AUGUST 2026

Step into better foot health

Khaled Assaad, the experienced podiatrist behind Platinum Sports Podiatry, is your go-to expert for all things foot and lower limb-related in the community. With a strong background in biomechanics and years of experience, Khaled provides high quality, personalised care tailored to your needs. He offers a wide range of services, including:

• Routine nail & skin care (incl home visits)

• Ingrown toenails & fungal treatments

• Children’s assessments

• Management of growth plate issues in kids

• Specialised care for adolescents & seniors

• Treatment of sports injuries

• Help with knee pain

• Tendinitis and nerve entrapments

• Custom orthotics for comfort and support Khaled is available from Mon-Sat, and home visits in Helensburgh. Book online

PARTNER CONTENT www.platinumsportspodiatry.com.au 02 4214 4293 | 0481 796 781 (if urgent/after hours) Shop 1, Level 1, 338 Cemetery Rd, Helensburgh

Meet Our Contributors

Helen Voysey is a retired GP, lifetime member of the Era shack community. She was the president of the RNP Coastal Cabins Protection League for 20 years, during which time the communities obtained State Heritage Listing in 2012. Helen was following in the footsteps of my father, Lew Voysey, who built the family shack in 1936 on the then freehold land called the Byrne Estate.

Caroline Baum is a journalist, author and the ambassador for the Older Womens’ Network (OWN) in NSW. She lives in the Northern Illawarra.

Duncan Leadbitter is a director of consulting company, Fish Matter. A keen scuba diver, snorkeller, spearfisherman and photographer, Duncan lives in Stanwell Park.

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KANE DOWNIE

To our wonderful Darkes Glenbernie Orchard community,

It is with great sadness that we share that our much loved Glenn Fahey passed away peacefully on Thursday, 9 July 2026, after a courageous battle with Grade 4 Glioblastoma brain tumour.

Glenn was much more than the CEO of our family orchard. He was the quiet thinker, the engineer, the farmer, the problem solver, the visionary and driving force behind so much of what makes Darkes Glenbernie what it is today. His fingerprints are everywhere throughout our orchard, our cidery, our café, our machinery sheds, our tours, and in the countless ideas he was still dreaming about right until the end.

He believed deeply in growing something from nothing, in sharing farming with others, and in helping people understand where their food comes from. He often said, “Agriculture makes life possible, but horticulture makes it worthwhile.” Think about it: the pursuit of horticulture provides us the flowers you give your mum on Mother’s Day, or the colourful and sweet flavourful fruit toppings on that special cake, its the cider for a celebratory toast with friends, it’s the base of your favourite perfume or the gorgeous vista you visit to relax within or marvel at. Horticulture makes these special moments possible and heightens our senses and feelings. Those words will continue to guide us.

As a family, we are overwhelmed by the extraordinary kindness shown by so many people

Glenn Fahey Farewell

over the past seven months. To everyone who brought meals, picked fruit, repaired machinery, delivered products, donated to fundraisers, sent care packages, sent messages, prayed for us or simply checked in, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your generosity and kindness has carried us through the most difficult season of our lives. Every kindness shown has mattered.

One of Glenn’s greatest wishes was to gather everyone together to say thank you in person. Sadly, he wasn’t well enough to make that happen.

His celebration of life will be held at Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, 1 August 2026, 11am - 3pm. Please register your intent to attend. Registration will be very important for us in our planning.

We promise to continue caring for this special place with the same passion, generosity and determination that Glenn poured into it every single day.

As Glenn would remind us: nothing is promised, every day is a gift, and don’t forget to hug those you love.

With heartfelt gratitude, Jo-Anne and the Fahey family

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Targeted Cancer Therapeutics Research Team at the University of Wollongong, whose work is contributing to glioblastoma research. Register for Glenn’s Celebration of Life at tinyurl.com/glenncelebration

Helensburgh

Alana Padwick, Operations Manager

She’s back!

Instead of returning to the corporate world, Alana has chosen to re-join our team and be closer to home and her beautiful baby girl.

We value the corporate experience she brings, which will facilitate continued business growth and innovation.

Saving the whale

By Helen Voysey

In the Royal National Park at Era Beach, the Heritage-listed cabins, which locals call shacks, look out onto the sea. On Tuesday, June 16, Paul Boufler, a shack holder from Era Point, noticed a whale to the north, off the point known as Thelma Point. It seemed to be moving around, but not going anywhere.

A large number of whales migrate north at this time of year and they often come in close to the points in the Royal National Park, including Thelma Point and Semi-detached Point.

The next day Paul noticed that the whale was still there, so he thought something was amiss. He talked to his friend Graham Holloway, whose shack is on the other side of the beach. Both are longstanding members of the Era Surf Life Saving Club and they decided to investigate.

They used a Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) from the Surf Club to head out towards the whale. As they approached it, the whale lifted its tail – which was tangled in rope – into the air.

“It seemed like the whale just wanted to show us what was wrong”, said Graham. The rope seemed to be tethered to the sea floor, probably some kind of anchor rope stuck on the reef off Thelma Point.

Graham used his mobile to call 000 and a chain of people were alerted, including police and Surf Com (Surf Life Saving Communications Team). Graham was then fielding lots of calls.

Paul and Graham saw three NPWS rangers on nearby Little Garie Point. They motored over to them in the IRB, and told the rangers what was happening. One ranger, Jason, asked if they could take him out to the whale, so they did. They all

observed the whale up close and Jason also noticed the rope wrapped around the whale’s tail.

Jason made calls to get the NPWS IRB, which had the equipment necessary to free the whale.

Graham and Paul took Jason back to Little Garie Point and he asked them to return to the whale and stay with it until the National Parks team arrived. It took three hours for the NPWS to arrive with their specially equipped IRB and by this time the whale seemed to be in distress.

After observing the whale and assessing the situation, the NPWS crew asked Graham and Paul to assist with the freeing of the whale by holding the rope, while the NPWS staff cautiously approached the whale to cut the rope.

Freed, the whale swam away lifting and flapping its tail, as if showing them it was free of the rope.

Graham and Paul then tried to pull as much of the rope as possible out of the water to reduce the chance of a whale being caught up here again, and they cut a length of the rope and gave it to NPWS.

The two teams, NPWS and Era Surf Club shackies, were jubilant. They congratulated each other and handshakes were exchanged all round. A job well done!

As Graham and Paul pulled the IRB out of the surf at Era Beach they noticed the whale had followed them. It was just out past the break, and seemed to watch them get out of the IRB.

“We were concerned it was going to beach itself, but maybe it was just coming to thank us,” said Graham. It suddenly turned, circled around Era and North Era beaches for a while, then disappeared out to sea at dusk.

Paul Boufler (at left) and Graham Holloway, with Thelma Point, where the whale was found, in the background. Photos; Graham Holloway/supplied

New art classes aim to inspire

Build your practice with The Studio Program, founded by Kate Coyne

A new studio arts program with affordable classes for adult learners launches at Clifton School of Arts this August – filling a gap in the region’s arts education.

The Studio Program is a sustained, in-depth program for adult learners – a real studio experience with professional mentoring, structured critique and the kind of unhurried time that serious creative work requires.

Sessions will run at Clifton School of Arts and, as the program grows, at venues across the Northern Illawarra. The program begins with drawing and painting – the foundations of visual practice, rooted in the rigorous traditions of the National Art School in Sydney, where artist Kate Coyne, the program director, completed her Master of Fine Art (Painting).

From this foundation, the program will expand with guest artists and a full term-based program across multiple disciplines in February 2027.

“Adult learners are not blank slates,” Kate says. “They arrive with years of experience, strong aesthetic instincts, and often some self-doubt. My job is to create the conditions where genuine creative risk becomes possible – where people feel

New painting + drawing classes

safe enough to make, and confident enough to reflect on what they’ve made.”

The Studio Program is built for adult learners, and what people gain from it goes well beyond technique. They find permission: a real sense that they can make things, and that their way of seeing has value. They build a practice, a habit of making and reflecting that outlasts the classes. They start to hear their own voice, an emerging sense of what they like and why. And they pick up the language to talk about work, their own and other people’s, with precision and curiosity.

“The studio feels like a conversation,” Kate says. “I draw on a wide range of artistic traditions, and I bring my own practice into the room, including its struggles and uncertainties.”

the studio program

The program is designed to inspire everyone, from beginners to experienced artists. Initial painting and drawing classes will be on Monday (10am-2pm) and Wednesday evenings (6.30-9pm) at Clifton School of Arts, in 5-week blocks (casual introductory sessions available). Saturday sessions are a chance to spend a whole day in the studio.

Starting on August 7, DRAW is a relaxed session for ages 18+ held on Friday nights, upstairs at Clifton’s Imperial Hotel (6.30–8.30pm, during school terms). Share plates and bar service are available throughout the evening.

The Studio Program is presented in association with Clifton School of Arts, a home for the arts since 1880. “We are part of a remarkable creative community,” Kate says. “This program is for the people who are wanting to develop their art practice, refine their skills and feel supported.”

Enrol now at www.thestudioprogram.com.au

Coalcliff local Kate Coyne brings over 40 years of professional creative practice to ‘The Studio Program’. Photo: Dan Coyne

See Side ptical

YOUR EYES DESERVE MORE THAN JUST A PRESCRIPTION

In a world where businesses and faces seem to change so quickly, there is something truly special about continuity, trust and genuine relationships.

This month, See Side Optical is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone, our optometrist, Nuong Turner, has been caring for the eyes of the Thirroul community for 20 years.

