The Bugle 25 February 2017
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com
A tale of two towers Kiama Council is to formally complain to Optus and the Telecommunications Ombudsman about a mobile phone tower that is to be built above the Jones Beach shops in March (first reported in The Bugle last December). Unlike the other tower Optus intends to build in Kiama, at the sports ground in Haviland Place, the decision on whether to approve the Jones Beach tower was taken out of Council’s hands. Approval for the sports ground tower was achieved through a standard DA process which allowed Council to consider its suitability. However the Jones Beach tower was classified as a low impact facility under the provisions of the Federal Telecommunications Act, which has a set of standards relating to height, size and location which, if met, classify a facility as low impact and not requiring Development Consent. Despite the required public consultation showing many residents do not consider it low impact, given they overlook it, the project was approved. At the February Council Meeting, Councillor Kathy Rice said, “I don’t think Optus assessed this site thoroughly to begin with. They need to have regard for an area being a community sensitive location. “I feel the report sent to Council at the end of the consultation was quite misleading in that it claimed they had responded to the submissions from the community, particularly regarding view impact, by providing photo montages. I think these deliberately did not show the impact, but rather they showed contrived angles. They could have done better. “The community views weren’t represented properly in the report and we should certainly object to their report’s findings.” Councillor Mark Way agreed and voiced his frustrations. “They seemed to already have made their decision, and nothing was going to change it. We are hoping Ann Sudmalis will step in and take some action for the residents of Kiama Downs. Council has been circumvented and local people really didn’t have a say.”
Kiama Hospital farewell As foreshadowed in our last issue, Kiama Hospital is to have an Open Day to allow the community to visit the old hospital building one last time. The Open Day will be on Saturday 11 March, from 10-2pm. All are welcome to attend and share their memories.
This cross section shows the relative size of the tower to the existing building in the Jones Beach shopping strip.
Inside this issue Kiama supports marriage equality p3
Meet Kiama High’s new Principal p4
Need for a second entrance to Cedar Grv The clock is ticking for a solution to be found to provide a second entrance to Cedar Grove, given that Stage 2 of the development will soon be ready to be built upon. David Yates has suggested provide a second access road to Stage 2 through his adjoining western land, if it is rezoned residential. After feedback from Council staff on his original proposal, he has submitted another proposal to address concerns. “The previous Council was remiss to allow Stage 2 to go ahead without a second entrance,” said Councillor Neil Reilly at the Febru-
ary Council meeting. “We need to do something urgently,” said Councillor Warren Steel. “If this proposal does work, it will be at no cost to Council.” Not all councillors are supportive of the rezoning proposal.
“It is a Trojan Horse to get those houses over the hill,” says Councillor Andrew Sloan. Councillors Honey, Sloan, Way and Westoff voted against continuing discussions with Mr Yates on the proposal.
Indigenous med student has wider role to play p5
Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival marks its 30th year p6&7
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Let us know if there’s an event you’re organising. Just email the details to emailthebugle@gmail.com or phone 0412 415 101 Listings are free, but at the editor’s discretion
What’s on? Every Wednesday Kiama Farmers’ Market Kiama Harbour 3-6pm
On weekends Live music at The Sebel, Kiama Leagues Club, The Mecure, Jamberoo Pub and other venues.
Sat 25 Feb Kiama Sevens Kiama Showground from 8.30am, $10 Kiama Makers & Growers Market Black Beach, 9-2pm
Sun 26 Feb Jamberoo Village Market Reid Park, 9-2pm
3-12 March Seniors Festival 2017 (See right)
Fri 3 March Pics & Flicks: Truman Gerringong Town Hall, 7.30 for 8pm. Tickets
$10 at the door or deals available. Film Night: Embrace Changing the way we think and feel about our bodies. North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre, 6.30 for 7pm. $20 at door or online through Eventbrite.
Tues 7 March Connect for Life (see right)
Thurs 9 March Afternoon Tea at the Grand (see below) Kiama Bush Dance Joyce Wheatley Community Centre, 7.30-10.30pm $5
10-12 March Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival See pages 6 and 7
11 March Kiama Hospital Open
Day 10-2pm, Bonaira St More details at www.kiama.nsw.gov.au
18 March Red Hot Summer Concert Kiama Showgrounds
19 March Kiama Seaside Markets Black Beach, 9-3pm
23-29 March Shellharbour Woodcarvers Exhibition Old Fire Station
Sat 25 March Kiama Makers & Growers Market Black Beach 9-2pm Secondhand Saturday Black Beach 8-noon
Sat 1 April Lions Club of Kiama Race Day (more next issue)
28-30 April
Irresistible for detective fans
Healthy lifestyle expo: something for all Amongst the activities organised for this year’s Seniors Festival is an event that designed to appeal to all ages. Connect for Life has been organised by Blue Haven Care, in partnership with NSW Family and Community Services, to promote a healthy lifestyle through social inclusion, health and wellness. “The event will have a festival atmosphere with local artists and entertainers taking part along with stallholders, community groups, local schools and youth groups,” says its coordinator, Margaret Helmer. “While it’s a Seniors Week event, there will be something to interest everybody on the day, including demonstrations of healthy food, exercise and dance.” Other highlights of Seniors Festival 2017 include trike rides and a farmyard visit for residents of Blue Haven Care Residential Care, a free concert, aqua aerobics sessions, a road safety session at Council Chambers, a grudge Trivia competition against Shellharbour, a bike ride to Jamberoo and back, and a focus on Seniors at the Kiama Farmers’ Market. Details: Connect for Life is on Tuesday 7 March, at the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre from 10-2pm. The full program of local events is available from www.kiama.nsw.gov.au.
