The Bugle May 12 2018

The Bugle 12 May 2018

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

Brave new world of complying developments The practical implications of recent amendments to the State Government’s Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code, coming into force on 6 July, are only just emerging, with Council concerned the changes will further affect its ability to influence our built environment.

The amendments will allow more developments to be approved as complying developments. Providing the application meets specific criteria, complying developments can be determined by an accredited council or private certifier without the need for a development application (DA).

These will now include certain types of dual occupancies and new forms of medium density housing, classed as manor houses (similar to what was known as a two storey walk up) and terrace housing (see graphic).

“Having had a preliminary briefing from Council’s planning staff, I am very concerned that the new Code will allow developments to

be built that are out of character with surrounding neighbourhoods,” says Mayor Mark Honey.

“Being NSW Government legislation, this would override some of the planning protections Council has developed for the community.

“This includes the new Development Control Plan for Jamberoo that Council and Jamberoo residents spent much time working on together.”

In Kiama LGA, the new Code will apply across all R2 (Low Density Residential) and R3 (Medium Density Residential) Residential zones.

The new Code does not override permissibility of development that is specified in the Kiama LEP – therefore it applies to dual occupancy development (two dwellings) in the R2 zone, and dual occupancy, manor houses and terraces (three or more dwellings) in the R3 zone.

The code is not able to be used on lots less than 12 metre wide, on battle-axe allotments, or in Heritage

Conservation Areas or on land containing heritage items.

The changes will not only allow dual occupancies on 400m2 blocks, but may result in an increased floor space ratio.

Linda Davis, Council’s Director of Environmental Services says, “The Kiama LEP does not currently have a minimum lot size or development controls such as setbacks for medium density housing. In theory a dual occupancy development could be approved on a 400m2 block however the floor space ratio that applies would limit the size of the buildings to 0.45 of the lot size (180m2).

“Under the current regime, the more detailed development controls are contained in Council’s development control plan which allows some flexibility to be applied.

“The changes under the Code will not only continue to allow dual occupancies on 400m2 blocks, but the new formula for calculating the floor space ratio would allow the size of the buildings to be up to a 1:1 ratio of land (400m2).

“Having said that, the new Code also contains mandatory setback controls which in practice will restrict the size of the buildings that can be certified as complying development.”

She says the new Code contains 74 pages of detailed requirements that make comparisons between the existing and new regimes a complex exercise.

Amongst other things, the new Code also requires less outdoor open space and front setbacks.

Complying developments also have no neighbour noti-

Inside this issue Join moon gazers Australia-wide p 2

Kiama home cook on Masterchef p 3

Akuna St back to the drawing board p 3

fication requirements.

“The first thing the neighbours will know about it is when the bulldozers turn up on site and start work,” says Mayor Honey.

“I will be seeking some more detailed briefings about the changes and will also request a meeting with the local member to discuss the potential impact the new

Celebrating a resurrection p9

Continued on page 9

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Sunday 20 May

Kiama Farmers’ Market Surf Beach 3-6pm Live music at The Sebel, Kiama Leagues Club, Gerringong and Kiama Bowlos, Jamberoo Pub and other venues

Kiama Seaside Market Black Beach, 9-3pm Gerringong Music Club Concert (see right) National Motoring Heritage Day Berry Showground, 8.30-3.30pm

Til 3 June

Wednesday 23 May

Majestic Ocean exhibition Work by Arja Valimaki. Little Blowhole Art Bar, 3 Tingira Cres,

Stargazing Live (see right)

On weekends

11-12 May Kiama Readers Festival The Pavilion Kiama

Sunday 27 May Jamberoo Village Market Reid Park, 9-2pm

2-3 June

Saturday 12 May

Kiama Arts Trail CMRI Mother’s Day High Various local studios 125th Celebration of the Tea & Fashion Parade Tickets $30 from Cronin’s Opening of the Kiama to Bomaderry Railway Liquor.

(Details next issue) Saturday 19 May Gerringong Village Markets In and around the Town Hall 8.30-1.30pm Jamberoo Anglican Church Annual Market Day Churchill St, 9-noon

Sunday 3 June

Kiama Colour Fun Run/ Walk See page 7

Sunday 10 June Kiama Red Cross Fun Run (More next issue)

Food for thought at the Readers’ Festival If you’ve missed out on tickets for the launch and gala dinner of the Kiama Readers’ Festival, the good news is early readers can still get tickets at the door on Saturday 12 May. You can attend the whole day or just the morning or afternoon sessions.

