The Bugle 1 June 2019
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
Community rallies over sandmining proposal near river Kiama Council and community members have voiced their strong opposition to Boral’s proposal to extend its sandmining operations to sites to the east and south of Dunmore House. One hundred and forty six submissions were lodged in opposition to the proposal, and one for it. This has triggered the need for it to be considered by the Independent Planning Commission, rather than the Department of Planning & Environment. The first pit of 324,000 tonnes is proposed for the eastern side of Dunmore House, abutting Riverside Drive and opposite Minnamurra Recycling Depot. The second larger site is to the south west of Dunmore House, on the flood plain of the Minnamurra River. This second site is to be a 27 metre deep pit, left as a water body once 1,123,000 tonnes are mined. A map from Boral on page 6 shows the locations. While the sites in question are not in the Kiama Municipality, their position adjacent to the ecologically sensitive Minnamurra River is causing great concern.
A spokesman for Boral says, “Boral’s modification seeks only to continue the existing operation of Dunmore Sand and Soil, and support its 11 employees and local contractors, as has been the case for the past 20 years.” There is only six months of approved resources left at its existing operation at Dunmore. A report by the Department of Planning and Environment has identified that extra new sand resources, located adjacent to existing operations, are needed to meet the construction needs of the greater Sydney region to 2036. Former Deputy Mayor and member of Friends of the Minnamurra River, Richard Maitland has been defending the River since 1976, when a proposal to mine the same area was denied. During the Eighties and Nineties, he fought to stop the original proposal for the highway upgrade, which included filling in the eastern bank of the river. “Boral is taking advantage of a window of opportunity between old and new environment legislation,” he says. “They are looking to pig-
gyback off approval they were given in 2005 for their Rocklow Creek operations. “We contend that these two new pits should be assessed as new developments, subject to the requirements of the new legislation, particularly the need to do an Environmental Impact Statement. “The area they are looking to mine is endangered Bangalay forest community, which is protected by both State and Federal legislation, Continued on page 6
Inside this issue Things to do this Long Weekend p 2
Surf school compromise
p3
The new Member for Gilmore p3
Richard Maitland holds grave concerns for the River
Bringing Interesting Ideas to Kiama p 7
H’way bypass signs for Kiama and Gerringong Kiama and Gerringong are amongst a small group of NSW towns to get the much envied highway bypass signs, to attract visitors driving both north and south. While Kiama was bypassed by the Highway in 1987, Gerringong is still suffering the effects of the new highway improvements drawing many drivers past the town rather than using the coast route. “Over time the Kiama Bypass has been positive for Kiama, and hopefully the Gerringong situation will sort it self out
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What’s on? Every Wednesday
8-10 June
Kiama Farmers’ Market Surf Beach 2-5pm Live music at The Sebel, Kiama Leagues Club, Gerringong and Kiama Bowlos, Jamberoo Pub and other venues
Two Big Book Sales Kiama Presbyterian Church Hall, Shoalhaven St, from 8.20am Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Parish Hall 96 Manning St, Kiama 10am-4pm
Til 6 June
Saturday 8 June
May Gibbs’ exhibition Kiama Library
Friends of Kiama Library talk on George Orwell See page 4
On weekends
1-2 June Kiama Arts Trail Various studios www.kiamaartstrail.com
1-10 June See Change Festival Huskisson
Sunday 2 June Music in the Park Hindmarsh Park, Kiama 1-4pm
Thursday 6 June Kiama Conversation Hour with Victoria Purman Book through Kiama Library. $20.
Friday 7 June Pics & Flicks See right
Sunday 9 June Red Cross Fun Run (see right) Kiama Seaside Market Black Beach, 9-3pm
Saturday 15 June Blue Haven Cake & Home Cooking Stall Activities Room, Havilah Place, 9-noon. Gerringong Village Markets In and around the Town Hall, 8-1.30pm
Sunday 16 June Kiama Seaside Market Black Beach, 9-3pm
Saturday 22 June
7-10 June Kiama Loves Country See right
8-9 June Winter Wine Festival at Crooked River Wines See right
Kiama Makers & Growers Market Black Beach, 9-2pm
Friday 28 June Melissa Doyle: The stories that changed me (see page 7)
Sunday 30 June Jamberoo Village Market
The restaurant Kiama has been waiting for BYO Wednesdays Thursday Pasta Nights Homemade pasta, plus a glass of wine and a dessert for $35
Sunday Sessions: 2-5pm With live music, $5 beer & wine, $10 cocktails & shareplates
72 Manning St, Kiama 4233 0572 reservations@silicakiama.com.au
Open Weds, Thurs and Fri 11am-3:30pm, 5pm-9pm Saturday 7:30am-3:30pm 5pm-9pm Sunday 7:30am- 8:30pm
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www.silicakiama.com.au Follow us on:
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
Options for the June Long Weekend French Full Monty What better a start to the Long Weekend than to enjoy a warm and wise tale of a proud French farming community putting their grievances aside in order to save their village. Normandy Nude has had great reviews, and is said to “deliver a memorable portrait of community, resilience and fraternité”. Sounds just the ticket.