KISS Arts Festival
Business women of Kiama unite!
RED HOT SUMMER CONCERT KIAMA SHOWGROUNDS
A new not-for-profit networking group, Enterprising Women of Kiama (EWOK), is launching on International Women’s Day. “Our focus is on dynamic and entrepreneurial business women who would like to share their business ideas,” says Michelle Springett. Local business women are welcome to come to their first function to meet the organisers and find out more.
Saturday 18th March 2017
ROAD CLOSURE NOTIFICATION BONG BONG STREET FROM SHOWGROUNDS TO ROUNDABOUT IN MANNING STREET 12 noon to 10.30pm If you require any further information please contact:
Deb Alexander on 0414 857 738
Details: Wednesday 8 March, Kiama Rugby Club, from 6.30pm. $44 including champagne and canapés. For more info, call 0411 417 363.
Find out more about the Grand Ahead of its proposed major renovations, the Kiama & District Historical Society is holding a talk at the Grand Hotel to look at its significance over the years. Details: Thurs 9 March, 2.30pm. Call Sue Eggins on 4232 2492 by the end of February if you would like to attend. There will be a small charge for afternoon tea.
The Friends of Kiama Library’s guest speaker for March is A.B. Patterson. Not Banjo, of course (amongst other things, he had one t), but Andrew Patterson, a former chief investigator with the NSW Commission Against Corruption turned prize winning novelist. His much awarded novel, Harry’s World, portrays Harry Kenmare as a prehistoric private detective in an unfriendly modern world, trawling through Sydney's corrupt social and political elites, on a mission of justice. A place where the rules don’t always apply. We are told the book has been seen as an open homage to the noir stylings of Dashiel Hammett and Raymond Chandler, with a decidedly Australian sense of humour. Sounds like fun. Details: Saturday 4 March at 2.30pm in the Family History Centre, $5 members/$8 others, including afternoon tea.
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80 Barney St Kiama 4233 1322 Open 7.30 - 4.30pm weekdays & 7 - 4pm Sat Page 2 ♦ The Bugle 25 February 2017
Editor: Cathy Law t 0412 415 101 Advertising: Steve Law t 0428 662 499
Or email us at emailthebugle@gmail.com PO Box 304, Gerringong 2534
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human.
Time to talk about trees Time to start thinking erty. The Report to Council said while some of these requests relate to safety concerns, a high proportion are to do with overhanging branches, the shading of premises and loss of views. “Often the request is for Council to remove the subject trees on these grounds,” it says. Refusal sometimes leads people to take matters into their own hands, despite the risk of heavy fines. Director of Engineering and Works, Gino Belsito, says following the latest poisoning of two Norfolk Island Pines at Werri Beach Council is considering remote camera traps to catch vandals. “In the last six months alone we’ve had trees poisoned at Werri Beach, Jones Beach and South Bombo Beach,” he says. “Poisoning, or damaging in any way, trees on public lands is totally illegal and
Councillors’ unanimous support for gay marriage In response to the Federal Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, saying she is uncertain of the Gilmore electorate’s feeling on marriage equality, Kiama Council has followed Shoalhaven Council in passing a motion supporting the principle. In putting the motion, Councillor Neil Reilly urged councillors to use their knowledge of their constituents when casting their vote. As the motion wasn’t a planning matter it did not formally need a show of hands, but Councillor Warren Steel suggested it be done to show the degree of support. The motion was carried unanimously. “We wanted to help our Federal Member take the temperature of the electorate,” says Cllr Reilly. “We want all people who love each other to have the same rights.” Councillors also agreed that the proposed national plebiscite on the issue is unnecessary and a waste of money.
carries substantial penalties as high as $1,000,000.” Mr Belsito says Council has a proper process in place for residents to raise concerns about trees they want pruned or removed. “We have a team dedicated to assisting residents who have a problem with a tree either on their own land, a neighbouring property or on nearby public land. “Most people work with our staff and within the law to resolve their problem.” Kiama Council already uses remote sensor cameras to monitor illegal dumping hotspots. Mr Belsito says as well as installing camera traps, Council is looking at replanting the poisoned trees. Anyone with information regarding poisoning of trees to contact Council’s Tree Management Unit on 4232 0444.
