The Bugle 1 September 2021 by The Bugle Newspaper

Scrutiny on Council accounts p3

Local action on Afghanistan p3

COVID Shots for Safe Shops p7

Events to look forward to

Local author tops US Amazon p11

p13

4 SEPT 2021

Gold for Amanda

Three time Paralympian when she trains here, I’ve cyclist Amanda Reid only been known to have a ‘ridlives in Gerringong for er ahead’ or ‘rider behind’ part of the year, but we are sign on my windscreen as claiming her as a local. I follow her to make sure She is bringing home everything’s okay during the Gold Medal and a her ride.” world record after an outWhen Amanda isn’t standing ride in the C1-3 training with coach Tom 500m Time Trial Cycling Dawson, she spends Paralympics event. some of her time snowThe 24 year old clocked boarding and living in the in 38.487 seconds to win. Snowies. Amanda not only broke “She trains for cycling her own world record with Tom, who mentors which was previously her as well, and they like 38.918 but she was also to go on the outdoor track the only rider in the whole at Unanderra and do the event to finish under 39 rides around Wollonseconds. gong,” says Katherine. Amanda’s mother Kath“But she also finds by erine was thrilled. going down to the snow “It’s absolutely fantastic, she gets the opportunity words simply can’t sum it to do altitude training and up,” she says. the snowboarding keeps “It was even more her fit and makes her special with the world remuscles work.” cord – it was like a double There is no stopping win for her. now for Amanda who has “I admit as a parent it her sights set on another did seem very different to Gold medalist, Amanda Reid Credit: Mathilde Dusol supplied by Paralympics Australia gold medal at the Paris see Amanda’s face on the TV. “Amanda cycled on the gold medal. 2024 Paralympics. “That’s when it hit home track and the road when She divides her time living “Amanda is still only 24 so how much Amanda has she was little but because in and training between Gerrin- I think she still has capacity matured and how sport has competition cycling you can’t gong, Sydney and the Snowy to compete in another two enabled her to travel the compete internationally until Mountains. Games,” says Katherine. world, as well as helping with you’re eighteen, she couldn’t When in Gerringong she “She has said she’d love to her personal development.” get classified as a young lives with her grandparents, be able to do five Games if Amanda, who has cerebral cyclist so she decided to Christine and Tom Gallagher. her body holds up. palsy and an intellectual imfocus on her swimming,” says “I was beside myself when “As she’s getting older, she’s pairment, is now a five time Katherine. she won,” says Christine. understanding more about para-cycling world champi“It was only when she “The number of things that how her body works with her on as well as a three time came across her old cycling Amanda has been through in disabilities.” Paralympian. jersey from about age seven her life is absolutely amazing Her proud mum says it After competing in the that she thought to give and she has always come out is still only just sinking in London 2012 Paralympic cycling a go again.” on the other side. that Amanda is the reigning Games in the S14 100 metre Amanda is a Guringai and “Her timetable changes so Paralympic champion and breaststroke, she transition- Wemba Wemba woman, and much but she’s got a home world record holder. ed to cycling ahead of the has made Paralympics hishere with us when she stays by Jack Wallner Rio 2016 Games, where she tory as the first Indigenous throughout the year. won a Silver Medal. Australian to win a cycling “I’ve got a bright red car so

Draft Harbour Action Plan: shaped by people power

In what Councillor Mark Way sees as a victory for people power, the new Draft Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Action Plan keeps the boat ramp in its current position and retains the public car park by the Rock Pool. “We have achieved our two major objectives,” he says. “There is no other viable location for the boat ramp. It is a win for sanity, brought about by people power. “They started off on the wrong foot by not talking to the right people in the first consultation.” Two hundred and thirteen individual submissions were received on the draft Revitalisation Framework, and

the result it that a number of long term options (such as the building of breakwalls) are not included in the Draft Action Plan, out for comment until 10 September. “The overwhelming sentiment from the feedback received highlighted the importance of the Harbour to local residents, nearby communities and tourists,” said NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings on the release of Draft. “A number of key issues were raised, including the importance of the Men’s Baths [Rock Pool], the need to maintain the existing character and charm of Kiama continued on p4

Single launched online Kiama Municipality

Spring Garden Competition When the Going gets Tough – the Tough get Gardening

Has your garden come into its own with you being at home so much?

Reward your efforts by entering Kiama Garden Club Inc’s annual competition. You don’t need to be a member to enter, but new members are always welcome.

# ENTRY FORM

ENTRIES CLOSE 17th September 2021

Choose one category:

GARDEN OVER ½ ACRE An area greater than 2,000 sq. metres – can include whole garden or part of it GARDEN UNDER ½ ACRE Less than 2,000 sq. metres – can cover front or back gardens EDIBLE GARDEN Can be vegetable gardens, fruit gardens, culinary herb gardens, bush tucker gardens or a combination of these. With an element of sustainability and eco creation ie. Worm farm composting etc. PREDOMINANTLY NATIVE GARDEN Must consist of a significant portion of Australian natives BALCONY/INDOOR Small spaces that have their garden potential maximised through pots and/or planter boxes COURTYARD Walled Garden which may include pots, planter boxes and/or ornaments SENIOR LIVING COMPLEX GARDEN This can include retirement villages and nursing homes. Pot gardens considered. CHILDREN’S GARDEN Created or cared for by a child or group of children. Can be childcare centres, schools or just a family backyard with a gardening space dedicated to the children.

JUDGING 6th to 8th October 2021

Presentation – 22nd October 2021

NAME

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ADDRESS

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With COVID restrictions closing venues and musicians not being able to play live gigs, Little Betty’s bar in Kiama found a way to let popular local singer/songwriter Joe Mungovan still have a launch for his latest single, Give Me Your Love. They live streamed the two hour event on Little Betty’s facebook page, with people able to get deliveries from the bar and make donations for the performance. “The livestream went great,” says Joe. “I think we clocked over a few thousand viewers and lots of them reached deep to help support the crew and the artists which was really good.” Locally based R&R Production Services put it to air. The livestream featured Joe’s new music video, filmed in Kiama in one shot. It follows Joe past the Terrace Houses and onto the main street before finishing at Little Betty’s. “I had to change the whole idea of the clip because we went into lockdown halfway through, so we had to think about what was still doable,” says Joe. Along with the release of Give Me Your Love, Joe announced his debut album will be out in November. He has worked on it while living and recording the songs in Kangaroo Valley for much of last year. He has plans to do an album tour when COVID permits. “I’m really proud of what I’ve made and nervous to get it out there,” says Joe. “I just hope people connect with it. “It’s a pretty personal album so it’s kind of like opening your diary up to the world. I guess that’s what we do as songwriters, we reach inside and tell people stories of things that other people

can connect to because, to a degree, we are all going through the same things.” A Flower In The Weeds will be out on 10 November on all streaming services.

Keep up-to-date with Joe on Facebook or his website at: www.joemungovan.com Follow Little Betty’s facebook page to find out about any future events. by Jack Wallner

What’s on? Not much

Given the uncertainty, we are having a pause in this section for the time being. Plenty is being planned for when things open up again (see page 11). Support our local eateries by ordering their takeaway, to enjoy at home.

