JULY 2014

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JULY 2014

www.2508mag.com.au

08 BMX stars!

DISTRICT NEWS

our home-grown aussie champs

Helensburgh | Otford | Darkes Forest | Stanwell Tops | Stanwell Park | Coalcliff

2508 CONTENTS LETTERS 03 well done To our winning letter writer NEWS 05 Money Madness See who won the Chamber of Commerce competition 06 catch up On last month’s news, including Refugee Week and graffiti acts 08 It’s school holidays Help is at hand, thanks to our Survival Guide BUSINESS 20 More than Stamps Helensburgh Post Office 21 shoes on the move One shop closes, another opens 22 Meet a mobile travel agent Specialising in holidays for families

LIFESTYLE 10 Cover story Meet the ‘Burgh’s BMX stars!

14 Dr Rip How Coalcliff beach is changing 16 900km for charity Andrew Rust’s big walk 18 new book Stanwell Park writer exposes canon law flaws 26 Gardening Sara picks her top five winter bloomers 30 History Bushranger Wolloo Jack grows his gang 32 Clubs It’s Christmas in July for the VIEW Club SPORT 43 Sea Eels Touring season has begun 44 Golf Sparrow King wins 45 Tigers Sitting pretty 48 thistles Need a good run to ensure a spot in finals

Cover image by Anthony Warry Photography; www.anthonywarry.tumblr.com

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Dr Rob Brander AARON BABB

– aka ‘Dr Rip’ – is a coastal geomorphologist and Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. A resident of Stanwell Park, he’s been studying beaches for 25 years, starting in Canada where water temperatures convinced him come to Australia to do his PhD. He is an international expert on rip currents and runs a beach safety education program called The Science of the Surf (www.scienceofthesurf. com). He wrote Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book. Read his column on page 14.

SARA NEWNHAM

is a passionate horticulturist with nearly 20 years’ experience. Starting as a landscaper, she soon discovered a love for plants and design.

She has managed many nurseries, retail and wholesale, around Sydney.

While raising four children, she worked and studied subjects such as natural area restoration. Sara now runs Creativescapes, a garden design and maintenance business (0451 196 646, creativescapes@iprimus.com.au). Read her column on page 26.

owns Helensburgh Physiotherapy and has completed a bachelor degree in Exercise Physiology and a master’s degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. He has worked in musculoskeletal private practice for almost 10 years with particular interests in shoulder injury and rehabilitation and complex lower back injuries. Since opening, his practice has grown into a multidisciplinary clinic.

Aaron writes about when to seek help for an injured ankle – see page 23.

michael adams

was raised in Stanwell Park and became interested in local history, the Aborigines, Major Sir Thomas Mitchell, and Lawrence Hargrave. He uncovered a nest of bushrangers as a bonus (see page 30). Michael has been a teacher, a principal and a lecturer. He was awarded an educational fellowship to Vietnam, and became sought-after as a Vietnam specialist. His hobby is writing and he has published books on Illawarra history, Lawrence Hargrave and Vietnam. He talks on these topics.

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DISTRICT NEWS Editors

Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft

Art director Brendon Wise

Ad design Wendy Gergos

Regular contributors

Rob Brander, Sara Newnham, Anthony Warry

Contact

PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508 editor@2508mag.com.au www.2508mag.com.au www.facebook.com/2508mag There is a contributor’s drop box at Helensburgh Newsagency on Parkes Street.

Advertising

See www.2508mag.com.au for rates, specifications and deadlines. Terms and conditions apply. Email editor@2508mag.com.au 2508: District News is published by The Word Bureau Pty Ltd. ABN 31 692 723 477

Editorial

Community participation in this monthly magazine is encouraged. Please contact editor@2508mag.com.au with story ideas. Letters should be a maximum of 200 words. The editors reserve the right to edit submissions. Contributors should include contact details for clarification.

Disclaimer: All content and images remain the property of 2508: District News unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

The views expressed in the letters and other editorial submissions in this issue do not reflect those of the editors.

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Distribution

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2508 NEWS

have a say join the scouts!

Dear Editors, I have just started along with Vickie Crawley as a Joey Scout leader of 1st Helensburgh scouts, having rescued the youngest section, Joeys, from closure. However, we desperately need to get newbies of all ages (6-8 joeys, 8-11 cubs and 11-14 for scouts) involved to build the group.

The group is 98 years old and it would be a shame to see it go as scouting is a great source of fun and adventure for kids. To join: call Richard (0488 555 628) or Vickie (0433 459 729).

Regards, Richard Thacker, Joey scout leader Congratulations, Richard. You win our Letter of the Month! The prize is a family pass (2 adults, 2 children) to Symbio Wildlife Park, valued at $75.

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The state of our rail service

As a daily commuter to the city on the NSW Government’s Sydney Trains, I note with interest the decline in quality of the carriages we are being provided with on the southern line.

They are often dirty and smelly and the seats are not designed for long trips.

However, it is never dull. We are often unwilling witnesses to “Vigilante Shooshers” telling people to be quiet in the Quiet Carriages, or antisocial behaviours, like repeated and unrestricted sniffing and coughing, refusal to share seats, loud music or talking and a general lack of manners. Mostly these aberrations from acceptable behaviour keep us entertained.

Then on Wednesday, June 18, a more noteworthy event occurred. Finding ourselves once again crammed into an old carriage with dirty vinyl seats and no toilet facilities, we rattled our way south arriving at Helensburgh station remarkably on time. However, as we waited for the disembarkation of Helensburgh’s large commuter population to begin, there was a lengthy pause and the doors did not open.

Then a somewhat flustered-sounding female

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2508 NEWS voice from Sydney Trains informed us that there was a problem. Apparently the old smelly train we were on did not have the capability to isolate individual doors from opening. And as Helensburgh station has short platforms, there was a safety issue with opening the doors of carriages not alongside the platform.

Some time later it was communicated that the proposed safety solution was that the power, lights and air-conditioning would be turned off to enable the manual operation of the relevant doors, to let out the Helensburgh passengers.

The carriages were plunged into darkness, nobody was injured and everyone was well behaved, apart from some inane giggling.

When the lights came back on and the train started to move again, it was pointed out to our trusty train operators that there were still people waiting patiently in the vestibule of the last carriage to be let out. So the train was again brought to a halt and the procedure repeated.

All in all a good night’s entertainment, resulting in only a five or 10-minute delay, and leaving us all very perplexed about how our rail service, for which we pay an increasing amount

to use, is becoming more decrepit every day.

Regards, Wendy Rowlings

COMMUNITY NOTICES IN MEMORIAM

Fitzgerald, Les (Skippy), 19-7-1999.

Precious was our time when we were all together, cherished memories of you, we will always treasure, for you were dearly loved, and will live on in our hearts forever.

Sadly missed, lovingly remembered, by wife Gert and family.

Used stamp collection

A Fundraiser for St. Josephs Orphanage Peru and The Carmelites mission work. Stamps can be left in the white box at The Helensburgh Community Centre. Please leave a few cms of envelope around the stamp to protect it.

Send your letters, notices and photos to us at PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508, or editor@2508mag.com.au

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2508 NEWS

Winners: from left, NICC president Pauline Lacelles-Smith, Shelley Cotton, with son Samuel, Les Nicholls and Andy Offord, pictured outside the Otford Pantry.

'money madness’ winners Lucky businessman Andy Offord had breakfast at the Otford Pantry while his wife was away and won $1000 in local business vouchers, thanks to the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce’s (NICC) “May Money Madness” competition.

As a result of his win, Andy plans to donate $1000 cash to the Otford Rural Fire Brigade.

Thousands of people entered the competition – the only entry requirement was to spend $20 or more at an NICC business in May. Local mum Shelley Cotton won second prize ($500 in vouchers) after buying a new engine via Helensburgh Car Services and Les Nicholls won third prize ($300) via the Centennial Hotel.

Illawarra Mercury journalist Greg Ellis drew the winning forms at the June 17 Chamber of Commerce catch-up at the Centennial Hotel.

Eleven people attended. Also big news was president for the past six years, Pauline LacellesSmith, announcing her intention to step down.

A new president will be elected at the next NICC meeting on August 19. “It’s an important one to attend,” said NICC Membership Officer Greg Watts. Nominations will also be taken for a new executive committee, with positions available including secretary and treasurer.

With about 60 members, the NICC covers the area from Helensburgh to Thirroul. It recently

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became part of the NSW Business Chamber’s Chamber Alliance program, which opens up exciting opportunities for small businesses. The NSW Business Chamber’s Local Chamber of Commerce Relationship Manager for the Illawarra Region, Margot Griffiths, gave a talk on the benefits, such as unlimited calls to the Business Hotline (13 26 96).

Attendees also enjoyed a presentation by Gavin Little on his new business, Cliff to Coast Sports Car Drives (www.driveporsches.com.au), and received information on BIZSAFE, a NSW Police initiative to help prevent crime. 2508 NICC annual membership is $125. Contact Greg on 0400 445 010 or membership@nicc.net.au

Prize draw: from left, NICC members Greg Watts, Shelley Daniew, Gavin Little and Margot Griffiths.

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2508 NEWS

catch up

on what happened around town last month...

DOLLS IMPRISONED

Wollongong marked Refugee Week with a soccer competition, dinner and concert. In the 2508 district, the only official event was an exhibition of refugee books at Helensburgh Library.

Unofficially, local mums were among the many parents who donated dolls for the “Free the Children” installation outside Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building (pictured).

