The Bugle 21 May 2016
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
Inside this issue
Don’t take Kiama on again Following the news Kiama had escaped a forced merger came the speculation about how the reprieve happened. Was it behind the scenes lobbying by Gareth Ward MP, the poll showing 95% against the merger, the quality of the submissions by the public and Council swaying the Delegate’s report, the persistent singing of the Blowhole Buskers or Federal election marginal seat considerations? Opinions vary, but it is best seen as a collective effort, with every element playing its part in keeping opposition to the proposal front and centre in the Premier’s Office. “I always said I’d take on my own side,” says Gareth Ward. “Everyone can share in the victory we have achieved.” As for speculation that
Kiama could still be targeted for amalgamation down the line, Mr Ward said that in his opinion, the question of whether Kiama should merge is now over and will not arise again. “This Government has clearly got the message that Kiama wants to stand alone,” he says. “It would be a brave government that took the Kiama community on again.” Mayor Brian Petschler said he was very pleased to hear Mr Ward’s comments. “The fight against the merger was truly the coming together of a community,” he says. “It was wrong from the start, and we knew it. “It is such a relief to have this settled. We should not have to defend our independence again.” Chair of the Keep Kiama Council Local committee,
Rob McKinnon, agrees, “From the start we were confident that we had a very strong argument, and that was borne out by the strength of the submissions to the Government’s delegate who was given the task of assessing the merger proposal,” The Shoalhaven/Kiama merger was one of only three to be shelved across the state. The outcome of the Wollongong/Shellharbour merger is delayed due to legal proceedings. Only two of the delegates charged with investigating the proposed mergers handed in reports recommending they not proceed. Mr Greg Wright, responsible for considering the Shoalhaven/ Kiama proposal, was one of them (see page 4 for his conclusion). The Government has yet to
Christina’s in Cannes p3
Australian FootGolf Open in Jamberoo p3 Member for Kiama Gareth Ward with Mayor Brian Petschler
clarify when the next local elections will be held in Kiama. Those councils not proposed for merger are due to have their elections in September, while merging councils will be under the charge of an administrator until September next year.
It has not yet been announced when councils that have escaped mergers will go to the polls. A civic reception is being planned to thank the many people who volunteered their time to save Kiama from amalgamation.
End of an era at Kiama Hospital Kiama beds find interim home at Shellharbour Private from July Following the commencement of work on the new health services building on the grounds of the old hospital comes good news about the bed relocation. Rather than relocating the 20 beds to Port Kembla Hospital as was originally mooted, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District recently made the decision to lease a ward at Shellharbour Private Hospital to accommodate the beds. “The possibility of a move to Port Kembla Hospital has
now been ruled out,” says Julie Stokes, Secretary of the Kiama Hospital Auxiliary. “Of the options being considered, the final decision was the one favoured by both the nursing staff and Hospital Auxiliary members. “It will be so much easier for family and friends to visit Shellharbour.” Nursing staff and all movable equipment raised from fundraising by the Hospital Auxiliary will move with the patients in July this year to a
the number of beds in the area remain at the same level with a much higher standard of facilities. “The Kiama Hospital Auxiliary will continue to raise funds for equipment needed by the outpatient and comKiama Hospital in the 1930s. It is scheduled for demolition. munity outreach services ward to be known as the Shellharbour Hospital will offered in the new building Kiama Ward. accommodate the Kiama at Kiama,” says Julie. The Ward will continue to beds. “We will also help ShellGareth Ward MP says, as harbour Hospital Auxiliary function as a respite and rehabilitation ward, with is the case at the moment, by providing for any expenmany of the beds used as a the beds will not be reserved sive items of equipment required at the Kiama transition to nursing home. for people from the Kiama Ward.” Eventually, extensions at LGA, but will ensure that
Cancer Council fundraising events p4
The Delegate’s summary p4
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