APRIL 2025

Meet Our Contributors

Dr Helen Lewis works as an environmental consultant and volunteers as convenor of Circular Plastics Illawarra, a network of passionate locals working to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics. She loves bushwalking, swimming and walking the neighbourhood with her Italian Greyhound looking for treats (the dog, that is).

Duncan Leadbitter is a director of fisheries and natural resource consulting company, Fish Matter, which advises industry, government and NGOs on the sustainable use of fish. Most of Duncan’s work is based in Asia. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Australian Centre for Ocean Resources and Security at UOW. A keen scuba diver, snorkeller, spearfisherman and photographer, Duncan lives in Stanwell Park.

Dr Julie Blaze graduated from Newcastle University in 1986 and has worked as a GP at Bulli Medical Practice since 1999. Julie supervises medical students from the University of Wollongong and General Practice Registrars. Julie also lectures registrars in Travel Medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys family life, cooking, yoga, reading, exercising and travelling.

John Groom is president of the Illawarra Ramblers. He has lived for two years in Thirroul and previously 19 years in Stanwell Park. From 38 years bookselling John retired to the Illawarra, is now on Thirroul Beach most days and walking or riding in the district a few days a week.

Meg Wright is a journalist and podcaster whose work appears regularly in the Financial Times She has also written for Forbes, The Drum and Mamamia. Meg grew up in the Illawarra and recently returned after living in London. She spends her time swimming, doing yoga and drinking (too much) coffee.

Angela Blake is the founder and director of SF3, one of the biggest smartphone film festivals in the world. She is a passionate advocate for accessible and affordable filmmaking and she teaches smartphone filmmaking and screenwriting to students of all ages around Australia and the world. She is also a writer/director/producer/actor and has an obsession with reading and cafes.

New Podiatrist in Helensburgh

Khaled Assaad (Podiatrist) is the founder of Platinum Health Podiatry, the newest local service with extensive knowledge and skills in all aspects of podiatry. Khaled covers all general treatments but has a strong focus in biomechanics, covering dry needling, foot mobilisations, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy and more. He has a strong focus on:

• All routine nail & skin care (Home Visits)

• Pediatrics (in toe/out toe walking)

• Sever’s and other growth plate conditions

• Adolescents & geriatrics

• Sporting related injuries

• Knee pain (arthritic related or ligamentous)

• Tendinitis

• Nerve Entrapments

• Foot orthotics

Helensburgh: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Kirrawee: Friday & Saturday

platinumhealthpodiatry.com.au 02 4294 9990 | 0481 796 781 (if urgent/after hours) 2/20-24 Walker Street, Helensburgh NSW 2508 NEXT

PARTNER CONTENT

17 forApril May edition

EDITORS Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft

CONTACT hello@theillawarraflame.com.au; 0432 612 168; PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508. TheIllawarraFlame

ADVERTISING www.theillawarraflame.com.au 0432 612 168 | T&Cs apply

DEADLINE 17 April. Contributions welcome.

COVER The Hewitts Creek Bushcare Group. Photo: Tyneesha Williams

THE ILLAWARRA FLAME is published by a family business, The Word Bureau, ABN 31 692 723 477

DISCLAIMER: All content and images remain the property of The Illawarra Flame unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Views expressed do not reflect those of the publishers.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The publishers acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their cultural and spiritual connection to this land. Their stories are written in the land and hold great significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, from the mountains to the sea.

THE ILLAWARRA

KANE DOWNIE

Firefighters honoured in parliament

By Captain Roslyn Thomas, station commander at Helensburgh’s 325 Station

On February 26, firefighters were invited to attend the first Community Recognition Statement

Morning Tea at the office of Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote, and were awarded a framed community recognition statement.

We joined Maryanne, and other fellow community members who were also being recognised for the positive contributions being made to their local areas.

The morning tea provided a great opportunity to network and learn about other business initiatives being driven by passionate community members.

Thank you for your service

The recognition statement reads: “The crew at 325 do an incredible job looking after the tightknit

community of Helensburgh. Surrounded by bushland to the east, west and north, there is no shortage of potential fire dangers for the crew. The station, like many others, rely on retained on-call fire fighters to ensure the facility can remain operational. Retained on-call firefighters are paid when called upon, which can be any time of the day or night – pending their availability of course. It can be a balancing act with primary employment, family and personal commitments, and firefighting duties. However, the fact is without retained on-call firefighters, stations like Helensburgh would not be able to protect their community as effectively and efficiently as they have done for so long. I would urge all Helensburgh residents that are able, to consider signing up as a retained on-call firefighter at Station 325.”

More Community Recognition Statements

Maryanne Stuart MP has also recognised the following crews: Bulli Rural Fire Brigade, Darkes Forest RFS, Loftus Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, and Woronora Rural Fire Brigade.

Experts give free film classes

By Angela Blake, founder and director of SF3

SF3 – aka the SmartFone Flick Fest – is one of the biggest smartphone film festivals in the world.

2025 is our 11th season and we are a huge celebration of indie filmmaking and our filmmakers range each year from five years old to their 70s. We have a huge awards show annually up in Sydney and Melbourne and our film festival attracts films from over 70 countries each year.

Our ambassadors include Phillip Noyce, Nicole da Silva, Christopher Stollery, Kerry Armstrong and Kriv Stenders and we have some incredible local filmmakers from the Illawarra each year.

We have received a grant from Sydney Water to put on a series of smartphone filmmaking masterclasses in the Illawarra. These are FREE and open to everyone. Classes are for both under 18s and adults and will be held at the Coledale Community Hall.

We’ve partnered with both the South Coast Writers Centre and Screen Illawarra to put on free workshops, plus a public screening of films made during the classes by locals.

Upcoming classes are April 5 and June 14, and the screening will be held after the June 14 class.

Learn from experts

On Saturday, April 5 is a Screenwriting Workshop with award-winning writer/director Holly Trenaman and SF3 founder and screenwriter, Angela Blake. Learn how to write a screenplay then pitch your film ideas to the class, get feedback, and leave with a finished script/strong idea for your short film on water. Saturday, June 14 is a Film Festival Strategy Masterclass with local producer extraordinaire and chair of Screen Illawarra, Nick Bolton, and Angela Blake. This will be followed by a free Public Screening of all films made during this workshop series. Everyone is invited.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Workshops will be held at Coledale Community Hall.

Bookings via Humanitix

List & sell your property with Julie for your chance to WIN a $2,000 travel voucher!

List & sell your property with Julie before 30/06/2025, to go into the draw to win a $2,000 travel voucher.

Plus, sign a Management Agreement with our Property Manager Olivia, before the deadline, and you could win an $800 travel voucher. *Ts & Cs apply.

Julie York 0405 128 070

Helensburgh

Happy Easter! Head into our office at 1/114a Parkes Street, Helensburgh to say hello and pick up some Easter goodies!

Julie York 0405 128 070

‘I

love the ancient African ceremonial vessels’

A Q&A with Leonora Heaven, winner of the Sculpture Prize at 2024’s Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up on a wine estate in South Africa with five brothers and had a great childhood on the farm. Playing in the mud and earth as a child, I understand why clay has become my passion and my joy.

I trained as a registered nurse and midwife in South Africa. Together with my husband and very young family, we arrived in Australia over 40 years ago.

When and why did you take up pottery?

After raising four children and a career in midwifery, I was fortunate enough to “find” clay –or should I say clay found me.

It was during a visit back to South Africa in 2017 when I was invited along to a pottery class and fell head over heels in love. I was so eager to learn that I enrolled at TAFE in 2018 and did a diploma in ceramics. Since then I have been fortunate to participate in ceramic tours and workshops in South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and recently attended a two-week workshop in Bali using found clays and materials.

What are you working on now?

I am currently experimenting with rocks and clay chunks I pick up on my walks. These I grind and add chemicals to produce glazes with which I texture and decorate my pieces. I have so much to learn and not a day goes by that I am not in my studio playing and creating one-off pieces.

What inspired 2024’s award-winning vase?

I love the ancient African ceremonial vessels as well as texture. My purpose is to produce individual tactile, sculptural and functional pottery. I enjoy throwing on the wheel as much as hand-building.

My winning vessel was hand built and represented living between the textured escarpment and the sea.

I was thrilled to win in 2024 and want to encourage the many talented Illawarra potters to consider entering the Thirroul Art Festival.

Follow Leonora on Instagram @glammar_pots 2025 Art Show applications close on 21 May and Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival returns from 30 May to 1 June. Visit www.thirroulfestival.com.au

Leonora Heaven with her Sculpture Prize winner, Earthytextured hand-built ceramic vase

Home decor for harmony and happiness

By local interior decorator Claire Cronin-Smith

Communication is at the heart of my work. I believe that understanding my clients and their families is essential to bringing their vision to life. With a degree in Communications and a background in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) marketing across London and Sydney, I’ve developed a deep understanding of people – what drives them, what they need, and how to create spaces that reflect their unique lifestyle. Our homes have a profound impact on our mood and overall well-being. A bright, stark, white room can feel sterile and stimulating –ideal for work or study. But if you want a space that balances productivity and relaxation while still embracing white (like I do), simple changes can make all the difference. Switch off harsh downlights and opt for softer lighting from lamps or sconces. Introduce texture with sheer curtains or add velvet and linen cushions for a softer, inviting feel. Light, colour, and clutter all shape how we feel in a space.

Bathrooms have always been my favourite room. As a former brand manager for a Sydney housewares company, I launched a bathroom brand across Australia, sourcing products from around the world. I named it ‘Immerse’ because, to me, a bathroom isn’t just a functional place, it’s a place to escape and breathe, a place of solace. A wide variety of stoneware, tiles and materials now offers endless design possibilities.

Some clients need assistance selecting kitchen finishes, while others seek guidance on paint colours, furniture choices, or layout. I always love seeing the before-and-after photos – they’re always so dramatically different!

Exclusive Access and Trade Discounts

As an interior decorator, I have access to a large array of suppliers. This allows me to source unique pieces beyond the standard retail options and keep up to date with new trends. I can often pass on trade discounts to my clients, so they can access high-quality furniture at a more affordable price.

My Passion and Why I Do This

I believe that colour, texture, shape, size, light, and – all the elements of decorating – have the power to transform our mindset. Our surroundings shape our mood, so why not create a space that truly resonates with you. Plants bring me a sense of calm, others may find joy in a statement furniture piece or a vibrant artwork, there really is no right or wrong. My role is to guide and support. If you love it, it’s right for you. If it makes you feel happy in your home, then it’s perfect.

Contact Claire on 0414 932 658, visit www.csinteriors.com.au or follow @_cs_interiors_ on Instagram

Time

to

prepare for fire

Janice Creenaune meets Jenny and Andrew Newland, long-time Austinmer residents who volunteer with the Community Fire Unit. Photos: Janice Creenaune

Jenny and Andrew Newland, an IT consultant and a geologist respectively, have long served the community in their efforts to be fire ready. Now retired and in their early 70s, they continue to enable local community action and knowledge with the Community Fire Units (CFUs).

“Andrew joined the local CFU in 1995, not long after the program began, and I joined in 2012,” Jenny says. “We were both still working at the time, but with the CFU’s unique local focus, it was not an onerous task to undertake. Now as coordinators for our unit it is a continual process of renewal to bring in new members, train them up and increase our knowledge.

“Some have remained in the group from the beginning with the trailer placement in Foothills Road, but many neighbours have moved on and volunteers are now tightly stretched.

“What people don’t realise is how easy it is to participate.”

Andrew says: “It is different to the Rural Fire Service. We work to be locally prepared and act in readiness for the possibility of bushfires affecting our homes and the area in Austinmer.

“We have a defined area of activity immediately surrounding our homes. We don’t enter into the bush to fight fires or enter a burning building and we are instructed by the Fire and Rescue NSW in times of possible crisis.”

Jenny says: “Many newcomers have been fortunate to not experience a major bushfire threat, but it is always there. It is a factor of the beautiful area in which we live.

“We are always looking for more members, maybe a little younger, stronger even, who are willing to be educated and trained.

“Anyone aged 16 (with parental consent) or over can join, and those not physically strong can also play a part in communications, equipment maintenance and understanding fires.

“It can be a whole community activity.”

Andrew says the unit works to familiarise locals with the CFU trailer. “We work cooperatively together starting the pumps, attaching hoses, accessing hydrants and other water sources and hand tools where water is not available, as well as using communication devices, all for the common purpose of fire readiness. We all know the trailer and its workings.

“We can advise incoming firefighters from other areas or states who may be unfamiliar with our area, and we can all set up hoses etc. in readiness for use by them.

“While our roles are limited, we are able to deal with ember attacks and spot fires as well as mop activities after a fire front passes, all valuable tasks in saving homes, lives and our beautiful area while freeing up vital firefighting resources.”

NSW has more than 500 CFUs. “Austinmer and Thirroul have two trailers each, but there seems a great need for more units in our area.”

The couple renovated their home with fire in mind. “Even those homes not directly bush affected and closer to the beach can be impacted by fast flying embers,” says Andrew. “Ember attacks can burn houses down before, during and after a fire.

“The fires of 1968 are still in the memory of many long-term residents. The more recent fires in the early 2000s when fire came over the escarpment and burnt down to Foothills Road, Buttenshaw Drive and Morrison Avenue, are a further reminder. And then there were the Black Summer fires to wake us all up.”

Jenny and Andrew play a vital role in an area renowned for its beauty and its potential dangers.

For more details, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au and look for ‘Community Fire Unit and volunteering’, or email cfu@fire.nsw.gov.au

Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com

What’s On

More events at theillawarraflame.com.au

Old Mine Surgery Open Day

Sat, April 12 From 10.30am-2pm, Helensburgh & District Historical Society will hold an open day at the Old Mine Surgery at 78 Parkes St. The theme is ‘Genealogy in the Helensburgh District’. Residents can contribute items about pioneering families to the archives, buy a raffle ticket (winner receives the Tunnel watercolour by painter Edith McNally) & check out a new photographic exhibition, with old school photos where you might find a relative or two. Contact info@historichelensburgh.org.au

Bulgo Beach Heritage Tour Sun, 13 April The Bulgo Beach Shack Community invites the public to take part in the Annual Heritage Walk-in-day to Bulgo Beach. Take a guided tour from 10am, allow 4 hours minimum. Enjoy a brisk walk (medium difficulty, via 1.2 km bush track) down the escarpment to the Beach and tour the heritage-listed shacks, view the display of old photographs and memorabilia. Numbers strictly limited, bookings essential! Contact John on 0418 607 685 or johnarney@ozemail.com.au

April 25: ANZAC Day Services

Helensburgh The Dawn Service for ANZAC Day 2025 will be held at the memorial, Charles Harper Park Helensburgh, commencing at 5:45am April 25th. All are welcome to attend, and could any organisation or individual intending to lay a wreath or flowers advise their details before the service, to the RSL Sub Branch (HelensburghSB@rslnsw.org. au) for inclusion in the programme. Stanwell Tops Helensburgh Lions hosts a service

at Stanwell Tops Memorial Park starting at 10am. Afterwards enjoy a cuppa and an Anzac biscuit. Coledale RSL Sub-Branch will hold their Anzac day service to commence at 6am, followed by Club ltd. Anzac day BBQ breakfast.

Austinmer Thirroul RSL Sub-Branch will be conducting Anzac Day Dawn Services at Austinmer Beach and Woodward Memorial Park Thirroul. The services will commence at 6am.

University of the Third Age (U3A)

28 April ‘First Australians – Unhealthy Government Experiment’. SBS Video. At Hillcrest House, Stanwell Park, 9.30am-noon. All welcome.

30 April Northern Illawarra Film Appreciation Group, Trafic, France, 1971, starring Jacques Tati

30 April Thirroul talk: Joe Lane, Mud Brick House

Seniors carpet bowls

Friday mornings At Thirroul Community Centre. $3, with morning tea. 9:30-11:30am, 0409 310 115.