Choice of three levels in the Red Cross Fun Run
Details: Friday 7 June, Gerringong Town Hall, 8pm. Tickets from 7.20pm. $10 on the night or buy a ticket deal. Supper afterwards $4.
Music your way Whatever your choice in music, you’re likely to find it in Kiama on the Long Weekend. Crooked River Winery is again holding its Winter Wine Fest, which this year is featuring Pete Murray as the headline act on the Saturday (sold out) and Mental as Anything on the Sunday. If you are lucky enough to get some of the remaining tickets, there will be the usual great vibe with food stalls, outdoor bars and activities for children, topped off by great views across the vineyards. The long weekend also sees the return of KLC Country Gold, but this year in a much expanded format. Now, in a similar format to the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival, the program offers over thirty shows at twelve
venues across the Municipality, from clubs to restaurants and cafes. The country stars headlining the festival are multiple Golden Guitar and other Country award winners, Amber Lawrence (above), Luke O’Shea and Christie Lamb, with over twenty other acts taking to the stage. Details: Winter Wine Fest 8-9 June. Tickets at crookedriverwines.com KLC Country Gold 7-9 June. Program at klccountrygold.com
The Bugle Editor: Cathy Law t 0412 415 101 Advertising Manager: Steve Law t 0428 662 499
Or email us at emailthebugle@gmail.com or post to 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.
Page 2 The Bugle 1 June 2019
In just a few years, the Red Cross Kiama Fun Run has become a fixture of the June Long Weekend, and the biggest fundraiser for the hard working branch. With three distances, 21.1 kilometres (from Surf Beach to Minnamurra and return); nine kilometres (from Minnamurra to Surf Beach); and five kilometres (from Bombo to Surf Beach), there is a course for all levels of fitness and competitiveness. “You can walk or run, and even bring your dog on a
lead,” says Red Cross’ Gill Drivers. “It’s a great thing for families or groups of friends to do on an otherwise lazy Long Weekend.” Details: Sunday 9 June. 7.30am start for 21.1km; 9am start for the other distances. Register online at www.kiama.com.au $50 for 21.1km distance. $20 adult; $10 children; or $50 family (two adults and all their children) for the other distances.
What’s in store from Council After incorporating the unexpected 22.34 per cent increase in the emergency services level Council needs to pay into its draft operational plan, Council’s General Manager Kerry McMurray says the budget is balanced but very tight. “The reality is there is very little surplus cash,” he says. “In this next financial year, Council will remain focused on asset renewal and maintenance.” Included in the Plan for 19/20, on display until Tuesday 18 June, is $130,000 for a much needed strategic parking and traffic study for the Kiama CBD, $100,000
for a heritage study in the Manning St civic precinct, $85,000 for air conditioning in Gerringong Town Hall, $120,000 for a new website and $500,000 to repair the concrete cancer in the columns of the old Council Chamber (heritage grants are being sought for this). Blue Haven Bonaira and the Gerringong Museum and Library complex will be completed during this budgetary period. Work will continue to make the Kiama Arts Precinct shovel ready, a necessary pre-condition for State or Federal grants. The Plan will go before the June Council Meeting.