A cage – by award-winning artist Benjamin Gilbert – imprisoned 1023 dolls, symbolising the number of children in immigration detention at the time. The End Child Detention Australia Coalition commissioned the public action.

“Children are the most vulnerable and they need protection. The damage they are suffering in detention is unacceptable,” president of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Nick Talley, recently wrote in The Guardian online.

Concerned? “Free the Children” advocacy group ChilOut says to ask your local MP a few questions. So, we did.

“Labor continues to advocate for basic levels of human dignity to be upheld in immigration detention, including the treatment of women and children,” Labor’s Sharon Bird, Federal

Member for Cunningham, said in a statement.

“Under the previous Labor Government every effort was made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in immigration detention... Labor endeavoured to move all women and children to community detention where possible.”

Last month the ALP caucus reaffirmed its support for offshore processing.

TEENS ARRESTED OVER GRAFFITIED TRAIN

South Coast commuters are used to delays.

Even so, a train being held up at night at Otford Station by masked graffiti artists was something out of the ordinary.

At 12.40am on Saturday, May 31, vandals spraypainted a mural across two carriages of a train en route from Sydney to Wollongong.

In mid-June, police arrested three men – a 19-year-old from Avalon and two 18-year-olds from Austinmer and Bellambi, charging them with offences including obstructing rolling stock.

The trio were to appear in court this month.

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2508 NEWS In more graffiti-related action, NSW Police reported that on June 22, two men, aged 19 and 24, were arrested at Helensburgh Station after a search of the pair revealed spray cans and box cutters, among other items. The men were to appear in court in late July.

crackdown on hoons

On June 6, the Illawarra Mercury reported police had cracked down on hoons in the Royal National Park. “During the operation police caught nine drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h,” the newspaper said. Cue heated exchanges online, by the likes of “Irritated Hoon”. Then the Mercury ran another article, about calls for a dedicated race area.

Meanwhile, in Otford, a resident told 2508 nights have been quieter since the crackdown.

latest from STOP CSG! ILLAWARRA

More than 70 people attended Stop CSG’s June 15 meeting in Dapto, its first in the southern

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suburbs. The group is celebrating an Illawarra Mercury poll finding: 94.1 percent of respondents wanted a ban on CSG in the catchment.

and finally... Hunting the MENU

Stanwell Park filmmaker Corey Wilson has just released a pilot of a TV show plugged as “huntergatherer meets gourmet chef”. In Hunting the Menu, “Everything that’s caught is cooked and everything that’s cooked is caught.” Help Corey build an audience and seal a deal with a network: Like HTM on Facebook and YouTube. 2508

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2508 EVENTS

survival guide for the july school holidays

Daily

Pony Play Camp, 9am-noon, ages 5-7, $80 per child. Day camp: own a horse for a day, 8.30-am-3.30pm, $115, ages 6-15. Also: one-hour trail riding specials, riding lessons. Open seven days. Darkes Forest Riding Ranch, www. horsesridingnsw.net.au, 4294 3441.

From June 30 until July 4: Tree Amigos, 10am-1pm daily. Celebrate the World Cup by learning about the plants and animals of Brazil and other host countries. Wollongong Botanic Garden Discovery Centre, Madoline Street, Keiraville. The fun includes a World Cup Mascots Treasure Hunt, Waste Wise Crafts and the Tree Amigos Garden Show. For ages 3-12, $10 per child/$20 for family of two or more children, 4227 7667.

Helensburgh Library is having a “bag a bargain” booksale. Bring a bag and fill it for $1!

Indoor playground at Helensburgh Fitness Centre, $5. Open when the gym is. 338 Cemetery Road, 4294 2253.

Wollongong’ Science Centre & Planetarium, interactive exhibitions, all ages. Take in a show in the Illawarra Coal Science Theatre or the BlueScope Steel Planetarium. Open daily 10am-4pm, Squires Way, North Wollongong, sciencecentre.uow.edu.au or 4286 5000.

Tuesday 1

Junior Keeper Camp at Symbio, $85, includes lunch, morning tea, workbook, and a Junior Keeper Cap, ages 7-12. 9.45am-3pm, 4294 1244.

Drama workshops: Morning Space workshop for 7-11-year-olds; Afternoon Impro workshop for 12+, Helensburgh Bushland Chapel, $30, call Karen, 0466 418 824.

Wednesday 2

DN Golf clinic for ages 9-15 at Helensburgh Driving Range, 9.30am-12.30pm, $49pp, $90 for two children from the same family. Contact Daniel on 0404 127 170 or www.dngolf.com.au Bug magnets (ages 5+), Helensburgh Library, 10.30am, bookings essential, 4294 2185.

Animal Dioramas with artist Lucy Lee, $20,

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ages 3-5, 10.30-11.30am; ages 6-12, 1-2.15pm, The Art Box Studio, upstairs, unit 2, 17 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh, 0429 990 337.

Junior Keeper Camp at Symbio (see July 1).

Thursday 3

Science Experiments for Kids with Nathalia Velez. $25; ages 5-12, 9-10.30am; 1pm-2.30pm.

Register with nathaliavelez@hotmail.com or 0457 025 910, The Art Box Studio, 2/17 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh.

Monday 7

Watercolour Portraits with Lucy Lee, $20, ages 3-5, 10.30-11.30, ages 6-12, 1-2.15pm. The Art Box Studio. Upstairs, unit 2, 17 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh.

Galaxies Stars & Meteorites workshop, bookings essential. Science Centre and Planetarium, 10am-4pm, Squires Way, North Wollongong, 4286 5000.

Tuesday 8

Junior Keeper Camp at Symbio (see July 1).

Creative Movements for Littlies with Honora Jenkins. $25, ages 3-5, 10-noon. Register via

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2508 EVENTS honora@openminddev.net or 0410 029 466. Art Box Studio, 2/17 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh.

Dinosaurs & Fossils workshop, bookings essential. The Science Centre and Planetarium, 10am-4pm, Squires Way, North Wollongong., sciencecentre.uow.edu.au or 4286 5000.

Wednesday 9

Decorate your own library bag (ages 8+), Helensburgh Library, 10.30am, bookings essential, 4294 2185.

Junior Keeper Camp at Symbio (see July 1).

Science Friction workshop, Science Centre and Planetarium, 10am-4pm, Squires Way, North Wollongong, book via 4286 5000.

Friday 11

Lego, ages 5+, 10-11am and 11am-noon, Thirroul Library, bookings essential.

Messy Play Day with Lucy Lee. $15, ages 18 months-4 years, 10.30-11.30am. Register via theartbox2508@gmail.com or 0429 990 337. Art Box Studio, 2/17 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh.

Kitchen Chemistry workshop, Science Centre and Planetarium, 10am-4pm, Squires Way, North Wollongong, book via 4286 5000. 2508

Thursday 10

Worms & Creepy Critters workshop, Science Centre and Planetarium, 10am-4pm, Squires Way, North Wollongong, book via 4286 5000.

Harry Potter Trivia and Pizza, age7+, bookings essential, prizes for best dressed, Wollongong Library, 10-noon.

Creative Writing Workshop, 10.30-11.30am, Thirroul Library, ages 7+, bookings essential.

Book your encounter today

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2508 REPORT E AT URE COVER F

born to ride

Meet the Helensburgh brother and sister duo blazing their own trail in the action-packed world of BMX. Kai and Saya Sakakibara are a quiet, unassuming pair of teenagers; he’s 17; she’s 14. They’re nice, polite. You wouldn’t assume upon first meeting them that they’re among the world’s best BMX riders for their age. Except they crackle with a barely restrained energy that you’re only ever privy to in the company of elite athletes.

BMX is in their blood. They both started riding BMX aged three and they’ve been competing since about that same time. So, recent news that Kai (ranked No.4 in the world in 2011) and Saya (first in her age group at the 2013 world titles) had been selected to represent Australia at the BMX World Championships comes as little surprise to those who know of the highly successful athletes.

The championships will be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands from July 22 to 27, so all of their training is now geared towards that.

Kai and Saya took time out of their hectic school-and-training-and-racing schedule to talk to 2508.

KAI: “Training for BMX racing is a lot more comprehensive than people usually think.

Many people think that all we do in training is ride on the track, but there is a lot more to it.

My typical week of training includes three track sessions, in conjunction with gym strength work, road sprint work, as well as plyometrics.

Training usually varies between one to four hours per day.

“This year has been one of my most successful years in BMX so far. I have been racing in the Junior Elite Class (17-18). I recently placed

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2508 REPORT Photos by Anthony Warry Photography; www.anthonywarry.tumblr.com

an overall second in the National Series, as well as a second in the Continental Championships, held in Shepparton, Victoria.

“Juggling school and BMX has been quite tough, especially this year as I am completing Year 12 and the HSC. Training takes up quite a big chunk of time, and I have been surviving up to now by working my study around this. I also don’t get a lot of time to spend with mates, especially because I live quite far away from my school, which is quite tough.

“My ultimate goal is medal at the Olympic Games, and to make a career out of BMX. It is really only a select few riders that make it to the top, and I am determined to do everything I can to get myself there.

“Following my progress in the sport is the best support that I could ever receive. I have my own Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ KaiSakakibaraBMX, which you can ‘Like’ to follow my progress in BMX. SAYA: “I mostly train every day, and maybe a few rest days here and there, or after a race meet. I practise on the track for about two hours, I do gym training, which consists of both weight and non-weight training and bike sprints on the road, or grass depending on the type of sprint.