EMAIL ………………………………………………………………… Should you be fortunate enough to win/place with your category would you be agreeable to allow Garden Club Members to visit, as a group in the following year. Please tick or cross the box. TO LODGE YOUR ENTRY BY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2021 Post to: Jenny Brown – 14 Bass St Kiama Downs, 2533 Phone – 0414 257 215 Email to: kiamagcsecretary@gmail.com

We would sincerely like to thank our generous sponsors Burnetts on Barney, Elders Jamberoo, Kiama Municipal Council, Furniture One Kiama, Gareth Ward, The Bugle, Kiama Pharmacy, Posy Jones Floral Co, Val Sherlock, Dianne Rendel, Jamberoo Golf Club, Little Earth Café, Woolworths, Foodworks, Kiama Bowling Club, Fiona Phillips

2 | 4 September 2021

The Bugle

Financial reporting Local under greater scrutiny The new era of transparency about Council finances (highlighted in our last issue) has resulted in an Extraordinary Meeting of Kiama Council being held to endorse correspondence with key agencies, note an incorrect transfer of funds and research work into loan resolutions. An extraordinary meeting was needed as Council’s CEO Jane Stroud wanted councillors to endorse a report requested by TCorp, Council’s State Government financier, which needed to be lodged that day. The Business Papers say the report was responding to a request by TCorp, by ‘outlining Council’s current financial position, restorative actions and acknowledge-

ment of previous deficiencies in financial reporting and transparency. Council has also agreed to keep TCorp informed of its progress on the long term financial plan as a priority.’ The CEO stressed to councillors that Council is up-todate in its commitments, and that TCorp is confident in Council’s ability to repay its loans, which at end of June amounted to $48,840,227 ($45,000,000 of which relates to Blue Haven Bonaira). In addition, the Meeting was also used to make councillors aware of the finding that $1 million had been moved from internally restricted reserves into the operational accounts, without the necessary Council

resolution. Given that finding of ‘an administrative error’, staff are now undertaking a full review into the current reserves, both internal and external, held by Council to see if there have been any other breaches of accounting standards. “I’ve said before that I am committed to openness and transparency about financial matters of Council, and today’s report is a continuation of that commitment,” says Ms Stroud. “As we continue to research and review, it is possible other issues may come to light. The important thing for all of us is to focus on the path towards financial sustainability

action on Afghanistan

Gerroa’s Glenn Kolmeitz has worked tirelessly over the past few weeks, pro bono and living Kabul hours, to help organise visas for Afghan refugees who worked sideby-side with the Australian Defence Forces. He has been helped by another local. “Mark Croxford has lent me amazing support with his access to the Immigration Minister,” says Glenn. “He opened a couple of doors and as a result, we have kicked a couple of goals, getting a family out who would still be stuck there now.” Glenn is a former Army officer, now barrister, who continued p4 served a number of rotations in Afghanistan. He has been in the national news recently, working, again pro bono, to represent some of the whistleblowers who helped bring to light the alleged atrocities in Afghanistan as outlined in the Brereton Report. Now that the evacuation Kiama Council has opened resourcing from Kabul has ended, a As detailed in an earlier an expression of interest • review and monitor Coun- issue, Council is creating the larger crisis is just beginning, for local people with senior cil’s financial performance Blue Haven Advisory Board according to the UNHCR. corporate and financial expe- • review and investigate Glenn’s attitude is: Let’s do as a direct result of the recrience to join its new Finance opportunities proposed by ommendations of the Royal whatever it takes. Advisory Committee. Council officers or other “There are still things we Commission into Aged Care, Four people from the local committee members can do, as a community, to which has brought about community will be appointed • provide report to Council legislative amendments to support these refugees,” says to the committee, to work on the progress of the fiGlenn. improve governance and alongside the Mayor, the nancial sustainability plan compliance. He points out that just CEO, the CFO and Director and strategies delivered. The Advisory Board will be this week, Amanda Findlay, Engineering & Works. Applications for these volun- made up of two councillors the Mayor of Shoalhaven The purpose of the Finance tary roles close 4pm, Friday and five independent experts, Council, moved a motion for Advisory Committee is to: 17 September, and must be community support, callwho are being sought via • review Council’s Long lodged via a form available ing on the Prime Minister Board Direction. ApplicaTerm Financial Plan and on Council’s website. to increase the number of tions for these paid roles strategies that deliver Council has also moved resettlement places and give have already closed. financial objectives to ahead with the process of The hunt for the new Chief permanent protection to the Council finding experts with profes4,300 Afghanis already here Operating Officer of Blue • develop and review action sional experience in govHaven Illawarra is also being on temporary visas. plans aimed at delivering ernance and the provision “Perhaps Kiama Council advertised by specialist aged financial performance of aged care service to be can move similar motions of care recruiters. • review service levels non-executive board memIt is hoped the position will support,” says Glenn. ensuring sustainable bers of Blue Haven Illawarra. be filled by the end of the year. “Our community can get

Council seeking specialist advice

on social media and other platforms to speak to our Federal MPs and senators to say that the Kiama community welcomes our Afghan colleagues – because don’t forget, these people worked for us, they helped Australian forces and Australian reconstruction efforts in support of their country. “Stepping up as a community would be a very good welcoming message.” He says that forty years ago, the Wollongong community embraced Vietnamese refugees. “There is now a thriving Vietnamese/Australian community in Wollongong, and they are contributing to the cultural richness of our area. Their contribution has been enormous. “Kiama can do that. “Let’s rapidly get these people settled, let’s fix up these emergency visas that are only valid for one month, let’s give them some sanctuary and security in Australia. And ideally settle some in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.” Mark Croxford, who lives in Kiama Downs and is standing as a candidate in the next local election, says that all he did to help was take advantage of his network to do what he could to help his community. He served 20 years in the Navy and was a peacekeeper in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 1999 he worked as a ministerial advisor on Operation Safehaven, when the Howard Government airlifted 4,000 Albanian Kosovars here and resettled them. “Glenn is doing remarkable things to help people not just in our LGA but around the world,” Mark says.

Glenn Kolmeitz in Afghanistan

Another local, George Gittoes from Gerringong – who went to Afghanistan as an official war artist and set up an arts school in Kabul – has teamed up with Ben Quilty, also war artist and a strong humanitarian. Through the UNHCR, Ben started the For Afghanistan fund-raising campaign which within a week raised over $4 million, through tech billionaires Scott Farquhar and Mike Cannon-Brookes, and Karen Wilson of the Wilson Foundation, each matching the first million raised.

To donate to For Afghanistan: crisis-in-afghanistan.raisely. com/ben-quilty Donations to help the Red Cross search for Australians caught up in the crisis can be made via redcross.org.au/ Afghanistan or by phoning 1800 733 276

A template to write to your MP is available at www. action.refugeecouncil.org.au/ take_action_afghanistan by Perrie Croshaw

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4 September 2021 | 3

Council’s financial reporting

Dementia recognition

and take decisive steps to correct errors when and where found.” The report for the meeting also noted a review is being undertaken to ensure that all the required resolutions for signing and entering into loan agreements have been undertaken. This follows the finding that one loan was

The Dementia-friendly Kiama Project is seeking community input to recognise individuals or organisations during Dementia Action Week. Council’s Manager Community and Cultural Development, Nick Guggisberg, says they want to recognise those who: • are inclusive of people with dementia • actively promote dementia inclusiveness • are quiet achievers in supporting people living with dementia to participate in community life “The Dementia-friendly Kiama Project will promote and acknowledge all of the Champion nominations received during Dementia Action Week, 20-26 September,” he says. In somewhat of an anomaly, the Kiama Municipality has only this year been officially recognised by Dementia Australia as a Working Towards a Dementia-friendly Community, reflecting its commitment to an approved action plan to becoming dementia-friendly.

from p3

only partially approved. In response, Mayor Mark Honey says, “We’re pleased this issue has been brought to our attention. “We are more than happy to meet outside of our usual round of meetings to endorse the required correspondence and deal with this issue. “We’re glad our CEO and

CFO are focused on resolving the matter as quickly as possible.” Councillors were also told in detail of additional steps that staff have taken to improve financial reporting and management practices, including the release of a working draft of the Financial Sustainability Plan.

