The Bugle 26 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
See what Council plans for 2018/19 The community has until 14 June to have their say on what projects Kiama Council should spend its money on in the next financial year. Council’s new General Manager, Kerry McMurray, says it is an opportunity to put forward new projects, with the understanding the $55 million budget must remain balanced. “If the councillors, through community submissions, deem to put something else in, then something of the same value has to come out.” The draft Operational Plan 2018/9 contains details of the specific services, programs, events, facilities and infrastructure that Council will provide and maintain for the 2018-19 financial year. It is currently on display for public comment, along with the draft Delivery Program 2017/21 which details a broad plan of actions that will be taken to implement the Community Strategic Plan 2017/27. Mr McMurray says the first operational plan under his stewardship is very much ‘steady as we go’. “It has a focus on continuing to meet the seven financial benchmarks for sustainability [Fit for the Future]. “Council has consciously made the decision to put
a lot more money to asset renewal and maintenance rather than new capital. “The community is in a unique position in terms of how much infrastructure is actually provided. “The challenge for the Council is maintaining that infrastructure to the standard that the community expects.” The major new capital works this coming year are the building of the Blue Haven Care Aged Care Facility on the old hospital site, which is being funded by grants and a $60 million loan, and previously budgeted work on the Gerringong Library and Museum complex. Other new projects include: $1 million in preparatory costs for the Spring Creek land development $10,000 for air conditioning the Jamberoo School of Arts Another $223,000 for the Jamberoo Valley Cycleway $20,000 for the BMX track at Minnamurra Quarry $31,100 for water bubblers in eight locations $20,000 for the Arthur Campbell Reserve Over $460,000 for eight new playgrounds (see page 3). The focus on maintenance and renewal includes:
the resealing of at least 74 roads, with over $500,000 in additional money for those yet to be determined almost $1.1 million for the upgrade of amenities at Kevin Walsh Oval in Jamberoo, Surf Beach, Minnamurra and North Werri $200,000 in upgrades and maintenance for Council’s Administration building $500,000 to replace the columns of the Old Council Chamber, which have
concrete cancer $490,000 in IT upgrades. Shoalhaven St resident Peter Stuckey, with the support of the Central Precinct, will be calling for an increase on the $10,000 allocated for pedestrian safety work at the Bong Bong and Shoalhaven Street intersection. “All of the work proposed in the Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan prepared for this corner should be completed in 2018,” he says.
“If Council can justify spending money on water bubblers and other nonessential matters ahead of urgent work on road safety it should check its priorities. “Residents have been requesting Council to undertake these works since 2015. “Delaying works by allocating such a paltry sum cannot be justified.” The Operational Plan includes a 6 per rate variation
Inside this issue New playgrounds pass user test p 3
New tree policy will focus on risk p 3
Continued on page 6
Join in the Red Cross Fun Run Kiama Red Cross is hoping to attract even more people to participate in this year’s Kiama Fun Run, which has quickly become its major fundraiser. “We’ve had great support from locals right from the start, but word is definitely spreading that it is a great reason to come to Kiama on the June long weekend,” says President Judi O’Brien. “There’s a course for all levels of fitness, so we attract everyone from serious runners to family groups out for a stroll along the coast. “It’s a great way to promote Kiama as a destination for healthy activities, while raising much needed funds for the Red Cross.” Competitors can choose to register for a 21.1 km half marathon (a run from Surf Beach to Dunmore and return), or a walk/run for 9 km from Minnamurra or 5 km from Bombo to Surf Beach. “The shorter events are ideal for people wishing to push strollers or bring their dog along on a lead, so it is a real family affair,” says Ms O’Brien. Details: Sun 10 June. Register at kiama.com.au or enquire at the Visitors Centre.
125 years since the train came to town p7
Bombo Headland Landcare anniversary p9
This father and daughter travelled down from Sydney to participate in the increasingly popular event last year
What’s on? Every Wednesday Kiama Farmers’ Market Surf Beach 3-6pm
On weekends Live music at The Sebel, Kiama Leagues Club, Gerringong and Kiama Bowlos, Jamberoo Pub and other venues
Til 3 June
Kiama Family History Centre, 2.30pm $5/$8
Sunday 3 June
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
Kiama goes a little bit Country
Kiama Colour Fun Run/ Walk Register at kiamacolourrun.com
8-13 June Felt: It’s our language Exhibition of the Illawarra Feltmakers, Old Fire Station, 9-4pm
Majestic Ocean exhibition Work by Arja 8-10 June Valimaki. Little Blowhole KLC Country Gold Art Bar, 4 Tingira Cres See right
26-27 May
9-11 June
Red Shield Appeal Doorknock Around the district
Crooked River Winter Wine Festival Crooked River Winery
Saturday 26 May
Sat 9 June
Kiama Makers and Growers Market Black Beach, 9-2pm
Kiama & District Historial Society Talk See right Kiama Jamberoo Community Music Association concert: Classical guitarist Segundo Vasquez Jamberoo Uniting Church, Wyalla Rd, 2pm. Admission by donation.