I do flat road, downhill, uphill, or grass sprints, depending on what fitness component I am concentrating on at the time. (People will see me riding my bike all around Helensburgh.) Overall, it takes about 1-2 hours to train every day.

“There are multiple things that are hard about BMX at such a high level. Generally keeping up with school work and finding time to socialise as well is pretty hard, but the hardest thing is training really hard up to a big event, and not performing at my best. It is really frustrating and hard to move on from.

“My ultimate goal has been the same for my whole BMX Career, and it’s to represent my country at the Olympics and make it onto the podium. And from there, I want to see where BMX takes me and go as far as I can with this sport. What I mean by that includes coaching younger riders to improve their riding.

“I think the biggest support would be getting people to get to know about BMX, and what kind of sport I do. It isn’t a popular sport but now that BMX is in the Olympics, I’m hoping the word would get around about me and my brother and our sport.” 2508

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QUICK QUESTIONS

Favourite spot to ride?

KAI: Love riding Helensburgh Skatepark whenever I can!

SAYA: I like to ride at the skate park, even though it isn’t my style of BMX, it is still fun to have a ride and to get my mind off the really competitive stuff.

Favourite spot to relax?

KAI: Bed. SAYA: I like to relax in my lounge room, which looks over the valley. It is a great spot to lie on the carpet when the sun peeks through the window.

Describe the 2508 area in one word?

KAI: Natural.

SAYA: Quiet.

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2508 NEWS

KIDS WALK 4 LIFE Well done to the 50 people who braved a dark, wet start at 7am on June 14 to walk from Stanwell Park to Wollongong. The annual Kids Walk 4 Life event raised about $5000 for Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and childhood cancer research. Hundreds of individuals and local businesses also donated money. Good work, guys! 2508

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2508 NEWS

helensburgh School report

By Year 4 teacher Merle McPherson What a busy first two terms, filled with lots of learning and many special events at Helensburgh Public School.

Of the events we’ve celebrated, Anzac Day was a highlight. A very proud and moving service was held, with special guests including a bugle player. This year saw the largest collection of floral tributes laid by our students.

Many stages have enjoyed excursions to various places. Stage 2 has visited the Royal National Park to learn some indigenous uses of land and bush tucker. Stage 3 has just returned from visiting the nation’s capital, Canberra.

Across the school there has been an Easter Hat Parade, Indigenous Show, Indigenous Day, Science Day, multicultural food events, Harmony

Day, Tackling Bullying show and environmental excursions.

Year 6 attended Peer Support training and ran a fantastic program, which the leaders and students thoroughly enjoyed.

A group of lucky students recently attended a Sustainability Camp at Stanwell Tops and returned full of new knowledge.

Our students proudly play in their PSSA teams each Friday and our swimming carnival and cross-country carnival saw many students move onto zone and regional levels.

Staff and students look forward to another busy half of the year. 2508

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Authorised Stockist

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2508 COLUMN

Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf mountains have long worn down, we haven’t been glaciated for a very long time and our gravels have been eroded into sand grains.

Gravel beaches tend to get their sediment from local sources such as rivers or cliffs, but the geology of the Illawarra doesn’t vary all that much and the rest of the local beaches are nice and sandy, without pebbles, so why is Coalcliff If you’ve been to Coalcliff Beach, you know different? that it’s a bit different. It’s got pebbles, making It could be, as the locals believe, due to the it very steep at the shoreline with a sharp closure of the coke works last July. While it was drop-off and nasty shorebreak. The water operating, tailings from their operations ended offshore is also a little murky, with many rocks up in the gully and creek leading down and on the bottom. onto the beach. Without this source of pebbles, However, according to locals, this is all the existing pebbles on the beach are now changing. Coalcliff this year has been remarkquickly being covered and buried by sand. ably sandy and flatter with good sand banks This has been enhanced by favourable wave and the water has been crystal clear. Many conditions over the past eight months that have long-term locals say they haven’t seen it like seen our beaches recover quite quickly in terms this in decades, if ever. of sand volume.

Coalcliff Beach is a rare example of a gravel Will it last? Has Coalcliff lost its status as a beach on the Australian mainland coast. rare gravel beach forever? Maybe, but look for a ‘Gravel’ is a general term describing sedireappearance of the pebbles after major storms ments ranging in size from pebbles, as waves and currents will carry sand cobbles to boulders and Coalcliff offshore, but leave the pebbles behind.

Did you indeed has lots of pebbles, which is But for now, it’s certainly a nicer know? what makes it steep. With the beach to swim in! 2508 Coalcliff this year has been remarkably exception of Tasmania, Australia sandy and flatter with Buy Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book via www. doesn’t have gravel beaches because good sand banks and scienceofthesurf.com. our continent is just so old. Our the water has been

coalcliff beach: where have all the pebbles gone? our local coastal geomorphologist Rob Brander explains.

crystal clear.

Coalcliff Beach is one of the only examples of a gravel beach on the Australian continent, but maybe not for much longer.

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2508 NEWS

cuteness to multiply?

Kapuki, the new girl

by Symbio’s Michelle Aldred Meerkats are one of our most popular attractions here at Symbio, especially with our encounters, and it’s no surprise – they’re super tiny and awesome to watch!

Meet Kapuki, the newest addition to our meerkat clan here at Symbio. Kapuki joins our two resident males, Alexander and Lone Wolf, and was sent to us from Perth Zoo in the hope of breeding as part of a Zoo & Aquarium Association program. Already we have seen positive signs, including grooming and scent markings, so fingers crossed for a pregnancy in the next few months. Meerkats can have up to six pups each litter, and up to three litters per year – that’s a lot of babies don’t you think?

Meerkats, about 30cm tall, are social animals

and live in groups, adopting a safety in numbers philosophy. Sentry duty is an important role. One meerkat will stand on its hind legs, propped up by its tail, and look for predators, including hawks, eagles and snakes.

If one is spotted, the guard barks a warning.

Meerkats communicate with special sounds and plan strategies to hunt lizards, rats, birds, scorpions, and other small animals and insects.

Did you know meerkats are immune to scorpion venom?

Locals can buy an annual Symbio pass: $80 adult, $45 child, symbiozoo.com.au 2508

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2508 REPORT Helensburgh’s Andrew Rust, left, and Jay Allen

900km for a cure A year and a half’s worth of training will pay off at 6.30am on July 11, when melanoma survivors Andrew Rust and Jay Allen set off on a 900km fundraising walk from Sydney to Melbourne.

The goal is to raise funds for the Melanoma Institute Australia, as well as increase awareness of our “national cancer”. According to the institute, the “Lucky Country” has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world; 1 in 17 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma before age 85; and, in 20- to 34-year-olds, melanoma kills more young Australians than any other single cancer.

“I’m not a professional athlete by any means,” Andrew, a Helensburgh resident for the past decade, told 2508. “I’m an old rugby union player who’s got real sore knees, I’m a big boy – plus all the complications from the operations, with melanoma and that, it’s certainly a challenge for me. Walking is something that I find definitely accessible.”

Andrew and Jay will split the walk into a long-distance relay, walking about 10km each at a time. “Basically, each walker has to complete 30 to 35km a day, for 16 days straight,” Andrew says.

ANDREW’S STORY

Andrew, 41, runs Charli Design in Helensburgh Business Park with his wife,

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Kiralie Allan. The couple have a daughter, Madelaine.

Andrew was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2002. “Our daughter was only a year and a half. It is extremely stressful,” he says.

“You don’t really know how to process it when someone is telling you that this could be life ending. You just don’t expect to be hearing that type of thing at that age.

Andrew initially thought a lump in his left groin was a hernia, but an operation revealed it to be a tumour. He was referred to the Melanoma Clinic, where he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. The cancer had spread and Andrew had all lymph nodes from groin to pelvis removed. Months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed. But this was only the first in a series of scares for the Rust family.

“It did come back,” Andrew says. “I’ve had 10 major operations. The shortest time space between a positive result for cancer being there has been eight months. And the longest has been four years. I’ve had to have ribs removed and things like that to get it out of my body.”

“So… I’ve had a lot of fantastic medical stuff and doctors take care of me and our family … I guess I wanted to give something back to them.

Basically, hence the walk.”

Andrew and Jay met about three years ago at a Melanoma Institute fundraiser breakfast. “Jay had actually been on RPA – he’d been very publicly diagnosed through that [TV] program, because he was using a sunbed and got a

16

2508 REPORT melanoma from it. He had a very similar operation to me. His was a stage 3, it’s very, very serious as well, he’s been quite lucky, his hasn’t returned.

“I suspect that mine was sun – because I used to be in the surf club, I used to be a surf boat rower, and to be honest wasn’t particularly smart about sun sense, wasn’t putting a shirt on out in the sun, certainly wasn’t putting sunscreen on, it was very much a ‘that kind of thing wouldn’t happen to me’. I wanted a bit of colour in my skin. And there’s not a day that I don’t kick myself for not being smarter about it.”

Andrew says his sunscreen routine with his daughter is “pretty strict, because my daughter is a red head with fair skin”.

“Madelaine has never not known me to be sick,” he says. “My message to her is you don’t want to have to go through what I’ve been through – think about it, put that hat on, put that sunscreen on. I know your friends are out there calling you to hurry up, but sunscreen

literally takes a couple of minutes.”

