The Bugle Feb 11 2023

Breakthrough on odours at Bombo

In what will be good news for many residents, Sydney Water has announced it is embarking on a three year project to fix the smell coming from its Bombo sewage treatment plant.

“Sydney Water is working to reduce odour around the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility by covering all drains around the plant and sealing all vents,” a spokesperson has told The Bugle in response to enquiries.

“An upgrade to the facility, which will further reduce odour issues, has been approved and will be completed in stages over the next three years.

“Sydney Water has briefed the Minister of Lands and Water office regarding these

odour concerns.”

No detail was given about the investment that is to be made in the project, or when it will start, with a spokesperson saying, “Sydney Water is in the process of determining the cost and upgrade details for the Facility over the next three years.”

Murray Griffith has been campaigning for something to be done for some time, including recently gaining the support of Gareth Ward MP who made representations to the Minister. When the Griffiths bought their house above the Boneyard 28 years ago, the odour from the sewage treatment plant was occasional and mild.

Many live much closer to it

than they do.

“When we first moved here only we got it 3-4 times in a year, when a strong south-easter blew, and it might last 24-48 hours.

“Now it happens weekly and lasts for 48 hours.”

In the last two years Mr Griffiths says the odour has got much stronger.

“During holiday season, it is there every day as the increased volume is clearly too much pressure for the system.”

Having heard excuses before, he is very pleased to finally hear of an upgrade.

“Way too many people are now affected by the odour – they had to do something about it,” says the engineer.

He’d like confirmation it is continued page 12

Ward runs as independent

Just seven weeks out from the State Election day, the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has announced his candidacy as an independent.

“I am standing for two reasons,” he said in a statement making the announcement.

“First to continue to work hard and get things done for our community. Second, to stand up for the principles and values that are worth fighting for.”

In acknowledging the charges that are against him, Mr Ward said, “I passionately believe in fairness and due process. Whilst some commentators believe the presumption of innocence is an optional extra, it isn’t. It’s a human right and fundamental to our system of justice.

“Some in the media have shifted the balance too far. I’m determined to correct this imbalance and I know my experience will eventually serve as a reminder of why a person is innocent until proven otherwise.”

In answering The Bugle’s questions, Mr Ward says, “I am very grateful for the literally thousands of emails, messages, letters and phone calls from locals encouraging me to continue to work hard and get things done for our local community.

“I’ll be campaigning on my record of action and delivery and continuing to get things done for Kiama.

“At this election, I’m not running to be the Liberal Member or the Labor Member – I’m running to be the

local Member.”

He says that since he became the Member for Kiama 12 years ago he has secured more than $3 billion for projects across the community, including the Government’s $700 million commitment to a new Shellharbour Hospital.

He is committed to fighting for reform to return planning powers back to local communities.

“Too many planning and development decisions are continued on page 4

At the Albion Park Show

Kiama Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday

Surf Beach or Kiama Uniting Church, 3-6pm

SENTRAL’S Open Mic

Every Thursday for local youth

SENTRAL Cottages, 5-7pm

On The Wall Exhibition

until 19 February

Fern St Gallery, G’gong

Painting Kiama Exhibition 10-15 February

Old Fire Station, 10-3pm

Wind & Waves Festival 11-12 February

Kendalls Beach

Set Sail Exhibition 13-26 February

Fern St Gallery, G’gong

Cabinet of Curiosities Exhibition 17 – 22 February

Old Fire Station, 10-3pm Panel session on Death & Dying

Saturday 11 February

Kiama Anglican Ch, 2-4pm

Gerringong Rotary Market

Saturday 18 February in and around the Town Hall, 8.30-1.30pm

G’gong Lions Motor Fest

Saturday 18 February See right

Kiama & District Historical Society Talk

Saturday 18 February See page 18

Kiama Seaside Market

Sunday 19 February

Black Beach, 9-3pm

ADFAS lecture: The Exquisite World of Old Japan

Thursday 23 February

Berry Uniting Church Hall, 7.30pm

Kiama Makers & Growers Market

Saturday 25 February

Black Beach, 10-3pm

Jamberoo Village Market

Sunday 26 February

Reid Park, 9-2pm

Kiama Sevens

Saturday 25 February

kiamasevens.com

Kiama Beach Tag

Saturday 4 March

See page 8

Friends of Kiama Library

Talk: Sue Williams

Saturday 4 March

See page 10

Lunch on Tuesdays

People in the community who are disadvantaged, lonely or homeless are always welcome to attend Kiama’s Homestead of Hope’s weekly meal down at the Harbour.

They offer a free two course meal, coffee, tea and an environment to make new friends.

Every Tuesday from 11am to 12.30pm at Kiama Scout Hall, down on the Harbour.

Gerringong Lions Motor Fest returns

Fires, floods and COVID may have cancelled their Motor Fest since 2019, but this year, Gerringong Lions Club is back with one of the largest motor shows on the South Coast.

Organisers expect to see more than 300 classic, vintage, sports cars and hot rods line up on the Mick Cronin Oval on Saturday February 18, the same day as the next Gerringong Markets.

“We have a fantastic, eclectic mix,” says Keith Watson, one of the Lions Club car show committee members.

“The Motor Life Museum from Dapto are coming and bringing about 12 to 15 cars which will include a 1925 Alvis and a 1911 Cadillac.

“A bunch of Bristols are coming from Sydney, some Jaguars and about 20 hot rods, plus a McLaren 720S –there can’t be more than five of these in Australia.”

The Illawarra Early Holden Club is expected to bring about 16 cars; there are seven Toranas coming from Canberra; and around 22 will be there from the Pontiac Car Club, north of Sydney.

“Many of the owners come for the weekend so are bringing quite an investment into the town,” says Keith.

“We reckon we bring in an extra couple of thousand of people who will spend money in all the shops.”

There is even one group (with some Italian cars) just coming as visitors, says Keith, so they will get space on the hockey field so others

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.

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.

can check out their cars.

“They couldn’t get here by 7am, which is what we require, so they are coming later. They will all pay $50 a head anyway, as it goes to cancer research.”

Keith says that this mix of cars is what makes it attractive to many car enthusiasts, as many car shows only display one marque (brand).

“We have an assurance that a Highway Patrol car will come too,” says Dave Peade.

“This always attracts such a lot of interest. The bloke that came last time was very generous with his time. He’s a magnet, especially for kids, but adults want to see what’s under the hood and inside the car, too.”

The RFS will also turn up with a truck – depending on whether they have been called out.

There are four trophies to be awarded, with everyone who enters the show gets a vote. The trophies are handmade in wood by Lions Club member Barry Smithers.

Gerringong Lions started Motor Fest in 2016 and raised over $6,000 for a local child with cancer. In 2019, they raised $8,000 for men’s prostrate cancer.

This year the funds go to the Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation.

On another fundraising front, Gerringong Lions also runs a very successful Return and Earn scheme, where all funds go to charity. To donate bottles marked with a 10c refund, contact Bruce Ray on 0429 027 631. He will organise pickups from private homes or businesses and will supply crates if needed.

Saturday 18 February, 9-3pm, Michael Cronin Oval, Blackwood Street, Gerringong. Entry fee $5 adult, children under 12 free. Cash or Eftpos. A wristband means you can come and go.