Creating beautiful Australian gardens

Back in 2016, Dementia Allianace International said, “Many people with dementia now see the Kiama DFC Pilot Project as the gold standard of any Dementia Friendly Community project or initiative in the world.” The important differentiator was, and is, the active Dementia Advisory Group (affectionately known as DAGs), which is made up of people with dementia and their carers/supporters/partners and provides invaluable strategic and practical advice from lived experience. This unconventional approach has gained traction, with Dementia Australia planning for a number of dementia advocates to appear in national television and digital advertising to promote this year’s Dementia Action Week. Guided by the DAGs, the Dementia Friendly Kiama Project has recognised the issues of often unintended discrimination resulting from a lack of awareness and understanding, providing training for social clubs and businesses and holding

regular networking sessions for those affected. “It is so important to keep people connected,” says Mr Guggisberg. “Since the beginning of COVID, we have been holding social, online catch-ups on Zoom each week, and have even had people tuning in and presenting from overseas.” To mark Dementia Action Week, the Dementia-friendly Kiama Project will not only be holding its regular catch-up, and launching a male carers support group, but will be running a pop-up education and awareness stall at the Kiama Farmers’ Market (COVID restrictions allowing). The stall will be at the Market at Surf Beach on Weds 22 September, 2-5pm. To nominate someone to be acknowledged, please email council@kiama.nsw.gov.au, with the Subject: Dementia Champion. Please outline how the person or organisation you are nominating is dementia enabling and inclusive.

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Harbour, and a strong preference for the boat ramp to remain in its current location.” Mr Hutchings said the feedback was taken on board, and given that a number of the medium and long-term opportunities were not widely supported, the approach was reshaped into an action plan, to focus on the shortterm activation opportunities. “We’ve simplified the action plan to be supported by three key objectives for the future development of the Harbour precinct. “These are to celebrate local and regional attractions and activities, to respect and

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4 | 4 September 2021

ter and environment, and to support commercial and recreational boating activities. “Now that we’ve refined our approach, we are keen to hear the community’s thoughts on this updated plan, and we think people will see that we’ve really listened to them.” The Draft Action Plan was developed after consideration of the submissions, but without further key consultation with stakeholders, including Council. Online information sessions are being held on Friday, 3 September 11am – 12pm and 3pm - 4pm. While happy with the victories that have been achieved, Cllr Way is frustrated it includes a new initiative that he considers unworkable. “The solution of moving the wharf around into the harbour is just ridiculous. “If you have ever seen that area in a nor-east swell, the water washes away the furniture at Cargos. “It again highlights they haven’t talked to people who know all about this stuff before proposing it. “They would have been better off taking up my suggestion, which I have been on about for years, of creating a small breakwall at the northern entrance to the harbour, to give extra protection to the moored boats.” He continues to believe that the proposal for a chandlery and other boating businesses, in the area where the fish market currently is, is not commercially warranted and that putting in more buildings will change the profile

of the area and introduce unwanted commercialisation. “The overarching thing is we don’t want another Gold Coast. Locals and visitors like the Harbour essentially the way it is,” he says. “Commercialising the area will just take business away from existing businesses.” He says most of the short term measures are already included in the 2014 Harbour Masterplan. The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, welcomes the Draft Action Plan. “I have been working with the Government on changes based on local community consultation and this plan reflects that work,” he says. “I would encourage anyone making a submission to also send a copy to me so I can do my utmost to ensure the final plan reflects community views and concerns.” The Chair of Central Precinct, Mark Greaves says, “I think they have really listened to the community concerns. “The buildings they proposed remain, and will add a lot of value to the area. “However, as we said in our submission, it should have been planned in line with the Coastal Management Scoping Study.” Feedback on the Draft Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Plan is open from until Friday 10 September 2021. Full details on the Action Plan, including how to register for the information sessions and lodge your submission, are available at bit.ly/kiamaharbour.

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Large trees make way for storage units Acting on an approved DA, the owner of 3 Belvedere St, Kiama, has begun removing all of the 37 trees on the industrial zoned property, formerly the milk depot, to make way for 22 storage units. Weriton Properties’ DA was approved by Council in December 2019 (Councillors Rice, Rielly and Westhoff against), despite strong opposition from residents who were concerned about the habitat loss for the valley and other environmental impacts. While most were identified as weed species, fourteen of the mature trees were identified by an arborist as being significant to the landscape. Since that time, an amended DA was lodged to include light industrial units and sublevel parking spaces in the complex. Amongst other things, this approval process required further flora and fauna reports to be done, in particular because of the sighting of a rare bird. That DA has recently been withdrawn, and work has started on the original DA that approved the tree removal. “I’m concerned about the process and only time will tell what the eventual outcome for this develop-

The northern boundary after the first day

ment will be,” says Councillor Kathy Rice. “Will it be all self-storage units, or will there be a modification to include industrial units as well?” She accepts it would have been difficult to keep all of the trees, but is disappointed it wasn’t designed to include even a few of the mature trees. “I feel it is disrespectful of the knowledge of locals who know how well habited by birds this area is,” she says. Camilla Kerr-Ruston, who lives adjacent to the site and led a campaign to save the trees, says she is resigned to the situation. “They are doing nothing illegal, but I think what they are doing is immoral. “From the start, he didn’t even consider keeping the

trees as he was told by someone in Council that it would be fine to take down all the trees. “Come election time, I’m going to make sure that people are reminded who allowed this to happen. “I tried everything, but they didn’t listen.” Approached for comment, Weriton Properties’ Graham Werry said, “I acknowledge that no one likes change, but the development is low scale, has minimal impact, low noise emission, and is aesthetically pleasing. “I expect that the new development will improve the neighbours’ property values by removing the uncertainty which would otherwise have hung over an underdeveloped industrial zoned site.”

KIAMA VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE UPGRADE The centre has served the town well for many years and we believe a refresh will serve the needs of the community into the future.

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The Bugle

Way for businesses to show vaccination status Kiama & District Business Chamber’s new COVID Shots for Safe Shops campaign offers local businesses the opportunity to promote themselves when staff are either partially or fully vaccinated, so when things open up shoppers can feel more comfortable using their services. “We are hoping that, when our retail shops and business providers can open up and provide services to the general public again, this will be a way of encouraging Kiama’s population and visitors to come and shop locally,” says Cameron McDonald, the Chamber’s President. The initiative was created following a survey of all Chamber members where 93.1 per cent of respondents were in favour of the campaign. Businesses will be selfjudging whether they are eligible to put up the sign, something that could be problematic as most employers are currently unable to mandate that their staff be vaccinated, and there are privacy concerns. “It is not a vaccination campaign as such, it is about promoting businesses and trying to get people back to shopping locally,” says Mr McDonald. “We are leaving it up to business owners themselves to be part of it but essentially there will be some level of comfort for shoppers that there is a vaccination process in place by the businesses and the staff.” Melanie Hamill, co-owner of Kiama Cafe & Scoops Ice Creamery says her family are right behind the campaign. “We want to keep ourselves and the community safe, and by being one of the safest

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Scoops Ice Creamery’s Anthony Varayiannis and Melanie Hamill, with their daughter Maria Manticos (centre), with the sign that will be seen in more and more businesses.

