The Bugle 7 August 2021 by The Bugle Newspaper

Optimism on Killalea

Latest on Council election p3

Local stars in Pandemicland p5

G’gong Library & Museum close

20th anniversary of G’gong Plaza

7 AUGUST 2021

Do your bit: Buy Local

New oversight for Blue Haven

Within a few months, Kiama Council’s aged care operations will be operating under a new management and governance structure, with the creation of the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the establishment of a s355 committee. “I see the creation of the 355 committee and the new COO role as being key steps in Kiama Council’s approach to providing good leadership, professional acumen and focused attention on this imWith local businesses All businesses in the area, will also receive a prize of ad- portant part of our business,” suffering from the effects of not just Chamber members, vertising from the Chamber. says Council’s CEO, Jane the lockdown to our north, Stroud. are invited to register to parIzabella Venter of Terra Kiama & District Business “We are one of local govticipate in the campaign. Gallery (above) is one of the Chamber President Cameron “Businesses in the Munici- businesses suffering from the ernment’s largest providers McDonald says there has pality offer practically every- downturn, and she is keen to of aged care services and I’m never been a more important thing you could want, and committed to running this get behind the campaign. time to shop local. side of our business really we are hoping that people “We have had to cancel so “Some businesses are well.” will consider a local alterna- many events and classes, doing it very tough, with not Mayor Mark Honey says, tive at this time rather than and it is hard to know when only the lack of visitor trade going further afield,” says that side of our business can “By taking great care of but also locals having to our Blue Haven residents, Mr McDonald. open up again,” she says. isolate for various reasons,” I’m keen to see our proud Online purchases from “But our local artists keep he says. tradition of aged care local businesses also count. producing fantastic new With this at front of mind, services honoured, and give Each time people spend work so there is always the Chamber has launched the service the bold future it $25 or more in a transaction, something different to see its third annual Shop Local needs in the face of industry they will be in the running to here. campaign to encourage reform, changing commerwin one of ten $100 vouch“Artworks can make your residents to buy goods and cial realities and increased ers, accepted by participating home a happy place, and services from local business- businesses. compliance requirements.” now’s a good time to fill the es. The Committee has been “This is another way to blank spaces and walls with Under the philosophy that in the pipeline since the keep the money circulating some lovely local art.” every little bit helps, the qual- within our local economy,” Royal Commission into Aged The campaign will conifying spend for a chance Care recommended that says Mr McDonald. clude at the end of October. to win has been reduced to The business connected to Look for the big red sticker, governing bodies must have $25 from $50. a majority of independent the first drawn prizewinner and Buy Local.

non-executive members, and that those members must have appropriate experience in governance and care provision. Under the Local Government Act, councils are able to delegate aspects of their management functions, to do with managing facilities and supporting strategic vision, to a s355 committee. The committee will be known as the Blue Haven Advisory Board. A specialist recruitment firm began advertising for the new COO role this week, with an expected nine week timeframe. Until now, the management of Blue Haven has been undertaken by a Council Director, who has at times had other community responsibilities.

The decision by Ms Stroud to create a new position is the first step in a long overdue review of Council’s organisational structure, which is now even more timely given the number of staff in acting roles. “Council was very keen for me to have a look at the status of this role and to figure out a direction forward,” she says. “I have had a good look at the size and scale of the business and I wanted to treat that senior staff role quite distinct from the other local government focused directors. “This is a specialised service so the COO role and the title reflect exactly that. “I want this role focused on

Council’s CEO Jane Stroud at Blue Haven Bonaira

continued on p6

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

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Take a tour at home

While being trapped in Kiama during a pandemic is Kiama Seaside Market www.kiamashow.com.au nothing to complain about, 15 August it might be leaving you with Given the changing Black Beach, 9-3pm a bit of time on your hands circumstances, and Gerringong Rotary the number of events that given this page is bereft of Market have cancelled, please note things to do. It might be the perfect time these events may or may Saturday 21 August for a bit of time travel, locally. not take place. Around the Town Hall, Kiama Library’s latest 8.30-1.30pm self-guided tour lets users experience what life was like KDSC Mental Health What’s On is compiled here during the First World by Jack Wallner. First Aid program War. The Kiama in WWI If you have any events 26-27 August tour, now available on the coming up, please see below Kiama Library Tours app, is contact him on jack@ Kiama Makers & thebuglenewspaper.com.au a 2.3 kilometre walking tour designed by Library intern Growers Market or 0491 686 975. Joe Edwards. Items are published Saturday 28 August It is based on his research at the Editor’s discretion. Black Beach, 10-3pm and that done by the late Ken Jamberoo Village Markets Donnellan, a librarian who Sunday 29 August made an immense contribution to local history on the Reid Park, 9-2pm subject. Following the success of its “The tour basically goes training in July, the Kiama over Kiama’s role in WW1 & District Stronger Comand it tries to bring down to munity (KDSC) is running local level an event that affectan online version of its ed the whole world,” says Mental Health First Aid Mr Edwards, who is studying training on 26-27 August. history and politics at UOW. The course is part of its The tour uses interactive Lighthouse Leaders Proimaging technology and gram, and is facilitated by audio that allows users to see Kiama-based HSE Global. and hear about each of the historic sites. For details on requirements “The route starts at the or for further information on the MHFA training itself, get Library and wraps around to in touch with joelierobson@ where the Showground trainFinalist for the most outstanding gmail.com or ing ground was, goes down farmers’ market in Australia! hello@thekdsc.com.au the main street where the

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Joe Edwards by the tree grown from the Lone Pine at Gallipoli

Waratah March took place, to the Memorial Arch and then to Black Beach,” says Mr Edwards. “There are stories along the way so people can sit down at the location, read about it and fully immerse themselves in the tour.” Kiama Library also offers three other walking tours: My Place – a digital tour of historic locations in Kiama; Remembering Charmian Clift – which looks at the many important local places in her life; and Lloyd Rees: the man, the landscape and his art – which looks at the locations of his celebrated landscape artworks.