One of the highlights of

will be the panel discussion at 3.30pm with authors Nikki Gemmell, Suzanne Leal, Catherine McKinnon, David Hunt, on the topic Fake News - stranger than fiction.

Details: Full day $40; Morning session, from 10am, $20; Afternoon session from 1.30pm $25.

At the Kiama Pavilion.

Join in the world record attempt For some time, Kiama’s favourite amateur astronomer, David Finlay, has been sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm about our night skies by inviting locals up to Blowhole Point to look through his telescope.

This year, he’s encouraging us all to get behind the ABC’s Stargazing Live World Record Attempt.

This great community event will include a live screening of Stargazing Live with Brian Cox. Thousands of Australians will be trying to set a new Guinness World Record for Most People Stargazing Across Multiple Venues.

For this record, the participants will stargaze at the Moon through a telescope or binoculars for a 10 minute period simultaneously across multiple sites throughout Australia.

Photo: Kym Georges

What’s 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

It’s a free event, but tickets need to be booked through EventBrite (search for Astro @ The Blowhole Star Party at www.eventbrite.com.au) to speed the registration process on the night. There is the option of purchasing a

basic telescope for $7.15 if you don’t have your own to bring.

Gold coin donations from each person on the night will go to the Zonta Club of Berry to create birthing kits for developing countries.

Details: Weds 23 May. 7pm - Event registration 8pm - Stargazing Live broadcast commences (World Record attempt will take place sometime between 8-9pm, cloud dependent)

Hear emerging stars Gerringong Music Club continues its tradition of supporting the Young Stars of the Future, with its May concert featuring ten local talented young pianists and instrumentalists from across the Illawarra.

The Young Stars vary in age from 10 to their mid-20s, and include Stephanie Ryan (with her young siblings Danielle, Elijah and Abigail), Luca and Amelie Ziino, Henry Kidd, James McDonald and Sako Dermenjian, and Wynter Smith.

Many have already won awards for their talent.

Details: Sunday 20 May, Gerringong Town Hall, 2pm.

Doors open at 1.30pm. Tickets $10 at the door.

All welcome. Free for members, children and students.

Afternoon tea available.

The Bugle Editor: Cathy Law t 0412 415 101 Advertising: 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 12 May 2018

The talented Ryan family will be amongst the performers

Back to the drawing board Rather than approve or decline developer Nick Daoud’s latest proposal for the Akuna St/Mitre 10 site, the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel (the Panel) has deferred its decision to allow the developer to amend the plans once more.

The Panel considered submissions from the public and a report by Council’s consultants on the proposal (necessary because Council owns the land) which recommended its approval. It then passed a motion requiring the developer to, amongst other things, remove one level from the larger residential building on the western side of the site, and replace this with communal open space to achieve height compliance on that building and closer to compliance to the overall communal open space ratios.

Other requirements are to do with access, parking, canopy planting and design differentiation for the larger building.

When contacted, Mr Daoud said he would prefer not to comment at this stage.

His current option to buy the land expires on 9 June, unless Council grants a further extension. Purchase of the land depends on a DA being approved for the site.

Amongst the people who addressed the Panel at its public hearing, two spoke in favour of the DA. While they didn’t state so at the time, it has been revealed that both are sales consultants for the developer’s subsidiary, St Trinity Property. Both say they were acting as individuals in favour of the development at the time.

Residents lose on medical centre The NSW Land & Environment Court has approved plans for a medical centre in a residential zone in Gerringong, despite opposition from neighbours over traffic and parking concerns.

The site, on the corner of Jupiter and Coal Streets, is to be home to a mixed use two storey building comprising a ground floor medical centre, three first floor residential units and a basement carpark.

The plans approved are an amended version of that rejected at Council’s May 2017 Meeting, when the height of the development

exceeded the 8.5m permissible in the R3 medium density zone. The Hearing also resulted in a further amendment to the plans approved

by Council officers in December, to improve the views of the neighbouring property.

A medical centre is one of the activities allowable in R3 zoning, under the State Environment Planning Policy (Infrastructure) which overrides the Local Environment Plan.

“The existence of other medical centres in Gerringong, or the perceived lack of demand for another medical centre, is not a basis

upon which I could refuse the proposal,” said Commissioner Joanne Gray in her decision.

She also said she could not impose parking requirements more onerous than that required by Council’s controls, which in total for the medical centre and three residences require the 12 spaces proposed.

