The Bugle 14 Jan 2023

New owner shares vision for Akuna St

In mid-December, Level 33

Property Developer Group became the new owners of Kiama Council’s Akuna St landholding for $28 million.

Level 33 Director, Eddy Haddad has spoken with The Bugle to share his plans for the prime town centre site, saying they are ready to commence building as soon as approvals are obtained.

“Our funding is readily available to start this immediately,” he says.

While the project is in the early stage of the design process, he has a clear vision of what they want to achieve – and yes, it will include a second supermarket for Kiama.

“We are looking at doing a scheme similar to Merivale’s ivy Precinct in Sydney. We are looking at getting nice cafes during the day, restaurants at night, bars and retail.

“It will be an iconic destination on the South Coast.

“We have already approached a few restaurateurs and pub barons to see who would be interested in having a look at the site, and are looking at bringing some major retailers in through expressions of interest.”

Mr Haddad says that five supermarket operators have expressed interest in being involved, and a formal Expression of Interest campaign will be conducted.

As for the residential component of the development, he says they will all be luxury apartments.

“We are not here to add volume – we are here to create an exclusive development.”

Details of the number of apartments are yet to be finalised by the design process, as is the issue of how much parking will be provided.

The design for the 6000m2 property will be guided by

the requirements of the new Town Centre DCP, which has a special section for the site given its importance.

“We will be having discussions with Council and possibly a workshop with council staff and councillors, as we are keen to engage with the community,” says Mr Haddad.

He is confident that the logistical issues of building and operating on the site can be coordinated by their traffic engineer, and says his family owned developer/builder company is experienced in delivering much larger projects.

“We are well and truly capable of this type of construction,” he says, noting that, while he expects minimal excavation given the sloping site, they have done projects that have dug 20 metres underground.

Current lessees of buildings on the site, including The Collective in the old Mitre 10 building, will continue on as monthly tenants until construction commences.

Earlier in 2023, Level 33 showed its confidence in Kiama market by buying a 1,630m² property in Bourrool Street, to the south of Surf Beach, for $8 million.

“We are looking to build 12-15 high end residential apartments there,” says Mr Haddad.

Memories of meeting Pelé

As millions mourned the death of football icon, Pelé, Jamie Warren of Jamberoo Pub was able to reminisce on the special moment he shared with his idol in 1979, thanks to his uncle, Johnny Warren.

Nine year old Jamie watched on amazed as the legendary Brazilian soccer player taught him and other children various skills including the banana kick - where

you curl the ball with the outside of your foot - and how to dribble, pass and shoot at the Pelé Soccer Camps in New Jersey.

“You could hear a pin drop watching Pelé display all of these skills,” Jamie says.

“At the end of the session, I was standing in a group of people when I turned around and saw Pelé walking towards me. I just looked up in awe.

“I put my hand out to shake his hand and he’s lent forward and put his hands on my cheeks, giving me a warm embrace, and said, ‘are you going to be a good soccer player like me one day?’”

Unknown at the time, a photographer captured the wonderful moment between the two.

“It’s a beautiful photograph. It’s real life, it’s emotion, and

WHAT’S ON

Kiama Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday

Surf Beach or

Kiama Uniting Church, 3-6pm

SENTRAL’S Open Mic

Every Thursday for local youth

SENTRAL Cottages, 5-7pm Life in Colour Exhibition til 21 January

Gerringong Library and Museum Gallery, 10-4pm

Kiama Seaside Market

Sunday 15 January

Black Beach, 9-3pm

Sea Glass Exhibition 16-29 January see right

Vibrant Paintings of Local Scenes Exhibition 20-25 January Old Fire Station, 10-3pm

SENTRAL’s

Summer Sounds Friday 20 January

Hindmarsh Park, 2-5pm

Gerringong Rotary Market Saturday 21 January in and around the Town Hall, 8.30-1.30pm

Australia Day events

Kiama Art Society Annual Exhibition 21-29 January see page 17 Australia Day What’s

The perfect day to put some snags on the barbie and cool off at the beach is right around the corner, with plenty of opportunities this Australia Day to do just that.

Kiama Downs, Werri Beach and Kiama Surf Life Saving Clubs will be having a breakfast barbeque by the beach from 7 am.

Kiama Downs Surf Club is set to have some fun on the sand with many games including a treasure hunt, sand modelling and thong throwing planned.

For those that want to kick back and relax, Werri Beach Surf Club and the Kevin Walsh Oval in Jamberoo (from 8.30 am) will have live music along with other activities.

Kiama Leisure Centre (from 12 pm) and Jamberoo Pool (from 10.30 am) have exciting pool parties planned to include a kids DJ, a petting zoo, cupcakes and inflatable pool toys.

To acknowledge First Australians, an Aboriginal

‘Yarning Circle’ is being held at the Joyce Wheatley Centre (from 11 am), so people can hear tales from local elders.

And of course, Kiama Council will be holding their annual Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony from 9am at Gerringong Town Hall.

Winners of the awards

– Citizen, Young Citizen, Senior Citizen and Community Group of the Year – will be named and citizenship certificates will be awarded to our newest Australians.

Continuing a new tradition, helicopters are also set to fly along the coast towing the Australian and Aborginal flags at 10 am and 3 pm.

In praise of rockpools

Artist Alisa Beak says she is continuing to push her own boundaries with her exhibition, Sea Glass, by capturing the abstract beauty of rock pools using mixed mediums.

“Every visit to an ocean rock pool stimulates a sense of exceptional discovery,” she says.

“It is not easy to describe the effect of sourcing mate-

rial, it can only be strangely deciphered in my mind. It is however, a very tangible and distinct allure.”