Sunday 27 May Jamberoo Village Market Reid Park, 9-2pm
Friday 1 June Pics & Flicks: Loving Vincent See right
2-3 June Kiama Arts Trail Various local studios The Werri Beach Slash See page 12 125th Celebration of the Opening of the Kiama to Bomaderry Railway See page 7
Saturday 2 June Friends of Kiama Library Talk: Jack Baker, environmental scientist and poet
Sunday 10 June Kiama Red Cross Fun Run (see page 1) Music in the Park Hindmarsh Park, noon-3pm Kiama Seaside Market Black Beach, 9-3pm
Saturday 16 June Gerringong Village Markets Gerringong Town Hall, 8.30-1.30pm
Sunday 24 June Kiama Coastal Classic
Catch Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea at the Leagues Club or the Art Bar
Paintings tell his story Pics & Flicks’ June film is the world’s first fully oil painted feature film, Loving Vincent, which brings the paintings of Vincent van Gogh to life to tell his remarkable story. Every one of the 65,000 frames of the film is an oil painting hand-painted by 125 professional oil painters. They travelled from all across the world to the Loving Vincent studios in Poland and Greece to be a part of the production. Vincent’s passionate and ill-fated life, and mysterious death, are as remarkable as his brilliant paintings. Details: Friday 1 June, Gerringong Town Hall, 8pm. $10 at the door (opens 7.20pm) or buy a subscription.
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 26 May 2018
Details: 8-10 June. Full program on p10
Following its successful launch last year, the KLC Country Gold Festival is spreading its wings to offer a three day, multi-venue program over the long weekend. “Our program features some of Australia’s finest country stars including multi-Golden Guitar Award winners Christie Lamb, Amber Lawrence and Luke O’Shea, as well as many other great musicians,” says organiser Lincoln Piper. With this star appeal, and the help of a $20,000 grant from Destination NSW, Lincoln is aiming to make the Kiama Festival a must-do for Country fans Australia-wide. Enjoy free performances at Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama Golf Club, Gerringong Bowlo, JJ’s Restaurant and Zia’s Pizza Café. There is also a ticketed dinner event at the Little Blowhole Art Bar ($65+bf) and musicians playing at the Crooked River Winter Wine Festival ($15+bf entry). Council is sponsoring a concert featuring a variety of artists in Hindmarsh Park on the Saturday afternoon, as well as its usual Concert in the Park on Sunday afternoon.
Colonial architects talk Bobbie Miller’s talk for the Kiama & District Historical Society will highlight the lives and work of notable early architects such as Francis Greenway, John Verge, Edmund Blacket and James Barnet, including local buildings. For example, Edmund Blacket, who designed Sydney University and St Andrew’s Cathedral, also designed churches at Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong. Details: Saturday, June 9, Kiama Family History Centre, 2.30pm.
Moves to counter new medium density code Kiama Council has gone on the front foot to campaign against the State Government’s new medium density planning code (covered in our last issue). Mayor Mark Honey has written to the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, to ask for a permanent exemption to the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code to protect Kiama’s character and amenity. The Code, which will allow more developments to by-pass Council approval and be approved by certifiers as complying developments, overrides Local Environment Plans and Development Control Plans that have been established to reflect community wishes. “The Code seems to be
counter to a recent direction the Department of Planning has sent out asking councils to be aware of urban design and character issues,” says Mayor Honey. Councillor Honey says that the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation of four councils is also formally voicing its concerns, and he expects that the upcoming annual Country Mayors Association meeting will be vocal in its opposition. “They are trying to use a one size fits all solution across the state for what is largely a metropolitan problem,” he says. “It just isn’t appropriate.” The Mayor is also encouraging the various precinct groups representing their communities to voice their
concerns to Mr Ward. He urges individuals to also join the protest. Linda Davis, Director of Environmental Services, is continuing to liaise with the Department to highlight her concerns. “There was a round of consultation three years ago, and it is my understanding that a lot of the issues that are being raised now were raised back then.” Mr Ward has told The Bugle he has written to the Minister on behalf of the Council, adding, “I would remind Council that they should ensure their own planning controls reflect community expectations to ensure sensible and sustainable development.” The Code begins 6 July.