The approval comes at the same time that the Gerringong Family Medical Practice has lodged a DA to build a medical centre, with three residential apartments and associated parking, in Greta Street.

Kiama home cook gets a Masterchef apron Kiama has a local to cheer on in the 2018 series of Masterchef Australia.

“I don’t know where this is going to take me, but I’m keen to use the opportunity to promote Kiama as a food producing region and a great place to visit to help boost our local economy,” said Metter Chin in a break from filming.

He has been spending each weekend at Kiama since he and his partner Joey bought their house at Kendals Beach 12 years ago.

“We are most likely going to move down full-time soon,” he says, “But until now our work has kept us away from home during the week.”

Out of over 1000 applicants, Metter was chosen as one of the top 24 to compete in the 10th anniversary series.

Metter is of Chinese Malaysian heritage, and wants to use the series to highlight the lesser known Chinese cuisine of the Hakka people.

“It is my dream to modernise traditional Hakka food and introduce it to the Australian palate.”

He wowed the judges with his ‘from the heart’ dish of Soy Sauce Shiitake Mushroom Chicken, with Garlic Rice and Stirfried Baby Bok Choy, describing Hakka food as fatty, salty and fragrant. They sent him straight through to the final 24.

If Metter wins, he hopes the prize money will fund a training school and other

Page 3  The Bugle 12 May 2018

avenues to help to promote the Hakka peoples’ culture.

To join the competition, Metter had to resign from his contract with an IT company as a senior project manager specialising in banking software installations.

The fifty four year old MBA graduate says his biggest strength in the competition is his desire is to learn and deepen his knowledge and understanding of food.

“I want to get behind the science of food preparation and combinations of favours to make taste buds explode

and minds open.

“Don’t they say the brain is the most pleasurable organ in the body?”

You can follow Metter’s progress most evenings on the WIN network, or get to know him better on facebook or instagram.

Details: Facebook- Metter Chin Insta - metterchincooks Twitter - @metterchin His recipes will be progressively loaded to the Masterchef pages of tenplay.com.au

North Precinct to To the Editor be resident driven At its March meeting, Kiama Council decided not to actively promote the establishment of a North Precinct to represent the community of Kiama Downs, preferring it to be a resident-led initiative.

This option has been reinforced by a unanimous decision at the May meeting of the Minnamurra Progress Association to reject the idea

of extending its boundaries, that have existed for over fifty years, to include the eastern side of Kiama Downs.

With the establishment of the Central Precinct last year, Kiama Downs is the only remaining area without a resident forum.

Residents interested in forming a North Precinct should contact Council.

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supportive of the decision.” (The vote in support of the development by a less The Kiama Branch of the munity further consultation than full Council at its April Red Cross would like to period”. How can this be? meeting.) The entire Jamacknowledge the generosity beroo community knows We were all told in 2016 of the Kiama Community that Council’s vote then that this is fanciful. For when, during the Red Cross was final and, as the local nearly two years, the voters Calling month of March, member said at the time, of Jamberoo have overthey enabled our charity to ‘Council could stop this whelmingly opposed this raise the sum of $13,447. developments through hundevelopment in its tracks’ We would also like to rec- with a no vote. None of us, dreds of submissions to ognise the help and support including the Mayor, could Council, two well-attended given by some of our local have known that the devel- public meetings, formal organisations, namely Kiama oper would later successresolutions passed by the Lions, Minnamurra Lions, fully appeal Council’s 2016 community representative the Girl Guides, and Blue ‘no’ vote, culminating in organisation, a professional Haven. another Council vote last community survey, and We greatly appreciate the month, 16 months later. The countless letters and reprepermission of the markets, sentations to the local memMayor’s claim that he did Woolies and IGA who allow know is, well… you decide. ber and State government us to collect from their sites, In your front page article, ministers. and to the hotels and clubs Finally, the Mayor says he Cr Honey says that “overall who gave. changed his vote to approval the community has been Judy O’Brien, President, Kiama Red Cross This is to put a stop to the imaginings of Kiama Mayor, Mark Honey, as contained in The Bugle, 28/4/18. He claims that the reason he changed his vote of December 2016 opposing the rezoning and housing subdivision in Golden Valley Road, Jamberoo, to a vote of support in April 2018 “was to give the com-

of the Golden Valley Road housing subdivision “so it defines the boundary of Jamberoo”. He fails to mention that we didn’t need another housing sub-division to do this – we already had a very longstanding Jamberoo village boundary, removed without consultation by the NSW Government in August 2016, and that Kiama Council and Cr Honey subsequently would not support strong majority community representations for its reinstatement.