There’s

16-29 January, Fern Street Gallery, Gerringong

Road reserve to be sold for housing

Kiama Councillors voted in unison at the December Council Meeting to close a section of road reserve on the western side of Riverside Drive, Kiama Downs, with the view to selling it off for housing.

The move continues Council’s urgent strategy of addressing its financial viability, as required by the Minister for Local Government’s Improvement Order, imposed in November.

The decision to continue with the process to sell the land came despite a strong objection at the previous day’s Public Forum from local resident Thomas Stromer, representing a number of residents in the area concerned about what they saw as the lack of consultancy and transparency in this matter.

The road reserve site is included in Council’s Property Divestment program and the closure proposal was on public exhibition from July 2, 2022 to August 8, 2022.

A total of 18 submissions were received during that period both in support and opposition.

Mr Stromer, whose property backs onto this green reserve on Riverside Drive, says the proposed blocks would be very small, that future home builders would need to build two storeys and this would impact on water views for existing homes.

He also raised issues around the current sewage system and says that if the strip is sold in one lot, a developer may fill it with townhouses.

All councillors acknowl-

edged Mr Stromer’s contribution.

However, Councillor Brown said, “I’m supporting this motion [to close the reserve area] because I’m pleased to be able to provide extra housing for people in Kiama.”

Councillor Rice said that while this is consistent with Kiama’s policy of working on infill, she realised that it may be uncomfortable for neighbours. She said she was worried that there has been poor communication with residents and a number had contacted her over the emergency access planned from Mitchell Place.

“The use of the land needs to be assessed carefully,” she said, “and Council may need to develop this themselves.”

Mayor Neil Reilly said Council has made great efforts to make people aware of this situation and that details of the blocks and emergency access will all be subject to the DA proposal.

by Perrie Croshaw

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Premier supports mystery candidate

While the Premier Dominic Perrottet has expressed his confidence in the Liberal Party claiming back the seat of Kiama from now independent Gareth Ward at the March State Election, no candidate has nominated as yet.

In Nowra to announce major new funding for investigating the Nowra Bypass project, the Premier told a press conference that he expected a candidate to be named soon.

“The Liberal Party is going to win the seat of Kiama,” he said.

Nominations have been open for some months, and no obvious candidate has yet to emerge.

Mike Cains, who ran for the seat of Whitlam in the Federal Election and has been talked about as a prime candidate for Kiama, has confirmed to The Bugle it won’t be him.

“It won’t be me who runs,” he says.

“I gave it deep consideration, but the timing isnt good as I have to fulfill my Nuffield Scholarship commitments in Canada in late March.

“I look forward to offering, whoever the Liberal candidate is, all my assistance and support.”

A former minister, Mr Ward moved to the crossbench in May 2021 after he revealed himself to be the subject of a criminal inquiry into sexual violence allegations.

In May 2022, following an investigation by the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad into the historic alleged sexual abuse of a man and teenage boy, charges of three counts of assault with act of indecency, and one count each of sexual intercourse without consent and common assault were laid.

Jamberoo Heritage Review gets off to rocky start

The Jamberoo Heritage Review community consultation process, which was due to begin in August 2022, has now commenced, with a formal exhibition to commence in February.

Concerns of residents have led to a report having to come back to Council after the initial consultation sessions with owners.

At December’s Council meeting, Mayor Neil Reilly assured Jamberoo residents

that, “We will ensure that no one’s home status is changed without consultation, so that no one is uncertain about the future of their home.”

Jamberoo resident and businessperson Vivienne Marris had, at the previous night’s public forum, presented a passionate plea for more consultation and more time for property owners to understand what the consequences of a heritage listing might be.

Ms Marris says that as an

owner of a property of high significance, it’s not about not wanting to be on the list, but what it actually means to be on the list.

“Consultation is all we want,” she says, claiming that the process so far has been rushed.

However Jessica Rippon, Director Environmental Services says there has been a misunderstanding, and the long consultation process is just beginning, with the

timeline and review on the Council website.

“Through the process there will be several opportunities for input from owners and opportunities for each owner to provide feedback to Council before any decision is made.

“This report is the very first step in what is a detailed and long (perhaps to a year in length) process.

“It was always proposed continued on page 4

The road reserve on Riverside Drive to be closed and sold for housing

Confirmed candidates

Likely candidates

ALP: Kaitlin McInerney

The Greens: Tonia Gray

Independent: Gareth Ward Liberal Party: nominations open

Jamberoo heritage

from page 3

that information sessions with residents were to occur in late January and then a formal exhibition process through February.

“Following this, the Heritage Report is provided back to Council and then we start a rezoning process which also has formal exhibition and feedback requirements.

“The resolution of Council now requires an additional report back to Council following the initial information sessions with residents prior to any further work occurring on the project.”

Jamberoo residents can make a submission to Council to not list their property as heritage, however Council will have the final word on this.

“Residents are able to make submissions to Council to seek for their property to not be listed, but ultimately it is the decision of Council following the completion of the process. Council must consider community and resident feedback in this process,” says Ms Rippon.

A heritage listing does not simply come about because a property is old. Other factors are assessed, such as aesthetic significance, social significance and rarity.

For example, listed in the Niche Environment and Heritage Jamberoo Heritage Review Summary Report, along with older, more historic, homes, churches

and mills in Jamberoo, are the stone walls and the Glen Murcutt designed home at 197 Clover Hill Road, which was built in 1982.

Seventeen properties have currently been identified as satisfying at least one of the NSW Heritage Office’s heritage significance criteria for heritage listing.

Staff are currently working with members of the Kiama & District Historical Society to correct the anomalies and errors in the Summary Report and draft and update the Inventory Sheets before public exhibition.