Bringing the World Juniors to town Following the success of the recent World Junior Surfing Championships, news has come of a plan to bring the action to the centre of town next year. “We want to have big screens in Hindmarsh Park to live stream the action, and then play surfing movies and the like in the evenings,” says Mayor Mark Honey. “It will create a great atmosphere and attract a lot of people.”
about entering a raft
Photo: Peter Izzard Photography
The vexed issue of trees raised spirited discussion at the February Council Meeting, with Councillor Warren Steel describing Kiama Council’s Tree Preservation Policy as “the worst in the world”. While Councillor Kathy Rice championed the important role trees play in the ecosystem, Councillor Steel and others said people were always coming up to them and complaining about not being able to do what they wanted. However figures for the 2016/7 year appear to belie this assertion. Of the 221 tree management applications processed for pruning and/or removal of trees on private land, 184 (83.25%) were approved. An appeal process is available when refusal is given. A high percentage of the 491 requests for action on public trees relate to those impacting on private prop-
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Raft Race at the KISS Arts Festival, the organisers are keen for more groups to vie for the perpetual trophy and prizes. “Last year the event was organised at the last moment, but we still had great fun,” says Robert Moore, who competed in the Ray White entry and is helping to get a bigger field this year. “Last year it was complete anarchy, as the only rule was you had to make a vessel and get it around the course. “We had entries from street neighbours, families, businesses and sporting clubs. “To put it kindly, some were a bit more seaworthy than others. “There was good-natured skulduggery and a bit of confusion, but that added to the fun.” He says designing and building a raft is a great team building exercise for any community group. “Right from the start some people focus on the buoyancy and how to steer it, while others are more concerned about what the crew is going to wear. It’s a project that everyone can get involved in.” This year, Robert is part of a group who have volunteered to put in some loose rules
Page 3 ♦ The Bugle 25 February 2017
about what can be used to make the rafts and get more groups to enter the fun. “We see the Race becoming a much anticipated local event, with groups competing for honour and glory. “Where else can sporting codes compete against each other, and neighbourhood pride be displayed?” Details: The Ray White Raft Race will be held on Sunday 30 April at noon as part of the KISS Arts Festival at Black Beach. To register your interest in being involved, email contact@kissartsfestival.com.au or call Tamara on 0403 817 549
In the schoolyard
If your school has something worth sharing, contact Cathy at emailthebugle@gmail.com
Meet Kiama High’s new Principal Catherine Glover, the first woman to be appointed as Principal of Kiama High School, is enthusiastic about her new role. She comes to the School after five years as Deputy Principal at Turramurra High, on Sydney’s upper North Shore, where she was Acting Principal for the last three terms. Like Kiama High, Turramurra is a large comprehensive school drawing its students from the local community. “Kiama is a very similar school, with kind and caring staff, wonderful students with great potential, and a broad range of opportunities in the academic, sporting and creative areas,” she says. “I really like the core values of respect, responsibility and commitment to excellence. I can already see them in action when I drop in on classes and get to know the students. “By bringing everything back to those three core values the students are able to understand what is expected of them.” Originally a French and Italian teacher in rural and regional areas, Ms Glover spent almost twenty years teaching English as a Second Language in South West Sydney. “My real passion throughout my career has been on literacy – understanding and making meaningful language empowers you and gives you opportunities and choices in life.” She says her focus as Principal will revolve around teaching and learning. As a strong supporter of the visible thinking method developed at Harvard, Ms Glover is keen to incorporate this philosophy into the School. “I really want to instil a culture of learning for both staff and students. “Making thinking visible allows students to see the sense of what they are doing. It is a wonderful framework to use. “It’s a way of letting everyone see the steps towards understanding.” From Term Two she will be consulting widely with staff, students, parents and the broader community to bring visible thinking formally into the School’s next three year plan. “I’d also like to incorporate mindful agency,
where students take responsibility for their own learning. It allows the student to have a say about how they like to learn. By taking ownership of their learning there is a partnership between the teacher and the student.” Having established a Gifted & Talented Program at Turramurra, Ms Glover sees opportunity to introduce one at Kiama, as part of meeting all students at their point of need. “If we have high expectations it will move students up. You don’t teach to the lowest common denominator, you always challenge and inspire people to engage to the best of their ability. “As a comprehensive school, we are a reflection of society where people have different strengths. It is not one size fits all.” This year will also see the School facing the challenges of adopting a new administration system (Turramurra participated in the pilot) and the introduction across NSW of a Bring Your Own Device policy. Given her experience at Turramurra, a public school surrounded by major private schools, Ms Glover knows the important role uniforms play in shaping people’s perceptions of a school. “Often students were judged by how they wore their uniform rather than what happened in the classroom,” she says.
“We will be encouraging students to wear a full school uniform to send a clear message that they belong to Kiama High School and they feel proud to wear the uniform.” A survey will soon be conducted to identify areas for improvement so students feel comfortable wearing the school uniform.
Kiama High Open Night The 2017 Open Night showcases the breadth and depth of the School to the community, particularly prospective students and their families, but all are welcome. Be entertained by the school band and vocal group, enthralled by performances by buskers, fascinated by a science experiment, tantalized by a cooking display, amazed by our students’ sporting prowess and impressed by the quality of work that faculties have on display. It is a great opportunity to wander the school grounds, inspect the facilities, and meet staff and students. Details: Wednesday, 1 March, 6.15-8pm KHS New Gym, followed by displays around the school. Parking at staff car parks located at the Shoalhaven St entry to the school or on Saddleback Mt Rd.
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Holly wins Judith Wright Prize A local woman, Holly Isemonger, has won a major Australian poetry award. Established in 2007, with support from the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, the Overland Judith Wright Poetry Prize for New and Emerging Poets seeks outstanding poetry by writers who have published no more than one collection of poems under their own name. It is one of the richest prizes for emerging poets. Her poem, OK cupid, is one of the joint winning poems this year, the first time a tie has placed poems equal first. Both winners received $4000. Holly graduated from Kiama High in 2008. She went on to complete her Bachelor and Masters degrees with Distinction at UTS and WSU in Sydney, where she now lives. Her writing has been featured in exhibitions for SPUR Publication at Embassy Gallery, Edinburgh and Tate Britain. She is assistant editor at The Bohemyth.