Helensburgh and Thirroul Libraries

Thu, 10 April Stories in the Park (preschoolers), 10-11am, Bulli Beach Reserve Playground. Free! School holidays are here already! Bookings are essential via Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.com.au) for free holiday fun: Tue, 15 April Transformers Drawing Workshop with Marcelo Baez (ages 8+), 10–11am at Thirroul Wed, 16 April Introduction to Guitar with David Oliphant (ages 8+). Right-handed guitars will be provided or BYO. 10:30–11:30am (Helensburgh) Superhero Craft (ages 5+) Get ready for Comic Gong and make a superhero mask or puppet (or both!) 10:30-11:30am, Wed 23 April (Helensburgh) and Thurs 24 April at (Thirroul). Enjoy all of our regular programs too. More info: www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on

Lions set for Scramble

By Helensburgh Lions publicity officer Fran Peppernell

With Autumn upon us, we have some special events coming, so mark your calendars.

19/4/2025 – First up is the Easter scramble and movie night organised by Mathias and his wonderful team at Ray White Real Estate on Easter Saturday starting at 5pm. Lions will be supporting with tasty sausage sizzle so come along to enjoy a great family night!

25/4/2025 – Our ANZAC Day Service at Stanwell Tops Memorial Park at 10am. We are often asked where the funds we raise go. We are proud of our achievements and have donated funds to local schools,

Wollongong Hospital, Salvation Army, local community members for medical expenses and equipment and key Lions Foundations for natural disaster relief and childhood cancer. Over the past 15 years, Lions in Australia have raised more than $14 million to support ground-breaking research into childhood cancer.

Planning for our Helensburgh Country Fair in October is in progress – helpers welcome. We meet every 4nd Monday of the month at Helensburgh Hotel at 6.30pm. Contact us at info.helensburglions@gmail.com

Talk2MeBro’s Jack Brown awarded

By Tyneesha Williams

Wollongong’s 2025 Young Citizen of the Year is Jack Brown, the director of mental health and suicide prevention charity Talk2MeBro.

“I’ve been part of Talk2MeBro since it first started in 2018,” Jack says.

“I lost my cousin, who was like a brother to me, to suicide that year. From there, his amazing wife Kristy created the slogan ‘Talk to me bro’.

“Since it started, we’ve built programs and workshops that we take to schools and workplaces. Now we’ve reached over 85,000 people.

“What started in Wollongong has gone on to be all over Australia.”

While the charity continues to raise mental health awareness, with the aim of ending suicide in Australia, Jack is in his third year studying psychology at UOW after serving in the army for 10 years. He works full time at Open Arms, providing support for veterans.

“I saw that there was a gap,” Jack says of his Talk2MeBro advocacy.  “So we started a group on Friday mornings for everyone to come down to the beach and have a swim and a coffee. Just a place to check in and have a conversation about where you’re at with just a couple of dudes.”

Jack’s catch-ups have grown and there are now women’s groups too. “We try to be the prevention rather than the cure – the pre-vention instead of the post-vention,” he says.

Talk2MeBro will hold a fundraising gala in Wollongong on September 20. “Funding is something we’re desperately needing,” Jack says.

“All of our community events are free … We’ve done that because a lot of times, financial hardship goes hand in hand with suicide.”

Visit www.talk2mebro.org.au

Welcome, Young Mayors

By Genevieve Swart

The only Young Mayors program in NSW, Wollongong Youth Forum began its second term with an affirmation ceremony attended by the city’s leaders and future leaders on March 13.

In a proud moment for his teachers and supporters in Council’s Chambers, Ethan Zappelli – who has risen from adversity to become an advocate for homeless young people – stepped up to speak on behalf of his peers.

“Last October, we had many passionate young people campaigning for a spot on the forum, and more than 1600 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 voted, passing their ballots from all across the Illawarra,” Ethan said. “It was a great moment for the young community.”

Twelve students have been elected to be the voice of local youth. They are: Jayden Atherton, Fatima Al Taleb, Charlie Dwyer, Zelda Goodsell, Ali Hadi, Stevie Hopkinson, Alyssa Jeffries, Sean McPherson, Avalon Mooney, Larissa MurrayAllen, Mariam Sawan and Ethan Zappelli.

For ages 12 to 17, the Wollongong Youth Forum gives young people not only a voice, but a platform and a $10,000 budget supplied by the Foundation for Young Australians to put their ideas into practice. Supported by Council, our local forum is in its second year and one of five Young Mayors programs in Australia.

Ethan aims to use his time on the forum to help restore faith in government. “It’s very common for a young person to look at this type of stuff and brush it off as something that is irrelevant to them because they don't feel their vote is powerful or they don't understand how these systems work.

“I want people to at least have a little bit more faith that these places have their best interests in mind.”

Narelle Clay, Ethan Zappelli and Joanne Clarke

Why Vaccinations Are Vital

By Dr Julie Blaze of Bulli Medical Practice

Is your immune system working as well as it used to? As we age, our body’s defence system naturally weakens, leaving us more vulnerable to infectious diseases and making vaccines less effective. This challenging combination makes staying up to date with immunisations especially important for seniors.

Here’s what we recommend to keep you protected throughout the year:

Winter Protection Common

Influenza: Vaccination begins in April and is free for everyone over 65 under the National Immunisation Programme (NIH). Seniors receive Fluad Quad, which contains a special additive to boost effectiveness in older adults.

COVID-19: We continue to see cases regularly, with elderly people at higher risk. Free boosters are recommended every 12 months for those aged 65-74 and every six months for those 75+. Consider getting your booster before winter or travel.

PARTNER CONTENT

Open Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm Saturday: 8am - 12 noon

Full range of general practice services including women’s and men’s health, child and adolescent health, older adult health and nursing home visits, and specialised clinics including:

y Travel medicine - accredited Yellow Fever vaccination centre

y Skin cancer checks

Year-Round Protection

Pneumococcal: This vaccine protects against serious infections, including pneumonia. It’s provided free for adults over 70 and is an essential part of senior health care.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): RSV can cause severe respiratory illness in seniors. Vaccines are recommended for adults over 75 and should be considered for those 60-74 with chronic conditions. While not covered under the NIH, they’re worth discussing with a GP.

Shingles: The risk of this condition increases with age. The NIH provides free Shingrix vaccination for those over 65, which is specifically formulated for older adults.

The immunisation schedule is complex, and we’ve only covered age-related recommendations in this article! Other factors, such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, may qualify you for additional free vaccines. Talk to your GP about creating a personalised vaccination plan.

Book online* via the website: www.bullimedicalpractice.com.au or scan QR code:

*Please call 4284 4622 for an appointment if you have any respiratory symptoms 74

Tap Cats book makes leap to stage

By Lauren Mitsak of Stanwell Park Arts Theatre

Tap Cats of the Sunshine Coast will open at the end of this month. Performance dates are: Saturday, April 26 at 7:30pm, a twilight performance on Sunday, April 27 (4pm), and evening performances on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5, (both 7:30). Tickets are selling fast, so book soon!

Spat Singers: will they or won’t they? Without letting too much out of the bag, there are strong rumours that some members of the SPAT Singers will be making a cameo appearance in Tap Cats of The Sunshine Coast. I have been sworn to secrecy about revealing any further details.

The dates the SPAT Singers evening supper shows are Saturday, June 21 and Saturday, June 28, and a late-afternoon soiree on Sunday, June 29. We meet at 7:30pm every Friday at Stanwell Park’s

CWA Hall. If you’d like to fill your Friday evening with song, friendship and laughter, come along.

Updating and improving the SPAT website Our website needs updating and committee member Christine Higgins, who also ran a very successful IT business, said that if we want to create a meaningful website, we firstly need to identify our shared SPAT’s values and our vision. She is putting together a questionnaire, which will go out to all of SPAT’s financial members. Please make sure this year’s fee of $15 has been paid, so that you receive the questionnaire. Go to www.spat.org.au.

Save the dates for our end of winter/early spring show: August 29 and 30, and September 5 and 6. It will either be two one-act plays or Peter and the Wolf, using our significant in-house musical talent, along with puppets, followed by a one-act play.

Travel plans for 2025

By trip organiser Helen Slade

Helensburgh Travel Group started out as a small social group within the Helensburgh Workman’s Club in the late 1990s. They organised monthly day trips and annual holidays each year, and we still do today. Holiday trips for over-55s this year began with a fun 5-day ‘100 Year Old Pub History Tour’, departing March 31.

Our second tour is Outback South Australia & Flinders Ranges Adventure Tour, including three nights at Wilpena Pound, and three nights at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the Gammon Ranges National Park. We set off from Helensburgh on 14 September, overnighting at Narrandera NSW and Berri VIC. During our stay in the ranges, we

get to do an Insider’s Tour of this stunning national park, visit Stokes Hill for Sundowners – adventure out on a 4WD Ridge Top Tour, driving along mine tracks, and winding rugged mountains.

We’ll visit Crystal Candy Mountain, Mt Painter, Yudanamutana Gorge and Sillers Lookout.

A 35-minute Scenic Flight over the Gammon Ranges is optional. We’ll also do a Tour of the Universe at the Arkaroola Astronomical Observatory. And much more! Followed by a night at Port Augusta before travelling to Adelaide where we spend four nights at Hotel Alba while exploring the best of the south coast, the Adelaide Hills and Adelaide City before flying home.

Our third trip this year will be a relaxing five-day holiday in beautiful Port Macquarie.

Non-members are welcome.

Enquiries: Helen Slade 0427 042 774.

Tap Cats author Christine Sykes (above) and (at right) the dancers in the stage show. Photos: SPAT

Dr Rebecca Walker

Dr Katie Burkitt

Dr Dominique Gallagher-Avery

Dr Walker enjoys all aspects of general practice, with special interests in women's health, menopause, IUD and Implanon insertion and removal, diabetes, preventative health, and mental health.

Dr Walker will be working alongside Dr Katie Kent in our popular Perimenopause and Menopause clinics.

Dr Burkitt, previously from Sydney, has a strong interest in preventative health, women’s health, LGBTIQ health, sexual health, travel medicine and paediatrics.

Dr Burkitt also offers genderaffirming healthcare to individuals of all gender identities, including hormone therapy and referrals to surgical specialists for patients aged 18 and over under an informed consent model. She also supports individuals under 18 through referrals to a paediatric gender service.

Dr Gallagher-Avery returns to us having completed the hospital side of her training, most recently a 12 month post in Palliative Care.

Dr Gallagher-Avery is interested in paediatrics, women’s health and aged care, and is looking forward to meeting new and existing patients of the practice.

Scouts stand together

By Paul Rustomji of 1st Austinmer Scouts

Austinmer Scout Group held its once-a-year group-wide meeting on Monday, 10 March.

It is always an opportunity for all our age groups to get together and see what has happened over the past 12 months. A definite highlight of the evening was our Cubs leader, Scott, noting the ever-growing number of Cubs in our cub pack (now up to about 25 cubs). Wima Li, our Scout leader, recognised Emily S for achieving the most nights camped (32) during a scouting year and also Emily quite likely having the largest number of camping nights (totalling in the 90s) of all Austinmer Scouts. Big well done there to Emily S, who has now graduated from the Scout Unit and moved on to Venturers, where no doubt big things will happen. Keep up the good work, Emily! Our 15- to 18-year-old Venturers had another big year with an epic four-night canoe expedition plus multi-day hikes in the Blue Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park being highlights. By the time this edition of the Flame gets out, our Venturers should be on their 10-day Great Barrier Reef sailing trip, which they have co-funded through several Bunnings BBQs.

Even though we’ve got a youth membership of about 60 kids across the four sections, there is always room for more at Austinmer Scout Group.

So if you think joining us could be something great for yourself (as a youth member or adult leader) or your child, please get in touch with Steve T, our Group Leader, on 0409 695 575. Scouts (13-15 years) and Venturers (15-18 years) meet on Monday nights at our scout hall. Joeys (6-9 years) and Cubs meet on Wednesday afternoons and evenings. But with lots of weekend adventures!

Contact Steve Turner on 0409 695 575

Sammy’s stellar swing

By Matt McCoy & Nina Sampson

Helensburgh Public School is beaming with pride as one of our own, Sammy, a Year 5 student, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by making it to the Primary NSW State Cricket Team. This remarkable achievement showcases Sammy’s dedication, hard work, and passion for cricket.

Sammy’s journey to state selection was outstanding. Earlier this year, he competed at the NSW State Carnival in Maitland, representing the South Coast team. Throughout the tournament, Sammy proved himself as a key player, delivering strong performances. As the team’s wicketkeeper, he played an essential role behind the stumps while also making an impact with the bat. His standout innings included an impressive 44 not out against Riverina and 46 runs against Hunter. His team finished 4th out of 14 regions, a fantastic achievement in a competitive field.

Now, Sammy is set to take his talents to an even bigger stage, representing NSW in Victoria this October. As a school, we are immensely proud of all our talented athletes, and extend our congratulations to Sammy. We wish him the very best of luck!

Guides go on a Rockpool Adventure

By Isla Cormican, 12, Helensburgh Girl Guides

This February we went rock pooling at Coalcliff with our Helensburgh Guide unit and leaders. We met at Coalcliff Beach and walked along the pools, looking for all the different kinds of sea creatures. We saw sea hares, starfish, shells, and all sorts of other amazing things. It was interesting to see the sheer number of starfish – there were hundreds of them! But the funniest part of the day was definitely the dancing crab.

I loved exploring the rock pools with my friends and leaders. It was a fantastic day.

If you would like to volunteer at the Helensburgh Girl Guides, visit www. joinguides.com.au or call 1300 447 548

Rate Cut Delivered At Last

By Ian Pepper of Ray White Helensburgh

PARTNER CONTENT

At its first meeting of 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reduced the cash rate by 0.25 per cent from 4.35 to 4.10 per cent, a move that was widely tipped by the markets and economists across the country.

Current indicators suggest more potential cash rate reductions during 2025 which is great news for mortgage holders and the property market.

For sellers, this is a gamechanger! Lower rates mean increased buyer demand, making it a great time to start preparing your property for the market. Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or just exploring your options, now might be the perfect moment to take action!

Need advice on where to start? Call Ian 0403 570 041 or Josh 0437 790 052 anytime.

Pilot welcomes apartment dwellers

By Electrify 2515’s Elsa Evers

Catherine is an 84-year old retiree who lives in Thirroul with her husband, Reg. They are the first apartment owners to take part in the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot and recently had a new induction cooktop installed to replace their gas one. We spoke to Catherine about why she got involved.

How long have you lived in your apartment?

We originally lived in Miranda for about 40 years and moved here 15 years ago. We haven’t regretted it one bit.

What made you want to join the pilot?

I’m concerned about climate change and I believe that local communities can make a real difference.

Do you have solar panels?

Yes, when we first moved in, we had the option to install our own. There are communal panels for the common property, but those of us who wanted solar panels installed them ourselves.

What did you have installed under the pilot? I had an induction cooktop installed. I wanted to move away from gas because I never really adjusted to cooking with it. Also, having a gas cooktop when you’re getting older can be risky; there’s always a chance of leaving the gas on. An induction cooktop is a much safer option. It’s better than the old ceramic cooktops, and I feel much more comfortable with it.

How’s the induction cooktop working?

It’s been easy to get used to. I’ve only had it for a week, but so far, I’ve cooked boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, and stir-fry vegetables. It’s been great. I didn’t have to buy many new pots, just a couple of frying pans that weren’t magnetic.

How was the installation process?

AG Solar did the installation, and I was very pleased. The workers were meticulous, polite, and cleaned up beautifully after themselves. They’re local, which was nice.

The installation was a bit tricky because we have a caesarstone benchtop, and they had to run the wiring through the walls and ceiling, which was pretty tight. The gas hob was too small for the induction cooktop, so they had to bring in a specialist to cut the bench.

What would you say to other people thinking of applying?

It’s worthwhile! Not just for the savings you’ll make, but to do your bit on climate change.

