The Bugle 3 December 2022

Council fights for Spring Creek sale

Offshore windfarm on the horizon?

Mayor Neil Reilly and

are frustrated that a major opportunity to improve Kiama Council’s financial position, by selling land it owns at Spring Creek, is being stonewalled by the State Government.

“30 years ago we did State Rail a giant favour by not subdividing and developing the land at their request, as that would have stopped quarrying,” says Mayor Neil Reilly.

“We said that for $1 million we would agree to a caveat on the land with regard to vi bration [from the quarrying] and that when the technology was improved we could have that caveat removed.

“They haven’t held up that

end of the bargain.”

The covenant has the effect of limiting the ability to build housing on the land until quarry activities cease.

Council owns both five fully serviced housing blocks on Glenbrook Drive (2772m2), and a 22.7 acre (9.2ha) hold ing of residential zone land opposite and to the north of them.

Some master planning was done on the site in 2018, but it has not been formally sub divided. It is believed it would yield upwards of 90 blocks, possibly as many as 120.

First National Coast & Country’s Terry Digger says standard blocks in the area are selling for $900,000 to $1.1 million.

Ms Stroud says that de veloper contributions could fund better access to the suburb, upgrading the bridge over Spring Creek and pos sibly even a ramp onto the highway.

Back in August, the Min ister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, rejected their appeal to lift a covenant preventing the sale of the five blocks on Glenbrook Rd, “as quarry op erations are not scheduled to cease for a number of years… it is inappropriate to consider the release of the covenant at this time.”

Ever since Council has

Imagine a field of 105 float ing wind turbines, reaching 300 metres above the sea lev el, 15-35 kilometres offshore from Bombo to Currarong. This is what is envisaged for the $5 billion South Pacif ic Offshore Wind Project - a joint venture between BlueFloat Energy, a Span ish-based globally operating offshore wind developer, and Australian clean energy com pany Energy Estate - gener ating 1.6GW of electricity a year.

If approved, the enormous floating windmills with blades 100 metres long, tethered to the ocean floor, will be visible from shore (particularly given our to pography) and will become a defining feature of the region in around seven years’ time, as Australia moves towards a greener future.

The details have been unveiled by the companies ahead of the Federal Govern ment formally declaring the scope of the proposed wind farm zone off the Illawarra coast. This is necessary for

the proponents to apply for a feasibil ity licence as the first stage in the process of gaining approval.

“That [the feasibility licence] will give us the exclusive right to an area and the ability to deploy monitoring devic es and conduct studies [bird and marine life] within that area,” says BlueFloat Ener gy’s Australian Country Manager, Nick Sankey.

“We anticipate a lot of those studies will take two years of monitoring, and then we will go through the environmental assessment process with the Federal Government and the State for state water issues.”

The process of declaring zoning in Australian waters for wind farms is underway for the first time down in the waters off Gippsland,

where the same partners are looking to develop a 2GW bottom-fixed site.

In announcing the pro posed zone for the Gippsland region in August, the Minis ter for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said, “Unlocking the offshore wind industry is an exciting new chapter for Australia and we want to build a platform of community collaboration and

Kiama Council’s CEO Jane Stroud

Mayor Neil Reilly and Council’s CEO Jane Stroud on site

WHAT’S ON

Kiama Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday

Surf Beach or Kiama Uniting Church, 3-6pm with Christmas events on 7, 14, 21 December see page 10

SENTRAL’S Open Mic

Every Thursday for local youth SENTRAL Cottages, 5-7pm

Studio Days Exposed Exhibition 2-7 December

The Old Fire Station, 10-3pm

Guided History Walk of Gerringong from Friday 2 December see right

GLaM’s 1st Birthday Saturday 3 December 9.30-2.30pm

Nature’s Canvas Exhibition 5-11 December

Fern Street Gallery, Gerringong, 10-4pm

M’murra Christmas BBQ Tuesday 6 December

James Oates Reserve, 5-7pm

Kiama Conversations with Jonica Newby Thursday 8 December

Kiama Uniting Church Hall, 5.30pm

Makers & Growers Market

Sunday 11 December

Black Beach, 10-3pm

Carols in the Dark

Tuesday 13 December

Reid Park, Jamberoo, 6.45pm

Carols in Kiama Wednesday 14 December Ss Peters and Saint Paul Church, Kiama, 6.30-8pm

Jamberoo Village Christmas Twilight Market

Friday 16 December

Reid Park, 3-7pm

Family Christmas Wine Down Friday 16 December see page 10

Gerringong Christmas Parade Saturday 17 December see page 10

Gerringong Rotary Market Saturday 17 December in and around the Town Hall, 8.30-1.30pm

Kiama Seaside Market

Sunday 18 December

Black Beach, 9-3pm

Classical Kiama Christmas Concert Sunday 18 December see page 10

What’s On is compiled by Cassandra Zaucer. If you have any events coming up, please contact her at cassandra@thebuglenewspaper.com.au or 0491 686 975.

Items are published at the Editor’s discretion.

Walk through Gerringong’s history

Learn how Gerringong moved from a small village to what it is now on a guided walk through the town by the Gerringong and District Historical Society.

The two hour walk will begin at the Gerringong Library & Museum with locals Colleen Horner and Mary Duncan, who work at the Museum, every Friday and Saturday over the next two months.

“With many people asking about Gerringong, I thought this would be a wonderful way to get our story out there,” Colleen says.

“Anybody interested in his tory or the town should come along. It just enlightens you on what things were all about and how we worked together as a community.”

Given the topography, the walk is for people with medi um fitness levels.

Fri 8.30am and 4.30pm, Sat 8.30am in December and January, from Fri 2 December. Call Colleen on 0457 816 485 to book. $10 cash per person.

There’s more on

For a comprehensive guide to What’s On in our region, check out The Bugle App to find out about live music and events.

Download The Bugle App for free using this QR code.

Colleen and Mary at the gates leading to the park named for King George V's Jubilee (now Michael Cronin Oval)

Greens’ candidate for State Election

Shoalhaven councillor, Dr Tonia Gray, has been preselected as the Greens candidate for Kiama in the March 2023 State Election.

Dr Gray is the second endorsed candidate for the electorate, with Labor candidate Kaitlin McIner ney throwing her hat in the ring in August.

Kiama has been held by Gareth Ward MP since 2011, who was suspended from Parliament earlier this year when sexual assault charges were laid. He has not yet announced whether he will run again as an independent. The Liberal Party has nominations open for pre-selection.

A Professor in the School of Education at Western Sydney University, Dr Gray relocated to Berry 16 years ago, after living in Kiama for 13 years.

