The Bugle
10 August 2019
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
The Man Walk: an idea for our times When local physiotherapist Mark Burns first started his early morning walking in the beginning of last year, he had no idea it would be the genesis of an international movement. Within a couple of months, some mates joined in and they soon felt that their informal group was something that other men would benefit from. “It only took us ten minutes to decide on our name and guiding principles: Walk, Talk and Support,” says Mark. “We wanted to give men a free way of regularly connecting and communicating, while getting the physical benefits of exercise. “We are a group of blokes having a walk and having a yarn. We talk absolute rubbish most of the time, but there is an opportunity to open up if you want. “Many of us no longer have the network of regular sport, and we are too young for the Men’s Shed, so we’ve fallen through the cracks for social interaction outside of work and family.” The concept really took off when an invitation to join a new group in Wollongong went viral on social media. “We went from three locations – Kiama, Gerringong and Shell Cove – to 70 locations in six weeks,” says Mark. These include Man Walks overseas, in England, Ireland, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. “A Parramatta bloke was
walking on his own for a couple of weeks, and now he has ten people joining his Walk. It just happens. “You don’t need to tell anyone you are coming or not coming, you don’t have to sign up or pay or do anything – you can just check on facebook for a group near you and go along when it suits.” The only thing that is structured about the Man Walks is a regular meet-up time and location. As an example, the Kiama group meets at Short Black at 5.45am, Monday to Friday, to grab a coffee to take on a 45 minute walk. “This timing suits a lot of people who are working and have young families,” says Mark. “It’s really important that it doesn’t interfere with family time.” He’d welcome other groups starting up in Kiama, at other times that suit a different demographic. “We’ll make a facebook page for any new group to let people know when and where it is on.” While stressing the movement isn’t run by mental health professionals, Mark says testamonials show the Walk has helped men through difficult times. “We want to make it ok for men to ask for help if they need it.” The group got early funding of $1000 from Kiama Council, and recently received $8000 from Kiama Rugby
Inside this issue Unit opens for inspection at Blue Haven Bonaira p 3
Getting ready for GLaM p 3
Tree planting tradition continues p5
Ward supports abortion decriminalisation in NSW
The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has spoken in NSW Parliament for the decriminalisation of abortion. As the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill is open to a conscience vote, members on both sides are speaking freely about their reasons for supporting or opposing it. “When asked my views on this matter at past candidates’ forums I have always been consistent,” said Mr Ward. Continued on p8 “Given the fact that I have
always maintained the same view, it would be unpardonably inappropriate for me to change my view now. “My view remains that abortion should be safe, legal and rare.” Procuring an abortion is currently an offence under the NSW Crimes Act of 1900, punishable by up to 10 years jail. Case law has developed to the situation that an abortion is only lawful if the woman’s doctor believes on
reasonable grounds that it is necessary to avoid a serious danger to her life or her physical or mental health. This can take into account economic and social factors as well as medical ones, and that the risks of the abortion are not out of proportion to the danger to be averted. “These exceptions are given general and broad interpretation, with around 20,000 abortions occurring annually in New South
New lease of life for our oldest building p7
Continued on p12
Did you know...
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Enquire about becoming a foster carer today.