Phillips to be an accessible local Member Understandably, the new promises to our electorate. Member for Gilmore, Fiona “Unfortunately they only Phillips, has mixed emotions matched us in a few areas, about the recent Federal so it is disappointing that I election. won’t be able to deliver on Gilmore bucked the some key Labor promises.” She is particularly disappnational trend and voted in the Labor candidate with Continued on page 7 a 3.6 per cent swing, but a much predicted win for her party didn’t eventuate nationally. “I’m honoured the people of Gilmore chose me for their representative,” says Ms Phillips. “I will fight hard for the Government to honour its Fiona Phillips: Member for Gilmore
Gerroa surf schools compromise solution Kiama councillors have banned the operation of surf schools in Zone A on Seven Mile Beach between August and February (as well as the Easter holiday period). The ban between August and February is to protect the nesting areas of the endangered Pied Oystercatcher. Amongst other things, it was also decided to merge Zones B and C, creating one zone south of Track 6; and prohibit parking around the vicinity of Ricketts Reserve by surf schools. Access to Zone A is now only allowed via tracks 3 to 7. The conditions come into effect in three months, to allow time for changes to the way the schools are classified by the LEP . Once this happens, the surf schools will be governed by a licence under a new Plan of Management, expected to include the DA conditions. Local community groups, including Werri Board Riders, Gerringong Surf Club, Gerringong Hotel Fishing Club, Gerroa Community Association, Kiama South Precinct and Surfing NSW, all lobbied to abolish Zone A altogether, citing safety and amenity concerns. Only Councillors Steel, Reilly and Westhoff supported it. As reported in our 9 March edition, the issue of the use of Zone A has arisen since Rusty Moran’s Gerringong Surf School began using the
previously unutilised area to the south of the river mouth. Roy Schmidt, President of the Gerroa Community Association says, “We were disappointed that Zone A was not completely abolished. However, we accept this outcome as a compromise vote by councillors. “It is a vote for common sense which sees Zone A mostly returned to the general public and mostly free of commercial activity.” Rusty Moran of Gerringong Surf School believes the councillors inadvertently did not understand the impact of the conditions. “I’m happy the majority of Councillors supported the continued use of Zone A and the DAs were approved. “However because of the busy weekend of the election, most of the councillors didn’t have time to take in the nuances of the draft DA conditions buried in amongst a thousand pages in the business papers. “So the many constraining conditions that make the operation of a surf school in Zone A unrealistic were overlooked, such as having to park at track 3 amongst the long boarders, then walking back 600m to the edge of the River.” He is hopeful of holding meetings with the other beach user groups to work out how his surf school can work in harmony with them.
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Seven Mile Beach’s Zone A
Brown breached Code of Conduct An independent investigation into allegations of breaches of the Code of Conduct by Councillor Matt Brown when he was in Townsville, representing Kiama at a tourism conference, has concluded the breaches occurred. A confidential session of the May Council meeting accepted the findings and adopted the recommendations of the report, which require Cllr Brown to undertake a ‘training period’ for the rest of his term, and ban him from attending any more conferences. The report, which will
remain confidential, found that his arrest for drug possession brought “Council or holders of civic office into disrepute”; he acted in a way that is “detrimental to the pursuit of the charter of Council”; and he acted in a way that “is improper or unethical”. After the incident, Cllr Brown sought medical treatment for his addiction issues, before returning to his role at Council. Council is to refer the matter to the Office of Local Government for possible further action under the misconduct provisions.
Minnamurra Rainforest Centre due to reopen in December
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Construction has commenced on a $2.17 million refurbishment of the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park. The eight month renovation will transform the Centre into an ecotourism facility, capable of generating income for the Park through its hospitality operations. The Centre already attracts 100,000 visitors a year. The NSW Minister for Environment Matt Kean MP says the investment in the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre will ensure many more visitors can enjoy the new open-plan space which
will include a new café, education and function areas, a new information counter and more toilets. “The investment will benefit the entire South Coast community, converting the centre into a compelling shared space with stunning, sustainable design,” Mr Kean said. “The centre is already a favourite for many local school excursions. Every year, more than 10,000 students visit the centre to learn about rare rainforest plants, wildlife and historic Aboriginal coastal rainforest culture.” The ceilings will be laser-
Highway signs over time,” says the Chair of Destination Kiama. “The sooner we get these signs up the better. They will be a great promotion for both towns.” Along with the Gerringong Association, the tourism body lobbied strongly to be included in this latest round of RMS bypass signs, part of a State Government program to mitigate the effects of less trade in bypassed towns. Community consultation is soon to be held to help with the process of deciding what image should be on the signs and where they should be located. “We have already had some good suggestions, but I want to get more stake-
from page 1
holders involved,” says Cllr Brown. The image needs to promote a unique aspect of the town or represent the area’s cultural heritage; feature contrasting colours; and be easily interpreted, amongst other things. Business owners and community members are invited to the sign consultation meetings detailed below. The images are to be chosen in June, for endorsement at the June or July Council meeting. Details: 5 June, Council Administration Building. 5-6pm – Kiama entry signs discussion 6.30-7.30pm – Gerringong entry signs discussion
Free Consultation Full & Partial Dentures Relines & Repairs Sports Mouthguards Area Health Service Vouchers Veterans Affairs
etched with bronze alloy to resemble the form of the native cabbage-tree palm, the floor will have brown natural hues to mimic the colours of the rainforest floor, and the walls will be timber-clad to resemble the rainforest canopy. The construction work is due to finish early December 2019. The café will continue to operate during that time, but the gift shop and centre will be closed. All walking tracks and trails will remain open. The refurbishment is part of the NSW Government’s investment of $4.7 million over three years, which be-
gan with improvements to Minnamurra Falls walking track and viewing platforms. The Jamberoo Ratepayers & Residents Association has arranged for the Director of National Parks and Wildlife, South Coast, Kane Weeks, to speak about the proposed changes and developments at its next meeting. Details: The JVRRA meeting is on Tuesday 4 June, Club Jamberoo, 7.30pm. The Minnamurra discussion will be at the beginning of the agenda. All welcome. The Park is open every day but Christmas, 9-5pm.