“Moving to a socially just, ecologically sustainable, and clean economic future for us all are my core objectives,”

she says.

“The Greens in NSW have a comprehensive 50 point policy plan to support those objectives.”

She sees the five principal tasks as:

• tackling climate justice by rapidly transitioning to renewable energy and public ownership of key energy assets

• demanding expanded funding for world class education, public housing,

hospitals, public transport and social services

• protecting our precious natural environments and productive agricultural landscapes

• restoring integrity and respect to politics and ending dirty donations

• working with First Peo ples to establish a path for sovereignty and meaning ful treaties.

Born in Wollongong, as the daughter/granddaughter of Port Kembla steelworkers, Dr Gray was educated in the public sector, and graduated as a high school teacher from the University of Wollongong. She returned to lecture there in the School of Education from 1989 to 2012.

She has a Masters in Community Health (USA), a Doctorate in Education and is currently in a senior leadership role at Western Sydney University.

“I have sharpened my skills in ethical, compassionate, and civic-minded leadership,” she says.

And now, fundraising begins

Fundraising has begun in earnest to provide clubhouse upgrades at Gerry Emery Oval in Gerringong.

“The Gerringong District All Sports Association has a DA lodgement number and so can start fundrais ing ahead of applying for a grant,” says John Trevenar, a driver of the move to provide more female facilities and a disability lift.

In just a couple of days the Association has raised over $1,200 though raffle sales and have kick started a campaign to sell bricks.

Gerringong Public School is holding a mufti-day to raise money to buy a gold brick for $2,000.

Peta Godfrey, who plays for Gerringong Breakers Football Club, says that the women’s facilities are so needed and so overdue.

“We are really excited about this upgrade, especial ly with the Women’s Soccer World Cup coming up next year in Australia, which will draw more women to the game. Hopefully we can get this across the line before then.”

Taryn Sams, the Female Co-ordinator for the Gerrin gong Breakers, says having more facilities for women will be a game changer.

“With only four toilets to change in, we have been get ting changed in the car park or having to come to the game dressed, which isn’t ideal.”

Raffle tickets $5 from Gerringong Jets Cricket Club. Buy a Brick: $10 for 1 brick, $1,000 or more to get Family/ Organisation name on brick or on honour roll in club. gerringongdistrictsports@ gmail.com

Woolies submits an amended DA

Woolworths has submitted an amendment proposal for its approved DA, which would see 500m2 of commer cial space added to the top of building on the Terralong St side.

“We have identified a de mand for commercial space – could be an office or a gym – and we think we would be able to lease it well,” Tony Pratt, Regional Development Manager of the Woolworths Group (below).

The extra space means it is proposed for the lift to be relocated to the Terralong St pedestrian entrance so it can service from the top level to the basement parking.

Other modifications are mostly internal to the tenan cy layout to add more retail space.

Once Council approval is

extra level is only on Terralong St, and is within the height limit

obtained, Mr Pratt is aiming for the the work to start in February.

“We intend to keep the su permarket trading the whole way through,” says Mr Pratt.

“We will have to stage the development, and we will share those arrangements with the community and stakeholders as it gets closer.

“There will be disruption, but we will manage it as efficiently as we can.”

The back carpark and entry driveway will be included in stage 1, before the main carpark is undertaken.

“This time next year, weath er permitting, we will have a brand new centre,” he says.

“We are really looking forward to getting it done to provide a vibrant shopping experience.”

Renewable energy deal

Together with Shoalhaven and Shellharbour, Kiama Council has struck a renew able electricity agreement with Flow Power, which will eventually see two new regional solar farms con structed in the region.

For the first eight years, the renewable energy will come from the Sapphire Wind Farm near Glenn Innes in northern NSW, and the Bomen and Coota mundra Solar Farms in the Riverina.

The electricity will cover the operation of the coun cils’ large facilities includ ing pools, administration buildings, street lighting and treatment plants from 1 January 2023.

“This is an important step forward for Kiama Council, our residents and ratepayers, in realising a sustainable future for our community,” says Mayor Neil Reilly.

“This power deal is major part of our Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan, which commits Council to reaching ‘net zero’ by 2031.”

Exceptional at Law. Human at heart.

Every family is different as is every legal situation. Whether you are going through separation or a divorce, it can be quite complex and stressful, so it is important that you’re comfortable with your solicitor.

Based in Kiama, Ashleigh Serafini is a south coast local and is one of our exceptional family lawyers. She’s passionate about putting people first and making sure her clients understand each step of the process. If you need comprehensive legal advice and representation, Ashleigh will be at your side.

Tonia Gray lived in Kiama for 13 years

The

JAMBEROO RESIDENTS:

KIAMA COUNCIL PROPOSES CONTROLS AND LIMITS ON YOUR FREE AND INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (JVRRA)…

BUT MOST OF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TOLD

The Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Associ ation is an autonomous body, constituted and incorpo rated under NSW law, elected and run by and for valley and village residents.

For years, the JVRRA and its members have, inde pendently, without any external controls, maintained productive two-way liaison with Kiama Council on local issues and successfully fought the good fight, whenever necessary, to maintain our village character, prevent over-development and protect our rich agricultural land and rural scenic beauty from creeping urbanisation. Now, a couple of JVRRA committee members, quietly working with a single Kiama Council staffer, have taken it on themselves to invite Council to change JVRRA forever by:

• Making the JVRRA a sub-committee of Kiama Council – subject to Council rules – and fundamentally changing the rights and powers of JVRRA members by superimposing Council rules over the JVRRA Constitu tion without the consideration and the formal approval of those members.

The JVRRA will become just a Council ‘Precinct Group’, controlled and limited by a new set of ‘Precinct Opera tional Guidelines’ currently being set by Kiama Council (at Item 12.4, Agenda, Kiama Council meeting, 20 Sep tember 2022).

These new rules drafted to control Council’s Precinct Groups – now proposed to include JVRRA – state (para 6.6) that: “The final decision on any issue (within Coun cil’s Precinct Group System) will be made either by the elected Council or by staff in accordance with their delegated authority and Council policy.”

In addition, if JVRRA members and Jamberoo residents let the new rules happen, Kiama Council will:

a. have the power to inspect and presumably ap prove JVRRA meeting Agendas;

b. be empowered to prevent JVRRA members from initiating strategic planning proposals;

c. control what Councillors can discuss at communi ty association (Precinct) meetings;

d. impose a Councillor or Council staffer on our association to oversee annual JVRRA committee elections;

e. prevent/limit certain Council matters from being referred to Precinct groups;

f. make Precinct groups submit any questions to Council staff in writing at least two weeks before any Precinct meeting;

g. allow Councillors living outside a Precinct group area to attend Precinct group meetings only by invitation;

h. prevent Council staff from attending any Precinct group meeting/s unless an invitation to attend such meeting/s is approved in advance by the Council CEO.

