September 2026

THE ILLAWARRA

September 2026

Keeping community news alive

Called to care

Volunteers mark 40 years of WIRES Free to 11,000 letterboxes / www.theillawarraflame.com.au

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

The team at Transitus Legal is dedicated to helping you navigate your legal journey. We offer assistance in the following areas:

Conveyancing Family Law Wills Estates and Probate Small Business Law Contact our office today

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

Office: 32 Walker Street, Helensburgh Phone: 02 4294 9980 Email: hello@transituslegal.com.au www.transituslegal.com.au

PARTNER CONTENT

+

storage

MAKE SPACE FOR SPRING

Small Storage Units Available Now! Perfect for clearing the clutter without clearing the things you love. Short & Long Term Storage | Individually Alarmed Your Lock, Your Code | 7 Days Access

contact us on 02 4294 1197 | enquiry@hbpstorage.com.au find us at hbpstorage.com.au | 29 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh

2

September

KANE DOWNIE

Scarborough girls and their dream jobs, from left to right: Lily (a netball star), Freya (singer), Lucy (fashion designer), Olive (interior designer), Sierra (artist) and Mary (paediatrician). All photos: Ruth Barbato

H

J O

Small school inspires big dreams By Genevieve Swart

As the host of our coast’s famous Art Show each October, Scarborough Public School is the natural home of budding creatives. But this tiny school perched on an ocean clifftop is also nurturing scientists, fashion designers and sports stars. “The future is bright at Scarborough,” principal Emma Hutchinson said. “We look to do things differently here, and we really look for opportunities for kids to get excited about the future.” The school’s Careers Expo, held on Wednesday, 5 August as part of Public Education Week, provided plenty of inspiration for young minds. Fire and Rescue staff from Scarborough’s Station 442 brought their fire truck, NSW Police introduced children to Murray the sniffer dog, and surf lifesavers set up games on the lawn. Bakers iced cakes as treats for visitors, while aspiring rangers and biologists were captivated by insects, tadpoles and stuffed animals at the Royal National Park Environmental Education Centre’s display. Skip, in Year 6, said he wanted to be an entomologist. “Ever since I was little, I’ve always admired bugs because they’re really cool,” he said. “Most people think that they’re disgusting and gross, but I think that they’re so cool and cute and lovely, and they make up most of our Earth’s ecosystem, 50 percent, I’m pretty sure.” Alice, in year 4, said: “I would like to be a baker or a cruise chef. Because I’m just really interested 4

clubs & community

in making stuff and cooking.” Alice’s friend Zaeli (pictured at left) said: “I either want to be a professional netball player, or I want to be a baker.” Jesse, in year 5, said his favourite activity was making an electric toy car with Electrify 2515 volunteers. “I liked attaching the motors and gears and seeing how that makes the car move,” he said. Following in the footsteps of Rewiring Australia’s Dr Saul Griffith is Jesse’s dream. “He just really inspired me to become an electrical engineer, because I saw how amazing and cool his job was.” It’s the second year that Scarborough Public School has hosted a Careers Expo and principal Emma said it was a wonderful way of broadening kids’ horizons and helping teachers plan lessons. “It’s been a huge success. The kids are smiling. They’re excited. They’re asking questions. So for us, that’s definitely a win.” At the end of the day, everyone had one firm favourite. “It’s the Mounted Police,” Emma said. “I think I’ve got the best job in the world, but if I did have to career pivot, it would probably be the Mounted Police.” Scarborough has 51 students and would welcome more. Spring’s Art Show is a great time to visit. Save the date: 10 & 11 October

W

Helensburgh Julie York Outstanding Business Person of the Year 2026

What an honour to be named Outstanding Business Person of the Year. This award speaks volumes and highlights the importance of who you are, not just what you do. After twenty six years I’m still learning, still growing and still proud to lead my amazing team. I am so lucky to be part of our little piece of heaven, where I assist our community in achieving their dreams. Julie York 0405 128 070 | 4294 9800

julie.york@helensburgh.rh.com.au

Art of the circular wedrobe By Kathryn Morgan

For Saff, a Wollongongbased drag performer, getting dressed isn’t just about putting on clothes. It’s a daily sensory experience of weatherchecking, scent-matching and mood-setting, and it’s an exercise in radical sustainability. Roughly 90 per cent of Saff ’s wardrobe comes from op shops. In a world driven by fast fashion, Saff takes a slower, more deliberate approach to style. Thrifting across the Illawarra requires patience, but the pay-off is an eclectic, deeply personal wardrobe that serves as an accessible costume department for everyday life. Salvos Wollongong is a regular pit stop. “You can’t control how other people see you,” Saff says, “but you can use clothing to express on the outside what’s inside.” This philosophy is at the heart of Saff ’s style, bridging their everyday outfits and their fluorescent, otherworldly drag alter ego, Seaflower. While Saff describes everyday dressing as fluid and responsive, drag is, for them, highly intentional, structured and opinionated. When Saff steps out as Seaflower, they become “an alien who landed on Earth in ’80s neon”. Creating an intergalactic, neon-soaked persona

could easily demand expensive, high-end and custom-made costumes. But for Saff, op shops provide everything needed to build an alter ego. For young, queer and gender-diverse people, op shops offer more than just a bargain. They act as low-cost, low-risk testing grounds for identity. In a second-hand store, the strictness of commercial fashion falls away. While the racks might still be divided into “men’s” and “women’s” sections, Saff notes a softness to these borders in op shops. Men’s and women’s racks become categories you can playfully blend, cross or ignore altogether. In place of a pristine “brand story”, clothes are styled on mannequins in unique and playful ways. Garments are fragments ready to be reassembled, allowing people to privately try on new versions of themselves without the pressure or expense of buying new. Saff explains how goth has origins in the punk ethos of remixing what society has cast aside. “Being goth isn’t just about wearing black – it’s a way of looking at the world, and an attraction to layering, collecting and finding beauty in darkness and excess, and discarded things. Thrifting is totally goth.” Sustainability is often framed as a moral duty. Saff approaches it with delight and fun, taking joy and pride in being an “outfit repeater”. It’s an approach that pushes back against the endless demand for novelty and newness, finding power in returning to beloved garments again and again.

Mug Library a key takeaway Plastic Free July has sparked a trial, writes Jadzia Wolf of Circular Plastics Illawarra

On 17 July, we held a free community film screening of Kal Glanznig’s new film The Plastic Country in the Wollongong Library Theatrette. In the spirit of local action, attendees were encouraged to bring along any underused mugs or Keep Cups to the screening to donate to a local Mug Library at the University of Wollongong. Mug Libraries are a way of reducing the need for single-use coffee cups by offering a reusable option that can be taken away and later returned to a particular cafe or a network of cafes. Australians use almost 1.5 billion single-use coffee cups each year, generating an enormous amount of waste. The plastic lining in paper takeaway cups releases microplastics, which are consumed along with your coffee. Reusable mugs are more sustainable and a healthier option. 6

news

Using donated mugs instead of buying new ones means getting the most out of the things we already own for minimal cost. At the time of writing, the Mug Library was nearing an initial trial period at the university.

Investing in the health of our community. Beyond the consultation room. Eight years of locally funded health campaigns. Making our community healthier. Together.

‘Love Your Work’ on REZ tour By Genevieve Swart

In spring, Yael Stone is heading off on tour – but this one will be a little different. The founding director of Hi Neighbour is set to promote clean energy careers, new scholarships and a 12-minute film called Love Your Work. Yael’s Love Your Work REZ Tour will visit Renewable Energy Zones around NSW, first stop Armidale on September 17, then Newcastle, Muswellbrook and Dubbo in October. At each stop, the team will host a free event, with a short film screening, live music and conversations about wind and solar careers. It’s a milestone moment for the organisation born in the aftermath of the Black Summer bushfires. Yael shot to global fame as the star of Orange is the New Black and her latest feature film, Australian drama-thriller Wilderness, premiered last month at the Melbourne International Film Festival. But back home in the steel city of Wollongong, Hi Neighbour’s founder is known as a dedicated climate communicator, balancing family, acting and charitable work. “Like most of us life is a bit of a juggle, but it’s a circus act I feel particularly lucky to be in,” Yael said. “I started setting up on Hi Neighbour in 2022 and after four years I am happy to report I’m even more passionate about our mission. “Working directly with scholarship awardees is particularly special. By the end of 2026 we will have supported 27 individuals on their journey, that means a lot to me.” Building on lessons learned in the Illawarra, the Hi Neighbour tour will include coal-mining areas set for change. Young people are invited to apply for four scholarships, with each recipient

given $2857 and bespoke support to pursue their renewable career pathway. A ‘heartfelt’ model

Hi Neighbour runs on donations and a circular model, funding businesses to install rooftop solar, then using interest on those loans to fund scholarships. UOW’s Energy Futures Network Director Ty Christopher gives it the thumbs up. “I think one of the things that Hi Neighbour has, as part of its secret sauce, is just such a compelling and human-centred ethos to how they operate,” he said. “It’s heartfelt. The whole point of existing is so that they can encourage and help people to pursue careers in the clean energy industry.” There is government support for clean-tech students, but Australia still needs charities like Hi Neighbour to build the workforce, Ty said. “We’re still, by most estimates, 30,000 electricians short of what this nation needs.” There are technical jobs aplenty adapting an electricity grid that wasn’t built for wind or solar, but now runs on more than 50% renewables. However, another opportunity lies in social science studies, which could lead to jobs in research, government policy and public engagement. “The biggest challenge for us is actually the social discourse and the social transformation, Ty said. “What we have at the moment in Australia is one side of politics listening to science and the other side of politics wantonly ignoring science to serve the interests of their donors … Here we are having the debate ongoing around people’s ‘belief ’ or otherwise in renewables – there’s no belief aspect to it, it’s just physics and science.”

Yael Stone (at left) with Hi Neighbour supporters and 2025’s scholarship winners. Photo: Tyneesha Williams

8

news

PROMOTION

A drone pilot at Fairy Meadow Beach on a quiet Sunday in August. Photo: Rob Brander

Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf This month: Shark fear with Prof Rob Brander

On a winter Sunday in early August, I went for a bodysurf at Fairy Meadow Beach and was surprised to see a SLS NSW drone surveillance patrol tent because the beach was almost completely empty with no one in the water. I talked to the drone operator who said they were flying drones seven days a week at the beach. I found this ironic given there were rip currents all along the beach, but no lifeguards because it was winter and the number of beach users doesn’t warrant having a lifeguard service. So why doesn’t this logic apply to shark drone surveillance? That’s a big financial investment for a pretty empty beach during the winter. Clearly this was part of the recent $34 million NSW Government investment into the drone program, but I couldn’t help wondering what the thought process was behind this decision. Or if the drone operator would have been able to rescue someone caught in a rip. While I was contemplating this in the water, the drone operator set off the shark alarm! My first thought was, “No way… what are the odds of that?” But then I had visions of being dismembered, so I came in. The operator told me he saw something small about 30 metres away from me, but wasn’t sure and his drone battery was running out so he had to bring it back to the beach. Better safe than sorry. I was very grateful and appreciative and thanked 10 science & nature

him for looking after me. But now I’m going to be thinking about sharks next time I have a swim. And I don’t want to. I’ve never really been bothered about sharks, but now I am, not just because of the recent shark-bite incidents, but because of the constant news and footage of shark sightings from drones. I know a lot of people, including experienced surfers, who feel exactly the same way. I really think this is going to be the summer of drones, shark sightings and shark fear and I think a lot of people will lose their joy of going in the ocean. I’m worried that with more drones, more shark sightings and more beach closures, people will seek out unpatrolled beaches with no drones that aren’t closed, but at the recent Australian Water Safety Summit the general manager of SLS NSW said he thought more people would go to patrolled beaches because of the safety net provided by shark drone surveillance. That’s a good point and I think he’s right, but will they go in the water? I hope so, but there’s so much to unpack with this issue and so many unknowns. I think it needs a research study, something that should have happened before the $34 million was handed out. Anyone keen to help? Have a question for Dr Rip? Email rbrander@unsw.edu.au

Fellowship, Friendship & Fun For retirees young at heart! North Illawarra Probus Invite YOU to attend their monthly meetings at Woonona Bulli RSL 2nd Tuesday of every month at 10:30am

Monthly Meetings

Activities

Engaging Guest Speakers Topics of interest Door Prizes

Day trips Extended Tours Theatre & Shows Monthly Lunches Christmas Lunch Ten Pin Bowling

For more information Chat to Shelley 0418 218 959 or John 0429 668 185

School sets stage for excellence By Annaye Chisholm of Helensburgh Public School

Public Education Week 2026 was held from 3-7 August, and this year’s theme was Inspiring Excellence. On Thursday, 6 August, Helensburgh Public School celebrated Public Education Day with a special event that acknowledged student achievements and showcased their performances. The K–2 choir and 3–6 choir provided quality, entertaining performances, while the K–2 dance group impressed everyone with its energetic routine. Additionally, the drumming group and the school band delivered engaging performances. As a public education school, we value excellence and equity. Helensburgh Public School provides high-quality teaching and diverse opportunities, including many extracurricular activities, such as performance groups, filmmaking, debating, the Student Representative Council, extension mathematics, art enrichment, and environmental groups. To recognise our students’ potential across various domains, awards were presented for their achievements in academics, leadership, sports, and creativity. After the assembly, many families visited open classrooms to view the students’ learning throughout the year. Public Education Day was a fantastic day at Helensburgh Public School, made memorable by our wonderful students, staff, and parents and carers.