News team: Cathy Law, Editor 0412 415 101 news@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Perrie Croshaw 0411 700 253 perrie@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Cassandra Zaucer 0491 686 975 cassandra@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Advertising: Emma Bushby 0491 679 128 emma@thebuglenewspaper.com.au or contact us at PO Box 304, Gerringong 2534

Council works to widen its recruitment net

Like other businesses, Kiama Council is finding it hard to get staff and CEO Jane Stroud is thinking laterally about ways of broadening its appeal.

“Industry wide, local government is experiencing an acute crisis of workers,” she says, while also acknowledging the additional impact of Council operating under Performance Improvement Orders from the Office of Local Government.

“Recently Linda Scott, the Australian Local Government President, had a round table with the Federal Government and spoke directly to them around skill shortages in local government and the real time impact that that’s having on delivery of services. I think we’re the

perfect example of that.”

She cites only just recruiting an economic development coordinator, after the position was advertised three times before being successfully filled.

There are currently 19 vacancies on Council’s website, some seasonal swimming positions, and Ms Stroud says in some instances that means the job just isn’t being done until it is filled.

Key shortages are in the areas of planning, compliance and finance, with an ongoing hunt for Blue Haven care staff and nurses.

Interviewing is underway for a new Chief Financial Officer (vacant as the previous appointee was offered the same job closer to home, not long after he started), and

Locals honoured on Australia Day

Four members of the Kiama community have been recognised in the Australia Day Honours.

the projects of the Manager Strategic Planning (left vacant when Edward Patterson left to work for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Six Cities region) are being undertaken by temporary appointments. While Kiama remains an attractive place to work and live, Ms Stroud feels the lack of affordable housing is playing a big part in not being able to fill positions.

“It is really difficult for key workers to afford to live in Kiama and there is no question in my mind that housing affordability plays a role in this equation.”

In response to this and other factors, Ms Stroud is keen to attract people who are already living here to apply for some of the roles, and continued page 4

J’roo Mt Rd work starts

Long awaited repair work on Jamberoo Mountain Rd and Foxground Road have begun. Work on the former is expected to take around four months.

The road was closed at the beginning of July 2022 and has been unpassable since then, causing disruption to people’s lives and the local economy.

Council has been granted $4.24 million in funding from the State and Federal Governments through the NSW Disaster Assistance initiative.

It has appointed three contractors – Civil and Civic Group, RIX Group and GT

Civil – to do the complicated work, in an effort to speed up the projects.

Repairs to Wallaby Hill Rd, Cliff Rd and Gipps Street will follow the completion of

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work at Foxground.

Council, the local Business Chamber, Gareth Ward MP and other candidates all support Jamberoo Mountain Rd becoming a State road.

Michael Cassel, who put on his first theatrical productions at Kiama High, has been awarded an AM (Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia) for his significant service to theatre production.

As CEO and Producer of the Michael Cassel Group, he has brought musicals such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King and Hamilton to Australia, as well as producing shows on Broadway and in the West End.

Last year, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Wollongong.

The late Peter Bowman of Gerringong has received an OAM (Order of Australia in the General Division) for his service to sports administration.

The former councillor (2008-12) held senior coaching and administrative positions at the Australian Institute of Sport, Illawarra Academy of Sport, Athletics

Australia and the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association.

Former Mayor (2000-12) and good friend of Peter’s, Sandra McCarthy OAM, says upon hearing the news she was both delighted and sad.

“It was lovely to see him recognised but it was tinged with sadness because he wasn’t here to see that recognition himself,” Sandra says.

“I feel his family will be delighted because he was an extremely talented athlete himself, and he brought his sport administration skills to his role as councillor. I think Kiama Council benefitted enormously from his contribution.”

As a councillor, Peter’s focus was encouraging young children to be active and so he made it a priority to make all playgrounds safe and encourage families to use them, according to Sandra.

“He was such a gentleman and had great qualities for a councillor because he had the ability to connect and reach out to people and to listen to their views.

“People felt they could express their opinion to him

and with that he was able to analyse those views and that helped him to frame good public policy that benefitted the whole community,” she says.

The President of the Kiama-Jamberoo Sub-Branch, Gary McKay of Kiama Downs, has been awarded an OAM for his service to military history and to veterans.

The Vietnam veteran received the Military Cross in 1972 for his gallantry during the Battle of Nui Le, the last major battle fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in South Vietnam. As an historian he has written a number of books on aspects of the the war, and led tours to Vietnam.

‘Chuffed and humbled’, Gary says, “It’s pleasing that all my efforts writing military history books have been recognised and also the work continued page 4

Kiama Village work begins

As foreshadowed in our last issue, the new parking arrangements at Kiama Village have come into force, and it might take some time for people to get used to them

It is no longer possible to access the Village via the Thomson St roundabout, with access during this first stage of the development now from further up Terralong St.

There are now only 60 carparks available for shoppers (including disabled parking), and a new one way system.

The redevelopment is due for completion in December.

The late Peter Bowman

Impresario Michael Cassel

Director Engineering & Works Mike Dowd with staff and contractors

Australia Day Honours for locals

from page 3 that I do for veterans has been recognised. I’m pleased and proud.

“But of course, you don’t do these things alone. All of my writings over the years, I have had great support from my family and my wife. Because of the sort of books I write, you’re on the road a bit doing interviews and research and it was great to have that support while doing that,” he says.

When Maura Cato, of Foxground, was first contacted about her AOM, she thought it was a scam.

“There are so many more deserving people than me,” she says.

Maura has run her Christmas Project for over 20 years.

The aim is to give as many people as possible gifts to show that others care about them.

Last year they distributed 1800 gift bags to men and women in refuges, boarding houses and sleeping rough, as well as sending them to people in Lismore and Eugowra.

“Friends and I buy good useful things throughout the year, and others help by making gifts and cards and taking the time to wrap things nicely.

Ward runs as an independent

from page 1 made in Sydney and not by democratically elected local councillors.”

He is also concerned about cost of living pressures and preserving local character and heritage.

“Having served as an independent MP for the last two years, I am proud of the millions of dollars in grants I’ve secured and funding I’ve secured for our region,” he says.

member of the NSW Liberal Party and won’t be contesting this election as a Liberal Party Member, the values and beliefs I hold have not changed.

“Since my time as an independent Councillor in local government, my primary interest has always been the people I have the honour and privilege to serve.”

“People really appreciate the care we take.

“Someone in a refuge told me ‘This is the first time I’ve got a present’.

“We aim to help people who fall through the gaps with other organisations.”

Gerringong’s Darrell Shephard has also received an OAM, for his service to softball. He has been a National Umpires Staff Member of Softball Australia since 2016, having umpired 334 national championship games since 1980 and 92 international games.

He won the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and is a life member of Softball NSW, its Umpires Association, the Illawarra Softball Association and Dapto Softball Club.

“From local charities, sporting clubs and small businesses, I’m proud to have worked hard and delivered as a local MP.

“Whilst I am no longer a

Given the unusual circumstances of Mr Ward being suspended from Parliament, The Bugle contacted leading constitutional lawyer, Professor Anne Toomey, for guidance on what would happen if he was re-elected.