The private Orwell Friends of Kiama Library member Darcy Moore has devoted much time researching Orwell – the very English author of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. A secretive and superstitious man, his will made it clear no biography was to be written. Darcy has just returned from overseas where he visited Catalonia with Orwell’s son; presented a paper – Orwell & Opium – at University College London; and researched Orwell’s time in Paris. While most people have read, or at least know something about, the works of George Orwell, many know little or nothing about the life of Eric Blair. He first chose the pseudonym George Orwell on the publication of his first book, Down and Out in Paris and London, in 1933. Darcy’s talk will explore Orwell’s mid-20s (in the 1920s) as an Indian Imperial Police Officer fresh out of Eton and then as a young
bohemian in Paris. It seems there were good reasons for him to keep some aspects of his life private. An English and History teacher, Darcy has also worked in post-graduate level teacher education at the University of Wollongong and taught in England and Denmark. He is currently Deputy Principal at Dapto High School, and is in the midst of writing and researching his first book on the unknown Orwell. Details: Saturday 8 June, Kiama Family History Centre, 2.30pm. $5 (members)/$8 (visitors), including afternoon tea.
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Page 5  The Bugle 1 June 2019
Uniting Gerringong has received approval for its redevelopment of Boronia Lodge, its dementia unit. Residents have been moved to a refurbished space on site while the construction is undertaken. The new unit will incorporate a household model of care, designed to create a contemporary home-like environment.
floodplain of the Minnamurra River, and the other is close to Minnamurra Tip.” Council is also calling for the expansion of the Dunmore Lakes sand mine to be assessed as a new sand mining application, not a modification to the 1999 approval. Mayor Mark Honey agrees the proposal to mine sand at two new sites, totally separate to the original mine, should be treated as a new project. “This proposal needs greater scrutiny than a simple modification would provide, as the potential environmental impacts are huge. “The proposed sites are right next to the Minnamurra River, Coastal Wetlands and Bangalay Sand Forest, which are significant ecological communities.” Amongst other things, Council’s submission also cites the significant risk the expansion poses to water quality in the Minnamurra River catchment, by contaminating groundwater and releasing acid sulfate soils. “The mining of this finite resource in the short term (2-5 years depending upon market demand) in such an environmentally sensitive area will have major long term impacts whose cost will be borne by the community and the environment in the long term,” says Mr Maitland. “The Precautionary Principle ought to be applied in relation to this application. The risks are great and the environment ought not be compromised and degraded.” Boral sees it differently, with a Spokesman, saying, “The proposed extraction area has been reduced significantly from the original plan to
Page 6 The Bugle 1 June 2019
from p1
Map supplied by Boral
Approval for Sandmining proposal the home of seven enwww.thebugleonline.com new Boronia and dangered species. “One of the sites is on the Lodge Visit
A map showing Boral’s current operations at Dunmore and the proposed new sites (in yellow), with distances to the river.
ensure sufficient buffering from significant vegetation, the river and its corridor. “The proposed operations do not involve extracting sand directly from the Minnamurra River or its immediate surrounds. “Through feedback received from the community, Boral reviewed concerns that Stage 5A might interact with potential leachate at Kiama Council's Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Centre. “Hydrological investigations included in the modification show the Centre’s location is part of a separate aquifer to the proposed sand extraction area and is not interconnected.” Similarly, Boral contends the proposal has been developed to ensure nearby vegetation is minimally affected by its future operations. “As a result of community concern about the possibility of sea eagles nesting within the proposed Stage 5B, Boral arranged for an additional ecological review which has concluded there is
no sea eagle nesting within the proposed extraction area,” the Spokesman says. Warren Holder, of the Gerroa Environment Protection Society, says he knows exactly where the nest is. “Looking at the map, it is right on the edge, but how close does it have to be to get consideration? “I call for an EIS, which would include a much greater night study, due to the inconsistencies between the neighbourhood briefing and what was lodged.” Mr Holder says there are Bangalay trees in the southern site that are hundreds of years old. “Elsewhere, hollows in these trees often provide shelter for endangered species like the Powerful Owl and the Greater Glider.” Independent MP Justin Field has also expressed concerns, “There is a need to supply sand for construction but there are alternative locations that don’t risk the natural environment and tourism values of the region.”