Council has put together a frequently asked questions shcet, available on its website, to outline the process and assist understanding.

It says, “Council will be holding Information Sessions at the Jamberoo School of Arts in February 2023 to enable property owners to come and be informed about the implications of being listed as a heritage item or within a heritage conservation area. Similar information sessions were held during the Kiama Town Centre Heritage Review.”

Once the Information Sessions have been held, the Summary Report and draft Inventory Sheets will be reported to the elected Council for approval to commence the formal community consultation process, which will run for at least 28 days.

Road repairs a step closer

Kiama Council is to receive $4.24 million from the State and Federal Governments, through the NSW Disaster Assistance initiative, to repair Jamberoo Mountain Road and other local roads damaged by weather events.

These include Wallaby Hill Road, Foxground Road, Cliff Drive and Gipps St, which were damaged as late back as March.

Council has appointed three contractors – Civic & Civic Group, RIX Group and GT Civil – to carry out the work, which includes the construction of concrete piles and installation of gabion basket retaining walls.

“Awarding the work to the three different firms is intended to complete the work as quickly as possible and be cost-effective.” says a Council statement.

Foxground Road, Cliff Road and Gippps Street will commence soon.

Unfortunately, due to the extent of the damage, there will first need to be significant preparatory work at Jamberoo Mountain Road and Wallaby Hill Road before the concrete piles and soil nails can be installed.

No indication has been given as to when these roads will be reopened.

Premier supports mystery candidate

from page 3

He was then suspended from Parliament, meaning he has not been able to speak, vote or even enter its grounds.

Mr Ward says he is completely innocent of the charges, which have yet to be heard in court, and that they are politically motivated.

He has yet to announce his candidacy for the election, as an independent, but he has booked advertising space with The Bugle and other media ahead of the March election.

“Both major parties are taking our community for granted,” he says.

“The Opposition in particular continue to attack me personally rather than offer a single policy, pledge or commitment to our region.

“I trust our community and when it comes to elections, voters always get it right.

“Perhaps major parties and their candidates should be more obsessed with what they actually want to do rather than what I may be doing.

“I’m continuing to work hard and get things done as our local MP.

“As I have previously said, when I have something to say about the next election – I will.”

Labor’s Kaitlin McInerney is bemused by his take on what has been happening since she was endorsed in August.

“We made the first local government announcement across the State when we said that SALT Ministries would receive emergency funding to stay open to continue their important work in our electorate.

“I simply don’t know where this comment is coming from,” she says.

“What we have called for is a strong local voice who can appear on the floor of Parliament.

“What we’ve done is spoken to a lot of people about big issues, and we aren’t hearing anything from the Government about what they plan to do to fix it.

“The point is Labor has made a number of major policy announcements that will impact local people –such as minimising teacher workload, agreeing to bump

up frontline workers pay and also to kickstart the school funding program.”

While first saying the lateness of choosing a candidate is a matter for the Liberal Party, she says, “I think it is disrespectful and disappointing considering the magnitude of the challenges people in the electorate are facing at the moment.

“We are out there door knocking most days of the week, and people are feeling not listened to.

“For the Premier to say we are going to win it without having a candidate in place is incredibily disrespectful.”

Greens candidate Professor Tonia Gray says, “The fact that we are ten weeks out from an election and there is no Liberal candidate or Gareth Ward announced mirrors the same thing that happened in the Federal election, when last minute decisions were made.

“We saw the disaster that emerged from that.

“What it really is telling us is that this Liberal National Party Government has no plan for the future.”

She also rejects the idea he is being attacked personally rather than on policy.

If the Liberals do find a candidate, the question of where they direct preferences will be closely watched.

Grant funding 101

Many Council projects are funded by grants. From roads to community infrastructure and amenities, from parks and playgrounds to cultural events and services. We spoke to Kiama Council’s Grants Officer Paula Zaja to find out more.

Who provides grant funding?

Grant funding comes from the NSW and/ or Australian Government as well as other philanthropic foundations and corporate and not-for-profit trusts.

How do you apply?

Every grant is different and applications will depend upon the individual grant requirements. These are outlined in the Grant Guideline document.

The Guidelines include details such as where and how to submit, key dates, examples of projects that could be eligible, reporting and other requirements. It also outlines the criteria to assess applications.

When Kiama Council applies for a grant, we have a multi-step process. Before we even begin, we undertake a range of internal assessments and approvals. Some applications also need endorsement by the elected Councillors.

Some things we consider include whether the grant requires a cash or in-kind contribution from Council, whether the project is something we would have otherwise budgeted for or is in our Capital Works Program.

What happens once we have a grant?

First thing – celebrate! Do a happy dance and let those involved in the application know and thank them for their vital input.

The next steps will be influenced by the type of grant and its requirements, as outlined in the initial Guideline document.

What about delivery and timelines?

Every grant opportunity will have its own timeline for delivery. Obviously the larger the project, the greater the delivery time.

Some projects are delivered in-house, others go to an open Public Tender to secure an external contractor. Some projects may be a combination of both.

Tell us about reporting and acquittals?

All funding programs require a final report on how the grant monies have been spent, to ensure the obligations of both the recipient and grant provider have been met.

Acquitting a grant means accurately reporting on the funded activities, expenditure and outcomes. It is a formal condition of funding.

Grant Acquittal Reports are typically required within 1-3 months of project completion. In some cases, regular reports are also required at key milestones during the project.

How can grant funding be spent?

Despite some common misconceptions, grant programs are very specific on how the money can be used, and any unused money must be returned to the grant-giver.

For example, our Hindmarsh Park Upgrade funding cannot be used to repair or upgrade any other park or playground. The funding for Kiama’s 2022-23 NYE fireworks had to be used solely for this event, and what we specified we would deliver.

