JUNE 2025

Meet Our Contributors Step into better foot health

James McCormack lives in Helensburgh and is a writer, photographer and the editor of Australia’s longest-running adventure publication, Wild Magazine. He would love to spend more time trail running and mountain biking and hiking, but is unfortunately too often chained to his desk.

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

Dr John Deady graduated from the UOW in 2014 and joined Bulli Medical Practice in 2020. He continues to work in Emergency Medicine as a senior clinician and serves as a sports doctor with elite sporting teams. Deliveries: Thanks to readers who reported unauthorised flyers in last month’s magazine. The issue has been resolved, just a reminder of the rules: no inserts in our magazine, please.

THE ILLAWARRA

NEXT DEADLINE 18 June for July edition

EDITORS Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft

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

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

DEADLINE 18 June. Contributions welcome.

COVER The Coledale Oysters are celebrating their 60th season. Photo: Tyneesha Williams

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

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

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

June 2

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 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Book online

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

PARTNER CONTENT

2/141-151 Taren Point Rd, Taren Point CONTACT 9524 9280 | sales@odftp.com.au www.outdoorfurniture-tarenpoint.com.au

Woodstacker Heater

KANE DOWNIE

Big band makes hat parade debut

By Nina Sampson at Helensburgh Public School

Helensburgh Public School’s band is back and thriving with 52 enthusiastic musicians from Years 2 to 6! Under the guidance of Mrs Garvie, the band showcased its talents by performing Hot Cross Buns at the Easter Hat Parade. With just four weeks of practice, their first performance was a great success, featuring a range of instruments, including trumpets, saxophones, drums, and ukuleles.

Our school has K-2 and 3-6 performance groups. Each week, our vibrant choir, dynamic

An island adventure

By Maddie at Helensburgh Girl Guides

A few weeks ago, the Helensburgh Girl Guides went to Cockatoo Island for an adventure. We had an amazing time! We saw the place where the convicts were kept and the soldiers’ lodgings, both amazing insights into our history. While we were exploring, we had a sheet of activities to fill out. One of the activities was to take a photo of us girls doing the Toyota jump in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Our timing was a little off, but we had so much fun. Much appreciation to the coordinators of this fun-filled day.

To volunteer with Helensburgh Guides, visit joinguides.com.au or call 1300 447 548

drummers and energetic dance groups come alive under the guidance of our passionate teachers, who work tirelessly to prepare students for exciting upcoming events.

Notably, the Year 1 drumming group impressed everyone at a Kindergarten orientation session. The dedication of our students and support from teachers continue to foster creativity and community spirit at Helensburgh Public School.

We’re excited to see their next achievements!

Come to playgroup

By Emma Hutchinson, principal at Scarborough Public School

Looking for a fun, friendly, and enriching way to connect with other families? Come along to Scarborough Public School’s new community playgroup, held every Friday from 9–10am! Run by a qualified teacher, our playgroup offers a blend of structured and unstructured play opportunities designed to engage young minds.

Children can enjoy a fresh fruit platter generously donated by the Thirroul Fruit Barn, while parents can relax with a cuppa and great conversation. It’s a wonderful way to meet local families, learn more about our school’s vision, and experience our unique and inspiring school environment – unlike any other!

Everyone is welcome, and we’d love to see you there.

To join, simply contact the school office on (02) 4267 2153. Come and discover what makes our school and community so special – we can’t wait to meet you!

We’re incredibly honoured to be named a FINALIST again this year. Thank you to everyone who voted for us—your support truly means the world to us.

Looking for your next holiday? $2,000 travel voucher could be yours!

List & sell your property with Julie before 30/09/2025, to go into the draw to win a $2,000 travel voucher.

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

Julie York 0405 128 070

julie.york@helensburgh.rh.com.au

Scouts lay wreath of remembrance

By Sam Donohoe, 1st Austinmer’s committee chair, with Venturer Scout leader Emily

Over the Easter long weekend, four of our Venturer Scouts travelled to Penrose State Forest to participate in Dragon Skin, an annual multi-day competition where the aim is for teams to complete as many activity bases and earn as many points as possible. Our Venturers were tested in first-aid skills, problem-solving, navigation and more. Teams were scored on activity completion, enthusiasm, planning, and teamwork. Our Venturers placed 36 out of more than 100 teams and had a great time, hiking around the forest, and

socialising with the over 1000 other Venturer Scouts from across the country.

On Anzac Day, members from 1st Austinmer Scouts attended the Dawn Service at the Austinmer War Memorial. One of our junior members recited a prayer during the remembrance proceedings and the group laid a wreath at the foot of the Obelisk.

Later that day, members of the 1st Austinmer Scouts joined Scout groups from across the Illawarra in the city Anzac Day March, concluding at the Wollongong Anzac Memorial.

1st Austinmer Scout Troop provides a supportive and inclusive environment for children and youth to develop skills, knowledge, resilience, and personal growth all while participating in fun and challenging activities and adventures.

Each of our Scouts units (Joeys, ages 5-8, Cubs, 8-11, Scouts, 11-14, and Venturers, 14-17) meet one night per week during the school term with opportunities for weekend adventures. We invite you to come and give scouting a try.

Call 0409 695 575 for more information.

Crowd gathers for beach Dawn Service

Hundreds of people attended the 2025 ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Austinmer Beach. Photo: Claude Spinelli of Pro Sound and Lighting

Volunteer with HammondCare and help change lives

HammondCare is a leader in health and aged care. We’re seeking compassionate people like you to bring comfort and connection to people living at home or in residential care in the Illawarra region.

Regular visits from volunteers can help reduce isolation, providing support and connection outside of their usual routine. Volunteering is a rewarding experience, so come and share your time, skills and compassion to brighten someone’s day.

Types of volunteering:

• Social home visits

• Bring your pet

• Gardening

• Board games

• Treats trolley

• Mini van drivers

• Men’s shed

• Pastoral care

For more information: 1800 79 33 99

volunteer@hammond.com.au

hammondcare.com.au/ volunteer

Make it a wild winter

Amanda De George shares three unmissable experiences

Whale

May is officially the start of the Humpback Whale northern migration. The return migration from about October gets a lot of the glory thanks to the active newborn calves that accompany their mums, but competition pods are exciting to watch too. Males compete for the attention of females as they head north to breed. There’s loads of argy-bargy, with the males swimming at a frantic pace, jostling each other out of the way and often trumpeting loudly! Find your nearest headland and wait (with a coffee). Wollongong lighthouse, Bulli and the Royal National Park are all prime spots. This is a great way to celebrate World Oceans Day (June 8).

Still time to be a fun-guy or gal

While the mushie season is drawing to a close – Autumn is the prime time – there’s still loads around. This isn’t about looking for fungi to eat but to just enjoy the thrill of finding all the incredible

Bird Watch

By Ewan Auld

shapes, colours and sizes – some of which are absolutely mind-blowin. Where to look: Everywhere! Mulch piles, decaying tree branches and moist leaf litter are great places to start.

Dance like no one is watching

If you’re happy to tuck your long pants into your socks and risk bringing a leech or two home, the Illawarra escarpment is the place to be. From May/June to about August is the peak display period for the Superb Lyrebird. Not only will you hear them cycling through the mimicked repertoire of local birds but you might spot a male trying to woo a mate. Up on his dirt podium – one of up to 20 he builds in his territory – tail fully extended and tossed forward over his head, he vibrates and shakes his tail feather(s) towards the waiting female. Who wouldn’t be impressed? Look for lyrebirds at Sublime Point, Mt Kembla and Mt Keira Ring Tracks and Minnamurra Rainforest.

Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa)

The bird of the month for June is the Grey Fantail. This small songbird is common all over Australia and frequents a wide range of habitats from forests, coastal scrublands to swamps and urban backyards. They are quite distinctive in flight, flitting between branches as they catch small insects on the wing, fanning their impressive tail as they fly. In Stanwell Park, where I spotted this one, I often see them about after rainfall as they take advantage of the increase in insect activity. I got this photo in my front yard as the bird briefly perched between feeding bouts in the light drizzle.

hello there!

Visitors seize chance to hold a hose

By Tyneesha Williams

On Saturday, May 10, local fire stations welcomed families for NSW Fire and Rescue Open Day. Visitors were invited to grab a sausage sandwich, explore the fire trucks, have a turn on the hose, collect show bags and sign up for free fire detector installations. The Illawarra Flame visited stations at Helensburgh, Coledale and Thirroul, and visitors shared their thoughts.

David, Joanne, Liam and Brett, Coledale Joanne: “Our son Liam is a member here. We just wanted to have a look at all the changes since their renovations.”

David: “I found it particularly interesting to find out what [the truck] actually does and carries, and all the different scenarios they can cover, with different types of stuff.”

Member Brett: “Liam is a good member of the team here. He’s a good listener, he’s a good cook, he’s patient and he’s keen to learn. He allocates a lot of his time to us, and it’s hard to get people to do that. We only have to do 24 hours a week and he always does more than that. He’ll always help out with station duties, which is good because it’s hard to get four or five people on deck usually.”

Liam: “I really just want to help out. Growing up here, I’ve always really loved the area. It’s always good to help the community.”

Jude, Tom, Layla, Thirroul

Layla had a turn at the firehose, and said she enjoyed “the long jet” setting the best.

Tom: “Layla just calls out to everyone’s fire truck she sees when we’re driving in the car, so we thought we’d come see what’s inside.”