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Optimism Brown unveils ticket on Killalea COUNCIL ELECTION NEWS

Councillor Matt Brown has announced his ticket for The positive nature the Council election, now of their meeting on 4 December, which will on the future of campaign under the name: Killalea State Park, We Love Kiama Gerringong held with the MinJamberoo! isters responsible, It is an unusually large tickhas been welcomed et, with five other candidates by members of standing behind Cllr Brown the Save Killalea and Councillor Don Watson. Alliance and the “A number of candidates Member for Kiama, contacted me wanting to be Gareth Ward. such a transition will occur,” on the ticket and I was very The discussions centred humbled by that,” says Cllr says their statement. on what would be involved Brown. “Another positive aspect in having Killalea trans“I’m pleased we have such of the discussions was that ferred from Crown Lands a diverse ticket from every Minister Pavey was able to (under Minister Pavey) to the reassure us that Reflections corner of the Municipality – National Parks and Wildlife would not be doing anything each with their own specific Service (under Minister qualities and experiences.” significant and irreversible Kean), as either a State Con- during the current uncertain The new candidates (in servation Area or a Regional times.” their order on the ticket) are Park. Sylvia Kondrackas, a retired Earlier in the year, Mr Since 2016, Killalea has Ward wrote to both Ministers public servant active in many been managed by Reflections arguing that in order to prolocal clubs, including Kiama Holiday Parks, a not-for-prof- tect the Park in perpetuity, Surf Club; Greg Gunning, it, self-funding Crown Land a born and bred in Kiama its management should be manager. moved from Reflections Hol- with a large extended family Its development proposal iday Parks to NSW National involved in business and the for the site has met strong community; Morgan Lewis, Parks. opposition from locals who Mr Ward says, “At the meet- who runs an art and music do not wish to see the Park space, and helped organise ing, both Ministers agreed commercialised and have the last Kiama Jazz & Blues to work with me to pursue been critical of the lack of the transfer of the park from Festival; Alyson Coleman, a consultation. Jamberoo resident with small the NSW Lands portfolio to “Although we are quietly business experiNSW National Parks. confident, rest assured the ence; and Paul Dopper, a “This park is very much committee and the commuthird generation Gerringong the lungs of the southern nity will remain vigilant until Illawarra. It has enormous local, who is a former memKillalea is properly protectber of council staff and now environmental, cultural and ed,” says a statement on the a small business operator. tourism significance. meeting by the Alliance. “We are for merit-based “As part of further discusMembers of the Alliance decision making rather an sions with the NSW Govwere heartened by the news ernment, I will be seeking to ideologically-based decision that Minister Kean had ensure that any future model making,” says Cllr Brown. recently visited Killalea and “We are looking to keep the involves greater community appreciated why they were character of the area, but are input to ensure interests trying to save it. also looking at sustainable groups and stakeholders “Neither he nor Minister jobs throughout the whole of have their views heard and Pavey were able to give a the area.” respected. firm commitment that the He feels frustrated by how “This includes further transition would occur or any improvements to the park long it takes for decisions possible timeline. However, to be made, and wants that such as the campsite and the message taken away by to change, “A lot of people investments that provide committee members was have had extensive delays in greater access for people cautiously optimistic that getting decisions made and with disabilities.”

The members of the We Love Kiama Gerringong Jamberoo! ticket: Morgan Lewis, Paul Dopper, Alyson Coleman, Matt Brown, Sylvia Kondrackas, Don Watson and Greg Gunning

I want to help streamline that. There needs to be more certainty when people have interactions with Council, so issues and processes are clearer. “Lots of decisions take too long because there are too -

many reports. We are for never supported party poliless reports, more decisions, tics at council level. more action.” Our next edition will report on While Kiama Labor is the launch of Mark Croxford’s running an endorsed ticket Your Community Candidates at this election, Cllr Brown [a ticket. Further details on the former Labor State Member new election dates on p8 and Minister] says he has

Councillors Mark Way and Warren Steel have announced their intentions for the next election, with one standing again and the other not. Councillor Steel says he will stand again, “I have a team of five but there is no need to announce them or our policies now, given the election isn’t until December.” Councillor Mark Way has told The Bugle that he will not be contesting the next council election, on 4 December, citing the pressures of running an independent campaign as the reason for the decision. “Being a total independent, I rely on my family to come all from all over the place to do all the work on the polls, and they have said to me they have had enough,” he says. “I understand, as they have backed up for two elections.