The pipes are calling The Kiama Pipe Band has received $5000 from the NSW State Government to help by new drums and equipment. The band is actively recruiting learners for both drumming and piping. Lessons are free, age is no barrier and no experience is necessary. Contact John on 0434 989 253.
Indigenous med student has wider role to play With the Federal Government’s 2017 Close the Gap Report showing disappointing progress towards many of the targets for Indigenous health, education and employment, there are rays of sunshine as individuals achieve against the odds. Justin Cain, a final year Indigenous medical student at the University of Wollongong, has been working at the Gerringong Family Medical Practice since July last year. He has strong local connections, with his father’s family coming from the Wreck Bay Village in Booderee National Park. After spending his childhood in Nowra, he moved away with his mother and finally settled down in her hometown of Moree for his HSC years. Justin is spending two days per week with the Practice for a whole year. “That’s a lot of time for him to learn clinical skills and knowledge that will help him in what ever area of medicine he chooses to practice,” says one of his GP mentors at the Practice, Dr Jackie Sloan, . “We are very lucky to have him, not only because he is a great person and a talented medical student, but also because of his heritage. “There is a significant Indiginous community in Gerringong, and they have really appreciated having him around. “As a member of the Royal Australian College of GPs’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Faculty, I have a commitment to raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health needs, and in trying to help to ‘close the gap’ in my local community. “Having the opportunity to be a GP educator of an Indigenous student is benefiting me as a GP greatly. He keeps me on my toes, so to speak, and I get to learn from him about how to improve our service for our indigenous patients and provide a culturally sensitive medical service.” Justin says there are now between 200 and 300 Indigenous doctors and at least 300 med students across the country, but adds that is still less than 1% of the medical community. “A lot of the early gradu-
ates have done some amazing work in breaking the ground for us to follow,” he says. When he finishes his internship, he’d like to train further to be an orthopaedic surgeon, a path he started on with his earlier Exercise Science degree. “There is an expectation Indigenous doctors will work only in Indigenous health, primarily in the community, but I believe there is a huge scope for us to train in other specialties and have a presence in hospitals,” he says. Justin is aware that he is seen as a role model within his community, and is happy to play his part. “Apart from being a student, I’m involved with mentoring others and generally being an advocate for
family, friends and young people.” While the health status of the local Indigenous community is good compared to more isolated and remote communities, there is still room for improvement. “There is definitely still a gap here – the accessibility of services narrows it, but there is still a gap,” he says. “There are different health statistics for every Aboriginal community, however because there are more heath services in this region we are more able to keep on top of it. “I feel a connection with the Practice’s Aboriginal patients and the therapeutic relationship that is established is very strong because of an added layer of trust and connectedness.”
Learn Mental Health First Aid Kiama Rotary is again hosting two day Mental Health First Aid Certificate Courses at The Pavilion Kiama. “We have been running these courses for over a decade and have seen several hundred local citizens participate and gain a greater understanding of the challenges surrounding mental health,” says President David Chambers. There is no cost for Kiama residents to attend these certified courses but the purchase of the $35 course manual is required for completion. Details: Course 1: 2-3 March, 9-5pm Course 2: 28-29 March, 9-5pm Contact Rotarian Helen Stirling at 0438 093 178 or helenstirling@bigpond.com for more information or to book.
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Jazz & Blues Festival marks its 30th year Over the years the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival has evolved into a unique format that sees music literally being taken to the streets. While it’s a far cry from the Festival’s early beginnings, some important elements remain the same (see box). “We made the decision in 2011 to move to a free concert format and it has gone from strength to strength since then,” says the Festival’s Music Director Ross Eggleton. “Locals and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a large variety of musicians in intimate venues around town. “While it means we don’t get the big name performers, who charge big fees, we do attract quality musicians and make them accessible to a wide audience.
Photo: Phil Winterton
From our purist beginnings we’ve evolved into a music festival with an emphasis on jazz and blues,” he says. This is his last year as the Festival’s Music Director, having done the role for 14 years. “This year, over three days, we have over 80 free gigs happening at over 30 venues, and it is all organised by volunteers. “We couldn’t do it without the support of the venues and the Council,” he says. “It brings a massive number of people to town, many of them return visits. “Rather than being confined at a festival venue, they get to move around town and choose their own program. “On the opening Friday night, there are fifteen gigs to choose from. All of them have free entry, so you can zigzag around the venues if you have the stamina.”
“About half the musicians on Toner and Hot Potato. this year’s program are long Over 100 acts applied to play term festival favourites - there at this year’s Festival, and it would be a riot if they weren’t was Ross’ job to come up with on the bill.” a program to suit everyone. These include Don Hopkins, “There is a bit of everything. Paul Robert Burton, Andrew Programs available around town or at www.kiamajazz.com
The early years “We formed the Kiama Jazz Club in 1974 when a group of friends, who were all jazzlovers, met weekly in each other’s homes to listen to jazz recordings,” recalls Dennis Koks. “After a while we realized that listening to records and talking about them, was just not enough. We set out, without any funds, to work out a way to present live jazz concerts in Kiama, which eventually led to a Festival.”