In return for sacrificing its members’ independence and freedom to Council controls, the JVRRA committee will get an annual $500 handout from Council, a second hand computer, free Council insurance for the committee, and a free meeting room, all of which, except for the annual $500, the current independent JVRRA already has, paid for by members’ funds, with plenty left over.

Already under a Ministerial Performance Improvement Order, financially crippled, facing appointment of a NSW government Administrator, and with a government Spe cial Advisor already appointed, Kiama Council should be solely focussed on its core functions NOT spending very finite resources and funding on unproductive administra tive process trying to control a well-functioning, free and independent community association like JVRRA.

A motion proposing to reject Kiama Council control and ensure all members’ views are heard is before the next JVRRA general meeting, 7pm, upstairs meeting room at Jamberoo Bowling Club, Tuesday 6 December 2022.

The JVRRA needs the support of its members and friends now.

Graham Pike Jamberoo ratepayer and JVRRA Member

Fight for Spring Creek

Minister for Local Gov ernment, Wendy Tuckerman, and Minister Farraway with out success.

“There is a large degree of unfairness in the caveat we have,” says Mayor Reilly.

“Since it was put in place decades ago the quarrying has cut down and the new technology used for blasting means the vibration is so much less than it was.

“Besides which, there are many properties that have been approved and built closer to the quarry than our landholdings.

“There is no justification for not lifting it.”

Ms Stroud says, “In Coun cil’s divestment register it appears as some of the land most ready to be sold, but it is out of bounds.

“We need to do whatever we can do to restore Coun cil’s financial position and to address the Performance Improvement Order, and this is an obvious action.”

The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, says he is doing what he can to help, having conveyed Council’s concerns after the August decision.

“I have encouraged the Minister to meet with Coun cil to better understand and appreciate their concerns. I’ve also encouraged the Re gional Parliamentary Secre tary to meet with Council so that he can join the advocacy effort.”

Such a meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawar ra, Peter Poulos, has just happened.

‘I took Mr Poulos out to Spring Creek yesterday and he saw and understood first hand the need for his colleagues to lift the caveat over council’s land holdings in that area,” said the Mayor after the visit.

“He is a strong advocate for the council to realise both

the sale and ongoing revenue potential for that development.”

Mr Poulos told The Bugle, “As the Parliamentary for Wollongong and the Illawar ra, I take the view that my role is to advocate directly to Government and in partic ular Ministers, when I am approached to do so.

“I intend to once again revisit this matter on behalf of the Council and will rein force my previous represen tations to Minister Farraway.”

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tucker man, said, “Decisions around the covenant on the land at Spring Creek near Bombo Quarry are a matter for the Minister for Regional Trans port and Roads.

“The temporary financial advisor appointed to Kiama Municipal Council under the Performance Improvement Order will assist the coun cil at a time when it must make significant decisions to ensure its long-term financial sustainability.

“The Minister for Local Government recognises the work being done by Kiama Council to address its finan cial challenges and encour ages the council to continue these efforts.”

No response was received from Minister Farraway’s office.

The two endorsed candi dates for the March State election support the lifting of the covenant.

“I share the concerns of Kiama Council about this covenant and support the efforts to repeal it,” says Labor’s Kaitlin McInerney.

“Our electorate is in the midst of a housing crisis and keeping land that has been earmarked for development for 30 plus years locked up on such outdated terms is not tenable. It hobbles our ability to welcome new resi dents to the area and

Fishos’ charity tradition continues

Around fifteen years ago, Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club began a tradition of holding an annual charity fundraiser day on the Octo ber Long Weekend.

“In the years since we started it, we’ve raised over $250,000, which has all gone to local causes,” says Club board member and Treasur er, Bill Preston (right).

“This includes over $80,000 to Camp Quality, and support for the school, surf club and other organisa tions.”

This year’s recipient is the Gerringong Rural Fire Service, which has today been presented for a cheque for $6,000.

“We are very grateful for the donation,” says the Bri gade President Craig Keller.

“We will use it to get some

play our part in housing a growing population NSW in a sustainable way.”

The Greens candidate, Tonia Gray, is looking to future decisions once the covenant is lifted.

“Any future development and major decisions should be underpinned by balancing out the three ‘Ps,’ Planet, People and Profit,” she says.

“Spring Creek has sensi tive wetlands and we need to hear how these factors are balanced out and addressed.”

This year, the Fishos held an extra charity fundraiser, on the June Long Weekend, raising $5000 for another disabled beach wheelchair.

“We donated the first one, which is stored at Seven Mile Beach Caravan Park, in 2004 and it is getting so much use we held a special day to raise the money,” says the Club CEO Peter Grogan (left).

The charity days feature auctions of donated items, raffles of electrical goods, and a tradition of using Dis ney characters to help collect money on Fern Street.

Gerringong RFS is also one of the local clubs that hold monthly raffles at the Club, to raise regular funds.

As yet, a decision as to whether Council would do the subdivision itself, as in the past, or sell it to a devel oper has yet to be made.

“We have to get a market valuation, consider what it costs per lot for development and how resourced we are as an organisation, and together with the councillors make that decision,” says Ms Stroud.

“I haven’t ruled it out yet, but we need to weigh up the facts.”

refurbishments to the station to make it more useful for our members, given our increasing numbers.”

On-call firefighters needed

Kiama’s Fire and Rescue Station is after more on-call firefighters, offering people in the area the rewarding experience of helping the community while earning some extra money.

The Captain of Kiama’s Station, Matthew Daly, says they have firefighters who are bakers and mechanics who respond to callouts straight from their jobs.

One of their newer recruits, Hayley Uren, is a registered nurse who is on-call during the day after night shift.

“It is really flexible, you can work around your work and home life and it suits lots of different types of people. It is almost ideal for shift workers but even people with kids can work around it too,” Hayley says.

With firefighting marked as one of the most important, rewarding and well-respected careers in the community, the new recruits will be in for quite the journey.

“It is really rewarding, we get to do lots of community engagement and lots of really interesting things I never knew firefighters did. Even the training itself is worth while, you learn so much and gain many different skills,” Hayley says.

After a series of interviews and medical and police checks, the recruits will be

sent off to complete training where they will encounter live burns, search and rescue drills, and learn how fire progresses.

With Fire and Rescue responding to fires and car accidents, and being the first primary response group for HAZMAT incidents, Captain Daly says it is crucial they have enough people on board.