Captain John Morrison, Coledale

“It’s all about letting our community know that we’re available for them, we’re here. They can come see our shiny new station – it’s a very old station, we’ve been around for close to 100 years, but recently refurbished. We’re showing people around, they get to see how we operate and our fire pump – most people call it a truck, but we call it a pump.”

Melissa and Anthony, Thirroul

“Anthony loves fire engines and everything about it, so we thought we’d come out and say hello.”

Les and Norman, Helensburgh

Norman: “Open days are good for the local community, and let everyone know what’s going on.”

Les: “It’s a good thing there’s open days, you get a free sausage sizzle. The community comes and asks questions. Kids love it, pushing buttons and playing with the radio.”

Secure

Camera Surveillance throughout Truck to Door | Second Floor Lift Access

Sea Container Drop Off

Celebrate NAIDOC with song

By Felicity Woodhill, founder of Inspire Music Australia

In July, the monthly free Music and Tea at Wollongong Art Gallery concert welcomes Ron Callaghan and Kyarna of the Yuin Nation to share their songs and stories, honouring the strength, resilience, and creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A proud Walbunja and Dhungutti man, Ron is a singer-songwriter with decades of experience on stages across Australia. Adam Stokeld, of Highlands FM107.1, praises his “soulful melodies”, saying: “His gentle guitar playing and the quiet power in the way he shares his songs are the

perfect backdrop for a voice with a unique vibrato; one that’s as moving as it is unforgettable.”

Kyarna grew up in Wollongong and is celebrated for her exceptional voice and talent for crafting songs that resonate. She has shared the stage with artists like Troy Cassar-Daley and Paul Kelly and supported performers such as the late Uncle Archie Roach, Casey Donovan and Mahalia Barnes.

Dr Joyce Donavan will open the concert with a Welcome to Country, and her great-grandson Quinten Dingo, a student at Dapto High School, will perform.

“I have been performing at NAIDOC events around the Illawarra since I was a teenager,” Kyarna says. “It’s always an uplifting experience, both for me personally and as a singer-songwriter. The songs I write are deeply personal.

“By sharing my stories about love, loss, addiction, and grief, I invite listeners to pause and reflect, to draw them into a space where they can connect in a meaningful way.”

Music and Tea at Wollongong Art Gallery will be on July 3 at 11am. Free, donations appreciated. Bookings via Humanitix

Singers present winter supper shows

By Lauren Mitsak of Stanwell Park Arts Theatre (SPAT)

Riversong is this year’s SPAT Singers Show, compiled and directed by our musical maestro, Lindy Sharp. Performances will be held on Saturday, June 21 and Saturday, June 28, both at 7pm. There will be a Sunday matinee on June 29 at 2pm. A welcome drink will be served on arrival for the two evening shows, followed by a three-course meal for the incredible price of $40 per person. It’s BYO for those who would like wine or beer with their meal. The matinee performance is $30 with light refreshments served after the show.

This annual show is loads of fun and a crowdpleaser with musical numbers ranging from the sublime – showcasing beautiful voices accompanied by piano, flute, recorder, violin, accordion, and saxophone – to the ridiculous, with lots of audience participation. As there are only three performances with seating limited to 60 people per night, and 80 for the matinee, it is imperative to book early. To buy tickets, go to www.spat.org.au and follow the booking prompt.

Peter and the Wolf

In this exciting collaborative project, musicians from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music (the Con), along with a few of our own talented musicians, will stage the children’s classic, Peter and the Wolf. The Con’s Mikaela Wu will conduct and SPAT’s Matt Dickson will direct. Sally Wilson, part of the Con troupe, will supply the puppets, who are the performers in this piece, and someone from SPAT will be the narrator. The orchestral suite was composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936 to encourage children’s interest in music. Birds are represented with flutes, cats with clarinets, ducks with oboes , and wolves the French horns. Four performances will take place over the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September.

Playmates (Improvisational Theatre)

On October 25, SPAT will host Playmates, an improv team competition run by Luke Berman. SPAT will form a team in the next few months.

Est. 1974

Lost burials, babies and ‘one lonely grave that everyone parks on’

Why Helensburgh Cemetery needs signage, by Genevieve Swart

Picture an old miner last century, one shivery night at the pub, saying, ‘Oh, it’s like someone just walked over my grave.’

Well, if his future lay at Helensburgh Cemetery, he might have been right. But it wouldn’t only be people walking over his grave – it could be horses trotting over it or vehicles parking on top of it.

All unwittingly, of course, as there are numerous unmarked graves at Helensburgh’s historic 133-year-old bushland cemetery. Which is not to say we don’t know where they are – thanks to years of painstaking research by local historians, we do – but so far council has failed to update public signage, despite renewed lobbying from residents.

Helensburgh and District Historical Society researcher Jenny Donohoe is upset. “Council’s current cemetery map is completely wrong,” she writes in an open letter calling for a survey. “We also request council does a ground survey of where these poor people are buried as your care and control of responsible management from 1960s over 80 years has been of disgraceful neglect.”

In April, The Illawarra Flame revealed how a chance backburn exposed the lost graves of paupers, oral history confirmed the burial site of stillborn babies and the Historical Society had discovered a copy of an 1892 map in their files.

Another map has surfaced, this one from 1934, and Jenny now estimates there are about 200 missing burials within the grounds.

So why hasn’t council acted?

“Dead people don’t vote,” Jenny said. “We should

acknowledge the people that are in the bush. I don’t expect it to be cleared… I do expect signs to go up.”

In May, a Wollongong City Council spokesperson said council is “committed” to improvements and gave an update of works, including at the site of 16-year-old coal miner Emil Cunningham, who died in an accident in 1908.

“The stillborn area has been taped off,” the spokesperson said. “Over the coming months, this area will be transformed into a garden.”

Council has decided not to remove some trees, saying the risk of disturbing remains was too great.’

On a May 10 tour of the cemetery, Jenny was clearly dispirited. “It’s all left in limbo – that’s disgusting, isn’t it?” she said.

The stillborn babies site needs to be correctly marked and, in the Methodist/Wesleyan section, the roadway has shifted over the years, so that it now runs over two graves in one corner. But one grassy corner is symbolic of the wider problem.

“I’ve got one lonely grave sitting up here that everyone parks on,” Jenny said.

Max Negel’s 2006 Helensburgh Cemetery report lists the occupant only as T. Bowen. “T. Bowen gets stomped on all the time up there,” Jenny said. “If they don’t put a fence around it, they’re going to have to move him. The poor guy.”

The Flame pictured a miner, because that’s what many were. But really, we don’t know if T. Bowen was man or woman, young or old. The only clue is their religion – the grave is in the Presbyterian section. Can you help solve this local mystery?

Riders unknowingly cross unmarked graves as the roadway has shifted over the years to cover burial sites. Right: Jenny in the stillborn babies burial area,

An Invitation to Glow

Discover Helensburgh’s Destination for Skin Confidence

If your skin isn’t looking or feeling its best lately – think dullness, dehydration, pigmentation or those first signs of fine lines – it might be time to prioritise expert-led skin care. That’s where The Skin Confidential comes in.

Located in the heart of Helensburgh, The Skin Confidential is a modern, results-focused skin and aesthetics clinic led by Registered Nurse Emma. With a background in medical aesthetics and a passion for helping clients feel confident in PARTNER CONTENT

their skin, Emma offers personalised, professional care in a welcoming, discreet space. Whether you’re looking to refresh your routine, address specific skin concerns, or explore advanced aesthetic treatments, you’re in expert hands. Why locals are choosing The Skin Confidential:

• Clinical care from a qualified cosmetic nurse

• Bespoke treatment plans with evidence-based results

• No-pressure consultations in a calm, private environment

• A focus on enhancing – not changing – your natural look

Every journey starts with a consultation –and right now, new clients will receive a complimentary LED Light Therapy treatment (valued at $99) with their first appointment. It’s the perfect way to begin your skin transformation.

To learn more or book online, visit www.theskinconfidential.com.au

A cure for insomnia

By architect Ben Wollen

No, I haven’t become a sleep therapist but I have a hot tip for getting to sleep easily. Read a government document! Before I made the big life decision to become an architect, I studied environmental science.

My thought back then was that we really needed to improve our relationship with the planet. Yes, I wanted to be a hero of green: save the trees, oceans and the koalas too. Problem was most jobs in environmental science were in industries doing most of the damage, like coal-mining. Our work was really just limiting the local pollution caused by the extraction. At best these were band-aids because, as we all know now, the main issue was the burning of the coal, not its extraction.

bushfire is sparked nearby. Four La Niñas means the bush has been busy dropping litter, bark and branches all over and should we have a shift in weather to the dreaded El Niño all of that litter will turn into fuel for the fire. So what does the IBFRMP propose?

The strategy is two-fold: Community Preparedness and Fuel Management. In other words: “get the word out” and hazard reduction burns. What does that mean for us? Expect to see your local brigades doing the rounds and reminding you of all the things that need to be done to prepare for a red-hot summer.

Anyhow, my studies meant reading a lot of reports, which takes me to my cure for insomnia. The draft Illawarra Bush Fire Risk Management Plan (IBFRMP) is on public exhibition and I made the mistake of trying to read it before bedtime. Apologies to the authors if they’re reading this –please don’t let me be misunderstood! In my uni days, I used to get excited about reading reports but I forgot the golden rule – don’t read them lying down. This kind of literature requires a stiff, freshly brewed coffee after a good sleep. Definitely not an-evening-by-the-fire-with-a-glass-of-whiskey vibe – this is not the latest Tim Winton novel.