Images old and new By Local Studies librarian Jo Oliver Would you like chips with your photos? Wollongong City Libraries holds photo negatives from the 1960s that have vinegar syndrome. These films give off a vinegar smell due to acidic deterioration. Before they are lost forever, the library has been

12 clubs & community

digitising the affected negatives and putting the originals in freezers to preserve them. The scanned images have lines across them, but the subject matter is priceless. For many images the library holds information, but in some cases we are asking the public if they know more. If you know any more about the places or people in these photos, you can contact the Local Studies team vat: localhistory@wollongong. nsw.gov.au The Illawarra Images Photography Prize generated some wonderful new images to add to the collection. Congratulations to the winners who shared the $2000 prize money provided by the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries. The finalists’ photographs can be viewed at Wollongong Library and online from 6 September. Visit illawarrastories.com.au/exhibitions

Publish or perish Behind the scenes with architect Ben Wollen

Back in my uni days I remember my professors would complain about the pressures of academia. They quite often used the phrase “publish or perish” to describe the dual pressures of research and teaching. I really enjoy teaching so at one point I did entertain the notion of doing a PhD and entering the academic world. After meeting with a handful of supervising professors I quickly decided it wasn’t for me. You spend three to five years of your life undertaking a line of research that may or may not align with your values and you’re not even guaranteed a placement at the other end. I have tremendous respect for those intrepid researchers out there that have tackled their PhD. “Publish or perish” has also made it into the world of architecture. Just when you think one of your designs has been built and the owner is about to move in, there’s one last major hurdle. That is the architectural photo-shoot and while it’s not a PhD, it’s certainly a marathon of a couple of days setting up, shooting and then decamping. My most recent photo-shoot was in March this year and I was delighted to have local photographer extraordinaire Lulu Wells on board. We were also lucky the house was set up temporarily as an Airbnb rental so there was some furniture in place. After getting a quote for a stylist around $5000, I decided to take on the job myself with a little help from my friends. Luckily one of my mates owns an outdoor furniture company and he kindly lent me some of his showroom items. Borrowing Dad’s van I hit the road for Artarmon for collection the day before the shoot. The landscaping wasn’t finished so I asked my mate who has a landscape business if he could help out with some guerrilla gardening. Luckily he could spare some of his crew and had some plants ready for a job that were still in their pots. My mum used to own a gallery and so another quick trip to her house to collect a bunch of art for the walls and then finally to my house for a few designer items that I had in my house and then we were set to put it all together. Borrowing my wife (a film director), we spent the wee hours of the morning before the shoot to style the place as much as best we could. By the time Lulu arrived I was already profusely sweating from playing removalist / go-for boy. While the sun didn’t shine as much as we would have liked, we took photos of the downstairs area only to realise the sun was passing beyond a point where we wouldn’t catch some cool shadow effects 14 news

on the upstairs courtyard wall. We had to drop everything and take the shoot upstairs and had only moments before the sun went beyond the wall. Back downstairs then back upstairs Lulu was done by midday and off to her next photo-shoot. Meanwhile, we had to undo all of what we had done in the house, including the garden. Another marathon of to-ing and fro-ing the next day, I was starting to empathise with removalists and wondering if I shouldn’t have just used AI to add all the entourage! So all up three days of lugging stuff, lots of sweat and a little help from my friends, the photos were delivered the following week courtesy of Lulu. All that effort for 17 photos, some of which still haven’t seen the light of day. Next time you’re flicking through one of those glossy architectural magazines, spare a thought for those behind the scenes. It’s not a PhD but after it all I definitely felt more on the perish side of publish!

Designer style, with Mum’s art and a mate’s furniture. Photo: Lulu Wells

Spring is the season to sell, summer is the season to move. RayRay White White Helensburgh Helensburgh & Thirroul & Thirroul

Looking for activities and friendship?

Available Now

Join 1st Thirroul Scout Group and be part of the World’s largest youth development organisation. • Cubs (ages 8-11) meet on Monday, 6.30-8.00pm • Scouts (ages 11-14) meet on Tuesday 7.00-8.30pm Contact Mark Roberts (Leader-in-Charge) on 0408 411 485 or email mark.roberts@nsw.scouts. com.au or visit website joinscouts.com.au

Teak Daybeds Ultimate garden retreat

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

September 15

From tools to talk: men’s shed marks 10 years By Patrick Breen

Nestled at the very end of Darkes Forest Road, a compound of shipping containers forms a workshop filled with tools and machinery – a place where blokes have been making anything they wanted, including conversation, for years. But Helensburgh Men’s Shed has been around for much longer than that. In fact, the group will celebrate their 10th anniversary on September 13. Many friendships have been forged here in this shed and at previous locations, with committee members and close friends Ian Jackson and Mark Bray a prime example. “We met at the shed,” Mark says. “No big moment – just kind of did.” The group’s treasurer, Mark joined in 2019 as he transitioned from a full-time job as an accounts manager for a printing plate manufacturer. For him, it was strange not being busy. “[Then] I met a whole heap of blokes that were like-minded,” Mark says. “My wife was impressed because she said, ‘You’re out of the house – now you’re not going to annoy me’… ”. This local Men’s Shed started as a social group at the Helensburgh Anglican Church before coming under the umbrella of Hope Church, then seceding to become an official men’s shed in 2016. Ian, the public officer, has been a member since then. “There was an advertisement in town saying ‘Anyone interested put your name down’, and my wife put my name down for me,” Ian says. As committee members, Mark and Ian help run the shed, Mark looks after funds and reports, and L to R: Ian Jackson and Mark Bray at Darkes Forest. Photo: Patrick Breen

16 clubs & community

Ian handles government paperwork as well as IT. Ian worked in the pharmaceutical industry and “always had an interest in computers”. When Ian retired, he completed a mechatronic engineering degree at university and stayed on to teach as he started his PhD. “I’ve always been able to entertain myself. I’ve recently set up my own server at home with local AI agents. If anybody in the shed’s got a problem with computers, it’s ‘Hey, there you are!’” Mark values the shed’s camaraderie. “I worked in a very male-dominated industry ... after doing that for 50 years to suddenly not have those male contacts and blokes to talk to, it became a practical way of talking to other people,” he says. Work starts at 9am, and Ian and Mark are always first to arrive, unlocking and setting up. The rest of the crew filter in before breaking for tea at 10:30am. Countless cups of tea and coffee are accompanied by chit-chat and the odd raucous laugh, then it’s back on the tools at the strict time of whenever they feel like it, before shutting up shop at 3pm. In 2024, the shed opened to women. “One lady came up to me with an oven door in her hand and said, ‘Is this something you can fix?’” Mark says. “After it was fixed, she said: ‘Can I join? I want to learn how to use tools.’” The shed also offers health assessments, hearing tests and raises awareness of prostate cancer. The group is planning to acquire land on which they can build a permanent facility. Visit helensburghmensshed.org.au

GREEN SHOOTS EMERGING IN THE LOCAL PROPERTY MARKET The Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the cash rate at 4.35% provides welcome stability for homeowners and buyers, following three rate rises earlier this year. While buyer confidence remains cautious, there are encouraging signs emerging in our local market. Properties are still selling, and well-presented homes that are realistically priced are attracting genuine buyer interest. After several years of rapid price growth, buyers are now more selective and focused on value. This is creating opportunities for purchasers who may have found it difficult to compete in the highly competitive markets of recent years.

For sellers, the message is equally clear: correct pricing, quality presentation and a strong marketing campaign are critical to achieving a successful result. We are seeing buyers who are ready to act when the right property comes along. With greater stability around interest rates, we believe confidence can continue to improve. Quality properties, realistic prices and motivated buyers are creating some genuine green shoots in our local market.

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

Adults $7

Children Free

Illawarra Grevillea Park Spring Open Days 2026

Saturday 5th & 12th Sept; 10am to 4pm Sunday 6th & 13th Sept; 10am to 4pm The garden is bursting with colour after strong summer, autumn and winter rainfall. Large-flowered tropical grevilleas are at their peak, with blooms in cream, gold, red, pink, apricot, lemon and orange. Visitors can also see rare grevilleas from across Australia and hundreds of other native plants. The Park features display gardens, picnic areas, a rainforest walk, dam, sensory trail and vine forest walk with a giant blackbutt tree. A wide range of native plants and books will be available for sale, including tubestock and grafted plants. Volunteers will also be available to offer advice. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Grevillea Park Road, Bulli www.illawarrgrevilleapark.com.au

September 17

Call the Pup-arazzi Send pet pics to hello@theillawarraflame.com.au

Winnie & Scout, the Border Collie baby of the family

Charlotte of Thirroul

Six-year-old Arty from Thirroul

Likes: Winnie is a cocker spaniel x who loves walks (she honestly walks us) and her human family! Scout loves being with his sister Winnie. Dislikes: Winnie is nervous around men she’s never met, and hates putting on a coat. She runs away from coats! Scout hates the thunder and lighting. He jumps onto us when scared!

Likes: Walking with her owner or making them carry her like a slave because she’s had enough. Loves belly rubs, being the centre of the Nolan household and, like most pugs, her food. Dislikes: None, she’s pretty friendly.

Likes: Hugs, treats, chasing the ball and long walks at beaches everywhere. Dislikes: Skeleton masks, not getting hugs every two minutes and being washed/ getting hair cuts.

Ziggy, our energetic 6-year-old Staffy mix from Stanwell Park

Jack, a dingo/kelpie from Bulli

Flash, a French Bulldog from Austinmer

Likes: Walking and smelling everything – a quick sniff in greeting and he’s on to the next post, bush, tree. Dislikes: None. He is very calm, easy-going, as well as being obedient and road-sensible and is celebrating his 11th birthday this year. Hoping for a lot more walks with him.

Likes: Lots of cuddles, and learning new skills, with his owner. He loves going for walks at the beach and, playing fetch. Dislikes: Birds, cars and balls, when they’re near him. Cold rainy days when he’s at home.

Likes: Her morning walks, finding the sunniest spot to lounge, parading her favourite toys around the house (especially when trying to tease her sisters!). Dislikes: Bath time, waiting past 3:30pm for dinner, and when her sisters decide to steal her toys back. 18 news

MONTHLY WINNER Congratulations, Flash! You win a $50 pet store voucher

Healthy Skin: Simple Steps to Protect Your Skin By Dr Michael Hanson of Bulli Medical Practice

Winter and spring are wonderful in the Illawarra – but can also be tough on your skin! Cold air, indoor heating and lower humidity all strip away the skin’s natural moisture. Hot showers, as tempting as they are on a cold morning, make this worse by removing protective oils and leaving skin feeling tight and dry. If you have eczema, psoriasis or sensitive skin you may also notice your condition flaring during the colder months. Simple Habits That Help

A few small changes to your daily routine can make a real difference: • Keep showers warm rather than hot and limit them to around 10 minutes • Switch to a gentle soap-free cleanser • Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser immediately after bathing while your skin is still slightly damp • Use a lip balm for dry lips and wear gloves when gardening or working outdoors

•

Stay well hydrated and eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and healthy fats to support your skin from the inside Don’t Skip the Sunscreen

The Australian sun is strong all year. UV radiation can damage your skin year-round so check the daily UV index and apply sunscreen whenever it reaches 3 or above. A broad-brimmed hat and protective clothing are also worth reaching for even on cold days outdoors. When to See a GP

Most dry skin responds well to these simple measures. However, if you develop a persistent rash, painful cracks, signs of infection or a changing skin spot it is worth getting it checked early. Minor skin concerns can become more serious if left untreated so don’t hesitate to come in. Book an appointment at Bulli Medical Practice online or call us on 4284 4622.

PARTNER CONTENT

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

INFECTIOUS AND URGENT CLINIC Now offering same day dedicated morning and afternoon clinics to assess and treat acute illnesses and infections. BOOK ONLINE

September 19

Thirroul Village Committee update By TVC secretary Annette Jones Decorative panels saved

When Ward One Councillor Jess Whittaker was informed by the community that the decorative panels from the original 1950s Thomas Gibson Park amenities block were heading for the scrap heap, she contacted Council staff and managed to have a couple of decorative panels salvaged and restored. These panels have now been integrated into the fencing, as well as other minor repairs. Thank you to the community, Jess and Council staff involved in restoring and repurposing these panels. In other news, the TVC has been in contact with representatives of large developments proposed around Thirroul and can report the following: Sandon Point Seniors Living Development

Site investigations at Sandon Point continue to progress. As these studies are underway Anglicare is not able to confirm a lodgement timeframe.