places to come to it will help improve our trade,” she says. “We have always been very proactive about doing all we can to keep the community safe during this time.” This has included their being the first to introduce a COVID Marshall, professional sanitisation stands and cordons. “The local licencing sergeant asked to film us for training,” says husband, Anthony Varayiannis. With a 75 per cent drop in trade, during the week staffing has been cut back to their family members and two other adults, all of whom have been vaccinated. Ms Hamill believes it is in everyone’s self interest to get vaccinated, and the lack of supply is causing stress. “The young people around here can’t get vaccinated, despite how hard they try,” she says, referring to the lack of Pfizer locally as yet. “At the moment vaccine eligibility is 16 and over and

they are talking about reducing that to 12 and over so some young people working in local businesses aren’t eligible for a vaccination at the moment,” says Mr McDonald. “As people do become vaccinated, it may be that the businesses then decide that this is a poster they want to stick up, but it’s entirely up to them.” The initiative comes as our LGAs vaccination rates continue to rise which the Chamber hopes will help with attracting more business in the community. “We hope it comes across as a positive campaign and it provides people with the idea that everyone is in this together and Kiama can get ahead of NSW and Australia,” says Mr McDonald. As Ms Hamill puts it, “We want to help people see there is some light at the end of the tunnel.”

More info at www.kiamachamber.com.au by Jack Wallner

First vax rate over 70 per cent

The Kiama LGA’s vaccination rate continues to be amongst the highest in the state, even earning a mention in dispatches by the Deputy Premier, John Barilaro. As of 26 August, 71.8 per cent of the eligible population in our Municipality had received their first jab, and 44.3 per cent were fully vaccinated. In comparison, Shellharbour had 60.8 and 33.3 per cent; and Wollongong 62.3 and 32.2 per cent. The Shoalhaven was closest to our rate, with 66 and 39.9 per cent respectively. NSW as a whole had a first jab rate of 62.8 per cent and 33.8 per cent were fully vaccinated.

Getting the type of ownership correct at the start of the purchase process will help to prevent any problems down the track if one of the owners wants to relinquish their share, or upon the death of a co-owner. Given the property market is becoming increasingly difficult to break for first home buyers, tenants in common contracts is becoming more popular than you think. Tenants in Common Tenants in common refers to ownership over a certain property by parties who do not automatically have a right of ownership should one of the parties suddenly die (for example friends or siblings). They are co-owners of the property, however their shares and interest over the property do not have to be equal and depend entirely on the agreed shares of the parties. If one-party of the tenants in common died, their share would be provided to the beneficiary of their choice. Joint tenancy The joint tenancy ownership structure applies to couples, either married or de-facto. A joint tenant contract states that your share in the property automatically passes to the surviving owner. With this structure, the property does not form part of your distributable estate.

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School road safety funding

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Road safety is to be improved at four school zones through a windfall grant of $375,000 from the joint Federal and State Government Stimulus Commitment Road Safety Program. Council is to accept the funding, which wasn’t applied for and does not require any linked investment by Council. The Director Engineering & Works, Mike Dowd, assured councillors that Council would consult with the various P&Cs to ensure the money is spent on the best safety solution. The project descriptions in the funding agreement, pro-

posed by Transport for NSW after initial discussions with Council, are currently: • Kiama High School: $100,000 for a raised pedestrian crossing on Saddleback Mountain Road • Kiama Public School: $100,000 for installation of a children’s pedestrian crossing on existing pedestrian refuge crossing point on Collins Street along with pedestrian fencing on Bong Bong Street entrance. The fencing will help to push pedestrians to a safer area and perform a barrier be-

employees for the mistakes of his company and say that he knew nothing? I think not… The buck stops with the person at the top and the current Council has, in my opinion, failed the ratepayers in being accountable for their actions and in being financially responsible to the needs of the ratepayers. It’s time for a change and I welcome the initiatives of the new CEO. Tim Hoare, Kiama

for Village residents. The changes introduced should create a safer and more harmonious culture making management more receptive and accountable to both residents and overseers. Policies, not previously in place, such as police screening and ‘working with the elderly compliances’ for caretakers, workers and staff have been introduced following a serious incident which took place on site earlier in the year. All residents should now The new management and feel that they will be respectgovernance structure for ed, heard and responded to Blue Haven is welcome news in a timely manner with com-

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Transport for NSW is seeking your feedback on the draft Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Action Plan by Friday 10 September. The Action Plan addresses community and stakeholder feedback received from the Kiama Harbour revitalisation consultation earlier in the year. The Action Plan proposes visions and short term goals to guide future investment in Kiama Harbour that support the local community, tourism, and regional development. If you are interested in attending an online information session, please email: maritimecomms@transport.nsw.gov.au Visit the project website at roads-waterways.transport.nsw. gov.au/projects/kiama-harbour-revitalisation/ or scan the QR code below. Please provide feedback by email at maritimecomms@transport.nsw.gov.au or by mail to:

8 | 4 September 2021

80 BARNEY ST KIAMA

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Attn: Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Transport for NSW, Maritime Branch Locked Bag 5100 CAMPERDOWN NSW 1450

Following her attendance at Central Precinct’s August Meeting, Council’s CEO, Jane Stroud, will be the guest speaker at Minnamurra Progress Association’s September Meeting. The meeting will be held online on Tuesday 7 September, from 7.15pm. Members are invited to submit questions by the Friday before. Contact MinnamurraProgressAssn@ gmail to find out how to view proceedings.

plaint and dispute policies recently introduced ranging from minor, moderate, major and critical. It is also important for the community at large to know that Blue Haven Village is a safe, compliant and respectful place where management sees its role as facilitators to its residents. Name and address supplied We welcome letters. Word limit of 150. Writers’ names and addresses must be provided. Letters published at the Editor’s discretion. Send to news@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

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tween buses and vehicles. • Minnamurra Public School: $75,000 for the upgrade of existing Kiss and Drop Zone, extending the kerb and a shared path to provide a waiting area • Gerringong Public School: $100,000 for a pedestrian refuge upgrade at side entrance to school on Belinda Street (near Rowlins Road). In particular, it is felt the proposal for Kiama PS will require further consideration given the long held concerns of the parents. The projects are to be completed by June 2022.

TO THE EDITOR

It’s refreshing to see the new CEO is prioritizing the need for Kiama Council’s budget to “undergo a major overhaul, to introduce greater public scrutiny and transparency.” I don’t think that any Kiama ratepayer would dispute that need. What is disappointing is Mayor Honey saying, “Councillors were not aware of the situation earlier because they relied on the information provided to them.” This comment needs a great deal more ‘scrutiny’ and accountability. Would the chairman of a public company blame his

Meet the CEO online

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UV light can damage many structures inside the eye, including the macula. We know that light hitting our eye from the side can cause changes on the surface of the eye like pterygium and pinguecula. Pterygium A pterygium (teh-RIJ-eeum) is an elevated, wedged-shaped growth on the scleral conjunctiva that invades the cornea. Pterygia are benign (non-cancerous) growths. Many people with pterygia do not experience symptoms or need treatment. Some pterygia may become red and swollen on occasion, and some may become large or thick. This may cause concern about appearance or create a feeling of having a foreign body in the eye. Large and advanced pterygia can actually cause distortion of the surface of the cornea and affect vision. Treatment depends on the pterygium’s size and the symptoms it causes. If a pterygium is small but becomes inflamed, your optometrist or doctor may prescribe lubricants or possibly a mild steroid eye drop to reduce swelling and redness. In some cases, surgical removal of the pterygium by an eye surgeon is necessary. Next time I’ll explain what pinguecula is but in the meanwhile give some thought to whether your sunglasses offer you the best protection.