“We need enough people to maintain our appliances and have the manpower so we are ready to go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when there is an emergency,” he says.

Unlike the RFS, on-call firefighters will get paid for their callouts on a fortnightly basis but Captain Daly says this job isn’t about making

money.

“We need people that are concerned for and want to help the community, be involved with the fire station and get a commitment from them that they’re going to give their time,” Captain Daly says.

“We’re a good group of people, we train together, work together, and we’re all focused on the same result.”

People with no experience and from all walks of life, who reside in the Kiama area, are welcome to apply, preferably with day-time availability.

“If people are thinking about applying, they will find out more during the application process,” Captain Daly says. by Cassandra Zaucer

Apply at fire.nsw.gov.au or call the Kiama Station on 4224 2046. Closes 15 January.

Donate to a hamper

Kerry Fahey of Kerry’s Klothes is asking the community for donations of small non-perishable items, such as puddings, nuts and sweets to be placed into Christmas hampers and sent to help families in flooded towns.

Donations can be left at her shop in Terralong St un til quite close to Christmas. Aramex is again deliver ing the donations for free.

Welcome to Kiama!

With the holiday season fast approaching, we spoke to our Visitor Services Coordinator, Lauren Res, about the tourism services Kiama Council provides.

What does your typical day involve?

Generally lots of liaising with our Destination Kiama partners. We ensure their businesses are well represented and promoted to a high standard through our Kiama.com.au website, the Kiama Area Visitor Guide and at the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) located at Blowhole Point.

We also make sure the VIC is adequately stocked with souvenirs and information from as many local businesses as we can. How many visitors are you expecting these holidays?

The last two months in particular have shown a big increase in visitors - in October we had 3,278 visitors come through the doors. Last year we saw 158!

We look forward to getting back to our preCOVID visitations of 7,000 to 9,000 visitors per month over the peak season; maybe this summer we’ll get close.

Most of our visitors are from NSW (38%) followed by our interstate tourists (17%). It has also been nice to welcome people from countries including Canada, India, USA, Switzerland, Indonesia, UK, Argentina, Japan, France (and many more) over the last six months.

What do visitors ask for info about? People always ask about the blowhole(s). Also topping the list are the Kiama Coast Walk and our local markets.

People love a recommendation on where to eat, take photos and, of course, options on where to stay once they realise how beautiful the area is. No two days are the same up at the VIC, and we always enjoy a curly question where we are required to pool our local knowledge.

What about events?

The big one is the New Year’s Eve Sky Show (see right): this is one not to miss! In the lead up to that we have Jamberoo Carols and Carols on the Green at Kiama Golf Club (13 Dec), Carols in Kiama at SS Peter and Paul School (14 Dec), Kiama Family Christmas Wine Down combining with Light Up Kiama (16 Dec) and Gerringong Street Parade and Carols at the Bowlo (17 Dec).

Tell us more about the Kiama blowhole? Did you know there are two blowholes?

Formed from basalt lava flows some 260 million years ago, the power of the ocean eroded the softer rock to create a sea cave. When the water gets pushed in from a large swell, the air within the chamber acts like a drill, powering the incoming waves vertically and forcing water up through the hole in the top. The blowhole was well known by traditional owners the Wodi Wodi people, whose name for it was Khanterinte (where the sea makes noise).

The best time to see the big Kiama Blowhole is when there’s a south east swell (and wind helps too), while our Little Blowhole works on a north east swell – and can often put on more of a show.

What’s your biggest challenge in this job?

As we move into peak time, it’s not having enough accommodation to offer those visitors wishing to stay!

What do you love about working for Kiama Council?

Look where I get to work every day! Who wouldn’t want to walk into an office surrounded by Kiama’s beautiful coastline?

I work with an amazing team that are friendly, professional, and fun. And we get to meet people from all around and talk about what Kiama has to offer. What isn’t to love? www.kiama.com.au/listings/info-services/ kiama-visitor-information-centre

Light up the night

The NYE Sky Show is returning to light up Kiama Harbour this New Year’s Eve after a two-year absence.

Around 15,000 people enjoyed the sights and sounds of our last Sky Show in 2019, making it one of the largest NYE fireworks displays in NSW.

There will once again be an eat street experience with food and drink stalls alongside Kiama Harbour, to stimulate your taste buds, as well as your eyes and ears.

www.kiama.com.au/listings/events/kiama-new-yearseve-sky-show

School holiday activities

Kiama Council’s Libraries and Leisure Centre are offering a fun line-up of family-friendly school holiday activities and entertainment over the Christmas-January break.

Kiama Leisure Centre has Swim School intensive lessons and a four-hour school holiday day-program that gives kids supervised access to gym activities and the pool toy with optional lunch included. Visit: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/events/ Events-Leisure-Centre

Kiama and Gerringong Libraries have a range of activities on offer including a Marvel-themed escape room, a Harry Potter kids drinks workshop and Lego Mini Golf. Check it out at www.library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/events

Summer beach safety

Kiama Council reminds all our residents, visitors and beachgoers to stay safe in and around the water this summer. Please enjoy our beaches, rivers, rockpools and waterways responsibly. Always swim between the flags, listen to any instructions from lifeguards and slip, slop, slap.

https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/ News/Beach-patrols-begin

Council’s Christmas closures

Kiama Council’s Admin Building and Customer Services will be closed from 3pm on Friday 23 December and will reopen with normal hours from Tuesday 3 January. Check our website for additional waste services over the holiday period. We wish everyone an enjoyable festive break and a happy start to 2023!

www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Christmas-closures

Public notices can be found on our website. Subscribe to Kimunico and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Lauren (right) and the tourism team outside Kiama’s Visitor Information Centre.

Photo: Peter Izzard

Owner to fight closure of Granties Maze

Last time Kiama Council closed down Granties Maze at Foxground, it took 29 years for John Grant to have it reopened again.

“We were closed in 1986 and reopened in 2015,” he says.

“This time they have con vinced the Court that I have dangerous rides.”

Mr Grant believes he has done everything that was asked of him, such as erecting 1.8m star post fences around some rides, and doesn’t un derstand why the L&E Court action he launched to fight Council’s concerns has ruled against him.

“I have a great deal of empathy for Mr Grant, however it’s imperative that the court orders are met and the required development ap plications are received,” says Council’s CEO Jane Stroud.

“Council’s primary concern has always been that of pub lic safety. We cannot waiver from our commitment to public safety.”

Mr Grant says Safecover has had no issues when they have inspected the rides, which are maintained regularly.

“There have been no major injuries in seven years.”