While it is unfortunately taking longer than expected because of the site’s complexities, Anglicare said these steps were important to get this project right. Anglicare added they will share further updates throughout the process. Fresh Hope Communities development

Fresh Hope Communities (FHC) received development consent from the Land and Environment Court for their Tasman Parade redevelopment in 2025. Modified Development Applications were lodged in August for both McCauley Lodge and Tasman Court. Feedback via council’s website was due for DA-2023/113/A by 1 September and DA-2023/112/A by 31 August. FHC advised that once a design review has been finalised and a builder appointed, they will provide the community with an update. Thirroul Plaza

The TVC continues to communicate with Thirroul Plaza development manager Louis Goulimis. Louis advised that the project is on hold. He said there is no indication to assume anything about the site at present and he will inform the TVC as he is updated by the owners in order to resume Design Development. This will involve the community. Next TVC meeting: 22 Nov at TRIPS Hall

NIRAG/NF3 Report By NIRAG secretary Ross Dearden

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. 1. Amy Street. Thirroul: The majority of Lot 303 (about 6.84 ha), west of the shared cycleway between Woodlands Creek and Hewitts Creek, Thirroul zoned C2, Environmental Conservation has been agreed to be acquired by Wollongong City Council on 29th June. We are excited to have been advised by Kerry Hunt, Director Community Services that the contracts were executed on 12 August. We commend Council for acting speedily to achieve this excellent result. 2. E-bikes: NIRAG has recommended that 20 clubs & community

Council and the State Government take urgent action to make E-bikes use safer. On 14 August new laws came into effect, firstly to control shared e-bike hire operators and secondly to reduce the risk posed by illegal private E-bike use. Full details are available on https://www.nsw.gov.au/ ministerial-releases/australian-first-shared-e-bikelaws-come-into-effect-nsw. 3. Lawrence Hargrave Drive: Residents are requesting a pedestrian crossing (or refuge) along Lawrence Hargrave Drive in the area between The Esplanade and Henley Road, Thirroul. NIRAG and TVC met with Mary Anne Stuart on 16 April to review the problem and assist with option selection. Residents have since been shown a design and been told that funding is the issue. Next meeting: 11 Nov, nirag@bigpond.com

What’s on at the Writers Centre By Elizabeth Heffernan of SCWC

More info at southcoastwriters.org

SCWC FESTIVAL ENDS IN CLIMATE HOPE Illawarra authors Claire O’Rourke, Sarah Hamylton and Tim Flannery closed July’s successful 2026 South Coast Readers and Writers Festival on an optimistic note – look out for this story and more event reports on the Illawarra Flame’s website. Photo: Ironbark Photography

SEPTEMBER

Artwork: Tanya Stubbles

Exhibition

COAL COAST COLLECTIVE

A group of local artists fundraising for CSA 18–20 + 25–27 Sep 10am–4pm Opening Night Fri 18 Sep, 6–8pm At The Imperial

BOARD + CARD GAMES 3, 10 + 17 Sep 9am-12:30pm

New THE STUDIO PROGRAM Drawing + Painting

Days + Evenings + Saturday Sessions thestudioprogram.com.au

collins BOOKSELLERS thirroul

books, games and gifts for all ages

Spring is here and so is an exciting new line-up of events at the South Coast Writers Centre. On Friday, 11 September at Coledale Hall, join Wollongong’s own Lucy Heffernan as she performs her one-woman rock n’ roll monologue, Party Girl, that has graced the stages of the Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals and now returns to the Illawarra for one night only. Acclaimed as “Australia’s own version of Fleabag” (Theatre Thoughts), Party Girl is an intimate, funny, brutal and deeply moving work that speaks (and sings) directly to its audience. Recommended for ages 16+. SCWC will be running a fundraising bar at this event. Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra will be staying open late on Thursday, 24 September for a night of music, poetry and art. There will be a cocktail bar, food truck, poetry by Nathan Mudyi Sentance and live music by Cooee (Kirli Saunders and Mark Chester Harding) and Nicole Smede. In November, the Vintage, Book & Art Bazaar returns! And don’t forget the monthly SCWC Film Club at Coledale Hall, hosted by film expert Graham Thorburn. September’s film will be the 2013 comedy Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, followed by the 2011 Iranian drama A Separation in October.

UPCOMING CREATIVE EVENTS

Shop 5/264 Lawrence Hargrave Drive

www.collinsbooksthirroul.com.au @collinsbooksellersthirroul

September 21

Smart moves for your wallet By Elsa Evers of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot

‘general usage’ but it might be called ‘consumption’ or something similar. You should be looking for a plan with an average usage price below 35c/kWh. For homes with batteries or EVs but limited or no solar, a three-hour free plan could work because you can suck up a huge amount in these three hours and avoid using power in the evening when prices are higher. But beware: supply charges might be higher. Energy light homes Trent from Electrify 2515 installing a Powersenor smart energy device.

Did you notice any changes to your electricity bills after July 1? Some people’s prices came down but daily supply charges also went up. Which one happened for you, and what can you do about it? Energy hungry homes

If you use a lot of energy (that is, you’re a large family, have a pool or EVs), pick a plan with a low usage price. On my bill, the usage price is listed as

Yours is the home with one or two people in it. You only use the air-conditioning on the hottest and coldest days of the year, and if you have an EV, you plug it in during the day when you’re generating solar. Look for an electricity plan with a low daily supply charge. That is, less than $1.20 a day. Better understand your home

Over 300 participants in the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot have received a free smart energy device to track their usage. If you’ve applied for the pilot but haven’t yet sorted and accepted your quotes, get in quick! You’ll need to request and accept your quotes by 30 September to be eligible for subsidies and the free smart energy device. Call 4216 6032 for guidance from the local Electrify 2515 team.

Find the best electricity plan By Denise Aubourg of Electrify Illawarra

A good plan depends very much on how your household uses and produces energy. If you have gas for hot water or cooking, you’re paying supply charges for both gas and electricity, with less flexibility to take advantage of cheap or free electricity. A plan with a low daily supply charge and low usage rate may be the best option. For households with electric appliances and rooftop solar, the priority is to use your own solar power during the day. A good solar feed-in tariff can also help. Single-rate plans may be preferable to avoid higher evening peak rates. Add a home battery and/or electric vehicle (EV) and things change again. A battery can charge when electricity is cheap or when your solar is producing, then supply power during expensive evening periods. Look for a low daily charge, a good feed-in tariff and access to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). EV plans can also offer attractive charging rates between midnight and 6am. 22 news

What about Solar Sharer plans?

Three hours of free electricity sounds fantastic, but the amount of money you actually save will depend on how much electricity you can shift into those hours. Try to schedule hot water, EV charging, baking or your main meal between 11am and 2pm. Some Solar Sharer plans have higher daily supply charges and significantly higher rates outside the free period. If most of your electricity use occurs in the morning and evening, the free hours may not compensate for these higher costs. Also check whether your hot water is on the general circuit or Controlled Load, and whether the Solar Sharer plan includes it. The key message is simple: don’t choose an electricity plan based on one attractive feature, look at your whole household energy use and compare the total annual cost. Use www.energymadeeasy.gov.au for help to compare energy plans

ADVERTISEMENT

Photo credit: Destination NSW

HERE TO HELP MARYANNE STUART MP

MEMBER FOR HEATHCOTE (02) 9548 0144

Heathcote@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Shops 1 & 2, 17 - 23 Station Street Engadine /MaryanneStuartHeathcote

PO Box 183, Engadine NSW 2233

@Maryanne_Stuart

maryanne.stuart_heathcote

AUTHORISED BY MARYANNE STUART MP, SHOPS 1 & 2 17 - 23 STATION STREET ENGADINE NSW 2233. FUNDED USING PARLIAMENTARY ENTITLEMENTS.

September 23

Brick Fair helps Lions’ charity work By Lauren Martin of Helensburgh Lions Club

Above: Brick Fair organiser Keith Hawkins, sponsors Chris and Ron Kissell from Ray White and Helensburgh Lion Lauren Martin with winners from the Brick Fair colouring competition.

There were plenty of ‘oohs’, ‘aahs’ and exclamations of delight from the young, and young-at-heart attendees of this year’s Helensburgh Lion’s Club Brick Fair on Sunday 9 August at Tradies Helensburgh. The event featured amazing displays, rare and vintage Lego and even a Helensburgh Country Fair themed Lego build!

Bird of the Month By Ewan Auld

24 clubs & community

“It’s always a delight to bring this event to the community,” Helensburgh Lions Club President, Rod Peppernell said. “We want to thank Keith Hawkins for his continued coordination of this much-loved event.” Sponsored by Peabody’s Metropolitan Mine, Ron and Chris Kissell of Ray White Real Estate and Helensburgh Tradies, the proceeds from the Brick Fair are being donated to charitable causes. “This year we are donating funds to 2508 Salvos to assist locals in need,” Rod said. “We will also contribute funding to help with the costs of the Christmas Carols in the Park, which is put on by the combined churches of Helensburgh. And after reading the article in The Illawarra Flame about the late Glenn Fahey, we will be donating to the Targeted Cancer Research Team at the University of Wollongong.” The club isn’t resting on its laurels. Plans are underway to bless the residents of Kennett Home in Stanwell Park with Father’s Day gift bags, and host the much-loved annual Helensburgh Country Fair on Saturday, 24 October. “Events like the Fair are embedded into the culture and fabric of Australian communities,” Rod said. “The Helensburgh Lion’s Club is looking for passionate locals to give just a few hours of their time every now and then to assist with our initiatives. It’s fun and it’s not onerous. Get in touch with us to find out more.” The Helensburgh Lion’s Club is an important part of the local community. Join us: info.helensburghlions@gmail.com

Scarlet Honeyeater (Myzomela sanguinolenta) Also known as the Scarlet Myzomela, this tiny bird is the smallest species of honeyeater in Australia! The males display a vibrant red colouration on the upper body, and the females have a more dusky-brown plumage. They occur all along the east coast of Australia and are relatively common in the Illawarra where they can be seen darting between flowering plants in native bushland or suburban backyards. Although they can be seen year-round, they are often easier to see over the spring and summer months when most plant species are in full bloom. I photographed this male in Stanwell Park a few summers ago when the callistemons in our front yard were flowering.

eat

dance celebrate

t p e S Sat 26 m p 6 m a 11 D

CB g n o g n o l Wol untry w On Dhara

al Co

Accessible Event

WCC©5010468.26

Supported by

wollongong.nsw.gov.au/culture-mix

Media Partner

Call to save the Con By Genevieve Swart

A cut to the arts has been met with a poem and a petition, both created by a mother of two students at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. Leina Wang launched her petition “Save the heart of the Con: Restore community music leadership” in July. At press time, Leina’s call to reinstate five “beloved teachers” and resolve other problems had almost 1700 signatures, including the co-founder of the Con’s early childhood music programs and 2025’s Citizen of the Year. “I am a concerned parent whose children have benefited enormously from the Conservatorium’s community music programs over many years,” Leina said. To show the value of music education, she penned a poem, titled “Since When Has the Con Changed?” In it, she writes: “The heart of the Con has never been steel. Not budgets. Not instruments. Not what we can feel. Its heart is its people, its teachers, its care, Its community spirit that everyone shares. We are the heart of the Con. The families. The children. The volunteers. The generations who grew up here.” Founded in 1972, and based at historic Gleniffer Brae since the 80s, the Con has launched countless careers. Former students include rising star concert violinist Anna da Silva Chen and Richard Tognetti, artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. The organisation is also known for supporting initiatives such as January’s HONK! Oz Festival of Street Music. News of the Con changes dropped into parents’ inboxes on July 16, days before term 3 began. The email said: “Five staff members have elected to take redundancy: Janet Andrews, David Rooney, Nigel Jones, Jack Mao and Anamaria Gomez.” Amid tough times in funding for many sectors

of the arts, WollCon CEO Annette Brown has since acknowledged the petition and “the passion behind it”. In a statement, she said: “Community music programs at WollCon have not been shut down. Our programs are continuing, our students remain our priority, and we are focused on keeping music education accessible across the Illawarra.” 2025’s Wollongong Citizen of the Year, Malika Reese, is among those who have signed the petition. Malika has been associated with WollCon for 15 years, as a music teacher and a parent who’s watched her three children thrive in its programs. Praising the “dedicated” Janet Andrews and band leader David Rooney for giving “above and beyond”, Malika said the educators who’ve been let go have “over 100 years collectively of music teaching experience” and will be much missed. “It seems absolutely tragic to not keep supporting them in order to save what – to save some money?” she said. “I would love to see those teachers reinstated, and I would like to see the Con appreciate that community is far more important, and not run the Con like it’s a business. That’s the con.” Now in her 90s, Vanessa Woodhill is a retired professional oboist and recorder player whose 60-year career included being inaugural director of Goulburn Regional Conservatorium. She signed the petition, concerned by “a loss of institutional knowledge and expertise that is often difficult to replace”. Vanessa said: “As a former founder of the Early Childhood Music Program (ChiME and Transition), I am particularly shocked by the loss of Janet Andrews, who has an incredible reputation among parents and educators. “Yes, in the end the CEO and the Board are entrusted with making the final decisions, but these decisions must be informed, transparent, and reflect community needs.”