Graham Pike, Jamberoo We welcome letters. Longer ones may be edited. Writer’s names and addresses must be provided. Mailing details on page 2. Letters published at the Editor’s discretion.

Ride in a veladrome

Whether you take your cycling seriously, or haven’t graduated up to the gear, Rotary Clubs in the Illawarra are giving you the chance to try out your skills at the Unanderra Velodrome and help raise funds for Southern Youth and Family Services.

Ride for Rotary is a fun event where all the money raised from riders and their sponsor donors goes to the good cause.

All levels of skill are welcome - all you need is a roadworthy bike.

Participants under 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or responsible carer.

You will be allocated a 30 min time slot

Page 4  The Bugle 12 May 2018

in which to complete your laps, with a maximum of twenty four bikes at a time in each time slot.

Consider forming a team or inviting friends and colleagues to join or support you. There is an entry fee of $20 and you are encouraged to invite sponsors to support your riding efforts.

Details: Sunday May 20, Unanderra Velodrome,10-2pm. Register at www.ride4rotaryillawarra.com.au, or go to that same site to sponsor riders or make a donation.

Page 5  The Bugle 12 May 2018

Join our email list Bank pledges If you’d like to be emailed The Bugle each issue, just drop us a line at emailthebugle@gmail.com

reach $1m

In an extraordinary display of support for establishing a community bank, the residents and businesses of Gerringong and surrounds have pledged just over $1 million to the cause.

The pledge period closes on 31 May. At this rate of momentum, it is expected that Gerringong will have a bank up and operating by October.

A Meeting is being held at the Town Hall on Weds 30 May, 7.30pm, with major announcements expected.

Arnie’s still a field legend Well-known Kiama identity Arnie Delaite has proven it is never too late to follow your dreams, having won six gold medals at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Perth after a 53 year break.

Arnie, 75, was a champion college athlete at the University of Maine when growing up in the United States, specialising in the discus, javelin and shot put.

In fact, his shot put record at his old university was only broken a few years ago, having stood for more than half a century.

However, his athletics career was interrupted after he graduated – first due to Army service then travelling the globe, which saw him meet his future wife Kay and eventually settle in Kiama Downs. He taught mathematics at local high schools (principally Oak Flats HS), raised a family and established a successful business, Kookaburra Educational Resources. He kept fit by playing basketball and, more recently, golf.

However, he never lost his love for field athletics, and last year entered a Winter Throws event at Kerryn McCann Field in Wollongong to see if he still had what it took to compete. His efforts at that meeting inspired him to celebrate turning 75 this year by entering the 2018 Australian Masters Athletics Championships held in Perth in the last week of April.

After weeks of preparation at Croom Road Sports Complex, Arnie flew to Perth for

the Masters, where he dominated the 75-79 years category, winning the Pentathlon (five throwing events over three hours), the discus, javelin, shot put, hammer and heavy hammer.

“It seems that after 53 years away from the sport

there were still a few good throws left,” Arnie said.

“A little bit of training and some luck came together for a great week.”

Arnie’s friends are encouraging him to compete in the World Masters in Majorca later in the year.

Parkinson’s support Parkinson’s Support Kiama has been formed to support those in our community living with or caring for someone with the progressive disease.

“We share what helps us in our daily lives, and have guests like a Parkinson’s nurse come and answer questions and help us navigate our way through the system,” says the group’s Lesley Errington. “We also explore the latest research and medications.”

Details: Fourth Tuesday of the month, Kiama Leagues Club Snack Bar. 10.15-11.30am. For more info see their facebook page, email parkinsonskiama@gmail.com, or ring Lesley on 0416219364

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 6  The Bugle 12 May 2018

First Destination Kiama Above and Beyond Award Soul of Gerringong has won Destination Kiama’s inaugural ‘Above and Beyond’ Award, recognising excellence in tourism service in the region.

“Destination Kiama received several nominations from guests who (Simone Mathews (centre) with praised Soul of GerrinDestination Kiama’s Perrie gong as a beautiful accommodation property,” Croshaw and Sue Thorley the unexpected yet memorasays Destination Kiama’s Councillor Matt Brown. ble extras such as fetching “Importantly though, it coffees from the local coffee was the crafting and deliver- shop on a Sunday morning. ing of a ‘visitor experience’, “Another great aspect of including excellent customer has been the close working service that won over the relationship Simone has judges. developed with other local businesses.”