Young people often think melanoma is for someone older, Andrew says. “But the sad thing is ages 15 to 39 is where it’s worse for Australians.”

“I’ve had 10 major operations... i’ve had to have ribs removed and things like that to get it out”

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The goal is to raise $150,000 for Melanoma Institute Australia research. When 2508 spoke to Andrew, the pair were almost a third of the way there.

“The money that we’re raising is actually going to contribute to a clinical trial for treatment for people with brain cancer, so secondary brain cancers (as a result of melanoma),” Andrew says.

Their big sponsor is Toyota. “I can’t say enough good things about them. They have been fantastic.”

Toyota has also helped arrange a unique finale on Saturday, July 26. “We are actually going to finish at the MCG on the ground at the Hawthorn and the Swans game,” Andrew says.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” 2508

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2508 NEWS

Q&A WITH...

Stanwell Park’s Kieran Tapsell.

Kieran studied for the priesthood in the 1960s, before switching to law. Now retired, the former acting district court judge has used his experience to write Potiphar’s Wife, an illuminating book on canon law and sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

What inspired the writing of this book?

I was curious about the worldwide pattern of cover up of sexual abuse by Catholic bishops.

You could not explain that by conspiracy theories, or by universal incompetence or bad faith. They had to believe that they were doing the right thing. Given the system of belief, I suspected it had to be canon law, the Church’s law.

What is the significance of the book's title?

In the Book of Genesis, Joseph (of the

Technicolor dream coat) was sold by his brothers as a slave to Potiphar, the captain of the Pharaoh’s guard. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, but he declined the invitation, so she falsely accused him of rape. Cardinal Obando y Bravo in 2002 accused the victims of child sexual abuse of being like Potiphar’s wife, making false claims of rape against clergy. This attitude towards victims is apparent in many of the statements and actions of senior Vatican officials as late as 2011.

What did your research involve?

Going back and studying canon law and reading everything I could on the internet and in textbooks on the subject.

What was your key finding?

That for 1500 years canon law required child sex abusers amongst clergy to be stripped of their status as priests, and handed over to the civil authorities. That all changed in 1917 with the first Code of Canon Law, which discarded

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all the old decrees to that effect. Then in 1922, Pope Pius XI issued Crimen Sollicitationis that imposed “the secret of the Holy Office” on all allegations of clergy sex abuse, with no exceptions for reporting these crimes to the police. That decree was reissued by Pope John XXIII in 1962. In 1974, Pope Paul VI renamed the secret the “pontifical secret” and expanded its reach. Pope John Paul II applied the pontifical secret to some new procedures in 2001, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 extended it to cover priests who sexually abused intellectually disabled adults and who possessed child pornography. The pontifical secret still prevents reporting of the vast majority of complaints of sexual abuse in Australia. Another finding was that the Church’s disciplinary proceedings were rendered useless by Pope John Paul II’s changes to canon law. The book explains why and how six popes established, maintained and expanded a system of cover up, and destroyed their own disciplinary system, the combination of which resulted in increased sexual abuse of children.

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2508 NEWS

What do you hope the book will achieve?

An acknowledgment of the truth by the Australian Church before the Royal Commission and a change to canon law, which so far Pope Francis has failed to make. 2508

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5 Walker Street, Helensburgh PO Box 99 Helensburgh Upstairs above the liquor shop Tel (02) 4294 2076 Fax (02) 4294 2238 Email: nlyonhelensburgh@bigpond.com 2508

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2508 BUSINESS

more than stamps Greg and Lorrelle Watts are the licensees of Helensburgh Post Office. They’ve been fielding a few questions on its future recently.

First, a “For sale” sign went up outside the historic building, with 114 Parkes Street on the market for $1.7 million via Gavan Property.

“We simply tell customers that the Post Office is not for sale,” says Greg. “The landlord is looking to sell the property and to the best of our knowledge there’s no reason why our shop would have to move if the property was sold.”

Then last month Australia Post – which says digital technology has caused a “dramatic” decline in letter volumes – revealed it was axing 900 jobs. Only headquarters and administration would be affected, a June 10 media release said.

“We are absolutely committed to maintaining our post offices in communities everywhere,” said Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour.

The Watts do not work for Australia Post, Greg explains. “Helensburgh Post Office is a small business that has a licence to operate Australia Post processes, such as postage, pay bills, passports, etc. Ongoing and, hopefully, growing local support keeps us viable and allows us to continue to employ and provide support back into the community.

“Our customers are wonderful and their business is greatly appreciated. We simply ask that if you can get an item or service you want locally, then please do so before going out of town or jumping on the net.”

Over the past decade, they have seen huge

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changes. “We have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of parcels and other items purchased online. That’s the biggest change,” Greg says. “Another big change is compliance.

Regulation, whether it’s local or state or federal government… the amount of paperwork you have to provide now compared with 10 years ago is significantly increased. Australia Post has also greatly expanded their range of products and services, so we spend a lot of time explaining those things to our customers.”

The Watts also sell office supplies, including printer ink and toners. “We stock a large range of cartridges for small home office printers and order in large toners for local businesses. Our availability is pretty quick and pricing sharp – good value is our aim,” Greg says.

Helensburgh Post Office also does a significant amount of business banking for many local businesses, saving them time in not having to go to Engadine or beyond.

“We also have giftware with a science and nature theme. We have a big book range, educational books for kids.”

The Watts are firm supporters of the community and local business. “We contribute to school events, charity events, fundraisers,” says Greg, also Membership Officer for the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce.

“I will try and buy in Helensburgh, then the Northern Illawarra, before going elsewhere.”

Greg and Lorrelle welcome feedback – drop into the shop or call 4294 1008. “We may not be able to be all things to all people, but we can try,” says Lorrelle. 2508

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2508 BUSINESS

shoes on the move Our only shoe shop, It’s a Shoe Thing, is moving on, but Helensburghers needn’t go barefoot just yet.

“Small businesses in town are feeling the financial pinch, so to continue servicing the community, It’s a Shoe Thing and Little Cherub Clothing are coming together into the shoe store,” said Nikola.

“We have already moved a selection of fashion shoes and boots into our other store, Billie Rose, but with the joint venture with Little Cherub Clothing it means that we can continue to provide school shoes, joggers, football and work boots to our local community.”

Ladies can still request their favourite brands

Joining forces: from left, Colleen Cowey, of Little Cherub Clothing, Nikola Stubbs and Zoey Berinati, of It’s a Shoe Thing.

– such as Diana Ferrari, Roc and Raben Footwear – via Billie Rose.

Little Cherub Clothing’s owner, Colleen Cowey, will move into 9b Walker Street in early July. She’ll also be stocking a range of kids’ clothing, handmade items, onesies and school uniforms. 2508

Open 7 Days

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2508 BUSINESS

Q&A WITH...

Clients can trust me, they can ask for recommendations, I can source information, give them feedback. Besides, when you have booked something on the internet and there’s a problem, who do you call? personal travel manager Nicole Top three destinations for families?

Huston, pictured with son Toby 1. Fiji: Fijians just love kids. Seeing how they interact with children is amazing. The hotels’ What does a Personal Travel Manager do? kids clubs are great, they do lots of different We are mobile travel consultants who offer activities – like turtle spotting at night – and flexibility and convenience. I can meet up cater for all different ages. It’s only four with clients at a cafe, or at their home, hours away, no visas, it is beautiful.

TRAVEL TIP or via email or phone. I offer a The best time is from March through Pack mosquito bands one-on-one, more personal service. till October. for the kids in Bali As a mum, it offers flexibility for me 2. Bali: My husband and I have – the glow in the dark as well as my clients. travelled through Indonesia quite a ankle bracelets last for 48 hours. “They TravelManagers Australia has a lot and this year was the first time worked!” says network of over 430 mobile Personal we’d taken the kids. My husband is Nicole.

Travel Consultants who are across the a mad surfer, so we did the surf resort country. TravelManagers Australia is part thing, which was great. The kids of the House of Travel Group. absolutely loved Bali. You pay for a visa when What experience do you have? you arrive. November to February/March is I’ve been in the industry for over 15 years. I monsoon season, but it is still beautiful. have worked with Harvey World Travel, Travel 3. Gold Coast: It’s close, you’ve got all the Land, Surf Travel at Cronulla. I was the theme parks, plus the beaches and mountains domestic airfares coordinator for World Youth in the hinterland, you can go down to Byron for Day when the Pope came out in 2008. And I’ve a day. If you haven’t been somewhere with travelled around Australia, four-wheel-driving, young children, it’s a good testing ground. It’s camping; Indonesia, through Asia, Africa, the very affordable. You could be looking at $1000 States, South Pacific. I got engaged in Africa, in for a family of four for three to four nights, Jeffreys Bay in 2006. depending on the accommodation. The weather What’s your specialty? is good the whole year. But go out of holidays.

I’m really focused on family travel. I am a Around Christmas/January you will line up for Travel with Kidz accredited consultant which three hours to go on a ride at Movie World. And enables me to specialise in family holidays. how do you explain that to a five-year-old? 2508 You can book pretty much anything online these days. Why come to you?

Subscribe to Nicole’s newsletter in July and I have got the experience and I have got the August and take 20 percent off your next Travel time. You can do searching on the internet, but Insurance Policy. “Like” Nicole on Facebook or see you can spend hours and hours doing it! http://my.travelmanager.com.au/NicoleHuston

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22

2508 HEALTH

hurt your ankle?