She told us, “A newly con-

stituted Legislative Assembly would mean the past suspension would no longer apply to him.

“The House would have to consider whether or not to apply a fresh suspension.

“In doing so, the House should take into account that his electorate, being aware of the charges against him, still chose to elect him as their representative. This is a different situation from when Mr Ward was suspended in March 2022, because then the electorate had no opportunity to have its say.”

The other candidates for the seat are currently Kaitlin McInerney for Labor and Dr

Tonia Gray for The Greens. Liberal Party pre-selection has closed, and a candidate is expected to be announced shortly.

The first Meet the Candidates events have already been organised, as an opportunity to see the candidates in action and ask questions.

Tuesday 21 February Jamberoo Anglican Church, 7pm (organised by the churches of the Kiama Electorate)

Tuesday 7 March Minnamurra Progress Hall, 7.15pm (an initiative of the Minnamurra Progress Association)

Council looks to widen its recruitment net

from page 3 policies to enable that are already in train.

“As our LGA’s biggest employer, I think we need better flexibility to allow people to work one or two days, or come out of retirement or choose to come back from leave,” she says.

“We also need to have a better organisational policy on work from home. We made it work over COVID, I don’t see why we can’t do it now like everyone else.

“I would love it if some of the talented people we have in our midst would consider working for Council in a way

that suits us both.

“I don’t need people to come to work thinking that they’re going to work here for the rest of their lives, but I need them to come and want to be part of that journey of improvement and business transformation that we have going on.”

For example, she doesn’t see that lack of a degree or previous experience in local government should be an obstacle to being considered if other experience warrants it.

Policies to enable the flexibility are currently being drafted for the workplace change to be tabled with the unions.

In addition, a significant organisational restructure is expected to be announced next shortly, following Council approval and consultation with staff. See kiama.nsw.gov.au for jobs

Maura Cato

Council CEO Jane Stroud

Housing crisis needs action

The Confront the Crisis in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Summit, organised by the Illawarra Housing Trust and Business Illawarra, brought together not-for-profits, various levels of government, developers, bankers and community organisations to talk about the housing crisis.

Michelle Adair, CEO of the Housing Trust and recently appointed Chair of Homes Tasmania, said, “This reality [housing stress] is affecting people right now. What we need to do is stop talking, we need action now.”

Adam Zarth of Business Illawarra, said his organisation was continuing its research, and shared that in the Illawarra Shoalhaven 40% of income is going to rent, compared to 30% nationally. 22,700 households are under housing stress in the region, and 78% of that total are renters.

“The aim is to unlock more housing so people can live close to where they work,” he said, particularly people who cannot work from home such as care, hospitality and other

service providers.

“We want to encourage government away from being a regulator to being a facilitator in this area.

“This is an economic crisis as well as a social crisis.”

Draft recommendations from Business Illawarra include innovative funding models, fast tracking affordable housing developments, utilising available government land and providing temporary housing facilities for projects (such as the construction of Shellharbour Hospital).

Steve Turner of property developer Colony 6, which is advising BlueScope on options for its spare 200ha at Port Kembla (and another

200ha at Kembla Grange), took another tack and said that housing is the limiting factor for future opportunities in the region, that have the potential to shape it for the next 100 years.

While a masterplan is not expected to be completed by the end of the year, Mr Turner spoke of the potential for attracting high economic value and employment dense industry, such as movie studios, that would create 30,000 new jobs.

“The opportunity is in front of us to create a new engine room for the region,” he said, with the economic potential of that parcel of Blue Scope land exceeding the economic contribution Blue Scope currently makes to the State.

“If you don’t provide housing, we’ll be holding ourselves back.”

Mark Degotardi, the CEO of the Community Housing Industry NSW – the organ-

Labor funding for community sport

NSW Labor has announced a commitment to increase funding to Sports NSW and its associated 100 sporting organisations, and to promote female sporting leaders and coaches.

isation behind the Confront the Crisis campaign – said that while community housing providers have been doing a great job, they can’t do it alone anymore.

“Let’s not pretend we can solve this problem without investment,” he said.

Speaking to politicians, he said, “If you provide the investment, watch the innovation. We can’t pretend any more – this is the time for the State and Federal governments to invest more in social and affordable housing.”

All speakers were extremely heartened by Lend Lease’s support for mandating the amount of social and affordable housing that has to be included in a development be set at 30%.

Ms Adair commented that it might be best to have a staged implementation, and that the waiving of some fees or contributions might be necessary to make projects stack up, and that many places overseas have had these mandates for years.

confrontthecrisis.com

John Dawson, Secretary of the Kiama District Sports Association, welcomes the announcement, saying, “Strong local sporting clubs are integral to communities across our region.

“Here in Kiama we have over 5,000 players involved in community sports throughout the year with 24 local clubs.

“Any additional funding for community sport is always welcomed and would be put to good use replacing aging facilities, purchasing new equipment and assisting in the running of the various clubs and associations.”

A November 2022 report from Sport NSW found community sporting organisations are still receiving the same level of funding today as they were when Sydney staged the Olympics in 2000. After taking inflation into account, this is a reduction in real terms of 67.1 per cent.

If elected, Labor says it will step up the Organisation Support Program funding to $5 million in 2023-24 and $10 million per year in the

years after as a part of multiyear agreements.

The Organisation Support Program assists peak sporting bodies and identified organisations to build capacity, invest in governance processes and create and deliver sport and recreation activities as well as competitions at all levels in NSW.

The Labor candidate for Kiama, Katilin McInerney, says, “Community sport is the lifeblood of our community – but for too long it has been neglected by the NSW Liberal National Government.

“This funding will not only help local clubs thrive, but it will also help amplify women’s sport in NSW.”

The Chair of Sport NSW, Chris Hall, says, “The smallest payments to sports at the moment are just $5,000 a year or $100 a week which doesn’t buy very much anymore.

“Some smaller sports are volunteer run.

“This increase could be used to put on an employee for the first time to really increase the capacity for governance, more and improved programs and competitions, and really target an increase in female participation.”

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Oz Tag on the sand moves to Kendalls

After its successful inaugural event last year, Kiama Beach Tag is returning to the sand promising to be bigger and better.

Hoping to put Kiama on the map from an Oz Tag perspective, organisers Steve Emmett and Keiron Duncan are putting on a day filled with friendly competition and family fun.

“This year we have moved the event to Kendalls Beach which means we’ve got more sand and space available to offer junior divisions,” Steve says.

“We’re offering under 13s and 15s boys and girls divisions so kids can play this time and not just adults.”

Oz Tag is one of Kiama’s biggest community sports, and the organisers are hoping to build on this local base.

With a vision to create an event for everyone – not only the players – live music, a bar and food trucks including Hungry Monkey and The Pines Pantry will be there on the day.

And after wet weather cancelled the jumping castle last year, Steve has his fingers crossed for it to go ahead this year.

“Last year locals got behind the event, whether they played or came down to have a look,” he says.

“We’re again looking forward to having locals and teams from around the State get involved.”