Over those two decades, Nuong has helped thousands of patients, from children’s first eye examinations through to supporting older Australians with age-related eye conditions. Many families who first visited with young children now return with grandchildren, and those long-term relationships are something we never take for granted.

As an independent family-owned practice, we’ve always believed our greatest asset isn’t our technology or the frames on display—it’s our people. While we continually invest in the latest diagnostic equipment and lens technology, it’s the experience, compassion and professionalism of our team that truly makes the difference.

Nuong embodies everything we value at See Side Optical. She takes the time to listen, thoroughly investigate any concerns and ensure every patient leaves feeling informed and cared for. Her calm nature, clinical knowledge and genuine interest in people’s wellbeing have earned the trust of so many local families over the years.

Eye examinations are about far more than updating your glasses. A comprehensive eye examination can detect early signs of eye disease, monitor changes in vision and, in some cases, identify underlying health conditions before symptoms become obvious. Having an experienced optometrist who knows your history can make an enormous difference in protecting your long-term eye health.

We are incredibly grateful to have had Nuong as part of the See Side Optical family for the past 20 years. Her dedication, kindness and commitment to providing exceptional eye care have helped shape the practice we are today.

To Nuong, thank you for two decades of outstanding service, unwavering professionalism and for making such a positive difference in the lives of our patients and our community. We look forward to many more years of caring for the people of the Illawarra together.

Congratulations, Nuong, on 20 wonderful years with See Side Optical.

A Superstar of STEM

Ahead of National Science Week (15-23 August), Genevieve Swart meets Nikki Keighran

Helensburgh forensic scientist Nikki Keighran is a Superstar of STEM, one of four Illawarra women chosen to share their brilliant careers with schools and the media. The goal: to smash gender assumptions about who can work in science, technology, engineering and maths.

“We’re focused on trying to uplift the women in STEM,” Nikki says. “We’re still only sitting at about 16% of science-related roles in Australia, so we’ve got a bit of work to do.”

After a career that has taken her across the world, today Nikki works as a radiation protection advisor (aka a ‘health physicist’) at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The other local Superstars of STEM – a national initiative by peak body Science & Technology Australia – are vaping expert Dr Jody Moller, medical scientist Dr Jennifer Baker and land specialist Kate Fairlie. From diverse fields, they prove scientists don’t simply work in labs.

“There are amazing roles that are very operational, very enabling,” Nikki says.

Who made that bomb? Which drugs did that athlete take? Which mine did that uranium come from? How safe is making radiotherapy medicine? These are all questions Nikki has examined, driven by a curiosity that began in childhood.

Nikki grew up in Moree, a regular country girl who liked to play with chemicals in the shed. “We used to blow up tree stumps,” she says, laughing.

Inspired by a chemistry teacher, Nikki went to UTS in 2000 to study forensic science. Several students dropped out, reality being unlike TV’s CSI, but Nikki flourished, winning the Dean’s Merit Award, and spending 12 months with the Counter

Terrorism Unit, blowing up cars and analysing samples for her honours thesis.

Her first job was as an applications engineer at Agilent Technologies, makers of equipment for forensics labs. Nikki was given a car, a good salary and sent around the world, including five years in Oxford. The highlight was being the lead engineer on drug tests for the 2012 London Olympics.

Next Nikki became a crime scene examiner with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), a job she loved. “We’re taking tons and tons of drugs off the street, which reduces the impact on our health system, reduces the impact on the actual need for policing, and it just feels good to put a criminal away for doing real harm to our communities.”

After having children, Nikki pivoted to a role with family-friendly hours and, in 2018, moved to Helensburgh (or “Heavensburgh”, as she calls it), taking on a job in nuclear forensics at ANSTO.

Australia is the third biggest producer of uranium and Nikki joined the team keeping chemical records. In 2023, she helped Border Force investigate Australia’s only nuclear security incident, when a young Sydney man ordered periodic table elements via post for his collection.

Now in an emergency management role, Nikki has two sons, a “very supportive” partner and a cleaner once a fortnight. “I work full-time, and I want to show that you can do it. You have to be passionate,” she says, drawing on “stick-toitiveness”, a word coined by Erin Brockovich.

Inspired to learn more? Nikki is ready to visit any school to present a free workshop or talk about careers in STEM. “I can bring radiation detectors and give nice hands-on demos,” she says.

To arrange a school visit and learn about careers in science, please contact Nikki Keighran at keighran@ansto.gov.au. Or connect with the Superstars of STEM program through Science & Technology Australia. Follow Nikki on Instagram @Radiating Expertise or LinkedIn.

Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf

By Prof Rob Brander

Just weeks after a woman recently suffered severe injuries from a shark bite at Sydney’s Coogee Beach, the NSW Government announced a $34 million investment to expand the shark drone surveillance program operated by Surf Life Saving NSW to 70 beaches, 365 days a year.

This includes every beach in Sydney and one in each local government area (North Wollongong for us). This brings the overall investment in shark mitigation following a spate of recent attacks up to $120 million over the next two years. This is a massive amount of funding that I’m not sure has been thought through.

The more drones you put up, the more sharks you will see. It’s as simple as that. It doesn’t mean there’s more sharks. They have always been there. We’ve already seen regular beach closures due to expanded drone surveillance. What’s going to happen when this new program fully kicks in, particularly in the summer?

Beach closures will become the new normal. Is that what we want? No doubt people will start to seek out unpatrolled beaches where there are no drones, no lifeguards and no closures, which is a potentially real and dangerous outcome.

Meanwhile, with more announcements of beach closures, the perception that shark numbers are growing will continue to increase and so will shark fear.

The drones are operated by SLS NSW, but our beaches are patrolled by council lifeguards the vast majority of the time. If a drone spots a shark, what is the protocol in place for who decides to close the beach (or beaches) and for how long? And what does a beach closure mean? Will we be fined for swimming or surfing when a beach is closed? No one seems to know.

Anything that helps save a human life is worthwhile, but the stats just don’t back up this sudden drone investment.

Last year three people were killed by sharks in Australia, but 30 drowned in rip currents, all of which occurred outside of the flags, outside of lifeguard patrol times or on unpatrolled beaches.

Like a shark fatality, every rip current (or any beach drowning), comes with significant emotional cost and trauma to all involved. Yet when someone drowns on the beach after lifeguard patrol hours, where is the government funding made available to councils to extend their lifeguard services? There isn’t any. It just doesn’t happen.

There is no evidence that drones have been effective in reducing shark bites and fatalities. Like culling, they will not stop shark attacks and are a preventative safety measure only. But so are lifeguards. So if saving human lives is the real issue, why aren’t we investing more in expanding council lifeguard services? It all seems a bit fishy to me.

A drone’s eye view of a shark at Bulli in 2020. Photo: Heath Edwards of Due South, https://duesouth.gallery/

Winter is easing. Now’s a good time for that check-up you've been putting off.

Join Thirroul Scouts for adventures

By Mark Roberts, leader in charge of Thirroul Scout Group

For 86 years, the 1st Thirroul Scout Group has been a valued part of the Thirroul community. Over the decades, the Group has helped generations of local young people develop outdoor skills, leadership, community service values and lifelong friendships. The Scout Hall at McCauley’s Park on Surfers Parade has been the starting point for adventures and memories.

2026 has already been a fantastic year for our Scouts. Our Scouts proudly marched in the ANZAC Day Parade in Wollongong, continuing Scouting’s tradition of community service and respect.

Activities have also included beach games at Thirroul Beach, South Coast Weekend Wide Games near Nerriga, district abseiling at Mount Keira, camp cooking challenges, laser tag, Nerf battles and an annual Winter Camp at Mount Keira Scout Camp. From hiking to O’Brien’s Lookout, building forts, to campfires, marshmallows and storytelling, our Scouts have been developing confidence, teamwork and resilience while having fun.

The adventure continues in Term 3, with Scouts attending the State Rally and planning for our Group Summer Camp at Cataract Scout

Looking for activities and friendship?

Join 1st Thirroul Scout Group and be part of the World’s largest youth development organisation.

• Cubs (ages 8-11) meet on Monday Nights

• Scouts (ages 11-14) meet on Tuesday Nights

Contact Mark Roberts (Leader-in-Charge) on 0408 411 485 or email mark.roberts@nsw.scouts. com.au or visit website joinscouts.com.au

Activity Centre. We’re looking for new Cubs and Scouts to join. The more members we have, the more adventures we can share together!

Cubs meet Monday nights and Scouts meet Tuesday nights.

For more information, contact Mark Roberts on 0408 411 485 or mark.roberts@ nsw.scouts.com.au

What’s On

Book Week is back, August 24 to 28 –celebrate at your library

Thirroul Library

Tue 4 Aug Paper Craft for Beginners. From 2-4pm, a class for adults. Brighten your day with paper craft flowers.

Mon 10 Aug Craft Swap - Adults, 1-3pm. Clear out your craft and discover new treasures

Wed 12 Aug Author Talk, 5.30-6.30pm. Join acclaimed music biographer Jeff Apter for an unmissable author talk about his new book Reckless, the saga of Australian Crawl.

Helensburgh Library

Wed 12 Aug Book Club, 12-1pm

Tue 25 Aug Tech n Tea with Living Connected, 1-3pm. Bring your device.

Need a Justice of the Peace (JP)?

Thanks to the Wollongong JP Association, this free service is at Helensburgh Library (last Tuesday of each month), Thirroul (1st Thursday), Wollongong Library (every Saturday), Dapto Library (2nd & 4th Fridays), Warrawong Library (3rd & 4th Tuesdays) and Shellharbour Library (2nd & 4th Mondays).