Gerry and Dennis with one of the early posters
With local charities and cultural organisations as beneficiaries, they had help selling the tickets, and soon were able to attract not only Australian but international bands. “It was a freakish thing - the timing was right for us to be part of a wave of the best American and English jazz talent being brought out to tour Australia,” says Gerry McInnerney. “Once we got a reputation for giving people a good time while they were visiting us, everyone wanted to play here and gave us a good price. We had a dream run for a few years, but then the costs rose substantially.” The early festivals featured greats such as Herb Ellis, Buddy Tate, Richard Cole, Bob Barnard, Monty Alexander, Judy Bailey and Don Burrows. Like now, they featured multiple venues and a Sunday concert. Everyone chipped in with their skills, with Dennis, an art teacher at Kiama High, creating much valued posters for the concerts in his spare time (see right) and Gerry selling the tickets at his pharmacy. Other members of the original committee were Brian Burgess, David Evans, Ernie Bradbury, Jean Grey, Narelle Latchford, Bruce McLean, Graham Tucker, Barry White, and Bob and Anne Potts.
Page 6 ♦ The Bugle 25 February 2017
Photo: Phil Winterton
Director’s Pick of the new
Hot Potato are always a crowd pleaser. They’ll be roaming Terralong St on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and playing at the Leagues Club from 10-12 midnight Saturday.
Of the new artists to perform at the Festival, Ross Eggleton suggests you look out for: The Armondo Hurley Band No less than Diana Ross has said of them, “The smooth and sophisticated style of Armondo’s unique voice will move your soul.” A mix of jazz, soul and funk. See them at the Leagues Club from 2.305pm on Saturday. Out of Abingdon Shades of Bjork, Nina Simone and Grant Green. Parkview Café 6-8pm Friday; Minnamurra Café 12-2pm Saturday; Kabari Bar 7-9pm Saturday; Amaki Café 11-1pm Sunday. Queen Porter Stomp Dirty swamp jazz magic. Kiama Leagues, 5-7pm Sat Simon Kinny-Lewis Band One of the most soulful guitar players on the planet. Kiama Bowlo 10-midnight Saturday and solo at Penny Whisters 2-4pm Sunday.
Festival inspires local artists Kiama is to have a lasting reminder of the Festival, with local artist Mikey Freedom painting a jazz inspired mural on a lane wall off Terralong St over the Festival weekend. Mikey is doing his work as a gift to Kiama and the Festival, with Taubmans donating the paint. He’s also designed this year’s poster and a commemorative tshirt. Two other collaborative exhibitions have been inspired by the Festival’s 30th anniversary. A collection of local artists
Mikey Freedom
will be exhibiting at the Old Fire Station Gallery in It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing. New work will be exhib-
ited beside a selection of vintage Kiama Jazz posters. The exhibition opens Thursday March 9 and includes work by Mikey Freedom, Gregor Cullen (Redback Graphics), Auguste Blackman, Brigita Hammel, Janine Coddington and Becky Guggisberg. Artists from the region have also united for All That Jazz, an exhibition celebrating the jazz and blues movement in Kiama. It will be on display at the Little Blowhole Art Bar for a month from 2 March.
Mayoral Column Each edition, Mayor Mark Honey uses this column as a way of communicating directly with residents and ratepayers. Every time there is a thunderstorm the Council rangers are inundated with call outs to retrieve dogs that have escaped their homes in a panic. It’s usual that a few of them have no collar or tag, or their microchipped details are not up-to-date. The recent storms we’ve It is the law that you take had are a timely reminder care of all these things, and about the need to take care it would also make the lives when severe thunderstorms of the rangers, who do a hit. great job, that much easier. We often forget, after long Finally, while we’re on dry spells, how dangerous the topic of severe weather, heavy rain, strong winds you may have noticed that and lightning can all be. Council has started a flood Last Friday’s storm instudy for the Ooaree Creek cluded some spectacular and Werri Lagoon catchlightning strikes, one of which hit my dairy in Kiama, injuring one of the farm hands. All he was doing was holding open a steel door at the time. Fortunately he was wearing rubber boots. I’m pleased to report he is recovering well but it was a sobering reminder of just how dangerous lightning strikes can be. The best place is usually inside; if you have to drive, do so carefully. We are lucky with the quality of roads in our Municipality, but heavy rain can turn the safest road into a hazard quite easily. Even if you’re inside, securing all the loose windows, doors and odds and ends scattered around the family home is a good idea. Greg Shanahan This includes your cats Dental Prosthetist and dogs especially.
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ment area. It’s the start of a lengthy process that will, eventually, help Council better manage the effects of flooding in this catchment. First though we have to gather all the information we can about flooding in this area. Council has sent out a survey to local property owners asking about their flooding experiences. The survey and more information about the study are available from the Public Exhibition section of Council’s website (www.kiama.nsw.gov.au).