L to R: Vanessa Woodhill with Con students in 1988. Leina Wang's children have thrived as part of WollCon. Photo supplied

26 arts & culture

Lord Mayor Tania Brown, MPs Paul Scully and Alison Byrnes met Chris Hemsworth on set

Music & Tea at Wollongong Art Gallery

ENTRY FREE! Donation appreciated.

THUR 8 OCT 11 AM

a

PERCUSSION

Hemsworth film boosts industry

odyssey

By Marcus Craft

Chris Hemsworth’s Extraction 3 has wrapped three weeks of filming in the Illawarra as the area cements its reputation as a top-level location for international movie productions. Hemsworth, Idris Elba and the production’s crew spent almost a month filming the third instalment of the successful Netflix action franchise, with helicopter chases and gunfights among scenes shot in Port Kembla and beyond. “It’s so exciting to have one of the biggest films in Australia filmed in our backyard,” said Screen Illawarra chair Nick Bolton. The positive knock-on effects of such a production are felt throughout the community, Nick says. “That’s one of the reasons Screen Illawarra works with Invest Wollongong, the economic development arm of Wollongong City Council, because of the injection of cash [to the Illawarra from such film productions] and the multiplier effect is wonderful. “There are also other softer benefits as well: there’s so much buzz, everybody’s pleased to see these superstars in town. And when the film comes out, there’s Port Kembla, and you spot these locations on your TV and you have that sort of communal pride, which is lovely.” So, how much money did the production spend in the Illawarra? “I don’t have an actual number, but I’ve seen the first two films and they’re probably $100 million movies, and cast and crew have been here for three weeks. “So, you’ve got hundreds of cast and crew staying in the hotels and being fed. They’ve got all the businesses benefitting from supplying their services to the film, whether that’s minibuses, ports cabins, scaffolding, chippies, sparkies, all that sort of stuff.” Nick thanked local MPs and Wollongong Council for working with Netflix to help to bring films here. The next production to film locally will be ABC’s documentary series, The Piano.

EMERGING ARTIST CONCERT SERIES Grace Lee marimba

MichaeldeMacedonia Huy piano & Songs from our Homeland

composition

Eva Bogoevska & Violetta Shopova violin Gracie Francis piano

SERVIC ING SYDNEY AND TH ILLAWA E RRA

Boutique law firm specialising in all areas of Wills & Estates

WILLS & ESTATES

ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

ESTATE PLANNING

Try our free bespoke estate planning tool at:

www.asquithlegal.com.au

EMAIL: info@asquithlegal.com.au WRITE TO: PO Box 3048, Austinmer NSW VISIT: WorkLife Coledale, 741-743 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale – by appointment

02 4208 0403 September 27

Fire and Rescue needs you By Genevieve Swart

If you’re fit and strong, have free hours in your day and live within cooee of Station 442, the crew at Scarborough Fire and Rescue need you. “We’re supposed to have 12 crew, but we’ve only got 10 at the moment, so we’re recruiting,” said Captain Peter Carroll. “We’re looking for anybody with daytime availability.” Unlike Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers, NSW Fire and Rescue on-call firefighters are paid, but rewards also come in serving your community and tackling diverse challenges. “That’s a good thing about being a firefighter,” Peter said. “No one job’s the same.” One day may involve resetting a fire alarm, the next, car accidents, house fires or a pet bird stuck in the tree. “We’ve had a few over the years,” Peter said. “They get stuck up the tree, their wings have been clipped and they can’t fly.” A resident of Wombarra with a 500m commute to Scarborough Fire Station, Peter Carroll has served his community as a firefighter for 35 years

and as captain for the past seven years. He’s put out plenty of house fires, and comforted people when they’ve lost their home. “It’s about helping people on their worst day,” Peter said. “And obviously working with the crew there. We’ve got a fantastic bunch of firefighters.” Training and pay

On-call firefighter training includes everything from first aid to a medium rigid licence upgrade and land rescue qualifications. On-call firefighting can lead to a permanent career with FRNSW. The base retainer rate is $89.75 per fortnight, plus $20.09 RTAS (Retained Telephone Alerting System Allowance). The call-out rate is $38 per hour during the first six months of probation. The number of call-outs involved depends on the community (Scarborough turned out 55 times last financial year) and a firefighter’s availability. Find out more at www.fire.nsw.gov.au

Join new Environment Network By Phebe Fidge

We are more powerful together than we are apart, which is why one Illawarra youth has made it his mission to connect the many branches of this evolving movement and facilitate cross-pollination across a centralised Illawarra Environment Network (IEN). The founder is Luke Gelder, an environmental law graduate, known for volunteer roles at Good for the Gong, the Tomorrow Movement and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. In addition to his environmental expertise, Luke is a mythology and history buff, which inspired the IEN’s logo: “It’s based on the Norse mythological tree called yggdrasil, which is the world tree. The world tree is meant to hold all the nine realms of the universe 28 clubs & community

together. The aim of the Illawarra Environment Network is to hold all the different environmental groups in the Illawarra together in one place.” Visit www.illawarraenvironmentnetwork.com

What’s On

Submit events at theillawarraflame.com.au Defibrillator grants

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, and every minute without defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of survival. Sports clubs have until 7 October apply for up to $3000 via the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program. “Participation in sport and active recreation continues to grow across the Heathcote electorate, and that means our facilities must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to serious incidents,” said Maryanne Stuart MP. “I urge our local sporting organisations to apply.” Go to www.nsw.gov.au The Bombie Bar Fri 4 Sept Simon Kinney Lewis at Coledale RSL North Illawarra Probus Club Meeting Tue 8 Sept North Illawarra Probus Club meets at

Woonona Bulli RSL at 10.30am and welcomes like-minded semi-retired & retirees, to connect, listen to interesting guest speakers and enjoy a range of social activities. The September guest speaker is Greg Dombkins – “The Camino de Santiago – The Pilgrims Walk”. For more, chat to Shelley Tough on 0418 218 959. 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. 7 Sept Outback Brazil, Roy Lawrie 14 Sept Agricultural Consulting-Living and Working Overseas; Challenges/Rewards, Joe Lane.

Audition for panto By Lauren Mitsak

The audition dates for the panto written by Cameron Sharp and entitled Save the Moon: A Cheesy Pantomime are: Sunday, September 6 at 2pm and Thursday, September 17 at 7:30pm at the Stanwell Park CWA Hall. There are plenty of parts for adults and children. Our multi-talented director/musical director Rod Lander will be there for both auditions and the first rehearsal and then will depart for Portugal where he will be singing with a Sydney choir. Eric Alexander, also a seasoned director is stepping in to co-direct, and he will be ably assisted by our wonderful pianist Catherine Rostrum. Join SPAT Singers

The singers are once again in full swing and enjoying all the lovely new songs that Lindy Sharp brings every Friday night. We meet every Friday evening at 7:30 pm at the Stanwell Park CWA hall. SPAT Film Society

The final film for this year will be screened in October. See you there. Visit www.spat.org.au

ENTER THE DRAW ON THE DAY TO WIN

SYMBIO WILDLIFE PARK FAMILY SEASON PASS

Donated by Raine & Horne Helensburgh

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 2 Sept Sally Stevenson: What’s happening in Gaza? 9 Sept David Lamb: Permaculture and beyond 16 Sept Catherine Philips: U3A Drama Group

EXPLORE THE TRUCKS

AND DISCUSS YOUR PLAN

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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. New members welcome. Enquiries Carol 0432 385 524 or email probushelensburgh@gmail.com.

10AM - 2PM SATURDAY

10AM -192PM SATURDAY SEPTEMBER

19 SEPTEMBER SAUSAGE SIZZLE FROM 11AM

SAUSAGE SIZZLE FROM 11AM 185A PARKES STREET, HELENSBURGH

September 29

Be alert as gulls gather By Genevieve Swart Thousands of silver gulls are heading to Big Island for breeding season. Petrels, shearwaters, ibis, little penguins, pelicans and terns too. But this spring, amid the annual explosion of new life in the Five Islands Nature Reserve, there’s a risk it could become the epicentre of a local outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza. Predicting bird flu’s arrival is “a waiting game”, said Dr Bethany Hoye, a senior lecturer studying wildlife-microbe interactions at University of Wollongong. “It all depends when some infected bird gets into a dense breeding population.” The H5 strain has caused mass mortalities in poultry and wild birds overseas, but taken about four years to reach Australia. There is no effective treatment and Lake Illawarra’s iconic black swans among the local species most vulnerable.“There’s a bit of disbelief in the community,” Bethany said. “Is it really going to come, and will we really see lots of birds die? I guess that’s something that we probably do need to get used to the idea of.” WA logged the nation’s first case of H5 bird flu on 19 June. By 19 August, Australia had 251 confirmed detections in wild birds, including two greater crested terns on the South Coast. These terns breed on the Five Islands, albeit in smaller numbers than silver gulls. “Late August, early September” is the peak time for the birds to gather and lay eggs, Bethany said. Silver gulls, which can fly up to 70k’s an hour, cover big distances. “We’ve tracked birds flying from the Melbourne area, across the Snowy Mountains, quick little stopover at Lake Jindabyne, and again at Lake George, before coming to the Illawarra, 650km in a day or so, with some rests on the way.”

Bethany has led long-term research on silver gulls – aka seagulls – at the Five Islands. For our beloved chip thieves of beachside cafe legend, and many other wild species, vaccination is impractical. “For the silver gulls, at its peak, there were 50,000 breeding on Big Island – and that’s just Big Island, and that’s just one species,” Bethany said. “The numbers are huge, and they’re probably not going to form an orderly queue in the old David Jones building for vaccination.” Pets at risk

The first sign of H5 for Illawarra residents is likely to be dead birds washing up on the coast. People are warned not to touch sick birds or carcasses but to report them to Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. While the chance of infection in people is low, dogs, cats and pet birds may be at risk, particularly in backyards below the flyway between the Five Islands and rubbish tips at Kembla Grange. Eventually, when there are large case numbers, it may come to a pet lockdown. “There will be a time when that’s necessary,” Bethany said. “The gulls fly in a really fixed flight path between the Five Islands and the tip through September till December-ish, and so they’re passing over houses in that space, dropping droppings the whole time. If you’ve got backyard chickens, as many of my neighbours do, really pay attention to the local situation.” Consider keeping poultry inside during an outbreak. “Keep an extra close eye on each of your birds so that you’re aware of any changes in them that can be dealt with rapidly, rather than getting to the point that it’s spread through your whole flock.” ‘Unique in my lifetime’

Across her 20-year career, Bethany has not seen anything like the wildlife devastation wrought by H5. For her PhD, she worked in the Netherlands on ancestral versions of the virus, which caused outbreaks among swans. But these were localised and contained. Now it’s not only birds, but seals, which roost on Martin Island, and marine mammals such as dolphins that could succumb. Taking part in October’s Aussie Bird Count will help researchers track the effects of H5, while the UK – where waves have become less deadly – provides a glimmer of hope. “It will be a few rough years probably, but there are some signs that it’s possible to come through on the other side.” Contact the disease hotline: 1800 675 888

30 science & nature

Left: A Musk Lorikeet in an Illawarra Flame Tree. Right: An Orange Thorn shelters a White-browed Scrubwren. Photos: Keith Horton. Below: a male Southern Emu wren. Photo: Ewan Auld

Win bird habitat plants! By Emma Rooksby, coordinator of Growing Illawarra Natives We can all feel the weather warming, and see plants coming into flower. Birds are out and about looking for nests or even producing young. At the same time we’re hearing about bird flu arriving in Australia, and wondering what it means for our avian neighbours. It can seem a bit overwhelming. That’s why Growing Illawarra Natives and The Illawarra Flame are teaming up to boost backyard bird habitat. Growing Illawarra Natives are giving away four native habitat plant packs. To have a chance to win, all you need to do is sign up as a Friend of the Flame (free or $5 a month) before Monday, 13 September. If you’re already a subscriber, don’t worry, your name is already in the draw! Why a plant giveaway? It’s a scary time right now, with bird flu on our doorstep and much uncertainty about its impacts locally. Our options to manage the impacts of bird flu directly are limited, but we can help reduce other pressures on bird populations. For example, If you live in sandstone country around Helensburgh or Darkes Forest, then you may be able to help out the Southern Emu wren (pictured), which is a sandstone specialist that lives mostly on small insects. Creating more habitat for local birds is something that each and every one of us can do. Whether it’s adding more local native plants to your own garden, adding a few plants to a common

area in a multi-dwelling development, growing them on the balcony or yard of your rental, or asking your school, childcare or shopping centre to add local plants, restoring habitat for fauna is one of the most important actions we can each take. And these actions are their own reward, as I can attest after 15 years of habitat gardening. Each plant pack will include Orange Thorn shrubs (Pittosporum multiflorum), which make great habitat for smaller birds such as wrens and thornbills. These small birds need dense, prickly shrubbery to hide from larger, more aggressive birds such as Noisy Miners. Even a verge can be a good place to add habitat, though you may need to work to council guidelines. I talked with Ralph Stadus from the Illawarra Birders, who told me about his street tree experience in Minnamurra. Ralph has a (non-local) paperbark (Melaleuca) tree on his verge for many years, trimmed to avoid overhead powerlines. “Some careful pruning in early years to shape the tree into a flat fan shape and retaining all the lower branches has made it nice and dense. As a result a number of small birds love it both for its flowers and to pick insects off it. Regular visitors are our family of Superb Fairywrens, New Holland Honeyeaters and occasional Yellow Thornbills.” All Friends of the Flame go in the draw to win! Subscribe at www.theillawarraflame.com.au

September 31

Ceoavtuerre f

40 YEARS

of care

By Jennifer Kay, a WIRES Illawarra volunteer

Back row L to R: Hugh Marriott, Ngaire McKinnon, Kay Delaney, Jenny Webster, Jenny Kay. Front row L to R: Jenny Manning, Lorraine Toohey, Carole Campbell, Heather Milroy, Jenny Waldegrave.