This was supposed to be an article on bushfire and how it may relate to architecture, so in the last couple of paragraphs (should the editor allow me the above libations), herein lies my thoughts on the IBFRMP (the RFS loves a good acronym, especially if you can pronounce it without sounding alien).

The key thing I took from this document is that there is a lot of bush surrounding our small coastal settlements that makes us right royally screwed if a

See ‘Bush Lemons’

By John Elton of Illawarra Grevillea Park

Outside of house maintenance, this means get your emergency plan ready, tell your household and do a safety drill. Go buy a fire-proof safe or case to hold important documents and find out where your local emergency safety refuge is – mine is Pinecourt Park, Austinmer.

What I love more than reports is poring over maps. There are six maps in the IBFRMP that detail the levels of risk to an area. Take a look at these maps and locate your address. Mine is in one of the focus areas. Unfortunately, there’s not much the RFS can do here because it’s too tricky to do a hazard reduction burn. The best they can do is maintain the Asset Protection Zone (APZ) and instill the importance of good preparation.

The other great thing this little study took me to was a tool to assess your risk (assessmyrisk.rfs.nsw. gov.au). This is a must. It steps you through whether you’re in a position to stay and defend and then provides a to-do list for your preparations.

It’s winter now, but some bushfire preparations are also pertinent to a house fire. And when do most house fires occur? Yep, winter. Keep warm, check your smoke alarms and keep safe!

Grevilleas are the most popular of our wonderful native flora. There is no better place to see the fantastic array of grevillea colours than at the Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden. There are many shades of every colour as well as bicolour and multicoloured plants. Every grevillea grower will have their favourite colour. For those who want to brighten up a spot in the garden, it’s hard to go past Grevillea ‘Bush Lemons’. This is a hybrid grevillea with masses of spectacular large yellow toothbrush-shaped flowers and ferny dark green leaves. It grows 2-3 metres high and wide but responds well to pruning. It flowers every month of the year. See this plant at the park’s next open days in July. Visit illawarragrevilleapark.com.au

RBA Cuts Interest Rates by 0.25%

By Ian Pepper of Ray White Helensburgh

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to lower the cash rate target by 0.25% to 3.85% at its May meeting. This is welcome news to mortgage holders and property owners looking to sell in the short to medium term. All banks have passed on the rate cut to borrowers in full.

Inflation has returned to within the RBA’s target range of 2-3% and looks to have stabilised. There is plenty of uncertainty especially around the world with Trump tariffs and how that will play out for Australia. However, overall, there was no reason not to drop rates and more should be set to come through the rest of 2025.

Need advice? Call Ian or Josh anytime.

Ian Pepper 0403 570 041

Josh Pepper 0437 790 052

FINALISTS 2025

The local business that supports its local community

Thank you for everyone that voted for us! We are grateful for your constant support! Ray White Helensburgh is a family owned and run business & has been for longer than 50 years & due to our continual support to our local community for sporting clubs and free events such as our 'Easter Outdoor Movie Night' we have been recognised as finalists for the 2025 Local Business Awards.

UN Commissioner speaks on Gaza

By Genevieve Swart

One of the world’s top human rights lawyers visited Wollongong last month, sharing a message of determination and hope.

Chris Sidoti is a United Nations commissioner who worked on a report published in March titled “More than a human can bear: Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023”.

“Something like 60 percent of at least 52,000 fatalities are women and children,” Chris told an audience seated in a gallery ringed by children’s artworks at Project Contemporary Artspace.

He said the proportion of fatalities has doubled among women and girls in Gaza conflicts over the past 20 years and that, “Residential buildings now are being targeted like they have never been targeted before.”

Illawarra Women’s Health Centre organised the talk and afterwards Chris said he accepts as many invitations as he can to address people, from local meetings to global webinars to press conferences in New York and Geneva covered by UN TV.

“I think I’ve got a responsibility, sitting on a UN Commission of Inquiry, to tell people who want to listen what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and what we found. It’s about sharing our information with as wide an audience as possible.”

Town hall events like May 7’s gathering are “really important”, he said.

“I have no doubt my experience in talking to 100 people like tonight – which I thought was an extraordinary number to turn up to a meeting –talking to 100 people who are interested and committed and want to do something can often be far more effective than five million clicks on TikTok. You heard the energy and the enthusiasm in the room tonight … so for me, how do I stay hopeful? By coming to things like this.”

Nearly 100 people gathered at Artspace In her Welcome to Country, Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson expressed her grief at Palestinian women’s plight. “Why do we feel such empathy?” she said. “Because we have shared experiences as a colonised people. Aboriginal women were routinely used as weapons of war.”

A former Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Chris said it is important to acknowledge suffering. “Simply recording the authoritative account of what has happened is the very least that victims are entitled to. And that was a lesson that I learned when doing the Stolen Generations reporting.”

After his keynote, author Sara Saleh, a Lebanese Palestinian human rights lawyer, led a panel discussion with Palestinian Illawarra activist Safaa Rayan – who praised the region’s working-class history and grassroots response to injustice – and Dr Bushra Othman, a Palestinian Australian surgeon who travelled to Gaza twice last year.

Bushra shared her distress at being a surgeon unable to operate at her full potential. She told how, when not permitted to take medical supplies into Gaza, she’d packed treats for children.

“I felt pretty ashamed trying to give out lollipops to kids that were starving, but that was all we had,” she said.

The UN Commissioner said Australians can call on political leaders to act and make personal changes “in their pattern of consumption, what they buy and what they use … Is there any possibility of their purchases, their investments, aiding and abetting the unlawful activities?”

The meeting ended on a note of hope, with Malika Reese, Wollongong’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, leading the crowd in song.

“We will live in peace,” she sang. “Some day…”

L to R: Safaa Rayan, Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson, Dr Bushra Othman, Sara Saleh and UN Commissioner Chris Sidoti, Photo: Tyneesha Williams

Essential Health Checks for Men

By Dr John Deady of Bulli Medical Practice

Men’s health encompasses the full spectrum of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. While we all share many health concerns, conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and prostate issues affect men at higher rates. Regular check-ups provide an opportunity to stay well and address potential concerns early, helping you feel your best at every age.

Simple Steps for Better Health

The everyday choices we make significantly influence our wellbeing. Nutritious eating, regular physical activity and moderating habits like smoking and alcohol consumption all contribute to how energetic and healthy we feel. These positive choices build a foundation for long-term health and vitality.

Friendly Reminders for your Check-Up

Heart Health: A quick cardiovascular assessment is worthwhile for all men over 45 (or 35 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men). It’s a simple way to check in on your

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

blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels – all important indicators of your heart’s wellbeing.

Prostate Health: With prostate cancer affecting about 17,000 Australians each year, it’s worth having a conversation about your personal risk factors. Your GP can help determine whether and when prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing might be right for you.

Mental Wellbeing: Your GP’s office provides a judgment-free zone to chat about stress, mood or any of life’s ups and downs. Your mental health is just as important as physical health –they’re two sides of the same coin.

Other Health Checks: In our sun-drenched corner of Australia, skin checks are always a good idea. Bowel cancer screening also becomes important from age 50 and for some men bone density tests help maintain strength as we age.

At Bulli Medical Practice we’re committed to providing a comfortable, respectful environment where you can discuss health matters with confidence. We welcome you to book an appointment today.

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

EV fires are rare – insurers know it

Chapter 15 in Peter Aubourg’s Diary of an EV Driver

We were driving past Bulli showgrounds at 4:30pm on a Monday when we saw the scene of a car accident with an MG4 (the same glorious orange colour as ours) scrunched between a pole and a diesel-powered SUV. A Fire and Rescue NSW truck from Bulli was at the scene. Maybe they were concerned about EV fires, I thought. Not so. I tracked down a fire officer who attended the scene to hear the story. Turns out firefighters were there to clear the road and deal with oil on the road from the SUV. They tried to move the MG, but the motor had shut down as a safety feature, once the crash had been detected. Both air bags had gone off, so it was a significant prang. A tow truck was needed to move the car so peak-hour traffic could flow again. The firies’ main issue was to ensure the power was off, so the car would not suddenly start driving. Apparently, they have diagrams for all EVs showing where the power cable is located, and they just chop it with monster cable-cutters.

March 2025 showing the number of fires per year, per 100,000 registrations is something like five to 10 times higher for petrol/diesel vehicles compared to EVs. They have good data from Norway and Sweden, where there are far more EVs as a percentage of the total number of vehicles on the road. So EV fires are rare. It stands to reason when you see the cost to insure EVs. If anyone knows the risks, insurance companies would. They have skin in the game! When we swapped our Nissan Qashqai for the MG4, the cost for comprehensive insurance actually dropped a little, even though the sum insured for the MG4 was much greater.

There has been talk that EVs catch fire easily –is that true? FRNSW released an excellent report in

Finally, some stats from EV FireSafe, a private company which researches EV battery fires and emergency response. There are more than 300,000 plug-in EVs in Australia. Since 2001, 10 EV battery fires have been reported here: two from arson, three from a fire spread from a building, three in a high-speed collision, one impact from road debris and one unknown cause. In short, the chances of your EV catching fire are pretty slim!