Can individuals, community groups or businesses get grant funding?

Yes! Kiama Council is also a distributor of grant funding. For example, our Kiama Cultural Grants provide $20,000 each year for local arts-based projects.

To apply for grants via Council or other government departments, it’s important to be aware of what is required well before submitting your application.

This includes thinking about how you’ll address questions of eligibility, credibility and conflicts of interest. Preparing information on how you’ll deliver the project, expected outcomes and risk assessment. It can also mean providing proof of insurance, DA approvals and landowners consent, where required.

Check out our Grants page for more resources, links and information: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Services/Peopleand-community/Grants

Australia Day activities

Kiama Council will be holding its traditional Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony at Gerringong Town Hall on Thursday 26 January.

Council’s Australia Day Awards allow us to recognise those who have made a significant contribution to our community.

Our Australia Day barbecues with entertainment are being held at Kiama, Kiama Downs, Jamberoo and Gerringong.

We’re also hosting pool parties at Kiama Leisure Centre (celebrating its 40th anniversary!) and Jamberoo Pool.

To celebrate the first Australians there’s an Aboriginal ‘Yarning Circle’ at the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre in Hindmarsh Park.

Finally, everyone can look for our helicopter flyovers with the Australian and Aboriginal flags along our beautiful coastline at 10am and 3pm.

www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Events/Australia-Day-2023

Seniors Festival in Kiama

The theme for the NSW Seniors Festival 2023 is ‘Celebrate Together’.

With a great line up of events spanning the two week festival, Kiama Council is excited to celebrate with you.

This year’s festival runs 1-12 February.

www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/ Events/Seniors-Festival-2023

Avengers… assemble! at Gerringong Library

Our super-popular escape room adventure is back at Gerringong Library, this time with Marvel’s The Avengers theme.

This interactive event is great for team building, dates, mates and family bonding. Previously we’ve hosted people of all ages through our escape rooms: from under 10s with their families to participants in their 80s, who all had a blast. Choose your 1-hour escape room session from 17-27 January at Gerringong Library. Cost $10 per team.

www.trybooking.com/CEKLP

Youth events

Our SENTRAL Youth Services team are hosting various events this month.

On 18 January, join our League tag school holiday footy tournament for under 16s boys and under 16s girls.

SENTRAL’s Summer Sounds is an afternoon of free live music in Hindmarsh Park on 20 January.

Plus our usual Thursday and Friday drop-in sessions. www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/SENTRAL-Events

Public notices can be found on our website. Subscribe to Kimunico and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Council meetings are usually held the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Next meeting 21 February

Below: Kiama’s grant-funded 2022-23 NYE fireworks.

Photo: Peter Izzard.

This week we released our local Market Review for October, November, and December Our digital market review booklet provides a comprehensive analysis of what's been happening in the local Real Estate market, highlighting the latest market statistics, recent sales, and recent rentals covering Kiama, Gerringong, Shoalhaven Heads, and the surrounding suburbs, along with sharing some valuable real estate insights and information.

We hope you enjoy this report and that you gain inspiration and insight that helps you make your next property decision.

If you would like to speak to anyone in our friendly team about your real estate needs, please contact us today!

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Wed & Sat classes held monthly. See website for future dates.

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Sports stars support clubhouse upgrade

An online sporting memorabilia fundraising auction has started to raise money for upgrades at Gerry Emery Oval in Gerringong, with local sporting legends and the Socceroos supporting the cause through their donations.

The auction on allbids.com is for:

• one of only 100 Socceroos team shirts signed by all of the team who competed in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar (right)

• Mick Cronin’s State of Origin shirt from 1983

• a signed surfboard used by Gerroa’s world pro surfer, Sally Fitzgibbons

• a hockey stick from Gerringong’s own Hockeyroo Grace Stewart.

John Trevenar, who built the original clubhouse 22 years ago and who is a life member of soccer club the Gerringong Breakers, initiated this upgrade project.

In May 2021 when the

grounds were very wet, he asked some women where they were getting changed and they said in their cars or behind the trees.

The field gets used everyday of the year, and John says one day he counted 232 females playing, plus family watching.

“That’s just not good enough,” he said. “We only had 4 toilets for women and one of them didn’t work.”

So he drew up clubhouse designs to be more inclusive and has worked on this project now for over 19 months, with the DA recently approved.

The upgrade includes larger women’s change rooms, 16 female toilets, 11 male

toilets, a disabled referees’ room, a referees’ room, an assessible elevator and disabled unisex toilet upstairs.

“These fields mean a lot to me and it’s something I’m proud to have done for the community. This next project is all about fundraising,” says John.

He is hoping to raise $1.3m for the build, from State and Federal grant programs as well as community donations.

As well as the auction, there is a Buy a Brick program.

“We are still looking for major sponsors,” John says, “We already have two people who have donated $10,000 and multiple people who have donated $5,000.”

The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, Mayor Neil

Reilly and Councillors Kathy Rice and Stuart Larkins were at the auction launch to support the fundraising effort.

Mr Ward said there were a number of sources of funding available for such upgrades, “It’s important to see greater equity for women in sport and an upgrade to the facilities that are provided so that everyone can participate in sport.

“We have seen great successes around the world as a result of the efforts of the Australian soccer team and the Soceroos. There’s no reason why women in our local community shouldn’t aspire to this same level of success.”

“This project is a real credit to John who faced not only bureaucratic obstacles but also personal health obstacles,” said the Mayor.

“He’s managed to engender a lot of support from the community. People know that sport has to change and needs to be much more inclusive and what he’s doing is certainly in the right direction.”