Applications and info at electrify2515.org

Sun’s up, wind stalls

The solar energy transition continued to gather pace in the Illawarra last month, with Endeavour Energy cutting the ribbon on new community batteries in Warrawong and Dapto. But plans for a wind farm off the Illawarra are in limbo – with views split along party lines. Scan the QR for Cunningham candidates’ thoughts

kWhrs: Watt is that?

A chapter from Peter Aubourg’s Diary of an EV Driver

This month I am looking at the way we measure fuel efficiency in our car. I am old enough to remember “Miles per Gallon”. Then we went metric and someone turned it upside-down “Litres per 100km”. Now with EVs, we have kW and kW-hours. So how do they work?

kW (kiloWatts) is a measure of power, which is how fast you are using up energy. For example, our MG4 has motors that can use up energy at the rate of up to 125kW.

kW-hrs (kiloWatt hours) is a measure of total amount of energy stored. For example, our MG4 has a battery that can store 50kW-hrs of energy.

To explain this in another way, let’s build a hypothetical hydro-pumped storage system (and since it is hypothetical, we’ll make it perfectly efficient!) We will put a water tank at the top of Bulli Pass and run a pipe down to near sea level. Then we connect a turbine to the pipe at the bottom of the hill and power it with a 1kw motor. We turn on the motor and pump water up the hill into the tank, and we leave the motor going for 1 hour. The amount of energy used to pump the water up the hill is 1kW x 1 hour, or 1 x 1 = 1kW-hour. So our water tank on the hill now is storing 1kWhr of energy that we can use later.

Now our turbine is reversible and when the water is going back down through the turbine, it can generate at the rate of 1kW. If we let the water run back through the turbine for an hour, the generator will produce a total of 1kW-hour of electrical energy, and by that time our little water tank will be empty. Now if we change and put a 4kW turbine and generator on the end of the pipe, our little water tank would be emptied in ¼ hour. The total energy produced would still be the same. 4kW x 0.25hrs = 1kWhr.

Back to our EV. 50kWhr is the battery’s capacity – that is how much “fuel it has in the tank” or how much energy you have stored. The car has a 125kW motor, which is the maximum rate at which you can use up the power. You can see the problem here: if you suck power out of the 50kWhr battery at 125kW … It will be flat in about 20 minutes! But here’s the thing; even the most committed rev-head does not use 125kW often. Typical average consumption rate around town would be 6 to 10kW which is much more consistent with our experience of driving for many hours before needing a recharge.

Local Secret turns 70

It’s time to discover the tennis courts at Coledale, writes Genevieve Swart

Set high on Cliff St, with stunning views of the ocean, St James Park Tennis Club is a well-kept local secret. And that’s the problem.

“At one stage, we had upwards of 100 members, the vast majority of them being social,” says Rod Zabell, club president for the past 23 years.

Built by coal miners in the 1950s, the club has two synthetic grass courts and turns 70 this year. But from its heyday in the 1970s, the club has dwindled to a membership of about 15.

Rod puts this down to Covid, a rise in the popularity of other sports, and a changing society, with many people working shifts and on weekends. However, after an extraordinary general meeting in February, he’s leading a new executive determined to revitalise the club.

The new secretary, Karen Alexander, says, “We are looking at engaging with Coledale Public School, talking to the head of their sport department, so maybe during their sports activities they can come up here and have a hit.”

Karen also wants to introduce coaching, set up an online bookings system and put up a sign at Coledale surf club. “We’re hoping to get lots of families, especially during the summer.”

A nurse who now teaches healthcare workers about resilience, Karen moved to Coledale a year ago and found tennis a great way to meet people.

“My husband’s a GP, so we are big into health and fitness. It’s great for your mental health as well.”

She became involved in the sport thanks to her three children, who all played in the Australian Junior Ranking within Tennis NSW.

“The kids have just made lifelong friends during that period.”

Karen is a member of the Sheroes group, supporting women in tennis, and now plans to put to use her years of fundraising experience (“I love grant writing,” she says).

The Coledale courts are overdue for resurfacing and this could cost $60,000.

One practical item on Rod’s immediate wish list is a garbage service. “We’re a council court, but because we don’t have an actual [street] number, we can’t get a garbage service,” he says. “They’re more than happy for us to have bins, but they just won’t empty them.”

A former deputy principal at selective high school Smiths Hill, Rod retired in 2015 but is busy as ever, with weekly tennis, Bushcare and mentoring young teachers, not to mention his grandparent duties (luckily the boys play tennis).

A member of St James Park Tennis Club since 1981, Rod has played tennis since he was boy.

“I’ve continued all my life and my three kids play tennis. We sometimes go away as a family and play. And now two of my grandsons are playing.”

The courts’ history is layered enough to interest archaeologists. It began as a red clay court laid by workers from North Bulli Colliery. This started to dip, so the club cemented the courts, then finally raised enough money to lay synthetic grass.”

Over the years, council has floated other ideas for the land but Rod says no development is possible. “Underneath this is all coal wash.”

Tennis remains popular with children but they tend to drop out in high school and the club would like to attract young adults.

“We are very much a community court,” says Rod, pointing to parents who like to hit the courts,

while kids play in the playground next door.

Afternoon tea – think cake, TimTams and Iced Vovos – is still a fine tradition but crisp tennis whites are a thing of the past, except at parties.

“We’ve actually had a number of 18th and 21st birthday parties here over the last two or three years,” Rod says, “and nearly all of them have been in retro tennis gear, with the headband, the floppy hats. Another group had a Volley OC tennis shoes party.

“The great thing about tennis is: one, the ability to leave things at the gate; two, a camaraderie that you tend to develop over a period of time. I’ve actually got two friends that I started playing with when I was 10 years of age, and we continue keeping in contact. The other thing that I’ve really appreciated over the time is just meeting different people from different walks of life.”

Some areas have a Men’s Shed; Rod says: “We have the Tennis Shed. A lot of people will come and work on the courts doing various things, then they’ll go to their coffee shop of choice.”

Court hire costs from $16 an hour to $100 for annual membership. It’s great value for money.

“I don’t think you can get a better view for a tennis court anywhere,” Rod says.

“It’s just nestled away.”

To book a court, text Rod on 0403 566 219

See Side ptical

To coincide with the Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival, we have invited Sydney eyewear designer Chris Savage to teach you how to combine traditional artisan techniques with the latest technology to hand make spectacles reflecting your own personal style.

18th May 10am Deposit required, to secure a spot call into See Side Optical

Above: Karen Alexander and Rod Zabell. Opposite: Happy memories from seven decades of tennis

Fabulous line-up with Libraries’ Friends

By Jane Pretty, president of the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries

Our year got off to a great start in February with guest speaker Ryan Butta. Ryan introduced his fascinating book, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli. Harry Freame’s life was one of adventure, courage and mystery. As with his earlier book, The Ballad of Abdul Wade, Ryan researches the forgotten characters in Australian history. You will find both these books on the library shelf!

In April we are welcoming James O’Loghlin, well known comedian, broadcaster and author as our Literary Lunch guest. James will be a familiar face to many of you as the host of The New Inventors on ABC TV for many years and his voice is heard regularly as a presenter on ABC radio. Liars is James’ 13th book and second book for adults. He now adds crime novelist to his long list of achievements with a

quirky crime novel set in the sleepy coastal town of Bullford Point where everyone knows everyone, but the town is full of secrets and lies. Barb Young, a local handywoman joins with the local policeman to unearth the truth.

This event is at 12pm on Thursday, 10 April at the Function Room, Level 9 of the Wollongong City Council Administration Building. Tickets are via Eventbrite: Members $35 Non-Members $40.

Enquiries to Celia Owen on 0402 970 461.

A reminder too that you can join the friends for only $15 per year or $12 Concession and receive a discounted price for our events.

We have fabulous authors coming throughout this year, including Amanda Hampson, Chris Hammer, Hayley Scrivenor and David Dyer.

Calling early birds

By Elizabeth Heffernan

The South Coast Readers & Writers Festival returns to Thirroul Community Centre over the weekend of 5–6 July with a vibrant line-up of literary talent, from rising stars to international bestsellers. With headlining authors Charlotte McConaghy (pictured, Wild Dark Shore), Isobelle Carmody (Comes the Night), Pip Williams (The Bookbinder of Jericho), Kate Forsyth (Psykhe), Nikki Gemmell (Wing), Nardi Simpson (the belburd), Omar Sakr (The Nightmare Sequence), Jessie Tu (The Honeyeater), and Amy Remeikis (What’s the Big Idea?), plus more guests to be announced.

Join us for gripping conversations on cautionary tales from the past and speculative futures, the reclamation of lost histories and endangered languages, climate grief and current affairs, new mythologies, explorations of womanhood, and the business of publishing itself.

Super early bird tickets on sale now: southcoastwriters.org/festival

14 artists open studios

By Pateena Donnelly

The fifth annual Northern Illawarra Art Trail will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13.

You are invited to visit 14 artists located in 10 studios between Helensburgh and Thirroul.

To give visitors more time to enjoy the variety of studios, we’ve extended the hours to 10am to 4pm on both days.

Participants this time include acclaimed artists Sarah Rowan at Helensburgh in the North and Ian Brown at Thirroul in the South.

Other artists include potters, sculptors, print makers and painters in all mediums. Whether you are looking to browse or to buy you will enjoy varied works in delightful locations.

Sue and Jim’s Miniature World at Stanwell Tops and Kieran Tapsell’s whimsical bush garden at Stanwell Park are also part of the Art Trail.

To find a map and details of all participating artists visit niarttrail.com

Look for handwoven flying foxes

By Amanda De George

Dr Virginia Keft is a proud Muruwari woman, a multidisciplinary artist and the owner of Illawarra’s longest-running belly dance company, Cinnamon Twist. Her arts practice is wide ranging. She is currently exhibiting her wearable art, Women’s Business, in Germany, planning workshops for her new art space in Crown St Mall and taking part in 2025’s Sculpture in the Garden. Connection is at the heart of her work. Connection to her family from far North-West

NSW and to Dharawal Country, a place she loves and where has lived most of her life. “My work explores ideas of resilience, the persistence of cultural memory, connection to place and Country, and concepts of value, and belonging,” she said.

Virginia’s Sculpture in the Garden exhibit, Nuwa ganda (look up), features colourful, intricately woven ‘matjam’, flying foxes. “Dharawal Country is home to tens of thousands of Grey-headed Flying Foxes,” she said. “For me, the woven matjam celebrate connection to place and community. I’m using a weaving technique that has been passed down generationally. Threads of Culture are woven together through learning from Elders, listening to Country and engaging with knowledge.”

“When I make these animals I try to give them each their own personality, each one is completely unique – I give them bright colours and feel joy every time I stitch their little black ears,” she said.

“I really enjoy watching the bats take flight in the early evening and head out across to the islands off Port Kembla. It feels special to witness this special journey, they are so deeply connected to the sky stories of this place.”

Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to her art: those flying foxes connect us, as I also stand out each night, watching a different colony take to the sky.

Visit www.virginiakeft.com.au

Call for council to support soft plastics recycling in local roads

By Helen Lewis of Circular Plastics Illawarra

Circular Plastics Illawarra is a community alliance that was formed in early 2023 following the collapse of the REDcycle recycling program for soft plastics. Our initial focus is on soft (‘scrunchable’) plastics, but our vision is for a circular economy for plastics in the Illawarra in which problem plastics have been eliminated and all plastic packaging is reduced and either reused or recycled.

Soft plastics recycling pilot

Over the past few months our volunteers have supported the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) and its four member councils – Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven – to run events across the region to collect soft plastics for recycling. It was a pilot project to help councils evaluate the feasibility of an ongoing program.

Despite limited promotion the community responded with enthusiasm and turned up in large numbers. More than 280 people attended the Helensburgh drop-off in late December, contributing to Wollongong’s grand total – 814kg in soft plastics, enough to fill over 100 wheelie bins. Many people mentioned that they had been stockpiling plastics since the collapse of REDcycle as they couldn’t bear to put them in the bin, and they were just hoping that a solution would be found. They were pleased to finally have an outlet and keen to know whether it would continue.

What happened to the collected plastics?

The plastics were transported to the Kiama Community Recycling Centre, where small amounts of contamination were removed before

TonerPlas has been used in council and state road projects for over 10 years.

baling ready for transport. The total amount collected was around 2.5 tonnes, or 9 cubic metres of soft plastics diverted from landfill.

The plastics were transported to All Product Recycling in Minto, where it was shredded and densified, ready for recycling into a new product. The densified plastic was sent to Close the Loop’s factory in Melbourne, where it was manufactured into an asphalt additive called TonerPlas. This is a key ingredient for making high-performance asphalt roads that last longer and require less maintenance than traditional asphalt.

What happens next?

ISJO and its member councils are now evaluating the results of the pilot to determine next steps. Circular Plastics Illawarra is calling for our local councils to:

1. Incorporate a small proportion of TonerPlas into a local road. Recycling doesn’t happen until the material is remanufactured into something new, and local councils need to help ‘close the loop’.

2. Provide a permanent drop-off facility for soft plastics in the Community Recycling Centres, including at Whytes Gully

Many community members are continuing to collect, sort and clean their soft plastics for recycling because they care about the impacts of plastics in the environment and in landfill. This will provide an interim solution while a national stewardship program is being rolled out by a not-for-profit organisation called Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia.

Visit www.circularplasticsillawarra.org

The ISJO team with collected plastics.

Photo: Yvette Barrs

Photo: Steve Morriss

Considering volunteering?

We find out how NINA volunteer Maureen got involved in volunteering and what it has brought to her life.

Please tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve lived in Thirroul for 35 years and am in the process of moving interstate to be closer to family. I retired 10 years ago.

Why did you start volunteering and how did you come to be volunteering at NINA?

After I retired I was at a loose end, I wanted some structure to my week. I went to a Volunteering Expo and started volunteering for Wollongong Council Community Transport. When Covid hit the Council stopped all their transports for some time, then I saw a piece in The Flame saying NINA needed volunteers so I started volunteering for them about 4 years ago.

What volunteering work do you do at NINA?

I drive clients on the Individual Transports. I pick them up from their place and take them to where they need to go – mostly medical appointments but not always, sometimes to the shops or even the hairdresser. I also sometimes help at NINA’s social support groups. The Thirroul group is local to me, and I go along to help with the morning tea prep and have a good old chat with the lovely clients. The groups are a really nice social gathering, for the clients and the volunteers!

How do you juggle volunteering with other commitments?

The communication with the NINA team is really good. I tell them when I’ll be away or have other commitments and they make sure not to roster me on for anything. I have assigned days that I drive for NINA so they work with what availability I offer them. Then I know I have the other days in the week for whatever else I need to fit in.

What have you got from being a volunteer?

After working all my life I wanted volunteering to carry on providing that structure to my life. I like that my volunteering commitments provide a framework for what I’m going to be doing next week. I’ve got a sense of purpose. I have enjoyed meeting people and going to new places, everyday is different! I have found little undiscovered nooks of my local area that have

been right on my doorstep but would never have known about them if it wasn’t for driving the NINA clients around. You quickly see the importance of this work as sometimes you might be the only person that a client might see all week. It feels good to feel wanted and valued.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

I highly recommend volunteering as it opens a window to other people’s lives and needs and for yourself, it’s stimulating to be out and about. And the staff go to no ends to fit in with your lifestyle. It can be a reason to get out of bed in the morning and embrace the day! The whole time that I volunteered for NINA I have never had any trouble with the clients, they are so grateful for the NINA services, as they say all the time: ‘They don’t know what they’d do without NINA!’ Volunteering with NINA has been a rewarding gift and I’m sorry to be leaving but as age is creeping up I feel the need to be closer to family.

We are sad to see Maureen go; her dedication, happy to assist attitude and friendly nature will surely be missed by the clients and staff at NINA.