Bouquets of everlasting love

By Caroline Baum

Poppies have a special quality, their petals like paper. Actually, on closer inspection, these petals ARE paper. And so are those blousy peonies and those barely opening roses. All of them, in defiance of winter, when the fresh versions are both scarce and pricey, bloom in the hands of Anna Jahjah.

Under the name Fleurs Excentriques, which hints at her French origins but not at her Lebanese ancestry, the Austinmer local is busily working away in her garage studio preparing for the upcoming bridal expo in Wollongong where her bouquets, wearable pieces (think boutonnières, hat trims, crowns, garlands) and table decorations could pass for the real thing… but last much much longer.

Beginning in China in about 100 BC, paper flower making has a long history from when floral decorations were made alongside lanterns as temple and ceremony offerings. The craft took off across the globe, from Vietnam to Mexico, where paper flowers have long been traditional decorations in homes and public spaces.

After a career in theatre in France and in Sydney, Anna felt the need for a creative reset and relocated to the South Coast with her partner, actor Gerry Sont. She opened the business in 2017 after teaching herself the basics from books and videos. Her timing, so important in theatre, proved to be perfect.

Fuelled by the appetite for crafting prompted by Covid, hand-made flowers are enjoying a new boost as a trend, led by prominent artists like American Tiffanie Turner, whose work has featured on Oprah’s media platform and decorated major museums and galleries. Anna now passes on some of her techniques in workshops she holds several times a year with her collaborator Emmanuelle Lacassagne.

“The main thing is patience. It’s slow work,” she says.

The basic material is humble crepe paper, purchased from overseas suppliers. The tools are modest: glue, wire, scissors.

In her hands, the skill is elevated to artistry: not all the flowers in her studio are exact replicas of the real thing, leaving room for imagination when it comes to colour, size and arrangements that enhance nature. “I like the restraint of Japanese ikebana flower arranging, but I also appreciate a more-is-more look, depending on the setting and the client.”

Longevity is a bonus: forget that exquisite magnolia that loses its petals after just one day and those gorgeous gum flowers that droop and shed pollen everywhere.

“Natives are my signature speciality,” says Anna, who has recently perfected strikingly sculptural white waratah flowers and flannel flowers in which every star-shaped petal is wired to allow for individual movement.

A commission for the Australian Museum in Sydney required her to make a life-size Gymea lily that was three metres tall when the leathery bloom was not in season – and a visitor who saw it bought it, “which was great as I didn’t have to try and get it home!” Anna says, laughing.

Follow @fleursexcentriques on Instagram or visit fleursexcentriques.com

Anna Jahjah is reimagining flowers with crepe paper. Photo: @candidnan

A

Buzz about grevilleas

By John Elton of the Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden

The Sydney Basin area, which includes the Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden, is home to some absolutely lovely grevilleas. They are not the big, showy tropical grevilleas that people know and love.

Rather they are plants that grow in more difficult conditions and usually are smaller in size, but just attractive. Our small birds adore them. Many have spider flowers that often cover the whole bush to provide a stunning spring time display. They are great rockery plants and can also be used as understorey plants. Colours range from red to shades of pink, cream and even green.

The best of these can be seen in the Illawarra Grevillea Park this spring. Some, like Grevillea

parviflora, rosemarinifolia and caylei, are rare and endangered and so getting them into gardens is critical. The park has therefore propagated some of these plants and it is now virtually the only place to get hold of them.

So next time you think about planting something in the garden, why not try one of the Sydney Basin grevilleas.

The 40-acre park includes display gardens, picnic areas, a rainforest walk and dam, a sensory trail, and a vine forest walk featuring a giant blackbutt tree. It will hold Spring Open Days from 10am to 4pm on September 6, 7, 13 and 14.

Visit illawarragrevilleapark.com.au

BUDGET SHAKE-UP PART 2:

WHY PROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD WAIT BEFORE ACTING

The Senate has now passed the latest tax changes, with limited time for enquiry or questioning, and the implications for property investors are becoming clearer. Alongside the proposed negative gearing and CGT reforms, the government has also moved to stop self-managed super funds from borrowing to buy residential property. This is expected to further soften demand and reduce the pool of rental properties available to tenants.

For current property owners, the message remains unchanged: do not rush into major decisions based on these changes alone.

lan Pepper 0403 570 041 Joshua Pepper 0437 790 052 ian.pepper@agencyhq.net.au joshua.pepper@agencyhq.net.au 9/17 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh

Policy settings are still settling, and the full market impact will take time to work through the system.

If you own property, are considering selling, or are thinking about restructuring your investments, seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals before acting.

Careful planning is more important than ever in a changing market.

Call the Pup-arazzi

Post pet pics to hello@theillawarraflame.com.au

Likes: Long walks and sandy naps at Sharkey Beach, pats from everyone he meets, cuddles with the family, and finding the best sunny spot to relax. He may be 12, but he still loves a little beach adventure.

Dislikes: Being left out of family time, cold weather, and anyone forgetting his dinner.

Eadie, a five-year-old, long-haired Jack Russell from Thirroul

Likes: Puppy chinos, stand-up paddle boarding in the harbour and doing her exercise at Fit for Change in the mornings at Thirroul Beach.

Dislikes: Diets, getting her nails trimmed, and she has massive FOMO when we leave the house.

from

Likes: socks, walks, treats, fetching his squeaky ball, zoomies, yoghurt, violin playing, sleeping on the back of the sofa.

Dislikes: baths, being away from his humans, people carrying surfboards, guitars, going out in the rain.

Likes: His big brother, Oslo. Being social. Sneakily sleeping on beds. Food.

Dislikes: Being told what to do.

Likes: Do not let the cute face fool ya. I love rolling in anything stinky, like I am some tough apex predator. My other hobby is sniffing other dogs’ bums. My motto: salty paws and beach life for life.

Dislikes: Showers. But that is what happens when you roll in smelly stuff. It is a payback.

Congratulations, Chewie! You win a $50 pet store voucher.

(aka

Likes: Playing keepy-uppy with his sisters Mila, Cleo and Josie. Long walks on the beach and chasing the footy.

Dislikes: Loud cars, skateboards … and the Empire!

George from Stanwell Park

Chewie

Chewbacca) from Bulli

Ziggy,

Otford, a very bouncy toy poodle

Bowie from Bulli

Frankie, English Staffy from Coledale

Perimenopause: You don’t have to just put up with it

By Dr Crystal Yang of Bulli Medical Practice

For generations women were told to push through perimenopause. Thankfully medical guidelines have shifted. Perimenopause – the years leading up to your final period – usually begins in your mid-40s. Fluctuating hormones are part of life but severe disruption is not something you simply have to accept.

It’s Not Just Hot Flushes

A Critical Window for Your Health

The drop in oestrogen during perimenopause significantly increases your long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and metabolic changes such as insulin resistance. This is a vital time to review your overall health, not just your symptoms – and to take action early.

Evidence-Based Management

Oestrogen receptors exist throughout your entire body which is why perimenopause can affect so much more than you might expect. Common but frequently dismissed symptoms include:

• Cognitive changes: “Brain fog”, difficulty concentrating and memory lapses

• Mood: New onset anxiety, low mood or irritability

• Musculoskeletal: Unexplained joint and muscle aches

• Sleep disruption: Waking in the early hours and struggling to get back to sleep

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

Don’t wait until symptoms become unbearable before seeking help. Options include:

• Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): The most effective treatment for symptom relief. Modern body-identical options carry far lower risks than older formulations.

• Non-hormonal options: Effective prescription medications and cognitive strategies.

• Lifestyle: Targeted nutrition and resistance training to protect your bone and heart health.

If any of this sounds familiar, track your symptoms, then book a women’s health consultation. Call 4284 4622 or book online.

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 Park Road, Bulli 4284 4622

Designing for the daily flow

How

Architecture Shapes How We Feel, by Ben Wollen

A lot of people describe architecture as a form of sculpture or 3D art, something that can only be experienced by being in the space. Even with the advent of virtual reality goggles and other simulations, there really is simply no other way to experience a space properly than to be there in person. Furthermore, to really get an understanding of a space, you would need to spend almost an entire year or longer and at multiple times of the day. Visiting the Sydney Opera House at sunrise in summer is going to be a very different experience as visiting a night time opera in the middle of winter.

In our house, we have a west-facing window seat that is best experienced in the winter months when the sun stays low and can find its way below the tall trees in our front yard. On one of those delightfully sunny winter days, from about just after noon until 2:30pm there is the softest, warmest, most delightful sunlight penetrating into the window reveal. Perfect for an afternoon nap or reading a book with a cup of tea. This window pre-dated our moving into our house and so it was fortuitous in its placement. We added the window seat internally to capture some of this sunlight but also to create a frame for the front yard. It’s an example of how sometimes very small interventions can improve the feel of a space.

What happens when you get to customise a space to suit all of your needs and capture a site’s best elements whilst moderating its worst? In last year’s Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design, we were lucky enough to have an open home in just such a building. The OK house in Scarborough is the home of architect Stephen Collier. The home was designed around a theme

of respite, refuge, resilience and joy. It’s on one of those super-tricky, upper escarpment, sloping blocks of land that usually result in multiple levels of terraced excavation and retaining walls everywhere just to provide a flat base to build off. It was also hemmed in on its upper side by the train line and surrounded by large gum trees. Another architect friend of mine looked at purchasing the block and decided it was just going to be too expensive to build his dream home there.