New tree policy will take time The May Meeting of Council passed a motion by Councillor Matt Brown to strongly water down Kiama’s tree policy to allow property owners, without the need for permission, to remove any tree they have planted on their property, as well as any other tree, except those native to this area and more than six metres high. “Trees have more rights than people in this area,” he said, citing the case of a large Lemon Scented Gum that had not been allowed to be removed from Hillview Circuit despite residents’ concerns about the risk posed. The motion was extended to allow the removal of this particular tree.
User input for new playgrounds A new playground on Bonaira St is the first of a series of playgrounds which will be designed with the help of local residents. “Peter Gill, Council’s Landscape Officer, had the idea of going out to the community via our Facebook page to ask them what they’d like to see replace the old equipment,” Mayor Mark Honey said at the opening. “Peter has shown great care and thoughtfulness in working through all the suggestions, balancing the wish list against his budget and also safety standards.” Cllr Honey said involving the community in projects such as replacing playgrounds, was a simple but powerful example of the respect Council
staff have for residents affected by their decisions. “The way the residents have responded to the call for suggestions also shows how great our community is at working together on projects that everyone can benefit from.” Mr Gill said taking the extra time to consult with people who use the playground was Leo Mein enjoys the new swings with mum Charlotte well worthwhile. earmarked for improvement in the 2018/9 Draft Operational Plan (see page 1). “We also asked locals what they’d like to see when we replace the Gains“We’ve allocated more than borough Reserve playground next $400,000 for new equipment for playmonth,” Mr Gill said. grounds at Jubilee Park, James Muir “The suggestions for that playground Miller Reserve and Croft Place in Gerringong, Reid Park in Jamberoo and have also been very useful.” Five more playgrounds have been Hillview Circuit in Kiama.”
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“I believe our Council needs to have a policy that respects our ratepayers and assists them to take away potential harm and health risks,” said Cllr Brown. “My motion isn’t prescribing any policy today. It is asking for a new policy to be presented to us to consider that is a little more respectful to our residents and our ratepayers.” Councillors Rice and Sloan spoke against the motion, with Cllr Sloan pointing out that a review of the policy has already begun, the latest figures show 67 per cent of applications to remove trees were approved with another 15 per cent partially approved, and in
the instance of the Hillview Circuit tree, existing appeal processes weren’t utilised. “Trees don’t have more rights than people,” he said. “We allocated safety to be a high priority in the last review. “There is a review underway already and there is no need for this prescriptive motion.” Council’s tree policy is a Chapter in its Development Control Plan, and as such there are legislative requirements which must be followed to make changes to it, including community consultation. There is also a new State Environment Planning Policy dealing with trees in non-rural areas, so any amendments will have to make reference to that. “When we draft an amendment to our current policy, In a confidential session at we will look at what Counthe May Council Meeting, cil has indicated they want councillors decided to offer in the context of other factors, the Akuna St/Mitre 10 so we can achieve a stronger developer, Nick Daoud, a emphasis on risk,” says final extension of the time Director of Environmental he has to get approval from Services, Linda Davis. the Southern Joint Regional Howard H Jones, Secretary Planning Panel. of the Gerroa Environment The three month extenProtection Society says the sion would give him until motion signals a significant August to incorporate the change in the environmental Panel’s latest suggestions direction of Kiama Council. (outlined in our last issue) “It will lead to significant into his design and have it changes to the character of approved by the Panel. the Municipality and lead to A non-refundable fee of a loss of many iconic land$60,000 will be required to mark trees over a century old.” take up the option.
More time for developer
Album launch for local artist
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Since leaving the police force, Kevin Sullivan has relished his new role of being a stay at home dad and having time to concentrate on his lifelong love of music. The popular local singer/ songwriter recently launched his album, Belonging, and is thrilled it has debuted at number 2 in the iTunes Australian country charts. “I’ve dreamt about doing an album of my own songs for a long time,” says Kevin. “It shows you are never too old to follow your dreams. “We live in such a supportive community, I feel that everyone is proud that I’m giving it a go.” This year has been a big one in other ways for him, as earlier this year he was chosen as one of an elite group to participate in the Senior Academy of Country Music at Tamworth. The two week intensive,
invitation only, course is run by the Country Music Association to encourage the next wave of stars. It focused on all aspects, from song writing and collaboration to business management. “It was such an amazing opportunity to learn from industry superstars, such as Casey Chambers, Roger Corbett of The Bushwackers, Lyn Bowtell, Amber Lawrence and Adam Brand. “I was so energised to be around people with such a common purpose and drive, and that was capped off when my song, Outback Australia, was chosen to be the grand finale of the graduating concert.” It also led to the song being rerecorded before it was launched as the single for the album, with backing vocals from Lyn Bowtell and Kevin Bennett. “It also features fiddle and
Launch congratulations from Amanda Evans and Anna Timms
mandolin from Tim Crouch, an American legend who has played for Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Charlie Pride and Dolly Parton. “I’m so proud he agreed to play for me.” While Kevin can often be heard playing all genres of
To the Editor I write to you to express my concerns over a statement made by the Mayor, Mark Honey, on the front page of The Bugle dated 28 April 2018. This statement, in response to the rezoning of prime agricultural land in Golden Valley Road, Jamberoo, is “that overall the community has been supportive of the decision”. I find this statement to be outrageous, false and misleading. I would like the Mayor to explain to the community how he arrived at this assumption, bearing in mind the following: The overall population of the Kiama Municipality according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (August 2016) was 21,464.