By Helensburgh Physiotherapy owner Aaron Babb

Around this time of year, sport is in full swing, people are training for the Sutherland 2 Surf and City 2 Surf and ankle sprains are happening left, right and centre. In this article we wanted to explain when to

seek physiotherapy.

Firstly, a simple ankle sprain generally involves varied degrees of tearing to the anterior talo fibula ligament, long name for a very small ligament, also known as the ATFL. This occurs as you roll over on your ankle.

There are three main classifications for an ankle sprain to the ATFL. A grade I tear will not disrupt the integrity of the ligament too much and you can usually immediately walk on it.

A grade II tear will disrupt the fibres of the ATFL and it may not be possible to place weight through it. A grade III tear is a complete rupture of the ATFL and is often less painful than a grade II. This is because in a partial tear there is still tension pulling on the damaged ligament, whereas in a complete rupture there isn’t. There will be significant swelling and bruising and, if left untreated, a chronic instability will occur in the ankle joint and surgical reconstruction may be required.

A grade I ankle injury should heal well without intervention. But if a grade II or III injury is left to itself to heal there will be residual problems that you may not be aware of – firstly, lost range of motion. To see if this has happened, compare both ankles by this test (see diagram): measure the distance from your toe to the wall while maintaining your heel down and your knee touching the wall. If one is less than the other then chances are at some point ankle has been damaged but not completely rehabilitated.

This can dramatically change your biomechanics and create more problems.

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The ATFL has some very important little “receptors” inside it. These receptors are activated when the ligament is stretched and the brain reacts to this feedback by engaging the muscles on the side of your leg on hard within microseconds to avoid you rolling all the way over on the ankle, tearing the ATFL. This feedback system could activate up to several hundred times in a single soccer game or over a long run on uneven surfaces.

However, once the ATFL has been damaged significantly this feedback system can be lost, creating a chronic instability. This is when someone refers to their ankle as weak because it rolls easily. With correct rehabilitation this can be resolved or better yet avoided. 2508

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2508 NATURE

WINTER SPECIALS species which will get visited by a multitude of pollinators. You get pollen mixed up and dabbed onto flowers that it’s never going to work on because they’re a different species.”

A lot of gum trees start flowering in winter, providing a good food source for flying foxes.

Conditions may be harsher in winter, but for “It’s no accident that a lot of the eucalyptus some animals breeding then is worth it. Think species have got white or off-white coloured of it as the equivalent to a private birthing flowers, which are highly visible at night suite and sole access the buffet. time,” Martyn says.

Locally, several frogs breed in “You also get the strong, yeasty, did you winter, including the heath frog, honey smell becoming far stronger in know? whistling tree frogs and the eastern the evening. Scent is useless for birds To get rid of unsightly “dog’s vomit” brown froglet. Martyn says, “In the – most birds have got no sense of slime mould, simply case of things like frogs, all of the smell at all, so if you’re producing a mow the lawn or rake puddles, ditches and ponds, and scent, you’re trying to attract up lawn clippings. things like that, all the other species something with a good nose for it. have finished their breeding during the And flying foxes have got an excellent warmer months, so all of these water nose for that. They can both smell and, as sources and all the food that they contain is they get closer, see all those white blossoms and available for anything that can breed during the feast on them.” winter time.

Look out for the little red flying fox, which “A number of birds also start their breeding breeds during winter. “It’s mainly a nectar in winter, so that when the spring weather specialist, nectar and blossoms. It’s nomadic starts, their young are just fledging, so there’s too, so it can be absent from an area for a the sudden flush of new food available for the decade or more, and then suddenly one year newly independent birds of those species. you’ll find a whole bunch of them will form a Magpies, for example. Some of the butcher camp and they’ll be there very noisily birds will also start nesting in winter.” squabbling and interacting for maybe one summer and then they’ll disperse again during gum trees & flying foxes the autumn and winter, not to be seen again for Plants flaunting their flowers in winter will maybe another decade.” attract all the creatures that rely on nectar and pollen – simply because they’re the only ones beautiful jezebels Common Jezebel butterflies (pictured) are all around. “So their flowers will be far more aflutter in Illawarra winters. Their wings’ upper efficiently pollinated,” Martyn says, “whereas surface is white with dark markings, but on the during the spring you have got a multitude of

Winter specialists reproduce in the cold months. this is to avoid the competition, explains Australian Museum naturalist Martyn Robinson.

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2508 NATURE underside they flaunt gorgeous reds and yellows. “They tend to lay their eggs on mistletoe, which also often flower during the winter months and have their new growth then too,” Martyn says. “So you’ll get the Jezebels flying around and laying their eggs on these leaves. The caterpillars of a number of the Jezebel species will feed communally, so you’ll get quite a number of these brown caterpillars all lining up side by side and just munching through the mistletoe leaves.”

looks like dog’s vomit

Slime moulds will be out and about, particularly after rain, Martyn says. “One, which you can sometimes find in suburbia, is known colloquially as the dog’s vomit slime mould because that’s what it looks like. It’s feeding usually on the lawn clippings.

“Although it looks like something nasty that’s just appeared, it’s very interesting and if you keep your eye on it or maybe put a little marker at the leading edge and then go out and look at it about an hour later, you’ll find that it’s moved. It’s a very slow action, but they do

crawl around your back garden and feed on the bacteria and decaying leaves.

“They’re not a bad thing. A lot of people find them very disturbing and unsightly. They are useful things in school classes because you can demonstrate how amoebas move and how they crawl along and eat things.”

Slime moulds can’t stand the heat. “Hot weather tends to give them fungal and bacterial diseases which causes them to rot, but the cool and wet weather of winter provides them with the ideal conditions. Because there is not a lot of other plant growth... they can more or less complete their life cycles and then produce their fruiting bodies without any interference from growing leaves and other things like that.”

Dog’s vomit slime mould can grow to about a metre wide.

Where do spiders go in winter?

“The adults of most species die. But in the case of things like trapdoors and funnel webs, they hibernate – waiting out all the cold weather in a nice, secure burrow. Funnel webs probably live a decade or more.” 2508

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2508 OUTDOORS

Gardening with sara Go from drab to fab. Sara Newnham picks her top 5 winter flowering plants.

1. Limonium perezii ‘Perennial Statice’. It has it all: drought-tolerant, loves the heat, hardy to salt spray, and flowers for more than nine months of the year. It looks great in pots or makes a clumping low-growing feature. It has unusual grey-blue to green leaves, large papery purple flowers heads that open to white tips. Also great in a dried-flower arrangement.

2. Gaillardia is a bright groundcover that grows wider than it is tall without taking over. You will be amazed by the large daisy flowers that at times seem to cover its grey foliage. Flowers come in warm shades, from orange to two-tone yellow and red. Once established, Gaillardia thrives in sun and flowers almost all year.

3. Eriostemon is a very pretty native bush. It is hardy and can handle full sun or part shade. It has distinctive, fragrant, waxy leaves and masses of dainty flowers that usually start off as pink buds opening to white. You will also enjoy the scent when you bring a bunch indoors.

4. Pansy. It can’t be winter without a few of these little annuals. I love them in pots or as borders.

They are always cheerful

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and come in almost every colour of the rainbow. My favourite are the flowers with black markings – this is know as a face; some say they even smile at you. They are short-lived and die off once summer sets in, but until then plant a few and remove any spent flowers when they appear. This will encourage new ones, as does fertilising. I feed mine with a few organic pellets and Liquid Thrive. Watch out for snails.

5. Hellebores love the shade, so they do great planted under large trees and shrubs. They are frost hardy, drought tolerant and love rich soils, so be sure to add lots of manure before planting. These clumping plants usually grow 30 to 50cm high and are know for their elegant flowers that have an old-world charm. You can find them in many colours, all beautiful.

Disclaimer: I had a lot of trouble deciding my top 5 as there are so many beautiful flowering plants in winter – if you would like to know more just check out your local nursery or contact me.

Wet spot garden solutions

Battle past the leeches and plant out the boggy area with a native plant that loves to have wet feet.

Sedges and rushes are a perfect choice. They are clumping native grasses that can survive long periods of wet or dry. I am impressed with the unusual, sculptural element these plants can add. Most have interesting flowers and foliage, such as common rush with its pompom seed heads and Baloskion tetraphyllum produces feather-like green foliage. Or plant out your wet spot with trees that soak up the moisture, such as melaleuca, she oaks or bottlebrush.

Tricks of the trade

Cymbidium orchids are coming into bloom and would love you to give them a little extra sun, so bring them out to soak up some winter light. Be on the look-out for snails and slugs.

Please refrain from over-watering your indoor plants – most people tend to kill them with kindness in winter. 2508

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2508 EVENTS

What’s on!

send your listings to editor@2508mag.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT 18, 19 & 25, 26 Stanwell Park Arts Theatre (SPAT) Singers – Sins & Sensibility. Dinner Show, www.spat.org.au MARKETS 13 10am-3pm, Helensburgh Village Market.

Stalls in front of Centennial Hotel on Parkes St. CLUBS 15 VIEW “Christmas in July” luncheon, 11am for 11.15 start. Please phone Nerida on 0429 004 298 by Wednesday, July 9. For more information, read the club report on page 32.

CHURCHES H’burgh & Stanwell Park Anglican Church Regular Sunday services, 8.15am, 54 Stanwell Ave, Stanwell Park; 10am and 6pm, 75 Parkes St, Helensburgh. Call 4294 1024.

