The Bugle 8 April 2017
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com
New precinct committee for Kiama Central Kiama Central is set to revive its Precinct Committee, giving residents a forum to express their views about issues affecting this area of the Municipality. An official endorsement of the re-establishment has been recommended to councillors for the April Council Meeting. Four precincts were established by the Council in the 1990s, but only one, the South Precinct, remains. Jamberoo and Minnamurra residents have active resident associations rather than operating under the precinct model. “Precinct committees operate under a Council
framework, where we provide guidelines and basic admin support, as well as a venue and insurance cover,” says General Manager Michael Forsyth. “They provide valuable feedback from residents for Council to have regard to, although it is not bound to any of the Precinct’s views.” A recent public meeting of residents unanimously voted to establish a precinct, rather than an association, largely because of the ease of doing so. Under the Council guidelines, all residents are able to attend and participate at precinct meetings, with the Minutes tabled with Council.
Inside this issue Tourism changes take shape p 3
Get involved in this year’s KISS Arts Festival p 7
Precinct supporters: Heather O’Neil, Judy and Rod Cork, Peter O’Neil and Kim Elder
“It has been our experience that attendance ebbs and flows depending on interest in the issues being discussed,” says Michael Forsyth. “Continuity comes
with an involved Executive.” The move to create a central Kiama community group grew out of the work that members of the Keep Kiama Local Committee carried out
last year to prevent a forced merger of Kiama and Shoalhaven councils. Peter O’Neil, a leading figure in the Keep Kiama Local movement and one of the instigators of the precinct initiative, says “When we were defending our indeThe President of the Kiama Business Chamber, Marie pendence, we really noticed Beikmanis of Lush Flowers and Gifts, has been honoured there was no body to apas the 2017 Kiama Electorate Woman of the Year. proach to reach people in the Gareth Ward MP says Mrs Beikmanis is a very deservcentral part of Kiama. ing recipient of this prestigious annual award. “At this time of change, “Marie is a strong advocate for our local businesses in we see the precinct as giving Kiama and is passionate about promoting and growing the people a voice on issues that Kiama Business Chamber into the future. concern them, as well as an “She is a true community hero and this is worthy recog- understanding of the presnition for her tremendous and ongoing contribution to our sures facing Council.” local community.” Kim Elder agrees, “We On accepting the Award at the Chamber’s March netare hoping the precinct will working meeting, held at Gareth Ward’s office, Mrs Beik- make people more aware manis said, “I am very humbled by this award and I hope of issues facing our commuthat my family is proud of me. nity, particularly to do with “My focus has always been about growing the Business development, traffic and Chamber and bringing new people into the township to retaining our identity.” keep Kiama relevant and active.” The next meeting of the She also accepted a cheque for $5,000 to help with the precinct is on 20 April, 7pm, refurbishment of the Chamber’s new office in Terralong Joyce Wheatley Community St’s Odessa Arcade to provide a business hub for members. Centre. All welcome.
Chris Evans retires p4
Kiama Electorate Woman of the Year announced
Colonial architects leave lasting legacy p9