The decision for the rezoning was 4:3 in favour made by the Council at its meeting on 17 April 2018 at approx 6pm. The following day (18 April 2018) the Mayor made the statement above in an interview with The Bugle. How did the Mayor measure the support of the overall community as he stated? Obviously, the only way the Mayor could have substantiated that statement was for “the overall community” to be present at that meeting, or watching the live streaming online and then have the opportunity to express their opinion in some form or another. However, the population had little time to contact the Mayor with their
Dinner: Wed to Sat Lunch: Sat & Sun
“overall” support, prior to the Mayor’s statement the next day. I now believe the Mayor has no alternative but to do the honourable thing and withdraw that statement and make a public apology to our community. If this statement goes unchallenged it would open the door for this to be a standard response in the future without having any credible evidence or reference to the community as a whole. John Zimmer 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.
music down at the Kiama Farmers’ Market, country music is closest to his heart. “It’s just a little bit more real, and somehow Australians have a bit more of a connection with it.” Some of the songs on the album reflect experiences he’s had in years of playing gigs around the outback, while others are to do with family and other forms of connectedness. The next opportunity to hear him play is Saturday 9 June at Kiama Golf Club, 6pm, as part of the Country Gold Festival, or buy his music on iTunes.
Reception for Vietnam Vets Vietnam veterans are invited to apply to attend the 2018 Premier’s Reception at Government House in Sydney in August in commemoration of the Battle of Long Tan. The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, says the annual reception is “an opportunity for veterans to come together, to reflect on the bonds of mateship that held them together during the war and to pay respect to those who did not return”. “It also enables the NSW Government to pay its ongoing respect for the service and sacrifice of the Australian servicemen and women who served,” he says. Veterans who have not attended past receptions will be given precedence in the ballot draw. The Reception will be held on 11 August. Details: Online applications for veterans across NSW is open now at https://bit.ly/2KUJEFx and closes 4 June. Invitations will be sent to those successful in the draw.
Less than 20 minutes drive from Kiama (or jump on the train). Bookings recommended Ph: 4464 2005 3/65 Queen St, Berry (cnr Albany St)
www.southonalbany.com.au Page 4 ♦ The Bugle 26 May 2018
Bank gains Council support With pledges of support for the establishment of a Bendigo Bank branch for Gerringong and district now topping $1.1 million, Kiama Council has chipped in with dollar for dollar funding to help pay for the required community survey. “The community survey is the next stage in the establishment process,” says Steering Committee member, Shane Douglas. “We want to pay for it as we go rather than making it an expense of the new branch. “We are very grateful to Kiama Council for showing their support in this way.
“Getting a community bank in Gerringong will be of benefit to all.” Three of the councillors, Mark Westhoff, Kathie Rice and Andrew Sloan stepped out of the May Meeting when the motion was carried, due to a perceived pecuniary interest. The three had given pledges of support, meaning they may become shareholders of the new bank. The matched funding is for up to $10,000. The Steering Committee has already raised over $3,500 through a trivia night and further fundraising is expected.
Kiama Council itself is unable to invest in the bank due to legislative restrictions. As well as showing its support through the matched funding, the possibility of locating the branch in the Town Hall is being considered. A Public Information Night is being held to inform the community of the latest developments and timeframes, which should see the branch in operation by October. Details: Public Information Night, Weds 30 May, Gerringong Town Hall, 7.30pm.
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Initiative to harness grandparent power The Kiama Public School P&C is extending an open invitation to all grandparents (and friends of grandparents) in the community to come along to an information session to launch their new P&C Grandparents Subcommittee. “We acknowledge that our grandparent community are a great source of knowledge and a play a key role in our kids lives and their learning,” says P&C President Mick Baines. “The P&C want to recognise this valuable contribution by providing our school community with a unique and exciting connection to the knowledge and skills that Grandparents (and their collectives networks) can provide.” Details: Thursday 31 May, 9.30am, The Pavilion Kiama, Kendall Room. Any questions or enquires to Mick at kiamapandc@gmail.com or 0434 036 191
Take the Highway
Kiama’s alpine tradition
Work by Shoalhaven City Council to widen the southernmost section of Gerroa Road means that the section of the road between the first turnoff to Shoalhaven Heads and Coolangatta Road will be closed until the end of July. Through traffic to Nowra or Gerroa will be directed via Berry along Beach Road or Coolangatta Road. Local traffic would be able to access Shoalhaven Heads from the north from Gerroa Road.