PARTNER

Love lost in wartime tragedy

By Local Studies librarian Jo Oliver

Ronald Bryant was a strapping young man who grew up at Narara near Gosford. At 6’1½” tall, 13 stone 2 lbs with fair hair and blue eyes and playing 1st grade football, 1st grade cricket, he would have made a striking figure. He had passed some of his school Leaving Certificate subjects then went to work with his brother in Batlow as a farm labourer.

Here he met Christina Jackson, who worked as a Sister, a registered nurse, at the local Tumut Hospital. Perhaps they met at a dance or a sporting event. The two young people fell in love and started to walk out together. Life was looking good.

But, in 1939, war in Europe was declared and the Australian Government committed to involvement. In October1940, at 26 years and nine months old, Ronald signed up and began training with the RAAF. In February 1941, Ronald and Christina announced their engagement in local newspapers. While Ronald completed his pilot training at Bradford Park, Christina moved back to Wollongong where her parents lived at 36 Jutland St and took up a position at Wollongong Hospital. Ronald received his flying badge on the 1st May 1941. He knew he would soon be deployed. The wedding was held two days later on 3rd May 1941 at the Presbyterian Church in Wollongong. Rather than the traditional white, Christina looked radiant in a cyclamen wool jersey ensemble with navy

accessories. After a reception at the Friendly Societies Hall, the couple left for their honeymoon.

A month later, Ronald embarked for the UK. The scene can only be imagined: last hugs and waves as the ship pulled out of Sydney Harbour. After training in bomber aircraft in England, Ronald was placed in Squadron 102 in October 1941. The Bomber Command had the most dangerous of missions and Squadron 102 had the second highest losses.

At 22:14 hours on the night of 7 November 1941, pilot Sergeant Reginald Charles Matthews, second-pilot Sergeant Ronald Owen Bryant and three other crew took off from Topcliffe to attack Berlin in Whitley Z6796. It did not return to base.

In 2025, the Local Studies team at Wollongong City Libraries uncovered this story after a request from Neil Matthews, in England, the nephew of Sgt Matthews, the first pilot on Whitley Z6796.

His family had found German sources that shed light on the fate of the aircraft. According to Flak reports, the plane crashed near Süderoogsand on Pellworm, an island just off the north-west coast of Germany. The wreck was found but no crew.

In December 1942, the widowed Christina was granted a war pension of 4 pounds, 4 shillings a fortnight. Her address is listed as ‘Kelvin Grove’ 40 Jutland Ave, Wollongong, two doors up from her parents’ house. In 1946, electoral rolls show she married Charles Cornelius Kane. The couple had seven children and Christina lived to age 94. A cherished great-grandmother, she had a fruitful life but probably kept a place in her heart for the young man Ronald, lost serving his country.

Each ANZAC Day, we remember the fallen. Neil Matthews, the nephew of pilot Sgt Matthews, believes Sgt Ronald Owen Bryant’s name should be included on a Wollongong memorial. For more information, contact localhistory@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

Sergeant Ronald Owen Bryant and Squadron 102

Great glowworm debate

Words by Amanda De George; photo by Matthew De George

I tend to err on the side of the dramatic when it comes to wildlife experiences, but some really do deserve the squeals that they induce – cicadas moulting out of their hard exoskeleton, fireflies floating by. These are some of my favourite goosebump-inducing encounters and I’ve recently added to that list tentatively walking through the breathtakingly beautiful glowworm colony at Helensburgh.

ceiling and the walls begin to twinkle. Thousands of clear blue lights spread out and you realise how special this place is and how much it needs protecting.

After a period of near destruction by reckless visitors, the gate here was locked for an extended period. It worked and the colony is back better than ever, and the gate and entire fence have been removed. That’s a success, right?

Well, the fence’s removal was more about Hollywood coming to town and less about tourists being better behaved. So, perhaps the question is, should we be gatekeeping the gate?

Glowworms are sensitive to light, noise, insect spray and smoke. The colony at Helensburgh was severely damaged not just by uneducated visitors, but by people setting off flares and fireworks.

It’s easy to see why it was chosen as a film location. Heading into the tunnel does feel like entering another world. The partial platform from the old train station is raised, surrounded by moss and fern-covered rock walls, the ground is wet and muddy and sometimes underwater. As you stand at the entrance, frogs call from within the darkness, their ‘tok, tok, tok’ song echoes around you. As you shuffle inside, be careful, the ground is uneven and it is pitch black, but slowly your eyes adjust. As you wait, the smell of damp earth thick in the air, the

Bird Watch

By Ewan Auld

But can that protection only come in the form of a gate? I’m a firm believer in everyone having access to our most beautiful places as I think we only care about and, as a result, protect the things that we love. And the easiest way to fall in love is to have these experiences ourselves.

But perhaps as we spread the word about this incredible location, we can also spread how to care for it, to keep the gate from the glowworms.

Remember: do not shine a light on glowworms, no smoke or spray inside the tunnel, take your rubbish with you and keep quiet – for the sake of the glowworms and the neighbours.

To help maintain the site, contact Merilyn at Helensburgh Landcare on 0414 819 742.

Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis)

The bird of the month for April is the Golden Whistler. This common whistler species mainly occurs in south-eastern Australia. It is abundant in the Illawarra and can be seen in a range of habitats, including eucalypt woodland, rainforest and heathland. Often identified by call, their sharp musical whistle carries over a fair distance and is quite distinct. While females can be trickier to distinguish from other forest birds due to their neutral brown and grey plumage, the male’s striking gold colour stands out in the canopy. I came across a group of four birds along one of the many small creeklines feeding into Stanwell Creek on the Stanwell Park Wodi Wodi track and was lucky enough to catch this male amongst the branches.

Co-op volunteers share their passion

By Mark Fetterplace

On a blustery but beautiful summer’s day, the Flame Tree Food Co-op had a morning tea get-together of their wonderful volunteers on the grass behind the Thirroul Surf Lifesaving Club. There was a fantastic community spirit among the volunteers, some of whom travel from far-flung parts of the Illawarra to volunteer and shop at the Co-op.

Denise Farrier, a Co-op member since 2010, ran a Crop Swap at the gathering. People brought along their excess produce, seeds, seedlings, flowers, some home-made goodies such as pickles, relishes, jams, preserved lemons. They could swap for something that they would like. It was very gratifying to see the enthusiasm for organic gardening, sharing knowledge, preventing food waste and eliminating the use of packaging.

The Co-op is member-owned and not-for-profit co-operative with a focus on sustainable, local, ethical and low packaged food. It was launched by a small group of volunteers in February 2010. For the first few years, it was entirely volunteer-run and

to this day volunteers play a very important role both in the shop and behind the scenes.

We volunteers feel very grateful to be a part of this community and we would love for more people to join us. Pop into the Co-op in Thirroul and have a chat!

Visit 355 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul or follow @flametreecoop on social media

Beetling About

With Australian Museum entomologist Dr Chris Reid

Sometimes I see and photograph things that look vaguely odd, but I forget about them. Here’s one of those things.

I photographed this small moth (about 5mm long) on our curtains a year ago. It was one of the most boring-looking moths around but that in itself was odd – there was no wing pattern, just uniformly black. The other thing that intrigued me was the head – it didn’t stick out forwards like a normal moth head, but was tucked under the thorax. I don’t really know why I photographed it as it was obviously a ‘micro-moth’ – one of those myriad families of small moths without a nice illustrated book or website to sort them out.

in crowded conditions is fairly common. However, parasitism is rare and only these ‘parasite moths’ (family Epipyropidae) are entirely parasitic as caterpillars.

In summer 2023/4 we had a big infestation of passionvine leafhoppers (Scolypopa australis) on our Wonga vine and that’s possibly why we had the moth.

Why is it black? Sap-sucking bugs leave sticky sugary secretions all over lower leaves of their hosts and these often become black due to the development of sooty mould. That’s my guess.

The uniform black colour was most interesting. Very few moths are black. So after a while this bugged me enough to try to identify it and the result was a surprise.

This is a ‘parasite moth’ and this species is Heteropsyche melanochroma [meaning: black colour]. The adults don’t feed (hence small head) and the caterpillars are external parasites of leaf hoppers. The caterpillars look like fat white waxy blobs and latch on to the back of the host – the photo (at right) shows one riding on a doomed hopper in Western Australia.

The moth species was described by an American entomologist sent to Australia in 1904 by sugarcane growers in Hawaii to look for parasites of leaf hoppers. He described it in an obscure journal with a tediously long title ‘Report of work of the Experimental Station of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association, Bulletin’, which is fortunately available online.

Moth caterpillars are generally considered as plant feeding only, but the well-known clothes moths feed on wool and feathers, and cannibalism

Tree of the Month

By Kieran Tapsell, of Banksia Bushcare

Parasite moth larva on back of a hopper (photo: Simon Ong); a parasite moth (Heteropsyche melanochroma).

Allocasuarina littoralis (Black She-oak)

Wollongong area has two genera of species belonging to the Casuarinaceae family. There are three species of Allocasuarina and two of Casuarina, and they tend to grow in different soil types and conditions. The Allocasuarina littoralis grows along the coast on cliffs and sand dune systems. It sometimes grows on the escarpment and coastal plain. It is one of the few plants that can withstand direct salt spray. The species is an important food source for the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo.

Want to grow something special?

By John Elton of Illawarra Grevillea Park

With housing blocks getting smaller so too are gardens. A need to maximise space means that owners have to be judicious and often creative about plant choice. But they still want something that is special or unique.

Here at the Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden we have been growing plants as standards. What this really means is grafting a small plant on a stick. This lifts the plant off the ground meaning that it often takes up less room and allows you to plant something underneath.

A ground cover like Grevillea Royal Mantle spreads three metres, but as a grafted plant is less than a metre wide. Instead of laying flat on the ground the branches cascade down showcasing the foliage and red toothbrush flowers closer to eye level. Others, like Eremophila nivea, can be lifted off the ground to form a neat ball below which small plants can be enjoyed.

The park is open on the first two weekends in May. Visit illawarragrevilleapark.com.au

NIRAG/NF3 Report

By secretary Ross Dearden

Lot 303 is a vital link to complete the green corridors along the creek lines of Hewitts Creek, Woodlands Creek and Tramway Creek to the coast and the Sandon Point Aboriginal Place. Aerial Photo November, 2024.

The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) was formed in August 1984 as a reaction to proposals to construct 40m-high Coal Bins at Sandon Point, Bulli. We support preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our environment and heritage. Since 2020 in the role of Neighbourhood Forum 3 (Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer), residents of this area have been welcome to attend our meetings.

News this month includes:

1. The draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 and draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2025-2026 are proposed to be on public exhibition for the period Wednesday, 9 April to Wednesday, 7 May 2025.

2. Green corridor – Lot 303 (7ha), at Amy St, Thirroul: land is needed to link to Sandon Point.

A meeting was held with Maryanne Stuart MP to explore what assistance is available and what needs to be done to support strong community wishes to have this land in public ownership. We are aiming to meet with Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment. To date, Council has not seen merit in obtaining this huge area, 70,000m² of land

Update on Thirroul Plaza

By TVC secretary Annette Jones and Louise Wellington of Save Thirroul Village

The development manager for Thirroul Plaza, Louis Goulimis, from Solid Void, attended the last Thirroul Village Committee (TVC) meeting on 23 February. Over 40 residents attended to hear about the survey results and the latest plans for the Plaza.

Survey results

Louis informed the meeting that the raw survey data was available, but no analysis as yet, though it should be ready shortly. A cursory scan of the raw data indicated there were some consistent themes but we await the full analysis. The TVC will report back on this once it is available.

Plaza Plans

The latest on the plaza development application formed the majority of the discussion. Louis explained that the developer of the Plaza has submitted an expression of interest (EOI) to the newly formed NSW Housing Delivery Authority (HDA). It was explained that the EOI is a tick-box application to see if the development is eligible for this accelerated process or not. Louis said that the

developers have been asked to submit extra documentation by the department regarding:

• How they will overcome the community concerns

• Reasons for previous refusal.

The HDA was announced in November last year to streamline and fast-track residential developments worth more than $60m in Greater Sydney and $30m in regional NSW. The HDA is responsible for assessing EOIs against the criteria to determine whether the residential development should be recommended to proceed as a State Significant Development (SSD). If the HDA determines the proposal is an SSD, the developers will be eligible to lodge the development through a process outside the relevant council planning channel. The development is then assessed against a generic set of planning requirements. It is unclear how much consideration will be provided to local planning rules in this process. Read more about the HDA at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-andlegislation/housing/housing-delivery-authority.

(7 ha). Green corridors are generally supported but this land is not yet identified on any strategic plans for Council to acquire. NIRAG believes that its acquisition should be included in the Strategic Plan and brought into public ownership as recommended by the Commission of Inquiry and the Charles Hill Report many years ago. Volunteers would be willing and able to reduce ongoing maintenance and management costs, and funding assistance sought from State Government and other sources.

3. Clean Up Australia Day: NIRAG again participated on Monday, 3 March to clean up at McCauley Beach/Sandon Point. It was pleasing that there was not a lot of litter on the beach and cycleway this year.

4. BushCare: For 40 years NIRAG has been working to improve our local environment. From Hewitts Ck/McCauleys Beach area, our work area has now expanded to include an area at Flanagans Creek, Thirroul. Each Monday morning the Bushcare group, led by Ian McKinlay, meets at the Hewitts Creek cycleway bridge or at Flanagan’s Ck site to control noxious weeds and revegetate with endemic species. New volunteers welcome.

Next NIRAG meeting: 14 May, 7pm, Bulli Community Centre, nirag@bigpond.com

Any development deemed significant and compliant with requirements is approved within 275 days. It was explained that the information provided as part of the EOI was high level. If the development is approved via the HDA the developers need to be shovel ready in 12 months from approval. Louis said there were no new plans for the development of the plaza as yet, and that the EOI only required a high-level summary of the new development. Louis stated that the development would be mixed-use, including retail and housing, although details of this were not presented to the meeting.

Residents present at the meeting were surprised to hear about the submission of an EOI to the HDA. The community has concerns that by going through this process there may be less local input into the decision-making process. Louis indicated that the developers are committed to ongoing community consultation should they be successful through this alternative pathway. Given the opportunity, the TVC and Save Thirroul Village will work with the development manager and keep the community updated on what is happening.

Next TVC meeting: Sunday, 25 May, 4pm at TRIPS Hall in Railway Parade, Thirroul

: info@asquithlegal.com.au

TO: PO Box 3048, Austinmer NSW VISIT: WorkLife Coledale, 741-743 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale – by appointment

02 4208

RALLY FOR REFUGEES PALM

SUNDAY

Untold history of anti-fascists

By Genevieve Swart

Michael Samaras’s research credentials are well known. It was his work that exposed the dark past of Wollongong Art Gallery’s first benefactor and won 2022’s Local History Prize with the essay, Discovering A Secret Nazi: Bob Sredersas And The Gift.

For his new book, Anti-Fascists: Jim McNeill and his mates in the Spanish Civil War, Michael again delves deep into forgotten histories – travelling to Spain, sourcing documents from Russia, finding archival treasure in an old box. The result is a unique history of Australia’s pioneers against fascism, including Wollongong steelworkers who fought Franco’s forces in the 1930s.

“What people like Jim and his friends did is quite remarkable,” Michael says. “They’re very important, courageous people who had the courage of their convictions to stand up and say no to fascism.”

City no longer ‘honouring a Nazi’

Michael is Wollongong born and bred, serving as a councillor from 1991-1995. His career ranged from working as Labor staffer to corporate roles, including at Sydney Airport. Now retired and living in Sydney, Michael says “an affinity with Wollongong” drew him back to local history.

“Then once you start, it gets addictive,” he says.

“During the Covid lockdowns is when I did all that work on the art gallery benefactor and uncovering that he had a very dark Nazi past was quite incredible. I got a lot of satisfaction from uncovering that and resulting in a change. They no longer have the Sredersas dinner or lecture in his honour, which is a good thing. We weren’t being conned into honouring a Nazi.”