Stephen took his theme of healing and decided the best way to address the sites restrictions was to lift the house up to match the canopies of the trees and access some of the ocean views. Rather than the usual acres of glass facing the views, Stephen allocated most of the glass to an internal courtyard that is lifted up off the ground and positioned in the centre. The result of this is solar penetration to all of the spaces that surround the courtyard. The internal spaces are colour coded by bright pastel floor tiles which creates a colourful diorama at different stages in the day, season, year. The end result successfully creates an internalised place of refuge with small moments of framed views to the surrounding environment. There is a sense of deep healing here that would not have been achieved with the standard approach of terracing into the site. It’s a great example of where architecture can shape how we feel. It must have worked well for the 2026 NSW architecture award judges as well, because it won an award in the residential houses (new) category.

As a local architect I get super excited when we see these award-winning designs shaping our beautiful region!

OK House photos: Tom Ferguson

Pilot welcomes 900 applications

By Elsa Evers of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot

With applications now officially closed, the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot has seen an overwhelming response. Over 900 homes have applied to upgrade more than 1000 gas appliances to electric – a collective effort that promises to significantly reduce our community’s carbon footprint.

While the team is still collating energy data to measure the project’s impact, the work is far from over for those who have already applied.

If you are still in the process of finalising your quotes, please remember you have until September 30 to accept them and submit your subsidy application through the Brighte online portal. For anyone needing guidance or support, the team is available at the Thirroul Community Centre every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday to assist you.

Even if you are already all-electric, you can contribute to this groundbreaking research. By sharing your energy data, you help the pilot team compare experiences and see the real-world benefits of the transition. All-electric participants can receive a free smart energy device to monitor their usage in real time and show our community impact.

To get involved, go to electrify2515.org/apply to express your interest

Charlie Cochrane, helping to electrify

How to cut your energy bills

By Denise Aubourg of Electrify Illawarra

Homes with all-electric appliances, rooftop solar, home batteries and electric vehicles can be up to $5000 a year cheaper to run. And there are plenty of incentives to help.

Interest Free loans and Discounts

For households with combined income under $210k, the NSW Home Energy Saver scheme offers an interest free loan of $15,000 plus a $4000 discount for households with income under $80k per annum. Open to landlords and strata unit owners as well as house owners. Make sure you’ve claimed all utility bill discounts you might be eligible for under the NSW Households Financial support rebates, grants and incentives scheme.

Air Con and Hot Water System Upgrades

Heat pumps use around a third of the energy of older systems and could save around $400 a year. The NSW Government Household Energy Saving Upgrades scheme offers discounts of $330 to $640, while efficient air conditioner upgrades can attract discounts of around $550.

Rooftop Solar and Batteries

Solar panels and home batteries have also become much more affordable. Federal rebates are automatically included in quotes, reducing the upfront cost by about $2500 for a typical 10kW solar system and around $3500 for a 16kWh battery. The Illawarra Shoalhaven Communities Program offers payment plans over five years .For strata/multi-unit complexes, the NSW Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Grant Program offers grants of up to $150,000 per strata complex to install a shared solar system. Applications close on 4 December. The NSW Government also offers a one-off rebate for joining a virtual power plant.

Electric Vehicles (EV)

Charging at home from rooftop solar can cost the equivalent of less than 20 cents per litre. New EVs are now available from $24,000. If you’re employed, a novated lease can make ownership even more affordable thanks to tax benefits.

More info: www.electrifyillawarra.org

A Guiding light for 25 years

District manager Heather Fisher is retiring after helping generations of Helensburgh Girl Guides

Heather Fisher is standing down as District Manager of Helensburgh Guides after more than 25 years of volunteer service – 12 as Unit Leader to Sea Cliff Senior Guides with her guiding partner, Jenelle McWilliam, and 13 years as District Manager, with Unit Leader Malynda Flarey.

Thanks to Heather – whose decades of dedicated community service also include a stint serving on this paper’s predecessor, the Helensburgh & District News – for taking the time to share her story:

intelligence at the many tasks they encountered. Guiding is such a wonderful grounding for girls to develop their potential. In a “girls only” environment they can challenge themselves without feeling the need to “look good”, or that they are being judged. Some new experiences can be frightening (eg abseiling) but once they have pushed through the trepidation, they are so pumped and proud of themselves – it does wonders for self-esteem.

I joined Guides, becoming a unit leader, when my daughter was young, so that we could continue outdoor adventures together following her father’s early passing. Little did I know that I would still be involved 25 years later.

Guiding brought many new experiences that we probably would not have had otherwise – abseiling, kayaking and canoeing, including capsizing and self-rescue, some wonderful camping locations, and lots of extra camping skills. We learned to construct useful camp items from a bit of wood and string, how to build a campfire, a rope ladder, where to safely pitch a tent, how to erect a Bell tent. We gained useful first aid proficiency. We learned to design and build a raft that will float (and win the race at Boree) and many more skills and experiences that girls may not have access to in family life.

But most importantly for me was the girls themselves – I was always so moved and proud, watching their development over the years, and marvelling at their determination, courage and

Of course, adventurous activities are not the only thing on offer – craft, cooking, games, performance, and working toward various badges and awards are there as well. Guiding takes into account the girls’ differing abilities and interests, and caters to them as needed, offering diversity awareness and support.

Girls have the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, public speaking, planning and problem solving, and in community awareness (examples include Clean Up Australia Day, the Red Shield Appeal and ANZAC Day ceremonies). Helensburgh District is part of a very big region – Woronora River Division of Southern Sydney Rivers Region, where the girls have many opportunities to meet up with girls from other Guide groups. We are also very proud of one of our former guides, Liana, who has come back as a Junior Leader/Unit Helper, as she works towards her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

I am leaving Helensburgh Girl Guides in the very capable hands of Malynda Flarey (Brolga) but will continue as a volunteer at Bindaree, our Water Activity Centre on Woronora River, where girls learn boating skills and have fun on the water.

Helensburgh Guides meet at the Guide Hall, 4 Chippendale Place, on Thursdays from 4.30-6pm.

Any girls from from age 7 are welcome to come to a unit meeting to see if they like what Guides has to offer. They can come twice before needing to become a financial member. Any adult women (over 18 years) who are called to this very rewarding volunteer work, as Unit Helpers or Unit Leaders, are also most welcome to make themselves known to Malynda. More Leaders means Helensburgh Guides can continue, vibrant and healthy into the future.

Our Parent Support Group is vital, including in running Christmas Tree sales, our biggest fundraiser. Thank you to all the girls, parents, and Guide Leaders that I have encountered across the years – I wish Helensburgh Girl Guides many more years of adventure, fun and friendship.

Visit www.girlguides.org.au

Heather Fisher (left) and Unit Leader Malynda Flarey. Photo: Helensburgh Girl Guides

1st+

Chapter 2: A new owner at Collins

By Marcus Craft

When Amanda Isler and Deborah Thompson opened Collins Booksellers Thirroul in 2018 it was the beginning of a new era for book-lovers in the Illawarra.

In the years since, the sisters have thrown their weight behind local authors, organised numerous book launches and talks, and in doing so, have created and nurtured a thriving and passionate literary community.

So, when they announced in May this year that they had sold the business in the Anita’s Theatre building, the news was received with heavy hearts.

But book-lovers everywhere needn’t have worried because Amanda and Deborah have handed the reins to James Tierney, someone they’ve described as “a true bookseller”.

And that’s no hyperbole because if anyone knows books, James does. In his 10 years of book-industry experience, he’s already been the manager of two much-loved community bookstores: Bookoccino in Avalon and Gleebooks in Glebe.

James and his partner Vanessa moved to Bulli after having visited the area several times over the years to see friends – including journalist, radio and television broadcaster and long-time friend of the Flame, Caroline Baum.

“We’d come down and visit, usually via the train, so it was a spectacular journey through the Royal National Park,” James said.

“We’d visit friends and do walks in the area, so when we wanted to buy a place together, this was a logical place to look at.

“And we were very lucky to buy a 101-year-old house in Bulli, which we’re very, very slowly doing up.”

The couple bought the house about 18 months

ago and James has been commuting to his job as Gleebooks manager during that time.

So, what does James have in store for Collins Booksellers Thirroul?

“At the moment, my main theme is continuity. I have deep respect for what Amanda and Deb have built up,” he said.

“I’m meeting all members of the community that they’ve built up through these eight years. And they [the customers] are incredibly grateful for the bookshop, for Amanda and Deb’s efforts.”

James says that readings, book launches, and other events will remain a Collins mainstay.

“I think events are super important. I’ve just come from managing Gleebooks Glebe, which has had a very important events program for nearly 50 years, so I’ve seen what that does in a city location in terms of bringing people through the doors for the chance to meet an author and hear a somewhat more intimate story about the authors themselves and the books than they might get from the newspapers or the radio.

“I’ll definitely be continuing the events program. If anything, I’ll be looking to strengthen it in any way we can. I’ll just keep on inviting really interesting authors – on the back of their latest fascinating book – to Ryan’s or Coledale or whatever appropriate venue I can get access to.

“It’s just good for my soul, it’s good for the community to have access to people of that quality in the community and just to ask questions and get a conversation going.”

James has been working a day or two a week at Collins through June and July, but he will officially take over on Saturday, August 1.

Visit thirroul.collinsbooks.com.au

Amanda and Deb will officially hand over to James in August.

Photos: Ruth Barbato

Young writers release anthology

By Rhys Lorenc and Helena Fox

Do birds pity us for not being able to fly? What does sunlight taste like? Is everything going to be okay?