Business Bus visit The NSW Government’s Business Bus is coming back to Kiama to provide specialist advice to business owners, with free access to independent, experienced advisors, plus specialists in the digital and creative sector. Details: Tues 29 May, The Pavilion Kiama, 9-3pm. To find out more about the Bus please call 1300 134 359 or visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au/ businessconnect
There has been a little bit of Kiama in the heart of Thredbo for 60 years, thanks to the enthusiasm of a small group of people who set up a cooperative to build a lodge in the newly created Thredbo Alpine Village. After the deposit was raised for the land by seven families, 120 locals (many who had never even seen snow) joined together to form the Kiama Alpine Club and build a lodge in a prime location in Thredbo. While there are some first, second and third generation Kiama members, the Club now has people from all over the Illawarra, Sydney, Canberra and the Snowy regions, as well as from interstate, amongst its 400 members. “We encourage participation in year-round alpine recreational activities by promoting an active and inclusive family oriented club membership and by seeking to provide good value accommodation for members and their guests at
our Lodge,” says President Liz Wynn. “Our 30 bed Lodge situated in the heart of Thredbo Village offers members and guests modern, comfortable facilities in a self-catering environment with spectacular mountain views.” At the celebration, Mayor Mark Honey, whose parents were amongst the founding members, launched a second book on the history of the Club - A Place in the Mountains: the Continuing Story of Kiama Alpine Club from 1997 to 2018 by Chas Keys. The Mayor’s mother, Elaine Honey, and former Treasurer, Steven Walker, were presented with Life Memberships on the night. Other Kiama-based Life Members are Kiama based Life Members Joan Fraser, Barry Booth, Geoff Boxsell and Anne Honey. Details: Find out more about the Club and its Lodge at kiamaalpineclub.org.au
Council budget from p1
Club news Women’s tag team sponsorship Having sponsored Jamberoo RLFC since 2009, Vivian Marris of Elders Jamberoo has expanded her support to the new 2nd Division of the Ladies League Tag competition this year. “Vivienne has constantly proven that she lives by her motto of supporting the local community,” says the Club’s Connie Dallas. “Her support of all local groups including the Jamberoo RLFC has been constant and outstanding.”
Toastmasters Kiama Toastmasters improves public speaking confidence and enhances leadership skills. The group meets fortnightly at Kiama Leagues Club. Contact Noelene on 4232 2573. Please send news to emailthebugle@gmail.com
Welcome for book
Last year, Gerroa’s David Kerr launched his book, Out of Latvia, at Kiama Library. It tells the tale of Nowra’s Peter Jirgins, who recently approved by IPART. Mr McMurray is confident that the 6 per wrestled with belonging to two places - the cent increases for the following two years land of his birth and the land of his ancestors. The tale touched many hearts, and in early will be approved in due time, describing July David and Peter are going to Latvia to the delay as teething problems between the Fit for the Future requirements and the launch the book at Riga Central Library. Their visit will coincide with the Latvian old way of approving rate variations. Song and Dance Festival, which transforms The Draft plans will be considered for adoption at Council’s meeting on Tuesday Riga and the countryside into an amazing cultural celebration every five years. 26 June. Submissions close 14 June. A number of Australian Latvian choirs Details: The documents are available are travelling to join the festivities including at www.kiama.nsw.gov.au or from the The Melbourne Latvian Male Choir, which Council Administration Centre. will perform at the book launch. Submissions should be emailed to Gerringong vet Andrejs Mendenis is going council@kiama.nsw.gov.au, or mailed to the celebrations, to sing in two of the to the General Manager, PO Box 75, choirs, and a number of Shoalhaven cyclists Kiama 2533 will be there as part of a six day cycling tour. Page 6 ♦ The Bugle 26 May 2018
125 years since the train came to town Historical societies along the route are preparing to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the opening of the railway extension from Bombo to Bomaderry. While the train line from Sydney was extended to Bombo as the temporary South Coast Line terminus in late 1887, it took another six years for the line to be extended to Kiama and on to Bomaderry. Five tunnels were required along the route. Kiama & District Historical Society is hosting a presentation on the importance of the line extension by Robyn Florance and Alan Clark, of the Shoalhaven Historical Society on Satur-
day 26 May, at the Family History Centre at 2.30pm. Both are accomplished authors and Ms Florance has just written Going South: Constructing the Railway from Kiama to Bomaderry. The talk will be followed by the launch of a neverbefore-seen collection of photos showing different facets of the construction of the railway. The photos will be on display at Kiama Library for the following three weeks for those who can’t make the talk. Further celebrations will be held at Gerringong and Berry on Saturday 2 June. Those interested in visiting Berry Railway station can
