteers from more than 30 different organisations showed up in droves to spread the word about their respective causes at the first Volunteer Expo on 24 May.

The expo, which was held alongside the Farmers Market in Kiama at Coronation Park, saw a massive turnout for a Wednesday afternoon as volunteers played games and chatted with guests to encourage them to join.

According to Volunteering Australia, there were more than 5 million people who formally volunteered for a non-profit in 2020, and 6.5 million that volunteered informally. These figures have dropped over the past decade, and 83 per cent of organisations say they’re in need of more volunteers.

The Bugle caught up with a few volunteers to find out why Kiama residents should do their part to volunteer.

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) is one of the most well known organisations in regional Australia,

but Kiama branch representatives told us it’s not just about baking scones, though they still indulge in the occasional “sconversation”.

CWA’s most recent initiative in Kiama was to donate $3000 to Kiama High school for the next three years because “no child should be embarrassed about their financial situation”.

The money will assist students to buy uniforms, take part in extracurricular activities and more.

“Women should join for friendship and to be involved in the community,” Dianne Tierney of the Evening Branch.

The NSW Rural Fire

The annual Parkinson’s walk in the park event, which raised over $12,500 last year, is again inviting the community to walk along the waterfront at Kiama harbour to raise vital funds to support people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Two free exercise stations, a warm-up for the walk and a 15 minute dance exercise, will be set up at Black Beach along with Rotary’s beloved sausage sizzle barbeque.

Tickets will be available on the day for one of their biggest raffles yet with over 20 prizes on offer including a ride in a Mustang to Berry.

All proceeds will go to the Kiama Parkinson’s Support Group and Parkinson’s NSW which will fund nurses and the health line.

On the day, the Group’s Local Community Hero Award will be presented to exercise physiologist, Sarah Clem, who always goes out of her way to help others.

Sunday 4 June, Black Beach, 12-3pm by Cassandra Zaucer

Hipages censured

Service branch brought along one of its service vehicles, which proved a big hit.

When asked why people should join the RFS, Steve Whitmore had one word for it “community”.

One organisation you may not be familiar with is the University of Wollongong’s Graduate School of Medicine, which needs volunteers for its simulated patient program. Volunteers act out scripted role-plays by presenting symptoms so medical students can practise diagnosing them.

UOW’s Shawn Tyler explained why everyone should volunteer.

“It’s a proven fact that people who volunteer have better mental health outcomes than those that don’t.

“So it’s actually good for the mind, good for the body and good for the soul.”

Hipages – a popular platform that connects tradies and small businesses to people wanting quotes for work – has admitted it engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct.

Between October 2018 and January 2022 it failed to adequately disclose contract terms that allowed it to automatically renew subscriptions and charge an early termination fee.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) deputy chair Mick Keogh says, “When some people attempted to cancel their auto-renewed contracts, they were told they would have to pay out the full 12-month term.”

Subscription prices for tradies and small businesses vary between $25 and $999 for six or 12 months.

The ACCC didn’t state whether Hipages would face any financial penalties but the company has provided the ACCC with a court-enforceable undertaking to clearly disclose its subscription, renewal and cancellation policies.

Neil Reilly talks directly with residents & ratepayers

Kiama’s motocross wunderkind

Kiama’s love affair with ball sports is well-documented, but there’s a wealth of athletic success stories from lesser-known sports happening all the time.

One of those recent success stories is 14-year-old motocross rider Jack Nunn, who is poised to become one of Australia’s best riders if his recent track record keeps up.

Jack recently came within mere points of winning the Australian motocross title for his age bracket, placing second in NSW and Australia, and is waiting to see whether he’s qualified for the World Motocross Junior World Event in Romania in July this year.

Jack’s passion for riding started when he received a bike at just five or six.

“It was a little Chinesemade 50cc and it just grew from there. Dad’s always been into bikes so I was always looking at them anyway.”

Around three years ago, Jack was lucky enough to be introduced to Matt Moss, a nine-time Australian motocross champion, who took him under his wing and began coaching him.

From then on, Jack’s loved everything about motocross.

“It’s everything really. Adrenaline, the support you get and you find out who supports you and it makes you grateful for that. Mum and Dad always have my back. I can’t put my finger on one thing.”

Jack’s parents, Claire and

Michael, are 100% supportive of their son’s dreams to make it as a motocross rider, but it’s not always easy keeping that dream alive on the South Coast of NSW.

“It’s nowhere near as popular as football,” Claire told The Bugle. “There’s certainly a motocross community but you do have to travel if you want to be good at the sport to find the best tracks.” Jack says the best tracks closeby are in Nowra and Wollongong, but the most popular track is in Oakdale, a 90 minute drive from Kiama. That hasn’t slowed Jack down whatsoever, and the local community has pitched in where they can to help

promote his races.

“The very first person to give us any assistance was Kiama Cellars, which was right before the 2019 Australian titles,” Jack’s dad Michael told The Bugle.