Get Ready to Go Electric

By Electrify 2515’s Elsa Evers

With energy bills soaring and the movement toward healthier, low-carbon living gathering pace, the time to electrify your lifestyle is now. Whether you’re on the electric journey or curious about how to get started, mark your calendar for Go Electric Open Day – a free, family-friendly event on Sunday, 22 June from 9am to 2pm at Club Thirroul.

This community event is open to everyone in the Illawarra and brings together industry experts, passionate locals, and hands-on experiences to demystify the world of household electrification. From EVs and home batteries to induction cooking and electric heating, it’s your chance to learn how to save money and reduce your carbon footprint— with advice you can trust.

Don’t miss the highlight – a special live conversation between Dr Saul Griffith and Sarah Aubrey of Electrify This to launch Dr Griffith’s new book Plug In!: The Electrification Handbook. Stick around for the book signing afterward. Enjoy a packed schedule of expert panels and

practical demos throughout the day. Hear the latest on the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot, dive deep into the latest home battery tech, and explore EV options – including costs, novated leases, and vehicle-to-grid innovation.

You’ll also get to:

• Chat with real EV owners (no sales pitch – just honest advice);

• Watch a live cooking demo using an induction stove with the team from Moore St General cafe;

• Test ride e-bikes;

• Connect with local tradies to help you take the next step.

Plus, don’t miss out on door prizes, exclusive offers, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Go Electric Open Day: 9am–2pm, Sunday, June 22 at Club Thirroul. Book via Humanitix and arrive early – especially for sessions like Dr Griffith’s talk at 11am. electrify2515.org

Thirroul Village Committee update

By TVC secretary Annette Jones

Aaron Beath Stand, Thomas Gibson Park Council informed the TVC that in the coming weeks, construction within Thomas Gibson Park will begin. It’s part of a project to replace the existing grandstand and amenities, including the toilet block in the car park to the west of the current grandstand. These structures will be demolished to make way for a new modern facility.

The sports facility will be built predominantly in the same location as the to-be demolished grandstand, and will include additional pathways and accessible access for users. It will include:

• Modern all gender change rooms;

• A kiosk to support events and provide refreshments;

• Accessible facilities to ensure inclusivity;

• Dedicated storage areas for sports equipment and maintenance equipment;

• A first aid room and referees’ room to support safe and well-managed sporting events;

• Integrated public toilets, replacing the separate facilities currently located in the car park. The project will include additional car parking spaces. For the duration of the project, temporary facilities will be installed on the eastern side of the park. Early works are expected to start in late May with the main demolition and construction works to kick off in June 2025. It is anticipated the project will take approximately one year to complete.

On Sorry Day

As this issue went to press on May 26, Kathryn Morgan spoke to local Elder Aunty Lorraine Brown, a founding member of Coomaditchie Aboriginal Corporation

On May 26th, National Sorry Day, Aunty Lorraine Brown wants the heartache of the Stolen Generations understood.

“For me and my sisters, Sorry Day is important because we were brought up close to the children’s homes, places where children were locked behind the gates,” she says.

“We saw the impact, even as our parents tried to hide it from us. We were lucky to have our parents, but we lived in fear of being taken. We used to go visit those kids at the homes in Bomaderry and Pauls Creek, sit at long tables and talk with them, try to keep the connection. My sisters and I saw the deep impact of that.

“People need to understand the damage that was done – from their treatment away from family,

Sandon Point Seniors Living Development Anglicare provided this update:

The Concept Design phase of the Sandon Point Seniors Living Development is continuing to progress, under a State Significant Development (SSD) application. This follows a submission to the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI) in late 2023, known as ‘Modification 6’ which proposed a series of changes. The project team continues to prepare a response package to DPHI’s request for additional information in response to Anglicare’s Modification 6 submission.

Update on Thirroul Plaza

Earlier the plaza developers submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) for NSW. The development manager told the TVC the EOI was withdrawn as the HDA requested more details. Design plans are being drawn up for resubmission. Prior to this it is understood that these plans will be presented to the community for input and discussion. A community forum could take place in about three to six months. Before this, analysis of the ‘Big Ideas’ survey will be published.

Next TVC meeting: Aug 24, 4pm at TRIPS Hall, Railway Parade, Thirroul

from the heartache of being in those homes, being forced to learn all kinds of work that was expected of them. Sorry Day marks the day when we got the apology and so many of them broke down with emotion, just from the simple word ‘sorry’.

“It’s important to us Aboriginal people to be acknowledged, especially the ones who were stolen, like my husband. I remember him crying, just beginning to process all that had happened to him. The first time I saw my husband crying was really hard. His mental health was badly affected, but it didn’t come out till he was older.

“Lots of our people lost their identity and have had to go through the pain of trying to prove their Aboriginality. Ripped from your people, your culture and your life. That’s what people need to understand about Sorry Day.”

Scan the QR code to read the full interview

Lots of love for Cafe Club

By Tyneesha Williams

Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA) not only helps clients from Helensburgh to Woonona live independently, the charity also brings people together for a cuppa at social groups like Cafe Club.

“The feeling of belonging to a group helps you feel worthwhile, included, and gives you a sense of purpose,” says Fiona Lawson, manager at NINA.

“This is important for everyone in coping with loneliness, but especially crucial for seniors, as fulfilling these emotional needs helps them truly enjoy their golden years.”

Thirteen people attended Cafe Club on Tuesday, April 29 at Club Thirroul. The energetic group enjoyed coffee, tea, biscuits, cupcakes, and a hot lunch. They also took part in a quiz, and gentle exercise. Thanks to the club goers who took the time to have a chat with The Illawarra Flame.

Margaret, 87

“It’s really one of the best groups I’ve joined in my life. You’re the same age, same interests. It’s all about the atmosphere. To be old and watch your family grow up is a pleasure. I have had the pleasure of seeing my family at an older age than my dad did.”

Marie, 82

“I live on my own in a granny flat, I’ve had two knee replacements and I’ve ripped the cuff on both shoulders. It’s all a hassle. But coming over here and talking to people, it’s good company. It’s the company that I’m after.”

Roma, 89

“What do we get out of this? We get out of our house, we get out of our depression, we get into life. It just invigorates us. I was saying on the bus today that I love Tuesdays. Even when you feel down, you don’t want to go, you think ‘What will the others say?’, so you get up and go …

“You are a person here and, in other areas, you can feel quite invisible. We can be who we are, and that can be difficult if you’re not amongst people who really understand.

“We do exercises here, and that’s really improved my life. Six months ago, I found it hard to get up and down out of a chair and now I can do it quite easily. To anyone who feels lonely or upset, just come here one day and you’ll come for the rest of your life.”

Nancie, 83

“You should hear us on our bus rides! We’re going on a day out tomorrow, to Picton. It’s something to wake up to. Half the fun is getting on the bus and going somewhere, meeting people and doing things. Our drivers are always so willing to help out, we couldn’t do it without our drivers. I want to make note and mention the wonderful Jaclyn – she’s really a great leader.”

Margaret K, 89

“I lost my husband four years ago and somebody came out to my house to do an assessment, and I told her I don’t want to go in the system, and she suggested these clubs. So, whenever I feel well and I can make it, I come. It’s good company. I have a lovely family but you need others. The group is very well organised and I love the yoga.”

Isabel, 95

“When you live on your own, all you’ve got is the television or the radio – and you can’t discuss things with them. You really need to get out and talk to other people, and realise that other people are lonely as well.

“You can’t expect your family to be beside you all the time – mine is very good but they have their own lives. It’s just so good to be amongst likeminded people.”

Mateship 60 YEARS OF

By Janice Creenaune

Photos: Tyneesha Williams

sport & leisure

Denis Yeo thrives amid the camaraderie at the Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club, which this year is marking its 60th anniversary.

The club’s treasurer, 64-year-old Denis is a local accountant and auditor. He has never considered himself an athlete, but he is a very willing participant who loves the water and winter Sunday mornings spent with a great group of blokes at Coledale Pool.

“Many of my fellow swimmers have been competing for far longer than me, and some have such lovely strokes and style that is amazing to watch,” Denis says. “But in meeting each week it does not seem to matter.

“We all get in and swim. It does not appear to matter what style you exhibit or your speed. Everyone is so encouraging and the handicap system allows us all a chance.

“I’ll admit sometimes it is a little cold and windy, but as we meet about 9am and descend the steps, it is time for a welcoming chat before the swims. We are ready then to cross the rock platform and enter the heats each week. You may get one swim or up to three depending on your wins, but we all have a chance. After that it is back to Coledale RSL Club for a bit of warmth, some hot soup and warm toast made by members or their associates and a presentation for the swims. It is a delightful way to spend a Sunday morning.”

Denis, who joined the club in 2020, celebrates the legendary status of long-time members.

“There was ‘The Duke’, who was an early club member and arrived in later years with his walking stick, but still swam and held his own. We still hold commemorative swims for The Duke.

“The Club Captain works hard, and even though he is busy with a young family, commits to the 18 weeks and still manages to give his all. And then there’s Bob ‘the Toast Man’. We all enjoy our hot home-made soup each week, but the toast, by Bob, is always sensational.

“President Paul, Terry and Warwick are other notables within the club. Our youngest member is 22 and our eldest is about 60. The group has a wonderful community depth to it, traditions hold strong from the past, but there is also a forward feeling in the club for a great future.”

The Coledale RSL is very supportive and happy to host the Oysters’ after-swim meets, AGMs, special nights and fundraisers.