catch the train from Kiama at 11.53am, which leaves Gerringong station at noon. Members of Berry Historical Society will meet the train and have arranged a talk on the Station Master’s Cottage, and for the Berry Station Master to conduct a tour of the old signal box and other items of historical interest. At Gerringong activities will start at 2.45pm, once the 2.30pm train returns from Berry, and go until 4pm, at the old Gerringong Dairy Co-Op building alongside Gerringong Station. As well as a display of old photographs of the railway and a tour of the facility,
The train arrives at Kiama Station
there will be a talk by Ian Godfrey on the importance of the railway siding to the Dairy Company throughout its history. Ken Miller will also be on hand to share his memories as a child using the line in the 1930s and 40’s. On Sunday 3 June, Shoal-
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Photo above and bottom left: Berry and District Historical Society
haven Historical Society has arranged for the 11.53am from Kiama to be decorated with headboards on both ends of the train advertising the celebration. Nowra Town Band will play at Bomaderry Station, a plaque will be unveiled to commemorate the event, and
an anniversary cake will be cut, before the festivities move to nearby Waratah Park. Trains return from Bomaderry at 2.29pm and 4.33pm Below left: Testing Terralong St Bridge, 1892 Below: Opening of the Butter Factory, adjacent to Gerringong Station, in 1927
Get noticed in
Mayoral Column Mayor Mark Honey communicates directly with residents and ratepayers
The Bugle You’re reading this and so are your customers Local stories and local readers creates a great opportunity for local businesses
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National Volunteer Week is celebrated from 21-27 May 2018 and is a time when we can formally acknowledge the generous contribution of our community volunteers. It was great to be invited to the Blue Haven Care volunteers; afternoon tea during the week and be able to acknowledge and thank everyone for donating their time and efforts in supporting the residents. BHC volunteers are dedicated and loyal and have supported the organisation for many years. BHC has had a volunteer program in place for over 26 years. There are currently over a hundred active volunteers who work across the Community services and Home Care units of BHC. For information on becoming a BHC volunteer please
phone 4203 4055. Community volunteers assist with many activities such as transporting individuals, by bus or car, to appointments, shopping, group outings and special events, which helps BHC clients’ engagement in the local community. Volunteers also support carers by giving them a break and providing companionship for the person they are caring for either one on one or as part of a group. Volunteers in the BHC residential facility assist with quality services for residents by supporting daily activities such as reading, massage, pet therapy, craft, painting and regular BBQs. There are a lot of rewards to be gained from volunteering, such as increased happiness, a greater sense of worth and a high level of compassion which all contribute to better physical and mental health. The 2016 census reports that close to 27% of the Municipality volunteer in comparison to the State average of 18%, so we can be proud of what is achieved locally.
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I attended Bombo Headland Landcare’s 30th birthday recently making them the oldest Landcare group in the Illawarra. It is evident from the transformation of the Headland and Boneyard Beach how many hours have been put in by this volunteer group, in the past 30 years. Deputy Mayor Kathy Rice attended Kiama VIEW Club’s 60th birthday on the 23rd. This was a wonderful celebration recognising the volunteer work that the Club members have undertaken to raise funds for the Smith Family over the years. Under a new format we
will be celebrating all these types of achievements with the Kiama Council Community Awards. A presentation will be held at The Pavilion Kiama, during Local Government Week in August this year, to announce the recipients of these Community Awards. The Awards will acknowledge contributions in several different areas such as the arts, sport and environment. Nominations will open soon and further information will be available at that time. It is not too early to give some thought to who you would like to nominate.
Free sustainability workshops Kiama Council is celebrating World Environment Day (Tuesday, 5 June) with a whole month’s worth of free workshops (and a guided visit to Spring Creek Wetlands): Native bee keeping Sat 2 June Home composting Weds 13 June Beeswax wraps making Thurs 21 June Wild bird experience Sat 23 June Intro to growing mushrooms Sat 23 June Ferments and preserves Thurs 28 June Natural fertilisers and pest control Sat 30 June The workshops are for residents of Kiama municipality and you must register to ensure your place. For further details and to make a booking go to www.kiama.nsw.gov.au or phone 4232 0444.