Meet the woman bringing interesting ideas to Kiama What does a woman who has worked as an academic and journalist in the Middle East, an NBC journalist in New York and a TV producer for shows like Dateline and The Bachelor in Sydney do when she comes to Kiama? Uses her experience and contacts to start a series of live conversations, under the banner of her Institute of Interesting Ideas. “When I decided to move to Kiama full time last November, I wrote down the things I was going to miss about working in television and the things I wasn’t going to miss,” says Naima Brown. “In the column of what I was going to miss was being a part of big conversations with interesting people from all walks of life that challenge me and expand my horizons. “I thought that is something I could do here, as my way of offering something to my new community.” The Institute of Interesting Ideas’ first series of events
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will feature speakers as diverse as Melissa Doyle and astronomer Professor Alan Duffy. “I love the experience of people in a big room sharing their experiences live, and the energy that brings,” says Naima. “I want it to be a deep and meaningful exchange, not just a one way talk.”
Redevelopment of surf club long way off Along with the other clubs, Gerringong Surf Lifesaving Club has been having discussions with Destination Kiama about the idea of redeveloping the Club’s premises. “It’s still very early days,” says the Club’s President Richard Paine. “We’ve had some preliminary discussions with Council and Surfing NSW, and are keen to explore all opportunities. “We need more space for our growing club, and it could be a fantastic resource for the whole of the Gerringong community.” The idea of upgrading our local surf clubs was high-
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lighted in last year’s Tourism Opportunity Plan. “They are currently underutilised assets in great positions that could be a way of increasing visitation,” says Destination Kiama Chair Matt Brown. “Gerringong has grabbed onto the idea to see how far they can take it.” While an early concept plan envisages a $9 million redevelopment, the Club’s President says it is all blue sky thinking at this stage. “We haven’t even spoken to our Branch, and there would need to be a lot of consultation with our members and the broader Gerringong community.”
She thinks Kiama is the She’d love to get suggesperfect place to hold evenings tions from the community like these. about speakers or topics “Everyone I’ve met here they would like included. has been an engaged and Details: The first conversainteresting person, who I tion is with Melissa Doyle have no doubt will want to on 28 June, at the Pavilion. be part of these conversations. Tickets $65/$55 from “I see it as a way of celeinstituteofinterestingideas. brating Kiama, and encourcom.au 20% discount for age everyone to try someBugle readers using thing new and be part of it.” the code: BugleKiama
New Gilmore Member from p3 ointed the Government didn’t commit to getting fair funding for local schools, and what she sees as their lack of policies on the environment. Campaigning since the previous election, when she lost to Ann Sudmalis by a razor thin margin, served Ms Phillips well. “People were trying to work out who the other candidates were. “I was a real local, campaigning on local issues.” She also had the support of over 600 volunteers. “We made over 50,000 door knocks and phone calls, so that helped dissipate the scare campaign.” At time of writing, the seat has not been officially declared. Once this hap-
pens, after postal votes are counted, Ms Phillips’ transition into an Member of Parliament will begin. She’ll be basing herself in the office formerly occupied by Ms Sudmalis in Berry St, Nowra. “I’m proud that the daughter of a local dairy farmer, educated in and living in the area, can become a Member of Parliament,” says Ms Phillips. “I want to be continue to be engaged with the local community and be a member that people can talk to. “I’ve already received a number of invitations from organisations and groups, and I am keen to do what I can to help. “I’ll always be a local fighting for other locals.”
Contrary to what some believe, Winter can be a very good time to sell your home. Generally, you will find there is less competition, more serious and motivated buyers and higher sales prices. As we head into the cooler months, Winter offers the perfect opportunity to present your property in a different light. Good heating, especially if there is an open fireplace, will demonstrate how warm and inviting your home can be added with soft furnishings, natural light and well maintained gardens. Also, if it’s facing north, and takes advantage of the winter sun, it is a good time to show this off, too. Some great ideas and considerations for winter styling include: LIGHTS -Winter days can be overcast, so you need to make sure that you maximise the light in your home CLIMATE CONTROL - Make sure your home is at a comfortable temperature during your open home SOFT FURNISHINGS - Lightening up the colours of your soft furnishings will reflect the cooler seasons DRAINS & GUTTER MAINTENANCE - Make sure you have all your drains and gutters cleaned so if there is a sudden downpour, storm water will wash away quickly Call the friendly team at First National Coast & Country Kiama and Gerringong to see how we can help you achieve an exceptional sales result this Winter.