Saturday 4 March, Kendalls Beach, 8.30-6pm Register your team via oztag.com.au/ao/ kiamabeachtag by 26 February.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Another youthful Werri Warrior

Shellharbour wins Lifeguard Challenge

Lifeguards from Kiama, Shellharbour, Wollongong and Shoalhaven Councils battled it out at Surf Beach in the Lifeguard Challenge – a five leg relay race with a runner, swimmer, board paddler, two tube swimmers and a nipper board paddler.

With a total of 10 teams competing, Shellharbour took out the first two places - their B team placing first and A team second - with the Kiama A team placing third followed by the Wollongong A team.

The Kiama Lifeguard who initiated the event, Blair Day, says it was a beautiful night with lifeguards ecstatic to be taking part in a race that involves the entire region.

“It was a close race with the first three teams finishing within 30 seconds of one another.

“We were really happy to place third as we have a

smaller Council than Shellharbour and Wollongong, so we did really well.

“It was a great night with beautiful conditions and a crowd of a couple of hundred people sitting up on the grass and in the Surf Life Saving Club watching on.”

Afterwards, the teams relaxed upstairs on the Club deck.

“We’d like to thank Kiama SLSC for letting us use their facilities,” Blair says. With the ‘perfect backdrop at Surf Beach’, Blair says the Challenge will return to Kiama next year, with the hope of it growing to become the South Coast’s version of the annual Bondi lifeguard relay.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Young GSLSC members have again stepped up and impressed with 15 year old Wyland Hall named the 2023 Werri Warrior and last year’s surprise winner, 12 year old Lucy Darragh, right behind him in second place. This year’s event was one of the biggest with over 65 competitors and thousands of spectators lining the beach. It saw competitors of all ages set off at the same time to face a swim around a buoy, a run to the north end of Werri Beach, and another two swims before a final run to the top of Gerringong Headland and back.

GSLSC’s Richard Payne says, “Both Wyland and Lucy have been training really hard with the Club all season. They are fantastic swimmers and good runners, so they had a really good battle for the top.

“The Club is certainly very proud of Wyland and Lucy and all the hard work that they have put in over the past couple of years to see them perform so well.”

In a short time, with the support of Gerringong Lions and the Werri Boardriders, he’s pleased it has become a whole of community event.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Tuesday

Last year’s inaugural Kiama Beach Tag attracted a big crowd

From right: Wyland Hall and Lucy Darragh from GSLC with the third place getter, Adam McKosher from Werri Board Riders

The next author talk for FOKL

Did Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie, two of the highest profile women in the NSW colony in the early days of white settlement, have a friendship?

That question is at the heart of the widely-acclaimed historical novel Elizabeth and Elizabeth, written by multi awarded journalist and author Sue Williams, who will be the next guest of the Friends of the Kiama Library (FOKL).

After 26 non-fiction books, this is Sue’s first novel.

“I love historical research,” Sue says, “but this is the hardest genre to write. Historical fiction is a huge broad brush from one end where the whole story is completely made up but set in an historical era. My book sits at the other end where everything in this book is absolutely true

except for one thing –this particular friendship between these women.”

While the ‘friendship’ between these two is a fictional conceit, it would have been very possible and very understandable.

“You kind of think they must have been friends because they would have had few other allies,” says Sue who has an overriding admiration for both women who she sees has having such a huge impact on the fledgling nation.

Despite their husbands being bitter enemies – Lachlan Macquarie was a Governor of the new colony and pastoralist John Macarthur whiteanted every Governor that colony had – the wives attended the same balls, parties and dinners. But because of their

husbands’ political divide, it might have been difficult for these two women to pursue a public friendship, Sue says.

They did have so much in common. Both women, who first met in the south of England, had difficult childhoods with broken families. Both were swept off their

feet by strong men. In NSW, they worked together on a hay bale project and experienced similar loss with miscarriages, cot deaths and the loss of young children.

“When they came here it was a tough colony, but for a woman (Indigenous person and convict) even tougher. It was a white man’s world. Macquarie took kudos for all he did even though we know Elizabeth was very influential with lots of good ideas and was a talented designer of buildings.

“Elizabeth Macarthur flourished because John was in London for two long periods of their marriage when she took over running the farm in Camden.”

Sue says that with historical fiction, you can’t make things up out of nothing. You have the truth, which is the pillar of the story, then you have to work out people’s motivations and feelings.

“You bring it all to life and put some flesh and blood on the bones of the known historical facts. That’s what I aim to do with Elizabeth and Elizabeth. I managed to convince myself by the end of the book that they had this really strong friendship.”

Sue says she didn’t think she’d ever write another historical novel as it’s such hard work.

“But Elizabeth and Elizabeth did so well, and the feedback was so fantastic. I decided I’d have to do another one and this next one was so much easier.”

That Bligh Girl, which

is written about Mary, the daughter of NSW Governor William Bligh (also famous for his Bounty exploits), will be published in May.

To research her historical novels, Sue used the National Library’s free online research portal. But Trove may close in July 2023 unless further Federal funding is found.

“Trove is really useful and becomes more and more useful all the time as more things become digitised,” Sue says. “It would be horrendous if all this stuff is lost or doesn’t keep pace. I would have been lost without Trove.”

Saturday, March 4, Kiama Library Auditorium, 7 Railway Parade 2pm. $8 FOKL members or $10 guests. Afternoon tea included, no booking required. by Perrie Croshaw

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Kiama Community Radio goes live

Having produced over 300 podcasts in the last three years, Kiama Community Radio is now broadcasting live straight from their station, with even more ambitious plans for the future.

A big step from podcasting, Programs Manager Gabriela Cabral says everyone involved is all very excited.

“The whole point of Kiama Community Radio is to be a platform for local creatives, businesses and community organisations to let everyone know what they are doing. Being live, it means we can do that much easier.

“It also means the presenters who have been podcasting are now learning to broadcast which is a completely different skillset.”

With a goal to reach more people in the community, KCR plan to apply for an FM licence which means locals may soon come across KCR as they flick through radio stations in their car.

“It’s the next step and it’s

a big step because there will be a lot of cost involved,” says Gabriela.

For the short term, people can listen to the KCR live every morning online or on through their app.

“If you tune in, you can listen for local information, local news, what’s on in the municipality and great local music. The rest of the time we’ve got a playlist we have curated that is easy listening,” says Gabriela.

As the station grows, Gabriela says they are always looking for volunteers.

“We want local people who have time, want to meet others, learn new skills and contribute,” she says.

“They don’t have to know anything about radio as we will train them. We’re looking for people to help us with marketing, administration, and broadcasting.”

For more information, call Gabriela on 0439 473 322 or email kiamacommunityradio@ gmail.com. Tune into their breakfast programme from 7-9am through their app ‘Kiama Community’ by Cassandra Zaucer

Bombo breakthrough

from page 1 going to start in the next six months, and encourages other members of the community to lobby on the urgency.

“I’d like to see some tangible proof that it is going to start and it is going to be of substance – maybe doubling the capacity is warranted given the growth that has happened and is on the horizon.”

Mr Ward says, “I would encourage locals to contact me and Sydney Water when they smell any unpleasant odours coming from the plant.”

A long time diver and fisherman The Bugle spoke to has another perspective on the impact of the treatment plant.