“We also raise money for charities and decide the charity at the AGM each year. In the past it has

Joy of cold swims and hot soup

Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club kicked off their 60th year with a chilly dip in the rain followed by homemade soup at Coledale RSL on Sunday, April 27. Four swimmers told Tyneesha Williams what they get out of club membership.

John Corker, Secretary of The Coledale Oysters

“It’s a mental thing and a physical thing – what I get out of it is camaraderie. It can be a highlight of my week during winter – it’s very good for my mental health. It’s win-win-win and I love the hot soup afterwards!

“The Oysters have been a proudly men’s only sporting club for 60 years. It provides a unique supportive environment for members and that’s important to us.”

been the Cerebral Palsy Association of the Illawarra, Children with Cancer,” Denis says.

“There is also a nominal seasonal membership fee that covers club costs and accounts and trophies and other prizes that may be awarded weekly or at the end of the season. The King Oyster is also awarded each year and is very competitive with swimmers who never miss a swim and who don’t ‘break’ in the final swim. The King Oyster swim itself becomes highly competitive.”

Denis, as treasurer, also collects dues and ensures accuracy of funds for the club. The weekly prizes of beers and softies all need to be awarded.

“It is the members that I enjoy the most, the camaraderie and the fellowship. We are all welcome and though it is a men’s winter swim group, our partners are very welcome at events.

“It is the individuality of the swims that I love the most. I cannot let anybody down. I just compete for me and there is great satisfaction in that. I also admit there are weeks when it may be 13°C in the pool with a cold wind, I do often question myself and my actions. But, you get in and you get out, it all happens so quickly really and then we are back to the warmth of the RSL Club and the home-made soup. Nothing can be better.”

Over summer, Denis misses the friendships –and the soup and toast. “It makes it all the more entertaining when winter approaches each year and certainly something to look forward to in the colder months. For those unable to swim or unwilling, timekeepers are always needed and their job is certainly important.”

Denis and many others have worked hard to keep the club alive and active over six decades. As a result, the Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club remains a strong and fantastic feature of our community.

Join Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club on Facebook or pop into Coledale RSL to ask for their contact details

Paul Bentley, President

“I’m here for mateship and for the exercise. It’s the camaraderie – we’ve got some members that are battling with illness, and we also give money to charity as well, so it’s good.”

Denis Yeo, Treasurer

“I think it is a camaraderie thing, it’s not competitive, but it is… it’s friendly, but they like to win and they like to get the King Oyster which is just a plastic crown. It’s quite coveted, you have to swim 100% of the swims in a year to win that, you can’t miss one. It’s just a great group of people.”

Ryan Davidson, Captain

“A bit of camaraderie and mateship –and just something to wake you up on a Sunday morning, get you out of the house.”

Magic of winter swimming

By Caitlin Sloan

Winter swimming keeps you fit, improves your circulation, reduces stress and it’s social. Let this World Oceans Day on Sunday, June 8 be your excuse to dive in…

Stanwell Park Sea Eels: Sundays at Coalcliff rock pool. Staying cool in the pool since 1989, the club welcomes men and women of any age. Find the Sea Eels on Facebook

Austinmer Otters: This club for men and boys meets on Sunday mornings at Austi’s ocean baths. Find the Otters on Facebook

Bulli Sea Lions: Founded in 1958, the Sea Lions meet on Sundays at Bulli ocean pool. Men and women are welcome. Find the Bulli Sea Lions on Facebook

Bellambi Bluebottles: Sundays mornings at Bellambi rock pool; a club for men and boys. Find the Bluebottles on Facebook

Corrimal Marlins: Sundays at Towradgi rock pool. The Marlins now welcome all ages and genders. Find them on Facebook

Wollongong Whales: Sundays at North Gong’s Continental Pool. Founded in the late 1950s, the Whales could be the Illawarra’s oldest winter swimming club. They welcome all genders, follow on Facebook

Floating Flamingos: Formed in 2021, this is the youngest club on the list and the first to consist of almost all women. The Flamingos meet 7.30am on Sundays at the Continental Pool. Follow @floatingflamingoswsc on Instagram or Facebook

Winter Wonder Women: Formed in 2020, the Winter Wonder Women often meet on Sundays and last year held a solstice sunset swim at Austinmer. More info on Facebook

Sea Gals Wollongong: Sea Gals is a women-only sunrise ocean swim group that began in Perth. The local group holds sporadic beach swims up and down the coast. @_seagalswollongong_ on Instagram

June&JulyUpcoming Classes

wed 18&25 jun + 2&9 jul

Watercolour: with Christine Hill sat 19 jul

Printmaking: with Robert Ives wed&thurs 30&31 jul

Sketching for travellers with Barb Gray and Fred Marsh

Sneak preview for August: 3 mornings of life drawing – a first for CSA. Classes suit all levels of experience: Cheryloconnor1@bigpond.com // Artsclifton.org

Room for more

By Paul Blanksby, Helensburgh Men’s Shed

Well, it’s raining – again. Still, the folks up north are copping it worse. Watching their houses disappear under brown muck as a cow floats past. This is a tough country. You can’t read the news anymore – too depressing. And stop doomscrolling – that does your head in. And yet… I recently spent a year overseas – the UK, Europe, North Africa, Iceland, and beyond – and you know what? So many people want to come here, to holiday or to live. So many people have a relative living here. They want what we have –sunshine, freedom, safety. Yes, we have our issues as well, but this is still the lucky country.

Part of this is thanks to volunteering. Without our volunteers, we’d be lost. In 2023, over six million Australians were still volunteering each year, according to Volunteering Australia. That’s awesome – but there’s always room for more.

At your Men’s Shed in the Forest, the men and women may not be piloting a rubber-duckie through floodwaters or tarping a roof in a storm, but we still help. How? Come down and find out.

Visit 624 Darkes Forest Road. Mob: 0478 892 485. info@helensburghmensshed.org.au

Paul, Mike and Mark

Vietnamese Community 50th anniversary

14 June 50th Anniversary of the Vietnamese Refugees Journey and Settlement in Australia/ Wollongong, Dinner at Dapto, tickets $30 20 June Exhibition during Refugee Week at Wollongong Library, free, 3-5pm

U3A Northern Illawarra 20th Anniversary

Wed 4 June 9.30am in Excelsior Hall followed by a special morning tea. This will be an opportunity to thank those members who established NIU3A.

Skills on show

By Marion Cook of Keiraville CWA

More than 700 delegates travelled from across NSW and the ACT to attend the 103rd annual Country Women’s Association (CWA) conference from May 19-22 in Wagga Wagga.

A record 36 motions and several urgency motions were debated. CWA of NSW has a long history of lobbying to improve the health and wellbeing for women and children.

The Illawarra Group had 20 members present, from Albion Park, Balgownie, Camden, Dapto, Picton, Keiraville and Campbelltown.

Entries were numerous in competition categories such as Land cookery, handicrafts, agriculture and environment, international studies and cultural displays.

The Illawarra Group has nine active branches and tied for second place in the State Handicraft Competition. Anne Morley from Dapto won a first prize for her paintings and two second prizes. Janeen Jackson from Picton and Cath Whittaker from Keiraville won in the overall top 10 in handicrafts with their exquisite work.

Illawarra branches were awarded highly commended certificates.

Contact keiravillecwa@gmail.com

Dark Scarp

21 June Winter solstice festival, Wombarra Bowlo Library Events

Fri, 6 June Family trivia night, 5-6pm at Helensburgh Community Rooms. Free.

Thurs 20 June Stories in the Park, 10-10.30am, Glastonbury Gardens, Austinmer, Free.

Tues 18 June Henna Workshop, 10am-12pm, Helensburgh Library, Free, bookings essential. Local Writers’ Book Launch

Sunday 15 June 2pm at South Coast Writers Centre, Coledale Hall. Kate O’Neil and Pat Simmons invite you to a joint launch of their latest books, Matter of Time (Kate’s poetry) and Gone in a Flash (Pat’s 100-word flash fiction stories)

Gas v Electric

By Denise Aubourg of Electrify Illawarra

Once gas appliances were a popular choice. The phrase “Cooking with Gas” even crept into our language, introduced by the industry to promote its product. A decade on, the game has changed:

• Electric appliances are now more efficient;

• Solar panels are more affordable than ever; and

• Battery prices are dropping fast and subsidised by state and federal incentives. Nowadays, gas is a disadvantage because you’re

paying double the daily connection fees – one for electricity and one for gas. You can’t use rooftop solar to power gas appliances. According to Rewiring Australia, homes with rooftop solar and efficient electric appliances can save $2000 to $3000 a year compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Throw in a home battery and an EV, and you could be looking at annual savings of $5000 or more. This has certainly been my experience so far. If you install gas appliances now, you’re essentially locking yourself out of these savings for 10-15 years until old appliances wear out or you pay to replace them sooner.

See you at the Go Electric Open Day

Supported by Wollongong Council and Rewiring Australia, Electrify Illawarra and the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot are co-hosting this FREE event at Club Thirroul on 22 June, 9am-2pm. With EV & e-bike displays, cooking demos, a chance chat to installers, and more! Book via Humanitix.

Scan the QR to read the Flame’s investigation into the health concerns behind May 5’s all-electric rally outside Council’s chambers

Circular plan for soft plastics

By Helen Lewis of Circular Plastics Illawarra

Following their recent soft plastics recycling pilot, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) is working with its member councils (Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven) on the next steps. The councils have agreed to new drop-off events, with dates to be announced shortly. Discussions are also underway to confirm end markets for soft plastics and products that the councils could buy back to support circularity.