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Mayoral Column Mayor Mark Honey communicates directly with residents and ratepayers Many of you would be aware of the proposal by Boral to expand its Dunmore Lakes sand mine to two new sites near the Minnamurra River. The proposal is currently being assessed by the NSW Department of Planning. Council has lodged a submission with the Department strongly opposing the proposal. The gist of our submission is that the plan to mine two new sites should be treated as a whole new mining application. At the moment it is being treated as a modification to the approvals for the original site stemming back to 1999. This will not provide the kind of scrutiny needed given the potential environmental impacts. The new sites are right next to the Minnamurra River, which has significant ecological communities. There is also a significant risk of groundwater being contaminated and acid sulfate soils being released. There’s also the impact of
Page 8 The Bugle 1 June 2019
mining operations on passing motorists and nearby residents. As a starting point, Council has asked the NSW Government for a guided site tour with the proponents, councillors, staff and community group representatives. You can read our full submission online at: http:// www.majorprojects.plannin g.nsw.gov.au I will keep you updated. Meanwhile Council’s Draft Operational Plan for 2019/20 is currently on public exhibition. This sets out what we have planned for the next 12 months and how we will pay for it. Rates are understandably a focus for many people, and this is the second year of the three year Special Rate Variation, meaning rates will rise six per cent in 2019/20. I want to make a few quick points about rates. First, while we are a small council we have similar facilities to the much larger Shoalhaven City Council next door. The Special Rate
Variation is targeted at funding our Asset Management Plan for our infrastructure. Second, rates play an important role, but they provide less than half the revenue needed to run council. We actually receive more funding from operating and capital grants (despite restrictions by the Australian Government). Lastly, there is the myth that our rates are more expensive than other councils. At Shoalhaven City Council, with whom we were to be merged, someone with residential land valued at $411,174.00 would pay $1,628.06 in rates in 2019/20. In our Municipality, they would pay $1,573.39. Please take the time to examine the Draft Operational Plan for 2019/20. Submissions close 18 June. Councillors will consider the plan at their meeting on 25 June.
Club news
Use a local
Gerringong Historical Society appoints Patron Emeritus Mayor Sandra McCarthy OAM, and Fellow of the University of Wollongong, has become the first Patron of the Gerringong & District Historical Society. In making the announcement at the recent AGM, President Helen McDermott said Sandra’s patronage would add a rich dimension to the identity and profile of the Society. Earlier Sandra gave an illustrated talk highlighting her association with Gerringong: her family’s long connection with the Illawarra, and with Gerringong in particular. She spoke about her in-
Bobbie Miller with Sandra McCarthy and Helen McDermott
volvement with the planning Charrette which took place in 1995, and of her excitement at the time of Gerringong’s 150th Anniversary when School Park was declared. She was also Mayor when the current School of Arts development was first
mooted, back in 2006. Tribute was paid at the meeting to retiring Treasurer, Matt Dalton, who has been a steady hand with the books during recent uncertain times with the closing of the Museum and storing of the collection.
Join in the first Clothes Swap With the fashion industry being the world’s second largest polluter, Kiama Council’s sustainability activities organised around World Environment Day include Kiama’s first Clothes Swap Party. The coordinator of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Kiama, Camilla Kerr-Ruston, explains the concept this way. “If you are looking in your wardrobe at the outfit that you brought for your sister’s wedding, and it doesn’t fit any more, how do you get it out of the house and onto someone else’s sister to look ‘fabulous’ at a wedding? “And how do you now replenish your wardrobe
without hurting the planet?” It will operate along classic swap meet lines – you bring clothes and accessories that you no longer want and take away ‘new’ items to wear. To participate, women must be Kiama residents. They can bring up to seven items to be assessed for swapping on the drop-off day, and will receive a token for each acceptable item. “We are looking for well cared for ladies clothing, footwear and jewellery,” says Camilla. “Items must be unworn or lightly worn and be of the quality that you would be happy to give to a friend.” The tokens must be brought
back to use at the swap party. Each item requires one token to be rehomed. Full details of this and other sustainability events on Council’s website. Details: Clothes drop-off – Thurs 20 June, 4.30-7pm and Fri 21 June, 9-4pm Clothes swapping – Fri 21 June, 6-8pm
Margaret Sharpe has been strongly identified with the Historical Society and Museum since 1991. She has held many different positions on the committee, most recently as Research Officer responding to queries with her wide knowledge of local people and places, and organising trips to the cemetery and historic houses. Bouquets were presented to the new Patron by Vicepresident Bobbie Miller, and to Margaret Sharpe and her husband Colin in acknowledgement of this service by Secretary Sandra Hamblen. The next meeting of the Gerringong and District Historical Society will be on Saturday 29 June at 1 pm at the RSL Hall. Speaker to be confirmed.