He says because the plant is pumping out high nutrient water the area around

Bombo is dead and the fish have gone, and all around the area the water is green, rather than blue, due to the algal growth.

“The whole system is antiquated, with excrement floating around when there is rain. When there is a storm, everything goes into the harbour and it goes brown and froths up.

“All of this needs to be looked at too, not just the smell.”

CEO Jane Stroud is also looking for a holistic approach, saying, “Kiama Council welcomes the news that Sydney Water plans to upgrade the Bombo Water Resource Facility to reduce odour and address other issues, which have been negatively affecting our community for some time now.

“We look forward to hearing more about Sydney Water’s plans and we would also welcome further engagement and action on some of our other water and sewerage issues in the Municipality.

“These include the restrictions on sewerage connections in Jamberoo, which has severely hindered development.”

The issue of the smell has been highlighted to a large audience through the comedy posts of The Inspired Unemployed, who live nearby and often mention the stink while filming there.

Fixing the odour will also benefit the promotion of Bombo Headland as a tourist destination, given the $500,000 investment by the State Government in the staircase down the cliff face.

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“I love the way there are more pictures and links to other resources.”

“People are always asking me how I know about things – I say I’ve read it on The Bugle App. I’m like an evangelist for you.”

“It’s much better than I thought it would be –in fact it is amazing.”

“It makes it much easier to keep in touch with what’s happening.”

“That video of the speeches at the rally was great.”

“I love getting the notifications of new stories.”

Frank: the world’s best at singing The Blues

Opportunities are emerging left, right and centre for Kiama’s Frank Sultana after he took out first place for a solo/duo artist in the 2023 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis.

Still trying to get his head around his win, Frank says it is certainly opening doors very quickly.

As part of the winning prize, Frank will play at several festivals in America later this year – a blues bender in Las Vegas, a blues cruise out of Florida and a blues train in Colorado. He has also earned a spot at the Byron Bay Bluesfest, a festival he has been working to get for ten years, this April.

He got to Memphis by winning the Sydney Blues Society’s competition, and then embarking on a series of shows to raise the funds for the trip.

After winning a series of performances at smaller venues for the International Blues Challenge, Frank wowed the audience and judges at the Final at the legendary Orpheum Theatre.

“You go into these things hoping you will do okay but just giving it your best,

and when I found out I got into the final, I was just so pleased I had made it there,” says Frank.

“Being able to play at the Orpheum Theatre in front of a couple thousand people, it was probably special enough but then to win was just amazing.”

Friend and fellow musician Doug Faulkner says, “This is a well deserved win by one of the hardest working Blues

men around.”

“Up against the best in the world, Frank showed his unique Blues style and originality.

“This is only the third time an Australian has won the International Blues Challenge! We are all very thrilled for him.”

Unfortunately the long term favourite at the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival will not be on its program this year,

Jazz Festival gets new hub

Following the success of the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival’s hubs last year, and the inaugural Street Soiree organised by Destination Kiama, this year the Festival will be including the Harbour end of Terralong St as a venue.

“Destination Kiama and Kiama Council have always been strong supporters of the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival, and bringing it from the sidewalk to the street will add another layer to the jazz and blues town takeover on the Sunday,” says Sally Bursell, Manager, Tourism and Events.

“Activating the ‘Justice Precinct’ with chilled vibes and plenty of space to kick off your shoes, enjoy free

live performances, street food, and a true festival atmosphere.”

The closing off of Terralong St between Manning and Railway Parade was a recommendation of the Town Centre Study, and was first done on New Years Eve.

From 11am on the Sunday, we are told there will be an exciting line-up of performers, street food and more. This free event is made possible with the support of Destination Kiama and the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional Community Events Program.

10-12 March. Our next edition will have more on the Festival, but check out its website now for ticketed events.

as he is in such demand.

“Frank has played at a lot of KJBFs and we are so happy for his success,” says the Festival’s organiser, Becky Guggisberg.

“He will be playing a homecoming gig at Filmores on 24 February though, with tickets selling fast.”

by Cassandra Zaucer

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As of the start of this year, students’ devices need to be placed in their bag – off or on silent – when entering the school and cannot be taken out until exiting the gates. Deputy Principal, Melissa Anthony, hopes to see “improved engagement of kids in the classroom around teaching and learning, improved connections with each other and a reduction in negative incidents that have occurred

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Year 12 student and 2023’s Young Citizen of the Year, Ava Snelling (right), says the negative incidents all involved social media and came as a result of everyone having such easy access to the platforms.

She believes the no phone policy will be beneficial in the long term, not only for education but for socialising and forming better connections with one another.

“During lunch and recess, everyone is so caught up in their phone and not in the moment. But in this last week, my friends and I have had more conversations and have really taken advantage of our lunch breaks.”

To help students who may be missing their device, the School has implemented a wide range of activities for the students to take interest in during breaks, including chess, uno, volleyball competitions and craft.

Principal Catherine Glover says they have upped their communication procedures

with the office and parents have ‘overwhelmingly endorsed’ the school for making this move.

“Not only are the students not using their phones, we have staff with no phones as well. We have had P.E., for example, buy iPads so they can mark their roles without using their phones.

“Because whilst technology is a great device, when it impacts learning in the classroom or socialisation in the playground, it is not teaching kids how to use their phone responsibly,” Mrs Glover says.

President of the Parents and Citizens Association, Jenny Buckley, says although intentions are good, it is still

very early days.

“If you were trying to teach a class and you’ve got kids on their phones doing the wrong thing and not being engaged, yes phones would be a distraction.

“But what a lot of kids do these days is use their phones as a research tool, looking up things on the internet or taking photos of the board. It’s something they are used to do doing as part of their everyday learning.

“It will be easy for those younger kids and harder for the more senior ones, I would imagine,” Jenny says.

There will be a mid-year review of the policy at the end of Term 2.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Col begins his long ride

Kiama’s Col Rathbone is traversing the National Trail from Victoria to Queensland to raise money for melanoma research – a cause close to his heart after losing his wife, Roni, to melanoma in 2020.

74 year old Col – who was Kiama’s Citizen of the Year in 2017, after Roni was given the honour in 2000 – is 300 kilometres into his 5,330-kilometre journey with nothing but three horses and a 60kg pack.

In what will be an 18 month

journey, Col describes what every day has looked like for him in the past month as he and his horses take a well-deserved break in Gunning, NSW.

“It’s a 5 o’clock start with breakfast in the dark before packing the tent up and getting the horses brushed and saddled up,” says Col, who had the National Trail on his bucket list for years.

“Hopefully on the road by 8 o’clock, we will ride until 2 in the afternoon where we will have hopefully reached the next camp site.

“I’ll then set up camp for the night before doing it all again tomorrow.”

Col will stay in Gunning until the Eucumbene River goes down enough to safely cross, when he will then tackle the Victorian Alps.

He says so far, every day has been an adventure

with its ups and downs.

“There have been some down days like battling drizzling rain for 24 hours and being cold and wet, but I have warmed up and overall, it has been really great.”

Col says it is the overwhelming amount of support he has received that has kept him going and he is

determined to not let people down.

“The support has been amazing. People have been stopping me on the way with carrots for the horses and strangers have been offering me a bed for the night. It has been absolutely fantastic,” says Col.

