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