Councillor Kathy Rice agreed and said that women and people with disabilities will benefit enormously from this upgrade, while Councillor Stuart Larkins says he is ecstatic about this facility, including its provision of storage.

“Council will be looking at upgrading other sporting facilities in the LGA,” he said. View and bid on the items in the Sports Memorabilia section of allbids.com.au

Auction ends 1 February, 7.30pm

by Perrie Croshaw

Hindmarsh Pk work delayed

Despite its attempt to make it more attractive for contractors, by breaking the job up into smaller components, Kiama Council has again received no tenders for its $3 million upgrade of Hindmarsh Park.

Council’s Director of Engineering Mike Dowd is disappointed by the lack of response to the second tender and says the feedback had been that construction firms are booked solid, the distance from Sydney was an issue, the design is unique and challenging, and the Christmas break had resulted in less interest.

This is in addition to industrywide issues of labour shortages, interest rates and supply chain delays.

“We’re now doing further revisions, to better quantify requirements and allow more flexibility in materials, which should make it more attractive to potential tenderers,” said Mr Dowd.

Mayor Neil Reilly is urging contractors to bid for the chance to create a unique new playspace, designed to be quintessentially Kiama.

“Hindmarsh Park is in a blue-ribbon location right in the heart of Kiama and whoever takes on this project will be creating a legacy they can point to with pride for many years to come,” he says.

“We’ve worked with the community and our landscape designers Civille to create a concept design for Hindmarsh Park that is distinctive and draws on the history of Kiama – you won’t see a park like this elsewhere.

“It’s a showcase project that any firm would be proud to say: ‘We built that!’.”

The Hindmarsh Park upgrade is being funded by a $3 million grant from the NSW Government Public Spaces Legacy program, with significant additional funding recently received to upgrade the Orry Kelly stage.

Council has previously received an extension for the funding, allowing it to begin the work and finish it in June, and is working towards getting another extension given this is not going to happen.

The updated tender will go live on Tenderlink before the end of January.

Staircase in limbo

A world-wide shortage of stainless steel is causing the latest delay on the completion of the long awaited cliff staircase at Bombo Headland.

In November we reported the cliff staircase will be open for Christmas but it is now unknown when the project will be completed.

First delayed by the COVID lockdown, then continuous wet weather and a hold-up in delivery/supply of the handrail, Council says the Bombo

Eco Walk project is having trouble sourcing stainless steel – the last component in completing the handrail.

According to a Council spokesperson, work on the linking paths and landscaping are set to be done after the handrail is in place. The project, funded by $500,000 from the State Government four years ago, will safely link the Kiama Coast Walk to the spectacular Bombo Headland scenery.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Gareth Ward MP, John Trevenar, Mayor Reilly and Councillors Stuart Larkins and Kathy Rice at the auction launch

What people are saying about The Bugle App

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For news in between editions download The Bugle App

Memories of a boy from Kiama

Blue Plaque nomination for Charmian Clift

Distinguished Kiama resident, writer Charmian Clift, has been nominated for the Blue Plaques Program, a $5 million initiative led by Heritage NSW which aims to bring life to people and events that have shaped the history of NSW.

Kiama & District Historical Society President Sue Eggins, who put forward Charmian’s name in the lastest round of nominations, says she certainly deserves to be commemorated with one of the next Blue Plaques.

The autobiography of distinguished sport science academic and author, John Bloomfield, shows it was memories of his childhood in Kiama that came flooding back as he grew old.

John – who passed away last October – spent two years writing A Boy from Kiama after a long career as a Professor at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Deputy Chair/ Chairman of the Australian Institute of Sports Board of Management.

His wife of over 60 years, Noelene (above) – distinguished in her own way as a research fellow at UWA and the recipient of a high honour from the French Government for her work on French discoverers in WA – says John saw the book as a tribute to the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club.

“John was very involved with the Club as a teenager and a lot of the people in the Club at the time were quite important people in the administration of Kiama,” she says.

“They seemed to be very community minded people who helped the young men.”

In his book, John recalls his time with Kiama Surf Club, rescuing people on the southern headland with his two best friends, finding the Club’s first dedicated surfboat, and travelling up and down the coast for competitions.

“John also felt it was a

typical of childhoods around the country during the wartime, and there was a very good community spirit in Kiama operating in the background throughout,” Noelene says.

When barbed wire entanglements stretched along the local beaches during the Second World War, John remembers seeing male teachers at his school – including his father who was headmaster of Kiama Central School –leave to serve the army, and his late afternoon shifts for the Volunteer Air Observers Corps spent near the Blowhole.

But in between wartime and John spending time abroad in Africa and Hawaii competing in surf sport competitions, he shares vivid memories of his weekends on Kiama Harbour with his father on the boat he bought at the age of 12, and the joy of the pranks that were pulled on unsuspecting locals never faded.

To honour John’s wishes, Noelene recently presented copies of the book to the President of the Kiama Historical Society, the President of the Kiama Surf Club and to the historians for the Kiama Surf Club. A book has also gone to Kiama Library for the archives.

A Boy from Kiama is available for purchase at the Kiama Visitors Centre or for loan from Kiama Library.

“Charmian was a novelist, memoirist, journalist, script-writer, dreamer, political thinker, and an inspiration to three generations of Australian women,” Sue says.

“More than fifty years after her untimely death, her reputation continues to grow.”

If successful, Charmian’s plaque will be installed on the outside wall of Kiama Library, which holds the full collection of her writings.

In the application – with the help of Julian Neylan and Charmian’s official biographer Nardia Wheatly – Sue wrote, “It will provide: a fitting tribute to Australia’s finest essayist in the literary centre of her birthplace, a catalyst for new and renewed interest in the author among Kiama’s booming population and its many tourists, and right an oversight in the homage of Australians to one

of our best authors.”