“We got some posters made up, which Red Rooster paid for and some of the local shops put up posters in their windows. The owner of Kiama Cellars gave Jack $50 on the spot, and that was the first time anybody believed in us to financially support us.”

Jack’s also earned himself a handful of sponsors, his main sponsor being Pascall Plumbing and Excavations based in Nowra.

His sights are firmly set

Ward moves to scrap agritourism changes

Gareth Ward, Independent member for Kiama, intends to introduce a Bill to scuttle the recent changes to NSW agritourism planning provisions.

The changes – introduced by the former NSW Coalition State Government – were intended to cut down on the red tape preventing farmers from establishing on their land separate agritourism businesses such as farm stays, tours, shops, cafes, restaurants and boutique wedding venues.

They were passed in December 2022, but didn’t come into effect in the Kiama LGA until February 2023.

that they welcomed “genuine low impact, agriculture related tourism,” but the previous government had given “freerein to wealthy landowners to develop high impact large function centres on primary production land”.

Mr Ward similarly expresses his support for “genuinely agriculture related and sustainable” businesses, but says that the recent changes would allow the industry to be “exempt and complying, meaning no community consultation or DA is required”.

Real sound. Really comfortable.

on taking out the NSW and Australian titles next year, but as for the distant future, Jack wants to be a successful rider in the United States, the biggest market for the sport.

He wouldn’t be the first successful Australian motocross champion in the states though; Jack looks up to brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence, who have recently found success riding in America.

“I’ve always had idols like Eli Tomac, but to have a couple of Aussies go over there and start killing it has been an inspiration that Aussies can make it over there and do well,” Jack says.

by Brendon Foye

While initially supported by Kiama Council, the changes have since come under scrutiny from the community, especially Berry residents who, as the Berry Forum, submitted their concerns earlier this year to the Department of Planning.

The Forum’s major concern is that the changes were intended to give farmers an ancillary form of income, however, last minute changes mean landowners in agricultural zones could earn more from agritourism than their primary production.

The Forum’s secretary, Stuart Coughlan, says

“Whilst I support agritourism, this activity should be mapped and regulated so that activities are permissible with consent to prevent impacts on neighbouring property owners and not impinge on primary production,” says Mr Ward.

“I have spoken to many farmers that feel the current regulations do not have the balance right and my Bill will seek to support genuine agritourism and protect the interests of all landowners.”

by Brendon Foye

At the Kiama I Do expo

So much activity around town with the annual Kiama I Do expo.

Five of our lovely wedding venues on display to entice upcoming brides and grooms to celebrate their nuptials in the Kiama LGA. Lucky Kiara Rayner won $5000 towards her wedding.

Right: Annie, Kate, Emma, Jabe and Bob Vanos with groom Ben Guinea at The Lodge Jamberoo - Flowers by Sea Thistle

Dominique and Ashley looking forward to a December wedding at The Sebel Harbourside

Erica East and Jarryd Hunt exploring vendor options with Southern Style events for their November wedding in 2024 at The Sebel

Jai Haines from Minnamurra and Brendan O’Brien from Gerringong exploring options at The Pavilion.

Newly weds Chris and Sarah Hill with twin siblings Georgia Ryan and Ben Hill from Sussex Inlet and Canberra who were checking out the venue at Crooked River Wines.

Organisers and wedding coordinators extrodinaire outside the Pavilion - Noelle Brasset, Rebecca Armstrong, Kyle Harding and Jackie Hall

Paula and Patrick from Sydney looking forward to a November wedding. They have hired out The Lodge Jamberoo for their 200 guests to have exclusive use of the divine facilities there.

Yvonne and bride Courtney with support crew from Shellharbour Karen and Liz - keeping it all in the family at The Lodge Jamberoo

Jordan and Elise from Port Kembla looking forward to their nuptials in October 2023

THE BUGLE CROSSWORD

DOWN

2. Just a little inebriated

3. Cub scout leader. Leader of the wolf back in Kipling’s Jungle Book.

4. First name of First Australian born Governor General appointed 1931

5. Open pastry case containing sweet or savoury filling

7. Huge single block of stone

8. Japanese for goodbye

9. “Dead as a ----”

13. Partner of Ken

14. Pub in Terralong St

17. Partner of Romeo

19. Liberal MP who has just resigned as member for Fadden, a northern Gold Coast seat

20. Partner of Fred Flintstone

23. Italian for goodbye in

11 letters

24. Partner of Napoleon

29. An Indigenous people of Oceania

30. French for goodbye (2,6)

31. Partner of Clyde

33. Partner of Mark Antony

34. Partner of Kermit (4,5)

ACROSS

1. Arnie’s Spanish goodbye in Terminator 2 (5,2,5)

6. Very drunk

10. A Granny Smith is one of these

11. Distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person

12. Stored or furnished with wine

15. Japanese beef breed

16. Australian Jockey Club (1,1,1)

18. Main sporting purpose of

licenced club in Shoalhaven St

25. Clark Kent & Superman’s girlfriend. First name.

26. Nutbush City Limits singer

27. Italian for Goodbye in 4 letters

28. Retiring creator of The Bugle Crossword

32. German/French goodbye

34. Capital of Mozambique

35. Cavalry long weapon with a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head

36. Partner of Adam

On Your Side.

