Public notice Swimming companion

Stephen Thurstan was doing laps in Kiama’s Continental rockpool, on School Flat, when he spotted a most unusual fish.

ideas for performers, while they settle into the role.”

The Club also needs a new Publicity Officer. Gill Spooner has provided publicity for community groups in the area since 1998. She also plans to retire from her role with Gerringong Music Club at the end of this year. The position would suit someone who enjoys a considerable level of computer and creative skills.

If you are interested in the positions please contact Bobbie on 0413 967 385 or bobbiem131@gmail.com or Gillian on 0422 543 928 or spoonergillian@gmail.com.

There are four more concerts planned for this year, with the first being Bluescope Steel Youth Orchestra performing classical favourites, May 21, Gerringong Town Hall, 2pm.

Doors open 1.30pm. $20 for visitors and free for members, children and students.

“I came back with my underwater camera the next day and found it again just a couple of metres away, sitting next to a mass of white bubble shell eggs,” he says.

“I took a few pics and sent them to the Redmap website for expert identification.”

Redmap is a government and university supported citizen science project that invites Australians to share sightings of marine species that are ‘uncommon’ to their local seas.

Over time, Redmap will use this ‘citizen science’ data to map which Australian marine species may be extending their distribution range in response to changes in the marine environment, such as ocean warming.

The result came back just as Stephen expected.

His fish was a Striped Anglerfish (Antennarius striatus), an unusual looking fish which grows to a maximum length of approximately 20cm, with an enlarged third dorsal fin. Their first dorsal fin is also modified to serve as a luring tool (looks like a worm) to capture small fish.

“I’ve been a keen diver for so many years and to see this fish was a real buzz,” says

Presentation of 2020/21 Financial Statements

In accordance with Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993, Kiama Municipal Council advises that the ordinary Council meeting to be held on 16 May 2023 will include the presentation of the Audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports for the year ending 30 June 2021.

The 2020/21 Financial Statements provide information in relation to Council’s financial performance and position and comprise the General Purpose Financial Statements, Special Purpose Financial Statements and Special Schedules.

They are independently audited by the Audit Office of New South Wales, reviewed by Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and then reported to Council.

The Financial Statements and Auditor’s Reports will be placed on public exhibition between 3 May 2023 and 23 May 2023.

In accordance with Section 420 of the Local Government Act 1993, any person may make a submission in writing to Council with respect to the Council’s Audited Financial Statements or the Auditor’s Reports

The closing date for Council to receive public submissions is 4pm, 23 May 2023.

Submissions will be reviewed, responded to and forwarded to the Audit Office of New South Wales within seven days of the reports being presented to Council.

Printed copies of the Audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports are also available to view at:

• Kiama Council Administration Centre: 11 Manning Street, Kiama NSW 2533

• Kiama Library: 7 Railway Parade, Kiama NSW 2533

• Gerringong Library: 8 Blackwood St, Gerringong NSW 2534

Further information: Joe Gaudiosi, Chief Operating Officer on 4232 0444 or council@kiama.nsw.gov.au

Stephen,

“I was thrilled to see such an interesting fish in our local saltwater pool.

“The seagrass, rocks and algae in the pool make it a great habitat for many species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans. I’m sure many people appreciate seeing these while doing laps. And it’s a safe place for kids to explore with a mask and snorkel.”

Stephen says Kiama’s rockpools are such great assets for our town and that we should work hard to keep them alive and healthy and not think about introducing chemicals or killing the weed.

According to a Department of Primary Industries spokesperson, the Striped Anglerfish is always the highlight of any dive. They are often found in warmer tropical waters and their colour can vary greatly from white, yellow, orange, black, grey or brown, often matching the colour of surrounding sponges.

The spokesperson says that when the seawater runs as hot as it has been recently, “the East Australian current can end up in strange places and will bring all sorts of things down the coast”.

“But not big things,” says the spokesperson, “as they prefer the cold water.” Good to know.

If you spot an unusual fish or crustacean, you can log it at www.redmap.org.au

by Perrie Croshaw

Buy tickets at wcfoundation.org.au/events

Race for Kids in Care

Saturday 6 May 2023 at Kembla Grange Racecourse

$150 per ticket or $1500 per table of 10

Sponsorship Packages Available or call 1300 000 WCF

William Campbell Foundation is holding this event to raise funds to continue providing wellbeing programs and camps for children in care and supporting their educational outcomes.