This time, Michael’s not rewriting history; with

Jim McNeil, he’s breaking new ground.“People have known about him, but not at the detail that I’ve looked into.”

While he acknowledges readers may draw modern parallels, Michael says, “It’s not talking about current events, it is a history book. But people no doubt will contemplate his life and take their own lessons from it.”

Striking it rich, historically

Two years ago, Michael started his research, as he always does, with a death certificate.

Jim’s showed he had a daughter named Vanessa. Michael realised he knew Vanessa – a councillor on Holroyd Council when he was on Wollongong Council – so he paid her a visit and struck gold.

“She pulled out a very dusty suitcase from under a bed in the spare room. And there was all her dad’s stuff from the Spanish Civil War.”

There were more rich seams to mine.

“In 1974, he’d done an oral history interview with Wendy Lowenstein … so I thought, oh, well, I’ll find out where that tape is.”

It wasn’t in the National Library of Australia, where interviews were meant to be kept. “But then I tracked down Wendy Lowenstein’s daughter, Marty, she turned out to be a lovely person and found the tapes in the garage –incredibly, the tapes could still be played.”

“So I had this voice that no one had heard for 50 years talking about his life and his experiences and the people he met and what he did.

“It’s untold histories.”

Three times into the breach

Jim was born in 1900 and came to Wollongong to

find work. “They’d suffered terribly, these men in the Depression, being hungry,” Michael says. “You can’t imagine it in Australia. That’s one of the things that comes through in the book is just how terrible the Depression was. The degradation and humiliation of the Depression, of mass unemployment and how it damages people.”

It’s inexplicable that Jim McNeil’s history has been overlooked, Michael says. “He’s an extraordinary person because as far as I can tell, he’s one of only two or three Australians who fought fascism three times.

“Firstly on the streets of Sydney, he fought the New Guard and was shot at in Drummoyne. The New Guard was around in the Great Depression and like the Australian version of Mussolini’s Blackshirts or Hitler’s Stormtroopers.

“Then he went to the Spanish Civil War, stowed away on the bottom of a meat ship and fought Franco’s fascists in Spain and then got injured, got machine gunned.”

Invalided out of one war, Jim returned home until, in 1939, it was time for another. “He was pretty much first in line to join up in World War II, to go back to Europe to fight the fascists again.”

Research from over the world

Michael sourced photos from New York University Library and documents from websites in Moscow. He travelled to the walled town of Montblanc in Catalonia and the vineyard where Jim was machine-gunned in the Battle of the Ebro, then forced to lie still through pain and thirst, with grapes hanging just overhead.

Michael also went to Hill 481, where two of Jim’s friends were killed, and Jarama, where another was captured and executed in one of the first battles with the international brigades.

“It was a very intense and moving experience to actually go where it happened, and to walk the places and understand how hard it was.”

Published by Connor Court, Anti-Fascists is hot off the press this month and Michael has already started on his next book.

“I’m going back to write up some more Nazis in Australia,” he says. “They didn’t successfully hide like Sredersas did, but people don’t know their stories and what they mean. I want to explore that a bit more.”

Michael Samaras will be in conversation with Stephen Jones MP on April 30. Bookings: collins@thirroulbooks. com.au

Poetry at the pub

From the team at Collins Booksellers Thirroul

On April 16th, Poetry at the Pub launches new books from David Stavanger and Ali Jane Smith. Also appearing will be Joseph Schwarztkopf Jr, Nicole Smede and special guest, Hasib Hourani. If you’ve been to one of our poetry events at Ryan’s, you’ll be excited! If you haven’t, make sure you don’t miss it. They are ALWAYS great nights! On Thursday 17th, Jerry’s back! Ellie & her pet bunny Jerry will be reading Easter stories for little ones at 10am in the bookshop. On Wednesday 30th join us for the local launch of ANTI-FASCISTS: Jim McNeill and his mates in the Spanish Civil War. With Stephen Jones MP and author Michael Samaras. Info: collins@thirroulbooks.com.au

collins BOOKSELLERS thirroul

Shop 5/264 Lawrence Hargrave Drive

www.collinsbooksthirroul.com.au

@collinsbooksellersthirroul

Left: ‘Poss’ the brushtail possum was killed by a local cat. Below: Meg’s sister’s cat died in a hit and run. Photos: Meg Wright

We need to talk about outdoor cats

It’s time to make our neighbourhoods safer for cats and wildlife, writes Meg Wright

The Northern Illawarra is the most beautiful place I have ever lived.

We are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and native wildlife. Each morning I wake to the sound of the Kookaburras laughing in the gum trees outside my window.

It’s a sound I know well having grown up in our bushy suburbs. But it wasn’t until I returned home after seven years living abroad that I realised how truly lucky we are.

Last year, my partner installed a wildlife box in a tree in the front garden. It quickly became home to a Brushtail Possum. For six months “Poss” (as we called her) lived in the box out the front, reliably coming home around dawn to make her nest for the day and sleeping until sunset.

The day we discovered she’d had a baby we were delighted, arriving home to find her snuggled up safely with her newborn joey.

We were devastated when, just two weeks after giving birth, we found Poss crawling around the front garden in agony after a run in with a local cat. She’d left her joey safely tucked in the box while venturing out to find water.

I will spare you the heartbreaking details of what came next except to say I will forever be grateful to a local Bulli WIRES volunteer. Sadly, the injuries that both Poss and her joey had sustained were simply too great.

Roaming is bad for wildlife, cats and humans

According to the ABC, outdoor cats will hunt and kill as many as 11,000 native animals per square

kilometre in our suburbs each year.

And for cats being outdoors is the least safe place they can be. Roaming at night leaves them susceptible to the dangers of traffic, of being attacked, and of catching (and spreading) diseases.

As a long-term indoor cat owner, the thought of letting my cat outside terrifies me. This is especially true after my sister lost her cat in 2021 when it was killed in a hit and run one night out the front of her house.

It’s time to put an end to roaming

More than a third of local councils now require cats to be contained – most of them in Victoria and the ACT. Current NSW law prevents our local councils from taking this action.

This isn’t good enough.

The good news? There’s currently a review underway into the Companion Animals Act. If successful, the review could have a profound impact in making our streets, neighbourhoods and communities safer places for all animals and wildlife.

I’d like to invite you to make a submission, to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Never again will I take our beautiful home –and all its inhabitants – for granted. Neither should you.

Make your submission to the Companion Animals Act Review by May 4th at olg.nsw.gov. au/companion-animals-act-review/

Flipping fantastic

By Genevieve Swart

When a human raises a hand in the waves, it’s a signal for help. When a seal raises a flipper, it’s cooling down, but many people assume it’s in distress and ring ORRCA, as the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia is most commonly known.

“We get lots of calls about unusual seal behaviour and often they’re just regulating their body temperature,” says ORRCA’s Wollongong Pod Leader, Lyndell Roberts.

“This happens a couple of times a day.

“We love those calls because nothing is better than giving someone the relief of explaining that that’s normal behaviour.”

ORRCA works to conserve and protect whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs. In the Illawarra, volunteers mostly deal with seals. “Lots of seals,” Lyndell says. “We get long-nosed fur seals, they’re also known as New Zealand fur seals. We occasionally get visiting Australian fur seals, like the one at Towradgi a few weeks ago.”

Fishing gear is the main problem, with Port Kembla break wall and Windang the two hot spots. ORRCA recently dealt with a seal that had a fishhook in its face and was trying to remove it by rubbing its nose on the rocks.

“It actually successfully removed the hook, but it hurt itself,” Lyndell says, explaining that a lot of hooks are still stainless steel (or plated), but there now are ethical options designed to corrode over time. “The hooks look terrible… but if it’s the right sort of hook they’ll rust out.”

Fishing line is another story.

“It’s one of our biggest problems,” Lyndell says. “If the fishing line is around their flippers, it might inhibit them being able to fish and eat.”

The charity relies heavily on the generosity of donations and the dedication of volunteers.

Visit www.orrca.org.au or call the hotline on 02 9415 3333 to report an animal in trouble.

Sustainably sourced

Photo: Zee Merven

Exclusive!

Lost graves will be protected

By Genevieve Swart

The graves of stillborn babies, paupers and a teenage coal miner will all be protected at Helensburgh Cemetery, thanks to decades of determined advocacy by the Helensburgh and District Historical Society.

“There’s parts of this cemetery that have never been recognised – that’s the stillborn babies’ graves and the paupers’ graves,” family history researcher Jenny Donohoe told the Flame on a tour of the cemetery in March. “I knew there were graves in there – and we found them.”

How this came about is a story that stretches back 20 years. Worried that bulldozers would excavate where stillborns lie and paupers’ graves would be forever lost to encroaching bushland, Jenny and other society volunteers have spent countless hours comparing old plans, talking to relatives and trying to puzzle out burial sites in the 133-year-old cemetery.

Then, in November 2024, they had a breakthrough.

The lucky backburn Hard as life must have been for Helensburgh’s first coal miners, they chose to bury their dead in a challenging site on a rocky ridgetop, where sandstone made digging hard work and bushfires regularly tore through. Historical Society president Jim Powell – the retired 325 Station captain who turns 80 on April 8 – fought many of the big fires and even has a larrikin’s poem about the risk of double cremation here.

Since it was dedicated in 1892, the cemetery has lost many wooden crosses to fire. Today, to help relatives find graves, Jenny locates the nearest surviving headstone, then counts backwards.

“All the markers went in the bushfires,” Jim said. “Going back to 1952, massive fires come through here. A lot of houses were burnt on the highway. It just ravaged right through the cemetery.”

But last year, fire did them a favour.

Jim and Jenny went to meet Wollongong Council staff to discuss the state of the cemetery, and discovered that a controlled burn had revealed headstones never seen before on its western edge, behind the Anglican section.

“The bushfire brigade had done a backburn through that area a fortnight before,” said Jim.  “So it was all cleared. We could actually see stones where the graves were, which we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise – it was just by chance.”

This was the paupers’ section – for those too poor to afford a burial or residents with no family

to care for them. “Well over 100” people were buried there in the early 1900s and through the Great Depression.

“I have been saying for 20 years, we have people in here, but you just couldn’t see the graves – it was just bush,” Jenny said.

A new Paupers and Unknown Burials section will now be added to Council’s cemetery map.

Memorial for teenage miner

At Jenny’s request, Council has also marked the site where a young miner rests in bushland in a far corner near the Catholic section.

Emile Wenlock Cunningham, son of Mary and Emile, upped his age to get a job as a clipper at the Metropolitan Colliery. Not long afterwards, he fell under a set of skips and was killed instantly.

“He died in 1908. I’m hoping at some stage council will put a rock with his name on,” Jenny said.

“He was 16 – but he was 18 by the mine’s records,” Jim added.

Jenny also hopes to establish where other early coal miners were buried, as she knows there’s an ‘accidental deaths’ row but not where it is.

Stillborn babies section protected

No one knows how many stillborn babies are buried on the cemetery’s eastern side, in an undistinguished area with native grasses, mulch and tall eucalypts behind the Memorial Wall. Although their deaths were not documented, according to local knowledge the area was used from the 1890s up to the late 1960s.

Jim said fathers buried stillborn babies, but the site was confirmed thanks to a local mother.

Margaret Dowson’s husband was away in the navy, serving on the HMAS Sydney, when she miscarried and had to bury her baby alone. Margaret never forgot how many paces her child lay from the cemetery tap and, before she passed away, shared this knowledge with the historical society.

Jenny said it’s vital to protect the stillborn babies section to prevent any further damage – many years ago, a bulldozer displaced stones here.

Thanks to the society’s research, Council has set white markers in the soil and tape in the bush as a first step to marking lost sites. The Stillborn Babies section will also be added to the official map.

Mysteries remain: 1892 map discovered

The mysteries of Helensburgh Cemetery are far from solved. Despite piecing together reports from old newspapers, church records and the

Clockwise, from top left: White marker where Emile Cunningham rests, an old tree growing into graves, Paupers Section hidden in bushland, the newly found map from 1892, the Stillborn Babies Section, and Jim and Jenny in the Presbyterian burial area. Photos: Genevieve Swart

government registry, Jenny still can’t identify over 100 sites. But this year she discovered a 19th-century map with clues to the confusion.

“I have in there 137 graves that I can’t identify and I can tell you why,” she said. “In the archives the other day I found an old map of 1892.

“People have been buried in areas we don’t know about. There are sections in here [on the 1892] map that aren’t on the more recent map.”

The map – in a scale of “2 chains to an inch” –had been stored in a file in the Old Mine Surgery, one-time workplace of mine doctor Frederick Cox turned Historical Society HQ. The old surgery will be open to visitors on Saturday, April 12, when residents are invited to add their stories and photos to the town’s historical record.

Founded in the 1880s, Helensburgh has its fair share of colourful and criminal characters, some of whom will be in Jenny’s next history book, Murders and Misdemeanours. Local legends attached to the cemetery range from the story of the drug dealer with the missing stash whose grave has been dug up multiple times to a religious man who donated his body to science but didn’t want anyone to know so organised for a coffin full of bricks.

Council supports society’s efforts  The society is looking forward to more improvements at the beautiful bushland cemetery.

Following an inquiry by the Flame to Council last month, Jenny was pleased to report she’ll soon be meeting staff to discuss three old trees growing into graves. “I’ve been asking to clear them for 20 years,” she said.

The cemetery’s damaged entry portico – built in the 1960s and rendered useless after being hit by a truck one night in 2021 – has been the subject of heated debate, with some residents seeing its upcoming removal as a big loss.

But the Historical Society deems it of no heritage value and welcomes council’s $235,000 plan to knock it down and build a sandstone arch and a wrought-iron gate through which hearses may drive (the portico restoration alternative was both more costly and would require another entry road to be built, putting historic grave sites at risk).

“We can use local historical sandstone from the quarries,” Jim said. “You can have a nice couple of pillars with the wrought-iron gate on it and [a sign],‘Cemetery established 1892’.

“That’s all you want.”

Ian with the golden trowel.

Photos: Tyneesha Williams

Working WONDERS feature Cover

By Genevieve Swart

Ian McKinlay is the city’s keeper of the Golden Trowel, honoured in December 2024 at Wollongong Council’s Environment Volunteers Awards. His prize tool saw action soon after, finding a rare species of flowering ground-cover on its first outing at Woodlands Creek.

“Since then it’s stayed at home,” says Ian, mindful of a previous winner’s warning that the trowel’s golden shine lasts about 10 digs.

Ian is a retired history teacher who runs a Bushcare group with 18 volunteers at Hewitts and Flanagans creeks.

“We have grown to be the biggest working group that there is in Wollongong Council area. I think we’re probably the most active,” Ian says.

“I’m just surprised a lot more people don’t do it – because it’s the outdoors, it’s good company, it’s socially rewarding, and it’s doing something useful. The number of people I see exercising for their own personal [enjoyment] … they could just do this.”

The man with the golden trowel

Born in 1954, Ian grew up in “the bush end of Corrimal”, in an age when children were free to roam from the beach to escarpment (even the bit belonging to South Bulli Coal Mine, where he remembers people keeping cattle and the odd horse). “We wandered where we wished,” he says. “I just like being in nature and always have.”

Ian attended Corrimal primary and Woonona high. “History was always my best subject,”he says.

After studying at the University of Wollongong, Ian taught for four decades, with all but one year spent at Lake Illawarra High School. “It’s an outer suburban working class high school – and it was never boring,” he says. “The morale and the collegiality in that place was just exceptional.”

Ian remains a strong advocate for public schools but his retirement plans come from a childhood hobby, which dates from growing up on a block of land stretching down to a creek and a big fig tree.

“I was getting the coal out of the coal heap as a 10-year-old and thinking, what are those birds?”

He’s since become a fully fledged member of the Illawarra Bird Observers Club, with a three-decade record of local birds that he began after moving to Thirroul in 1996.

“I’ve got a lifelong bird-watching addiction,” Ian confesses. “I could never figure out why bird watchers weren’t prepared to do a bit of environmental work. And so I thought that’s what I’d like to do [in retirement].