Carers’ Cottage hosts first guests After a six month delay whilst issues were resolved with Council, the Kiama Lions Carers’ Cottage has finally taken in its first guests. The whole house was let for three days to carers, organised by Wollongong Council. Their Coordinator emailed to say they loved their stay, found it a very relaxing cottage and there were no issues to resolve. As a result they will soon be sending another group of carers for a 52 hour respite. Kiama Lions Club is thrilled with the initial feedback. It is a fitting reward the hard work done by those involved in the Clubs, as well donations by tradesmen, businesses and the wider community.
Page 9 The Bugle 1 June 2019
Appliance Repairs CVC Appliances: Repairs to washing machines, stoves, dishwashers, dryers etc. t 0401 294 810
Carpentry King Carpentry: Decks, pergolas, maintenance, renos. No job too small. Call Wayne 0411 639 233 L/N 69526C
Concreting Lay 1 4 U Concreting Services: Slabs, house and sheds, footing, paths and drives, colour stencil, stamp exposed. 40 yr exp. t Ron 0414 724 221 Fully insured. No job too small! LN139098C
Clean-up Services Rubbish/Junk removed - Tip runs. Also High Pressure cleaning & Flyscreens. Call Ian 0497 042 441
Handymen Kiama Property Maintenance & Carpentry: Decks, Pergolas, Windows, Painting, Plaster repairs. All your maintenance needs & carpentry. John O’Donnell LIC#R77219 t 0401 301 620 Handyman South Coast: Trade qualified - Painting, carpentry, plastering, pressure cleaning, all repairs & renovations. Property Maintenance Specialist Fast, fixed, fabulous! Danny Fagan t 0407 118 311
Lawnmowing Hathaway Gardens: Reliable mowing and gardening service. We service Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa and surrounding areas. Call Lawrie 0411 888 333
Lock Services Illawarra Security Lock Service - Lock Outs, Lock Supplied and Fitted. Free consultation. No automobiles. t 4232 3255 or 4236 1783
Stonemasonry & Heritage Services For all aspects of stonemasonry, contact Brad Rimmer at BR Stonemasonry & Heritage Services Lic 292667C t 0401 337 629
Tennis Coaching Beg to Adv Tennis Coaching @Iluka Reserve courts by Michael Phipps, Adv. Lvl 2 coach with ATPCA. From $10 onestoptenniscoaching@gmail.com or 0413 996 516
If you’d like to advertise your trade service here, contact Steve on 0428 662 499. Only $10+gst/line.
Out & about At Kiama’s Biggest Morning Tea Kiama’s Biggest Morning Tea, held at the Leagues Club, was an outstanding success with $2,600 being raised for the Cancer Council. “I was blown away by people’s generosity,” says organiser Sharyn Tester. “The way the whole community got behind it has made me feel so proud to live here.” Robyn, Coral, Margaret and Elaine Friends from Blue Haven
Left: Grace, Marilyn, Gerry, Molly, Gwen, Cindy and Maureen
Elizabeth, Carol, Bev and Cheryl
Sylvia, Sharyn and Janelle
Noelene, Gail, Cindy and Rhonda
Graham and Fiona
Call us on 4237 8280 for a free measure and quote or visit us in our showroom 7 Johnson Street Kiama Downs or online at www.bombo.com.au Page 10 The Bugle 1 June 2019
ACROSS 2. Serial killer in London Victorian times (4,3,6) 10. Country in northern Europe bordering the Baltic and the Gulf of Finland 11. Major tourist attraction at Katoomba (5,7) 12. PM's Canberra residence (3,5) 13. Male pronoun 14. Temporary cessation especially during sleep of breathing 15. Meal after breakfast 16. Virus whose original vaccine was created by Jonas Salk then the oral vaccine by Albert Sabin 17. First name of candidate who beat Tony Abbott 18. Jointed appendage of the body 20. Large port city on Japanese island of Honshu 21. & 22. Governor General's Sydney residence (9,5) 25. Current holder of State of Origin cup (1,1,1) 27. Abbreviation of pound (weight) 29. First name of author of Murder on the Orient Express 31. City in Israel where Aust embassy is currently located 32. Last name of Melbourne
prisoner who reply to his death sentence was "Such is life" 33. City holding the 1982 Commonwealth Games 35. Light rail 36. Middle of the day 37. North American member of the British Commonwealth 38. & 22. Sydney residence of the PM (10,5)
41. Martin Place scene of 2014 hostage terrorist crisis (5,4) 43. Canberra residence of the GG 44. Blood group system 46. Children's game drawn on pavement with chalk 47. Last name of Belanglo Forest back packer serial killer 48. First name of 32. across
DOWN 1. Wicked ----- of the West from Wizard of Oz 2. City recognised in 2018 as capital of Israel by Aust Government 3. Type of salad and Roman dictator 4. 300 year anniversary 5. Background actor in a movie 6. Citizen of Israel
Wild About Health CRAZY Relocation Sale Up to 70% off RRP!