Jean Anderson EyeQ Optometrists 124 Terralong St, Kiama 4232 2610 Convenient online bookings eyeq.com.au

The Bugle

Coastal Walking Track: community consultation to begin At the last Kiama Council meeting, a report on the proposed community engagement plan for the southern extension of the Coastal Walking Track was unanimously endorsed. The consultation is expected to start next month, however landowners and other affected stakeholders, who have been waiting for more than 18 months for contact with someone (“anyone”) from Council, are frustrated they have been kept in the dark so far.

The proposed route of the coastal walk from Boat Harbour, Gerringong to Black Head, Gerroa was raised and discussed at length at Gerringong’s South Precinct meeting in June, noting the extreme disappointment of affected stakeholders that requests for discussions with Council have gone unheeded for years. This led to Councillor Neil Reilly calling for a report from staff, which resulted in the news of the community engagement plan. Of the eight properties crossed by the preferred route for the extension, only three are owned by individuals and one by the golf course. The remaining properties are established public reserves or Council land. “We’ve had no contact with Council, officially or unofficially, to address any of our concerns,” says Geoff Manning, President of the Golf Club.

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

running the golf course, we will struggle to get a management committee and the land may be sold off to a developer,” he says. Secretary Wendy Cutting notes that the route of the walkway may impact on the golf course’s signature holes, “which are in The Golf Club’s Geoff Manning, Wendy Cutting, Michael Gleeson and Tony Sears the top 10 par 5 “It would be a good start to the north and east of the holes in NSW”. if someone would come out golf club. Destination NSW heavily here and talk to us.” Vice-President Michael promotes this golf course One landowner told The Gleeson says the pathway because of its spectacular Bugle that he reached out to Walkers Beach has never location. It does note on its to the Mayor “three or four been maintained. website that “this course times, inviting him to come “No signs exist to warn of occupies some of the most and walk the proposed route the dangers of the beach, in-demand real estate on the with me”, but has been conthe fact that it’s unpatrolled South Coast”. The extensistently ignored. and whether or not it is dog sion of the walking track None of these stakeholders friendly. This beach and path- is included in the Tourism are against the extension to way have just been ignored Opportunity Plan, as well as the Coastal Walking Track, by Council.” being a long time top priority but feel they have issues that Geoff says the Club would of Council’s Walking Tracks need to be addressed before like Council to share some and Cycleways Committee. further planning takes place. of the risk and liability in the Peter Stuckey, the former Gerringong Golf Club com- event someone is hit by a golf Manager of Kiama Counmittee members are already ball. cil’s Parks & Environment concerned about the lack of “If there are too many and one of the main people maintenance of Council land liability issues attached to behind the 13 year effort to

open the Loves Bay to Gerringong stage of the Walk, says landowners should be one of the first groups consulted in such a project. “Landowner consultation is a priority and there definitely should be a site inspection undertaken with them. There should also be a meeting as soon as possible with the Golf Club to address queries. “This is one of Kiama’s most significant projects to benefit the community and tourism – something that can be created for all future generations to enjoy. “It is important that this process is managed properly.” Last December we reported that Council expected a submission for funding for any land acquisition would be made last January, however we have now been told that a formal funding application will be made after the community consultation. Back then, Peter Stuckey and former Councillor Howard Jones shared their concern that the funding was limited, and that Council needed to act quickly so as not to miss out. by Perrie Croshaw

4 September 2021 | 9

Have you downloaded The Bugle App yet?

It’s our community hub of news and information

10 | 4 September 2021

The Bugle

Looking forward to future events Newly announced support for local events and festivals, totaling over $60,000, should help kick-start our tourism economy, says Councillor Matt Brown, head of Destination Kiama’s Tourism Advisory Board. “We are well aware that businesses rely on visitors to keep their business afloat and to pay their workers – these are tough times,” says Cllr Brown. “We are working hard on a recovery plan and that is why we are continually putting money into events and programs for when restrictions lift. “We will be inundated with visitors as people will know Kiama is a safe and happy place to visit. “We have some great events lined up.” These include old favourites and new initiatives, showcasing the arts, local food and sport. “It will be a leap for people to remember how to enjoy themselves!” says Tamara Campbell (perhaps better known as Kiki Bittovabitsch), director of the KISS Arts Festival, one of the region’s signature events, which is scheduled for the ANZAC long weekend. “It’s been two years since we had a physical KISS on Black Beach. “David (Evans/Pascal) and I are so excited to bring people together. “Our plan is to have more big name comedians, and if we get further funding, adding some big musical names. “I really want to see a band that parents love and that kids know. “I want to see everyone celebrating and dancing together.” And of course, all of those festival revelers will dine in local cafes and restaurants and many will stay in local accommodation. Becky Guggisberg is one of the team behind our longest running arts event, the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival, which will celebrate its 35th year on 11-13 March. This Festival works hand-

in-hand with local cafes, restaurants and bars, matching them with some of the best jazz and blues performers in Australia and (COVID allowing) from overseas. Becky says that, through the use of Spendmap software, Council has determined that the volunteer-run Jazz & Blues Festival brings in well over $3 million to this region – “That’s not counting the $30,000 we put into the pockets of musicians,” Becky says, adding that after bushfires and COVID these artists are in great need of this support. “Last year the ticketing worked well and made sure we could secure high calibre artists and keep to the health restrictions. “My advice – to avoid disappointment – when the tickets are released, buy them!!! “Unfortunately, so many people missed out last year, so be warned. “It is so exciting that there is such exceptional music coming our way. “Thanks to Kiama Council and Destination Kiama, the funding we have received will host the much loved, free to attend, Sunday event in Hindmarsh Park.” There are more milestones next year as the Kiama Sevens celebrates its 50th tournament. They will spend the support from Destination Kiama on a major marketing campaign to draw visitors into this region on the weekend of 26 February. “It’s a partnership that both the region and our sport need,” says Tournament Director Mark Bryant. “The Kiama Sevens brings a lot of business to town. All the cafes are full. You can’t get a room anywhere. “It’s the biggest event in the year for The Grand Hotel and Sebel Harbourside as people stay for the whole weekend.” Other sporting events to be supported are the return of the Kiama Coastal Classic running event, a veteran golf tournament, and, through Surfing NSW, a round of the Australian Open and Grom

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Latest round of Destination Kiama funding

• Kiama Heights • Gerringong • Gerroa

$10,000 plus $2,500 in-kind support

• Eat Like a Local: date and name to be confirmed, $7,500 plus • • • • • •

$2,500 in-kind support Seaside and Valley Veterans Golf Tournament: 22-25 Nov 2021 at Kiama and Jamberoo Golf Clubs $600 to support marketing outside the LGA Harlow Music & Food Festival: Nov 2021 (may be deferred until 2022) $6,000 plus up to $2,000 in-kind support Kiama Sevens: weekend of 26 February 2022, 50th year celebration $7,000 plus $3,000 in-kind support Kiama Coastal Classic: $7,500 Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival: March 11-13, 2022, a further $6,000 on top of previous allocation of $14,000 plus in-kind support Surfing NSW: a six month partnership to value of $8,000 to secure the Australian Open of Surfing and Woolworths Surfer Grom events

surfing events. On the food side of things, two ambitious new events have been given seed funding – a 2-5 day food, wine and music festival at Black Beach and the Kiama Showground, based on the Crooked River Winery event model; and a week of varied food events around the region to promote an interest in, and taste for, local food. “We were going to hold this in the week before the L’Etape cycling event, and spread the program over the route to encourage people to stay longer,” says one of the organisers, Tricia Ashelford, known for her championing

of local food through the Kiama Farmers Market. “Given that event has been lost, and the uncertainty of COVID restrictions, we are currently considering the best way to move forward. “We want to put on an amazing regional food event, to really put Kiama and surrounds on the map. “It won’t just be about eating, but also include farm tours, talks, films and more. “We want to start a discussion about the future of food, while appreciating the efforts and talents of our local farmers, producers and chefs. “We are grateful that Destination Kiama is supporting our vision.” Both of these new events are applying for serious State Government funding.