She also noted that the plaque will highlight Charmian’s centenary year, as 2023 will be the hundredth anniversary of the author’s birth.

“This significant anniversary will provide a golden opportunity to promote the literary and cultural legacy of a woman many writers and readers consider to be our forgotten national literary treasure,” Sue wrote.

Born and raised on Hothersal Street, Sue says, “Charmian was shaped by the

physical and social landscape of her hometown which is captured in her first solo novel, Walk to the Paradise Gardens.”

In addition, she refers to her Kiama childhood in at least six of her essays.

The plaque would join the street - Charmian Clift Place - and park - Charmian Clift Reserve - in being named after her.

Sydney also holds the Charmian Clift Cottages which offers supported accommodation to mothers at

risk of homelessness.

Since the Blue Plaques Program began in June 2021, 35 plaques have been announced including for pioneering female aviator Nancy Bird Walton AO, artist Brett Whiteley and Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku, who helped popularise surfing in NSW.

Successful nominations will be announced in the first half of this year and installed mid-2023.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Wanted: young women to champion agriculture

Jamberoo’s Grace McGlinchey, who can’t remember a year she hasn’t attended the Kiama Show, has a goal of becoming Kiama Show’s Young Woman of the Year for 2023 (formerly known as the Kiama Showgirl).

She recently attended the Nowra Show Society Young Women’s Development Day.

“The weekend was a great insight into the Young Woman Competition, to help the young women gain a better understanding of what is expected of them, when entering the competition,’’

The Show organisers are looking for other young women, aged 18-25, who want to represent Kiama as an ambassador and leader, to showcase their knowledge of the region

The 2023 Kiama Young Woman will have various opportunities throughout the year to attend functions and events on behalf of Kiama Show as well as competing in the Zone Final with the

chance to progress to the State Final at Sydney Royal.

Riding horses since the age of four, Grace is a familiar face in the Kiama Show ring as a showjumping competitor and steward.

Although entering the com

petition is a great personal development opportunity for Grace, she plans to broaden her skills and knowledge of the local community and promote the opportunity to other young women.

“This competition is all

about learning about issues affecting local agriculture, along with the future of farming.

“It is also about giving back to your community and meeting other young women along the way,” Grace says.

The Kiama Show is on 27-28 January this year, 175 years since the Kiama Show Society was founded.

To enquire about entering Young Woman, contact secretary@kiamashow.com.au

Erin Weir was the 2022 Kiama Show Young Women of The Year

Distinguished achievers at KHS for 2022

Special congratulations to students from Kiama High who made the State’s Distinguished Achievement List for their HSC subjects despite the disruptions of the pandemic on their learning.

The students who achieved a result in the highest band for one or more courses are:

• Kyle Bedwin, Industrial Technology

• Isla Bottomley, Visual Art

• Juliette Burgess, Visual Art

• Caitlin Haig, Earth and Environmental Science

• Sydney Ikeda, English Advanced and Extension 1

• Liam Johansson, Swedish Continuers

• Olivia McLean, English Extension 1

• Vedad Neday Diznab, Mathematics Advanced

• Perri North, Business Studies, Mathematics Standard 2, PDHPE

• Katrina O’ReillyFullerton, Legal Studies, Modern History

• Joelle Parisotto, Visual Art

• Charli-Rose Smith, Aboriginal Studies

• Abigail Steel, Aboriginal Studies, Mathematics Standard 2, Modern History, Society & Culture

• Nina Teague, Spanish Beginners

• Holly Zwicker, PDHPE

Stay safe on our beaches

With a heartbreaking number of drownings happening on Australia’s coast since the start of summer, Kiama Council’s Chief Lifeguard is reminding people of beach safety.

As of 9 January, there have been 35 fatal drownings with 17 happening between Christmas Day and 2 January, according to the Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll.

This comes after a record-breaking summer last year with 145 people drowning in Australia.

Lifeguard Craig Bowley is advising locals and tourists to swim at patrolled beaches and to avoid spots like South Bombo, which he regards as one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in the Kiama Municipality.

This comes after four rescues were made at South Bombo after lifeguards were alerted via the recently installed Emergency Relay Beacons (ERBs).

Craig, who warns of rough conditions, rips and currents, says, “The best thing to do if you get caught in a rip is to try not to panic, float and conserve your energy, rather than fighting against it.

“A rip will often take you out but then bring you back around to a sandbar or shallow area, from which you can return to shore or wait to be rescued.”

With a number of drownings caused by people attempting to save others in the water, Kiama Council is urging people to refrain from entering the water to help someone in distress and instead alert lifeguards and/

or activate the ERBs.

The ERBs are installed at Kendalls, South Bombo and Blowhole Point.

“If you do insist on swimming out to assist, take a floatation device – such as a boogie board – which can increase the chances of survival for all concerned,” Craig says.

Lifeguards and surf life savers will be patrolling Kiama’s beaches seven days a week until 29 January.

Kiama’s patrolled beaches are:

• Jones Beach

• Bombo (North) Beach

• Surf Beach

• Kendalls Beach

• Easts Beach

• Werri Beach

• Seven Mile Beach.

by Cassandra Zaucer

Fair unlikely to return

Last year may have been the last Rotary Club of Kiama’s Antique and Collectable Fair, as a lack of exhibitors has resulted in its cancellation this year.

Kiama Rotary’s John Clarke says regular exhibitors were unable to come down and mount the show, and it is unlikely to return next year.

“A number of them have retired. They were of an age where COVID helped them make that decision and now they are no longer in the business,” he says.

“It meant that we were significantly short on exhibitors.”