WIRES (Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service) has turned 40! That’s 40 years of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy for Australia’s native animals. Beginning in 1985 in response to an injured ibis found in Sydney’s Hyde Park, the organisation was officially launched in Sydney in March 1986. WIRES co-founder Mikla Lewis, who continues to rescue as a volunteer today, reflects on how that rescue of an ibis has brought awareness of Australia’s native wildlife around the world. “It’s hard to believe that, some 40 years ago, there was no organisation in NSW to assist wildlife in distress,” Mikla says. “What began as an idea to address an obvious need, was taken up by a small, dedicated group of people. At first only Sydneybased, it grew rapidly into a statewide organisation. I am immensely proud that WIRES is now a household name throughout Australia.” 32 news

WIRES was built on one guiding principle: heart. Its founding was based on a deep love for Australia’s wildlife and the foresight to recognise that increasing urbanisation, habitat loss and environmental pressures would create growing challenges for native species. From those humble beginnings, WIRES has grown into Australia’s largest wildlife rescue charity dedicated solely to native animals, improving welfare outcomes for more than two million native animals. WIRES now provides 24/7 rescue support, 365 days a year, coordinating thousands of volunteers across NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. It also provides nationwide 24/7 rescue advice and supports rehabilitation projects across all Australian states and territories. WIRES Illawarra, established in 1989, has received more than 6000 calls from the community for native wildlife assistance in the past 12 months.

Below: Heather Milroy, bird coordinator. At right: WIRES founding members then and now – Wayne Jeffs, Mikla Lewis, Valeria Thurlow, Jeff Angel, Michael Kennedy celebrating 40 years of service this year. Photos: Ruth Barbato & WIRES

The current chair, Giuliana Ferrari, who joined the organisation in 2015, reflects on her involvement. “I was hesitant to join at first, having no animal-related qualifications apart from a love of wildlife, but soon realised that the training was not difficult and there are many ways to contribute. “I soon found my passion was possums and gliders, eventually taking up the role of possum coordinator and more recently chair of the Illawarra branch.” As for the future of the organisation, Giuliana says: “Having worked in the education field all of my life, I am passionate about this aspect of our organisation and would like to see further development in this area.” Heather Milroy, bird coordinator and avian trainer, who joined the Illawarra Branch in 1998, says: “What a privilege it is to get so close to

wildlife and to be trusted with nurturing the sick and injured to recovery. “After 28 years I still feel the absolute joy of releasing a bird back into its habitat to see its mate arrive to greet it. There is no greater pleasure than reuniting a chick with its relieved parents and watching them arrive with juicy bugs to feed it. “For the future I hope WIRES can work with vets to provide specialist wildlife hospitals.” Lorraine Toohey, macropod and wombat coordinator, who joined WIRES Illawarra when she retired 28 years ago, says: “I have always loved animals so I joined and have never regretted it. “I have seen highs and lows over this time but have never lost my passion for helping our wildlife. “I started with birds and possums, then became the flying fox coordinator for two years but my heart was always with my beloved kangaroos and wombats. I love caring for these creatures and September 33

helping them get back to being wild and free again. “As for my hopes for the future of WIRES, I would like to see more connection with the branches and the needs of their carers. “I also believe that education of the public and our children is the only way to save what is left of our wildlife.” WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor says the 40th anniversary is both a celebration of the past and a call to action for the future. “The next 40 years will require deeper collaboration between community, corporate partners, researchers and government… If we are to secure a future for our native species, we must work together, with urgency, innovation and heart.” As humans, we are so fortunate to be living alongside Australia’s wonderful and diverse native species, but our wildlife is facing escalating threats from climate-driven disasters, disease, habitat

fragmentation and human impact. Our wildlife is vital to our ecosystems, and small changes in how we live can make a big difference to their survival and the environment. The founding spirit of WIRES endures, even now 40 years on from the organisation’s beginnings. If you care about native wildlife and would like to make a difference to their survival, please consider joining WIRES Illawarra. We are looking for rescuers and carers and welcome new volunteers. See the website www.wires.org.au/ wires-illawarra or email info@wires.org.au for information. Call WIRES national line at 1300 094 737 to report an injured native animal or to seek rescue advice

Long-serving members Hugh Marriot and Lorraine Toohey

34 news

Push for a public transport fix By Matt Dickson

Most people who have used local public transport will agree that it can be difficult, and it’s generally easier to just get in the car and drive. So what’s the issue with public transport in the Illawarra, and why is it so challenging? My name is Matt Dickson, and I will be exploring this question in a series of articles. I’ve lived in Austinmer for 25 years but I grew up in Sydney’s lower north shore. Much of my childhood was spent with my Nana, who lived in Waverley, and under her guidance, public transport became an integral part of my early life. Papa owned a Holden Belmont station wagon with venetian blinds and would sometimes drive us to locations around Sydney’s eastern suburbs, with clouds of cigarette smoke, no seatbelts, and doors occasionally swinging open. Nana didn’t drive, and because Papa spent most of his time avoiding Nana, my two older sisters and I experienced Sydney through a public transport lens. Travelling by bus taught us how to read the form of the city, its landmarks, harbour and topography as we traversed the unique network of ridge roads that followed the routes of the Eora nation. Nana’s reliance on public transport inadvertently taught us how to utilise the system to navigate the urban environment and be independent. By the age of 12, I was regularly travelling alone between Willoughby and Waverley, making three bus changes and a walk through Sydney’s Martin Place. Confidently using public transport gave me a strong sense of autonomy and self-reliance. This experience also gave me a sense of belonging to a broader community beyond family and friends. Sharing the buses and pushing through the crowded streets established a comfortable familiarity with strangers and an understanding of the collective, and how it felt to be a citizen. As a teenager in the 1980s, I found freedom and autonomy in using Sydney bus, rail and ferry network. I got my driver’s licence around the age of 18 but rarely used it. Some friends worked hard to buy cars, but car ownership seemed to be a costly burden with boring administration, stressful maintenance and massive responsibility. Like all young people, I wanted freedom, and I felt that owning a car was the opposite. Public transport took me to work, school, uni, parties, friend’s houses, shops, galleries, museums, cafes, cinemas, pubs – virtually everywhere I wanted to go. While studying architecture at Sydney Uni, I worked as a casual waiter, and my avoidance of car costs enabled me to save for a tour of Europe in 1991. Towards the end of uni, I linked up with Rhiannon Morgan and we continued to

Architect Matt Dickson. Photo: Tyneesha Williams

thrive without a car while living in Glebe, Bondi Junction and Woollahra. Even when Miles was born, we happily continued our reliance on Sydney’s buses and trains with baby in pouch. By rejecting the crippling costs of car ownership while working as lowly paid architecture graduates, we were able to save a deposit for our home in Austinmer, where we moved in 2001. We chose the house for its proximity to Austinmer railway station and Route 90 Austinmer-Wollongong bus terminus. The 90 bus proved to be a reliable arterial service to Wollongong which we continue to use but, apart from the 55 Free City Loop, the rest of the Illawarra’s bus network remained a mystery. The South Coast rail corridor focused on moving workers between Wollongong and Sydney, with trains running reasonably often, but outside of weekday peak periods, the railway was a ghost service that proved so unreliable that we were soon forced to embrace car ownership. Despite the proximity of a station and bus terminus, both our children got their drivers licences as early as possible and joined the Illawarra’s established pattern of car dependency. This was primarily due to their own experiences with the inadequacy of the region’s public transport network, and this is what really initiated my focus on the issue. Nana continued to use Sydney’s public transport network until she was 103 years of age, and died of old age three years later in 2017, still in her own home, fully dressed and ready for business. She left me with high expectations of a city’s obligation to provide quality public transport for its citizens, and I’m confident we can achieve change if we all share and express the same expectations of Wollongong. To get involved in public transport action, email serveorganiselearn@gmail.com

September 35

Have your say in a world-first way September 11 is the cut-off for Wollongong Goals, Genevieve Swart reports

This time three years ago, Wollongong was riven by the offshore wind wars, a debate so toxic it poisoned everything from Facebook forums to friendships. Now new technology by an Australian company could offer a positive way of canvassing opinion about change. Wollongong City Council has partnered with Canva in a pilot program, with residents invited to contribute via a Wollongong Goals website. So could this tool help us tackle difficult subjects, be it wind farms, off-leash beaches or skate parks? “I hope so,” Lord Mayor Tania Brown said. “I think it’s a great new way to engage.” Canva’s Global Goals platform launched in July, about the same time as an inquiry into ‘Impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries in NSW’ delivered its final report, criticising government processes. The Flame asked inquiry chair Mark Banasiak – an Illawarra local and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers’ Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) – if he saw potential in Canva’s technology to improve community consultation. “The evidence we collected doesn’t suggest that lack of access to technology inhibited consultation, rather that the government didn’t undertake the consultation in good faith, decisions were pre-determined and consultation in all its forms was just a tick-a-box exercise,” Mark said. Alex O’Brien, president of Responsible Future Illawarra, an association formed out of multiple Facebook groups opposing offshore wind, said he’d SCAN FOR FULL STORY

Will AUKUS keep us safe? Community leaders and union members had their say

36 news

not heard of Wollongong Goals. “The technology itself is interesting, but whether it actually improves consultation comes down to whether people are genuinely heard and whether their feedback influences decisions,” Alex said. UOW’s Associate Professor Michelle Voyer, co-author of the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s roadmap to improving decision-making about offshore wind, thinks Wollongong Goals is “a great initiative”. She said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing how this initiative develops and, ultimately, how its findings are implemented.” Already the Canva trial has switched the focus from what people don’t want to what they do. “Peace and unity” are top of the list. Submit your vision at wollongonggoals.org

Louis Parnis is the president of the George Cross Falcons Community Centre in Cringila. Last year, Louis founded a regatta in Wollongong Harbour with traditional Maltese wooden clappers cheering on the racing. It’ll be back on September 20, helping to fulfil Louis’ first Wollongong Goal: “I wrote that we should start utilising the water more,” he said. “I said we should start harmony in Australia before we worry about overseas.”