“I had foolish dreams of working up on the escarpment. But you can actually go up there and when you know something about weeds, you just have to come back down here, because it’s just too big, too much up there.”

His first Bushcare experience was at Hewitts Creek, in the area behind McCauleys Beach, helping Marcel Van Wijk one Sunday a month. Before retiring, Ian did a TAFE course at Yallah in environmental management. All the while, he was receiving valuable practical education thanks to other volunteers, like Bellami Dunecare’s Carol Nance and Lynne Kavanagh, “who actually knew everything”, he says. “Particularly Lynne, and she still works there today.

“When I finished the TAFE course, Marcel said, ‘Look, this site is yours’.”

And so, in 2013, Ian found himself leading a new group looking after the Hewitts Creek area.

“We haven’t conquered it yet, but we’ve made a fairly big impression,” he says.

The birds have certainly benefitted.

“I’ve got records that run to about 90 native species down at Hewitts Creek,” Ian says. “Last couple of weeks, we had the first sacred kingfisher I’ve seen down there for four years. We get some brown quail occasionally. Most recent we had a Buff-banded rail.”

Water dragons, blue-tongue lizards and ringtail possums have also been spotted in their patch.

Fresh challenge in Thirroul

Late last year Council added to the group’s activities with a new area between Flanagans Creek

and the surf club car park in Thirroul.

“It’s a very challenging bit of land, it’s been neglected – in Bushcare terms – forever,” Ian says. “It’s a favourite hangout of some of the local kids and they left some of their disused material there. It hasn’t got a wide range of weeds, but it’s got an awful lot of three or four main weeds, like asparagus fern and lantana and morning glory.”

Fortunately in the dozen years that Ian’s been leading the group, it has grown almost five-fold.

“We started with four and it’s just grown organically,” he says. “To see the difference you’re making is pretty good.”

Who cares for the bush

Most volunteers, other than the occasional student in environmental management, are recent retirees, including former teachers, IT workers, a metallurgist, an industrial chemist, an agricultural scientist and a retired farmer.

Bushcare is chiefly about weeding and maintenance, but Ian’s group has also helped re-establish native species, working according to council’s Bushcare vegetation plan.

They’ve planted shrubs and small trees, with seedlings from council’s nursery. One significant addition is a number of young sandpaper figs.

“Sandpaper fig apparently is very good at holding the banks of creeks together – and, of course, Thirroul’s creeks are not holding together

that well in recent times,” Ian says.

“That April flood last year, it went through part of our site that I’ve never seen water on before – it clearly went over there at least a foot, maybe 30 centimetres deep, by the look of all the rubbish and logs and things that were strewn over it.”

Due to climate change, future floods are likely to be intense. “We just hope they’re far enough apart that the sandpaper figs and other things we plant are well established by the time they hit.”

Cleaning Up Australia

On the day the Flame visits, volunteers are doing a Bushcare shift, then a Clean Up Australia Day shift. They also take part in council’s Rise and Shine clean-up program and over the years have seen all sorts wash in, from wheelbarrows to weeds like madeira vine. After one flood, Ian found a beach dog-walking sign 40 metres upstream.

“We do a fair bit of clean-up,” he says.

Though there’s some tree vandalism, the worst vandals are the deer, which trample and graze on plantings, ringbark and knock down trees in their rutting season from July to August. Rabbits are also pests; foxes and cats are the big wildlife killers.

Ian recommends a slow removal of lantana for the sake of ground-feeding birds, like yellow robins and superb fairywrens. “Lantana is actually quite good, it’s giving them protection and a leaf litter to work through.”

Weed removal is mainly by hand, rarely they use Roundup and only for cutting and painting weeds too big to pull out. “We certainly don’t spray anything.”

At the end of a Monday morning stint of Bushcare, it’s clear the activity is good for both people and planet. “Look at this group – look at how wonderfully fit and trim they all are,” Ian says.

“Certainly the physical side of it is something that keeps you relatively nimble and makes sure you get a bit of peripheral vision still happening.”

Our conversation pauses as students, possibly late for school, whizz by on e-bikes.

In the quiet that descends after 9am, we take a final photo of the Golden Trowel and learn that it is actually not the group’s first award. Council recognised Hewitts Creek Bushcare in its founding year. “Our prize was a native fig, which we planted back in 2014,” Ian says. “It’s now 10 years old … it’s about four or five metres tall.”

Watch this space – a decade from today, where will the current seedlings be?

In 2023/24, the WCC Natural Areas Volunteer program had 50 groups with a total of 370 people who put in 11,793 volunteer hours. To join a group, head to council’s Bushcare webpage or call (02) 4227 7111.

Doyenne of Dunecare

By Tareyn Varley

Most mornings, Jan Arone walks from Fairy Meadow Beach to the lighthouse, stopping for coffee before heading back – an 8km round trip that keeps the energetic 85-year-old moving. But Thursdays are different. That’s when she leads the Bushcare group at Puckeys Estate, a rare stretch of coastal rainforest, dunes and marshland.

Once overrun with weeds, Puckeys is now on the verge of bringing Bitou bush under control, thanks largely to Jan and the team she coordinates. These efforts were recognised last December when she received the Dunecare Golden Trowel at Wollongong’s Environment Volunteer Awards.

Born in England but raised in Africa, Jan’s early years were spent in remote communities as her father researched leprosy. “We always lived in the bush,” she says. At seven, she was sent to boarding school in the Congo, later finishing her studies in Kenya before moving to Canada at 20.

Why I volunteer

By Tyneesha Williams

Her career took her from Northwest Territories, where she taught Inuit children, to the Cayman Islands, then Australia to teach at Waniora Public School. She returned to Africa temporarily – this time to Zambia, where she taught for the Frankfurt Zoological Society. “That vast, unspoilt area was so isolated and pristine,” she says.

She always felt connected to the land. Bushcare has deepened that bond – not just with nature, but with the people who care for it.

“It’s so friendly and gratifying when you see what you’ve accomplished,” Jan says. “People come after a tough week, and after time in the forest, they brighten up. They feel good because they’re helping Mother Earth.

“We’re by the sea, we get fresh air, we watch the waves and dolphins – it’s just a lovely thing to do.”

Jan’s Bushcare journey began 12 years ago when she stopped to chat with a man pulling weeds at Puckeys. Impressed, she asked to join him.

Since then, she’s grown the group and worked tirelessly to clear the weeds, digging them out by the roots. It’s paying off: “In some areas, we’re down to pulling out the last Bitou seedlings … but there are still patches we hope to tackle soon.”

For Jan, Bushcare has become a source of connection and joy. “My life has taken me to so many places, but at heart I’m a bushy. I feel deeply grateful to have spent my life in the bush.”

And Puckeys? “It’s one of Wollongong’s most important places. And as long as I can, I’ll be here helping to protect it.”

Hunter Diment

“I’m doing environmental sciences at UOW, so Bushcare gives me good hands-on practical skills. It’s also good exercise and it’s good to get outside on a Monday morning.”

Jane Morrison

“I feel like I’m improving my local area. So many of us enjoy using the cycleway between Bulli and Thirroul, and appreciate the greenspace and the recognition of the Sandon Point Aboriginal Place.”

John Zaremba

“I like to volunteer as a contribution to society. It’s a social activity, and gives you structure in your life. It’s something you do every week. It’s fun, and we’re trying to look after this area which is good.”

Robert Kocal

“When I retired I was looking for an activity to occupy my time, help me give back … and meet some nice like-minded people. It’s a hell of a workout as well, you’re exhausted after two hours of pulling weeds but it’s really good, and always nice to be outdoors.”

What will be our Energy Future? This election could decide

By Michelle Voyer and Ty Christopher at the University of Wollongong

Last month, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, announced a pause to the Illawarra offshore wind proposal, following a mutual agreement between the government and the sole developer who applied for a feasibility licence. The reason? Uncertainty over the upcoming federal election, with the opposition pledging to scrap the plan if elected.

This pause is more than a political moment –it’s a chance to take stock and consider a bigger question: What should the Illawarra’s energy transition look like? The region stands at a fork in the road. This is a chance to make a choice, based on a clear understanding of our options.

Imagine the Illawarra as an Energy Island

Let’s imagine the Illawarra as an energy ‘island’ –one that must generate enough electricity to meet its needs but with potential to import or export power. This thought experiment provides a useful lens for understanding our energy landscape.

Currently, Australia consumes around 200 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, with roughly a quarter of that used in NSW. Home to Wollongong, the state’s third-largest city, the region requires about 2.5 TWh per year. But as we move towards greater electrification, that demand is expected to double by 2050. So let’s take 5 TWh as the target we need to reach to achieve a selfsufficient energy supply for our island.

So, what energy mix could power the Illawarra, both today and into the future?

The Building Blocks of Our Energy Future

There are a number of options for achieving our 5TWh target. We have been conservative on the hypothetical target and generous with the projected contributions of all these options. So these figures should be taken as estimates for illustrative purposes only – actual contributions will vary according to a range of factors and variables.

1.

Rooftop Solar – A Strong Start

Solar is already playing a major role in the energy transition. Roughly 40% of the Illawarra’s current energy needs are met by solar, and we have room to grow. As we wrote in The Conversation last year, we estimate if all 130,000 homes in the Illawarra had solar panels, they could generate a theoretical maximum of 0.95 TWh per year. However, much of this power is consumed in the home rather than

exported to the grid. But for simplicity, let’s assume rooftop solar could provide this theoretical maximum, which is nearly half of our current energy demand and about 19% of future demand.

2. Industrial Solar – A Modest Contributor

A 100 MW industrial solar farm can generate about 0.2 TWh per year, but land availability is a challenge. Each farm requires 200 hectares (about 285 rugby fields), and while space for large scale solar farms in the region is limited, industrial rooftops present an opportunity. Based on recent research, we can assume that, with some effort, we could likely generate about 0.6 TWh per year from industrial solar (about 12% of future demand).

3. Gas – A Short-Term Firming Solution

The 765 MW Tallawarra gas plant plays a firming role, providing backup power during peak demand or when renewables aren’t generating. Gas is a fossil fuel and retaining it in the energy mix won’t drive deep decarbonisation, however, it remains part of the short-term energy mix. And with sufficient power, there is capacity to transition to the use of hydrogen in this facility in the future. There are a lot of variables that will influence the output of this plant, including fluctuations influenced by factors such as operational demand and maintenance schedules. We are assuming an average annual output of 1 TWh – approximately 20% of future demand.

4. Onshore Wind – Land Constraints

A 1 GW onshore wind farm can generate 3 TWh per year, but only the largest wind farms in Australia are around this size. This is because these wind farms require substantial land – between 150 and 300 hectares (215 to 430 rugby fields) per gigawatt. While Maddens Plains is often suggested, and is worthy of consideration, much of the area is highly sensitive upland swamp and protected under national parks and environmental conservation zoning. So onshore wind could contribute, but its potential in the Illawarra is limited – let’s assume we can find space for around 0.5GW, or 1.3 TWh – about 26% of future demand.

6. Nuclear – An energy import

The federal opposition has suggested building two nuclear reactors in NSW. A 1 GW nuclear plant could generate 7.4 TWh per year. Two plants of this

size would therefore contribute about 30% of the state’s current energy needs but would still not be enough to supply the state’s peak demand needs. No nuclear power plants are proposed for the Illawarra, so for our energy island we would need to import nuclear energy from the Hunter. Let’s generously assume 10% of our future energy needs might come from nuclear (0.5 TWh). It should be noted that nuclear energy is not currently legal in Australia, so we cannot bank on this being part of our energy mix for at least 15 to 20 years.

7. Offshore Wind – an energy export

The proposed 2.9 GW offshore wind zone could generate up to 12 TWh per year, more than double the amount required to meet the Illawarra’s projected energy demand, with enough left over to support industrial decarbonisation or green hydrogen production. Unlike onshore wind, offshore wind has higher capacity factors and is less constrained by land availability so turbines can be bigger and there can be more of them. But they are likely to be constrained by significant environmental, cultural and economic requirements. While we assume the zone will be able to operate to its full capacity, whether it can in practice would depend on environmental, technical, socio-economic and cultural assessments.

How do the options stack up?

Once we consider all the pieces of the puzzle – the contrast between the two options before us becomes clear.

The nuclear option – coupled with a moderatesized onshore wind farm, industrial and rooftop solar, and the continued use of gas in the Tallawarra power plant – gets us to about 87% of

the future energy needs of our hypothetical Illawarra energy island. The remainder would have to be supplied from elsewhere, either through continued use of coal, scaling up of gas or relying on our neighbours to host onshore wind and solar farms in surrounding regions.

The offshore wind option – which does not include any onshore wind component – would mean we are self-sufficient as a region, and energy becomes part of our economic contributions to the state, with a potential surplus of over 9TwH to offer to the grid. It would also give us sufficient capacity to transition the Tallawarra power plant away from fossil fuels and towards green hydrogen as the technology becomes scalable.

What About Reliability?

The challenge isn’t just replacing coal – it’s ensuring a stable, reliable grid. As critics often point out: “The sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow.” But just as we store water for when it doesn’t rain, we can store electricity for when renewables aren’t generating. Right now, the National Electricity Market (NEM) has 2.7% (2.4 GW) of its demand supplied by large-scale storage – excluding smaller home and community batteries. By 2027, a further 16 GW of storage is expected to come online.

The Path Forward

Our electricity demand will grow. This transition is an opportunity – but only if clean, affordable energy is accessible to everyone. The pause on offshore wind gives us time to consider our options, but not forever. The Illawarra has a choice: Take charge of its energy future — or let external forces decide for us.

Photo: Anthony Warry. Graphic: Freya Croft

The Ramblers report on the e-mobility inquiry

By John Groom, president of the Illawarra Ramblers

In June 2024 the NSW Legislative Council (Upper House) commissioned an Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options.

From 1600 responses the Illawarra Ramblers, represented by Thirroul residents Sam GarrettJones and John Groom, was one of 41 groups invited to appear at a Hearing at State Parliament House to offer further comment to the Committee of Inquiry.

Most likely the reasons we were asked to appear were because there was an e-scooter trial taking place in the Wollongong Council area. Also, our leisure activities spread across cycling and walking, and our cycling is mainly done on e-bikes. This gives us a broad perspective across two interests using the same infrastructure as well as being very across the health and economic benefits that the infrastructure provides.

The cross-party Committee of seven longer-term parliamentarians included two with an Illawarra connection, one being the Deputy Chair (an Illawarra resident), and another who is Shadow Minister for the Illawarra.

In October 2024, just before the hearings started the then NSW Minister for Transport was reported in the metropolitan press announcing that it was the government’s intention to legislate the legality of e-scooters in private ownership. This would be in addition to closely administered e-scooter ride-share schemes. Such legislation would imply scooters on footpaths. E-bikes were not part of that announcement.

In February 2025 the Committee released its 179-page report with three findings and 34 recommendations.

A prominent media response was to the finding that “the proliferation of ‘Fat Bikes’ is raising serious concerns for pedestrians”. Members of the Committee were very aware of the distinction between so-called “Fat Bikes” designed to be ridden via throttle power and not relying on human effort, and ordinary e-bikes which rely on human effort to enable battery assistance – this assistance cuts out at 25 kilometres per hour.

Of the 34 recommendations, supporting national common legislation of device design, safety, performance and use were prominent, as were reviews of road and path speed limits, pedestrian priority on paths, road rules, signage, parking, batteries, rider education and potentially insurance. Greater oversight by local councils within state guidelines regarding the above, featured in many recommendations.

Revision of e-bike speed limits on shared paths is the most critical and may well be revised. An enforced 15km/h e-bike speed limit on shared paths will force the growing number of commuting cyclists onto the roads or, even worse, back into their cars.

Sadly, the Committee Report hasn’t made clear recommendations on device importation, user compliance, performance (assisted speed or throttle), legal age of riders or funding initiatives for infrastructure.