Processing capacity is increasing

expected to be operational from September.

• Close the Loop (Melbourne), who supported the ISJO pilot and processed the collected material into an asphalt additive called TonerPlas.

The good news is that the infrastructure to recycle household soft plastics after collection is slowly expanding. End markets currently include:

• IQ Renew (Taree), Australia’s first purposebuilt soft plastics recycling facility. The Soft Plastic Engineered Commodity (SPEC) plant has processed much of the REDcycle stockpile and is accepting material from councils and the return-to-retail pilot. This may become products like fence posts, wheel stops and FOGO caddies.

• APR Plastics (Melbourne) has a small chemical recycling facility processing soft plastics into oil, for remanufacturing back into food-grade plastics. Their first commercial-scale plant is

Invitation to help design a Circular Precinct Local businesses, councils and other organisations are invited to a workshop on 10 June to help design a ‘circular precinct’ in the Illawarra. This could enable new circular business models to share, repair, remanufacture and process secondary resources, while innovating and collaborating. This stimulates economic growth, creating jobs and new sustainable products and services.

The event is being run by Circular Australia. There is a fee to attend. Register via Humanitix.

Greenfest sustainability expo

Circular Plastics Illawarra had a stand at the Greenfest sustainability expo on 13 April organised by Corrimal Rotary. We received a lot of questions about plastics recycling, including how to recycle soft plastics and what they are recycled into. It was a great day and highlighted the strong level of community support for more local recycling.

Trouble with holding mine to account

By Helensburgh’s James McCormack, editor of Wild Magazine

On March 21, the NSW Land and Environment Court released its long-awaited decision on the EPA vs Metropolitan Collieries Pty Ltd. The case stems back to September 2022, when I was travelling through a little-visited part of the Royal National Park and saw inky, black water flowing through what is usually a lovely rainforested section of Camp Gully creek.

Black filth had collected on its banks, smeared over rocks and coating small, dried-up pools. At the time, and to much media fanfare, a community of platypuses had just been relocated downstream. I immediately contacted the EPA, with the eventual outcome of subsequent investigations being the recent decision. In the interim, however, more pollution events occurred. Initially, five charges were considered against the mine, each – as I understand it – with a possible penalty of $1 million; that was soon downgraded to three charges. Still, $3 million seemed stiff enough.

Unfortunately, that did not eventuate. In sum, the fines levied on the mine – and not just for this September incident but for a subsequent October one as well – total $196,500. This is manifestly inadequate. Peabody, the US-based multinational that owns Metropolitan Mine, had 2024 revenue of US$4.2 billion (A$6.36 billion); so this fine is like fining someone who makes $80,000 just $2.47.

In isolation, the ultimate fine for the September 2022 event was $78,000. There was another fine of $54,000 for the second pollution offence, plus $85,800 for a licence breach. Peabody was also ordered to pay the EPA’s court and investigation costs, bringing the total to just over $500,000.

The mine tried to explain away the pollution event by saying there had been heavy rain. But this claim does not stand up to scrutiny. August that year, in fact, had been particularly dry; the BOM station at nearby Darkes Forest registered just 21mm falling, less than a quarter of average.

While monitoring standards have, as a result of these breaches, supposedly become more robust, as have the mine’s wastewater treatment processes, the fines levied should be sufficient to act as a

deterrent to ensure this never happens again. Yet the sums involved are too low to ensure that. The Royal NP is of national and international significance, and both it and the neighbouring Garawarra State Conservation Area (through which the filthy water first flowed) deserve better.

But there’s another aspect to all this: in the Woronora Dam catchment to the west of Helensburgh, there are reports of subsidence cracks causing upland wetlands and swamps to be drained, threatening these precious ecosystems.

But unlike in the Royal NP, which I could access freely and was thus able to discover this pollution, the areas of concern within Woronora’s catchment lie within Sydney Water’s exclusion zone; a $44,000 fine awaits any member of the public who wishes to venture in to inspect for damage. Holding Peabody to account in this area is incredibly difficult.

To be clear, I am not one of those calling for the mine to be closed immediately. We all need steel, and Metropolitan’s coking coal is a necessary part of that. I am, however, demanding that the mine act as a responsible member of the community. If it can’t do so, then I may reconsider my position.

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

We offer assistance in the following areas:

Contact our office today Office: 32 Walker Street, Helensburgh Phone: 02 4294 9980

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

L to R: The 2025 cast for Oliver! and Matthew and sister Victoria dressed for Oliver! 15 years ago

Behind the Curtain

With Brian Kelly

When you hear Matthew Verhelst saw 105 shows in 12 months in London, you might safely assume he likes the theatre.

And if you know the 27-year-old, you’ll see his nasty Nazi role in The Sound of Music last year was a serious case of bluff – affable as he is in person.

‘’You could say I was slightly addicted to the theatre while I was there,’’ Matthew said of a time when he snagged selfies with entertainment giants such as Ian McKellen, Tim Minchin, George Takei and David Tennant. “I pretty much became a professional at sitting in dark rooms for hours on

end, but someone had to do it, right? The craziest part is I still didn’t manage to see all the shows London had to offer that year.’’

Matthew has turned his passion to producing, with sister Victoria Hamilton in the director’s chair for this month’s production of Oliver! with the Arcadians. It’s the culmination of a childhood immersed in live theatre, along with improvised backyard renditions that fired their imaginations.

And it closes a loop that formed when the pair starred in a version of the same show produced by the late Gordon Streek 15 years ago when Matthew

Story on stage, star author at festival

Wollongong is having something of a Pip Williams moment, with her bestselling novel The Dictionary Lost Words about to hit the stage at the IPAC, just weeks before she headlines the local writers festival.

Adapted by Verity Laughton and directed by Jessica Arthur, the play has toured the country following its sell-out debut in 2023.

Now it’s Wollongong’s turn to experience the story of Esme, a young woman growing up in the world of the first Oxford English Dictionary, who begins collecting the words that don’t make it onto the page.

By Tareyn Varley

Pip’s seen the play 10 times and says the thrill hasn’t worn off. Watching her story unfold on stage has been overwhelming, deeply satisfying – and full of surprises. “I felt like a parent at a school concert; I’d handed my story over and could only cross my fingers and hope it worked,”

she says. “Of course, it did.”

She admits she never pictured the book as a play while writing it, particularly with such an introspective protagonist. But Verity found a way to give Esme a strong stage presence while staying true to her spirit. Pip credits Verity with understanding that readers and book clubs who loved The Dictionary of Lost Words would come to the theatre with high expectations, and a clear idea of how the story should go.

“She felt an obligation to those people,” Pip says. “She wasn’t interested in making some sort of experimental version of the story for her own sake. She really worked with the readers in mind to create something that brought to life a story they already loved.”

After the play’s run at the IPAC from May 29 to June 7, Pip’s fans will have a chance to see her in

was a Wollongong High School whippersnapper.

Now the siblings are corralling a dedicated bunch, many of them children, to present Oliver! creator Lionel Bart’s singalong specials at Corrimal. The show was fully blocked nearly two months before opening night, and full-run rehearsals have since added further finesse.

They’re in good hands – Victoria has studied at NIDA, stage-managed So Popera productions at the IPAC and WEC, and joined the crew for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne. Matthew has worked on Schools Spectacular and Southern Stars and various local productions. When he returned from the UK, both leapt at the chance to be part of last year’s The Sound of Music.

A glance at the cast list hints that the siblings theme has continued, with Rohan Green and Belle Green sharing the role of the orphan-made-good – but they are not related and just happen to share a surname.

Oliver!, June 20-July 6, Miner’s Lamp Theatre. Tickets: Trybooking

Jungle Book opens at Roo Theatre

Ayaan Panju stars as “man cub” Mowgli when Roo Theatre takes a swing through the vines with its production of The Jungle Book from June 6-21 in Shellharbour. Tickets: Trybooking.

person at the South Coast Readers & Writers Festival at Thirroul District Community Centre on July 5 and 6. Pip will appear alongside author Catherine McKinnon from 11.30am to 12.25pm on Saturday 5th for a conversation about historical fiction. “We’ll be talking about both my books: The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho, which is a companion novel,” she says.

“And I’m really looking forward to being in conversation with Catherine. She’s written a beautiful book called To Sing of War, and I think we’ll have plenty to talk about.”

Strong voices at July’s festival

Curated by South Coast Writers Centre director Dr Sarah Nicholson, the South Coast Readers & Writers Festival features big names like Charlotte McConaghy, Isobelle Carmody, Nikki Gemmell and Nardi Simpson, along with Pip Williams. The line-up puts women’s stories front and centre, and includes strong First Nations voices. On July 4, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli author Ryan Butta and fantasy writer Isobelle Carmody will lead workshops at Coledale Hall. On Saturday 5th, A.L. Tait will lead a free session for children wanting to map their own mystery story.

Book tickets at southcoastwriters.org

Books on sale

From the team at Collins Booksellers Thirroul

You can still catch the last two days of our massive 25% EOFY book sale on 1st & 2nd June. We’re needing to clear stock and settle with our suppliers before the end of the financial year so join us and grab yourselves some bargains. Saul Griffith’s new book, Plug In, is released 17th June and available for pre-order. Look for us at the local launch at the Thirroul Go Electric Open Day. Then on June 25th at Ryan’s Hotel, Brisbane author Emily O’Grady (Feast) will help launch Port Kembla writer Lucy Nelson’s new anthology, Wait Here. Written with humour, complexity, insight and warmth – this is a compelling array of stories. Bookings : thirroul@collinsbooks. com.au or Lucy Nelson on Humanitix.