“If you see me along the

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road anywhere, by all means stop and have a chat or walk along with me, or donate to Melanoma Foundation.”

You can donate and follow along his journey here: challenge.melanoma.org.au/ page/ColinRathbone

by Cassandra Zaucer

Chance for youth to be heard

Young people in years 10, 11 and 12, or equivalent age, across NSW are invited to apply to be given the chance to debate in NSW Parliament, create Youth Bills on issues for change and have their recommendations heard.

If accepted for Y NSW’s 2023 Youth Parliament, they will receive specialised training through camps and online workshops, parliamentary education and experience, plus opportunity for community engagement and teamwork. All are designed to help them create social impact and positive change. Operating for over 20 years, Y NSW CEO Susannah Le Bron says the program allows youth to speak on the issues important to them and their local community.

“If you are a young person in NSW looking for an opportunity to stand up and give a voice to issues that you’re passionate about, I urge you to put in your application,” says Mrs Le Bron.

With over 1,000 young people having participated in the program, some have gone on to become MPs and mentors.

Details at ymcansw.org.au/ youth-parliament

Applications close 17 February. by Cassandra Zaucer

Everyone is welcome to come along and grab a bargain. Enjoy the atmosphere, meet your local community and help preserve your local environment.

If you are a Kiama Municipal resident, earn some extra $$$. Get involved by registering a site in Second Hand Saturday for a gold coin donation.

Date: Saturday 4 March 2023

Time: 8am-12noon

Venue: “School Flat”, Black Beach, Shoalhaven Street, Kiama

Someone to cheer for on Australian Idol

Australia hasn’t seen the last of Kiama’s very own Jess Crossman as her Australian Idol debut saw her secure a spot in the top 50.

The 25 year old paramedic earned herself a golden ticket after performing You’ve Got the Love by Florence + the Machine in front of the prominent judges – Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands, Harry Connick Jr and Meghan Trainor.

Although Jess says the experience was a scary and nerve-racking one, she will hold it dear to her heart forever.

“As a child I watched the show and always dreamed that maybe one day I would be on it,” says Jess. Having forgotten about that

dream, it was Jess’ friends that convinced her to take the leap.

“It’s not like I didn’t think I had it in me, but there are so many talented people out there. It is very exciting and a bit of a shock,” she says.

Jess is no stranger to performing, having opened for the American rock band The Beach Boys in Wagga Wagga 2017 and often performing locally.

“I’ve always been in the music scene, I just haven’t taken it as seriously as I could have because I decided to get a degree to fall back on,” she says.

NSW Ambulance praised Jess on social media, naming her the ‘golden girl’.

“She did it. Holbrook paramedic Jess [where she works while living here] has beaten thousands of other hopefuls and landed herself a golden ticket.

“Good luck Jess, we’re right behind you,” the post read.

Judges now have the task of narrowing down the 50 finalists to 24, then down to 12 for the live performance round. The audience will

minister comes to town

then come in and have their say on who the winner is. The winner will be awarded with a recording contract with Sony Music and $100,000 in prize money.

by Cassandra Zaucer

The Kiama Presbyterian Church has a new minister, Reverend Andrew Satchell, following the retirement of Noel Creighton last year.

Andrew, who has been in full-time ministry for 20 years, has relocated his family from Devonport, Tasmania after 8 years of serving its church and says he hopes to become part of the community and share his beliefs.

He is now looking to meet as many people as he can in the community.

“The main goal here is getting to know people and talking to them about who Jesus is and what he has done for them – why he’s so important and so critical,” Andrew says.

“I want people to know what we stand for and

believe in, but to also find out what they believe.”

Before officially starting as the minister this week, Andrew and his family have been getting into the community spirit by attending the markets and the Kiama Show.

“Kiama has got that country town feel to it, and there is a feeling of everyone wanting to build together as a community.

“I’m keen to build friendships and relationships and am really looking forward to enjoying living here,” he says.

A service to welcome Andrew is being held on 10 February at the Church on the corner of Terralong and Shoalhaven Streets. RSVP to Joyce on 0411 156 430.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Local history uncovered

Kiama genealogist and local historian, Susan Lark, will be diving deep into the life of one of the wealthiest men in Kiama in the 1800s, Thomas Chapman, at the next Kiama & District Historical Society author talk.

After locating an affidavit and personal letters written by Thomas – who was the original owner of the Hartwell House – in the 1850s and 60s, Susan wrote the book, Thomas Chapman of Hartwell House, Kiama, which tells the story of his life.

Her book is filled with death, bushrangers, convicts, bigamy and love which all influenced Thomas’ decision in constructing the Hartwell House, between Surf and Kendalls beaches.

Once a home for boys in the 1960s, and now one of

Kiama’s most historic and impressive homes. Sue was head of Council’s Family History Centre for a number of years, so her knowledge of the area and its past runs deep.

Saturday 18 February, Kiama Library Auditorium, 2.30pm, $3 members/$5 non-members

by Cassandra Zaucer

Keeping things tidy

Kiama Council’s waste crew has completed another busy summer-holiday season of work. We caught up with Darren Brennan, who has worked at Kiama Council for 26 years and leads the Waste Services team. What does your team do?

My team has many roles. We drive Kiama’s waste trucks and conduct waste services such as keeping all parks, headlands and reserves clean of litter.

We also clean all public toilets – Kiama has around 30 toilet blocks, which stretch up our coastline all the way from Gerroa to Minnamurra and out towards Jamberoo.

In addition, we keep the streets tidy with blowers, and collect all the debris such as leaves and rubbish with our street sweepers. And we pick up any illegal dumping.

We clean the facilities owned by council, including our offices, libraries, The Pavilion, Kiama Leisure Centre and community halls. Plus, we work with our events coordinators and tourism team to provide waste services to major events such as the NYE fireworks, Kiama’s Winter Festival and many other wonderful events throughout the year.

Any standout events?

The highlight of the summer/Christmas period was the fireworks. We also loved IGNITE Winter Festival and seeing the number of people return to enjoy our wonderful town post-COVID. Even though it increases our workload, it’s so nice to see the town alive again with people.

Give us some stats?

This season we used a record amount of materials such as around six pallets of toilet paper and probably 30 boxes of hand soap. We placed an extra 85 bins throughout our parks and main streets over the summer period.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I like the early start, which is 4am, and the 1pm finish. I love working outside with such wonderful views of the harbour, headlands and seeing the sunrise every morning.

And the challenges?

The challenges we face are mostly weather related and dealing with members of the public on some occasions.

Any amusing anecdotes?

Some of our funny stories come from locals and tourists, such as being asked “What time will you be turning on The Blowhole?” And every now and again, we run into locals at 4am on a Saturday or Sunday morning a little worse for wear. Seeing them a few days later, you just smile and nod at each other.

Final words?

The last thing I’d like to add is I can’t thank my team enough for getting us through this very busy period. Our workload might have doubled, even tripled, but it was wonderful to come into town and see the place kept spotless and tidy as usual. It makes me proud to be part of our team.

And we have many events coming up including Rugby Sevens, the Jazz & Blues Festival and we can’t forget Easter. We’re getting ready to do it all over again!