Last day 18 June Don’t miss out on Vitamins, Sports, Beauty, Practitioner, Groceries and Household goods. 15/75 Cygnet Ave Shellharbour City Centre
t 4297 4916 Reopening in Stockland Shellharbour on the 2 July
EVERYTHING MUST GO! Page 11 The Bugle 1 June 2019
Last issue’s solution
The Bugle Crossword
7. Consolation second chance heat in rowing events 8. City holding the 2018 Commonwealth Games 9. Five line rhyming amusing poem 12. Chucked anger event. Amusing in toddlers, a problem in adults 17. Fervent, ardent, passionate 19. Port Arthur massacre shooter 22. The place to where Folau wants to send drunks, atheists and others 23. Fancy overhead light fitting 24. City holding the 2006 Commonwealth Games 26. Tony Abbott's ex-seat 28. Farm building
30. Strip of land bordering Egypt, Israel and the Mediterranean 32. Dog house 34. City which was the site of the 1938 Empire Games 35. Former PM known as Mr Harbour Side Mansion 37. Short quick snooze 39. System of voting secretly and in writing 40. City which held the Commonwealth Games in 1962 42. Face of your hand 45. Pole based box for carrying bricks 49. Female grandparent Crossword by Steve Law
Postcard home I have just returned from a week in Spain on the trail of George Orwell with Richard Blair, the famous writer’s elderly son and patron of the Orwell Society. George Orwell is the pseudonym of Eric Blair, who like many idealistic men and women, answered the call to fight fascism during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). He joined a militia and fought in what was to become a losing battle against the dictatorial General Franco, who ruled Spain until the mid1970s. We visited interesting sites in Aragon, including Llieda, Alcubierre, Monflorite and Huesca. There are many opportunities for tourists to learn about Orwell and the civil war, including walking restored trenches along the Ruta da Orwell. In Robres, there’s an excellent museum exploring the civil war and its aftermath.
As we travelled around, Richard Blair read passages from Orwell’s, Homage to Catalonia (1938) at significant locations mentioned in the book. His father was extremely lucky to survive “a fascist bullet” that passed clean through his neck, missing the jugular by a millimetre. Orwell vividly described the experience, which made for a poignant reading in a
If you’d like to share your travel story, send your postcard home (even when you are back) to emailthebugle@gmail.com
trench near where historians think he was wounded. If you ever have the opportunity to walk civil war Barcelona, I'd recommend a tour by Nick Lloyd who brings the street-fighting in the Ramblas, the inner-city maze, into vivid focus. We ascended, via a rickety spiral staircase, to the roof of the Poliorama where Orwell smoked cigarettes and read cheap Penguin
paperbacks while doing guard duty in May 1937. Nick’s book, Forgotten Places, Barcelona and the Spanish Civil War, is an authoritative history of the period. Darcy Moore, Kiama Darcy is soon to give a talk on his research on Orwell’s private life (see page 4)
Page 12 The Bugle 1 June 2019
To the Editor May I take this opportunity to congratulate Fiona Phillips and the ALP team on winning the seat of Gilmore. The ALP ran a very wellresourced and organised campaign and they did very well as a result. May I also take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who have assisted me, and all those who voted for me, in my campaign for Gilmore. I owe each of you a debt of gratitude and I am most appreciative of the faith that you have shown in me. Whilst our campaign itself was unsuccessful, we did very well from a standing start and it was a terrific learning experience for both myself and my team. Following a 25 year absence, The Nationals are very happy to be back on the ground in Gilmore! I am sure you will be keen to keep the new member to account in successfully lobbying government for these to come to fruition. Again, thank you and congratulations to Fiona. Katrina Hodgkinson Nationals for Gilmore Candidate
I write to you as a concerned resident of Kiama Downs. I note you covered a story on Boral’s proposal to fill the Bombo quarry on 7 March 2019. Many residents are unaware of the safety, traffic, noise and dust issues this development will cause. A number of local residents have now formed a group called Wake up Kiama Downs, attempting to inform Kiama Downs residents of the impacts of the filling of the quarry and what can be done to achieve some better outcomes for the community. We believe there are a number of flaws within the modification application and would like to make both Council and community aware of these. Some of these flaws were mentioned in your previous story, however Boral are refusing to take these community concerns seriously. If people would like to find out more, we welcome them to contact Wake up Kiama Downs via our Facebook and Instagram pages. Chris O’Hara, Kiama Downs