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Boomerang Bags for Kiama Moves to establish a Delivery person Kiama Residents Association group of enthusiastic women are bringing Boomerang needed for Jamberoo ABags to Kiama. It’s a grass roots movement where groups In early February a small group of people got together to The Bugle is looking for someone to deliver our paper throughout Jamberoo each fortnight. Earn some cash while you walk around the village. We drop to your home. Call Steve on 0428 662 499
are formed to sew bags out of old material, then give them away, as an alternative to using plastic bags. “Anyone keen to sew is welcome, just bring your sewing machine or overlocker,” says Stacey Scott. “Even if you can’t sew, there are heaps of other jobs to do such as cutting materials, pinning, ironing and screen printing.” Kiama Council is supporting providing the Illuka Reserve tennis clubhouse for their headquarters free of charge as well as providing furniture, irons and cutting equipment. The group will meet there each Wednesday between 9.30am and 12.30pm. As well as volunteers, the group is asking for donations of old doona covers, sheets, curtains and material offcuts. People wishing to donate can drop off their material at the tennis clubhouse, off Flinders Avenue in Kiama Downs, each Wednesday morning. Those interested in joining the effort should contact Stacey on 0423 528 599.
NEW SEASON, FARM FRESH POTATOES available every Wednesday at the Kiama Farmers’ Market. Pontiacs, Maranca & Dutch Creams 2.5kg for $5 5kg $8 10kg $12 Harvested and sold each week by Luke of Brookland Farm, Marulan
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discuss the formation of a Kiama Residents Association. “The idea is simple: if Jamberoo, Gerringong and Minnamurra have Residents’ Associations representing the interests of their particular areas, it just makes sense we should have a group to articulate and protect the general integrity of Kiama and promote appropriate environmental, cultural and heritage values,” says Peter O’Neil, one of the initiators of the idea. The area would cover Kiama Heights, Kiama Central, West Kiama and west of the Bypass to Bombo Quarry. “The organization would not be connected to the Kiama Council and therefore could lobby and argue for changes and improvements required. It would aim to be a conduit for community ideas and actively involve itself in championing the area to councillors and Kiama Council.” Anyone interested in being involved please email Kim Elder at kimelder@bigpond.com If enough interest is shown, a meeting will be held sometime in March.
To the Editor It is refreshing to see Mr Holder put the position of the Kiama Greens who claim to have support of local residents and the local community. I am a local resident of Kiama Downs and live opposite Jones’s Beach and so in his words have 'a vested interest' in seeing the beach restored to its previous condition with the flat sandy beach and dune system that nature evolved over the millenniums and not an artificial creation of shrubs and trees that never existed there in the first place. Mr Holder concedes there is scarping of the dune. This has changed the pattern of beach erosion during storm events and altered the sandbanks and wave patterns. Longtime board riders remember the banks at the southern end and the surf patterns being much different than they are today. The low growing spinifex was the original species in the dune system and not the acacia. 'The natural beach vegetation’ sequence will never reestablish itself as the vegetation and scarping continues towards the waterline. The only result will be loss of the beach. I suggest that interested parties see the results of this vegetation removal by Wollongong City Council at Wonoona, Bulli and Corrimal. Jones beach forms part of the Kiama Coastal walk and I see many groups pass on the weekend. What do they see of the beach? A line of weedy looking scraggly shrubs and trees and a toilet block. The area around the Kiama Downs Surf Club is particularly unsightly. As I pay a premium for
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this beach vista in my Council rates I would certainly support beautification and rectification works. The residents and community of Jones Beach users deserve better and I continue to hold my 'uninformed opinion and seek ad hoc solutions’ Richard Steele Kiama Downs Thank you for publishing Warren Holder's excellent counterbalance view in the Jones Beach dunes debate. Warren gave the issue important historical perspective, and emphasised the role that the dune vegetation plays in protecting the homes on North Kiama Drive. Having lived at Jones Beach for four decades, I can well remember what it it was like before Kiama Council undertook to push sand up into dunes and plant vegetation. Big storm seas sometimes washed across the road and even into the front yards of the lower-lying houses. Bulldozers were used to clean up the sand on the roadway. It isn't hard to imagine the devastation that would have occurred in the massive storm that hammered Kiama last autumn, had those dunes not been there to hold back the huge seas. Those residents would have indeed had water frontage - possibly in their lounge rooms. Be careful what you wish for! As Warren correctly points out, rising sea levels complicate an already difficult issue. Nick Hartgerink Kiama Downs What makes a community great? How fortunate are
we? Not only do we live where we do, in a safe and beautiful environment, but to also be surrounded by people who care, respond and take part. At our recent Kiama Red Cross meeting, when diarising our scheduled events for 2017, members reflected on how our small country branch has been able to achieve so much each and every year. Our community needs to be congratulated and know the support we receive at scheduled annual events like Red Cross Calling, street stalls, fun runs and barbeques and raffles throughout each year would never be realised if it were not for the generosity of our people. People who support our causes by belonging, supporting, assisting, donating time, goods and/or money – contributing where and what they can is to be applauded. Members of Kiama Red Cross wish to thank the great Kiama community, our people, and express our sincere good wishes to everyone for a wonderful and safe year ahead. Your contribution is appreciated and goes towards helping the Australian Red Cross humanitarian programs locally, nationally and abroad – wherever the need is most. Congratulations must go to Mrs G Speer who won our monster Christmas raffle which raised over $2,100. With thanks. Kiama Members of The Australian Red Cross We welcome letters. Longer ones will be edited. Writer’s names and addresses must be provided. Mailing details on page 2.