The Government response to this report is slated to appear on 13 May. There is no obligation for the Government to adopt the Committee’s recommendations. The Illawarra Ramblers look forward to that 13 May response and will take a deep interest in resulting legislation.

Photos: Zach Houtenville, Jeremy Lasek

Probus picks new committee

By publicity officer Yvonne Bryce

Once again Thirroul Probus have already had a busy year with many activities planned to suit the diverse interests of our club members.

A historical walking tour around the rocks proved very interesting and a trip to Joadja is planned by our outings coordinators Cheryl and Paul Seagrove. A group of us went to see MJ the Musical and we thank John Penhallow for his keen interest in theatre and providing us with many opportunities to see great productions. Angie and John Penhallow have also coordinated many wonderful dinners and lunches over the past few years, but are now stepping down from that role and we would like to thank them for all of their time and effort.

Of course we are continuing with our other monthly activities including walks, bike riding, book club, trivia, coffee club, barefoot bowls and golf. The caravan and cabin club have organised a five-day trip to Fingal Bay in early April with a great response with approximately 60 members ready to join in the fun and friendships made. Our 2025 committee was elected in March and we thank so many people committing to being very active members of our Probus club. We thank John Harris for being an excellent president this past year and welcome Mark Bryce as the new president.

Sadly, Michael Brennan, our inaugural president and founding member of Thirroul Probus passed away late last year. We hope that we can continue Michael’s legacy by ensuring the club continues with the spirit he initiated of fun, fellowship, friendship and adventures together.

Ghost tales

By Keiraville CWA’s Marion Cook

In March Keiraville CWA joined Wollongong City Council and Wollongong Botanic Garden to explore Puckeys Estate in North Wollongong. In the early 20th century, Puckeys Estate was the site for an experimental salt mill, owned by the late Courtney Puckey. You can still see some remains of the salt works and Puckey’s homestead at the southern end of the reserve. Our adventure with the Ghost of Courtney Puckey went through Wollongong history, his family history and a hands-on reenactment of events. A very interesting and exciting way to explore the past.

Contact keiravillecwa@gmail.com

The team at Transitus Legal is dedicated to helping you navigate your legal journey.

We offer assistance in the following areas:

Contact our office today

Office: 32 Walker Street, Helensburgh Phone: 02 4294 9980

Email: hello@transituslegal.com.au www.transituslegal.com.au

The 2025 Thirroul Probus committee

Merits of Quaintness: Redux

By architect Ben Wollen

I’ve now been writing articles for the Flame since November 2019 – back then it was 2515 Coast News. My modus operandi was to bring local architecturally-related issues to the awareness of our readers. Some of them I have had mixed feelings about and others I feel quite pleased about and I’ve been inspired to republish one of my favourites: ‘On the Merits of Quaintness’. Thirroul village has changed considerably since 2019 and I think this article is more relevant than ever. I hope you enjoy!

I have a regular route to Thirroul that I ride my bicycle down that avoids Lawrence Hargrave and that some call the ‘rat run’, but I call the ‘get to the shops without breathing car exhausts or being sidelined by hoons’ run. Most northside Thirroul locals would know this route. Even this route is getting tricky to negotiate as the weekend warriors descend upon our hood. Not so bad on a bike where you can skip down the sides of banked-up traffic. My e-bike has been a game-changer and I now have a trailer attachment to carry groceries, kids, etc.

The route takes me along Redman Avenue and at a pleasant 20km/h, it gives me time to admire some of the area’s older-style houses. There are two in particular that I would like to sing some praise for, but first I must give some background to the title of this article. The Cambridge Dictionary defines quaintness as “the quality of being attractive because of being unusual, and often old-fashioned”. Many architects don’t dig on quaintness. A well known mid-century Melbourne architect named Robin Boyd wrote a whole book, The Australian Ugliness, that derided the Australian suburbs as unsympathetic to the landscape and obsessed with “featurism” (fixation on parts rather than the whole). Though for a large part I agree with Boyd’s assessment when it comes to some of our modern suburban brick veneerial

developments, there are certain building types that I have a particular fondness for. One of these is the fibro beach cottage. Call it nostalgia, but there is something about these utilitarian mid-century homes that appeals to the eye of my beholder (so to speak). I believe quaintness is the most apt adjective to describe the attraction. As an architect, I certainly wouldn’t design one of these back into existence. They might be quaint, but anyone who has stayed in one of these homes would know that they are generally freezing cold in winter and baking hot in summer, not to mention covered in toxic asbestos sheet! They do, however, speak of a town that didn’t have million-dollar budgets, a small coastal community transitioning from fishing and coal mining to tourism and hospitality. Unfortunately, due to their large flat blocks, they are quickly becoming an extinct species. Thanks to our very buoyant property market and a limited amount of area to develop, it is likely these houses will be cleared away to make way for less-thanquaint duplexes. As I ride past these little beauties, I fear that the Illawarra’s northern suburbs might go the way of the Pittwater northern suburbs where many a million dollar home is only occupied two weeks in a year, facilitating the holidays of a wealthy few. A walk around the suburb of Whale Beach outside of holiday season will attest to a population consisting mainly of garden maintenance workers and house cleaners.

While I will lament the northern Illawarra’s loss of quaintness, or furthermore the gentrification of beachside suburbs generally, I can only hope that, in among the new developments coming on board, a new fibro beach cottage type may come into existence. There is evidence of a new type being generated by some excellent local architects and designers. Few, if any, have taken on the fibro beach dual occ. Perhaps that’s just not possible.

Are disastrous dual occs threatening the existence of the fibro beach shack? Photo: Ben Wollen

New leaders at biz chambers

By Genevieve Swart

In the north and the south, new leaders are emerging at Wollongong’s volunteer-run local business chambers.

Last year Joanna Stuart stepped up to become the president of the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC). She is now leading a networking revival after NICC’s membership plummeted during the Covid era, putting the organisation at risk of closure. “I’ve always been entrepreneurial – my first business, a kids’ entertainment venture, started when I was just 11,” Joanna said. “My passion for hospitality and business led me to realise that understanding your numbers is the key to long-term success. That’s what inspired me to study accounting and, 18 years ago, launch Brew Accounting.”

Joanna said NICC is growing fast. “In just five months, we’ve expanded to 43 members, with a goal of reaching 100 by the end of the year. At just $99 per year, membership offers incredible value.”

Elected in December 2024, Jonathan Crowe is the new president of Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce (PKCC). He owns The Wentworth shopping arcade, home to the Red Point Artists, and says the chamber aims to double its current membership of 50 by the end of this year.

“I have a science degree at Sydney University and I spent my early years out of university as a professional athlete,” Jonathan said. “I currently own three businesses in Wollongong and we are about to open another in Port Kembla.

“The main reasons I started my own business were the desire for financial independence; the potential for higher earnings compared to a traditional job; freedom and flexibility; unlimited growth potential; the desire for more control and the desire for more security.”

Enquiries: nicc.net.au/membership and admin@pkcc.com.au

Flame honoured by Walkleys

Magazine wins solutions journalism funding

In March, the Walkley Foundation announced the Illawarra Flame has been honoured with a grant from the new Walkley Solutions Journalism Fund.

Eleven new Australian journalism projects will share in just over $180,000 of funding support.

The Flame has received $5000 for a project titled ‘Prevention is the best medicine’. The money will provide vital support for our journalists reporting on grassroots local initiatives to boost the health of people and planet in the region.

“This is a lifeline in an extraordinarily challenging time for local media,” said Illawarra Flame editor Genevieve Swart.

“While the Flame is primarily funded by advertising from local businesses – some of whom have been in the mag for over a decade! – this recognition is fantastic.

“Big thanks to the Walkley Foundation. We’re looking forward to sharing a series of positive and empowering stories with our readers.”

The Solutions Journalism Fund was launched in 2024, offering funding for stories that focus on the solution to a problem, rather than the traditional approach of, ‘if it bleeds, it leads’.

“This is a positive project in a time of negativity, misinformation and disinformation,” said Walkley Foundation CEO Shona Martyn.

“The fund allows stories that might not otherwise proceed due to lack of resources to go ahead.”

The independent judges were: Ann Cordiner, ABC; Associate Professor Alexandra Wake, RMIT; Dr Victoria Fielding, The University of Adelaide; and Andrea Ho, ABC, AFTRS.

Some of the hundreds of community members who have contributed to the Flame at Bald Hill in 2024. Photo: Anthony Warry

Picture the future of a city built on steel

The Port Kembla steelworks has been an integral part of the history of the Illawarra region for almost 100 years now.

It has brought countless jobs and trained hundreds of thousands of people along the way. Which also means it has been the backbone of the economy in the Illawarra. In partnership with local coal mines, they created the great base for the region’s prosperity.

I moved here almost 20 years ago and it was interesting to notice what people thought of the steelworks. Some thought it was like old grandparents, always around, helping and supportive. Others saw it as the inappropriate relative who is always making cringeful comments at family gatherings. Maybe it is both.

I love the diversity of culture here. Scattered throughout the Illawarra are people from almost every nationality. The steelworks is a large reason for this. In the 1950s many migrants came from Macedonia, Germany, Italy and the UK (to name a few), to work in the steel industry. Which meant, among other things, they brought with them their wonderful food, which we delight in today.

Port Kembla steelworks is on the shores of one of the most beautiful areas in Australia. Depending on where you look, you can see the escarpment, sometimes with golden mist illuminated by the rising sun. Or you can stand at Sandon Point in the morning and gaze north, taking in the view to Sydney as the sun shimmers across the water. Or you can look towards Port Kembla Harbour and see chimney stacks with smoke or steam gushing out, a flame erupt into the air, or ships moving in and out of the harbour. It all creates a panorama as diverse as the people who live here are.

Last year I had the opportunity to go on two tours of the steelworks. Perhaps the most inspiring part was how much the technology has advanced. From humble, inefficient and dirty beginnings, it has evolved into among the world’s best-practice operations. That is the case with most industries and technologies. Advances through investment

and competition revolutionise their processes. The same can be seen in renewables. Turbine blades are now recyclable and European firms have found ways to recycle even the older ones.

The steelworks may not be beautiful, but for many it’s like the soul of the area. An area that owes everything to its industrial background. How that “soul” transitions into the new era will be very interesting. Billions of dollars worldwide are being invested into making “green” steel – steel made without the use of coal. How that helps ensure the Port Kembla steelworks remains viable when the world is transitioning to cheaper green steel using renewable power will be interesting to see.

Especially with the huge investment into re-lining no. 6 blast furnace. That, in itself, is something that must be foremost in the minds of those who own and run the steelworks. It should also be foremost in the minds of those who work in a rapidly declining coal industry.

The steelworks’ aesthetics is an interesting thing. When I was working at Dendrobium Mine, we had to detour through Cordeaux Heights as the bridge was being repaired. When driving home, you saw the steelworks looming large. I asked workmates who lived there about the view and they said: “You just don’t see it.” To which I replied, “So what do you see?” But they gave the same answer.

This took a while to understand. The steelworks is there, has been for 97 years, and people just accept it as part of the landscape. The smoke, the chimneys, the flames are all normal.

I often wonder what it will be like in 20, 30 or even 50 years. Will the steelworks be pumping out “green steel” and the Illawarra be the lifeblood of the Australian industry? And will that be powered by renewables. Will someone like me come to work here and ask, “Hey, what about those tiny windmills way out on the horizon, do you like seeing them?” Or as the turbines turn and provide energy to drive the region to continued prosperity, will they simply become part of a rich history.

An opinion piece by retired coal miner turned renewable jobs advocate Darryl Best

Neighbourhood Forum 1 Report

By NF1 convenor Warwick Erwin

New Helensburgh Community Centre and Library (HCC&L

Council’s Manager Libraries + Community Facilities, Sarah Taylor and Senior Building Engineer, Nicholas Idziak (design project manager for HCCL) gave the meeting an update on the new centre project. Budget confirmed at $17m with a four-year (2029) estimate on completion.

The frustration of forum members with a lack of community engagement and delays in the project was clear from members’ questions.

A quote from Council General Manager in the last Quarterly Review Statement was referenced: “None of these goals can be achieved without extensive engagement and collaboration with our residents to ensure we’re providing, not only the services they need, but the services and support they want, to make their city the very best it can be.” And how does the lack of engagement meet the community goal 4: “We are a connected and engaged community”?

Promises from the Council Officers of a scope of works and more engagement with the community/ forum did answer some questions.

Cr Richard Martin confirmed Councillors directed the new centre only be on the two vacant blocks in Walker St and that the two blocks of the current library be sold to fund the new centre. There was reference to the $40m plus new centre in Warrawong with town square and parking. Questions asked included: Where is the parking for Helensburgh’s new centre and town centre?

The conceptual plans developed by NF1 member Ross McLean were provided to the Council staff.

We look forward to Conceptual Brief, Room Brief, Parking Brief (all released in draft in 2022 when Council was trying to put the new centre at the swimming pool site) and full Scope of works.

Warning Signs & Gates for Otford Causeway

The community has been asking for warning signs and gates to warn about and protect vehicles from a flooded causeway. The electronic signs and road closure gates for similar river crossings exist in other Council areas, such as the solar-powered remote-controlled signs and gate at Melville Ford crossing of the Hunter River in Maitland City Council. Drivers are warned many kilometres before the Melville Ford of the open/closed status of the crossing. An example is pictured below.

Locals have suggested signs at either side of the Causeway, Bald Hill (roundabout at Bald Hill Lookout), Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Dr intersection, Otford Rd and Werrong Rd

intersection leaving Helensburgh, Parkes St near Princes Highway intersection and Lawrence Hargrave Drive near Symbio so drivers are warned and can take an alternative route.

Gates at Melville crossing are large steel gates that prevent vehicles getting on to the crossing.

These signs and gates could be implemented quickly based on what has been done by other councils and not the two-year project as previously indicated by Council’s previous budgets.

Whitty Road and Walker St –Camp Gully Rehabilitation work

At its 17 March meeting, Council approved the acceptance of a tender for the Headwall and Embankment Rehabilitation tender. Tender quote being $436k. Work should start as soon as Council completes the contract paperwork. The director of Infrastructure + Works will be asked for a copy of the project schedule and impact to residents.

Next Meeting – 9 April 2025

Election of NF1 Officers, Convenor and CoConvenor to take place and April meeting. Neighbourhood Forums are independent groups of residents, supported by Council. Meetings are held in Helensburgh Community Rooms in front of the old Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month (Feb to Nov).

Coming up

Community Strategic Plan 2035 and draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2025-2026 – see our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au

As this issue went to press, Council confirmed it will provide a summary of the CC&L scope of works at NF1’s April 9 meeting. Find responses to NF1 concerns on the Flame’s website.

Australia Wide Hot Water

▶ Your go-to experts for all things hot water

▶ 10 years of experience

▶ Efficient and cost-effective hot water systems

▶ Same day hot water replacement & free same day quotes

▶ We will beat any written quote for hot water systems by 10%

Family creates streetwear brand

Meet the Helensburgh crew behind Shred Clothing

Christian Bussa 0423 162 334

FREE “LEARN TO SWIM” CLASSES

Lic no: 127649

SERVICING CUSTOM APPAREL

FREE “LEARN TO SWIM” CLASSES

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

FORNIXWHEELS@GMAIL.COM

WWW.FORNIXWHEELS.COM.AU 0423 489 432

Swimming lessons for all ageschildren, adults and families of refugees and asylum seekers in the Illawarra area.

FREE “LEARN TO SWIM” CLASSES

Learn to stay safe in the water at the:

BEACH

Swimming lessons for all ageschildren, adults and families of refugees and asylum seekers in the Illawarra area.

Learn to stay safe in the water at the:

ROCK POOLS HOME POOLS RIVERS, CREEKS & DAMS

BEACH

ROCK POOLS HOME POOLS

RIVERS, CREEKS & DAMS

Text or Call Peter - 0424 199 299

Text or Call Peter - 0424 199 299

Swimming lessons for all ageschildren, adults and families of refugees and asylum seekers in the Illawarra area.