Disclosure: Perrie photo: Peter Izzard

and Cathy Law are on the Eat Like a Local organising committee

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

• Kiama Downs • Bombo • Kiama

• Kiss Arts Festival: April 23/24, 2022 (ANZAC long weekend),

by Perrie Croshaw

The 2019 KISS Arts Festival

NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL

Next year will be the Sevens’ 50th

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4 September 2021 | 11

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MAYORAL COLUMN Mark Honey talks directly with residents and ratepayers of the damage is the amount of material left at our Minnamurra Depot over the five days of the free green waste drop off. More than 500 car/trailer loads came over the weighbridge leaving more than 150 tonnes of debris. The fact that it took the best part of 48 hours to clear My thanks to Council staff for Jamberoo Mountain Road of their quick work helping with all the damage also shows the clean up after last week’s how severe this storm was. storm. The clean up is also a reThanks also for your paminder that we are heading tience to the many residents into bushfire season once left picking pieces of trees, more. fences and their own houses. While the official bush fire As severe weather events danger period starts 1 Octoare now happening more ber, I encourage everyone to often, we’re all going to be prepare as soon as possible. getting a lot more practice Update and discuss your at these operations as time bush fire survival plan with goes on. your family. Talk about when An indication of the extent you’ll leave, where you’ll go,

what you’ll take and what you’ll do with animals. You can make your survival plan via www.myfireplan. com.au There’s also getting your home prepared. Obviously many of us have already had to trim overhanging trees and shrubs (or had them trimmed for us). Having a cleared area around our home is another good idea. Getting back into the lawn mowing routine is another task. There RFS has some great fact sheets on their website to help with this: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au You may have noticed Council is advertising for locals to sit on the new Finance Advisory Committee. We need four people from

our local community for the committee, who will work alongside myself, CEO Jane Stroud as well the other senior staff. This new committee has an incredibly important job: helping Council progress its Long Term Financial Plan. While the work is voluntary, it’s a fantastic opportunity to play a critical part in the future of our Council and by extension our community. The sort of people we require would have financial experience, as well as experience of local government. Those with corporate experience such as legal, human resources or industrial relations will also be considered. Applications must be lodged by 4pm, Friday 17 September.

Local youth aged 18 to 26 are being encouraged to tell their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic in a short survey being run by The Illawarra Centre for Enablement (ICfE) Youth Council “I formed the Youth Council to develop youth leadership,” says Dr Diann Rodgers-Healey, Director of ICfE. “The survey was created in a very collaborative way

issues related to COVID-19 are being addressed. “We want to utilise the information that we get from this survey to speak out about what youth have been dealing with,” says Amar Sultan, Youth Council member. The survey has a focus on mental and physical health during the lockdown so the ICfE can get a better idea of how to support local youth

during these times. The Youth Council will publish their findings and recommendations in a Report which will be released online and distributed to relevant organisations. “Through the report we can push local authorities to make these services more accessible for people who are not having a good time in lockdown,” says Tristan James, Youth Council member.

Survey to look at COVID youth issues to look at mental health but also all the issues around the vaccination program, barriers in terms of education and employment and how young people were coping with the lockdown measures mentally and physically.” Through this survey, the Youth Council, which has six members, intends to advocate on behalf of Illawarra youth to improve the way

The survey closes on 21 September 2021. To complete the survey visit: http://illawarracfe.com/youthcouncil/youth-survey/

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Local residents, community and emergency services groups from across the Kiama Electorate are encouraged to nominate somebody extraordinary to be recognised in the 2021 Kiama Electorate Community Recognition Awards. “With such more talk of COVID, lockdowns and isolation, we can still celebrate the champions of our community and hold up their acts and deeds as examples to others,” says Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama. Nominations are open in the following categories: Outstanding Local Volunteer, Conservation Champion, Young Person in Small Business, Small Business, Outstanding Emergency Service Volunteer, Junior Sports (Male and Female), Local Sports (Male and Female), Sports Administrator, Outstanding Young Citizen and Outstanding Citizen.

Nominations close 5pm, Friday 24 September. Forms online at: www. garethwardmp.com.au

12 | 4 September 2021

The Bugle

No Click & Collect books

Kiama Library has been so far unable to provide its popular Click & Collect service, which was brought into action last year during the first lockdown, as this time ‘leaving the house for public education’ is not included in the reasonable excuses. “The COVID guidelines this time restrict Click & Collect to retail outlets, but we are hoping this can be extended to libraries,” says Ms Hudson, Manager Library Services. “We are trying to do whatever we can to make sure the community has access to resources during this time, but we need to make sure we are abiding by the restrictions.” She encourages Library members to access their expanded e-Library services, including Borrow Box and Libby. “Our e-resources are already well used, but some have yet to discover them. “Library staff are at the end of the phone if people need help getting connected. “We now have three different platforms, so there are a great range of resources available.” Everyone’s books have also automatically been renewed, although the 24/7 return chute is open.

Woolies seeks Local author tops local input Amazon’s US sales

Woolworths, as the new owner of Kiama Village, is beginning the process of refreshing its store and the entire complex by asking locals to give them feedback on what they would like to be included, before the DA is submitted in September. But brace yourself for a wait after that, as the facelift isn’t expected to be completed until 2023, despite it being much more modest than the previous DA. “We’re excited about the opportunity to revitalise the shopping experience for our customers at Kiama Village and are eager to hear from the local community,” says the person leading the project, Tony Pratt, Regional Development Manager of the Woolworths Group. “The first and most important step is for us to listen to residents of Kiama and we’re keen to capture their ideas, concerns and vision for the renewal of the centre over the coming weeks. “The community feedback will help inform our designs before we lodge plans with Kiama Council.” Two webinars have alreadybeen held for people to find out more. Participants asked about vehicular and pedestrian

access from Meares Place (no change), extra car spaces (70, including electric car charging facilities), and truck deliveries (to continue as present via Terralong St). The extra parking is coming from the creation of decked parking, with an underground entrance from Terralong St and a level above that aligning with the current entrance level. The retailer is also encouraging people to complete an online survey. Planning to date includes: • a larger, full-range Woolworths supermarket with easy pick-up of online orders, including direct-toboot services • new and continued specialty shops and services • improved car parking • improved access • refurbished centre interior • better landscaping. Woolworths and other retailers will continue to trade throughout the project, with parking disruption during construction to be professionally managed. Fun fact: The founder of Woolworths, Percy Christmas, was born in Kiama in 1884.

More detail, including the survey, at www. kiamavillagerenewal.com Survey closes Fri 10 Sept, 5pm.