These are some of the questions members of the Young Writers Collective of the South Coast Writers Centre love to ask each other on a Sunday afternoon. Their fondness for interrogating the world, literally, metaphorically and existentially, has been the inspiration for the collective’s latest anthology: Untestable Questions, a collection of prose and poetry created, edited and designed by Collective members.

The YWC is a group of emerging young adult writers aged 18-27 who meet fortnightly to write together on Dharawal land. They are mentored by award-winning author Helena Fox, founder of the SCWC Young Writers Program (YWP).

The collective began in early 2020, born from a conversation between Helena and two of her talented mentees, Rhys Lorenc and Jamil Badi. Their idea was to create a workshop-based program for writers who had aged out of the YWP and wanted to keep writing together.

The resulting collective offered members the opportunity to run workshops for each other, respond to writing prompts, share their work, provide feedback and build a diverse, supportive and inclusive writing community.

Since 2020, the collective has presented many public readings, members have been published in literary magazines, performed spoken word poetry at the Opera House, and have been short-listed for and awarded prestigious writing prizes.

The collective’s anthology cover artist has illustrated a collection of short stories for Affirm Press, and members now facilitate writing groups for the YWP. Last year, the YWC kicked off an exciting collaboration with the University of Wollongong creative writing department. The collective has also won grants with Culture Bank Wollongong in 2023 and 2026.

The YWC has published three anthologies – Uncommon Words (2022), Days Since (2025), and Untestable Questions – all of which have been launched in conjunction with the South Coast Readers and Writers Festival. Days Since sold out its initial print run. This year, Untestable Questions was awarded a Culture Bank Wollongong grant to support the anthology’s production, and it can be purchased via the SCWC and Illawarra bookshops.

The collective plans to keep on creating together, and they are very pleased and proud to offer their published work to the Illawarra community.

More info at southcoastwriters.org

books, games and gifts for all ages

Shop 5/264 Lawrence Hargrave Drive www.collinsbooksthirroul.com.au

@collinsbooksellersthirroul

collins BOOKSELLERS thirroul

Young Writers Collective members from left: Nic Cathcart, Ray Lee (seated), Holly Haisman, Rhys Lorenc, Helena Fox, Kirsty McInnes, Rebecca Monteleone. Photo: Olivia Vercoe

saved feature Cover

GREEN CORRIDOR

By Elliot Stein, vice-president of Thirroul Village Committee

Wins don’t come much bigger than this.

At its evening meeting on June 29, Wollongong City Council voted to purchase the ‘Ray Hannah Lands’ – over 6.5 hectares of green space near McCauley’s Beach – and secure it for community use, all for the price of a single dollar.

Ross Dearden of the Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) has been advocating for this outcome for over 30 years.

“This is a huge win,” Ross said. “This is a green corridor that connects the escarpment right down to McCauley’s Beach.”

The land sits behind McCauley’s Beach along Hewitts, Woodlands and Tramway creeks. Known locally as the ‘Ray Hannah lands’ after a past owner, it has long been desired by the community for public use.

“This land is the ‘lungs of Thirroul’,” Thirroul

Village Committee secretary Annette Jones said after witnessing the vote at Council.

“People are going to be able to walk through the area, help with land care and just enjoy this magical space.”

The majority of Lot 303, west of the shared cycleway between Woodlands Creek and Hewitts Creek, is zoned C2, Environmental Conservation.

In recent years, the owners of the land have variously made different commercial offers for Council to purchase the site. The land has long been flood prone and unable to be built on.

It was only through the persistent work of Ross and many other community groups that the issue was kept on the agenda.

In recent months, after renewed advocacy from Ross, John Corker, the Thirroul Village Committee, Bushcare and state MP Maryanne Stuart,

Ross Dearden addressed June 29’s WCC meeting, attended by (L to R) John Corker, Ross Dearden, Annette Jones, Meg Wright, Ian McKinlay and Elliot Stein.

Jubilation greeted council’s decision.

Photos: Jeremy Lasek, Tyneesha Williams

Wollongong City Council engaged with the current owner, High Dune Pty Ltd, seeking to find a resolution and fair price for the transfer of the land to the community.

On June 29 Council voted to accept the transfer for the nominal price of $1, which has been agreed to by the owner and council management.

As Lord Mayor Tania Brown said during the meeting, after 30 years “the price was right”.

Many councillors spoke in support of the purchase, all recognising the decades of campaigning from Ross for the land. The vote was unanimous and met with applause. Ross was visibly moved as the vote took place, admitting he was nervous right up until the moment it was done.

Hewitts Creek Bushcare has been looking after

an adjourning portion of land near the site for more than a decade, bringing back to life an area that had been neglected and riddled with weeds.

Ian McKinlay of the Bushcare group said, while it would mean a lot of work, caring for the land would protect the habitats of more than 100 species of birdlife as well as fish and eels in the creeks.

“There are multiple breeding sites in that area now, especially for water birds,” Ian said.

“Hopefully more will return now the land is under community management.”

Council also voted to allocate funding for the ongoing maintenance of the wetlands in the site.

Next TVC meeting (AGM): Sunday, 30 August, 4pm at TRIPS Hall, Railway Parade, Thirroul

NIRAG welcomes land in public ownership at last!

By Ross Dearden, secretary of the Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group

In response to community requests Council agreed to review the strategic value of having the C2 ‘Ray Hannah’ land at Sandon Point, Bulli as public reserve. A report went to Council on 29 June recommending acquisition of 6.84 ha, zoned C2, Environmental Conservation, (shown in yellow in the map on the opposite page).

At the Council meeting, I had the opportunity to thank Councillors, the General Manager and council officers for listening to the community, and for finding a way for this private land to complete a public green corridor at Sandon Point. I also thanked our State MP, Maryanne Stuart, for her advice and support.

This decision is greatly appreciated and will be remembered as a landmark moment – the result of a community effort spanning more than 30 years: 30 years of frustration, and persistence. Most had given up hope that this land would ever be protected by being in public ownership.

Council deserves wholehearted congratulations for its review and for seizing this opportunity to connect the escarpment to the foreshore in line with Goal 1 of the Community Strategic Plan: “The community to be actively involved in the expansion, improvement, and preservation of our … green corridors, and other natural areas connecting the escarpment to the sea.”

Some will remember that until the 1990s, before the cycleway, Sandon Point was an unmown paddock with two horses tethered on the headland, a cow and calf along the creek, lantana, blackberries, dollar weed and kikuyu everywhere, and only a few stunted casuarinas along Tramway Creek. Today it is a diverse habitat supporting migratory birds and native wildlife.

NIRAG began in 1984, originally focused on stopping the coal bins at Sandon Point. In 1994 we incorporated, and this enabled us to apply for grant funding in 1997 from CoastCare and later on from the Environmental Trust, to actively heal and regenerate the coastal dunes, wetlands and creek corridors.

Over the next decade we secured six grants totalling more than $151,000. Led by Marcel Van Wijk, a qualified Bush Regenerator, and projectmanaged by Jill Merrin and myself, these projects involved volunteers and school children. They transformed neglected Sandon Point dunes and creek lines of Whartons, Slacky and Tramway creeks from Woonona to Thirroul. Jan and Rob Miller were also early advocates who worked to achieve a Green Corridor.

The land now in public hands was rezoned 7(a) Special Environment Protection as far back as 1997 by Planning Minister Frank Sartor, which

Ross Dearden (at right) with Ian McKinlay, who leads Hewitts Creek Bushcare

effectively stopped any residential development (except around the edges) from then on. This zoning later became C2 Environmental Conservation, with much the same conditions.

After the August 1998 flood, Hannah’s proposal for 30 residential lots and a 215-site caravan park was rejected. Then when Council purchased 4 ha of the eastern part of his land in 1999, NIRAG urged that all of it be acquired for environmental reasons – but without success.

The Community Picket protest achieved wider revegetated corridors along Tramway, Woodland and Hewitts Creeks, which might otherwise have been piped. The 2003 Commission of Inquiry, and in 2005 the Charles Hill Report and Planning Minister Sartor all recommended that the Hannah land become public, but there was no mechanism or funding to make it happen.

Over time, it became clearer that this missing piece of the green corridor in private ownership was an anomaly. Since 2019 NIRAG and TVC had maintained a dialogue with the developer and repeatedly asked Council to include the land in its strategic acquisition plan. We explored biodiversity offsets, petitions, Lands Council options, State Government support and even crowd funding.

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to make this a reality. Special thanks to Thirroul resident John Corker, author of the forthcoming book Sandon Point, Why Didn’t We Win, for his

After 30 years of advocacy, the C2 land is in public hands. Photos: T. Williams

encouragement and networking skills, and Annette Jones and Elliot Stein for TVC support. Ian McKinlay, who leads Hewitts Creek Bushcare and spoke at Council, deserves particular recognition. Rehabilitation will take time, but Macca and his team of more than 20 volunteers are committed to the task.

Looking ahead, I see this whole area – together with the Sandon Point Aboriginal Place –becoming a coastal wetland destination, known and valued for its Indigenous and early European heritage; for active tourism; appreciated by walkers, cyclists, bird watchers and also for quiet recreation.

About NIRAG

The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) supports preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our Natural Environment, European and Indigenous Heritage. Residents of Neighbourhood Forum 3 area (Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer) are welcomed to attend NIRAG meetings to contribute to local community issues and concerns.

The next NIRAG quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday, 12 August 2026 at 7pm, upstairs in the Bulli Community Centre. All are welcome to share and contribute.

Contact Ross Dearden, Hon Secretary, by email: nirag@bigpond.com

Beetling About

A diverse habitat, part 2.

I’ve been away for most of the last two months, so apologies for the hiatus.