“We heard examples of The next Award will be Simone Mathews and her announced on Wednesday team not just doing the sim18 July.

Nominate online at ple things well, such as www.kiama.com.au spotless cleaning, but also

Tourism community forums Destination Kiama is holding community forums in Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo to gather the thoughts of industry participants and residents to help with the development of the Tourism Opportunity Plan (TOP).

The TOP will bring the vision of Kiama Municipality being ‘welcoming and inspiring visitors year round to experience our distinctive natural lifestyle, arts, culture and events’ into reality. If that sound like something you’re interested in, contact Destination Kiama to register.

Colour Fun Run on again First National Coast & Country has stepped up to the plate and become the major sponsor of the Kiama Colour Fun Run. This year, the new local charity, Ceili Inc, is to benefit from the colourful event.

“Our staff were involved in it last year, and they said it was a tremendous day,” says First National Coast & Country’s Terry Digger.

“We thought it was a great way for us to get on board, support a great charity and have fun with the town.”

The First National Coast & Country Kiama Colour Fun Run/Walk will provide a brilliant 5km colour of fun along the walkway around Kiama Harbour, the Blowhole and Surf Beach.

The first colour run took place in the USA in 2011 and the craze has since spread across the globe.

The colour aspect is adapted from the Hindu Holi Festival or Festival of Colours, where participants are covered in coloured powder.

“You can walk, crawl, jog or run; whatever takes your fancy,” says the event’s instigator Susan Hawley.

“Wear white and be pre-

pared to be covered in a canvas of colour at our colour stations along the way.”

She wants to thank the other sponsors, Solutions 4 Wellbeing, Kiama Hello World and Zoe’s School of Dance.

All entry fees will be donated to Ceili Inc, a new charity providing assistance to local women suffering financial hardship through

Page 7  The Bugle 12 May 2018

death or potentially life threatening illness.

Details: Sat 3 June, 7am registration for 8am start.

Pre-purchase tickets to save disappointment, as numbers are capped. For more info and to buy tickets go to www.kiamacolourrun.com or contact Susan on 0425 297 937 or suziehowdo@gmail.com

JVRRA appeal to Minister The Jamberoo Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association has written to the Minister for Planning in a last ditch attempt to stop approval being granted for the Golden Valley Rd proposal to rezone rural land to residential (as reported in our last issue).

The letter raises their serious concerns about the way in which the Kiama Council debate of 17 April 2018 was conducted.

In conclusion, it reminds the Minister that the decision on the fate of the Golden Valley Road rezoning has implications beyond the individual parcel of land.

“Jamberoo Village is at a tipping point in terms of being sacrificed to suburban sprawl, and precious agricultural land in the valley is seriously under threat,” it says.

“We very sincerely ask you to bring common sense and foresight to this decision. You never know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.”

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Prices start from $79 Find out how to grow your business by sending a message to emailthebugle@gmail.com or calling Steve on 0428 662 499

Mayoral Column Mayor Mark Honey communicates directly with residents and ratepayers Our local Young Australian of the Year, Sarah Young is organising another adventure and looking for volunteers to join her for 3 weeks working on community projects in Battambang, Cambodia.

You might have heard of some of Sarah’s previous experiences working in developing countries.

Last year Sarah travelled to Tanzania where she volunteered in a remote village school for 3 weeks.

In 2013 and 2016 Sarah travelled to Cambodia on house-building expeditions and was involved in building more than 20 houses.

Even when Sarah was required to undertake practical placement for her education degree, she chose a remote location in Katherine, NT, to work with outback and indigenous students.

It is easy to see that Sarah is passionate about volunteering at home and in developing countries and is a great advocate for enjoying these challenging experiences.

Cambodia, like many developing countries, faces difficult social issues. Many children lack access to quality education and corruption is rife. The group that Sarah is leading will be working in and around Battambang on a range of community health projects.

The group will be teaching a range of subjects, running after-school programs and working on renovation and refurbishment projects.

The trip will take place from 24 November to 15 December 2018 and is a good opportunity for some of our young people to take up the challenge.

This is a great chance to create incredible and rewarding experiences while helping a disadvantaged community. You can check details and cost information on the Facebook page www.goo.gl/y8XJuc. Our young ambassador is definitely leading the way.

Congratulations should go to everyone involved in producing another hugely successful KISS Arts Festival.

In particular I’d like to thank Tamara Campbell and Dave Evans for being the powerhouse behind the Festival.