“LIFE COMPLETE! After 20 books I’ve just hit my lifetime dream. NUMBER ONE ON USA AMAZON. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” This was the message local Gerringong author TL (Terri) Swan sent out on social media when she just hit the bigtime with her steamy novel, The Casanova, book three of The Miles High Club, topping the Amazon sales chart. Since then it has reached number one in Australia and Canada, and number three (with a bullet, as they used to say) in the UK. For such a successful writer, Terri is very modest about her abilities. “I’ve never done a writing course – I don’t even know where commas go. I just write a story as I think it should go. My editors say my style is so unique. I think it’s because I don’t know what I should be doing!” she says. Terri has written more than 20 novels – The Stantons, Men of Marx and The Miles High Club series and has just published the first of The Italians. “When I was 42, I found a diary in my garage in the bottom of a box, with a pen stuck in the middle of it. It was a book I wrote when I

was 18. I remembered I wanted to be an author before I turned into an adult and had to do responsible things. “So I walked back inside opened up my computer and wrote Chapter 1 of my first book. “I published it for my sake – it was part of my bucket list. “I thought if it pays off my credit card then that will be great.” Terri independently published her first couple of books. Her third book went into the top 100 on Amazon.com and she started to get some traction. After her seventh book, she received an email from Amazon who now wanted to publish her – “I thought it was a joke from my husband!” Amazon had never signed an Australian author before. They flew her to London, and she and her family have now visited 22 countries for author signings – she has a Very Large following. Terri’s books are not for everyone. They fit into the genre of female erotica – think Fifty Shades of Grey.

“My aim is to write tender, steamy, romantic love stories that stay with you long after you close the book,” she says. Emphasis on the steamy. Terri’s dream of being an author has come true. She now works full-time writing novels and film scripts. Will we be lucky enough to see The Casanova – Elliot Miles – on the screen anytime soon? Watch this space! www.tlswanauthor.com by Perrie Croshaw

C E L E B R AT I N G A D U LT L E A R N E R S W E E K 1-8 SEPTEMBER 2021

WIN a $120 voucher to spend at Miss Arda Tell us how completing a course with Kiama Community College could change your story... To enter: • Go to our website kcc.nsw.edu.au to view our current brochure (click on the main image to view the brochure) • Scan the QR code below to enter: On the form, in 100 words or less tell us why completing the course of your choice could change your story • Submit your entry by 11am, 17 September 2021 Winner will be notified via email and phone at 2pm, 20 September 2021 Please see Terms and Conditions on our website for more information

I enrolled in Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership to learn how to work (and play) in the outdoors. Each activity throughout the course was filled with action, adventure and acquiring new skills. This course enabled me to gain employment in Outdoor Education and I’m now able to work in incredible locations, delivering fun activities to school students, and get paid for it! —ALANA D, COLLEGE STUDENT

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

4 September 2021 | 13

Gerringong to Yellow Up again Gezza Cares is again encouraging us to Yellow Up. Here the Committee reminds you what it’s all about, and gives some suggestions of ways to show your support. From September 9-30, Gezza Cares is encouraging the residents of Gerringong and surrounds to Yellow Up and bring some hope and light to the town. The first Gezza Cares Yellow Up in 2020 turned the town yellow in a symbol of solidarity and hope, to encourage mental wellness initiatives that created a more caring + connected community for all. The 2021 Yellow Up co-incides with RU OK? Day which is on 9 September. This year’s theme is to ask people if they are really OK. Even though the community are in lockdown at present there are some easy ways to get involved in the 2021 Yellow Up (see box). Please join us!

Ways to do the Gezza Yellow Up during Lockdown

Here’s to an uplifting and safe Yellow Up 2021. And for more information on RU OK? Day, please visit ruok. org.au.

Buena Vista Farm’s Fiona Weir Walmsley has been running cooking classes on farm for almost ten years. In the teaching gap created by COVID, Fiona secured a contract with Hardie Grant for a cookbook that will be released next year. It will feature the favourite ‘from scratch’ recipes from those classes and include recipes for the delicious things Buena Vista has been producing for sale at the local farmers’ markets for many years. She’s generously given us one to try.

Flatbread

yourself how long that yeast has been in your pantry. Is there any chance that it’s older than the introduction of the GST? If your yeast has lost its oomph, you might need new yeast. Mix the activated yeast into • Yellow Up your car with a Gezza Cares sticker (available a large bowl with the flour, from local shops still open for Essential Trading) or with some salt and the extra cup of yellow ribbon or a yellow toy in the car window warm water. • Yellow Up your window at home, there are lots of craft supKnead for a few minutes plies that can be ordered from Lincraft, Spotlight or kids craft (use a stand mixer with kits that can be purchased online from bakerross.com.au dough hook if you have one) • Yellow Up you your letterbox with a Gezza Cares sticker or a then roll into a ball, put it yellow ribbon, or go all out and decorate the front fence and back in a bowl, cover with a yard in yellow crepe paper and plant some yellow flowers in cloth and let it sit somewhere the garden! warm until doubled in size, • Yellow Up your business window or shopfront, there are larger usually around an hour and Gezza Cares stickers that can be supplied by contacting Geza half. za Cares as well as a poster if you would like to print one out Cut into eight equal pieces • Paint rocks for a socially distanced ‘rock drop’ that people can and roll each piece into a ball. find around town and share their location on the Gezza Cares Ideally allow to rest, covFacebook group ered, at room temperature • Schools can theme a Yellow Day during homeschool and for another half an hour but have a dress up competition to wear all yellow they’ll totally work if you skip • Preschools with the children of essential workers can do some this step. yellow craft and have a Yellow Dress theme too in the month On a floured board with a of September floured rolling pin, roll out • Community Groups and sporting clubs can turn their Faceeach ball into a thin disk book banners yellow and share posts from the Gezza Cares about half a centimetre thick. group on Facebook to help spread the word and ask if their Heat a dry heavy frypan members are really OK over a medium heat and cook • Take a photo of you in yellow and change up your Facebook the rounds one at a time, profile photo to bring some light to the day and ask your approximately two minutes friends to share how they are doing today per side. They should puff up, particularly when cooking on the second side. If they’re Makes 8 cooking too fast, turn the ½ cup warm water Gezza Cares is a community-led network that aims to supheat down to low. 2 teaspoons dried yeast port all members of the community and enhance inclusion Keep warm and soft by and wellbeing, with a special focus in caring for our children, 1 teaspoon sugar wrapping in a tea towel or 3 cups plain flour young people and young adults. store them in an airtight tin 1 teaspoon salt Gezza Cares is based in Gerringong and aims to facilitate for later use. They keep well 1 cup water, warm mental health education and information dissemination for about three days. You can Method working towards zero suicide in our community. refresh them by sprinkling Mix the yeast and sugar into them with a little water and Gezza Cares works to connect community more closely, the half cup of warm water in hard times, good times and everything in between. popping them into a warm For an information pack on how you, your business, school, and let it begin to froth – this oven for a few minutes. sports club, association or church can get involved, please contact can take five minutes. If there Follow Buena Vista Farm on Gezza Cares on Facebook or email gday@gezzacares.com Facebook and Instagram. is zero froth you need to ask

About Gezza Cares

For an information pack on how you can support this year’s Yellow Up, please contact Gezza Cares on Facebook or email gday@gezzacares.com

TIME TO COOK

What is the logic behind making your own flatbread or wraps when you can buy them for the equivalent of fifty cents or less each? Is it sensible, when you’re going to have to go to the supermarket to buy the ingredients anyway, and one aisle across you can buy the finished product? The logic is that sometimes flatbread isn’t just flatbread. (Sometimes it is. Ask me on a school day when lunchboxes need filling and everyone is trying to get out the door and someone ate the last lunchbox bikkie late last night. At that moment I am grateful for an emergency bag of bought frozen wraps.) But on the days when you can find the energy, when you’re feeling creative, when you’ve handily got the ingredients and you are energetically pursuing zero-waste and anti-packaged-foods, there is no denying that homemade flatbread tastes supremely better. This flatbread is worth the rising-wait-time just for the puffiness it acquires when it hits a hot and dry fry pan. So satisfying.