More than 120 people attended 12 August’s Wollongong hearing of the independent, crowdfunded public inquiry into Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. Peter Garrett was the lead commissioner, peace activists staged a ‘die-in’ outside Wollongong Art Gallery and three former Wollongong citizens of year were among 15 speakers. “I want people to take into consideration that Five Islands are an integral part of the Dreaming story of Wadi Wadi people, and that needs protection,” Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson said. Sally Stevenson delivered a powerful analysis of the social costs of a military base, saying women and girls would pay the “silent

Sublime views. Photo: Brad Chilby

Sip and stay: plan to boost tourism By Genevieve Swart

Wollongong has edged a step closer to reviving two scenic cafes and creating a haven for hikers on the new Great Southern Walk. At July 27’s Wollongong City Council meeting, councillors unanimously endorsed a new draft Lookouts Plan of Management (PoM) for Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve. Two key parts of the plan are to permit camping/glamping and offer longer business leases to attract cafe operators. The plan covers two sections of the reserve: • Hopetoun Park (3.5 hectares, gazetted as a park in 1900, home to the former Cliffhanger Cafe and Bulli Lookout) • Lady Fuller Park (2.3 hectares, gazetted as a park in 1925, home to the former Sublime Point Cafe and Sublime Point Lookout). Both areas already have toilets and picnic spots. “These parks are great assets that have been under utilised,” Ward 1 Labor Councillor Richard Martin told the meeting. “This plan enables council to seek [cafe] tenders which will be longer than 12 months, which I think is fantastic. It’ll also be talking about camping in both parks, which is all part of the Great Southern Walk.” Announced five years ago, the Great Southern Walk will link old and new tracks to form a 67km

trail from Sydney, via the Royal National Park coast and Illawarra Escarpment rainforest, ending at Bulli Tops. As part of the project, a new track of sandstone stairs from Bald Hill to Stanwell Park opened in September 2023. Repairs to the popular Sublime Point track are in progress and expected to finish by the end of November. Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve is on Crown Land, managed by WCC and surrounded by bushland managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as part of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Council’s draft Lookouts PoM has been referred to NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure – Crown Lands for review. If approved, a public exhibition will follow. Have your say

Go to lets-talk.wollongong.nsw.gov.au to comment on current projects, including a Grasslands Trial Expansion atWollongong Cemetery. Editor’s note: Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor Warwick Erwin is on leave. NF1 next meets in Helensburgh Community Rooms at 7pm on Wednesday, 9 September

price” of AUKUS, “compounding the already growing epidemic of violence against women”. Malika Reese, said: “My biggest thing is common sense and critical thinking… I mean, don’t we teach our children to use their words and not their fists?” A member of Wollongong Against War And Nukes with children at Port Kembla Public School, Melanie Barnes (pictured at left) won applause for describing the climate crisis as the real danger. Inquiry commissioner Admiral Chris Barrie (R’td), a former Defence Force chief, backed this, saying it was “an existential threat that we are not addressing properly”. Right: Die-in demo. Photo: Melanie Barnes

September 37

Directory Book at theillawarraflame.com.au

Small Business Accountants Pty LtdLtd Small Business Accountants Pty SelfSelf Managed Super FundFund Auditors Managed Super Auditors

Tax Returns Tax ReturnsGST/BAS GST/BAS

Personal Personal

SMSF Audit SMSF Audit

Company Company JP Services JP Services Sole Trader Sole TraderSetup Setup Partnership Business Advice Partnership Business SMSF Tax Consulting Advice TrustSMSF

Trust

9 Walker Street HELENSBURGH Office: 02 4294 4462 Kerri: 0415 117 804 John: 0418 162 999 bizacct@bigpond.net.au

THE ILLAWARRA

September 2026

Keeping community news alive

Called to care

Volunteers mark 40 years of WIRES

Local directory ads are $79 per month Book your ad via theillawarraflame.com.au or call 0432 612 168

Free to 11,000 letterboxes / www.theillawarraflame.com.au

Specialising in quality custom builds and inspired spaces from concept to completion. RENOVATIONS + ADDITIONS BATHROOMS + KITCHENS DECKS + PERGOLAS DESIGN & CONSTRUCT Call us today to discuss your next project.

Leon Hahipene leon@ebopbuilding.com.au Ebop Building Pty Ltd

AIR CON

100% LOCAL

0418wilcockairelectric@bigpond.com 660 835

Harry Wilcock Air Conditioning & Electrical New Systems Supplied • All Brands Installed SPLIT SYSTEM SPECIALIST | LIC#210923C | L006256 | AU03162

0449 149 779 ebopbuilding.com.au LIC. 269452C

RAY SHAW 0432 633 679 Specialising in bathroom renovations and detailed carpentry.

est. 2010

AUTOMOTIVE

Helensburgh Car Services

4294 2930 Tune & Service • E Safety Checks • All Makes & Models LPG Rego Checks • Blue Slips (LN. MVRL 17877)

Peter Cox (Proprietor) // 187 Parkes St Helensburgh 2508 38 local directory

BRAD MCNALLY

Carpenter/Joiner • Reconstruction • Decks Home maintenance & small plastering jobs

0418 430 901

L/N: 870C

Email: bmcnallycarpentry@bigpond.com

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

ACCOUNTING

Registered TaxTax Agent Registered Agent

Advertise here!

LIC. 370003C

LOCAL

Lic No 477649C

CONCRETING

0409 326 050

scwilson161@live.com

Lic 15885C

BUILDING

Kitchens Laundries Bathrooms & Vanities Timber Top TV Units & Home Offices Alfresco Kitchens Solid Timber Furniture pcakitchensandjoinery.com.au info@pcakitchensandjoinery.com.au

Warwick Erwin JP

0419 413 935

warwick@stts.com.au

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Lic no 349364C PEST MANAGEMENT Lic# 7001

UPGRADE YOUR HOME Carpentry & Building Works - Home Maintenance - Roof Repairs

0420 819 037

TERMITE & PEST SPECIALIST

Termite Treatments & Inspections General Pest Treatments • Cockroaches • Spiders Ants • All Pests • Fully Licenced and Insured

Call: 0420 480 036 pestfix.com.au SERVING THIRROUL TO CLIFTON

Property Solutions

ABN 42 650 568 437

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH ......? • Minor repairs around house or garden, • Trimming vegetation or bushes off paths, • Access and safety in the home or garden, • Other jobs as needed.

Retaining Walls • Pergolas • Decking Paving • Landscaping Lic: 151773C Complete Makeovers

Contact Ross on 0459 910 102 Email - wavesross@iinet.net.au

Call Daniel: 0422 503 193

Specialists in all aspects of

PEST MANAGEMENT

0414 924 411

mahlerbuilding.com.au

28 YEARS INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Lic No. 15-003682-004

Wayne Teal 0408 776 099

Specialist in the management and control of Pests, Termites and Bird Management Solutions

PH: 4294 4777 E: alloverpest@bigpond.com September 39

DOMESTIC

2515’s Home Handyman -Ross

Lic No 311958C

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

» Sales » Service » Support » Microsoft Partner

COMPUTING

Stanwell Tops Technical Services

Home and Small Business IT

Lic No 204793C

DOMESTIC

Roofing S T Guttering E Leaf Guards I N QUOTES 0490 010 687 FREE

M: 0422 563 631

DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL LEVEL 2 ASP

ljelectrical.com.au Lic No. 162577C

www.southsidestumpgrinding.com.au

Call / text Luke 0413 655 655

all stumps removed yucca & bamboo removal Local and owner operated

GARDENING

ELECTRICAL

Who are we?

DAE

the future! DAEelectrIcal 0451 657 928 GARDENING

AJW LANDSCAPING YOUR YARD, YOUR WAY

Walls, paving, paths, drainage, maintenance & more Locally based » Call or text for free quotes

Alex Watts 0455 211 820

Email: AJW_Landscaping@outlook.com Member of The Landscape Association | Lic. No. 478630C 40 local directory

All tree pruning & removal, hedge trimming, clearing & stump grinding. Fully qualified & insured.

0408 389 829 • dalmerstrees@gmail.com

JEWELLERY

Engagement • Wedding • Eternity & Dress Rings • Repairs • Remodelling

Lic# 267636C

0410 636 847 www.jpowelljewellery.com.au Room No 16, 3rd floor, 428 George Street, Sydney PO Box 57 Helensburgh NSW 2508

HR & LEGAL SERVICES

ph 0439 623 286 or 02 4294 4915 PO Box 182, Helensburgh NSW 2508

www.integrityconveyancing.com.au kylietheconveyancer@integrityconveyancing.com.au Licence No 05001133

HIGH QUALITY, PROFESSIONAL WORKMANSHIP AT EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE PRICES.

PAINTING

Incorporating Bensons Conveyancing Service

Call the Painter & Co for an obligation free quote.

0424 828 566 // thepainter.co@hotmail.com

CONVEYANCING

LICENSED PROPERTY CONVEYANCER 0458 513 154 PO Box 168, Helensburgh NSW 2508 julie@juliewestconveyancing.com.au

KNOX LOCKS

COMPLETE LOCKSMITH SERVICE

We also supply and fit security doors and screens

Martin Matheson Master Lic No 407 424 921

24 Hr Mobile Phone:

0418 686 800

fortknoxlocks@bigpond.com

MEMBER OF MASTER LOCKSMITHS ASSOCIATION

Feeding, Walking & Other Services Available

Call Karen 0419 432 482

kpetcare@tpg.com.au pets@karenspetcareservice.com.au

MEDIA

0418 262 925 September 41

PET CARE

LOCKSMITHS

FORT

Surf club season starts soon By Christine McDonald

Lic No 212622C

YOUR LOCAL HOT WATER SPECIALIST ELECTRIC, SOLAR & GAS

• Sales • Service • Installation

0422 533 046

All Brands • Free Quotes 24hr Emergency Service srmplumbing.com.au

David Wagstaff

PLUMBING

Plumbing and Drainage • General plumbing • Specialising in storm water construction • Sub divisions and easements • Domestic drainage problems • Mini excavator hire also available

free quotes

CALL NOW 0417 677 345

e: davidwagstaffdrainage@gmail.com

LICENCE NO. 8987C

Australia Wide Hot Water Christian Bussa 0423 162 334 australiawidehotwater.com.au

Lic no: 127649

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

FREE TOinSWIM” CLASSES Learn“LEARN to stay safe the water at the: Swimming lessons for all ages BEACH children, adults and families of refugees ROCK POOLS and asylum seekers in the Illawarra area.

HOME POOLS

Learn to RIVERS, stay safe in the water&atDAMS the: CREEKS BEACH ROCK POOLS HOME POOLS RIVERS, CREEKS & DAMS

SPORT

▶ Your go-to experts for all things hot water ▶ 10 years of experience ▶ Efficient and cost-effective hot water systems ▶ Same day hot water replacement & free same day quotes ▶ We will beat any written quote for hot water systems by 10%

Registrations are now open at HelensburghStanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club, with the club preparing to welcome back members, volunteers and Nippers, as well as plenty of new faces for the season ahead. The club is a welcoming place for all ages and abilities, whether you’re looking to get involved in surf lifesaving, join Nippers, FREE “LEARN SWIM” CLASSES volunteer, or simplyTO be part of the community. Our first patrol for the season will be on Sunday, 27 September, with Nippers kicking off on Sunday, 18 October. Nippers proficiency sessions will be held at Helensburgh Pool on Saturday, 26 September FREE “LEARN TO SWIM” CLASSES and Sunday, 11 October. We’re also pleased to welcome John Clingan as our new club president and Sarah Nash as our new Nippers secretary. We look forward to the energy and commitment they will bring to the season. Register via the HelensburghStanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club website.

Text or Call Peter - 0424 199 299 Swimming lessons for all ages children, and families refugees Text or adults Call Peter - 0424of199 299 and asylum seekers in the Illawarra area. Learn to stay safe in the water at the:

0414 533 374

ABN 67 661625 903 Email: tmsroofing.reception@outlook.com

42 local directory

BEACH ROCK POOLS HOME POOLS RIVERS, CREEKS & DAMS

Text or Call Peter - 0424 199 299

TRAVEL

TMS Roofing Contractors Pty Ltd Tile – Metal – Slate

Photos: Ross McLean, Anthony Warry

Thunderstorm 101 Part 4 by Ross McLean

The common dangers, facts and fiction associated with thunderstorms are myriad. Thunderstorm dangers

• Line squalls from sides of thunderstorms. • Micro-bursts from sides and especially the rear of thunderstorms. (Gusts can be in excess of 160km/h. • Lightning can strike up to 37km from the face of a thunderstorm. • Dangerous hail from supercell thunderstorms. • Tornados and/or waterspouts from supercell thunderstorms. Thunderstorm facts

• Thunderstorms can be 26km in diameter. • Thunderstorms directly affect you for a minimum of 20-30 minutes unless they form into clusters or supercells. • Thunderstorms travel at up to 60km/h. • Thunderstorms can be as high as 12.5km and occasionally higher. Lightning myths and facts

MYTH – If it is not raining, there is no danger from lightning. FACT – Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 37km, from the face of a thunderstorm. MYTH – The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires of cars will protect you from lightning. FACT – Soles of shoes and rubber tyres offer no protection, but the steel frame of a hard-top vehicle provides increased protection, as does the cabin of your boat, if you do not touch the metal. MYTH – People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and must not be touched. FACT – Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and must be attended to immediately. MYTH – Heat lightning occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat or danger. FACT – What is referred to as heat lightning is from a thunderstorm that is too far away for thunder to be heard or the storm to be seen clearly. However, it could be moving towards you, or in the next valley in mountainous areas.

MYTH – You can always see a thunderstorm coming. FACT – In mountainous regions, the thunderstorm may be obscured by an adjacent ridge or forming immediately above you. Cautionary tale no. 1

Seven spectators were struck by lightning at a PGA Golf event in the US, one of whom died. The thunderstorm was 37km away and the top of the thunderstorm could only just be seen beyond low hills on the horizon. Cautionary tale no. 2

A thunderstorm formed above the author while on Sydney Harbour in a charter boat and the storm travelled north-east from Bradley’s Head. The mammatus formation (pictured above) gave it away. Within 20 minutes, lightning was seen in the cloud above, so it was back to the barn for us. Who’s most likely to be struck?