His commitment to the park is unwavering, despite having to cope with the

highway bypassing him (after he had to put in a $300,000 turning land) and the subse quent COVID closures.

A busy day brings 10-20 cars to the 30 acre property, with over 100 attractions apart from the maze – every thing from pony rides and archery to Ninja Warrior Walls and small ride-on animals and vehicles.

The small numbers over a large space means the business has been run by Mr Grant and his wife, with holiday assistance from family, and that they have had to accompany visitors to the various rides they want to

use around the grounds.

He believes that Council is against him, given 400 conditions were placed on the DA needed for the 2015 reopening and the approval of his house (required for the DA) took seven years.

He reckons he has spent over $10 million on his dream over forty years, and isn’t ready to give up.

“I am going to fight it with everything at the L&EC.

“It is something I enjoy and the kids absolutely love it.

“Persistence always beats resistance and I will keep plugging at it,” he says, scoff ing at the idea of retiring.

Eco-camping opens

Visitors to our LGA now have the option for a unique stay with a new luxury eco-camp ing experience now open in Jerrara.

Cicada Luxury Camping, on Jerrara Road, offers two different styles of glamping for those wanting a low carbon footprint holiday.

“It is always bursting at the seams in peak periods in Kiama. There is just never enough accommodation, let alone anything unique or eco-focused and outdoorsy like this,” says owner Nick Currie.

Itching for a career change, Nick and his wife Jen had the idea five years ago. Since then, it has been a long road to open with nine months spent getting the DA together.

“There were a lot of hoops to jump through with this being the first eco-tourist facility in the area, but we respected the fact that it is Council’s job to protect the community and amenity of the area.

“Equally, we don’t want developments popping up ev erywhere so we can’t expect it to be a walk in the park.”

Now it is up and running, Nick says the community is excited about their new offering.

“With eco-tourism, there is an obligation for us to do

some bush regeneration and more so there is a direct ben efit to the community as well as the additional tourism benefits.”

Nick and Jen saw their first guests check out leaving great reviews.

“We’ve got bookings rolling in. We’re not booked out just yet, but we are hopefully heading that way,” Jen says.

“It is such an amazing spot to have that off grid get away

but still only be eight minutes from the beach and the main street of Kiama. I think that is the biggest benefit people will find.”

The pair are currently building a chicken coop so guests can help themselves to fresh eggs. There is also potential for walking trails, more landscaping and a safari tent over the next two years.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Jen and Nick Currie offer safari tents and bell tents (below)

Unfortunately, some people with diabetes lose vision, usually due to damage at the back of the eye called diabetic retinopathy. If we wait for this to happen, it often cannot be fully rectified.

The good news is that there are clues at the back of the eye which are like warning signs. If we detect these warning signs, 90% of vision loss from diabetes can be avoided. As a result, national guidelines recommend that people with diabetes have their eyes examined annually, specifically to look for these warning signs.

When we see someone with diabetes, a special test is performed to carefully examine the retina at the back of the eye, looking for leakages of blood or other fluids. Eye drops to dilate the pupil are used, so we get the best possible view. I also do a CT scan of the macula to check for another diabetes related vision problem called macular edema. Afterwards we write to the patient’s GP with our findings.

To make an appointment with myself or one of our other highly qualified optometrists please call us or book online.

Join the sea shanty revival

Kiama now has its own Sea Shanty Club, meeting each week at the Kiama Inn, singing songs of the sea in enthusiastic acapella. After hearing shanties at the Kiama Folk by the Sea Festi val and Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival sung by sea shanty groups from Redfern and Canberra, some of Kiama’s ‘wanna-be-pirates’ decided to start their own group to have some rollicking fun singing old favourites.

“It’s clearly good for our collective mental health, par ticularly after such a long pe riod of isolation during the COVID pandemic,” says Ian (Long John) Backhouse, one of the club organisers.

“Fun is the keystone to our enterprise. There is a little bit of Pirate in us all, Aaaaarggh!”

Ian and Alan Forde visited the Redfern Sea Shanty Club in October and were given lots of advice and encourage ment.

Jane Littrich, who knows

the Kiama Inn publican, asked if the group could hold their singalongs there and now over 25 people come along each week.

Everyone is encouraged to bring along a favourite shanty, ones such as ‘Blow The Man Down’, ‘Haul on the Bowline’, ‘What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor’, ‘South Australia’, ‘Sloop John B’ (probably more popularly known as the Beach Boys ‘I want to go home’).

Catchy rhythms, call and response, plus easy-to-singalong lyrics (available on Google) make joining in easy.

“Getting together to enjoy singing is a great community activity,” says Ian.

There are no restrictions on membership and the

inclusive group welcomes everyone as long as they are kind and respectful - espe cially younger people, he says. The Redfern Group is predominantly made up of people aged between 20 and 35.

“Our mission is to cele brate and sing the songs of the sea and keep them and their history alive for the next generation,” he says.

Given attitudes have changed since when many

of these were written, some lyrics are modified to avoid offence.

After about an hour - a few drinks, some merriment, jokes and group singingeveryone retires until the following Wednesday.

The Kiama Sea Shanty group meets each Wednesday night 7.45pm at the Kiama Inn on Terralong Street. For more details check out facebook.

by Perrie Croshaw

Windmills on the horizon?

from page 1

“Many other countries have been successfully harvesting offshore wind energy for years, and now is the time for Australia to start the journey to firmly establish this reli able and significant form of renewable energy.”

The public exhibition peri od for this first zone ended in October, and the final decla ration is expected shortly.

The Illawarra is one of five other regions identified by the Government for offshore wind – with the others being regions off the Hunter, Port land, Northern Tasmania and Perth/Bunbury.

“The windmills prefer a moderate to strong consis tent wind and these areas have been identified for that,” says Mr Sankey.

“When they get up to a certain speed, the turbine will click off and not generate power.”

He has over 20 years’ experience in the renewable energy industry, most recent ly with a large solar project in Gladstone, and says the South Pacific Project will create around 3000 jobs during construction and 2-300 when it is operational.

“We are expecting the Hunter coast to be the next zone to start the process by being outlined,” says Mr Sankey, adding there is con jecture that zone may end up running all the way from the Hunter to the Illawarra.

Whether it happens jointly or individually, once the Illa warra’s zoning is eventually formally declared and they obtain a feasibility licence, he says it will be five years before they will be able to begin a two to three year construction period.

While the windmills will be able to be seen, Mr Sankay says they won’t be able to be heard onshore, will have no impact on the surf, and will take into account marine traffic, Defence requirements and recreational fishers as well as the impact on whales, birds and other aspects of the environment. First Nations people will also be consulted.