“I am still fully committed to the community and will see how I can continue to make a contribution.” He says he is really happy projects like the bike skills park and other infrastructure has got up and running during his two terms. “The only disappointment I have is that the Minnamurra Boardwalk is on hold, after doing all that work,” says Cllr Way. “I would have also liked to see the cycleway to Jamberoo completed and an eco-resort at Jerrara Dam.” He says the timing of the election in December is unfortunate, given nothing usually happens in the new year. “Having an election in February would have been better.” He is keen for the current

Final two show their hands

Council to get as much work as possible done in the longer time frame. “I have the greatest confidence in our new CEO,” he says. “We are lucky to have her. I think she will lead Kiama Council and the community into the future. “I’m impressed and support her totally.” These latest announcements mean that only five out of nine current councillors will be contesting the next election: Councillors Kathy Rice, Neil Reilly, Matt Brown, Don Watson and Warren Steel.

The Bugle App will continue to feature its special Election section up until the big day. There, the groups and parties have the opportunity to highlight their policies and their candidates.

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Bank moves Werri to keep down road its fish shop The Commonwealth Bank has relocated from its prominent position opposite the Post Office to the old ANZ site on Terralong Street. Michelle Madruga, the Branch Manager, believes the opening of the new branch will provide an improved and more interactive banking environment for Kiama locals and visitors. “The Bank’s investment in Kiama’s new branch is a great example of how we are adapting to the way our customers want to bank with us. We are dedicated to making banking simpler, easier and more accessible by using the latest technology and an open-plan branch design,” she says. “We have been meeting

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The famous Werri Beach Fish Shop has been sold, allowing owners Don and Maree Smith to at last retire, become grey nomads and spend time with the grandkids. The shop, located directly across the road from the beach, is an institution for locals and visitors. It first opened in the early 1960s and the Smiths took it over nearly 20 years ago. It is the only commercial business along that strip near the beach. Don says he’s been proud of being a part of the Gerringong community, where they have made many friends, given work to young school kids and seen them graduate university, and sponsored many sporting and service clubs in town.

The shop, which introduced the Big Werri Burger (with the lot), has ocean views from its front terrace and rates just over 3 stars from Google Reviews and 4 stars from Trip Advisor. Danielle Harris from Raine & Horne, Shoalhaven Heads, who secured the sale, says “The new owners, who are in lockdown in Sydney at the moment, are very excited about their purchase and plan to keep it as a fish and chip shop. “There was quite a bit of interest for this property because it is so unique.” The $2.8m sale includes the shop at the front of the property as well as the 3 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom family home at the rear.

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4 | 7 August 2021

The Bugle

Funding for sports facilities Three local sports clubs have received a total of $79,000 in funding from the NSW Government to upgrade their facilities. The Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club has $68,000 from the 2020-21 Surf Club Facility Program to purchase a new patrol and radio tower. Jamberoo Croquet Club also received funding of $6,000 under the 202021 Local Sports Grants Program to install drainage and replace the awning canvas at the facility. Further funding of $5,000 from the Sports Grants Program was also given to Gerringong Breakers Football Club to upgrade their facilities with four aluminium junior goal posts. These funds were presented by Member for Kiama Gareth Ward who said was extremely pleased to secure the funding for each club. “I know that these funds will make a real difference and as your local MP, I will continue to fight hard to secure even more funding to upgrade our local sporting and recreation facilities right across the Kiama JW electorate.”

A year for youth Rules clarified in Pandemicland Gerringong’s Cooper Roberts is one of four young Australians featured in The Feed’s new two part documentary, Pandemicland, on SBS. The Feed spent over 10 months filming its subjects to get an intimate and personal insight into each of their lives and their experiences of coming of age during the COVID-19 pandemic “They chose four young people around Australia from different backgrounds and filmed our stories to show how the pandemic affected each of us individually,” says Cooper. The documentary follows the now nearly 19 year old Cooper, an up-and-coming rugby league star with the Gerringong Lions, through his final year at Kiama High and focuses on the issues of mental health, masculinity and suicide. “My story was a lot about finding your way through that masculinity stage of your teenage years after losing two friends to suicide, and not really understanding mental health issues before being so closely involved with them,” says Cooper. “It was really important to speak about that, not just for

myself but for other people because it could have a really strong impact on them.” Cooper saw part one of the documentary for the first time this week and was really happy with how it all came together. “The whole family sat down and watched it together which meant a lot to me,” says Cooper. “I was really pleased and excited with how the show came together and I thought the filming came across in a great way. “They filmed my high school graduation, turning 18, and me playing footy and coaching the under 11s team. “I also took them around town to some significant spots for my childhood memories. “They talked to me about growing up in a small town that has a lot with comradery, as well as being a big rugby league town.” Cooper enjoyed the experience, which came about

after a teacher who had been contacted by SBS suggested it was something he might like to be involved with. “At the start it was real weird having the cameras there and trying not to pay attention to them following you, but it ended up being pretty easy,” he says. “It was pretty cool to be a part of it because it’s not every day that you have someone follow you around and document your journey. “I’m excited and a little bit nervous because I don’t really know what they have put in the documentary after all the filming.”

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decisions that limit the risk of acquiring COVID-19 and keep their loved ones and the broader community safe at this critical time.” While some people may move between homes ‘as part of a normal routine’, the exemption does not apply to most property owners. Anyone who does come down must comply with the stay at home orders while here. The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, believes the loophole should be closed. “If the intent of the Public Health Orders is to stop the spread of the virus by limiting the movement of people, the Public Health Orders should be amended to require people to reside at their primary place of residence as listed on the Federal Electoral Roll,” he said in a letter to the Health Minister, Brad Hazzard. Similarly, the Local Health District has confirmed that while it is a reasonable excuse to leave the home obtain goods and services necessary for the household or for exercise, it must be obtained/done locally if ‘reasonably available’. Locally means within the LGA, or no further than 10 kilometres from home, if within another LGA. Effectively this means people from the lockdown area cannot come to our LGA to exercise or shop.