30 years of caring for Bombo Headland
Local Real Estate News FIRST NATIONAL COAST & COUNTRY
Guarding against gazumping Some ways to protect yourself from being gazumped are:
• Always have your loan finance pre-arranged, and ensure you can pay the 10% deposit, by Bank Cheque or a deposit bond so there is no delay before attempting to exchange contracts on a property.
• Obtain a copy of the sale contract as soon as possible and have it examined by either your licensed conveyancer or solicitor.
• Seek to exchange contracts with the vendor as soon as possible. Anyone purchasing residential property has a five-day cooling off period commencing from the time of exchange of the contracts. Only the purchaser can waive the cooling off period and it can be extended by agreement.
• During the cooling off period, you can do a building and pest inspection and have the contract examined. However, if you rescind the contract during this period, you forfeit 0.25% of the purchase price to the vendor, as the property has been taken off the market for a period of time. The amount forfeited is recovered from the deposit you paid under the contract. If the amount of the deposit is insufficient, you will have to provide the necessary additional funds. You should find information relating to the cooling off period in your contract. Established as a Bicentennial Project in 1988, the Bombo Headland Landcare Group is celebrating its 30th anniversary having made an extraordinary impact on the landscape. When the Group was formed by local residents, there was little evidence of any mature indigenous trees remaining around the Boneyard precinct on the Headland’s north. Now, mature figs and cabbage tree palms provide
a canopy of green as part of approximately 30,000 native trees, shrubs and other plants that have been lovingly established. “It takes 30 years to establish a forest, and that is what the group has done,” says Tania George, who has been an active member of the Group for 28 years. “Right from the start we have been aiming to mimic the diversity of the intact rainforest ecosystems at Black Head in Gerroa and
Mayor Mark Honey and Deputy Mayor Kathy Rice presented Bob King and members of Bombo Headland Landcare Group with a Cabbage Tree Palm to mark the anniversary.
Setting the scene Part of preparing your home for sale can be the most fun and involves the use of colour, lighting and accessories to emphasise the best features of your home. Study magazine ads and furniture showrooms to see how small details can enhance the appearance of a room. Simple additions, such as a vase of flowers, an open book on the coffee table, or a basket of logs by the fireplace, can make a room more attractive and appealing. Be careful not to create distracting clutter. The use of a brightly coloured pillow on a chair or a throw rug on a sofa can add dimension to an otherwise neutral room. Use accent pieces for colour.
The Boneyard before the Landcare regeneration works
along Seven Mile Beach.” Founded by Bob King, Carl Glaister and Peter Knott, the Group still has over fifteen core members who attend monthly planting and maintenance sessions throughout the year. Ms George says the success is due to a mix of horticultural experience and passion. “Without passion, it was never going to happen,” she says. Over the years, the project has been funded by grants secured by collaboration with Kiama Council and Illawarra Landcare. The Boneyard is a popular local surfing and picnicking spot, accessed from Cliff Drive to the north or Darian Avenue to the south. A concrete pathway leads down to the beach, and a walking track originally laid
out by the group, and now maintained by Council, leads up the Headland. Funding has recently been received for a staircase to allow walkers to descend to the quarry floor on the south of the Headland. During the 1880s, the Boneyard was home to considerable infrastructure, with a quarry loader, light rail and a jetty to load blue metal to be used throughout the colony for roads and rail ballast. Ongoing restoration and revegetation is being undertaken, and new members are welcome to join the group. Details: Anyone interested in joining the Group should contact Tania George on 0431 752 309
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Soften potentially offending views, but always let light into your rooms. Consider replacing heavy curtains with something lighter.
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Out & about
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At the Bendigo Bank Trivia Night Tables representing Gerringong’s many active community organisations pitted their wits at a Trivia Night to raise money for the next stage of the establishment of a bank branch. Gerringong Lions Club were the victors, receiving a donation of $200 for their community activities. The Master of Ceremonies was Andrejs Medenis.