Helensburgh Baptist Church Community Centre, Walker St, Helensburgh.

Call 4294 8459.

Holy Cross Catholic Parish Weekend Mass: Sunday 8.30am. Reconciliation: Sunday 8am.

Hope Church 2508 Sunday services, 9.30am, 6/17 Cemetery Rd, Helensburgh. Call 0404 803 055.

Hillcrest Christian Fellowship Sundays, 6pm, Hillcrest House, Railway Crescent, Stanwell Park. Call 4294 3153.

HELENSBURGH LIBRARY 57 Walker Street; 4294 2185 01-12 “Bag a bargain” book sale. Bring a bag and fill it for $1!

02 Bug magnets (ages 5+), 10.30am. Bookings essential.

09 Decorate your own library bag (ages 8+), 10.30am. Bookings essential.

27 Regular preschool storytime, 10.30am.

BOOK OF THE MONTH Eyrie by Tim Winton (Penguin Australia) Eyrie tells the story of Tom Keely, a middle-aged man holed up in a flat at the top of a grim highrise, looking down on the world he’s fallen out of love with. When he runs into a woman he used to know as a kid, and her young boy, his life changes.

While seemingly plotless, there’s an amazing sense of suspense. The end leaves a lot unresolved and the language is a little laboured at times, but the characterisation, dialogue and setting are heartrendingly accurate and the themes are mighty. Here is a character – a city, a society – rife with ugliness, inequality and brutality, morally bankrupt and fraying at the seams. There is a strong sense of helplessness and inevitability about what happens, but even so the novel struck a chord for me, and I enjoyed it immensely.

– Marisa Vernon, Senior Library Officer, Helensburgh

PLAYGROUPS Mondays 9.30am-noon, Stanwell Park Children’s Centre, Stanwell Ave. Call Penelope, 0431 593 118.

Tuesdays 10am-noon, H’burgh Community Centre, Walker St. Call Rosemary, 4294 1290.

Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am, Helensburgh Anglican Church, 75 Parkes St. Call 4294 1024.

Wednesdays 9.30am-noon, Stanwell Park Children’s Centre, Stanwell Ave. Thursdays 10am-noon, H’burgh Community Centre, Walker St. Call Rosemary, 4294 1290.

Fridays 9.30am-noon, Stanwell Park Children’s Centre, Stanwell Ave. Call Gerri, 0402 477 898. * Playgroups don’t meet in school holidays.

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2508 TRAVEL

sail away

Helensburgh yoga teacher Amber Muller spent last year cruising about the Caribbean on a yacht with her husband and three children, aged 19, 16 and 11.

The Caribbean is an amazing place to cruise around. There are 41 islands. These islands are subdivided into two groups, namely the British West Indies and the French West Indies.

A Lagoon 440 was to become our home for the next year – a 44-foot Catamaran. We all had to adjust to a limited amount of power as, unlike all the Americans cruising who have generators, we only had solar panels. Showers were limited; we had a water maker on board but we still had to be careful how much water we used.

People think that cruising on a yacht means being out at sea. Actually you’re probably sailing only 10 percent of the time; the other times you’re anchored in beautiful, often remote bays, snorkelling, swimming paddle boarding. Maybe going ashore and hiking or exploring.

I totally underestimated how hard schooling was going to be on a yacht. Primary school was fine; everything came on USBs and we had taken a lot of the work with us when we left Australia – thank goodness, because most mail posted to the Caribbean never actually arrives. We had one package that arrived five months later.

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Year 10 was a different story – with no internet, no teacher contact, it was extremely hard.

The Caribbean can have very rough seas.

However, most of the time it is beautiful tradewind sailing conditions.

Occasionally, though, the forecast would be wrong and we would bash to windward in confused seas for 12 hours. But then we would arrive at a beautiful island, anchor, dive off into the crystal-clear water, watch amazing sunsets and have sundowners on other people’s luxury yachts and the feelings of being out of sea seemed far away.

As a yoga teacher many people ask me how I did yoga on the boat. Well, I became very good at balances! I found a spot on the foredeck, and any time we were near a beach I would paddle in to shore early in the morning and relish doing yoga on land.

Travelling with your family is hard and stressful and might give you more grey hairs, but it’s also rewarding and life-changing and, in my opinion, one of the best gifts we can give them and ourselves. 2508 Amber Muller is a local yoga teacher who runs classes in Stanwell Park and Helensburgh (see her timetable at www. yogawithamber.com.au). To read more about Amber’s sailing adventure, go to www.aroundtheworldin44feet.com

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2508 TRAVEL

calendar 5 Good reasons to get away...

Shoalhaven Art Society’s 49th Annual Open Art Exhibition July 1-19, Shoalhaven City Art Centre, Berry St, Nowra, www.shoalhavenartsociety.com A celebration of all forms of fine art.

Dinosaur Zoo July 3-6, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, near Robertson, $10-$32, www.illawarrafly.com.au Kids can pat lifelike young dinosaurs in a show by internationally renowned Australian theatre company Erth.

Eurobodalla Orchid Club Winter Show July 11 & 12, Moruya CWA Hall, Queen Street, Moruya. Free. See various species. Plus, buy orchids, orchid accessories, and enter raffles.

Cheers! Gardening writer Sara Newnham and Helensburgh’s Bec Marshall at June’s Shoalhaven Coast Winter Wine Festival. www.shoalhavencoastwine.com.au

Sussex Inlet Annual Family Fishing Carnival July 4-10, fishingcarnival.tripod.com A fishing competition for the whole family, with $30,000 in prizes.

The Singletrack Mind Series July 20, Maulbrooks MTB Park, Mogo, chocolatefoot.com.au/singletrack-mind-series There’ll be five mountain bike endurance events, each renowned for flowing singletrack and fun. Includes the infamous “Snake Track”.

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2508 HISTORY

what wolloo jack did

By Historian Michael Adams

Jack Paid, the lonely sole convict servant on ‘Stanwell Park’ farm at Little Bulli, began his Australian life of crime by ‘duffing’ cattle. He graduated to robbing lone travellers. Then he began gathering gang members, convicts on the run, called “bushrangers”, easily recruited from the cedar-cutting camps along the escarpment.

His first known recruit was Will Clarke, reported as being at “Little Bulli” in 1827.

Little Bulli was the perfect hideout. The only way in was down the track called “Wodi Wodi” today, originally marked out by the Wadi Wadi family group. There was no road or settlement to the north or west, and only the Appin and Bulli Mountain roads to the south.

The gang had a core of four raiding homesteads in a long radius around Appin. Will Clarke was soon taken and sent to Moreton Bay, without betraying the gang, which grew to about nine members. The core members were Johnny Slack, alias York, and Jack McLoghlin. Sarah Middleton was the “disposer” of the stolen goods; she was the widow of the deceased William Middleton, the disposer of stolen cattle.

In 1828 Gibbons, the owner, returned to “Stanwell Park” with Tom McAlister and a convict, Ted Whalen. Paid had increased his herd of cattle by bringing back unbranded strays. Gibbons decided to introduce two more workers into the farm, and extend his holdings northwards along the Bulgo coastline. Whalen happily joined the Wolloo Jack gang.

Middleton, though, was free born in the colony,

In the gang: John Paid, Will Clarke and Ted Whalen. Illustration by Phil Church

never a convict. Paid forced him into the gang.

In 1828 the Governor doubled the troopers in the field to try and catch the gang. The people of Appin sent him a petition in July: “400 settlers are kept in constant agitation by a desperate gang of bushrangers who are committing every species of depredation in that quarter. Not a day or night goes by without the commission of some outrage or another.”

Their actual crimes were not revealed until Paid and Whalen were on the gallows. The first reported was against Byrne family at Bargo. A later crime was against ex-chief constable Malachy Ryan who had harassed Paid in the past for petty misdemeanours. Paid actually inserted a bayonet into the mouth of Ryan during the robbery. A silver watch taken was to later help undo Sarah Middleton.

Their final and fatal robbery was suggested

by Ted Whalen – a hotel near Cabramatta, ‘Kearnes Hill’, run by Timothy and Elizabeth Beard, and once frequented by Whalen. Paid, Whalen, York and six gang members attacked the hotel at twilight on September 30, 1828.

The Beards refused to reveal where their money was hidden. Wolloo Jack turned really nasty, and began to stab Beard repeatedly with a bayonet, until York found a chest containing 60 pounds. This they took, plus as much grog as their horses could carry. But Mrs Beard had recognised one of the members, Whalen. 2508

“400 settlers are kept in constant agitation by a desperate gang of bushrangers”

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2508 HISTORY

Who were the Bride and Groom? This unknown wedding photograph, circa 1900, comes from the archives of the Helensburgh & District Historical Society. If you can help identify anyone in it, please contact Jenny Donohoe on 4294 2877 or info@historichelensburgh.org.au.

Landscaping work Site clearing & Driveways

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Slashing & clearing Large area mowing

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0423748957 The long awaited return of Sarah is finally here, styling and designing at beautiful Stanwell Park. With 20 years experience, Sarah’s well deserved reputation as a hairdresser reflects the years of personal commitment to her clients.

If you feel you deserve the extra special care then Sarah has a great winter special.

To make an appointment please phone Sarah on 0423748957 Shop 5/91 Lawrence Hargrave Dr Stanwell Park

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2508 CLUBS

THE VIEW CLUB REPORT By publicity officer Virginia Dowson In May, VIEW Club Helensburgh celebrated its 23rd birthday, Western style. This was a great success, with many members turning up as “Jillaroos” in their checked shirts and denim jeans.