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Good news - dark chocolate could improve your eyesight In fantastic news to hand, a recent US study suggests eating dark chocolate ould improve visual clarity. The new research from San Antonio tested people 2 hours after eating 47g of 72% Cacao dark chocolate, and again after 40g milk chocolate in separate sessions more than 3 days apart. The testing looked at various aspects of visual performance. More than 70% of people scored significantly higher after eating the dark chocolate. The biggest improvement was in contrast sensitivity, which helps us see in low light, or when text is poorly printed. Another area that improved was visual acuity – a measure of the sharpness of vision. Researchers proposed increases in blood flow could explain the improvements, but suggested more work needs to be done to understand the exact mechanism. I suspect they won’t have trouble finding volunteers for future studies! In the meantime, I know what I will be having with my cup of tea tonight. Due for an eye exam? Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

The issue of whether people from the lockdown zone can come down to properties they own in our area is still being muddied by the inclusion of ‘moving between different places of residence of the person’ as a reasonable excuse. While there is no doubt that people in the lockdown zone cannot leave home without a reasonable excuse, it seems some are taking a broad interpretation of the different places of residence excuse to do so. A spokesperson for Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has sought to clarify the issue, “Taking a holiday is not a reasonable excuse. If you have two residences, you can move between them provided this is part of a normal routine, and providing you follow the stay-at-home rules if you have left Greater Sydney to do so. You cannot take a holiday in a second home. “A person over 18 who is leaving Greater Sydney must carry evidence showing their address and produce it to a police officer on request. “These restrictions limit interaction between people from different households and reduce mobility to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the community. “NSW Health is urging people to not only comply with Public Health Orders, but to make practical and sensible

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the business of aged care. “They will be responsible for everyday operations and will report through me back up to the Board. Then the two of us will head to Council and report on the activities of the Board and the business.” The July Council Meeting endorsed the new position as a Senior Staff role, a status which has a minimum remuneration package of $192,600, bringing it in line with other Director roles. The new structure will see information about Blue Haven return to the public record, something that has not happened since the introduction of the current board arrangement. The hunt is also about to begin for people to join the Advisory Board, with a company called Board Direction being engaged to develop a long list of applicants. “I really felt it was important that the new COO has a new committee at the exact same time, so that they can all establish relationships and a style of work ethic,” says Ms Stroud. “What we are looking for is people who are experts in aged-care services and who have really good commercial insight into the business and also really good care insight. “I’m hoping that they are skilled, talented profession-

genuine interest for what we do.” She encourages suitably qualified locals to apply, although local representation is assured with two councillors on the Board. As an update, Blue Haven Aged Care Facility now has 125 residents (out of a possible 134) and a total of 715 home care clients. Of the 57 independent living units at Blue Haven Bonaira, 55 have now been sold. On the vaccination front, the Acting Director Blue Haven, Dale Wakefield, reports that 85 per cent of residents are now fully vaccinated. “This is everyone who wants to be vaccinated, as 15 per cent have chosen not to, some for health-related reasons,” he says. “Out of the staff, we are at about 65 per cent and we have ordered our own Pfizer vaccine so we can do three onsite clinics in the next couple of weeks to get our staff up to full compliance.” Of the overall oranisational restructure of Council she is tasked with, Ms Stroud says, “I am very keen for the organisation to have stability and to be as cost effective and sustainable as possible. “I need to make sure that every decision we make is lined up with that.”

Another one bites the dust

Kiama’s annual folk music festival, Folk By The Sea, which was to be held on 2425 September this year has been canceled due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis. Festival Artistic Director David De Santi says the decision was extremely disappointing but unavoidable. “We believe it’s too large a financial and safety risk to press on. “Many of our artists, volunteers who run the festival and our target audience live in areas that are currently in lockdown such as Greater Sydney, Wollongong and Shellharbour. “So we reluctantly came to the conclusion that we couldn’t press on in the hope things might improve by September. “It is extremely disappointing but these are the times we are living in and community safety is the most important thing.” Folk By The Sea was also forced to cancel in 2020 due to COVID-19 so organisers are determined for the return of the festival in 2022. “Hopefully it will be our third time lucky next year,” says Mr De Santi.

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6 | 7 August 2021

The Bugle

Date set to open G’gong Libary & Museum Complex With the occupation certificate for the Gerringong Library & Museum complex expected in mid-August, both the Gerringong & District Historical Society and Council’s Library staff can’t wait to move in. An official opening is being planned for 28 September, the 30th anniversary of the opening of the first Museum – a farm shed demolished to build the Library. “When you go into the building it is a sheer delight,” says the Society’s President, Helen McDermott, who has been on a number of site visits. “The Library is a very beautiful room looking out to the landscape, and the old School of Arts has come up a treat.” The Museum will be housed in the latter, and the furniture for it has already been installed. Council’s Manager Library Services, Michelle Hudson, agrees it is a beautiful space. “The northfacing glass windows are a real feature, along with a deck and window seats for reading. “We’ve spent $80,000 on a new collection of resources for Gerringong, and they are ready to go on display. “All of the furniture has arrived and is ready to be installed. It can all be easily reconfigured for different uses. “We have such a tiny little library in Gerringong at the moment [in the Town Hall], so we have been really restricted in the programs we could offer. “It is going to be lovely to move into the new building.” The new Library has a children section, a room which can be concertinaed off for meetings or other purposes, and art gallery space which