Crooked River Farm gears up production
Josh Marijancevic and Craig Williams by one of the chicken caravans
At a time when concerns are held for the continuation of farming in our region, comes news of the emergence of Crooked River Farm as a committed food producer with its sights set on the Sydney market. Owned by retired Sydney businessman David Lhuede, the 385 acres between Fern St and the Highway, runs behind Elambra Estate and down to Crooked River. It is rich farming land formerly owned by the Millers and the Campbells. After a three years of infrastructure improvement and planning, Crooked River Farm has just launched itself as a free range egg and chicken producer with big ambitions. “For some time now we’ve been buying, fattening and selling Angus Hereford cattle, and breeding and selling sheep,” says Farm manager Craig Williams. “We’re currently running
220 cattle and 500 sheep.” Williams, who has lived in the area for 15 years and was born and bred on a dairy farm in New Zealand, has now become expert in chicken raising and management. “With the meat chickens, we are starting with having 200 birds ready to be processed each week,” he says. “We are raising a standard breed that takes just 60 days to reach optimise size.” The pens with the birds of different ages are closely guarded from foxes and predatory birds by Italian sheepdogs, called Maremmas. “The dogs are very protective, and allow our birds to be free range on the pasture. We still feed them grain, but they are much happier birds than those grown in cages. “They are able to forage for bugs and generally act like birds. In return, they fertilise the pasture for us.”
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As an added benefit, Craig believes these ethically produced birds taste better. The birds will be processed on-site, in a mobile poultry abattoir. (This is a different type of abattoir to that proposed for Rose Valley, without the same planning restrictions.) The other aspect of the Farm’s poultry business involves free range egg production. The Farm will soon have 900 chickens laying in chicken caravans which enable them to be moved around. The caravans were custom designed and built on-site, as were all of the other trailers, shelters and water carts needed for the operation. Again, the Maremmas are on guard to protect the chickens. The volume of birds on the farm will increase as customers are found, both locally and in Sydney. “The operation has been designed so we can ramp up production when the distribution market has been established,” says Craig. “There is a big demand from chefs and families for food that is produced this way - people want to know more about where their food comes from. “We had a great reception at the Kiama Farmers’ Market on our first week. People were excited to know they will be able to buy chickens and eggs processed locally.” David Lhuede says he has been involved with working farms for over 20 years, and hopes to spend more time on the property where he enjoys playing a hands-on role. “As time passes, the mix of animals we run might change, especially as our poultry business grows,” he says.
RSL audit: Kolomeitz has Ward’s support Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has moved a Notice of Motion in Parliament outlining his support for the NSW Chief Executive Officer of the RSL, Glenn Kolomeitz, his former election adversary. Mr Ward said Mr Kolomeitz had worked very hard in his role as CEO on behalf of veterans across the State. “Glenn Kolomeitz is a true credit to our community, our region and our State,” he said. “Glenn has an exemplary military service record as an aircraft maintenance instructor, an air traffic controller, a military police platoon commander and an investigations manager. He left the military to join the NSW Police Force in order to further serve his community. “I am today condemning those directors of the RSL who have attempted to remove Mr Kolomeitz from his position as CEO following a forensic audit of the organization and introduction of greater transparency measures. “I have also called on the New South Wales Government to implement changes so that NSW RSL must present its financial statements annually to Parliament, similar to the United Kingdom. “I have every confidence in Mr Kolomeitz and his capacity to continue to do a tremendous job as CEO of the NSW RSL.” Kiama resident Bill Humphreys OAM is one of the long serving State Councillors being investigated. He declined to comment, saying everything is being dealt with through the State Office.
More CCTV for Harbour Council is applying to the NSW Community Safety Fund for $20,000 to help extend its CCTV plans for Kiama Harbour to add an additional pole to the configuration. Two cameras will soon be attached to a pole near the Scout Hall, the new pole will be located on the other side of the boats.
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Beauty Services Love Beauty & Tanning Studio: by appointment. Call Renai 0412 277 072
Builders Burrell Builders: Cracked brickwork, underpinning, insurance/structural repairs. All building work. Ln3281c t 0419 378 000
Handymen Athol Handyman: No job too small. Free quotes. t 0481 095 090
Horticultural services Burnett Trees: Kiama Municipality’s own tree care service - skilled, insured professionals for all tree care, pruning, removal, stump grinding and mulching. t 4233 1311
Lawnmowing Hathaway Gardens: Reliable mowing and gardening service. We service Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa and surrounding areas. Call Lawrie 0411 888 333
Painting Col Whitehurst: Painter and Handyman Honest, Reliable, Insured. Ph 0400 135 128
Plumbing Etto's Plumbing: your local blocked drain and maintenance plumbing specialists. Call Mark 0404 009 999
Removalists For a competitive quote ring Anywhere Removals on 0430 376 890
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Out & about
If you’d like to share your social event on this page, contact emailthebugle@gmail.com (preferably in advance). We’d love to share more weddings, births and other important milestones.
At the 150th anniversary of Jamberoo Anglican Despite the torrential rain, welcomed by farmers, celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the Church of the Resurrection, Jamberoo, attracted many old and new parishioners. Saturday’s service had a relaxed family feel, with a jumping castle and a bush dance in the Hall. Sunday saw a traditional service presided over by Bishop Peter Hayward, who unveiled the Sesquicentenary Plaque.