Kiama Council is mourning the loss of our respected and much loved Manager of Waste Services, Tony Hardy, who passed away this month, aged 70. Tony had reached his 50th year working for us and will be greatly missed by all at Kiama Municipal Council and in the community.

Trash or treasure?

Inspired by our waste services team to do a declutter? During March, we’re hosting two events that will help you clean up and bag a bargain.

First up is our giant community car boot sale – Second Hand Saturday – on 4 March. Registration is now open for stallholders, and everyone is welcome to simply show up to shop!

Our Household Bulky Waste drop-off event runs for a week from 11-19 March and we accept all sorts of household items to be recycled, re-distributed or sent to landfill. Registrations are essential and will open 20 Feb.

www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Events/Events-Waste

Home Composting Workshop

We’re running our popular Home Composting Workshop again this month. The free workshop teaches Kiama residents the basics of successful composting in your own home. No yard? No worries! There is a composting method to suit every situation. The Home Composting Workshop will be held on Saturday 18 February from 1-4pm in the Kiama Community Garden at Havilah Place. Register here: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Home-Composting-Workshop

Have your say on playgrounds

We are asking you to have your say on our local playgrounds, public spaces and reserves. Tell us which parks, playgrounds and reserves you use, what you love and what you think we can improve. Scan the QR code to complete the online survey by 19 February or visit www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/ Your-say/Open-Spaces-and-Recreation-Strategy

We want to hear from you!

Elliot, Darren, Anthony, Steven and Vance from Kiama’s waste services crew

Don’t miss the Up for Grabs shed at our Household Bulky Waste event in March

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On Saturday 25 March this year, we will be electing the 58th Parliament of NSW. This will be hotly contested for the seat of Kiama and is a really big deal for us as a council.

You see, all councils are creations of the State Government. This is so that we can do locally, those things that would be difficult or impossible for a State Government to manage from Macquarie Street.

Our requests below are just the tip of a long list of what the 58th Parliament could do to help us to help them do what needs doing:

• Make a commitment to democratically elected councils being empowered to make decisions about development that affects their communities

• Make urgent improvements to address issues with the operation of the Planning Portal and commit to ongoing funding to councils to implement it.

• Either boost road funding

Neil Reilly talks directly with residents and ratepayers

significantly to respond to unprecedented damage to Jamberoo Mountain Road, or take back responsibility for this vital East-West Corridor and others that suffer washaways, landslips and potholes as a result of severe flooding and ongoing climate change.

• Lift the caveat on our local government land to provide much-needed housing relief.

• Provide funding to support Kiama Council to implement the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Toolkit.

• Distribute more arts and culture funding in our area.

• Increase funding for Kiama LGA’s specialised youth well-being and mental health services.

• Commit to incentives (such as scholarships, cadetships, wage subsidies) to address critical local government skills shortages.

• Provide Jamberoo with the same water and sewerage infrastructure as other towns.

• Sign an intergovernmental agreement between the Premier and the Local Government NSW President, setting out key principles for an equal partnership between the

two spheres of government to improve outcomes for communities across NSW.

On another note altogether, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate several of our Kiama Municipality residents on receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) at the 2023 Australia Day Honours for their outstanding service to the community of the Kiama.

Mr Gary McKay received an OAM for service to military history and to veterans.

I know Gary as the president of the Kiama Jamberoo RSL and the author of a good number of nonfiction and historic books on the topic of war, as well as a few rip-roaring fiction books.

Gary was awarded the Military Cross in 1972 for gallantry on active service in Vietnam. Gary has also led many tours to Vietnam.

Darrell Shepherd’s service to softball has earned him an OAM, umpiring 334 national championship games since 1980, and 92 international games.

Darrell has also been a National Umpires Staff Member of Softball Australia since 2016 and won the Australian Sports Medal in 2000. Unsurprisingly he is a life member of Softball NSW, its Umpires Association,

the Illawarra Softball Association and Dapto Softball Club.

The late Peter Bowman, a former close colleague and Councillor 2008-2012, was awarded an OAM for service to sports administration. Peter had an extensive background in senior coaching and administrative positions at the Australian Institute of Sport, Illawarra Academy of Sport, Athletics Australia and the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association.

Foxground local Maura Cato has been awarded an OAM for her service to the community through charitable organisations.

Mrs Cato’s contribution to the community is part of her everyday life. To date she has volunteered in soup kitchens, produced gift hampers for Christmas and raised funds through events at her property in aid of a clinic in East Timor.

STAN CRAPP FUNERALS

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Feedback sought on Jamberoo Heritage Review

Kiama Council is holding a drop-in session for property owners and interested residents to find out more about the 15 properties it is proposing to be included in the NSW Heritage Register.

If approved at a Council Meeting, they will be added to the 42 items already protected in the Jamberoo region, including ones as varied as the churches, archaeology sites, the old Council Chambers (now the butchers), Jamberoo Hotel, Jamberoo Public School and Kevin Walsh Oval. The last Heritage Review was done 22 years ago.

The original report put to Council by the consultants in November has been revised, and is now available on Council’s website.

Of the fifteen recommended for listing, only one (the RSL Hall) is considered only contributory to the proposed Allowrie St Precinct Heritage Conservation Area and two need further research (27 Allowrie St and 38 Beattie St).

The others are recommended to be included within the Kiama LEP, Schedule 5,

the highest local protection available.

Two Heritage Conservation Areas have been proposed

– the Allowrie Street Town Centre and the Churchill Street Ecclesiastical Precinct.

The properties recommended for listing are:

• 1 Allowrie Street –Jamberoo RSL Hall and sandstone wall (above)

• 27 Allowrie St – small cottage

• 38 Beattie St – cottage This potential item may be of heritage significance but requires further research to assess significance. Recommended for more research prior to listing

• 48 Churchill Street –timber house

• 50 Churchill Street –cottage

• 65 Churchill Street –timber cottage (doctors surgery)

• 69 Churchill Street –timber cottage

• 71 Churchill Street –timber cottage

• 197 Clover Hill Road –Glen Murcutt designed house

• 6 Drualla Road – cottage

• 16 Factory Lane – small dairy cottage

• 26 Factory Lane – timber cottage

• 10 Golden Valley Road –house (right)

• 218 Jamberoo Mountain Road – Walsh Farm

• 6 Macquarie Street –house (below). In addition, the sandstone kerbing and culverts under Young and Allowrie Streets are recommended as contributing to the Heritage Protection Area.

Council’s Strategic Plan-

ning team will be at the session to answer questions or concerns regarding the review, the assessment of particular properties, or what being heritage listing or within a heritage conservation area means.

Formal public exhibition is expected to begin in late March, for 28 days, after a meeting of Council authorises it.

Council’s website says, “During the exhibition period you will be able to provide your submissions either supporting or opposing the suggestions in the report, whether you would like con-

sideration in future Council budget to further investigate the proposed heritage conservation areas, and any suggestions/amendments that you have. Following exhibition a report will be prepared for Council.” This is the same process used for the listing of new heritage properties and Heritage Conservation Areas in central Kiama.