By Dr Chris Reid of the Australian Museum

In the last episode I talked about how the range of dung beetle species at any one site can tell us something about the habitats and animals present. That’s the theory anyway. And I mentioned that my Honours student was sampling four different areas of urban bushland in the Manly-Mosman area, using three different baits (bandicoot, wallaby and possum) and non-baited traps. The idea was to see if a particular poo was particularly attractive to a particular dung beetle and therefore whether relictual mammal populations supported relictual dung beetle populations.

We stuffed up slightly, because we assumed that the officially listed bandicoot population on North Head meant that bandicoots only occurred there. Unfortunately, it was not true – they are fairly common suburban animals throughout the Manly-Mossman area, so that was one supposedly isolated mammal population that went out the window.

And brush-tailed possums are also found everywhere. However, wallabies are only found in two reserves in that area, so they seemed mostly likely to give us some interesting results.

Multiple traps were put out four times in each reserve, from November to February. We looked at all beetles that came to the traps, not just dung beetles. Altogether there were 90 different species of beetle in the traps, with about 17 showing a clear preference for dung, including nine different kinds of dung beetles.

Frog of the Month

By Ewan Auld

I can’t give detailed results, because my student hasn’t published them. However, we did find that different dung beetles favoured different poo types, including one species which only occurred in wallaby dung in the two reserves where wallabies occurred. Which suggests that extinction of the wallabies would lead to extinction of the beetle.

Thanks again to Matilda Rosas for comments and information, and to Symbio Zoo for poo.

native

Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peronii)

This large frog species is native to the east coast of Australia and is recognisable by its brown colouration and dark stripes that run down the back of its body. The Striped Marsh Frog can be found in a range of habitats that reside close to water, including flooded grasslands or the banks of ponds and streams. Interestingly, in suburbia, the males have a preference for residing in rainwater drains and pipe systems, as it enables their charismatic “donk” call to reverberate loudly to potential passing females. I photographed this individual not so far from a drainage line running adjacent to a fire trail in Darkes Forest.

A

dung beetle, Onthophagus granulatus. Photo: Cynthia Chan, Australian Museum

Sharpen up

By Fiona McKay

Keyna Imray had a dream to sharpen knives at the Coledale Markets. That dream is now real.

When Keyna lived in the northern suburbs, the Coledale Market, with its positive community feel and an emphasis on recycling and sustainability, seemed to be a perfect fit for a sharpening service. Keyna imagined herself as part of the market giving a new edge to the community’s blunt knives, scissors and garden tools.

This developed into an idea for a retirement project – a sharpening service Keyna could offer the Illawarra community to extend the life of knives and tools in our throw away society.

That spark of an idea has become Art of Sharp.

Although her retirement is still a dream, Keyna has been sharpening and honing her skills over the last few years. Art of Sharp operates out of her home, in between her work and family commitments. Keyna is gradually building her dream.

No knife is too big or small. Each one is given individual attention, depending on its needs. There was the Japanese kitchen knife that had been used to cut frozen dog meat. A knife that had been used

to open a coconut that needed its tip reshaped. The precious bought-onour-honeymoon Swiss Army Knife that had a dulled edge. The machete used by a Bushcare group that was rusty, blunt and had a broken handle, but was oh, so useful. Knives that had scaled and filleted too many fish. Secateurs that had pruned too many branches. Precious fabric scissors that had been party to making many-a quilt. Keyna’s challenge is to take each blade, assess it and give it just what it needs.

Art of Sharp can now be found at Coledale Market on the fourth Sunday of each month. BYO knives, scissors and garden tools.

Art of Sharp text or call 0416 218 235

Club News

U3A Stanwell Park

Mondays at Hillcrest House. Starts 9.30am, tea at 10.30am and second session from 11am-12pm. All welcome. 2 free sessions then $50 for the year or $25 for half a year. Contact Jenny on 0406 350 025.

3 Aug Myths & Legends of the Titanic

10 Aug The Peopling of Australia, Stuart Traynor 17 Aug Roald Dahl: His Life and his Revolting Rhymes, John Watson

24 Aug Tubowgule Tramsheds and the Tarpeian Way, Archaeology, Patricia Henderson

31 Aug One of Jim Powell’s fantastic talks.TBA

NIU3A Line Dancing at Thirroul Tuesdays during term in Thirroul’s Excelsior Hall, 1.30-2.30pm. Free to all U3A members. Ensure you are wearing appropriate footwear (hat optional, yeehah!) With Joe Lane.

NIU3A Wednesday Talks at Thirroul

5 Aug Jess Whittaker: A Day in the Life of a Local Councillor

12 Aug Barbara Atkins: Community Outreach Illawarra

19 Aug Paul Hardisty: Inside the battle to save the Great Barrier Reef

26 Aug Jeremy Lasek: Australian of the Year Awards and Australia Day Visit www.northernillawarra.u3anet.org.au

Helensburgh Probus Club

The Combined Probus Club of Helensburgh & District is a welcoming not-for-profit group that meets monthly at Helensburgh Tradies for conversation, laughter, and friendship.

Our next meeting will be Thursday 13 August, 10.00 for 10.30 am start, when our guest speaker will be Vanessa Ginellaro from the Sydney Koala Project, a Government-funded initiative focusing on conserving wild koalas in Sydney wildlife corridors. During the past few months, members of our club have enjoyed many activities including:

• Monthly meetings with interesting guest speakers

• Regular friendly bowls and golf tournaments

• Glebe Island Walk & Lunch at Fish Markets

• Christmas in July lunch, music and dancing, at Como Hotel

New members are always welcome at our club. It’s a wonderful way to stay active, meet new people and enjoy new experiences. Enquiries Carol 0432 385 524 or email probushelensburgh@gmail.com.

Thunderstorm 101

Part 3 by Ross McLean

In part 3 of his thunderstorm 101 series, Ross McLean shows the types that might be heading toward our coastal zone from time to time.

Single cell

This type of storm, formed by warm, rising moist air, can be non-severe to severe.

A typical thunderstorm is up to 24km in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes to an hour. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous. Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur each year in Australia alone, about 10 percent are classified as severe. Once formed, they travel over land and dissipate fairly quickly, unless the surrounding air becomes unstable enough to propagate more.

Supercell

All supercell thunderstorms are severe, and once formed, they can cause an enormous area of damage. These are most likely to have severe rotation, and thus cause tornadoes and/or waterspouts.

A supercell is a long-lived and a highly organised storm feeding off an updraft that is tilted and/or rotating. This rotating updraft – as large as 16 kilometres in diameter and up to 15.2km tall – can be present as much as 20 to 60 minutes before tornadoes or waterspouts form.

Supercells are often isolated from other thunderstorms and can dominate weather up to 32km away. They tend to last from two to four hours.

The hail from these storms can destroy roofs of

almost any material, as well as having massive wind strengths in their downdrafts.

Supercells can produce hailstones averaging as wide as 50mm, with average winds of more than 110km/h). Their tornadoes can be as strong as strong as EF3 to EF5 intensity (if wind shear and atmospheric instability are able to support the development of stronger tornadoes), there is often flooding, frequent-to-continuous lightning and very heavy rain. Many tornado outbreaks come from supercells associated with clusters. Large supercells may spawn multiple long-tracked and deadly tornadoes, with notable examples in the 2011 Super Outbreak in the US.

As the name suggests, these fellows are created by the rising air from fires, most often bushfires in Australia. This Bruny Island bushfire (pictured at top) was photographed from STV (Sail Training Vessel) Windeward Bound as we approached Hobart. The thunderstorm developed very rapidly and travelled away from the island in a northeasterly direction behind us once fully formed.

In the next part, we will look at thunderstorm facts and fiction: How much do you know?

Wollongong City Council hosted the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards, with almost 500 people attending an event at the University of Wollongong’s Great Hall on 18 July. Congratulations to Uncle of the Year Uncle Peter Button and Aunty of the Year Dr Aunty Barb Nicholson.

What’s On

By SPAT publicity officer Lauren Mitsak Stanwell Park Arts Theatre

SPAT Film Society

The third film for this year is Hamnet, which will be shown on August 22. Hamnet has had rave reviews and was among the American Film Institute’s top 10 films of 2025. Its awards include Golden Globe’s Best Motion Picture Drama and Best Actress. Many thanks to Wayne Turner who started the Film Society and continues to source and show all the films and his wife Barbara who help make these evenings so enjoyable.

SPAT Singers

With the annual Singers show is behind us, it’s a great time to join our group. We meet every Friday evening at the Stanwell Park CWA Hall at 7:30pm. You’d be hard-pressed to find a lovelier and more inviting group of people.

Late August/early September show

We were unable to secure the rights for the play we wanted to put on because its first Australian appearance is scheduled for the Adelaide Festival. We’re still considering options for this period.

Annual Pantomime

Written by Cameron Sharp, the panto is entitled Save the Moon: A Cheesy Pantomime. At our last committee meeting, Christine Higgins suggested we run stagecraft workshops for children before rehearsals starts, so they gain an understanding of things like voice projection, and blocking.

R:

Bek Ryan, Premier Chris Minns, Janice Puddle and Rose Lakalaka.

Helping hands

By Marion Cook

Bulli has a dedicated branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) of NSW. The group raises vital funds to support patient comfort and hospital services. Our members achieve this through market stalls, raffles, donations and this year at the Bulli Folk Festival.