The Fair has long been one of Kiama Rotary’s biggest fundraisers. A trivia night is being held on 21 July to help plug the gap.

Chances to talk about death

In addition to the many event options Kiama Council is offering for Seniors Festival events for 1-12 February, two other organisations are hoping to use the occasion to get people talking and thinking about the end of life issues.

Kiama Anglican Church is holding a panel session on death and dying which aims to give people insight into what happens when someone is dying or has died, and how to talk to them or their loved ones.

The three speakers – Hospital Registrar Dr Connie Muir, Wes Bas of Tender Funerals and Death Doula Carolyn Vaughan – will also be talking about what needs to happen when someone has died, including how to honour people’s wishes and farewell them respectfully.

After short presentations, they will be taking questions from the audience.

For a more informal chat about the topic; the Shoalhaven Compassionate Communities Illawarra are again opening a pop-up Death Café as a space for people to chat about death and dying freely.

People are encouraged to come along and share a story or just listen and observe over coffee and cake.

The idea of Death Cafés is to increase awareness of death while helping people make the most of their lives.

It is also said that talking through this phase of life will give people the best chance of making death a supported and sacred time.

“The Death Cafés we have held have been enthusiastically supported; each one being unique and different,” says local resident Carolyn Vaughan.

“I highly recommend that everyone attends a café when they can.”

A further three cafés are planned for 2023, given the positive response in the past.

Council’s program of events, which will be available on its website soon, includes lunches, a trivia challenge against other LGAs, technology workshops, arts events, rock’n’roll dancing and a range of aqua and health programs at the Leisure Centre.

Death Café

Friday 3 February, Kiama Library, 3-5pm Book at www.library.kiama. nsw.gov.au/events or phone 4233 1133.

Panel session

Saturday 11 February, Kiama Anglican Church, 2-4pm RSVP 4232 2066

by Cassandra Zaucer

Craig Bowley at Kendalls Beach, and, below, an Emergency Relay Beacon placed there

2023 Kiama Show

27th & 28th January

Kiama Showground - gates open 9am

The beginnings of a Kiama institution

The history of the Kiama Show is entwined with the very foundation itself, with the Kiama Agricultural Society being established on 24 N 1848, just 19 years after the township of Kiama was proclaimed The Society is one of the oldest existing agricultural societies, not on South Wales, but also Australia The first Agricultural Society of NSW, those in England, was established in Van Diemen’s Land in 1821 With survival of the newly settled colony depending on the selfsuccess of agriculture, the first meeting of the Kiama Agricultural So held at the Fitzroy Inn (in Collins Street), on 24 November, 1848 Hindmarsh was named its first Chairman

The meeting resolved that the object of the Society should be encouragement of all kinds of Agricultural, Horticultural and Fl produce; the breeding of all kinds of stock and the improvement o Manufactures and the introduction of them into the district, in fine, to e whatever has a tendency to improve the prosperity of the District ” The first Kiama Agricultural Show was held in February 1849 in the ne connected to the Fitzroy Inn

News of the Show made the Sydney Morning Herald of 22 Februar mentions displays of preserves and fruit minces, fruit including gr apples, wheat, barley and potatoes as well as field peas, bacon and salt pork in cask

“Some fine cattle and pigs were exhibited as well as horses The flowers were excellent and excited universal admiration the vegetables of every description were remarkably fine, considering the drought and appeared very abundant ”

At the second show (1850), a pavilion was erected for exhibits and another for refreshments During the earliest shows, the cattle were penned in yards where the original Kiama Public School was located (now the Sebel Harbourside) and the horses were shown where the Presbyterian Church is now

Such was the Show’s success in the years after its resurgence in 1867, that in 1880 there were calls to have Show days declared a public holiday

The 1857 Show was held in Market Square, the site of the present Post Office When the show was being held at Market Square, a pavilion was erected for the exhibitions The floor was made of earth and the roof of shingles The sides were open but covered in on show days by tarpaulins or canvas Pens were erected behind the Police Station and Court House for the stock

The Show was not held from 1858-1867, due to pleuropneumonia outbreaks among the local cattle herds and the rust that was developing among wheat crops

Kiama Show by the years

1829 Township of Kiama proclaimed 1848 Kiama Agricultural Society formed

1849 First Kiama Agricultural and Horticultural Show held February 1849 at Fitzroy Inn (rear of allotment adjoining harbour water reserve and Collins Street)

1857 100 ft long show pavilion erected in Market Square, site of present Post Office

1877 Market Square site needed for post office Kiama Show moved to Blowhole Point

1886 Blowhole Point was required for a lighthouse A new 11 acre showground site was purchased at Long Brush

1896 Kiama Show committee made a deputation to Minister for Lands, requesting permission to use Crown Land at Church Point as a showground.

1897 First Kiama Show held at Church Point (present Kiama Showground site)

1908 26 August - Government Gazette Notice dedicated Church Point for Public Recreation and showground

1916 - 1917 Kiama Showground taken over by Department of Defence for a military camp

1936 February - Kiama Council became Trustees of Church Point

1938 29 August - Kiama Showground Pavilion razed to ground by fire

1939 18 March - plan for new pavilion - intended to be finished for 1940 show World War II began

1944 Patriotic Show held at Kiama Showground with no pavilion or ring

Poultry shed housed secretary and pavilion exhibits until 1967 Show

1948 Kiama Centenary Show

1963 First Kiama Showgirl Competition

1967 First show in new Kiama Showground Pavilion

1996 Kiama Show Society 100 years at Kiama Showground

1998 Kiama Show Society’s Sesquicentenary Show

2009 New Kiama Showground Pavilion opened

2010 First show at current Kiama Showground Pavilion

2011 4 November - Showground stand named “Allan Norman Stand”