ABOUT REAL ESTATE WHY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IS A GOOD INVESTMENT TERRY DIGGER

Principal 0417 760 669 First National Coast & Country When potential buyers think of investing, most minds initially gravitate toward residential investments as commercial investment may seem foreign or too risky. A glimpse of the Library

will be available to the Society, traveling exhibitions and the community. Designed pre-COVID, the restrictions will necessitate changes to the operation originally envisaged. The complex was first expected to be completed as early as March 2020, but the project was delayed due to a problem with the roof height. “A lot of the recent delay has been COVID related, which has affected who can come down to do the work,” says Helen. Society members have been hard at work, under the direction of museum curator Sandra McEwan, since they moved the collection out of its old home. “We keep finding more things to clean and polish,” says Helen. They would much prefer to have Sandra manage the move into the new space, but as she lives in a lockdown zone this may not be possible. “She is such an integral part of the team, and would be able to manage the pro-

And the Museum in the School of Arts

cess so much better,” says Helen. “Prior to working for nearly 30 years at the Powerhouse Museum, she studied both science and art.” A glass floor section in the Museum highlights the original foundation, and houses two time capsules. At only 30 years old, the original cap-

sule was thought too recent to open yet. “We have a great working relationship with the Society, and are hoping to develop some of our programs around their collections,” says Ms Hudson. Initially, the Library will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

This year, with so many people confined to their homes, you can do the Census ahead of the night of August 10 if you are sure of who will be at your home at that time. The Census, conducted every five years, tells the economic, social and cultural makeup of Australia and is essential for planning and policy making. The 2016 Census showed Kiama LGA had a population of 21,464, 49% male and 51% female. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people made up 1.8 per cent of the total population.

Our median age was 47. Children 0-14 made up 16.8% of the population while 23.5% were 65 years and over. Overwhelmingly, we were born in Australia (79.4%). In terms of ancestry, 30.9% of the population were English, 29.2% Australian, 11.1% Irish and 8.7% Scottish. Christianity was the largest religion at 66.5%, with 28.6% saying they were of no religion.

Time for the big count

Most don’t realise, investments in commercial property generally lead to higher returns due to vacancy rates being considerably low. According to Core Logic commercial leases generally have fixed rental rate increases written into rental agreements and can offer rental yields from anywhere between 5 and 12 per cent. In addition, commercial rental agreements are commonly long-term, ranging from 12-month leases and upward to 10-year leases, resulting in a steady and reliable tenant. Not only will investing in commercial real estate diversify a property portfolio, there are also several lucrative commercial property depreciations available through the ATO. For further information on this, you should consult with your accountant. First National Coast & Country currently have several commercial listings for sale across Kiama and Gerringong, with great investment opportunities. If you’re interested in finding out more information, please contact one of our friendly offices.

COMMERCIAL LISTING OF THE WEEK

For more information or to complete the Census online visit: www.census.abs.gov.au/ by Jack Wallner

2/3 BROWN STREET, KIAMA

Kiama, welcome to easy everyday banking at your new CommBank branch.

Our new Kiama branch is now open and is packed with features to help make your everyday banking a breeze, including: NetBank kiosks

Free WiFi

A CommBank ATM that allows you to deposit, withdraw and transfer funds instantly.

Our customer service team are proud members of the Kiama community and enjoy helping our customers achieve their lifestyle and financial goals. They are on hand to chat about your financial situation, answer your questions and suggest solutions that will help meet your needs.

NEW TO MARKET | Andy Wharton Situated at Unit 2, 3 Brown Street Quarry Business Park this large 500sqm commercial unit is the largest of any available trade unit in Kiama. 2/3 Brown Street has a current long term tenant and is only 800m to Kiama CBD and a 2 minute drive to the Princes Highway on ramp. One of a kind, this large commercial strata unit gives the investor a number of options.

NEW LISTINGS • • • • • •

5 Tate Place, Jamberoo Auction | David Hall & Terry Digger 4 Keppel Street, Kiama New To Market | David Hall & Terry Digger 8/125 Terralong Rd, Kiama(Comm.) New To Market | Terry Digger 56 Jerry Bailey Rd, Shoalhaven Hds New To Market | Claire Nunn 9 Blair Street, Kiama New To Market | Dana Edwards 7 Millewa Avenue, Gerringong $890,000-$960,000 | Joe Dignam

RECENT SALES • • • • •

Lvl 2, Unit 4/10 Bong Bong Street, Kiama $3,901,150 | Terry Digger 35 Bong Bong Street, Kiama $1,200,000 | Andy Wharton 68 Kiarama Avenue, Kiama Downs $1,500,000 | Terry Digger 84 River Road, Shoalhaven Heads $2,850,000 | Claire Nunn G6/128 Belinda St, Gerringong (Comm.) $345,000 + GST | Ryan Stalgus

