Election hots up

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Prior to this she achieved the rank of Parliamentary Secretary, and was on track for a ministry.

If elected, Ms Gibbons plans to live in the Kiama electorate, happy to be close to family and friends that she already visits regularly.

“My kids are five and six, so we are at the point where moving is still quite easy,” she says.

Her family have already been really supportive, offering spare rooms in the lead up to the election.

“I know all the state issues from my time in Parliament, and I already know a lot of the issues down here because of my connections.

“I want to find out more by talking and listening to as many people as I can.

“Obviously health care, transport, employment and cost of living are major issues statewide, and I want to hear how they impact people locally.”

Asked if Liberal preferences will go to Mr Ward, who she was in Young Liberals with, Ms Gibbons says, “That’s up to the Party. But in the end people can choose if they want to give preferences or not.”

The President of the Kiama branch of the Liberal Party, Mike Cains, was impressed by her first outing and the impact her vibrant personality made.

“I think it says a lot about Melanie that she drove straight down from Macquaire St to get stuck into the campaign as quickly as

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“She is a person of great experience and integrity, and that is what the people of Kiama need.”

He thinks that other Liberals who have asked for exemptions to help Mr Ward in his campaigning may change their mind now Ms Gibbons has been endorsed.

In contrast, the President of the overaching body for Liberal branches in the electorate, Mark Croxford, says the local Liberals he has spoken to are stunned by the choice.

“A great number of people have already applied for exemptions, but it is only now the adjudications can happen.”

The exemptions are necessary for party members to support a non-Liberal candidate in any way.

At time of writing, Mr Croxford, who is an independent councillor on Kiama Council, hadn’t yet decided whether to campaign for Mr Ward or Ms Gibbon.

“I haven’t made up my mind. I am very disappointed and disillusioned at this time.”

He has publicly criticised the Premier for his stance on wanting to place another suspension on Mr Ward should he be re-elected.

“Voters have the right to choose who represents them in Parliament, and it’s not up to the major parties to deny them that right,” says Mr Croxford.

“Hypocrisy and actions that go against the will of the people have no place in politics.”

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So, here we all are, in the best place on earth. It’s official, verified and fair dinkum.

I’m talking of course about Kiama being declared Australia’s best small town by demographer Bernard Salt, who crunched the numbers from the 2021 Census to come up with the results.

While I’m sure the criteria for this are all very legit and I’m thrilled to be Mayor at a time when we’ve been acknowledged in this fashion, I’d also suggest there is more to a place than statistics, green hills and the hole that blows.

Most importantly there is the charm of the people. It’s one of the first things I noticed about the people of Kiama – and not just the town of Kiama but our whole Municipality.

Whether you're a visitor or a long-time resident, you'll always be greeted with a smile and a welcoming hello around here. It's not uncommon to strike up a conversation with a stranger in a local café or on the beach, and before you know it, you're exchanging stories and laughing together like old friends.

Beyond their welcoming nature, the people of our LGA are also deeply connected to their local environment. Many residents are involved in conservation efforts and community landcare groups that aim to protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations. Whether it is through beach cleanups, tree-planting projects, or wildlife rescue programs, the people of Kiama demonstrate a strong sense of stewardship and responsibility for their local environment.

Our towns are home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, workshops, and festivals that showcase the talents of local artists and performers. There’s the Jazz and Blues Festival on this weekend.

Another thing that stands out about the people of our Municipality is their sense of community. This is a place where people come together to support one another, whether it's through volunteering or simply checking in on a neighbour who needs help. The place has a strong spirit of inclusivity and acceptance, and you'll find people from all walks of life living here and contributing to the community.

One of my favourite things across the LGA is the way that the people here have

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This is not limited to our colonial and Anglo-Saxon history either. Kiama Council hosted two Aboriginal yarning circles earlier this year where we listened to first nations Elders speak about their lived experience and the cultural history of this place. It was an enlightening and heartening experience and one that we will aim to repeat and build upon.

Overall, the beauty of Kiama is not just found in its stunning natural landscape but in the warmth, kindness, and creativity of its people. The sense of community and connection that permeates our Municipality is truly what makes it the best place on earth.

Kiama only concert

Local connections have resulted in one of the world's leading pianists, Lauma Skride, playing her only Australian concert on an upright piano in Kiama.

"Lauma is an old friend of ours, and one of the most famous pianists in the world," says Daniel Rohn.

"She has played with all the big names, including regularly with that most famous of female violinists, Anne-Sophie Mutter.

"When we heard she was coming to Australia via the MS Europa, where she and her husband Gregory Walmsley are the concert artists, we couldn't resist getting in touch."

That's where a second local connection sealed the deal.

Gregory, who is a cellist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has close family in Jamberoo.

"It seemed like fate," says Daniel.

"Only the quick will get to hear them."

Thursday 23 March, 6pm trybooking.com/CGHRV