Golfers top the list every year at 10 on the lightning strike scale. Next, we have sailors (outdoor water sports) and hikers/bushwalkers; rock climbers; mountaineers, who are at about six on the lightning strike scale. Lastly, everyone else, you and me going about our daily activities, are at one. Correction: Last month’s article omitted a subhead for “Pyro Thunderstorms”, which are created by the rising air from fires. Apologies to readers, who can enjoy Ross’s full article at on our website – search for “Big bang theory”.

September 43

Cyclist tackles desert challenge By Patrick Breen

A Helensburgh cycling fanatic will soon be two-wheeling 500 kilometres across the Simpson Desert in September to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Scott Reynolds is taking on the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge, covering outback sands from Purni Bore, South Australia to Birdsville, Queensland for five days from September 29 to October 3. Riders collect donations to keep the RFDS in the air. Scott races at state and national levels, and joining him on the journey is wife Rachel Reynolds and their young son who will be in charge of the support car, carrying all camping equipment and supplies over the five days. For Scott and Rachel, the chance to support the RFDS doing something they love is a no-brainer. Rachel is a physio who worked with the flying doctors as a part of a graduate role stationed in Broken Hill. She saw first-hand the difference the service makes for rural communities, in emergency care and access to general medical services. “We ran clinics alongside their outpatient services… so they’ll take a dentist, a physio and nurses that work with the mental health side of things,” Rachel says. “We’d go out and run clinics in little towns and follow up with patients.” The RFDS reached more than 333,000 people through emergency retrieval and health care in 2025 and held more than 24,000 medical clinics like the ones Rachel was a part of, but the flying doctors require greater funding to address the gaps in primary healthcare for rural communities.

Jackson Forbes, Over 35s. Photo: Nick McLaren

Cracker of a day By Ian Pepper Scarborough Boardriders Pointscore No.7 at Sharky’s Beach on 26 July delivered a challenging but memorable day, with the swell building throughout and solid waves testing competitors across every division. A huge congratulations to our Micros and

44 sport & leisure

Scott has raised $3748 so far, eclipsing his goal of $3500. The race is run in 10 stages across five days; morning and night stages are required to avoid riding in 40°C heat. Riders must maintain an average speed of 12km/h in order to stay ahead of the sweep vehicle and ride the full distance. Such a challenge requires a valiant steed, and luckily, Scott’s bike was forged in fire – sort of. He is riding a Surly Ice Cream Truck, a fat bike with 26-inch x 5-inch tyres to help him tackle the desert sand dunes. These bikes are hard to find in Australia, and when Scott finally found one, the shop burned down. Luckily, the bike was one of the few things to survive unharmed, except for a light smoky odour. Search for ‘Scott Reynolds’ at the RFDS website: sant.doyourthing.org.au

Juniors, who took on the increasingly challenging conditions with courage and determination. For spectators, the A Grade and Over 35s divisions were a stand-out, with incredible surfing on display. Congratulations to Fin McLaren, who dominated A Grade, and Ella Campbell, who took out the Open Women’s division. Our Banabae Thirroul voucher winner, Rafe Dorrian, was also recognised for some epic surfing in the micros. Congratulations to all our Headlands Austinmer Beach voucher winners, and a massive thank you to everyone who helped set up, run and pack up the event. Next up is a special one — URBNSURF on Sunday, 13 September. Get ready for another great day of surfing!

Petition kicks goals By Loreto Medina, a South Coast Flame parent and community advocate

What started with shock and uncertainty has ended with a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together. Following an extraordinary response from players, families, coaches and supporters across the Illawarra, Football South Coast has reversed its decision to close South Coast Flame, with the club now set to continue operating as an independent community organisation. In just hours, more than 3200 people signed a petition calling for a fair football development pathway in the Illawarra, while more than 200 people gathered at Ian McLennan Park on Saturday, 8 August to stand together in support of the Flame. But behind those numbers were hundreds of individual voices. Young players spoke about what their club, teammates and coaches meant to them. Parents shared the impact the uncertainty was having on

their children. Coaches, volunteers, former players and supporters added their voices. The strength of that response was also reflected in a survey completed by 364 people in just four days. One U15 player wrote: “It has had a massive negative impact on my well-being and mental health... Now I have the stress of trying to find somewhere else to go and trying to find a new club without our coaches who have developed our self confidence and skill.” Across the survey responses, words such as “devastated”, “heartbroken” and “gutted” appeared more than 100 times. But those stories ultimately became part of something positive as thousands of individual actions became one collective voice. The result is not only that the Flame will continue, but its next chapter will be shaped by the community. South Coast Flame will now move forward as an independent organisation.

Plea for help

of Helensburgh, other commitments on our workdays, health issues, etc. By Merilyn House of Helensburgh Landcare We are putting out a plea for We live in a beautiful area with wonderful bushland more locals to volunteer with surrounding us that we need to protect from removing invasive weeds. We degradation by invasive weeds. Members of work at Wilsons Creek Waterfall, the Old Station/ Helensburgh Landcare have been working in our Glowworm Tunnel site, and our Bushcare is at local area since 1993. We have two goals – to Helensburgh Creek where the Old Mine Doctor’s remove invasive weeds in our area, and to educate Surgery is located. our local residents to recognise invasive plants Visit www.helensburghlandcare.org.au for which are growing in their gardens. membership information, lists of problem weeds We have two Landcare worksites where we on the Be Weed Wise page and a page on volunteer each month, as well as one Bushcare site. our worksites. Over the years a lot of volunteers have come and gone as their life changes, for example, moving out Contact merilyn@helensburghlandcare.org.au September 45

Time

m

Time

m

Time

m

Time

m

0.52 0.17 1.12 0 0.460.30 0107 0501 0430 1.14 0.33 0520 0450 1.120130 0007 0026 0.420231 0033 0438 0.28 1.52 1.41 0.64 1 1.701.38 0710 1023 1048 0.56 1.56 1042 1125 0.650730 0619 0543 1.270845 0641 1110 1.31 0.53 1.53 1754 0.35 1259 1.70 0.43 1.49 1202 0.60 1223 0.47 WE 1801 TH FR FR 1224 TU 1659 TH 1315 SA 1455 MO 1701 TU 1714 TH0.42 WE0.33 SA0 2348 1937 1.15 1.81 0.51 1 1.201.63 1914 2359 2300 0.28 1.43 1814 1924 1.472058 1842 2353 1.65

22 16 10

7 1

7 125 22 16 10

7

0.60 0.17 1.06 0 0.550.27 0138 1.23 0.41 0000 0523 0.420209 0044 0117 0.370303 0117 0527 0.25 17 17 2 0506 2 11 26 11 8 0559 23 23 1133 1205 1.66 1207 1.4881.48 0628 0.7081 0744 1.48 1128 0.47 1.57 0600 1.200812 0657 1.380921 0725 1.41 0.390.36 0.58 0.30 1.46 0 1341 1759 1755 1.78 0.47 1132 1858 0.571404 1251 1312 0.511539 1318 1905 0.40

PORT KEMBLA – NEWChart SOUTH WALES Port Kembla Tidal TU WE

WE TH FR FR SA SU TH FR SA SU 2352 1.30 1758 1.552021 1.76 0.55 1 1952 1.63 1858 2024 1.502139 1930 1.64

LAT 34° 28ʼ S

LONG 150° 54ʼ E

September 2026 12 9 327 24 18 12 9 3 24 18

0041 1.06 1.110.25 1.03 0 0549 0245 0.20 0210 0046Times 0.21 0.49 0.36of 0117 0218 0.320334 0156 0.25 and 0035 Heights High and 0103 Low Waters 0.67 1.53 0.621.57 0.74 1 0819 0646 1225 1.32 1.57 0636 0605 1.290852 0732 0726 1.510957 0806 0628 1.51 1.42 1310 1.61 1.40 1424 0.39 0.50 0.49 1338 0.411622 1408 0.34 OCTOBER NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER FR 1258 SA SU SU 1410 TH 1903 SA 1452 MO MO0 WE 1224 TH 1216 SA0.31 FR0.31 2006 0.62 2024 0.411.60 0.56 1 TIME M M Time1836m TIME M 1.66 TIME M 2032 1850 1.602103 1941m2130 1.512219 2015 Time TimeTIME m 1.82 Time m 1.60 Time Time m 1.08 0332 1.04 0147 1.01 0.27 0 0243 0.27 0.300319 0151 0.300404 0231 0.27 0.17 1.17 0145 0450 0130 0.52 0055 0026 1.12 0327 0430 0.33 04380107 0.46 0207 1.15 0.66 0840 0.76 0704 0.72 1.56 1 0857 1.65 1.380930 0809 1.631031 0845 1.58 1.41 0.57 0654 1125 0730 1.52 0641 0543 0.64 0845 11100710 1.70 0724 0.63 1048 1.56 1400 1.39 1526 1518 1.38 1538 1704 1510 0.42 1424 0.32 1455 0.31 0.33TH1.56 1326 0.53 1224 1.53 1754 0.35 1357 1.67 FR 1325 SA SUMO MO SUFR TUMO TU0 TH 1315 FR 1259 SU0.28 SA0.34 SU1.58 TU 1659 0.43 WE 1801 0.38 2233 0.53 2122 0.61 1.53 1 2115 1.53 1.632144 2025 1.502300 2058 1.53 1.81 0.51 2037 2348 1937 1.15 2024 1924 0.51 2239 23531914 1.20 2109 0.32 2300 1.43

16 10 4

1

9

125 19 1316 10 428 125 19 1316 10

0312 1.00 1.12 0443 1.09 0.35 0317 0.31 0 0.17 1.09 0303 0.31 0227 0.300434 0.270350 0523 0209 0.60 0215 0117 1.06 0448 0321 1.16 0246 0.41 05270138 0.55 5 0748 20 5 20 14 29 14 11 11 26 11 26 0822 0.74 1007 0.63 0958 0.74 17 2 17 2 0506 1009 1.57 0937 1.70 1106 1 0812 1.4820.62 0921 1.63 0847 1.74 1.48 1.48 0628 0.70 0839 0.65 0757 1133 1.57 17 1207 12050744 1.66 1513 1.38 1.60 1627 1.39 0.40 1600 0.28 0 0.30 1.58 1539 0.31 1512 0.251747 0.361624 1858 1404 0.58 1437 1312 1.46 1642 1508 1.60 1422 1755 0.47 19051341 0.39

WE

2352 1.30

TH

FR

SA FR SA SU MOSA SU MO TU MO MO TU WETU WE 0.56 0.33 2325 0.48 1.39 2202 1.43 1 2021 2149 1.76 0.46 1952 2229 2139 1.44 2112 1.472342 1.632224 2024 0.55 2342 2213 0.34 2131

0428 1.05 1.21 0537 1.17 0.44 0356 0.38 0 0.20 1.08 0.250420 0334 0.37 0304 0.320506 0041 0245 1.06 0346 01030210 1.11 0218 1.03 0551 0429 1.22 0348 0.49 6 0908 21 6 21 15 30 15 12 12 27 12 27 0939 0.71 1120 0.56 1106 0.69 18 3 18 3 0549 1045 1.56 1021 1.72 1144 1 0852 1.5330.62 1.57 0957 1.66 0930 1.82 0.67 06280819 0.62 0726 0.74 0957 0.63 0908 1225 1.57 18 0605 1620 1.42 1.63 1725 1.42 0.46 1654 0.31 0 0.31 1.62 0.311711 1622 0.33 1601 0.201833 1258 1452 1.42 1553 13101424 1.61 1410 1.40 1746 1618 1.55 1525 1903 0.50 FR

TH

SA SU SA SU MO TUSU MO TUWE TU TU WE THWE TH 2320 0.50 1.26 22552309 1.32 1.66 0.37 1.602304 2219 2202 2006 2103 0.62 2301 20242032 0.41 2130 0.56 1.35 0.341.41 2221

0520 0007 0.27 1.14 0.27 1.12 0.44 0.28 0.37 0.42 1.17 0147 0319 1.01 0501 0332 0404 1.04 0033 03270243 1.08 05260345 1.30 0443 7 1023 22 22 7 13 28 13 28 13 1042 0.65 0619 1.27 0641 4 0055 19 19 0930 1.5640.56 1.65 1031 1.6641.31 1.86 0641 0.57 19 0704 0.72 0840 0.76 08450857 0.66 11091014 0.58 1020 1714 1202 0.34 1.70 0.28 1.49 0.36 0.47 0.19 0.60 1325 1.56 1400 1538 1.39 1701 1518 1704 1.38 1223 15261510 1.58 17221655 1.51 1627

FR

2024 0.51

SA

SU MO MO TU WE SU MO TU WE WE TH TH FR 1814 1.53 0.28 1.26 1.65 1.33 1.47 2122 2144 0.61 2359 0.53 1842 22392115 0.381.53 2233 2300 23572256 0.34 2305

