Message in a bottle has happy ending

Gerringong’s Scott Gutterson is still on a high from finding a ‘message in a bottle’ while diving in Jervis Bay.

The bottle, having travelled for over 800 days from Newcastle, was covered in mussels with the real treasure lying inside.

The letter, from now 13 year old Vicky, read, “I live on a farm in Wamboin and my Dad is in the Navy and he put this letter in the sea. I would like it if you wrote back to me.”

She wrote it was her dad’s birthday the next day and left his phone number.

“It was such a cute letter,”

Scott says.

“I can imagine her writing it as a 10 year old and just hoping that one day someone would find it.”

Scott, who couldn’t contain his excitement, called Vicky’s Dad, Ted, and broke the news to both of them.

“I said, you’re not going to believe this, but I am holding her bottle in my hand. Vicky was obviously extremely excited, and Ted couldn’t believe it made it to the shore and someone had actually found it.”

After talking more with Ted, Scott learned their story held more coincidences.

“He told me he was in the Navy and I said I was in the Navy for over 20 years. It was cool to have that connection but then he told me that his parents lived in Gerringong, same as me.

“It’s insane, I almost feel like I was meant to find this bottle,” Scott says.

Over the Easter holidays, Ted and Vicky will head to Gerringong to meet Scott, where he will return the letter and give one back.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Public notice Plan of Management – Council Managed Crown Land

Kiama Council has prepared a plan of management for reserves it manages on behalf of the NSW Government (Council Managed Crown Land).

These 18 reserves include Saddleback Mountain, Blowhole Point, Kiama Showground, Gerringong Harbour and Seven Mile Beach.

The plan of management sets out what each reserve can be used for, what (if any) development can occur and what leases and licences are allowed.

This also helps Council define the planning, resource management and maintenance required.

The plan of management was developed following significant consultation with precinct committees, tourism and business groups as well as the wider community.

We also conducted an online survey to capture what people think is important about these places and how they should be managed.

The plan has been reviewed by Council and the NSW Government. We are now seeking community feedback before it receives final approval.

Submissions can be made until 5pm, Sunday 23 April 2023 via Council’s website: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

Submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

Further information: Acting Manager Commercial Services on (02) 4232 0444 or council@kiama.nsw.gov.au