The “iffy” weather did not seem to deter the crowd’s spirits, as people enjoyed the great range of acts and activities the organisers and entertainers put on. The new Kazador mini spiegeltent was also a big hit hosting circus acts, music and comedy.

It is pleasing to see Council providing financial and other support to major events such as KISS Arts.

Congratulations should also go to the SENTRAL Youth Services for their ‘Intergen Munch Out’ and SENTRAL fitness programs which have been chosen as a finalist in the Community Development and Services category at the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards. The winner will be announced in June.

Club news Gerringong Rotary donates defibrillator A defibrillator donated by Gerringong Rotary Club has been installed at the local IGA supermarket. The site was chosen due to its lengthy trading hours. Staff have been trained to use the equipment should an emergency arise.

Members of the Men’s Shed installed a cabinet to house the device.

There are now eight defibrillators in the south of the LGA: at the IGA, both medical practices, the Surf Club, the Rugby League clubhouse, the Men’s Shed, the Bowling Club, and the Fisherman’s Club at Gerroa.

“Were a member of the public to collapse due to a sudden cardiac arrest, their chances of survival would be greatly increased by the use of a defibrillator,” says Gerringong Rotary President Graham St Clair.

Visit finalises details of hospital kitchen Continuing its 30 year partnership with the Rotary Club of Madang in Papua New Guinea, Rotarians Trevor Phillis from Kiama and Mike Thomas from Gerringong have just returned from a fact finding mission to finalise the details for the delivery and installation of new kitchen facilities for the town’s Modilon Hospital.

This project has been made possible as a result Trevor Phillis and Mike Thomas of the donation by Kiama with Hal Daniel and Desmond Council of the kitchen Berg of the Madang Creative Self Centre. The container, which has equipment made obsobeen converted into a classroom lete with the new Aged for the vision impaired at the Care Facility being conCentre, is an earlier gift to Rotary structed on the old hosMadang from Kiama Rotary. pital site.

It is estimated that it will take six volunteers around three weeks on site, with the assistance of local workers, to upgrade the hospital kitchen later this year or early next year.

Madang continues to have a very low standard of living, poor health outcomes and increasingly challenges of political and social unrest.

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We welcome news from clubs.

Please send to emailthebugle@gmail.com

Celebrating a resurrection The resilience of a 300 year old Morton Bay Fig has been celebrated by the planting of a new rainforest reserve around it by a group of Landcare volunteers and members of the indigenous community.

The enormous tree, on Maria and Gerhard Baden’s property at Rose Valley, was blown down in 2016.

It was thought dead until their playing grand-daughters discovered the new growth.

The Resurrection Fig, as it is now dubbed, is now surrounded by five hundred native plants grown from seeds gather in local rainforests.

“A grant from the Illawarra Trust has enabled Landcare Illawarra to collect seeds from 150 rural properties,” says Richard Scarborough, Project Officer for the organisation.

“We are now able to restock land with the original species of the area, which have been cross-bred for resilience.”

In the last 10 years, this has allowed Illawarra Landcare to support around 110 planting projects on rural land.

Local Real Estate News FIRST NATIONAL COAST & COUNTRY

What is gazumping?

Gazumping occurs when you have a verbal agreement with an agent or seller to buy a property at an agreed price but the property is not sold to you in the end.

This usually happens when the vendor (the person selling the property) has decided to sell the property to someone else, usually for a higher amount. The agent is legally obliged to pass on to the vendor any further offers received for the property up until the exchange of contracts.

If you are gazumped, neither the agent nor the vendor is obliged to compensate you for any money you may have spent on legal advice, inspection reports, finance application costs or inquiries. However, your ‘expression of interest’ payment (if you have paid one) must be refunded to you in full.

The spirit of the 300 year old tree lives on

Some projects are associated with bush regeneration works, but others are dual purpose plantings in paddocks to create windbreaks and shelterbelts for livestock, as well as habitat and food resources for wildlife.

After the planting was done, Aunty Joyce Donovan gave a touching Welcome to Country and oversaw a Smoking Ceremony.

She spoke of the good

times and bad that the tree would have seen during its 300 years.

“It would have been surrounded by cedars, and figs are traditionally known as birthing trees and their bark was used for food covering.

“It would have also witnessed so much grief and trauma, with aboriginal people being removed and forbidden to hunt for their food and use their language.

“Through us coming together and doing the Smoking we can help with the healing.”