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7 August 2021 | 7

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LOCAL

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Kiama Council has been celebrating Local Government Week (2 – 8 August), highlighting the work of councils across NSW. Most people know councils deal with much more than roads, rates and rubbish. But even after my time as Mayor I’m still amazed at the range of things they also manage: Kiama Library, Kiama Leisure Centre, The Pavilion, Visitor Information Centre, SENTRAL Youth Services, Community Recycling Centre and Old Fire Station Art Gallery (to name a few). There’s also the services such as Dementia Friendly Kiama, Destination Kiama, OK Organics Kiama, Library Story Time, Bulky Waste Drop Off, Lifeguards and Rangers, as well as resealing roads and collecting your rubbish. Yet it’s the way Kiama Council in particular has led the way on critical ‘big-picture’ issues for our commu-

nity, that will remain my best memory of my time as Mayor. One example is the collaboration of Council and our community in developing the Kiama Local Strategic Planning Statement. Another is our new Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan. But our biggest leadership role, as the largest aged care provider of any Australian council, is Blue Haven Illawarra. My thanks to each and every one of the people, especially the volunteers, who make it a privilege to be Mayor of such a great council, working for such a great community. I do want to particularly highlight the work of the staff and volunteers at Blue Haven as they mark Aged Care Employee Day (Saturday 7 August). As chair of the Blue Haven board, I often marvel at the complexity and importance of the services we provide our community. We’ve achieved a lot in recent years with the shift to the NDIS system, establishing our Bonaira facility, responding to the changes in the aged care sector stemming from the recent royal commission, and now supporting and protecting our residents and clients during COVID.

To the nurses, cooks, dietitians, caterers, cleaners, administration staff, maintenance and other workers who bring such great care and attention to their work thank you and well done. While on congratulations, I’d like to welcome aboard the new Student Representative Council (SRC) at Kiama High School. Representing your fellow students, or a whole municipality, is a rewarding experience. Just remember, when things don’t go to plan, the important thing is we’re all just trying to make our world just that little bit better. Finally, you may be aware the council elections have now been pushed back to Saturday 4 December. The existing council will continue until then. The new date for the close of electoral rolls is 25 October. If you’re running as a candidate, you need to nominate by midday on Wednesday 3 November.

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

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New election dates Following the postponement of NSW’s local government elections until 4 December, the Office for Local Government has released a set of FAQ to answer people’s queries about what will happen now. The FAQ emphasise the decision to postpone all council elections has been made in response to the escalating outbreak of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus in Greater Sydney and the potential for further outbreaks in regional areas, and explain why extended ivoting and postal voting wasn’t possible in the time frame. The postponement of the elections will not affect the timing of future council elections, and the subsequent ordinary local government elections will still proceed in September 2024. The key dates for the December election are now: 25 October 2021 Close of electoral rolls (6pm). Candidate nominations open. Commencement of the “regulated period” for the elections (for example, published electoral material must comply with authorisation rules). 26 October 2021 Postal vote application opens. 3 November 2021 Close of candidate nominations (12pm). Registration of electoral material that is for distribution on election day commences. 4 November 2021 Ballot paper draw. 5 November 2021 Caretaker period starts. 22 November 2021 Pre-poll voting opens. iVote commences. 26 November 2021 Registration of electoral material for distribution on election day closes (5pm). 29 November 2021 Postal vote applications close (5pm). 3 December 2021 Pre-poll voting closes. 4 December 2021 iVote applications close (1 pm). iVote voting closes (6pm). Election day (8am-6pm). 17 December 2021 Return of postal votes closes (6pm). 21 –23 December 2021 Results declared progressively as counts are finalised by Returning Officers. The FAQ are available at

8 | 7 August 2021

The Bugle

Vision stands the test of time Locals and visitors now take Gerringong Plaza, and especially the supermarket, for granted, but when it opened on 14 August 2001 it was the end of a hard-won battle for builder/developers John and Karen Trevenar. Karen says they were fed up with the inconvenience of shopping in Kiama or Nowra. “We would go to Kiama to buy groceries at Christmas – you know what the traffic used to be like over summer – and by the time you got home the ice cream would have melted and all the frozen foods defrosted.” They were ready to build on a site in Fern Street, just south of the petrol station, where the post office is now located. But this was knocked back because it was outside the 1995 Gerringong Charrette zone. “The fear was a supermarket located down there would separate the town,” John says. It was a call from a council employee that alerted him to a more suitable block on Blackwood Street. But many locals had decided by then that a supermarket development would wreck the town. “People wanted a little country town, and many thought that a supermarket would ruin everyone’s business,” says Karen.

“There was a petition, we received letters of objection and it went on and on. We actually got a death threat.” Sandra McCarthy, a Gerringong resident who was Mayor of Kiama Council at the time, remembers the DA was approved by only 5-4. “It comes down to the fact that people don’t like change. That’s where there is a role for councils to provide strategic vision.” The development was a mammoth undertaking. “Banks wouldn’t touch us at the time because they said that there was no development happening south of Wollongong,” says John. Sheer grit and dogged determination took their 1999 vision to completion in 2001 – a $4.5 million 2,800sqm

complex with supermarket “From an urban planning and five retail stores. perspective, Standon Lane They used local tradespeo- [the lane that runs next to ple – painters, concreters, plumbers – local architect Bishop and Hitchcock, and MBK Engineering. Supplies were sourced from Gerringong Hardware. The supermarket alone now employs around 50 staff, many of whom are local. “John and Karen should be applauded for their vision,” says Sandra. “This is their legacy for the town. This development has proved to be a significant community asset for the town. “From an economic perspective, it has been a boost to Gerringong business by stopping ‘escape spending’ to Shellharbour and keeping dollars in town.