I am your representative in the Australian Parliament. I can help with issues like Medicare, Centrelink, aged care and pensions, the NDIS, Veterans’ Affairs and community grants. I can also arrange special birthday and anniversary messages, and information for pensioners and seniors. You can contact me on 4423 1782.

37. Singer of The Pub with No Beer (4,5)

40. Partner of Popeye

41. Make a serious urgent heartfelt request

42. Partner of Samson

43. Partner of Homer Simpson

45. First name of writer of Murder on the Orient Express

47. Partner of Tarzan

49. Hawaiian for goodbye

50. Let bygones be -------

51. Spanish for goodbye my friend (5,5)

38. Vine leaf stuffed with a filling of meat and rice

39. Pub in Manning St (3,5)

44. Regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual

46. Horn noise

48. Northern hemisphere tall deciduous tree

Crossword compiled by Steve Law crossword@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Eyes over the years - part i

In the next few columns I will discuss what to be aware of in different age categories. My eyes after 60 years:

While ageing affects the health of our eyes, poor eye health should not be accepted as a way of life. Because many eye conditions don’t produce symptoms in early stages, you may not know you have a problem until serious, irreversible damage has occurred.

I recommend eye examinations every 1-2 years. Some people avoid eye tests because they think nothing can be done to help their failing vision. However regular eye examinations with your optometrist can detect many conditions in their early stages, helping you maintain your independence and quality of life.

Among over 60s, vision problems can also increase the likelihood of other problems such as depression and falls. Some of the key warning signs for eye conditions include:

Spots in your vision

Loss of central vision or edges of your vision

Distorted vision

Double vision

Reduced ability to adjust to light changes

Four eye conditions that we look out for in people 60+ are glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract and diabetic retinopathy.

Jean Anderson

POSTCARD HOME

After an exhausting three years, a resort holiday was in order – that is, paying to be fed and watered in comfort, along with having my bed made.

Researching options across Bali and Fiji, I leaned towards the latter because of the shorter flight. A friend who returned from Fiji recommended the Intercontinental Fiji on the Coral Coast and this was the confirmation I needed to finalise a booking.

Train travel and transit through Sydney and Nadi airports were full of smooth moving queues. The onehour cab drive from Nadi airport had me arriving in the early evening, just in time to witness the spectacular sunsets that the Coral Coast is so well known for.

The hotel welcomed me with a hearty ‘Bula’, multistrand necklace, a brief hug and a reminder that it was a homecoming. After checking in, I was shuttled to my room – and what a delight! The generous space opened to a large balcony, offering panoramic views of the sea and an atoll less than 200 metres offshore. And six more nights of those spectacular sunsets.

Quickly hooking my Wi-Fi and emptying my suitcase, I then headed out into the night-time gardens to find a meal, grinning from ear

to ear and feeling enormous gratitude for my good fortune. The smile and the gratitude remained with me for the entire trip.

If it was another holiday, I might regale you with descriptions of all the activities available to a visitor to Fiji –water sports, island hopping, horse-riding on the beach, outdoor massages, forest hikes, mountain climbing, mud baths, golf. Perhaps I might also tell you about

the hotel facilities such as evening cocktails, spas, shopping, kid’s activities, cultural events and daily fitness.

But I wasn’t on that holiday – so I did none of these things.

Instead, I surrendered to the warmth and genuine friendliness of the Fijians, I surrendered to the tranquility, privacy and comfort. I swam, slept, read, relaxed and came back to myself.

George Elliot wrote, ‘ad-

G’gong wins first open gender bowls tournament

Gerringong Men’s Bowls Club has won the inaugural Illawarra division title for the first year of a new competition, but it’s not just the men celebrating.

The team were named as the first champions of the new open gender bowls competition for Illawarra’s division No. 7. Despite the club’s name, the Gerringong team consisted of roughly 50 per cent men and women, though there was no actual quota required to compete in the tournament.

The Gerringong team closed out the grand final

game amid howling winds against the “very skilful and wily” Dapto Citizens Bowls team, with a score of 61-53 at the Warilla Bowls Club on Sunday 21 May.

Gerringong will move on to compete for the State Championship from 20 July to 1 August, which will take place at Figtree Sports, Towradgi Park and Wiseman Park in Wollongong.

The Gerringong Club is always open to new members, whether they want to to receive lessons or play a much more relaxed game of barefoot bowls.

venture is not outside man: it is within’ – and those quiet, reflective, peaceful seven days in paradise cleared the way for a small but perfectly formed adventure.

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

Introducing

Clubs wishing to get him to cover their achievements are welcome to get in touch. brendan@thebuglenewspaper. com.au 0413 091 543

Tracey Henderson, Kiama

Brendan Foye, The Bugle’s first sports writer for the paper and app.