If you are interested in joining Landcare, please contact Neil McLaren 0400 363 570 or coordinator@ landcareillawarra.org.au

In NSW, a property sale is generally only binding on the vendor and buyer when contracts are exchanged between the two parties. Exchange occurs when the vendor signs their copy of the sale contract; the purchaser signs their copy, and the two parties ‘exchange’ their signed contracts. It is usual at this time for the purchaser to pay a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price.

(Source: Office of Fair Trading)

Below left: Maria Baden and her grand-daughters planting a Coachwood tree Below: The Smoking Ceremony under the tree

Proudly supporting junior sport

First National Coast and Country Kiama principal Terry Digger, Jamberoo Superoos Under-16s captain Thomas North and Sales Agent David Hall admire one of the team’s new dress shirts.

The latest on complying developments code will have on our communities.

“I reiterate that these changes have been developed by the NSW Government, not Kiama Council.

However I will ensure the community is kept informed as this issue progresses.”

In his foreword to the De-

sign Guide, the Minister for Planning, Anthony Roberts, says, “The low rise Medium Density Housing Code and the Low Rise Medium Density Design Guide address a lack of housing choice by encouraging more variety in the form of terraces, manor houses or dual occupancies

from page 1

to generate more affordable good amenity for both resioptions. dents and neighbours.”

“This Design Guide will Details: Further informahelp make it easier to build tion on the new Code high-quality low-rise, medium can be obtained from density homes that respect www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ the local character of existPolicy-and-Legislation/ ing communities and streetHousing/Medium-Densityscapes, have good built form Housing and scale, as well as provide

First National Coast and Country Kiama is backing the future of the Jamberoo Rugby League Football Club with sponsorship to help cover dress shirts for Superoos Under-16 team.

“Junior sport is so important in the makeup of any town and we are delighted to be able to help the club to promote their juniors,” First National Coast and Country principal Terry Digger said.

Jamberoo Junior League president Dean Vassoler said the club appreciated the sponsorship.

“We would like to thank Terry and his team for the assistance and the boys are all thrilled to be able to wear the new shirts to games each weekend,” Mr Vassoler said.

Kiama

Gerringong

2/110-112 Terralong St 119 Fern St ph 4232 2888 ph 4234 1911

www.coastandcountryfn.com.au Page 9  The Bugle 12 May 2018

Out & about

If you’d like to share your social event on this page, contact emailthebugle@gmail.com (preferably in advance)

At the KISS Arts Fest

Impressions of the Festival by Peter O’Neill

Despite the odd shower, KISS Arts Fest 2018 attracted an estimated 10,000 people over the weekend with a myriad of events in and around the harbour. Highlights include KISStopia, lead by Gerringong artists Penny Sudabin and Tim RushbySmith who oversaw the recreation of our ‘perfect’ Kiama constructed from cardboard, a lantern parade under the full moon, a joyously impromptu Flash Mob on the main stage and, of course, the KISS Arts Festival Raft Race across Kiama Harbour on Sunday. All of this interspersed with world class street theatre.

Planning has already started for KISS 2019 to further capitalise on this year's regional flagship funding from Destination NSW, which undoubtedly helped bolster the numbers for this great community festival. Dates for 2019 are 27-28 April.

Page 10  The Bugle 12 May 2018

The Bugle Crossword

Use a local

ACROSS 2. One who writes songs or music 7. Swedish pop group which has recently reformed 9. Colour of the sky on a sunny day 10. Membrane at the back of the eye 11. Shade providing part of a hat 13. U.S. version of a grassy treeless plain 15. A NSW village of 320 which 20,000 people visited for its pumpkin festival on the 6th May 17. The Murray river is in which state NSW or Vic? 18. Capital city of Canada 19. Large odd toed ungulate 20. Italian automotive manufacturer 21. Social media nasty person 22. Stick of wax with a wick 27. Co star with the Three Bears 30. Name of explorer after whom highway between Sydney and Melbourne is named 31. Modern style of dance including shaking of buttocks 33. Minor actor in a crowd scene 34. Owl noise 35. Old Testament prophet 37. Fried shredded potato and egg 38. Upper house of Australian Federal parliament 39. First name of person after whom the Northern Territory capital was named 40. On which day of the week is the Kiama Farm-

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Beauty Services Love Beauty & Tanning Studio: by appointment.

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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 Kiama Property Maintenance & Carpentry: Decks, Pergolas, Windows, Painting, Plaster repairs. All your maintenance needs & carpentry.