the supermarket] gives better drive-through access to the western carpark at the rear of the Fern Street shops. “But more than that, when the public school in town moved, Gerringong lost its social hub. Slowly I saw that same social hub developing at the IGA, where people catch up with each other inside or outside the shop. “The IGA has continued with the village feel through the Lions Club BBQs outside. The ethos of this IGA supermarket is very much community oriented.” John and Karen agree it was a bold adventure. “I often thought we must

have been nuts and there was a time when we nearly lost everything,” Karen says. “But then I think everytime it rained someone would spin out on the bends. It used to happen all the time. If we’ve done nothing else, we might have saved someone’s life by them not having to drive in a hurry to Kiama to get something from the supermarket.” John and Karen are celebrating these 20 years with a sausage sizzle on Saturday August 14 from 11am and a cake cutting at 1pm. They hope the tradespeople that helped build the Plaza come along. by Perrie Croshaw

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7 August 2021 | 9

OUT AND ABOUT

GERROA USE WAVE HO

Construction Managers

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EXPERIENCED - CREATIVE - LOCAL (02) 444 16 444

At Werri Point

With COVID putting the jinx on many social activities, this issue we focus on the companionship ocean swimming is giving a growing group of people at Gerringong

www.prmarchitects.com.au

ard na mara GERRINGONG

Patrick Mahedy (ARB 4770) is PRM’s nominated Registered Architect and Registered Town Planner (RPIA)

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.

Move over Bondi Icebergs, Gerringong has the Werri Point Swimmers. Sydney’s famous Eastern Suburbs swim club only meets on Sundays and only between May and September, but Werri Point Swimmers gather almost every day of the week, every week of the year. At 8am they dive off the rocks at the southern end of Werri Beach, swimming across to the pines near the fish shop on Pacific Ave and back to the rocks. “It really is the perfect way to start the day,” says Simon Saddler, one of the members who kick-started the club in 2017. “It’s around 1km from the Point to the pines and back. Or you can just jump in off the Point and swim into the beach and walk back. But

sometimes that’s colder than being in the water. “It never truly gets cold here. The rock pool can get down to 13, but even in winter the ocean is usually around 15 degrees Celsius. “It’s great for your mental and physical health and is fun.” Mark Booth has been doing the swim longer than anyone. “The Captain Christie started around 1981 [an annual swim around the Point from Boat Harbour]. So, in the lead up to the race, a dozen people from the surf club would jump in off the Point and swim in to the beach for practice when they were on patrol.” Then in 2017, Simon Saddler and Scott Gutterson initiated the more regular group. Saturday and Sunday

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(02) 4423 1782 3/59 Junction Street Nowra NSW 2541 1/6-8 Orient Street Batemans Bay NSW 2536 Fiona.Phillips.MP@aph.gov.au Fiona Phillips MP @fiboydphillips

FIONAPHILLIPS.COM.AU Authorised by Fiona Phillips, ALP, 3/59 Junction Street Nowra

swims are the most popular, as sadly work can interrupt the best intentions during the week. The informal club has 350 followers and a combination of them – sometimes around 40 at a time – will take to the waters at 8am. At this time of the year, you can spot them congregating on the rocks dressed in their mostly black and yellow wetsuits and hoods. “We do the Captain Christie for practice about once every six weeks. It’s just magic,” says Simon. “The community side of things has been wonderful.

night, on a full moon, you get to see so much. “You’d think you need torches, but you don’t. You dive to the bottom and look up and you can see everyone then look down and you can see the bottom. “We’ve had a baker’s dozen join us at times. “We wait until the moon gets to a 30-40 per cent elevation so we have a bit of light coming through. “We’ve done this moonlight swim 3-4 times and all have been amazing. The last one, the ocean was like a lake.” As we chat, more swimmers arrive – Wendy Quinn,

We’ve had men and women from all different walks of life and all different ages – from aged 80 down to Spud’s son who did his first Point swim at 7 [Spud is Cameron Steel, another founding member].” The swims are so popular, offshoot groups have formed. “There are so many different branches of the Werri Point Swimmers,” says Scott, who started the Werri Point Moonlighters and takes great Go Pro shots which you can see on their Facebook page. “It’s always about creating cool adventures. “When we jump off here at

Peter Warboys, Trevor Russell, Mark Fenwick, Tim Matchett, the trickle turns into a flood. Simon and Liz Bateman are still on ‘Hesitation Hill’ as Simon calls the Werri Point car park – it’s “a place where you can ponder the conditions before venturing forth”. To join in, turn up at 7.40am most mornings at Werri Point or contact Simon through the Facebook group Werri Point Swimmers. by Perrie Croshaw

Thank you very much Numbers Count for your guidance and support. Best team of people to have on your side. –Alison M

small business advice • business plans • taxation solutions cashflows • superannuation • self-managed superfunds

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w numberscount.com.au The Bugle

THE BUGLE CROSSWORD 1

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peas in a soup 26. Language that does not make sense, gibberish (6,5) 27. Shape of a corkscrew or spiral staircase 29. State originally named after the Governor General of Dutch East Indies 1642/3 37. Italian town with a leaning tower 38. Pair of pincers or tweezers used in surgery 39. Tropical disease whose vector is the mosquito