For years, the branch was famously led by 92-year-old president Janice Puddle, who has volunteered with the group for half a century. The new committee is Rose Lakalaka (president), Janice Puddle (vice president), Bek Ryan (secretary) and Marion Cook (treasurer). This year we were honoured to be guests of Chris Minns at the Premier’s Volunteer Reception at the Art Gallery of NSW, an event held in May to celebrate National Volunteer Week. New members and fresh ideas are always welcome.

Go to https://uhansw.com.au/branches

Work wonders with waste

By Kate Callaghan

The community is invited to discover practical ways to reduce waste and live more sustainably at “A Waste of a Saturday – A Celebration of All Things Waste,” on Saturday, 22 August, from 9am to 2pm at Green Connect Farm, Warrawong.

The festival promises a fun and informative day, featuring hands-on workshops, including easy pickling, growing microgreens and worm farming.

Visitors can also enjoy composting demonstrations, create a starter garden kit, and hear from local businesses and community leaders sharing innovative ideas for reducing waste and building a more resilient food future. Discussion panels will feature representatives from organisations including Healthy Cities, Food for

Life, Green Yakka, Crooked River Winery, Pope’s Produce, Woonona Community Garden, Flagstaff, The Hair Lounge, Balinese Spice Magic and Flame Tree Food Co-op, highlighting inspiring initiatives and solutions for a more sustainable future.

Green Connect is a social enterprise that runs an award-winning urban farm and environmental education programs. The farm grows seasonal produce for its veggie box subscriptions, with each purchase supporting employment opportunities for former refugees and young people.

The day will also feature a pop-up op shop, with everything just $5, along with food from Balinese Spice Magic, a bake sale, and coffee and tea.

Tickets via Humanitix

L to

Marion Cook,

Campaigners publish council paper trail

By Genevieve Swart

In a campaign to save Helensburgh’s old hall, community groups have taken the extraordinary step of publishing years of internal Wollongong City Council communications on a website.

Twenty-six documents are publicly available for the first time in a seven-year saga of water ingress, mould and wood rot that has plagued the town’s old hall at 26 Walker Street. They were obtained via the GIPA Act (Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009), a law to make government more open and transparent.

“We released the GIPA findings because the community deserves access to the facts,” said Bronwyn Balderston, speaking on behalf of 2508 Collaborate, a group of volunteers who started a campaign to save the hall late last year.

“For years, there has been uncertainty about what caused the damage to the hall, whether it can be repaired, and what options exist for its future,” Bronwyn said.

“The documents help answer those questions. They show what caused the damage in the first place, what expert investigations identified as the necessary rectification works, and what restoring the hall could look like. They also reveal that Council received expert advice over several years but failed to act, allowing the building to deteriorate further and depriving our community of this valuable facility for the past seven years.”

One of the earliest GIPAs published is an email dated 16 May 2019, after the hall was already closed to sports such as basketball. The letter flagged “ongoing problems with water ingress” and recommended engaging a hydraulic consultant.

2508 Collaborate claims this was never done. The group also blames council roadworks in the lane behind the hall for water and drainage problems, criticises the demolition decision for being made behind closed doors, and says the hall could be fixed at “a reasonable cost”, rather than demolishing a community asset they believe is worth more than $8.5 million.

Council, however, said the old hall’s water issues were “extensive” and trying to fix it would have been an “irresponsible use of public funds”.

In July, a council spokesperson said, “Council is concerned that some recent commentary does not fully reflect the information contained in the documents.” In addition, Lord Mayor Tania Brown categorically denied criticising residents and has instead expressed concern at the tone of debate at a February public meeting, where council staff presented plans for Helensburgh’s new community centre and library.

“I have also had reports since then about other

meetings in the suburb where women have personally raised with me their reluctance to speak out in these forums,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I want to assure residents there are a wide range of ways community members can provide feedback to Council. We consider feedback from all these channels, including letters and online feedback.”

Acting on feedback that many regret the loss of the old hall’s basketball court, council is now looking for an outdoor location in Helensburgh.

Volunteers want hall restored

Adding layers of complexity to years of debate, some of the old hall is on Crown Land and 2508 Collaborate has also uncovered a 1943 Government Gazette notice re-dedicating the Helensburgh West site as a War Memorial.

2508 Collaborate is working with Neighbourhood Forum 1, an independent group, supported by Council and convened for the past decade by Warwick Erwin. NF1 represents residents of the 2508 postcode, which had a population of 9,346 in the 2021 Census, and monthly meetings are attended by about 20 people.

Both groups are powered by volunteers.

NF1 members paid for the GIPA requests, which cost over $600, Warwick said. Members of both groups have volunteered “countless hours” to review and present the data, Bronwyn added.

“I myself have spent between 10-15 hours reviewing and collating information with other volunteers. I would say all up we’ve spent a total of almost 100 hours with about 12 of us from the group pitching in to do the work.”

Warwick believes the GIPA documents reveal a lack of due diligence and he has written to Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart for assistance.

“The community are disappointed and angry and the loss of trust is palpable,” Bronwyn said.

“It’s time for WCC to do the right thing and restore our hall.”

A council spokesperson said options for the old hall were investigated. In March 2022, after consulting councillors and the forum, it was decided the cost was “not the best use of ratepayer funds” with a new centre due to be built by 2028.

However, for NF1, a lack of parking and the sale of the current library site have been major sticking points with council’s plan for a new community centre and library. In July, the forum came up with a new (unofficial) plan, by Lippmann Partnership. In this alternative vision, keeping the current library site ensures a total of 52 parking spaces.

A council spokesperson said up-to-date and accurate information is on council’s web pages.

Neighbourhood Forum 1 Report

By NF1 convenor Warwick Erwin

Planning Proposal – 20 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Stanwell Tops

Council has referred a “revised” Planning Proposal to NSW Department of Planning for a Gateway determination for Miniature Railway and heritage curtilage of the house Undola, Nissen hut and surrounds. This is a greatly changed proposal to the planning proposal Council rejected in 2023. If a Gateway determination is granted, then Council will exhibit the proposal.

Existing War Memorial Hall

NF1 has written to Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote, detailing community concerns arising from the proposed demolition of the existing Community Centre/Memorial Hall and the proposed new Library and Community Rooms building. NF1 is requesting a mediated meeting with WCC. At press time, there had been no response from the Lord Mayor or General Manager regarding a meeting.

NF1’s 25-page letter and report has taken volunteers many hundreds of hours to prepare, comparing all the documents obtained from the GIPA (Freedom of Information) applications, now available on the 2508Collaborate.info website.

These documents have exposed what WCC has or has not done to address water issues, created by WCC, causing the mould issue impacting on the existing hall. Solutions stated in outside experts’ reports commissioned by Council were ignored for a cheap solution: to demolish the building.

Screenshot of the home page of the 2508 Collaborate website, where NF1 has published documents obtained from a GIPA (freedom of information) application

Proposed New Helensburgh Library and Community Centre Building

After years of NF1 requesting a scope for the new building, in February 2026 WCC convened a “presentation” on the proposed new Helensburgh Library and Community Rooms building at Tradies. This was managed by Council’s Manager of Libraries and Community Facilities (with General Manager Greg Doyle in the audience). Council has told NF1 what we are going to get and not engaged in a collaborative plan for what the community needs now and in the future. This has been NF1’s goal since 2017, when Council started looking at a replacement for the demountable building containing the district’s library, which has serviced a radius of over 15km for more than 45 years.

At the July meeting of NF1, a councillor confirmed that councillors had not seen any alternatives to the single three-storey building proposal presented in February. NF1 had offered a number of proposals to council developed by NF1 members. A single-storey building would greatly reduce construction and running costs (less air-conditioning maintenance/running costs, no lift maintenance/running costs, more light via skylights). One alternative created by respected Sydney architect Lippmann Partners includes parking for more than 50 cars. Now a question has been raised: has WCC contravened the Local Government or Crown Lands Acts in their neglect of the existing Memorial Hall and inefficient use of rate payers’ funds in the proposed new building costs and projected maintenance costs.

NF1 next meets in Helensburgh Community Rooms at 7pm on Wednesday, August 12

Helensburgh’s R.S.L. Memorial Hall once stood on the site where the current, shuttered hall is on Walker St. Photo supplied

Young women invited to try bowls

By Tyneesha Williams

About 40 people attended the first local Lunge Club event, hosted by Thirroul Women’s Bowling Club, on June 28.

Lunge Club, a Bowls NSW initiative which aims to encourage young women to get involved in the sport, focuses on welcoming young women and girls of all ages and experience levels into a social, low-pressure environment. Club Thirroul was one of the first NSW clubs to adopt the pilot program.

“It’s really about getting women into the sport of bowls because traditionally it’s been seen as a stereotypical male sport with old people,” says Anne Clarke, President of the Thirroul Women’s Bowling Club.

“We’re trying to change that perception.”

Anne took up bowls after she retired, keen to satisfy her competitive streak and socialise with other friendly people. Her club would love to see

more women of all ages join in on the fun.

“We get around 40 or 50 ladies come every Thursday and it’s a very social day. We have a lot of fun. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people and it’s a great sport in that regard,” Anne says.

When Bowls NSW announced the opportunity to host the Lunge Club, Anne knew Club Thirroul would be perfect for the initiative.

“We had lots of ladies who were happy to volunteer and we knew we had a community that would support different ideas and innovations.”

The name “Lunge Club” highlights the sport’s health benefits and the initiative has a strong focus on fun, laughter and meeting new friends.

The Club Thirroul event was a bonding opportunity for women, Anne says. “We had three generations of ladies joining, grandmother, mother, and daughter all came and played … and then we had the young mums who came with their babies and enjoyed themselves.”