While councils have no role in the approval process, which involves both the Com monwealth and State, he says they are keen to engage with them and hear if there are concerns or requests from residents or businesses.

The entire floating plat form, the tower, the turbines and the blades will be con structed and assembled in a port area.

“Out at the site we secure mooring lines, and after fully assembling it we will tug out the completed turbine and hook it up,” he says.

“Will need to try and sure up supply chains so we can be producing as much as we can as close to the port as possible.”

While Port Kembla seems the obvious choice, Mr Sankay says there are other options further afield if the right facilities are not available.

The generated electricity will come ashore via cables, currently mooted to land at Minnamurra or Bombo Headland, and feed into the transmission grid at Dapto.

Drop-in information ses sions have been organised in Kiama and Wollongong to give locals an opportunity to find out more about the project.

“It is a chance for people to

come in and ask questions of us and let us know their views,” says Mr Sankay.

Alterna tively, a more formal pre sentation is being given in a webinar.

“I realise it’s very early days for this wind farm concept, but I do hope the community make time to attend the proponents’ sessions and learn the facts. It’s vital that the community give their feedback,” says Council CEO Jane Stroud.

“Our councillors and I are yet to be engaged and provid ed briefings.

“To be honest, without all the facts it’s hard to know, but right now I’m of the view that Kiama and its coastline are not the right place for this project.

“I believe there is much more work and thinking to be done on all the impacts associated with this kind of project in this location.”

The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, strongly supports the development of the industry, but warns it is early days.

“Establishing an offshore wind industry in Australia is still in incredibly early stages. While waters off the Illawar ra coast have been identified by the Government as a potential area for wind farm investigation, there are many

steps that need to be taken before any proposals could be considered,” she says.

“No specific locations along the Illawarra or South Coast have been identified or ap proved at this stage, and no projects are currently being considered by the Govern ment.

“I also want to stress the Australian Government will conduct full and proper com munity consultation on the regions of wind farm poten tial, including location, size and other limitations, before these areas become available for potential projects.”

Another company, OceanEx, is planning on a project in the Illawarra zone, but it has not yet gone public on its preferred location.

Kiama session: 6 December, The Pavilion, 4-7pm Online session: 7 December, 5-6pm (available for viewing after at southpacificowp.com)

After the restrictions of COVID and the metres of rain we’ve had throughout the year, we get the feeling every one is keen to kick up their heels this festive season.

Santa at the beach

The tradition of Santa photos at the beach is continuing at the Surf Life Saving Clubs across the area.

Families can take their yearly Santa photos with a view of our local beach es while the the clubs benefit from one of their bigger fundraising events of the year.

Kiama Downs SLSC are holding their Santa Selfies on the Beach over the week end (3-4 December) where people are to bring their own cameras down to Jones Beach to snap the shot.

President Brett Schweitzer of Kiama Downs Surf Club says the annual event raises thousands of dollars for the Club each year.

“The money will be for the ongoing cost of running the

Club and enables us to pro vide the lifesaving equipment for the beach,” Brett says.

Santa will also be making an appearance at Surf Beach over the two Sundays (4 and 11 December) for Kiama SLSC. There will also be a unique chance to meet Mrs Clause at a beach picnic while you’re there. Priority to those who book online.

Gerringong will be holding their Santa photos on Sunday 11 December and Tuesday 13 December with details not finalised at time of print.

Carols for everyone

Various factors have re sulted in the decision that, rather than continuing with their Carols in the Park for mat, the Kiama Combined Churches’ will be holding their own Carols in Kiama indoors this year at Ss Peter and Pauls Church.

The event will see many choirs on the stage, includ ing the Alchemy Chorus South Coast in their first performance. Set to feature faces in the community from 8 to 80 years old, they are promising a special finale with up to 500 voices.

All donations to Home stead of Hope.

Wednesday 14 December, 6.30-8pm

Jamberoo will be having their Carols in the Dark with singing to be led by the Seniors’ Band.

Carols will be sung by stu dents from Jamberoo Pub lic School and SingSpace Vocal Ensemble choir.

Tuesday 13 December, Reid Park, from 6.45pm

Classical Christmas treat

Christmas anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere almost always includes the musical classic, The Nutcracker Suite. Tchaikovsky’s work epitomises sugar, snow and sparkle.

This year, Kiama-based internationally renowned musicians Ana de la Vega and Daniel Roehn will include pieces from this famous suite in their special Christmas concert.

Daniel has done a spe cial arrangement of three movements of the suite, ones that many of us – of a certain age – might already know from Disney’s animated film, Fantasia

Used in many films and as musical inspiration, British/ German conductor Simon Rattle calls it “one of the great miracles in music”.

Daniel says The Nutcrack er became one of his favou rites when he was five and listened to Tchaikovsky’s life story on an audio cassette, told by the character of the nutcracker, himself.

“Then later I found out it was so highly popular, especially around every Christmas. Let’s face it, it’s just fantastic music.”

The Christmas concert will also include some Bach and, of course, a selection of Christmas carols.

18 December, Kiama Anglican Church, 2pm and 5pm. Tickets $50 and $60 at the Kiama Visitors Information Centre 1300 654 262 or trybooking.com/ CDGAZ

G’gong Christmas Parade

With extra funding from the NSW Government’s Recon necting Regional Program, Bendigo Bank and local businesses, this year’s Ger ringong Christmas Parade isn’t to be missed.

At this stage there will be 40 floats, joined by kids on bikes, people walking dogs, the Hot Potato Band, and Jade from Wave FM will be there to keep it flowing along.

Fern Street will be closed be tween Belinda and Rowlands from 9am, with the Parade starting at 10am. Markets af terward. It will be Gerringong’s busiest day of the year.

Carols done differently Christmas shopping

Looking to build on popular elements from KISS and Kasador events – the natural amphitheatre and the Friday Night Wine Downs – Kiama has a new event for all ages this Christmas.

Tamara Campbell of Laugh terhouse Entertainment says it will be a good opportunity for locals to get together by the harbour ahead of the holiday rush.

“It is very much a celebra tion of community,” she says. “The focus is more on having live bands with a few carol

singers and other activities thrown in.

“We hope people will dance, hang out together, listen to music and have that shared experience.”

The event will also have food trucks, a bar, a circus drop zone and potentially a music making installation for younger kids.

“Come and promenade along the harbour with your friends before the hordes get here.”

Friday 16 December, Black Beach, 5-9pm

Special Christmas market events are being held to help you pick up gifts.

Blue Haven is having a Christmas stalls outside of Barroul House on Sunday 4 December, 2.30-4.30pm.