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2. Connective tissue muscle to bone 31 32 3. What the tattooist puts in your tattoo 33 34 4. Dutch painter who cut off 35 36 37 his ear (3,4) 5. He led the Israelites out of 38 39 Egypt 40 6. Length of day = night name 7. Viral disease whose 41 42 43 vaccination is within the MMR 44 45 46 vaccine 47 9. Strikebreaker 10. Deadly infectious bacterial 48 49 disease now treated with 50 antibiotics. Deep red rash high temp. (6,5) ACROSS a public authority 31. Old brand of peanut butter 11. Language in Pakistan 12. Restaurant in Terralong St 1. Dutch East India Co. ship 17. Capt Nemo’s submarine in (1,1,1). wrecked on WA coast in 1629 and name of lift company 20,000 leagues under the sea 32. German Measles 8. Capt of Duyfkin which 19. Highly contagious 33. Personal Identification No. 16. Two people singing mapped and explored Cape viral infection now largely together (1,1,1) 18. Container of water York in 1606. First European contained by vaccine. Can 34. Informal word for a contact with Aust. lead to Shingles (7,3). pathogen sometimes used for bathing 11. United Kingdom (1,1) 21. Line dance performed to 35. Direction to which the 20. Disease spread by rats. 13. Tree locally harvested in Tina Turner Song. Earth rotates 21. Original name of New York the past 25. Definite article (3,9) 36. World’s first disease 22. Which flower financial 14. Last name of Dutch ship’s 26. People of Holland eradicated by vaccination, bubble in Holland collapsed in Captain who nailed a pewter 28. Marge & Homer’s son declared by WHO in 1979 Feb 1637 plate to a tree in WA in 1616 30. Protestant Holland prince 39. Tradesman who works 23. Workers banding together. 15. Official appointed to planted on English throne in with stone or brick 24. Protein associated with investigate complaints against 1688 40. Old European name for 30

LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTION

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Crossword compiled by Steve Law. Correspondence welcome to crossword@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

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

0417 662 441 celina.gregory@belleproperty.com

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

7 August 2021 | 11

POSTCARD HOME Since enjoying the powerful experience of swimming with whale sharks, manta rays and turtles on the Ningaloo Reef off the Western Australian coast several years ago, I have dreamt of repeating it. As this has not been possible due to COVID-19, I decided to compromise in May 2021 by heading to Fitzroy Island, about 45 minutes off the coast of Cairns, with the aim of swimming with turtles on the surrounding coral reef. We spent two nights in Cairns both before and after our four night stay on Fitzroy Island. Cairns itself was a delightful rediscovery, with its seemingly endless esplanade boardwalk skirting the tidal mangrove coastline, its Asian style night markets, its excellent cafes and restaurants overlooking the marina and its generally laid-back tropical ambiance. Another attraction were the excellent Botanic Gardens on the outskirts of the city, offering a splendid range of tropical plants amidst meandering pathways, as well as a number of hiking tracks through the adjacent Mt

12 | 7 August 2021

Vaccine perspective Local dentist Jay Gaffey looks at allay concern about vaccine risks:

Remember the days when we could book flights and go on holidays overseas? Did you ever stand in the queue at check-in, quivering in fear, and debating if you should get onto the plane at all given the risk of blood clots and possible death? There is a 1 in 6000 chance of getting a Deep Vein Thrombosis on a flight of more than four hours, and that’s if you are healthy and on zero medications. There is a 1 in 1000 chance of getting a blood clot from taking the contraceptive pill alone. Just think of all those women of child bearing age that flew the world whilst taking the oral contraceptive pill who could have died at any moment. The chances of a blood clot is significant for this cohort Whitfield Conservation Park. Unfortunately, however, ingesting micro plastics in but this risk is one the popuFitzroy Island itself was not having an underwater the ocean. lation was happy to overlook more or less as I imagined it. camera meant that I couldn’t Now there’s food for if there were Pina Coladas There is just one resort on take a photo of the turtles thought. the island whose two levels while hovering above them Candy Andersen, and a five star resort at the of accommodation blend eas- on the reef, so I had to conKiama Downs other end. With the advent of the ily into the natural landscape. tent myself with a wave from internet, easy access to We stayed in a fairly basic Leilah, a green sea turtle and non-peer reviewed mis-inforbeachside cabin located only the sole current occupant of mation is now only a click five metres from the coral the island’s turtle rehabilitaaway, making it essential that sand beach and yes, we did tion centre. If you’d like to share your we check the source of our get to swim with turtles in Her wave is testament to travel story, send your ‘facts’. An Australian resident their natural coral environher slow but steady recovery postcard to: news@ is nearly three times more ment, even if it was only from floaters syndrome, a thebuglenewspaper.com.au likely to be struck by lightthree or four of them. serious condition caused by

ning than get a blood clot from the Astra Zeneca vaccine. In fact the risk is so low that a doctor prescribing any other drug wouldn’t mention the risk at all! Fictitious and embellished reporting regarding the vaccines has left the alcohol consuming, car driving, aspirin taking, road crossing, lightning dodging public in a state of panic. Why are anecdotal reports of ‘knowing someone who got a clot from the vaccine’ more terrifying to us than the millions who have already died from COVID-19? If we chose whether to drive on this logic, the roads would be empty. We need to find some perspective. Researching anti-vaccination information reveals some truly amazing alternative ‘facts’ that any fan of fantasy books would appreciate. It is time that we saw our roles in the spread of diseases. People go into work sick, don’t wear masks when they have a cough, have poor hand hygiene, and lack a basic understanding of cross-infection control. Relying on herd immunity through infection will inevitably lead to deaths and nasty side effects, which could be avoided by using a vaccine. Get your vaccine, have a Pina Colada and keep perspective.

The Bugle