For the event, Club Thirroul provided all necessary equipment and instruction. Experienced club members volunteered on the day to guide new participants through the basics of the game.

The club plans to make the Lunge Club a regular event. Registration is free via https://www. lungeclub.com/about

For more details on how to join Thirroul Women’s Bowling Club, visit https://www. clubthirroul.com.au/bowls/lawn-bowls/

Great effort across the board

By Ian Pepper & Nic McLaren of the Scarborough Boardriders

Coledale Beach turned on a fantastic day of surfing for Pointscore #6 on June 28, with conditions that kept competitors on their toes. With the tide shifting throughout the day, surfers across all divisions were challenged to adapt as the waves changed hour by hour.

It was great to see such strong participation across the board. Congratulations to everyone who got involved and gave it a go, and a special well done to our division winners, A Grade’s Fin McLaren and Open Women’s Zahlia Short, who each took home meal vouchers courtesy of Headlands Austinmer Beach. A special mention from the Over 55s final – it was fantastic to see Ian Ando and Michael Smoley back in the water and enjoying their surfing again as part of their health journey. A big thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success.

A Grade winner Fin McLaren. Photo: Nic McLaren

Hats off to patrolling club champs

By Coalcliff Club Captain Rob Deacon

Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club was named Illawarra Surf Life Saving’s Patrolling Club of the Year at the SLS Illawarra Awards of Excellence, held on June 12 at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow.

The award recognises years of effort to improve swimmer safety through strong patrol operations; innovative training pathways and a culture built on preparation and prevention.

Supported entirely by volunteers, members dedicate countless hours to training, equipment maintenance and patrol preparation, ensuring the highest standards of supervision between the flags.

It is a whole club effort supported by five dedicated patrol teams led by Patrol Captains Callum Guyatt, Nathan Bourne, Rob Deacon, Barry Allen and Craig Picker. Together, they coordinate the efforts of more than 80 active volunteer patrolling members.

Chief Training Officer Dave Winner, alongside Peter Cugaly, Barry Allen and Ed Farrell, has overseen the development of a steady stream of new Surf Rescue Certificate holders, Bronze Medallion members, First Aid operators, Advanced Resuscitation technicians, and IRB drivers and crew. Their work ensures the club not only maintains its capability but is continually strengthening it.

This season the club introduced an Individual Patrollers Three-Year Training Plan, a member development initiative recognised by Surf Life Saving NSW as best practice and shared with clubs across the state. The program allows members to map their qualifications and goals over three years,

improving retention, leadership development, and future operational planning.

The club has also become a leader in inclusion. Through partnerships with Endeavour Sports High School and John Edmondson High School, Coalcliff’s “Surf Life Saving Dreams Take Flight” program introduces disadvantaged young people from south-west Sydney to surf awareness and beach safety skills.

In another groundbreaking initiative, Coalcliff partnered with Cocky Guides Australia to launch the Blind and Low Vision Patrol Capability Program, creating the first pathway in Surf Life Saving NSW for blind and low-vision participants to become qualified radio operators.

Operational readiness remains another hallmark of the club’s success. The Beach Set Up Team, led by Club Captain Rob Deacon with gear stewards Frank Perfect and Jim Dalmer, ensures every piece of equipment is inspected ready and set up before patrols begin. Their attention to detail was recognised by Illawarra Surf Life Saving as a feature that distinguished Coalcliff from many other clubs this season. Bill McWilliam’s work as powercraft coordinator is invaluable behind the scenes.

Coalcliff’s Kurrawa Outreach Patrol program continued to strengthen the club’s reputation for patrolling excellence. Ten youth patrollers opened the season with a four-day patrol at Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club, developing confidence, teamwork and lifesaving skills in challenging surf conditions.

The club plans to continue the program next

Hello Fish: View from the air

Using his drone, dive columnist Duncan Leadbitter finds a diversity of life

There has been much coverage of a recent decision by the State Government to allocate $37 million to drone surveillance of beaches to help reduce the risk of shark attack. Drone use for this purpose has been extensively studied but rather than dwell further on sharks, I thought I would look at what can be seen.

I have been flying drones over Stanwell Park Beach for about five years now. I enjoy doing surf videography plus the drone is also helpful for understanding changes in the beach, especially major erosion events.

I also see a lot of marine wildlife from the drone. For the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, I did more than 100 flights over our beach. These were divided into photography missions, wildlife

observation missions and general surveys. I don’t fly every week due to a mix of being away for work, bad weather and more. Some days I fly once, other days up to four times but more commonly twice. Batteries are expensive ($250-$300) and only last about 100 flights. The types of animals I have recorded include:

• Humpback whales

• Dolphins – probably bottlenose dolphins

• Hammerhead sharks (not sure which species)

• Great White Sharks

• Port Jackson Shark

• Southern eagle ray

• Black sting ray

• Australian salmon

• Large fast swimming surface fish – maybe tunas

• Jellyfish – maybe the jelly blubber Catostylus.

season with patrols at North Kirra, North Bondi and Queenscliff. The initiative is helping retain young patrollers, develop future leaders and build lifelong friendships.

The club also continues to deliver a unique calendar of community and surf lifesaving events.

The Dave Winner Beach to Bombie Ocean Swim attracted more than 100 competitors this season. The Lifeguard Challenge brings together elite professionals from NSW council lifeguard services to compete against each other in an ‘iron person’ style event. The club’s flagship family event, the Bridge to Boatshed Run, includes nippers, active members and families while showcasing the Sea Cliff Bridge. The Rod Stevens Memorial Paddle, which follows the coastline to the southern end of the bridge and back, will include a short-course event for nippers next season.

Completing the picture is the continued success of the Coalcliff SLSC Ocean Swim Club coordinated by Brigid Collaery and proudly sponsored by Equilibrium Healthcare.

The dolphins can visit at any time of year. The hammerheads were around from November to February and all quite small (<1.8m). It’s not uncommon to see one or two (up to three) different species on a given day.

In a three-year (2017-2020) study involving 17,000 flights over 23 beaches along the entire NSW coast, researchers documented a greater variety of species and also saw turtles. They did not record Port Jackson sharks.

Our Illawarra coast is rich in wildlife. People have taken note from vantage points such as the surrounding hills for thousands of years. Early fishermen would have watched and waited for schools of fish and the hunters waited for whales.

For those who don’t get in and swim with the fishes, a view from the air is one way of appreciating both visitors and local marine residents.

Under the leadership of Nippers Captain Chris Farmer and his wife, Beth Farmer, the club’s Nippers program continues to thrive. Their dedication and hard work have helped build a strong and vibrant program from Under 5s through to Under 14s.

The club’s excellence was also highlighted when Anne-Maree Connolly was named Support Operations Member of the Year for her work with UAV drones, supporting search and rescue operations, patrols and training. The club also provides nine jet ski operators as members of Illawarra Support Operations.

In the wider community, the club has continued its successful partnership with Coledale RSL to present live music events featuring the likes of Jim Moginie, The Strides, Ray Beadle and Sally King.

All these achievements have been made possible through the support of a dedicated and hardworking committee led by the club’s energetic president, James McFarlane.

Contact secretary@coalcliffslsc.com.au

Above: A Port Jackson shark – unseen during a three-year scientific study. Below: Eagle ray is missing a tail and may have been attacked by a predator.

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© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2025, 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

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resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.

Golf news

Tradies Social Golf

Barry Thompson reports

It was soggy but 15 eccentric members Teed Off to start what was to become the day of the Daves. Dave Tipping won (39 off a 10 handicap), Dave Astill was second (35 off 28), and Neil Wooton scored 33 to fill the podium.

Dave Tipping bested Mick Carroll, 5 and 3, in the Match Play, and Dave Astill continued the Dave onslaught by taking the C grade long drive and the14th nearest the pin.

Gavin Sinclair snagged the A grade long drive and the Drive and Pitch on the 11th. He also won the Helensburgh Driving Range Bucket of Balls voucher. (Glad you played, Gavin?)

We welcomed two new members, Garry Evans and David Hill, and we’re now down to the wire in Match Play with Iain Birrs to next meet Dave Astill. Our next round is on August 8 at Boomerang, 7am Tee Off for a stroke event.

Thank you to our sponsors – Tradies, Coastal Country Meats, Gallardo’s Pizzeria and Helensburgh Driving Range – for their support. I had a sharp word with my secret confidant and demanded improved info. I told him: “If you can’t deliver, Rod, I’ll find someone who can.”

Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports July 5 and the HSSGC Championships have begun, the best two of three rounds in July and August.

David Morris (with 63) won the $75 Christian’s Premium Meats voucher. Andrew Hodge (65) in second won a Stratagem Financial Services voucher, while third-placed Chris Pike (68) received a Helensburgh Driving Range voucher.

On course the club saw Craig N. the 3rd, Chris Pike D&P (Drive and Pitch) on the 5th and 17th, and an NTP (Nearest The Pin) on the 15th, Indy NTPs on the 7th and 18th, Andrew Hodge NTPs on the 10th and Longest Drive on the 15th, while Dave Morris completed the prizes with the Longest Drive on the 16th. The Club pocketed four holes. Our sponsor Mark Hardick enjoyed the chips.

Thanks to our sponsors Christian’s Premium Meats, Stratagem Financial Services, and Helensburgh Driving Range. The HSSGC Championships continue on August 2, August 16 and September 13 – all 8am starts.

Call Tony (0418 863 100) to register your attendance and cart requirements on the Tuesday ahead of the date of our next event.

Indy signing off: If you hit it right, it’s a slice. If you hit it left, it’s a hook. If you hit it straight, it’s a miracle.

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