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Lawnmowing

DOWN 1. Devour, gobble, scoff, chew 2. Australia's largest inland city 3. For whom does the singer want the last dance saved for?

4. You need this to lather up 5. What radiation does the Ozone Layer adsorb?

6. Breakfast toast spread recently purchased by Bega Cheese for >$400million 7. Slaughterhouse 8. 2nd & 3rd components of a lounge suite after the sofa 12.Twelve hours after midnight 14. Kiama villages sole

Hathaway Gardens: Reliable mowing and gardening service. We service Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa and surrounding areas. Call Lawrie 0411 888 333

Last issue’s solution

ers’ Market held?

41. Radiation with a wavelength of between 0.01 to 10 nanometres

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

Stonemasonry & Heritage Services

remaining butcher (8,5) 16. Type of coloured decorative glass window 23. Rectangular blocks upon which railway lines are laid 24. Author of a “Tale of Two Cities” 25. Most expensive suburb in NSW/Australia (5,5) 26. The name of William and Kate's new baby boy 28. Samson's girlfriend 29. Electrical power stor-

age device 32. Australian beach footware 36. Biggest selling car in Australia 39. Felis Silvestris

For all aspects of stonemasonry, contact Brad Rimmer at BR Stonemasonry & Heritage Services Lic 292667C t 0401 337 629

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Crossword by Steve Law

Page 11  The Bugle 12 May 2018

Just $10/line + gst to advertise.

Contact Steve on 0428 662 499

Postcard home Getting to Heron Island takes a bit of effort; it is 80km off the coast in the Bunker Group of islands in Queensland and requires a long ferry ride out from Gladstone Marina.

This coral cay is only 300 by 800 metres and is surrounded by a coral ‘sand’ beach. It only took us 40 minutes to walk around it.

Heron Island Resort began as a Green turtle cannery in the 1920s. It has taken decades to recover, so it was a highlight to come across tiny turtle hatchlings bubbling out of a sand dune nest and scurrying down the beach.

It takes 30 years for them to reach sexual maturity and the mother will lay eggs within 50 metres of where she hatched after first crossing the Pacific Ocean and back.

They lay 5-7 batches of about 100 eggs every season but they only have a survival

rate of 1 in 1000!

The birds (especially pesky seagulls), reef sharks and even crab feed on the 10cm hatchings; the seagulls eating them whole.

We escorted some cuties as far as we could into the reef, shooing away the birds.

The island is covered with Pisonia trees which have sticky seeds that create a symbiotic relationship with

If you’d like to share your travel story, send your postcard home (even when you are back) to emailthebugle@gmail.com

the 120,000 resident Noddy birds. There were also Egrets, Boobies and a pair of resident Sea Eagles and their enormous two-metre diameter nest in the tallest tree on the island.

We took a reef tour with a marine ecologist and a tour of the University of Queensland’s Research Station.

The snorkelling tour to the outer reef revealed healthy

and colourful fields of coral in the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Here we also spotted mature turtles, epaulette and reef sharks, shovel-nose, eagle rays and cow-tail rays and a billion delightfully coloured fish in that aqua blue bowl.

Louise Ryan, Kiama Downs

Page 12  The Bugle 12 May 2018

Time to shuffle on your ipods It’s sad but true that many of us have a drawer full of technology we no longer use, but is ‘too good to throw away’.

If you’ve got an ipod shuffle in that drawer, then the opportunity has come Lorna Vickers with Blue Haven Recreational Activities Officer Susi Delamont to donate it to Blue Haven to be used in their Personalised Music Program for their residents with dementia.

Each ipod will be loaded with an individual’s favourite music, enhancing mood with happy memories.

Residents using the program so far have shown a wide variety of musical tastes. Most popular are Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Edith Piaf, The Beatles, Peter Allen, Simon & Garfunkel, Elvis and Neil Diamond, as well as show tunes, hymns and classical.

Recreational Activities Officer Francine Golding says the iPod shuffles are ideal for the purpose as they are small and easy to use, however they are no longer being manufactured by Apple and are not available.

“We’re asking people who have moved on to bigger iPods or who now use their phones to donate their ‘shuffles’ to the program.”

As well as proving popular, the Personal Music Program taps into the health benefits of listening to music.

“Music therapy has been used in recent years to help with a range of conditions, including autism and depression.

It has also been found to reduce symptoms of dementia such as agitation, improving moods and behaviour.”

Details: Take your ipods donations to Blue Haven, 2 Havilah Place, Kiama.