0000 0044 0.35 1.23 0.31 0.42 0.51 0.25 0.43 0.37 1.09 0312 0350 1.00 0559 0443 0434 1.09 0117 04480317 1.12 06150430 1.41 0530 8 1128 23 23 8 14 14 29 14 29 0600 1.20 0657 1.38 0725 5 0215 20 ©20 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 1009 1.5750.47 1.70 1106 1.6351.41 1.86 10070937 0.63 12141102 0.52 1126 0748 0.62 20 0822 0.74 0958 0.74 1132 0.57 1251 0.40 1.78 0.28 – 1747 0.41 0.40 0.20 0.51 PORT KEMBLA NEW SOUTH WALES 1437 1.58 1513 1624 1.38 1759 1627 1.39 1318 16421600 1.60 18181751 1.47 1725

SA

2149 0.46

FR TH SU MO TU TU WE MO TU WE Datum TH TH FR SA of Predictions is Lowest Astronom 1758 1.50 1.43 1.55 1.18 1.64 2354 1858 1.25 2229 2224 0.56 1.39 23422202 2325 2342 0.48 1930 0.33 2346

LAT 34° 28ʼ S areLONG 54ʼ E time (UTC+1 Times in local150° standard

0.21 0035 0117 0156 0.25 0.44 0.38 0.36 0506 0.58 Low 0520 0.51 0.32 0346 1.08 0428 0420 1.05 0046 05510356 1.21 0537 1.17 0038 0.35 0613 Times and Heights of High and Waters New Moon Moon Phase Symbols 0636 1.29 0732 1.56 1.32 1.72 1.59 1.51 1.82 1.51 0908 0.62 0939 1045 0.71 0646 11201021 0.56 1106 1144 0.69 0806 06591155 1.51 1224 1216 1338 OCTOBER NOVEMBE SEPTEMBER 0.46TU0.39 0.31 0.46FR0.34 0.25SA0.41 1.42 17461654 1.63 1725 1.42 1310 0.45 1818 WE 1224 TH SA FR 1408 TU 1711 WE TH 1833 FR 1853 SU SU 1553 1.62 MO 1620 WE0.49 1941 2304 1.26 1.32 2301 Time 0.37 m 2320 Time 0.50 1850 1908 Time 1.43 m 1.60 m 1.82 2255 Time1836 m 1.60 Time 2015 m 1.51

21 15 9

6

630 24 21 15 9

630 24 21 15

0107 0151 1.12 0.27 0.52 0.17 0.46 0.30 0207 1.15 0.30 1.18 1.14 0.33 0520 0450 1.12 0130 0033 0438 0.28 0007 0026 0.42 0231 01150057 0.37 0026 10 25 25 10 16 16 1 16 1 1 0430 31 0710 1.38 0809 1.63 7 0501 22 22 22 0.6471.58 1048 1110 1.70 0724 0.63 1.5271.41 0617 0.58 1023 0.56 1.56 1042 1125 0.65 0730 0641 1.31 0619 0543 1.27 0845 0739 1.59 0654 1259 1424 1.53 0.31 0.53 0.33 0.35 0.42 1357 1.67 0.32 1.75 1701 1659 1.70 0.43 1714 1801 1.49 1315 1223 1754 0.47 1202 1224 0.60 1455 14001252 0.40 1318

MO

SU SU TU TU WE TH WE TH FR TH FR SA SA SA SU MO 1914 2025 0.51 1.53 1.20 1.63 2109 0.32 1.50 2348 1937 1.15 1.81 0.29 2359 2300 0.28 1.43 1842 2353 1.65 1814 1924 1.47 2058 19542000 1.38 1911

0227 0138 0.60 0.17 1.06 0.31 1.16 0.30 0.55 0.27 1.23 0.41 0000 0523 0.42 0209 0117 0527 0.25 0044 0117 0.37 0303 0149 0321 0.39 0107 11 11 26 26 17 17 2 17 2 0506 2 1.48 1.63 0847 1.74 0744 1.48 8 0559 23 23 8 23 1207 1.488Commonwealth 0628 0.70 0839 0.65 1133 1205 1.66 © Copyright of Australia 2025, Bureau of Meteo 1128 0.47 1.57 0600 1.20 0812 0725 1.41 0657 1.38 0921 0815 1.66 0736 1404 0.30 1539 0.31 1512 0.25 1341 0.36 1.46 AND 1759 1755 1.78 0.47 1132 1858 0.57 0.58 1318 1905 0.40 0.39 1251 1312 0.51TIMES 1445 1508 0.36 1.60 1410

FR of Predictions SU MO MO WE TH TH FR SAis Lowest FR SA SU Tide MO TU Datum Astronomical 2139 2112 1952 1.63 0.55 1.44 0.34 1.47 2352 1.30 1758 1.55 2021 1.76 1930 1.64 1858 2024 1.50 2037 2213 1.33 2004 HEIGHTS OF Times are in local standard time (UTC+10:00) or daylight saving HIGH AND LOW 0245 0210 0334 0304 0041 1.06 0.20 1.11 0.25 1.03 0.37 1.22 0.32 0221 0429 0.43 0046 0549 0.21 0.49 0035 0.36 0156 0103 0.25 0117 0.32 0149 WATERS New0218 Moon First Qua Moon Phase Symbols 0852 0819 0957 0930 0605 0.67 1.53 0.62 1.57 0726 0.74 0.63 1.82 0852 0957 1.70 0646 1225 1.32 1.57 0636 1.29 0806 0628 1.51 0732 1.51 0821 LAT 340 1.66 29’ 1424 1622 0.33 1601 1.42FR0.31 1.61 1.40 1.55 0.34 0.39 0.50 0.49 1408 0.34 1338 0.41 1502 01528 SA 1452 SU MO TU FR 1258 SA 1310 SU 1410 TU 1618 WE TH 1903 MO WE 1224 TH 1216 SA0.31 TU0.20 LONG 150 55’ 2032 2202 0.62 1.66 0.41 1.60 0.56 1.35 0.34 1.41 2118 2309 1.28 1850 1.82 1836 2006 1.60 2103 2015 2024 1.60 1941 2130 1.51 2219 2058 TU WE

9 3

24 18 12

9 327 24 18 12

9 327 24 18

0243 0345 1.01 0.27 1.04 0.44 1.08 0.27 1.30 0.37 0253 0526 0.47 0234 0.17 1.17 0107 0147 0.30 0319 0231 0327 0.27 0151 0332 0.30 0404 13 28 13 28 4 0055 19 19 4 4 19 1.56 0857 1.65 1.66 1014 1.86 10 25 10 0130 25 10 25 0641 0.72 0.76 0845 0.66 1109 0.58 0927 1.72 0908 0730 1.41 0.57 0710 0704 1.38 0930 0845 1.58 0809 0840 1.63 1031 1510 1655 1.39 0.34 1.38 0.36 1.58 0.28 1.51 0.19 1607 1722 0.33 1555 1315 1325 0.33 1.56 1259 1400 0.42 1538 1455 1526 0.31 1424 1518 0.32 1704

SU FR SYMBOLS SA Moon TH PHASE FR New MOON

MO TU SU MO TU WE WE WE TH SA Quarter SUMoon First Full Last Quarter 2115 2256 0.61 1.53 0.53 1.26 0.38 1.53 0.34 1.33 2200 2357 1.24 2154 1937 2024 1.81 0.51 1914 2122 1.63 2144 2058 2239 1.53 2025 2233 1.50 2300

© 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 0317 0.31 0.51 0430 1.09 0312 1.00 0.35 1.09 0448 1.12 1.41 0.43 0303 statutory 0.31 0227in0443 0.30 0434 0326 0615 0.52 0323 0138 0.27 0350 Meteorology0209 gives 0215 no0.17 warranty of any kind whether express, implied, or otherwise respect to the availability, 1009 0937 1.70 1106 1.63 1102 0748 0.62 0744 0822 0.74 of1.57 0958 0.74 1007 0.52 1.86 1.48 0921 1.63 0847 1.74will 1001 1.72 0958 1.48 accuracy,0812 currency, completeness, quality or reliability the information or0.63 that the information be fit for any 1214 particular purpose or will 1.58 notSA infringe third Intellectual rights. The Bureau’s liability forWE any0.41 loss, 1624 0.40 1600 0.28 1747 1751 1.38 1627 1.39 1642 1.60 1.47 1404 0.30 1539 0.31 1512 0.25 1646 0.34 1649 1341 0.36 MOparty TU WE TH SA 1437 SUany1513 TU MOProperty TH 1818 FR FRdamage, SU MO TH0.20 cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded. 2202 2354 1.25 0.56 1.39 0.48 1.18 0.33 1.43 2021 2149 1.76 0.46 1952 2229 2139 2342 1.44 2112 2325 1.47 2342 2241 1.20 2250 1.63 2224

11 5

26 20 14 11 529 26 20 14 11 529 26 20

0356 0520 0346 1.05 0.44 1.17 0.58 1.21 0.38 0.35 0.51 0.20 1.08 0210 0428 0.25 0420 0334 0551 0.37 0304 0537 0.32 0506 0400 0038 0.56 0415 46 sport0245 & leisure

15 15 6 0908 21 630 630 21 1021 1155 121.59 271.82 12 0852 27 21 121.56 271.72 0.71 0.69 1120 0.56 0659 1.51 1.53 0.62 0819 0939 1.57 1045 0957 1.66 0930 1106 1.82 1144 1036 1.69 1050 1654 1853 1.42 0.46 1.42 0.46 1.63 0.31 0.45 0.25 1452 1553 0.31 1.62 1424 1620 0.31 1711 1622 1746 0.33 1601 1725 0.20 1833 1727 1310 0.37 1745 SA

SU SU MO TU MO TU WE TU WE TH 2255 1.32 0.50 1.26 2103 2301 1.66 0.37 2032 2320 1.60 2304 2219 1.35 2202 1.41 0319 0501 0.27 1.14 0243 0520 0.27 1.12

TH

0404 0033 0.44 0.28 0345 0007 0.37 0.42

FR FR FR SA 2322 1908 1.16 1.43 2348

0057 0.37 1.18 0436 0115 0.61 0511

Golf

news

hyslop

Tradies Social Golf Barry Thompson reports

Sixteen members contested the Stroke event, and Craig Murphy topped the field with a 62 off a 23 handicap. This was the second of three rounds of our club championship and Craig strengthened his chances as did Neil Wotton (63) and Dave Astill (64) to fill second and third places respectively. Dave Astill defeated Iain Birss in Match Play and will play Dave Tipping in our September final. Pundits are tipping a Dave victory. Dave Hill won his first prize with the club by taking the Bucket of Balls voucher. The committee found that there was no malicious intent in Presso Terry hitting an innocent duck in the nether regions. It was decided that the incident was due to Terry playing the erratic style of golf(?) he favours. Our next round will be on Saturday, September 12 at Boomerang. We Tee Off at 7am and will play the Stableford format. If you’re interested in joining our group, call our handicapper Mick ‘The Merciless’ Carroll on 0414 734 353 for details. Thank you to our sponsors, Tradies, Coastal Country Meats, Gallardo’s Pizzeria and Helensburgh Driving Range for their support. Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports

The HSSGC Championships concluded on August 16. Morris dancing down the fairways was curtailed by Nathan Lerond carding a 62 to take the top prize of the Christian’s Premium Meats voucher. Dave was second on 65, while Craig Nicoll was third (70) – Dan Murphy’s and Helensburgh Driving Range vouchers for them. Between the tees and the flags Gary Evans, Dave M.(2) Brett Carazzo and Craig collected NTP offerings. C-Grade LD to Shay, A-Grade to Rob Aspromonte and B-Graders wayward all day. Nathan and Blake O’C won two of three D&Ps. Andrew’s presence made a total of three Carters on the day to challenge Gersback numbers which were nowhere to be seen. Indy scored the chips. The HSSGC continues on September 13, October 11 and November 15 (all 8am starts). Thanks to our sponsors Christian’s Premium Meats and Helensburgh Driving Range, call Tony on 0418 863 100 to register attendance and cart requirements on the Tuesday ahead of our next event as well as membership information. Indy signing off: The Practice Tee is a place where golfers look great which immediately contradicts the nasty hooks and wicked slices witnessed on the 1st tee!

Wondering what your property is worth in todays market? Book a complimentary property appraisal. Your Local Real Estate Expert in the 2515 Market David Hyslop - 0417 784 945

ELSIE NEEDS A HOME! Elsie is a friendly, sixyear-old cocker spaniel. ccarpetrehoming@ tpg.com.au Country Companion Animal Rescue

Helensburgh Car Services

4294 2930 Tune & Service • E Safety Checks All Makes & Models LPG Rego Checks • Blue Slips Licence no. MVRL 17877

Child Restraints Fitted Peter Cox (Proprietor) 187 Parkes St Helensburgh 2508 September 47