The Kiama Makers & Growers Market, normally held on the fourth Saturday of the month, is holding a pre-Christmas event on Sunday 11 December.

Jamberoo Village Markets is also holding its last market of the year as a Twilight Mar ket on Friday 16 December, 3-7pm. (The big tree is being lit on Sat 3 Dec, 7-7.30pm.)

The Gerringong Rotary Market will be a hive of activ ity after the Parade (above).

The Kiama Seaside Market will celebrate Christmas at on Sunday 18 December.

Kiama Farmers’ Market is having a series of activities on 7, 14 and 21 December, with Santa arriving at 3.30pm on the 14th.

There will also be carols and free photos with Santa that day, and a Summer Solstice Swim on the 21st...

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British writer Douglas Ad ams is probably best known for The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, but just as good is Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency in which he coined the phrase ‘the funda mental interconnectedness of all things’.

I’ve been noticing this inter connectedness lately and the more you pay attention, the more you see.

Cobar is situated in the centre of New South Wales,

and in 1975, it seemed as though I passed through this lovely old mining town every other week as part of my Army training.

I was reminded of that con nection as I spoke to Cobar Shire Council’s GM, Peter Vlatko online last week.

He told me of Cobar’s trou bles as aged care providers. Financially, they cannot hang on until Christmas.

Although the message is sad and related to the viability of aged care, the interconnectedness of all things is both how we know – I met Peter at the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference in Albury this year– and why we know – because Kiama Council also runs aged care and we deeply understand the chal lenges right now.

As a council, we have many,

many internal and external connections we can use to help our decision-making, to compare our progress, and learn useful lessons.

As well as the aforemen tioned LGNSW network, we have the Country Mayors Association of NSW, where 60 councils share the joy of regionality.

Our council is also part of the Australian Coastal Councils Group, the Illawar ra Shoalhaven Joint Organi sation and the new Greater Cities Commission.

Within our municipality, we have precincts, associations, community groups, council committees and workgroups.

Local Government NSW, a connected council group in itself, promotes council mem bershipof other connected groups. The Australian Local Government Association is

the national connected voice of local government putting us in touch with 537 councils Australia-wide.

It is wise to research, look outside our own bubble and see the world of lived, previous experience and understand if lessons learned by others can be applied to our own situation...in life as well as on council. It is also a good exercise in gaining perspective.

As well as empathising with Cobar, I look at Lis more’s flood woes, Central Darling Shire Council who gave away their aged care facility and Central Coast Council clawing its way back from the abyss.

I look at Randwick Council, who years ago divested of aged care services, or any number of Victorian councils who are right now doing the same.

Our own experience with aged care has been some what of a beacon to others in near- identical situations.

In fact there are 13 NSW councils who still own or manage aged care facilities. All of them regional, most much smaller than Kiama (average population 7,500, where ours is 23,000) and all struggling with this aspect of their business.

As I’ve discovered from talking to the Mayors, CEOs and GMs of other councils, we have more commonalities than we have differences and that’s a good thing.

There really is a funda mental interconnectedness of all things and it’s cathartic to find you’re not alone and answers do exist.

Those answers often come from those who have been there and done that. All you have to do is connect.

Migrant men have visited Kiama for a weekend, as part of the cultural exchange pro gram developed eleven years ago by Australian Local Hero for 2021, Rosemary Kariuki OAM.

“We’ve hosted many wom en’s groups but always been keen to do one with men,” says Rosemary, including an earlier visit to our region which was the focus of the film Rosemary’s Way.

She advocates the simple notion that friendliness is the best way to help migrants set tle into their new homeland.

“We hope to do this every year,” Rosemary says.

“It will open doors for com munication. We get to know them, they get to know us, we all get to know you.”

On Friday 18 November, around 20 men from the Liv erpool area stepped from a bus onto the Baden’s in Rose Valley (Schottlanders Wagyu Farm).

The men came from Africa, Syria, Lebanon, El Salvador, Russia, Ukraine, Somalia and Egypt. Some had migrat ed decades ago, some, such as those from Ukraine, have only been in Australia for a few months.

Mayor Neil Reilly gave a warm greeting to the “blokes”.

“It was nothing short of wonderful!” he says.

“I found it very emotional with two professors, electrical engineers, two rocket scien tists (!) and barrels of teachers, a teachers aid and a poet.”

Each man went to stay with a host family. The busy weekend included a walk on Seven Mile Beach, BBQ lunch with the Foxground Regional Fire Service, a visit to Gerringong’s Buena Vista Farm then dinner and yarning circle back at the Baden’s farm on Saturday, and Sunday at Killalea taking part in a Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience.

The Gerringong Rotary Club stepped up to carry some cost, donating funds for the Gumaraa Program and the BBQ.

Maria Baden and Gerrin gong’s Jane Mills were the local organisers.

Maria was drawn to Rosemary’s work many years ago, because of her family’s migrant background.

“My sister and I [born in Australia after her parents fled Europe after WW2] have been lucky not to experience war, homelessness, hunger, fear, so many things that these men have experienced,” she says.

“Australia is a good country, a free country. It’s not perfect because there is still racism here. But by hosting a pro gram like this we can break through that negativity and that prejudice.”

Jane Mills says, “As we stood in a big circle at Killalea to farewell each other, I heard comments like ‘the uniqueness and impor tance of every human being’, ‘connection and community’, ‘the happiest weekend since I arrived in Australia’, and the profound appreciation from both guests and hosts made Maria and me, as organisers, feel what a worthwhile week end this was.”

by Perrie Croshaw

The Chamber at Soul Clay Studio

The

Networking

&

Zeynep & Marcus Testoni were welcoming hosts, telling the story of how there business has devel oped organically from its origins in their garage.

The Studio hosts classes and events, and sells the work of the Testonis and their students.

Left: Cameron Thomas of Central Perk Café and Alan Pomering of Enterprise Plus, with Soul Clay’s Zeynep Testoni

Above: Cameron McDonald, KDBC President, of Carter Ferguson Lawyers with fellow Board member Anthony Hourigan of Cloudbreak Wealth

Left: Sara Porter, writer of Children’s Destination Books, Ling Christie of Kiama Accounting and Michael Emmett, Chamber Secretary, of Bluestone Building

Right: New member Brenna Kleinig of Summer Lands Studio with potential member Tom Wilkinson of Heat Wave Creative

Left: Nicole and Brendon O’Brien of Butcher’s Nook.with Marcus Testoni of Soul Clay Studios

Below: Angela Miller, the Chamber’s Member Engage ment Manager with Lisa Fahey of Lisa Fahey Photography

November Kiama

District Business Chamber

Event was held at Soul Clay Studio in Gerringong.