Cllr Mark Westhoff with Debora and Karl Kunz
Below left: Helen Law with Eliza, James and Philippa Wilcox Below: New Gerringong residents Julie and Geoff Webb Below right: Tim Wilkinson and Louise Ryan Far right: Karen Lang with Dan Balding
Right: The winning team from Gerringong Lions
Page 10 ♦ The Bugle 26 May 2018
The Bugle Crossword
Use a local
ACROSS 1. Herb that traditionally goes well with lamb 4. Black sedimentary rock that Mr Abbott says powers Australia 6. An abbreviation of a surface that has tar added to macadam road 10. Divide in half 11. Greek strongman. RAAF 4 engine turbo prop aircraft 14. International Olympic Committee (1,1,1) 16. Aust. undomesticated horse (or Canberra Super Rugby player) 18. Third planet from sun 20. Handmade shag wool rug. Big in the 1970's!! 21. Professional who concentrates on teeth 22. King in French 24. Holds one's trousers up 26. Young lady who wanted to share an apple 27. Cocktail made from tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice, sometimes with salt around the glass rim 29. What sort of men don't eat quiche? 30. Area of land that is 4840 sq. yards; dimensions 1 chain x furlong 32. Name of castle where recent UK wedding was held 35. Israeli sub machine gun 37. Slang for Magistrate. “I'm up before the ----” 38. Pliant and flexible 40. In the nursery rhyme “It’s raining its pouring”, what is the old man doing? 41. Unhappy 43. How many horsemen of the apocalypse are there? 46. Slang for a donkey: leading to the name of car BMC Mini ---47. Aust bicycle manufacturer est in 1902 (7,4) 50. One who adopts a holistic approach to wellness based upon the body's inherent ability to heal itself 51. That which goes on a
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Last issue’s solution
cake and makes a good situation even better 52. A cricket ball bowled so that it pitches immediately under the bat DOWN 1. My dad used to call these feral animals ‘underground mutton’ 2. Nice garden in Genesis 3. Automotive AC electrical generator 4. Afro American bishop who delivered the 13 minute sermon at the wedding 5. Person who is 18 or over 7. Spirituous liquor made in Bundaberg Qld, amongst other places 8. Direction that clock hands move in Australia 9. Breakfast toast spread that “Puts a rose in every cheek” 12. Badly behaved child or teenager who is sometimes considered spoiled 13. Who walked Meghan down the aisle? 15. Crime is organised into blue or white -----17. Domestic servant
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19. Pacific country with pregnant prime minister 23. English prince recently married 25. First name of Mrs Turnbull, wife of PM 28. Hormone produced in the pancreas which regulates glucose in the blood 31. English county Meghan Markle is now the duchess of 32. Intelligent teeth at the back of the mouth 33. Bicycle racing track 34. Vertical timber board at the edge of floor boards
36. Design house favoured by Meghan and Audrey 39. Shears or scissors used to cut fabric and leave a zig zag pattern 42. With which article of furniture did Dan Dan the garbage man comb his hair? 44. Barbeque stick with cubes of lamb and veg 45. Castrated young bovine 48. Australian Broadcasting Commission (1,1,1) 49. Pen for pigs Crossword by Steve Law
Page 11 ♦ The Bugle 26 May 2018
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Postcard home
If you’d like to share your travel story, send your postcard home (even when you are back) to emailthebugle@gmail.com
31st year for the Werri Slash The Werri Autumn Slash, the longest running and biggest individual surfing competition on the Illawarra and South Coast, will this year introduce computer scoring to give surfers and spectators up-to-date progress of each heat. From humble beginnings in 1988 with one tent for the judges and a battery powered megaphone catering for four age divisions, The Slash now carries six age divisions, with female age groups indicating the growth in female surfing numbers. “Just about all surfers from the region who have carved out a career in pro-
As far as long distance hikes go, New Zealand’s 3000km Te Araroa Trail, stretching from Cape Reinga to Bluff, is young. Only officially opened in 2011, much of the terrain is classically rugged Kiwi tramping. I’m hiking the South Island and the bottom third of the North Island, as a March start was way too late in the season
for a traditional southbound start from the top of the North. While the alpine passes get most of the photos, the landscape variety is immense, from emerald green river tracks to boggy farmland to crystal clear lakes set amongst the Southern Alps. Not every minute on the trail is enjoyable when you’re carrying a 20kg pack and having
cous cous for dinner every night, but there’s nothing like finally getting to a backcountry hut or finding a great campsite hours after the trail times suggested you’d get there. The Americans on the trail tell me that the steep scree alpine passes, rope climbs up steep bluffs and the logistics of getting over or around colossal braided riv-
ers are a far cry from some of the well known and well graded trails in their home country. However, the satisfaction of overcoming such rugged terrain and the incredible landscapes are something I wouldn’t trade, even if it meant skipping the 20-30km roadwalks when approaching trail towns. Patrick Wilcox, Gerringong
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fessional surfing have all entered or won an age division of The Slash, using the event as a springboard onto the World Surf Tour,” says Dave Hunt of Werri Beach Boardriders, which organises the event. These include a Who’s Who of professional and semi-professional surfers, including the current crop of WSL tour surfers such as Tyler Wright, Sally Fitzgibbons, Owen Wright, Nic Squiers, Dean Bowen and Ty Watson. Details: 2-3 June, Werri Beach, Gerringong. 7am starts, with finals beginning early Sunday afternoon.
Werri Beach Boardriders President Matt Gale, Werri Slash Open Mens winner in 2015