A selection of poetry and short stories, with an “Outback” theme, was read by Chris and Patti, some with obscure origins!

Thanks go to Ronda for the traditional baked dinner, and Kerrie for her luscious birthday cake. Some members and visitors were unable to come due to illness, and we wish them all a speedy recovery. Everyone received a lucky door prize and a number of previously sold

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raffle tickets were drawn.

The excursion to Bundeena on June 17 was well-attended and all enjoyed a delicious lunch at the RSL. It was a lovely, sunny day and the views across Port Hacking were superb.

Tickets for the Sydney Opera House to see The King and I, starring Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahue Rhodes, could be an ideal Christmas gift.

It is for the 1pm matinee on November 1.

There are only 10 seats left, and payment is by August 25. Travel in comfort by coach to the Opera House, there and back from the Centennial Hotel. Please phone Chris on 4294 1103 now, so as not to miss out.

Our next luncheon is our “Christmas in July” on July 15 at the Centennial Hotel, 11am for 11.15 start. Our speaker will be Jim Ollis from Toastmasters. Members are asked to bring a book for children, for ages 8 to 12 preferably, for The Smith Family Book and Toy Appeal, instead of the usual “Secret Santa”. New members welcome. Please phone Nerida on 0429 004 298 for new bookings or cancellations,

by Wednesday, July 9. 2508

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business directory art & about

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Rojo’s Riding 4 U! Walker Street, Helensburgh • riding tuition • beginners to intermediate • ponies supplied

AIR CONDITIONING

Robyn Johnson 0411 147 643

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AUTOMOTIVE Solar and Traditional Systems Lic #227582c

Helensburgh Car Services Tune & Service • E Safety Checks • All Makes & Models •Child Restraints Fitted John Hine (Proprietor)

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2508 local directories

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antfarm projects

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION new homes interiors outdoor play spaces home extensions site planning gardens

architecture landscape architecture interiors first consultation is FREE call Chaya Bratoeva 0428 chayab@tpg.com.au

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Pickering Constructions P/L New homes, renovations, decks and pergolas

‘Committed to providing quality building and carpentry services’

Call Gavin 0407 105 969 Lic# 228720C

Wilson’s Concreting & Resurfacing Lic No: 221563C

All general concreting Stamp – Stencil – Pebble – Excavation Council approved

Shane Wilson 0416 162 401

MARK JONES BUILDER • New Homes • First Floor Additions • Decks & Pergolas

Trading as M&B Jones Building

0419 448 696 or 42942078 Est. 1985 Lic No. 143571c

2508 local directories

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BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

CARPENTER Specialising in Decks, Pergolas, Renovations, Gyprock & Plastering, Maintenance, Ins. Work.

J & D CARPENTRY John McKinlay Lic No: 46961c

child care

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Home and Small Business Systems Local Support

0419 413 935 Microsoft Small Business Specialist Microsoft Certified & Microsoft Partner

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COMPUTING & DATA SERVICES

DOMESTIC SERVICES Kristy Klean Pty Ltd All commercial and domestic cleaning

0402 962 222

HIGH PRESSURE WATER CLEANING

Water blast, seal and colour seal Driveways, footpaths, patios, Roofs, pool and pavement & exterior House cleaning & minor roof repairs www.jetblastsolutions.com.au

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ENGINEERING

DRIVING INSTRUCTION AROUND TOWN DRIVING SCHOOL 0404 361 744

Stephen Potter

spotter73@bigpond.com

B.S.S. ENGINEERING 0418 406 279

No Job Welding & Machining General Machinery Repairs Too Small

Unit 14/17 Cemetery Road Helensburgh Business Park 2508 OPEN 7 DAYS

Driving Instructor

entertainment

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

firewood

FIRE WOOD

MIXED HARDWOOD FREE local delivery - 7 days Bill & Stuart McWilliam 0429 942 864 4294 2864

GARDENING & PROPERTY Tradespeople required to hold a licence to practise must include this on all advertising. More info: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au 2508 local directories

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Marty Parker 0400 052 508 |4294 9998

- Lawn/garden care & maintenance - Council approved irrigation systems - Retaining walls & paving - Pergolas & decking - Ponds & water features

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ryan's property maintenance • L awn Mowing• Gardens• Rub b i s h Remo v al •

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ECA Tree Services Specialising In: *Tree Removal & Trimming - Tall & Dangerous *Fully Qualified & Insured

For a free quote call

0424 637 247 188 Parkes St, Helensburgh

Property Solutions Retaining Walls • Pergolas • Decking Paving • Landscaping Lic: 151773C Complete Makeovers Call Daniel: 0422 503 193

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2508 local directories

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GAS SUPPLIES HELENSBURGH HARDWARE Ask about our $80 Welcome Package!

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(formally Laurem's Beauty and Day Spa) Offering a wide range of services including beauty treatments, massage, manicures, pedicures, ear piercing, waxing, spay tans & wedding make up.

phone : 02 42944611 | shop 2 & 3 12 walker st h’burgh

2508 local directories

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Indulge

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

0418 262 925

pet care Feeding, Walking & Other Services Available

Mick’s Painting Solutions

Call Karen 0419 432 482

Licensed Painter & Decorator > Interior > Exterior > Residential > Commercial

kpetcare@tpg.com.au

Mick O’Brien

0408 874 982

Lic# 24852BC

jewellery Appointments now available in local studio Quality Handmade Jewellery, Repairs or Sydney & Restorations Ph: 02 4294 9242 CBD Suite

Alt Ph/Fax 02 9233 6847

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PLUMBING & ROOF PLUMBING Lic 226808c

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P.O. BOX 343 HELENSBURGH 2508

50 DIFFERENT SPECIALS WEEKLY QUALITY ONLINE BEAD SUPPLIER

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PH: (02) 4294 3333 DISCOUNTS & WHOLESALE PRICES

Plumber, Roof plumber, Drainer Gasfitter and Emergency repairs Free quotes and advice

Call James 0409 875 391

2508 local directories

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PLUMBING & ROOF PLUMBING

PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL

Quality Roof Gutters Supplied & Fitted

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SPORT & FITNESS FULLY EQUIPMENT GYM WEIGHTS, CARDIO, BOXING

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PERSONAL TRAINING OUTDOOR FITNESS GROUP CLASSES

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2508 local directories

41

SPORT & FITNESS

Call or SMS

0421 566 312

Party Yourself Into The Best Shape Of Your Life!

Tues: 7pm-8pm Helensburgh Public School Thur: 7pm-8pm MacKillop Hall, Helensburgh Sat: 9am-10am Helensburgh Community Centre Cost: $10 per class with discount cards available

Zumba - its fun, its fantastic, its fitness!

Enquiries: Nicole Hoffmann | 0433 777 943

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Classifieds BAZZA’S HANDYMAN SERVICES: All handyman repairs. Decks, pergolas, tiling, fencing, plastering and all other timber work. Local, reliable, quick and fully insured. Free quotes. Ph. Barry [Bazz ] 0414 492 509 or 4294 8164.

BRICKLAYING: All brickwork, block work, extensions, retaining walls, repairs. Ph 4294 3741 or 0413 323 629 Lic. No. 35124C. CARPENTER: Friendly, Honest, Reliable service where manners comes standard. From doors to decks and everything in between.

Fully insured. Call Kelvin for a free quote on 0421 952 100. Lic No. 253680C CLOTHING ALTERATIONS: Zippers replaced, hems taken up, minor repairs fixed.

Reasonable rates. Ph Melinda 0419 977 658 or 4294 1619.

GARDEN SERVICE: Rejuvenate your garden: pruning, weeding, hedging, clean ups, rubbish removal. Regular mowing, edge trimming and gardening service also available.

Call Stewart 4294 9726 or 0429 035 192.

HANDYMAN: Local service offering a friendly service for all aspects of home improvements, maintenance, construction and repairs. Fully insured. Call Kelvin for a free quote on 0421 952 100. Lic No. 253680C KIMMY’S CLEANING SERVICES: Reliable, professional, friendly & personal.

Domestic & commercial cleaning, fully insured with attention to detail. Weekly, fortnightly or a one off. Mention this ad for a 10% discount on your first clean. Ph. Kim 0405 950 464.

PAMZART: Enjoy creative activity with fun exploring art techniques using acrylics, pencils, inks etc. School students/adults. Helensburgh Community Centre, Wednesdays 4-5.30pm.

Coledale, Tuesdays/Wednesdays. Enquiries: Pam 0418 201 587.

RAELEEN’S FANCY FACES: Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon twisting & special effects makeup. Bring the ‘wow’ factor to your next party, fete, christening or corporate event. Local business (will travel), fully insured, exceptional hygiene standards, professional cosmetic-grade face paints used.

2508 local directories

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Ph. Raeleen 0413 291 843.

SOUTHERN MATHEMATICS TUTORING: Real Tutoring, Real Results.

Combined 45+ years of teaching and lecturing experience. Qualified Maths Teachers/ Lecturers only. Max of 6 students per group session. Individual sessions by appointment.

Contact Gavin 0459 550 452; Shaun 0407 213 622. References & information, www. southernmathematicstutoring.com.au SUSAN’S JUST DANCE: Great fun, no pressure, fantastic environment to learn to dance. Jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, boys only hip hop crew. Ages from 3 to adult.

