Burnetts Recipe Corner

After nearly 20 years living in Huskisson, Jervis Bay, and running two establishments (Seagrass Brasserie and Wildginger Restaurant), Kierrin McKnight moved to Kiama with his partner Lucie in 2019 to enjoy the great lifestyle in Kiama as well as the accessibility to Sydney.

The new owners of the newly renovated Kiama Shores Motel suggested that he lease the front restaurant venue in Collins Street.

After five months of floor to ceiling renovations, gutting and designing a fresh new modern sleek look with his 2011 created Wildginger brand in mind, Kierran opened the doors of Wildginger on 31 March 2023.

The main goal was to create a more upmarket adult only dining experience with beautiful white tablecloths and decor to make guests feel like they are experiencing a special night out.

With the team that was formed 18 months ago, including head chef Cayle O’beirne at the helm in the kitchen, Wildginger is creating dishes that have been favourites in the past, together with a new balance of cooking that no other establishment in this region is offering.

Kierrin says “Being on the seaside of the Pacific Ocean and the region’s excellent providores and farming, we are blessed with a wonderful range of produce”.

Wildginger can seat up to 75 diners and are open Wednesday through to Saturday evenings.

However, they have introduced Yum Cha Sunday lunches (on the first Sunday of the month) giving a full range of dim sum and classic dishes for a long lunch style experience.

“I also realised that there is a demand for our food to be enjoyed in your own oasis with a more relaxed evening in mind, so we also now offer takeaway meals, but be aware that orders will cut off on busy nights by 6pm to give the kitchen time to concentrate on our in-house diners,”

Kierrin explains.

“Being attached to the 50-room motel we also opened our pool bar and kiosk called Single Fin Kiosk which sends out fresh fish and chips with a selection of homemade sauces,” he adds.

The kiosk trades 12pm -6pm Wednesday - Saturday.

This reporter, a self-confessed foodie (and wino), adds her recommendation, having experienced the 8-course ‘classic banquet’ a couple of weeks ago – very memorable!

by Donna Portland

Revitalising Relationships

Caryn is a Kiama Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Life and Executive Coach and welcomes your Relationship questions in this column.

religious, reproductive, or sexual abuse’ How can she deal with this?

• Firstly, your friend needs to recognise the nature of the relationship in which she is living. Many people deny they live in a violent relationship and over time, it gets worse. Never better.

Caryn Walsh

I have read your “Revitalising Relationships” column and I am impressed that you are covering this subject, especially because topics such as domestic violence are so topical in the news right now. All couples fight from time to time –that’s normal, but I have a friend who I have suspected as being a victim of an abusive husband. He is stressed from his job, and they have some heavy financial worries (surprise surprise), but this is no excuse for taking it out on his wife. (I think he hits her, and I know that he is emotionally abusive.) It’s not her fault and his behaviour is no solution! I feel sorry for him too. She keeps forgiving him and tries to be understanding, but the cracks are showing.

Bugle Reader

We are living in a very different world than we did in the past, and there are many reasons why people (and couples) are under stress. The huge increases in the mortgage rates over the last year, the significantly high cost of living, working in a role or environment where a person is not happy, daily challenges of raising children, looking after ageing parents, feeling they are carrying the world on their shoulders …. the list of stressors seems endless. Couples who relate well in times of stress are those relationships that fare well. They understand each other and the pressures they are both under, to offer comfort and leniency in times when most needed, they are supportive and loving of each other within the boundaries of kindness, care, respect and trust.

People living in stressful situations

However, people under stress behave differently to others who are not stressed - and often ‘unacceptable’ behaviours raise their ugly heads – name calling, belligerence, hostility, hitting their partners, being emotionally abusive, sulking, ignoring their partner and getting angry often with their partners are some examples of dysfunctional behaviours that occur.

Domestic Violence is defined as ‘violence committed by someone in the victim’s domestic circle. In its broadest sense, it also involves violence against children, parents, or the elderly. It can assume multiple forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic,

• She needs to acknowledge that what she experiences, is not ok. Ever.

• If she continues to accept this behaviour, it will continue. And frankly, it can cost her her life, and that of her children.

• Children respond differently when living in domestic violence, depending on their age and stage of development. For example, babies living in domestic violence appear to lower levels of health and poorer sleeping patterns.

• Studies show that children are at greater risk for abuse and neglect if they live in a violent home

• Studies show that 3 million children witness violence in their home each year and those who see and hear violence in the home suffer physically and emotionally. Getting help is her first port of call. Right now, she is suffering in silence, and if this continues, the impact on both she and her children will worsen.

Strategies to help your friend

• Have an honest chat with her and ask her if she is experiencing domestic violence in her relationship

• Explain that you are talking about it to her because you are concerned for her safety (and children)

• Explain that by making plans to move away from her dangerous situation, she breaks the cycle of domestic violence in which she is currently living. Staying in this Cycle continues to reinforce it

• Explain that there is always help out there as – there are many resources available - the 1800 RESPECT line is a great start

• They will guide and advise her about where she could find a safe place for her and the children to live, even if temporarily

• She needs an Escape Plan –talking key items for she and her children. (1800 RESPECT)

• Show her research about the damage that domestic violence has on her children – she may downplay the impact her husband’s violence has on her (but there is no denying it has on her children)

Concluding this column, you are the most wonderful person for wanting to help your friend. I hope you found this information useful.

If you have a question, please send it to Caryn at hello@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

All information is confidential and whilst we may publish your queries, all names will be changed to protect your privacy.