Senior Minister The Rev. Jodie McNeill and Mayor Mark Honey
Lyn Walker, Helen Hunter and Marie Milne
Claire Duffy painting one of the many faces
Dulcie Piper, Marion Gabbott, Brenda Waters and Nancy Waters (seated)
Robert Curll and Trevor Lucas
Jacqueline Massey and Mandy McNeill
Robyn Lucas and Dianne Gee
Liana and Jemimah McNeill
Margaret Brain, Judy Trotter, Ray Swan, The Rev. Neil Brain
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The Bugle Crossword ACROSS 1. Five sided two dimensional figure 3. 75th Anniversary of the bombing of this Australian city 6. Random Breath Test (1,1,1) 8. Title of shop which makes bread 11. Two thousand, two hundred & forty pounds or 20 cwt 13. Vehicle in which patients are transported 14. Container for drinking tea 15. This comes in King, Queen, Double and Single sizes 18. This quarried stone is good for statues and kitchen bench tops 19. Broad flat muscle on either side of the back. Full name latissimus dorsi. 21. One of the 12 tribal leaders of Israel. Name of a sandwich from New York 23. The untanned hide of an animal/Heavy rain ----s down 24. Captain of first ship to circumnavigate Australia 28. Perennial herbs grown as flowers 31. Preposition expressing location or time 32. Animal doctor 34. First man on the Moon 35. 1970/80 Swedish pop group 37. Milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, cream are ---- products 38. Re-formed Australian Rock N Roll band. DOWN 1.Major harbour near Wollongong recently privatized (4,6)
2. Mother of your father or mother 4. Joint between foot and shin 5. Very dark black timber 7. Wide street typically lined with trees 9 Ungulate mammals that chew the cud and have 3 or 4 chambered stomach 10. Fifth planet from the sun 12.Board game using lettered tiles 16. Court or forum 17. Politicans put these in the trough 20. Anglo saxon monk/ historian known as The Venerable ---22. Old fashion name for an apartment 25. Lease payment for home or shop
Last issue’s solution
26. Floor covering 27. Houses and flats considered collectively 29. Bottom of the ocean 30. Negatively or positively charged particles 31. Prize or reward given as
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a recognition of achievement 33. Adam's mate 36. Measure of one’s fatness (or skinniness) compiled by Steve Law
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If you’d like to share your travel story, send your postcard home (even when you are back) to emailthebugle@gmail.com
Vale Loma Campbell Postcard home
Loma Campbell, widow of former Gerringong farmer and Kiama Mayor, Arthur Campbell, has passed away at the age of 91. She was born in Kiama and lived with her family at Pheasant Point before taking up nursing at Kiama Hospital. After marrying Arthur in 1951 she moved south to Gerringong, where they lived on Elambra Farm and had their two children, Garry and Sandra. Amongst other things, Loma was a founding member of CMRI Gerringong and in 2009 received the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Gerringong Rotary Club for 50 years of contribution to community service. “Dad always acknowledged that Mum was a driving force in their lives together,” said Sandra in her
eulogy to a packed church. “They shared the same interests, and always worked as a team supporting each other. Mum was always beside Dad, especially when he was Mayor, whether it be answering important phone calls or taking messages while Dad was in the dairy milking the cows. “She was totally devoted to, and supportive of, Dad's long contribution to community service. They were such a great team, and an inspiration in my own life. “Whilst Mum supported Dad in his Mayoral duties, she also had her own responsibilities, as the wife of the Mayor. “She took these commitments very seriously, and as a result earned in her own right, the respect of the wider community.”
Recently we spent two weeks with a tour group in the Arabian Peninsula…. Qatar, Oman as well as Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. For generations the Peninsula was the land of pearl divers, fisher-folk and wandering Bedouin tribes. But the discovery of oil, and more recently natural gas, has changed life in the most dramatic of ways. Now massive skyscrapers dominate the skyline and, the once impoverished citizens now have access to the world’s latest consumer goods Falconry has always been a pastime for the well-off individuals in the UAE so a visit to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital was a fascinating experience. There are many thousands of falcons in the UAE and the birds are used solely for hunting. Perhaps it is surprising therefore that hunting is no longer allowed in the UAE! Hence the falcon owners need to make arrangements to take their bird to a nearby country like, Pakistan or India, where hunting is permitted. However the falcons are required to have their own passport – seriously! As the birds moult each year and sometimes change colour a photo is not satisfactory ID. Therefore microchips are implanted in the bird and details of its placement, owner’s name etc. formalised in the passport. But before heading off to go hunting in another country the owners need to book a seat on the aircraft for the bird….. general cargo would never do! And as most of these individuals travel first class or business class that’s the way it is. Aircraft based in the UAE such as Emirates and Etihad are very happy to carry falcons on board in their allotted seat providing of course they have their passport with them! So why a falcon hospital? Implant of the microchip is one requirement. Another major need revolves around keeping the talons of falcons in good order. They need to
be cut about three times a year and this has to happen under anaesthetic or the bird becomes agitated and distressed. Plus the occasional broken feather may need replacement from time to time. And for more serious conditions the hospital has a state of the art Intensive Care Unit. Ross Harrison, Werri Beach
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