Latest music, great teachers. Concert each year at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre. For registration Ph. Susan 4294 8366.

TUTORING: Maths, Physics, Chemistry.

Primary, High School, HSC. Final year engineering student Sydney Uni. $25 hr. Ph. Jack 0490 134 480.

YOGA STANWELL PARK: Stretch, strengthen, relax. Based on Yoga & Pilates.

Suitable for beginners. All classes 1 hour $14 casual or 5 for $60. Tues 9.15am & 7.15pm Thurs 7.15pm Sunday 4.30pm. Stanwell Park Childrens Centre, end of Stanwell Ave, Stanwell Park. www.facebook.com/ yogastanwellpark – call Karen to book 0403 789 617.

YOGA WITH AMBER: Yoga classes in Stanwell Park and Helensburgh. Amber has 20 years + of teaching yoga in Australia and Internationally. Classes are friendly, dynamic and tailored to suit your needs. $15 per 75 mins class. Beginners workshops, General & Advanced classes, Mums N Bubs, Pregnancy classes. Timetable: www.yogawithamber.com. au or call Amber on 0466 370 307.

wanted GARAGE REQUIRED 4 WEEKS: Secure garage or undercover lockup 26/7 to 26/8. Waterfall to Thirroul. Suit reliable older couple with an empty garage. Cash $200. 0414 403 927. 2508

SEA EELS’ touring schedule kicks off The 2014 winter swimming season got underway as a fresh change crept into water temps, Karl Weber reports.

Our winter touring schedule started early this season with a visit to Bulli for the annual ‘Jimmy Johns’ trophy meet. We were treated to a warm reception from the Sea Lions and tried our very best to take out this prestigious trophy.

Whilst we won the 10-person relay in the pool, we were once again defeated by one of the many obscure rules and regulations that guard the legitimacy of this event. The after-party was well attended, and Bulli once again showed their hospitality in looking after our club during this bi-annual visit to the Bulli Workers Club.

Next year we will have them back on our turf, so we can return the generosity.

We also held our annual ‘Bring a Friend’ day in June. This is a normal competition day with a twist – we invite a non-member to come and swim, and hopefully convince them to stay for another week, month or full year of membership. Unfortunately the weather was against us this year, which led to our normal numbers being down. Still it was a successful

day for the club, and it culminated in a $300 donation to Era Surf Club.

In July we are looking forward to competing in the Southern Sydney Regional Championships, as well as the annual South Coast Winter Swimming Association carnival.

The Southern Sydney Champo’s will be a special event for the Stanwell Park Sea Eels, as all of our club will be able to travel to the Bondi Icebergs pool and compete. This contrasts with the South Coast carnival, as they still only allow men to swim on their day. We hope to continue to compete in the Southern Sydney Championships, and hopefully we will be able to build an associate membership, which will ensure our status for the years ahead.

Stay cool in the pool. 2508

2508 local directories

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2508 SPORT

THE WORKERS GOLF CLUB A helensburgh workers sports and social club report,

by Barry Thompson Sparrow King celebrated his birthday by winning our June tournament in a convincing manner. (Ageing like good wine, Keith?)

Second in the chase for the Parrino’s Pizza voucher and top money was Mick Carroll with Geoff Hammonds taking third prize.

Winners of the match play games were: Jammu, Steve and Geoff. There are some interesting matches evolving with Laurie and Paul yet to hit the spotlight and Terry lurking in the background.

Mark Ryan won the Helensburgh Driving

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Range voucher and Carl Foster claimed the Bradman’s prize. Lucky I couldn’t play, Carl, or you would have had a fight on your hands!

Would members please advise John Towns of their interest in our away trip to be organised

by Steve in October-November. Our last outing was a great success, so keep an eye out for the date for this upcoming trip.

Our next tournament is on Saturday, July 19 at Boomerang. Tee-off 7.30am. Golfers of all standards are welcome. Just turn up early and introduce yourself. You’ll get a warm welcome.

Golfing truths: Greens are tined the day before a competition! Bunkers have the unnerving ability to jump out and grab your ball! 2508

sunday SOCIAL GOLF club

Vicki “The Hair” Little and her merry mob decided, in her own words, to go “back to the fart-sack”. The day was too wet for golf.

From the confused golfer: Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in weather like that! 2508

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2508 SPORT

TIGERS LOOKING GOOD At the halfway mark of the 2014 season the Helensburgh tigers are sitting pretty on top of the first grade ladder.

With a gritty 8-4 win over Jason Ryles’ Wests, the Tigers were two points clear on top, at time of writing. Blake Phillips won a Man of the Match and a huge crowd witnessed the win as part of our very successful Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser.

The Tigers have been rewarded for their good form, with Chris Lewis and Jason Raper called up to the Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup. Azan Turoa, Jason Raper, Wayne Bremner, Jarrod Boyle, Eamon Hillen, Steve McCallum, and Blake Phillips were selected to represent Illawarra in the country championships. The boys won their way to the June 21 final against arch-rivals, the Newcastle Rebels, in Tamworth.

They made it two in a row with a nail-biting 22-20 victory. Bremner, Raper and Hillen scored tries; Hillen kicked three from four. Jarrod Boyle was named Man of the Match and Eamon Hillen was selected in the NSW Country firsts side to travel to Hawaii to play the USA Tomahawks in July. Congrats boys!

Our women’s team remains undefeated. Sam Hammond, Maddie Studdon Emily Andrews, Kezie Apps, Erin Blackwell, and Ruby Ewe have all been selected to play in the NSW women’s team. Congrats girls!

Reserve grade hit their straps with a tough win over Wests. They sit equal first on the

Save The Date

Our annual sportsmans dinner will be held at Club Heathcote on July 12! Get your tickets from Sarah (0438 002 209), Nicole (0409 908 814) or Jo (0415 409 097). $70 includes a two-course meal and drink tickets. There will be special guest appearances by Origin greats, as well as auctions, raffles, great prizes and sporting memorabilia.

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The Helenbsurgh boys were instrumental in Illawarra’s 2014 country championship victory

ladder. Jordan Hay and Pierce Thompson leading the way up front, with Mitch McRae and Jarrod Fitzgerald working well. Winger Jye Scott has been outstanding, scoring several brilliant tries. With players like Shaun Murray, Josh Clay and Dion Beattie yet to return, reserves are looking good for three in a row!

Our colts (U/19) team has had an up-and down start to the season, due to injury and absence. Coach Dave Bell knows the potential is there. Tasmin Gilmour is having a great year in the front row, learning a thing or two from his brother Brock; Hayden Brown at hooker is also having a big year. Josh Hoare and Dom Scipione are among the most consistent players so far. Tom Carr has been a revelation at fullback and Jesse Cobb is relishing his new role in the number 13 jersey.

The Tigers are also leading the club championship, which they took out last year.

Thanks to our sponsors: Luke Jones Electrical, Transition Automotive, Helensburgh Premium Liquor, Blackwell Bros, IDH Bricklaying, Darkes Forest Riding Ranch and Menai Civil Contractors, just to name a few. 2508

Upcoming Games

5 July: colts, reggies, firsts and women. Live music 11 July: women only (Friday night) 19 July: colts, reggies, firsts 2 August: women 3 August: colts and firsts Visit www.helensburghtigers.com.au and also Like Helensburgh Tigers Facebook page.

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2508 TIDES

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port kembla tidal chart  

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   The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not

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infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights.

The Bureau’s liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.

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THISTLES IN ACTION

Thistles’ youth grade players Jaydn (in photo, above – wearing the No.3 jersey) and Nic (in photo, above right), as well as reserve grade player Hayden (at right), are all part of a club that wows fans with their attacking style of football.

Here are some shots of them in action in recent clashes.

See page 48 for a full report on the Thistles’ season so far.

Photos by April Boughton Photography; www.facebook.com/aprilboughtonphotography8

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2508 SPORT

The club’s top-level side has a fight on its hands, reports first grade coach Matt Callahan.

With 10 games left to play this season, Thistles’ first grade side are positioned mid-table and in need of a good run to ensure a spot in the finals.

Having played in the finals for the last five seasons and having won the league last season, the challenge they face is a real test of character for the boys who now have to make a big impact to stay in the title hunt.

We lost a few players from last year’s grand final side but that has given some young blokes, such as Luke Van Zyl, Rob Oste, Hayden Gerard, Josh Brady and the Falkiner brothers, who have come up through our junior ranks, the opportunity to play first grade.

Seasoned first graders like Nathan Mucci,

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Thistles’ youth grade players have been performing with real attacking flair this season.

Jason Wellings and Luke Wyatt are playing as well as they ever have and would rank among some of the league’s top players at the moment.

Reserve Grade is starting to look very good, for a side that lost half of its grand finalwinning side to retirement. Daniel Paine has been able rejuvenate the side again, with players out of our junior club. Most pleasing is that, instead of the team looking like a side of former first graders, they now appear to have a lot of future first graders, as most of the side are in their early 20s.

We also have a very young U/20s side this year; half are still eligible to play U/16s and all but two played their junior football for Helensburgh. After a slow start and a steep learning curve, Peter Grima’s side have now gone nine games without a loss, including five victories. Importantly, they also play an attractive attacking style of football that fits in with the two senior grades, meaning that if and when they are promoted they can slot straight into the team. 2508

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Photo by April Boughton Photography ; www.facebook.com/aprilboughtonphotography8

THISTLES STILL IN HUNT FOR TITLE