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books, games and gifts for all ages

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

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Democracy smiles on BBQ & bake stalls

By Genevieve Swart

The 2025 Federal Election was officially a sizzler, with thousands of voters enjoying sunshine and sausage sandwiches at polling places across the Cunningham electorate on May 3.

“The last couple of elections, it’s either been howling winds or torrential rain,” said Tim, one of the Village Church members manning the bake stall at Bulli PCYC on Saturday, May 3.

“This is amazing. This is a good turnout today.”

Chocolate brownies were the Village Church’s bestselling sweet treat and democracy sausages were flying off the grill. “People seem hungry today,” Tim said. “We’ve had to go to Woolies for extra bread a few times now.”

All funds raised from the Village Church barbie and bake stall will go to Bulli PCYC.

In the north, the Helensburgh Lions crew were doing a roaring trade at their barbecue at the town’s Anglican Church, while across the courtyard, Labor’s state Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, and former Liberal councillor Cameron Walters handed out flyers. In the south, Port Kembla P&C were among the first winners of the 2025 Federal Election, cooking 20kg of sausages and selling out by about 1pm.

School principal Kylie Pratt said the P&C’s bestseller was “everything – it all went!”

They’ll be back

Cunningham runners-up are determined to remain strong voices

Cunningham remains a safe seat for Labor, with the Australian Electoral Commission’s first preference count showing Labor MP Alison Byrnes leading on 51,607 votes, with Liberal Amanda Ivaneza on 26,813 and Jess Whittaker of the Greens on 23,584. Trailing these parties were Pauline Hanson’s One Nation (8765 votes), the Animal Justice Party (3048) and the Citizens Party (1657). Both runners-up are determined to press on in politics. Speaking at Bulli on election day, Liberal candidate Amanda Ivaneza described her first foray into politics as “fantastic”. “I’ve actually really enjoyed it,” she said. An HR manager at Peabody and former volunteer with Responsible Future Illawarra Chapter, Ms Ivaneza had hoped to stand in 2024’s council elections but put that plan on hold after the NSW Liberal Party failed to file its nominations on time. She’ll run again: “Absolutely. I’ll be back – I won’t stop until we turn it blue.”

After the election, Greens candidate Jess Whittaker was heading straight back to her day

and Dorian Ivaneza; Jess Whittaker

jobs as a paramedic and a Ward 1 councillor.

“This is a clear indication that the Illawarra supports renewable energy,” she said of the result.

“Labor has a mandate to speed up the transition and continue pushing towards a renewable energy future. Pursuing a renewable energy future is integral to combating climate change – as is stopping new coal and gas projects.”

Village Church and Helensburgh Lions stalls

Amanda

Win for women and Labor

By Genevieve Swart

The day after the Labor landslide that led the party to a historic victory at the polls – and the Coalition to its worst ever result – the newly re-elected Member for Cunningham was back at work.

“Today I am just on the phones calling our volunteers to thank them,” Alison Byrnes said on Sunday, May 4. “I am incredibly honoured to be reelected as the Member for Cunningham.

“Over the past three years, I’ve been really pleased to secure almost a billion dollars in funding [for the Illawarra] and I really am looking forward to building on that.”

On her immediate to-do list were: “Progressing the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library in Warrawong, which I secured a $10 million commitment for; the $5 million for the regional multicultural centre for the Illawarra; and also progressing some of the things I want to do around aged care; working with the new minister for the NDIS … we’ve come a long way, but there’s still a long way to go.

“And also looking at opportunities for future jobs in the Illawarra as well.”

Why the red wave

Up to about 400 volunteers were involved in Labor’s five-week campaign for Cunningham, delivering a 2.45 percent swing and a second term for Ms Byrnes. Asked what triggered the national triumph, she said, “I think people were pleased to see a positive plan for the future.

“We spoke a lot about the reinvestment in Medicare, reinvestment in TAFE, committing to projects for our region, also addressing cost of living. We’ve got $43 billion on the table for housing and I think that’s what people wanted to see.

“What we saw from the Liberals was a lot of negativity and trying to engage culture wars, which I think people have said no to, which is a really good thing for our community.”

What an Albanese Govt means for the Gong Last year Labor’s Tania Brown made history as the first woman to be Lord Mayor of Wollongong. Now she’s celebrating a win for Labor women in the top tier of government. “How good is it to see three women, Carol Berry and Fiona Phillips and Alison [Byrnes] – all women representing at that level,” Cr Brown said. “It’s a great look for the region.”

Asked what Labor’s win means for Wollongong, she said: “Front of mind for us at council was the commitment from an Albanese Government of $10 million to the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library.”

Council aims to build the new centre in Warrawong by 2028. “That and Helensburgh [Community Centre and Library] are both the two big commitments that I’m working towards.”

The Lord Mayor grew up in Unanderra in a Labor household, attending her first party meeting in the 1980s with her father, a plumber who she credits as her political mentor. On election day, she headed for home turf at St Pius X Primary School.

“I went to school at St Pius, and then my kids went there, and I was on the P&F, as president and secretary. So it’s sort of my home booth,” she said.

Her election last year delivered the region a triple deck of Labor leaders at council, state and federal levels. “It’s been productive so far, the three levels of government working well together. You can see it in our approach to the big task that is sportsfields, lighting, drainage, irrigation.”

The Lord Mayor is a champion of women in sport, as well as politics. “We know the big task of trying to get gender equity in the clubhouses and the amenities, so we’re all tackling that together.”

Lord Mayor on SBS

In May, Tania Brown featured on Insight, talking about flooding and council’s voluntary purchasing scheme. Watch ‘Uninsurable’ on SBS In Demand.

Alison Byrnes with supporters at Bulli on election day

NIRAG/NF3 Report

By Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group secretary Ross Dearden

Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 and draft Delivery Program 2025-2029

Public exhibition closed on 7 May. NIRAG has submitted comprehensive comments to Council and there were four particular points of concern:

1) Environment: Goal #1 has been renamed “Sustainable” in place of “Environment” and the significance of the preservation of the natural environment has been made less significant. It is recommended that the Goal be renamed as “Environment” or “Sustainable Environment”.

2) Green Corridor: Strategic Action 1.1 states, “The community is actively involved in the expansion, improvement, and preservation of our waterways, GREEN CORRIDORS and other natural areas CONNECTING THE ESCARPMENT TO THE SEA”, yet the 7ha privately owned area (Lot 303. Amy St Thirroul)) has not been identified as a green corridor. This area needs to be identified in the Community Strategic Plan and planned to be brought into public ownership. Funding assistance could be sought from State Government and other sources.

3) Completion of Point Street footpath is not in the current Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP)

in spite of previous commitments given to NIRAG and residents. This long-term issue is critical to pedestrian safety in advance of the Geraghty St connection to Thirroul. People need safe access to their houses and to be able to use the bus services.

4) Northern Cycleway: We asked why the shared cycleway path from Aragan Circuit to Hamilton St is listed as a “reconstruction” project instead of “Upgrade” (in 2023, NIRAG was promised it would be upgraded and widened to 4m).

Old Bulli Hospital DA-2023/895

The Southern Regional Planning Panel will meet on 3 June at 2pm to give interested people the opportunity to speak directly to the panel about Torrens title subdivision of the former Bulli Hospital properties, additional site remediation works, removal of trees, delivery of internal road network, stormwater infrastructure, open space and public domain works. Registration is required via the Planning Panel website to speak and the meeting will be video conferenced.

Next meeting: 13 August, 7pm, Bulli Community Centre, nirag@bigpond.com

Neighbourhood Forum 1 Report

By NF1 convenor Warwick Erwin

Neighbourhood Forum 1 meetings are held in the Helensburgh Community Rooms in front of the old Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month. Next Meeting: 7pm, 11 June.

Helensburgh Swimming Pool

Main pool shed replacement – council had committed it to be done before the summer but with work yet to start this does not look possible.

New H’burgh Community Centre and Library NF1 is still yet to receive the promised scope of works from council – NF1 will create its own scope of works for the new centre.

Council Meeting – 30 June 25

Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Plan and Operational Plan to be modified/approved by Council – email Councillors with any further comments on budget or plans. NF1 has written to councillors objecting to the revised draft Wollongong Vision and Goals as “watered down”.

Lady Carrington Drive, Otford Between Otford Rd and Railway Station, next to

river where embankment has fallen – Council was to start work in late May to stabilise the roadway. Storm damage during May rain Report damaged drains, blocked drains or damage to roads to Council or via the Snap Send Solve app.

Bin Locks

In 2017 Council responded to a request for bin locks by stating they were carrying out a trial. That trial appears to have been springs on lids only at Hillcrest Village in Stanwell Park. Eight years later and still no response from Council. It has been reported that cockatoos are opening green bins and attacking FOGO bags in the tops of green bins.

End-of-Financial-Year Plant Sale

Wollongong Botanic Garden Nursery, 28 June, 7:30am–2:30pm, 25% off, 65 Northfields Avenue.

Election of NF1 Officers

Convenor – Warwick Erwin; Co-convenor – Amy Malloy has volunteered for the role. Forums are independent groups of residents, supported by Wollongong City Council.