16 February, Jamberoo School of Arts, 4pm to 6.30pm Register at www.kiama.nsw. gov.au or drop-in

At the Kiama Show

This year’s Kiama Show got back on its old footing, with great crowds, a large number of entries and even good weather.

Thanks to the many volunteers that make it happen each year!

The Kiama Show Society’s Sue Cox, Neil McLaren and David Young

Dulcie Piper and Annette Young

The 2023 Kiama Young Woman, Grace McGlinchey

Right: Gwen Turner, Kerry Shepherd and Julie Gallop

Right: Ruby, Cyrus and Sachin from Sydney

Left: Rebecca Cychowski with daughters Anna and Eddie who won some prizes

THE BUGLE CROSSWORD

42. Aust author - major works, Capricornia and Poor Fellow My Country

44. Aust writer - major work My Brilliant Career

46. Circular edge of a volcano

47. Writer of On the Beach

48. Number of Liberal candidates standing for Kiama electorate at time of crossword conception

49. Aust writer who wrote Magic Pudding with Cut and Come Again character

50. Northern Italian city, manufacturing centre

DOWN

1. Emotional loud yell

2. Person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way

3. Jump into water head first

4. Aust writer, winner of the Nobel prize author of Voss

5. Double reed woodwind instrument

7. Person or group of people employed to escort and protect an important or famous person (4,5)

ACROSS

4. West Australian author of Cloudstreet

6. Explosive device

8. Tropical American plant of the nightshade family with fruits (peppers) containing many seeds.

11. Writer born in Kiama 1923

13. Bloke who drove The Fastest Milkcart in the West

14. Aust writer who wrote Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith

17. Small pellets of

naphthalene put in among stored garments to keep away insects (4,5)

18. Writer of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

21. Work, especially of a strenuous physical kind. Noun sometimes preceded by the adjective hard

22. Aust writer of crime fiction starring P.I. Cliff Hardy

23. Scot & Northern English (of a horse) to stop or refuse to go; balk

25.Tasmanian born author

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.

who wrote The Long Road North

26. Aust writer of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie, along with the Big Bad Banksia Men

28. Small rug

31. Which protein did Mother Goose This Little Pig have (5,4)

35. Sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way.

36. Aust writer - ajor work Power without Glory.

38. Aust writer - major works, Bliss, and Oscar & Lucinda

9. Aust writer author of Thornbirds

10. Aust writer author of The Sundowners and Scobie Malone series of P.I. novels

12. Aust writer author of For the Term of his Natural Life (1874)

15. Aust writer author of The Loaded Dog and other short stories and poems

16. Aust poet author of My Country. First line: The love of field and coppice.

19. On new Aust coins, in

which direction does Charles face

20. Aust writer, author of Seven Little Australians

22. Manage or exploit (an organization, activity, etc.) in a way designed to make a profit.

24. Which Aust bank note no longer features the Royal Presence

27. Genus of true toads in the amphibian family Bufonidae (including the beloved Cane Toad)

29. Aust writer/playwright, author of Dons Party, Emerald City,

30. Aust writer, author of On our Selection

32. Aust writer, author of Mary Poppins

33. Cathedral City in East England

34. Aust poet/author of Clancy of the Overflow and featured on Aust $10 note

37. Aust writer, author of My Brother Jack and partner of 11 Across

39. Assign the responsibility for doing something to (someone)

40. Headstrong

41. To hold one’s pants up one uses a belt or ------ or both for added security

43. Aust writer, author of The Female Eunich

45. Word(s) by which a person or thing is known

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

Everyone knows sunglasses with good side protection are important, but why? Part ii.

Last time I covered the effects of suffering pterygium and the importance of your sunglasses offering side protection. This week we look at pinguecula and some of the associated symptoms often experienced by sufferers.

A pinguecula (pin-GWEK-yoo-lah) is a yellowish, slightly raised thickening of the conjunctiva on the white part of the eye (sclera), close to the edge of the cornea. Pingueculae typically occur on the eye’s surface between your eyelids. While pingueculae are more common in middleaged or older people who spend a lot of time in the sun, they can also be found in younger people and even children. Especially those who spend time outdoors without protection such as sunglasses or hats. In most people, pingueculae cause few symptoms. But a pinguecula that is irritated might cause foreign body sensation.

In some cases, pingueculae become swollen and inflamed, a condition called pingueculitis. Irritation and eye redness from pingueculitis usually result from exposure to sun, wind, dust or extremely dry conditions. In these cases eyedrops can ease the inflammation. The best drops to use are lubricating drops, and steroid drops in severe cases.

So when you are choosing your sunglasses for this summer, think about side protection.

Jean Anderson

POSTCARD HOME

The recent Kiama Show reminded me of my time spent in Norfolk Island, where I once won the prize for the best bunch of bananas exhibited!

In October this year, the Royal Norfolk Island Agricultural and Horticultural Society will mark 163 years of conducting its annual show, meaning that it is 11 years younger than the Kiama Show.

It has a fascinating history, having been inaugurated by descendants of the Bounty mutineers in 1860.

Today it is easily the largest and most successful event of its kind in any of the external territories claimed by Australia and has even earned the right to have Show Day as a public holiday on the second Monday in October each year.

The venerable Kiama and Norfolk Island agricultural shows have much in common.

Both are built around displayed entries of local produce, such as fruit, vegetables, flowers, cakes, jams and eggs. Potted plants, shrubs and succulents attract many entries, as do handicrafts, artworks, photography and woodworking.

There are sections for junior competitors including some fine examples of art, cookery and creative writing.

Ring events featuring horses and ponies are a major attraction in Norfolk Island, and the judging of the Grand Champion bull and cow in both the beef and dairy categories are major events.

The owners of these prize animals bask in the glory of their championship ribbons for the next 12 months and are regarded with awe by other breeders.

Kiama is a larger settlement than Norfolk, so it

attracts mainland carnival operators with their colourful sideshows and rides. Norfolk Island Royal Show has fewer sideshows, but like Kiama has extensive involvement of local charities and community groups. While many Kiama residents may seldom now attend their annual show, the same cannot be said of the Norfolk Island event, where it seems almost everyone on the Island attends and is

40 years’ playing

involved in running the show or entering the many competitive categories. When it comes to hosting a great Australian institution, both Kiama and Norfolk Island host popular, inclusive and enjoyable show spectaculars.

Peter Maywald, Kiama

Seventy three year old Joylene Morgan has showed a true talent in her sport of table tennis, ranking third in Australia in her age group at the National Veterans Championships last year.

This April will see Joylene, who has been representing NSW for 30 years, go head to head with some of New Zealand’s best table tennis players at the NZ Veteran Open Championships.

“I raised my hand for it and I am very honoured I get to go,” Joylene says.

On picking up the paddle for the first time, Joylene fell in love with the sport and has been a passionate player ever since. Now 40 years on, there is still no signs of her slowing down with her ‘competitive nature’ continuing her fight to the top of the ranks. For those wishing to pick up the sport, Joylene’s advice is to be patient.

“The first year of competitions I ever played, I didn’t win a single game. So, don’t be too harsh on yourself and don’t give up. Watch the bet ter players to learn,” she says. Kiama Table Tennis Club meets at the Leisure Centre, Mon and Thurs 12-3pm. New members welcome.