ACROSS

1. Tasmanian-based work boots’ manufacturer 6. First letter of Greek alphabet. Used to describe someone who is strong or powerful, who likes to be in charge of others 8. Female pronoun 10. Kid’s card game 11. Australian motor mower pioneer and maker 12. Australian biscuit maker 13. English spelling of the

American sailing word Jibe 14. Protein that grows from the skin. If one is hirsute one has a lot of it. 16. Australian breakfast food brand 17. Aust tinned chocolate and malt powder brand 19. Less clean 20. National hardware store brand that has fund raising sausage sizzles on the weekend 23. Caesar was warned to be beware of these in March 26. Aust flyspray brand

featuring the brave Louis who was afraid of no one except 28. Aust beach clothing brand 29. Clarified butter 30. First name of Mrs Darwin, Lady Hamilton Lord Nelson’s mistress and Mrs Peel from TV show The Avengers 31. North-west suburb of Sydney and British PM 1908 to 1916 33. A word forming the main part of a predicate of a sentence 34. Carmaker which in 1984 was the last to close their

plant in NSW 35. Where you place all your cash and if you are nice they will lend it back to you 36. Qld brand of rum 38. Latin abbreviation of For Example (1,1) 41. Australian hat brand 42. I like this Australian jelly brand 44. Business Activity Statement (1,1,1) 45. Bass Strait cheese and dairy brand 46. Style of beer

are operated by which airline

33.

35.

Old Aust petrol brand name recently rebadging Caltex stations

39.

40.

out with no score in cricket 43. What you make for your own back when you do something that inadvertently creates troubles or misfortune in the future

Beef extract brand: Coffee, tea or -----?

South American soccer powerhouse

25.

27.

32.

THE BUGLE CROSSWORD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 D J U D Y C I N D E R E L L A A M I W I E A A F R A N C E I T E L I Z A B E T H F R T A L L Y I E O Y G A M M L B R I B E J E S S I C A I T A L Y E A I P N H O M T C J O S E P H I N E J U L I E T I K E A N O I R S Y I N O U G H T E S E V E L O C S P U B S A U S T R A L I A I O S I M P S O N E E M E G A N C A D A I S Y O O G N O L I V E T A P I A R Y I T L R O B I N A B E T L L N O M O R T I C I A O A B O M I N A B L E R A W N N T E M A M A R G A R E T D O S E J I L L E Y LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTION DAY

TRIPS

Tuesday 7 February 2023 $120

At the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Pk. Includes light morning tea en-route, entry to the Van Gogh Alive Experience and return coach transport. Lunch during the day at own expense.

St Patrick’s Day Irish Lunch

Wednesday 15 March 2023 $140

At The Fiddler, Rouse Hill. Includes light morning tea, welcome drink, two course Irish Luncheon, themed dining room, Irish entertainment and return coach transport

Mogo Wildlife Park

Tuesday 28 March 2023 $130

Includes light morning tea en-route, entry to Mogo Wildlife Park, lunch at Tomakin Sports Club and return coach transport. Please note: Walking involved.

SPECIALISING IN COACH TRAVEL EXTENDED TOURS, DAY TRIPS & THEATRE SHOWS Find us at 18 Manning St, Kiama Open 9am to 4pm weekdays FREECALL 1800 611 735 DROP INTO OUR OFFICE FOR TOUR FLYER TODAY Sunday 16 to Thurs 20 April 2023 $1825 per person twin share. Add $315 for singles Includes 4 nights’ accommodation at Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst, breakfasts, dinners, light morning teas, all lunches, entry to all attractions and coach pickup/drop off from your home in the Illawarra. Tour highlights: Mayfield Garden at Oberon, Abercrombie House, National Motor Racing Museum, Chifley Home, Hill End History Day and a lap around the famous Mt Panorama Racetrack! EXTENDED TOUR Mayfield Garden, Oberon & The Best of Bathurst Christmas Gift Guide Visit us at our Kiama Outlet SHOP 1, 35 Manning Street

In each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 we planned a trip to Western Australia.

Finally we got there, flying to Perth and renting a car.

The main source of infor mation for planning this trip was the wonderful website Aussie Towns by Kiama resident Bruce Elder.

The area we explored looks tiny on a map of Western Australia but we drove over 3,500 kilometres within the rectangle of Perth, Albany, Esperance and Kalgoorlie. We enjoyed the sights of these and many other places as well as experiences off the beaten track.

We were grateful for Bruce’s suggestions of Australia’s best fish and chips (in Fremantle) and most beautiful beach, Green’s Pool.

We also benefited from chats with locals and fellow travellers.

After one conversation we decided there were two places worth a look in the suburbs of Albany, before we set off for the day’s drive to Hopetoun.

The first was a property where a man had created sculptures from existing tree trunks or other single pieces of wood, using a chain saw. We were able to drive along a winding driveway, looking at the carved people, animals

ence as many of them were very clever and spotting them was a fun game.

There was a sign at the entrance warning people to stay in their cars because of dangerous wildlife; we thought that this was a clever way of stopping people from touching and damaging his work. This picture was one

ancient Aboriginal fish traps, at the head of Oyster Bay.

These traps used the tides, unlike the ones we’d seen at Brewarrina a few years ago which used river flow.

We enjoyed historic build ings, beautiful coastlines, forests with giant trees, wild flowers, caves, ranges, huge rocks and red dirt roads.

the other side of this vast country (they are different from us).

Mitch & Co conquer Point to Pinnacle

Walking paraplegic, Mitch Swan, has raised a massive $60,250 for spinal cord injury and has spread awareness of it far and wide by complet ing the world’s hardest half marathon.

Mitch and his five friends felt relieved when they crossed the Point to Pinnacle finish line after walking the grueling Hobart uphill course for over four hours.

Their efforts have all been for the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, which has been an inspiration to Mitch since he broke his back in 2008. T

he funds will help the Foun dation continue to try and find a cure for paralysis.

They have been invited to the Foundation’s Gala

the founder, Perry Cross.

Despite Mitch’s big person al effort, he cannot believe the amount of community support he has received.

“A huge thanks to all of our sponsors and our family, friends and the broader community that has support ed us, whether that’s through donations or getting behind our social media.

“We set the bar high for ourselves and wanted to do the best job we could for the Foundation and we are very happy with how it has turned out,” Mitch says.

Mitch and friends are still soaking up the marathon but plan to put their minds together again soon to find their next challenge. You can still donate at

Roslyn and Trevor Brooks Kiama

If you’d like to share your travel story, send your