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How Lions help

By Fran Peppernell of Helensburgh Lions

Thank you to the Anglican church for allowing us to run the BBQ for the democracy sausage sizzle on election day in May. Last month we also enjoyed a visit to Kennett Homes to share Mother’s Day packs. Now we’re looking forward to two important events: the Brick Fair in August and Helensburgh Country Fair in October.

Our Helensburgh Lions Club is part of the wider Lions family and part of District 201N2.

Clubs in our district donate to our Lions International Foundation, which enables grants funding for disaster relief and large-scale projects.

FREE “LEARN TO SWIM” CLASSES

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

Learn to stay safe in the water at the:

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Text or Call Peter - 0424 199 299

In our district, two Matching Grants have been approved this year. A grant of $108,121 to support the upgrade of equipment in the respiratory ward at Wollongong Hospital as part of a project totalling $221,379 supported by the combined Lions Clubs of District 201N2 Zones 1 and 2. The project will help upgrade monitoring equipment and buy new non-invasive ventilator machines. A grant of $159,223 will help construct a new demountable building at Lions Youth Haven to aid and expand programs for severely disabled young people. It is a reminder of how your sausage sizzle support and donations help our wider community.

What’s On

Stanwell Park U3A

Mondays, Hillcrest House, 9.30am-noon. 2 June Reconciliation: First Australians

9 June King’s Birthday

16 June ‘Some 12 Much Studied and Long Overdue Rail Projects in Australia’ … Philip Laird 23 June Nairobi & Mandela Museum, Anne Brown Northern Illawarra U3A: Wed Talks in Thirroul 4 June U3A Northern Illawarra 20th Anniversary 11 June Debbie Clarke, Aged Services in Emergency 18 June Ann Brown, Iceland

25 June Mike & Kathy Rossiter, Mercy Ships

Where to find a Justice of the Peace (JP) Thirroul Library – 1st Thursday of the month. Corrimal Library – 2nd Wednesday. Wollongong Library – 1st & 3rd Saturdays, plus 4th Tuesday. Dapto Library – 2nd & 4th Fridays. Warrawong – 3rd Tuesday. Warilla Grove Shopping Centre (close to Bakers Delight) – 2nd & 4th Mondays. All times 10am-1pm. Enquiries: John Stead on 0414 94 66 94

Power carves at Coledale corner

By Ian Pepper and Nick McLaren of the Scarborough Boardriders

The waves of the past few weeks continued but in a southerly direction, making Coledale corner the place to be for our 5th pointscore on Sunday, May 18. Some brisk winds from the south kicked up throughout the day but the waves held up and increased in size. Some borrowed jumpers while others rushed home to grab steamers.

Helensburgh Tennis Club needs you

By Harley Mangham

Helensburgh Tennis Club (HTC) has recently upgraded the court lights and the surfaces – we invite you to come and enjoy a game of tennis.

HTC would like to thank Wollongong City Council, Wollongong Tennis Courts Administration, Tennis NSW and our members and committee for their help in supporting and funding these upgrades.

If you’d like to become a member we have very affordable memberships, to join go to play.tennis. com.au/helensburghtennisclub

We are having our annual committee meeting at the clubhouse on Monday, July 7 at 7pm. All positions are open and if you would like to join the committee, we are seeking assistance (low commitment) with the roles of Treasurer and Secretary in particular. Come and play some tennis, there are social groups, social comps and coaching is available.

In the water a healthy contingent of A graders saw 4 heats take to the water, that’s 20 surfers in all, showing the top division has also become the most popular division. With top-dog head coach “Harro” down for the day keeping a close eye on the judging, there was no question – late-entry Chris Robbo was the best surfer taking the win with a 7 and 8 in the final. The late fightback came from Mannix, but it wasn’t enough while Angus stayed classy and consistent all day to finish 3rd.

In the Open Women’s, Shyla unleashed on her backhand showing her trademark power carve off the top, while just .07 of a point separated Talina and Zahlia in 2nd & 3rd. Then a nail-biter in the 18s with Will in front followed by Finn, Flynn and Rhett. Late waves to Rhett and Ashton with Ashton’s last wave a 7, saw him jump to the lead with Rhett 2nd. Finally, shout-out to Mitch Burroughs, winner of the Bs, who was on fire all day really showing energy and flair. Great to watch.

State Titles: May 27 to June 1, Coffs Harbour Next Pointscore: Sunday, June 1

parkrun

turns 1!

By Harley Mangham

Rex Jackson parkrun will celebrate its 1st anniversary (and 50th parkrun) on Saturday, June 14. The parkrun team are hoping to set a new attendance record and invite participants to wear red. I’d like to thank and acknowledge all the volunteers who have made parkrun so great in its first year! Come join us, we would love to see you there at Rex Jackson Oval at 7:50am for an 8am start... don’t forget your joggers!

Ashton Mekisic.

Photo: Nick McLaren

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PORT KEMBLA – NEW SOUTH WALES

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23 MO 0014 0.43

17 TU 0646 0.42 1256 1.30 1817 0.73

Port Kembla Tidal Chart

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4 WE 0231 1.45 0916 0.56 1545 1.36 2134

5 TH 0329 1.37 0957 0.58 1631 1.44 2241 0.77

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18 WE 0037 1.65 0734 0.43 1351 1.36 1923 0.73

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25 WE 0210 0.25 0804 1.32 1327 0.53 2006 2.03

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19 TH 0134 1.57 0822 0.43 1446 1.45 2037 0.70

20 FR 0239 1.49 0911 0.44 1541 1.57 2153 0.64

21 SA 0347 1.43 1000 0.45 1635 1.69 2306 0.54

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22 SU 0456 1.38 1050 0.47 1729 1.81

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SOUTH WALES

23 MO 0014 0.43 0602 1.35 1142 0.49 1822 1.92

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© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2024, Bureau of Meteorolog Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings Moon Phase Symbols New Moon First Quarter

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15 SU 0515 0.42 1114 1.24 1627 0.69 2259 1.77

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12 TH 0309 0.43 0900 1.25 1415 0.66 2055 1.82

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24 TU 0114 0.32 0705 1.33 1234 0.51 1915 1.99

25 WE 0210 0.25 0804 1.32 1327 0.53 2006 2.03

26 TH 0303 0.22 0900 1.31 1420

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

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

13 FR 0349 0.42 0944 1.24 1456 0.67 2134 1.82 14 SA 0430 0.42 1027 1.24 1540 0.68 2215 1.80

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© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2024, Bureau of Meteorology. Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide. Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect. The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights. The Bureau’s liability for any loss, damage, cost or

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Sunday Social Golf Club report

By Robert ‘Indy’ Jones

Sunday, May 4th. The Burgh Bowl was the trophy to be had if one achieved the best stableford score. Performances by those on the top 2 steps of the podium were overshadowed by Frank Morgan, who, as his group watched nervously on the 3rd, saw his ball land to score a “HOLE in ONE!”. Yes folks, one for the ages the feat last achieved in 2014.

Back to the onlookers and the rest of us mortals: 41 stableford points gave Mark “Chuckie” O’Connor 1st place (prize: a Christian’s Premium Meats voucher), ahead of Rob Aspromonte with 39 (Bunnings voucher) and Frank “hole-in-one” Morgan came home with 37 (Does he need a Helensburgh Driving Range voucher, I ask).

We welcomed Roger Coffee to the fold whilst out on course, apart from the “hole-in-one” Morgan, the club fared well with four holes. Actual winners were Peter G., Rob A., Frank Z., Rosco, Chuckie and son of “Chuckie”. Bruce was obviously swabbed after last month’s performance and did not risk taking the juice to follow up his 45 points in May and received the takeaway “Chips”.

Next events at Boomerang: June 1st, Tee Time: 8:30am; July 6th, Tee Time: 8:30am; and August 3rd, Tee Time: 8:30am.

Contact Tony, 0418 863 100, for all your membership information.

Indy signing off: Do you sometimes wonder if the golf gods installed a GPS tracker in your ball that guides it toward every hazard?

Tradies Social Golf

By Barry Thompson

Jason can expect a visit from Dave Tipping to his Helensburgh Butchery shop after he led the field home with an impressive 69 off a 12 handicap, followed closely by Roger Hendry (70) and Gavin Sinclair (71).

This was the first of the three rounds we play to determine the club championships, so these scores could prove handy. The Match-play round resulted in: Hayden Overton beating Lucky Ivan, Kynan Ainslie beating Terry Maney, Rod Vaughan over Geoff Hammonds, Gavin Sinclair bested Shane Wilson, and the Battle of the two Daves saw Dave Tipping win over Dave Astill.

The next round will see: John v Iain, Hayden v Dave Tipping, Rod v Gavin, Kynan v Gary. These tussles must take place before our July 19th Tournament.

Iain Birss won the Bucket of Balls voucher donated by Helensburgh Driving Range and we

thank our other sponsors, Tradies, and Gallardo’s Pizzeria for their support.

Our next round will be at Boomerang on June 14th. We will be playing the popular individual Stableford format. This is our first winter game, so wrap up and arrive early for a 7am Tee Off.

Ring Mick Carroll on 0414 734 353 for details.

Vale Laurie Thompson

Members will remember friendships made with my brother and our mate Laurie. He played with our club for about 20 years until the drive from Greystanes became too much. Laurie passed on May 9th after a sudden illness. Our thoughts go to Sabina and family.

ANGELO NEEDS A HOME

This happy, friendly puppy loves playing with other puppies and people, but he’ll need sun protection in summer. Email ccarpetrehoming@tpg.com.au Country Companion Animal Rescue June

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