Thank you very much Numbers Count for your guidance and support. Best team of people to have on your side. –Alison M

small business advice • business plans • taxation solutions cashflows • superannuation • self-managed superfunds

t 4234 0902 14 | 4 September 2021

f 4234 0932

e info@numberscount.com.au

w numberscount.com.au The Bugle

THE BUGLE CROSSWORD 1

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ACROSS

1. Birth town of Woolworths’ founder, Percy Christmas 5. ABC Children’s program (4,6) 7. The leader of Oceania in Orwell’s 1984 who is always watching you (3,7) 8. Robin Hood’s girlfriend 12. Electrical safety device. Some people have a short one. 13. State Electrical district to the south of Kiama district (5,5)

45. State Electoral district to the north of Kiama district

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LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTION A

2. In which month is International Dog Day 8 9 3. 4840 square yards 4. Paved outdoor area 10 11 adjoining a house 14 5. Janis Joplin wanted the Lord to buy her a Mercedes Benz. What did all her 16 17 18 friends drive? 5a. Card that is in your mobile phone 21 6. Female pronoun 22 23 9. Quote from which book 24 25 “four legs good, two legs bad” (5,4) 29 30 31 10. Masked Spanish / 32 American character with an horse called called Tornado and an offsider called 36 37 Bernado 38 39 11. Renowned institute advising the national 40 41 cabinet of COVID-19 43 12. Robin Hood’s religious adviser (5,4) 13. Who is the money lender in Merchant of Venice 15. State Electoral district 14. Aust chocolate powder man to heaven to the sou-west of Kiama milk drink in a green tin 32. Mickey Mouse’s girlfriend district 17. Wave rider 34. State Electoral district to 16. Upon which day does 18. Receptacle of flowers the nor-east of Kiama district one eat pancakes 19. Precipitation 36. Upon what day did 22. If rhinestones are not a 20. Stove Robinson Crusoe meet his girl’s best friend, what are? 21. Chairman of PLO from offsider 23. Tenth PM of Aust, 1969 to 2004 40. Which super hero changes between 1932 to 1939 24. Donald Duck’s girlfriend his cozzie in a phone booth 25.Tinker, Tailer, Soldier, 26. Castrated male chicken 42. In which month does NSW Sailor, Rich man, Poor man, (not Eastern Suburbs Labour day fall Beggar man, ----Roosters!) 43. Norse mythological 27. Horse hockey played at 29. Which animal did Jesus say grandmother who beat Thor the Geebung Club was easier to fit through the in a wrestling match 28. French for Christmas eye of an needle than a rich 44. Rolling Stones’ drummer 30. Not likely to cause

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offence or disagreement. Somewhat dull. 31. Portable chiller box 33. Dictator Dan’s last name 34. Girls non-demominational private school in North Sydney. Fees Kindergarten $21K, Year12 $36K. 35. Forty weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday 37. Qld country town, Italian spelling of Rome 38. African striped equine

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creature 39. Title of 8 Across 41. Mountains denoting boundaries of Europe and Asia Crossword compiled by Steve Law. Correspondence welcome to crossword@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

The South Coast keeps on getting greener. Celina Gregory Licensed Real Estate Agent Servicing Berry, Gerroa, Gerringong, Kiama and Jamberoo

0417 662 441 celina.gregory@belleproperty.com

thebuglenewspaper.com.au

4 September 2021 | 15

Jill’s garden appreciated

POSTCARD HOME

In these lockdown times, it is hard to get away from home. But the recent Postcard Home from Roslyn and Trevor Brooks about a visit to Bald Rock reminded me of an earlier excursion to Australia’s third largest monolith. Many Australians assume that Uluru is the largest freestanding exposed rock in the country. But there is a much larger granite monolith in Western Australia, over 450km inland from Geraldton and almost 400km west of Meekatharra – Mount Augustus. At eight kilometres in length and looming a whopping 715m above the outback plains, Mt Augustus is the world’s largest monolith and is almost three times as big as Uluru, covering an area of 4795 hectares. One of the most spectacular solitary peaks in the world, standing at 1105 metres above sea level, it is

surrounded by a stony, red sandplain of arid shrubland. This remote rocky giant is gradually becoming a tourist destination, although it has no nearby town and is reached by long stretches of treacherous dusty roads. Close by is a camping park which boasts that it holds the nation’s biggest barbecue each year! So, you have probably heard of Uluru and maybe even Mount Augustus, but what about the country’s third largest rocky monolith? Tucked away off the Eyre Highway, about 570km north west of Adelaide, you will find Mount Wudinna, which shares its name with the town about 12km south. With just over 500 residents, Wudinna is one of many small forgettable roadside stops along the Eyre Highway’s 2,400 km stretch from Port Augusta to Perth, lying just west of the halfway

mark from Sydney. But the town is also a good jumping off point for the sprawling Granite Country in the picturesque Gawler Ranges of northern Eyre Peninsula, which includes Mount Wudinna. This monolith is an impressive block of pink granite and, at a height of 261m, offers great views across the northern Eyre Peninsula’s wheat and canola fields. It is close to a sealed road and is relatively easy to climb, with a gentle but relentless sloping path leading to its summit. It has an excellent picnic ground and is a popular spot with locals, although it does not see many tourists. Nearby is the spectacular Pildappa Rock, a unique pink granite inselberg with a towering wave-like formation. Locals proudly proclaim Pildappa to rival the more famous Wave Rock – a sand-

stone wave form located in Hyden, Western Australia. I stumbled – almost literally – onto Mount Wudinna a few years back. Although I was born and bred in South Australia – and geography was my favourite school subject – I had never heard of this interesting natural phenomenon. It is the nearest of the nation’s spectacular rock monoliths to a capital city, although admittedly it is still six hours’ drive from Adelaide (with no stops!). If Uluru and Mount Augustus are just too far away, I recommend a visit to Australia’s third largest monolith – Mount Wudinna. Peter Maywald

If you’d like to share your travel story, send your postcard to: news@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Five years ago, Jill Lipman began looking after a small, neglected piece of land at the entrance to Kiama Village. It is below her apartment, and everyone is a bit hazy on its ownership. Over the years, she’s filled it with cuttings (including the remains of bought herbs) and donations, and it has become a place for people to stop and chat when passing by. “It has been marvelous for me, and people always tell me how much they appreciate it,” she says. But it is the actions of another that led her to get in touch with us. “I was working the other day, and left my tools there as

I had a break. When I came back, I found someone had left a big bottle of Seasol fertiliser for me,” says Jill. “I can’t get over the kindness of that little gift, that will in turn benefit the whole community when it makes the garden thrive. “There is so much negativity around at the moment, so the anonymous thoughtfulness really touched my heart.” Jill is only just back to the garden after a total hip replacement, and says it is great for her rehabilitation. “The garden is looking a bit scrappy at the moment, but when spring comes it will be beautiful again.”

Jill’s garden has become a community hub

r a B & Bistro l e W y a t S Stay Safe, ! n o o S u o Y e e S l ' e W d An 02 4230 7500

@YVESBYTHESEA

@YVESBYTHESEA WWW.SEBELHARBOURSIDE KIAMA.COM.AU

16 | 4 September 2021

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