Learn to stay safe in the water at the:

BEACH

ROCK POOLS HOME POOLS RIVERS, CREEKS & DAMS

Text or Call Peter - 0424 199 299

A Helensburgh-based online enterprise called Shred Clothing is a true family business.

“I started Shred with my three boys,” said owner Carla Brittain, who also runs Coal Coast Shutters and Blinds with her husband, Dave.

“It started out as a fun way to make their own brand to wear. Then as other kids wanted to wear the brand it turned into more of a business. It’s so important to teach the boys about business skills and hard work.”

Naming the business was also a family affair, with everyone contributing ideas.

“There were many options some better than others! Shred Clothing seemed to be the best fit for where we were going,” Carla said.

“We sell streetwear – T-shirts, hats, shorts, hoodies and socks.”

The brand is aimed at kids from age eight upwards, with images of young skaters wearing tanks and tees featuring on their website.

“The majority of the models on the website are my boys, our friends and other local kids,” Carla said.

She loves seeing people around town, “proudly wearing the brand” and getting positive reviews on their site.

With three active boys, Carla is always busy and finding the time to work on the clothing business is her biggest challenge. “We have a couple of small local businesses that keep us busy,” she said.

Carla thrives on thinking up new designs, working on the website and marketing.

“My favourite way to relax would be a swim at a local beach or a nice walk around town running into friends.”

Shred Clothing is available via their website, with free local delivery within 2508 area.

Head to shredclothing.com.au and use the code SHRED to get 25% off your first order

Unsung Heroes

Tony Ryan tracks down local people doing lots of work for little recognition

Austi local Adam Turner is chief training officer at Austinmer Surf Club. (Ironically, while these articles are supposed to be about individuals or families, during my conversation with Adam whenever I said ‘you’ (meaning Adam), he would correct me and say ‘we’ (meaning him and the dedicated team of volunteers that has helped Austi surf club numbers to balloon in recent years).

Adam and the whole Turner family are heavily involved at Austi Surf Club.

Like many smaller surf clubs along our coast, Austi has been struggling for volunteers for patrols and nippers’ coaches. The focus of their five-year

plan (and who doesn’t love a five-year plan) was going to be on recruitment and running their own courses and training.

Well, they’re doing something right because Austi won the Patrolling Club and Club of the Year Illawarra in 2024, and when I sat down with Adam to have a chat over a coffee, he told me that another 20 people had qualified for their Bronze Medallion.

The club now has more than 300 registered nippers and on a Sunday morning the beach is awash with nippers. Nippers is all about the kids having fun while learning about how to read the surf, keep themselves safe, and help others.

The club’s families include locals, but also some from south-west Sydney, including Campbelltown and Liverpool. Feedback from the parents is that they love the Austi club’s practical training and the quality of people running the programs.

The emphasis is on training as many people as possible and now 12-year-old children have the opportunity to qualify for their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC). Once this is achieved, they are able to do patrols.

Austi now has a full roster of volunteers to keep our beach safe. A great joy for Adam and his team is now seeing parents patrolling with their kids.

This season Austi life savers have performed

Hello Fish: Sea sawdust at Bulli

By Duncan Leadbitter

In mid-February astute ocean observers may have seen what looked like dirty brown streaks on the ocean surface, some of which easily extended a couple of kilometres in length. At one point I got caught in some while snorkelling off Sandon Point and could hardly see my hand in front of my face.

Hello Fish has covered phytoplankton blooms in the past and their importance for marine ecosystems (October 2020) and one of their key drivers, upwelling of nutrients (February 2022) from deep water. However, what we experienced in March, whilst also a bloom of plankton, had a very different cause and involves a very different type of organism.

The plankton in question was a type of blue-green alga, also known as a cyanobacterium, so called because these organisms are bacteria (not plants) that have the capacity to photosynthesise, just as plants do. The most common species in the waters off the Great Barrier Reef, and likely down

here, is Trichodesmium erythraeum. In the Coral Sea it may form blooms that are hundreds of kilometres long.

Unlike phytoplankton which require nitrates (nitrogen-based nutrients) from the water, Trichodesmium can make its own nutrients by processing nitrogen from the air. It grows well in waters where nitrate concentrations are low, which is typical of many tropical areas. In the past few months the sea surface temperature off the central and southern NSW coast has been high as very warm tropical water has moved south, bringing with it rain and, of course, Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

On land there are also plants that can make their own nitrates from the air. Legumes like beans and clover are well known for their ability to ‘fix’ nitrogen from the air and do this via a relationship they have with bacteria living in nodules in the root systems.

Sea sawdust is not common along the NSW

Adam Turner

more than 50 rescues. Even though the beach is only about 250m long, it has a handful of pumping rips. Surf club volunteers try to educate beach-goers on those hazards and more.

Many people who come from out of the area are not familiar with the ocean and its potential dangers. Trying to get people to swim between the flags is the No.1 priority – and also ensuring they are wearing appropriate swimwear. (Adam is still amazed by the number of people who go into the water in jeans and T-shirts!)

Apart from the potential drownings, Adam and his team have to deal with lost kids, people stung by blue bottles, medical events (some extremely serious), and people who have been injured when they’ve washed onto the rocks. Blood and dislocations are common.

But danger is still present after the flags have been packed away and the lifesavers have gone home. On January 18, 2021, Adam, along with Adrian and Will Kors, saved seven people who were caught in a rip at Austinmer Beach. In 2024, the trio was awarded a Group Bravery Citation for their actions.

In many ways we take people like Adam – and his club, and all clubs that donate hundreds of hours to keep our beaches safe – for granted. We know they’ll always be there and we never take into account the amount of work and training they do to ensure we all get to go home.

So to these unsung heroes, we thank you!

Sea sawdust off Bulli, late February 2025

coast but does occur in late summer when the nutrient poor, warm water from the tropical north pushes south. It performs an important role in supplying nitrogen based nutrients to the sea as well as being a food source for other planktonic species.

Follow Duncan’s YouTube channel, Illawarra Underwater

More than making things

By Bob Pymm of Helensburgh Men’s Shed

With the Men’s Shed settling down in its new location at the end of Darkes Forest Road, we are beginning to get back into other activities.

Built into our constitution is a commitment to enhance the health and wellbeing of not only our members, but also to support our friends, family and the community. The importance of this role is recognised by government, with the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care providing funding to the Australian Men’s Shed Association. The aim is to improve health and wellbeing.

Our shed here in Helensburgh takes this role seriously. It has a Health and Wellbeing officer (thank you, Ron!) who organises activities for members. Recently a group of eight Shedders completed the online component and practical training required to be certified First Aiders. We now know the recommended treatment for tick bites, how to perform CPR and bandage a sprain, and we have practised using an epipen and a defibrillator. This is a useful thing for Shedders, our families and our community. Hopefully we won’t need to use our first aid training, but if we do, we are prepared.

Over the past year, the Shed has also welcomed visiting nurses conducting health checks and guest speakers providing advice on issues relevant to Shed members (eg. prostate cancer, heart health and so on). Last year we also had a session from Wollongong City Memorial Gardens on the services they offer and the support and advice they can provide in managing bereavement.

So, while the Shed at first glance seems to be about making things and mixing with a bunch of like-minded people (which it is), there is a more serious side, helping us navigate the complexities of getting older, health and relationship issues. Come on down to our new location at the end of Darkes Forest Road to find out more.

Visit the Australian Men’s Shed Association website or helensburghmensshed.org.au

20th trip to Treachery

By Ian Pepper

Our second pointscore for 2025 was delayed to March 2 due to conditions and we did our absolute best to put smiles on dials in what were some tough conditions at Stanwell Park north end.

We got to run all our Junior Divisions and put our club’s finest A Grade & Open Women into the fold also. In the 18s final Jesse Fitzgibbons very nearly took the crown from Ashton Mekisic with Jesse scoring an 8+ demolition wave. In the 14s final Oliver Keed with local knowledge pipped Koa Short, who is showing he wants to catch up to, and maybe even overtake, his older sisters as he pushes harder every week.

In the junior girls the seesaw battle between Ella Campbell and Alyssa Forbes went the way of Alyssa with all the girls on the tear. In the 12’s Koah Robson won on a count back, Dash Bostik won the 10’s at his first ever event and Indi Martin took out the junior girls parent-assist.

The top honours in A Grade went to Nic Squiers and Zhalia Short in the Open Women.

On March 15 we celebrated 20 years of going to Treachery for our March pointscore. The annual trip has become part of the club’s culture and this year we marked the occasion with some new perpetual trophies. Treach never fails to disappoint and this year was no different with near-perfect weather and conditions. Off shore all weekend and nice 1-3 foot waves were on offer for our seniors to enjoy – juniors were off this year due to Illawarra Junior Surfing Titles.

On the same weekend as Treachery was a super

day for our juniors at the Surfing Illawarra Junior Surfing Titles held at Woonona Beach. Our club came away with multiple finalists and three titles.

Campbell)

Super proud of these kids with their hard work paying off! Congratulations to: Under 12 Girls – 1st Ella Campbell, 4th Alyssa Forbes; Under 14 Boys –1st Noah Kornek; Under 16 Boys – 1st Ashton Mekisic, 5th Oliver Keed.

Well done to all our juniors for giving it a crack. Big thanks to hosts Woonona Boardriders.

Dates for your diary: Next Pointscore: Sunday, April 6. Rescheduled Australian Boardriders Battle National Final, Burleigh Heads, April 12-13.

Sea Eels call for swimmers

By Peter McDonald, president of the winter swim club

The Stanwell Park Sea Eels start their 37th year of winter swimming on Sunday, May 4.

Our family-friendly club is open to all swimmers who can swim 50 metres unaided. We swim at the iconic Coalcliff pool from 9am every Sunday up until September.

Swims are 50m, 100m and a relay, all swims are handicapped and as competitive as you may wish your swim to be.

Afterwards we head to HelensburghStanwell Park Surf Club for delicious soups and drinks and plenty of socialising.

This is also where we raise funds for charity by means of fines, raffles and Joker Poker. Our main charity is CRAM Foundation, which supports disabled adults and children. We

have been supporting CRAM since 1999 and last season we donated $2500. We also make donations to other local worthy causes.

Our club enjoys inter-club visits with Bulli Sea Lions, Cronulla RSL swimmers, and the Bondi Icebergs ladies. We compete in the Bondi invitational carnival, and South Coast and Australian championships.

Our club welcomes all community residents and residents outside of the area, and all surf club members. When you join the Sea Eels you become a HelensburghStanwell Park Surf Club associate member and are covered by surf lifesaving insurance. Hope to see you on the blocks any Sunday up until September.

Zhalia Short at Treachery (photo: Michael Smoley); below, Ella Campbell (photo: Luke

‘We will miss you dearly’:

Over 100 surfers join paddle out

By Ian Pepper

Scarborough Boardriders commemorated a celebration of life paddle out for much beloved member Johnny Chamberlain.

The committee of Scarborough Boardriders will forever miss Johnny. He was our dedicated gear steward and BBQ man for over a decade. Up at the crack of dawn to pick up the trailer and there at the end of the day to help pack up.

Johnny was awarded Senior Club Person of the year in 2018 for his selfless commitment to the club, but could have won it every year.

He was always a fun guy to be around, king of the kids and a great mate to all that met him.

A paddle out was held at Headlands boat ramp Austinmer on Saturday, 22nd February at 8am.

Over 100 surfers from our club and the local community participated in the beautiful ceremony

and many more watched from the shoreline.

In these difficult times we need to rally together and support one another. Reach out to mates, family, friends and there is always further help available 24/7 if needed from Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Our thoughts remain with the Chamberlain family – Elaine, Aidan and Anna – and their extended family here and abroad in Canada.

Johnny, we thank you for your quirky humour and outstanding commitment to our club. You have left a deep impression on all of our lives, from groms to old saltys. We will miss you dearly.

The Scarborough Boardriders are raising funds for the Chamberlain family via GoFundMe: gofund.me/b80d755f

Photos: Luke Chaplin and Raylee Golding

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

2

1

2

3

4 FR 0129 1.74 0840 0.44 1440 1.14 1950 0.74

5 SA 0234 1.65 0957 0.48 1605 1.12 2107 0.79

6 SU 0249 1.59 1007 0.49 1621 1.16 2129 0.78

7 MO 0401 1.57 1105 0.48 1717 1.23 2240 0.73

8 TU 0502 1.56 1150 0.47 1801 1.31 2338 0.66

9

17

Port Kembla Tidal Chart

9

16

18

12

19

20

14

3

4

5

6

7

8

16

April 2025

29

18

19 SA 0645 0.59

20

30

9 WE 0552 1.57 1228 0.45 1838 1.39

15 TU 0340 0.47 0936 1.35 1515 0.57 2144 1.68 TU

10

23

30 WE 0415 0.23 1017 1.39 1548 0.53 2220 1.98

TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF HIGH AND LOW WATERS LAT 340 29’ LONG 1500 55’

resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded. Scan the QR to download a fresh Tide Chart each month

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2024, Bureau of Meteorology. Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide. Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect. 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 infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights. The Bureau’s liability for any loss, damage, cost or

Sunday Social Golf Club report

By Robert ‘Indy’ Jones

March 3rd was the second event on the score card for HSSGC.

Playing for the “Joe Doherty Mug”, golfers needed a stableford score of 40 plus to sink a prize.

Josh Smith and Daniel Gersback both were level on 42 points, Josh nudging ahead on a count-back, with Ben Gersback on 40 points in third place to take the podium – 1st and 3rd prizes were courtesy of our sponsors Christian’s Premium Meats and the Helensburgh Golf Range. Our runner-up on the day received a Bunnings voucher.

Tristan Hart was yet another to join our playing list, whilst out on course Jordan, Bruce, Rob C., Tony C., Josh, Darren, Frank M., Frank Z. and Peter G. shared the spoils.

Next events at Boomerang: April 6th (Tee Time: 8am); May 4th (Tee Time: 8:30am); and June 1st (Tee Time: 8:30am).

Contact Tony, 0418 863 100, for all your membership information and remember to register your attendance and cart requirements on the Tuesday ahead of the date of our next event.

Indy signing off...

The Golf Scorecard:

Holes 1 to 5 – the best a bogie “I didn’t get to warm up”, Holes 6-16 “I hate this game”, Hole 17 “I’m never playing again”, the 18th – Par “Same time next month”.

Tradies Social Golf

By Barry Thompson

The increasing heat and the lack of carts turned the latter holes of the course into an endurance test for several of the older players. Many of the crew slumped exhausted into their chairs on their return to Tradies and tales of woe abounded.

The event was played as a nominated TwoPerson Ambrose format and the Dave Astill/Jye Smith combination won the day with a 61.25 score. Jye then made his round worthwhile by winning the 7th hole Eagles Nest.

Roger Hendry and Gavin Sinclair recorded a 61.50 card to take second place and Rod Vaughn and Paul Morahan took the bronze with a 62.25. It was pleasing to see Presso Terry complete the round despite his dodgy hip. His perseverance resulted in he and his partner Paul winning Bucket of Balls vouchers.

The entry list for the Match Play Championship is closed and Mick the Merciless and Rod the Mingy are making the draw. The bookies are

sweating on the list so that they can set their boards.

All will be revealed at our next outing which will be on Saturday, 12th April at Boomerang. We Tee Off at 7am, please be early to aid our starters.

Thanks again to our sponsors – Tradies, Helensburgh Butchery, Gallardo’s Pizzeria and Helensburgh Driving Range. Your contributions make our comps so much more interesting.

MADGE NEEDS A HOME

Friendly Madge is looking for a loving family! Desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, life-time registered. Email ccarpetrehoming@tpg.com.au Country Companion Animal Rescue

Screening Moana 2

Sat 19 April at Rex Jackson Oval, Helensburgh

5pm Egg Hunt, 5.30pm Movie

Proudly hosted by Mattias Samuelsson