2013 165 years of the Kiama Show Society and 50 years of the Kiama Showgirl Competition

2020 172nd Kiama Show cancelled due to the Black Summer Bushfires, only the second time the Show had been cancelled – the first since WWII

2021 173rd Kiama Show cancelled due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Source: Kiama On Show – The Kiama Show Society 1848-1998 – By Karen Beasley

Photo credit: Kiama Library

Photo credit: Kiama Library

175th Kiama Show

Show

Continued from front page

In 1870, Kiama held its first two-day Show The same year, wheat and wine were dropped as it was determined that the area was not suitable for these products The show moved its location to Blowhole Point around 1877, when the Post Office was built It remained there for the next ten years

Such was the Show s success in the years after its resurgence in 1867, that in 1880 there were calls to have Show days declared a public holiday

In supporting the notion, the Kiama Independent said that like Christmas the Show only came around once a year warranting such treatment The towns three major banks agreed to close at midday on Show days and an “especial plea” was made to teachers to have the “holiday” extended to public school children

When the lighthouse was built in 1886, the showground moved to a new 11-acre site that was purchased at Long Brush on Saddleback Mountain Road A new pavilion, stockyards and a show ring were constructed The first show held here was in February 1887, with more than 6000 people attending over the two days However, this location proved to be too far out of town, so the Show Committee was given permission to use Church Point (the current site) in 1896 All fixtures and buildings from the Long Brush site were rebuilt at Church Point

In and around the two World Wars, the pavilion fire of 1939, incredible changes and development of the municipality, wet weather washouts, droughts and most recently bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kiama Show has been run by a committee of volunteers (currently around 50) and their families Throughout and despite the challenges, the Show continues as an event to entertain the community, showcase its talents and raise awareness of the important agricultural past of our townships, which continues today

Sources: Kiama On Show – The Kiama Show Society 1848-1998 – By Karen Beasley, and Kiama

Meet Charlie at the Show

Welcome back to another Kiama Showa very special one - our 175th After the past few years of the “hiccups” of droughts, bushfires, floods & Covid we are excited to be bringing all the fun of the Show back to Kiama Showgroundarguably one of the most scenic show grounds in the world!

This year’s Show is designed around our community, sharing the many activities that bring us together to celebrate this beautiful area where we live

Our horse competitors are keen to be back in the competition ring so make sure to take a seat in the grandstand and watch some exciting showjumping - you’ll be amazed at the skills of our riders

The cattle judging takes place on Friday so if you want to see what makes a good milker be sure to check it out

In the Pavilion we are expecting some new entrants in a variety of categories with many of us learning new skills such as knitting, cooking and painting while we were hunkered down in Covid times

The woodchop starts at 10am on Saturday and features a national championship so take a seat and watch the chips fly As always, many of your favourites are back including the Animal Nursery and the Pet Show

Returning for the second year are two popular events - the Farm Fit Challenge and the Golden Boot Kicking Competition, both sure to be crowd favourites as you cheer on your mates

Stay back on Saturday night to enjoy the concert with the Blowhole Buskers and Joe Mungovan’s band; then be amazed by the motorcycle acrobatics and stay to finish off another great Kiama Show with the fireworks!

For a gold coin donation, you can guess Charlie's weight. The winner (or closest by the nearest gram if it gets close) will receive a special prize and all funds raised will be donated to a Makuta Youth.

As always the Show is a great place to catch up with friends and make new ones See you all at the Show

Regards,

Our History in Print (supplement to the Kiama Independent - 2000)

Photo credit: Kiama Library

Charlie the Brahman is a bit of a character and he loves visiting agricultural shows and meeting everyone Charlie will be at Kiama Show on Saturday 28th January and this year there is a special competition that centres around him Clearly Charlie is a gentle giant, so can you guess just how much he weighs?

27th & 28th January 2023

What's on at the Show

Friday 27th January

9 00am Showjumping 9 30am Cattle judging 10 00am Horse ring events 11.00am Pavilion opens 12 00pm Bullock Team Demonstration 2 00pm Animal Nursery opens 3 00pm Billy Cart Races 4.00pm Official Opening of the 175th Kiama Show 4 30pm Kiama Show Young Woman Presentation 5 00pm Pet Show

Saturday 28th January

9 00am Showjumping

9.30am Horse ring events

10 00am Woodchopping

10 00am Animal Nursery opens

2 00pm Golden Boot Kicking Competition 3.00pm Gumboot Toss 3 15pm Billy Cart Races 3 30pm Dog Flyball Exhibition 4.00pm Six Bar Jump 4.30pm Freestyle Kings Motocross Display 5 00pm Farm Fit Challenge 6 30pm Freestyle Kings Motocross Display 7.00pm Concert featuring local artists 8.45pm Freestyle Kings Motocross Display 9 30pm Fireworks

Terry Gallagher

Fiona Phillips MP Gareth Ward MP

New luxury resort opens

A new luxury wedding and spa resort, The Lodge Jamberoo, opened just before Christmas and checking out its champagne garden seems like an excellent idea over the holidays.

You might know the property as The Jamberoo Valley Retreat, or the Ananda Wellness Retreat, or even, back when it was first built, as Uncle Tom’s Hut.

This was a German restaurant and beer house, notable as the first Australian venue to host an Oktoberfest celebration and whose pool was rumoured to have been constructed in the 1970s for the Australian Olympic swim team training camps.

But in the same way that Bannisters in Mollymook was transformed from a bland 1970s motel into super stylish South Coast accommodation, The Lodge has undergone a similar transformation.

“We are really going for that European style. We want to be out there,” says General Manger Gillian Crowley.

“Everything is from Italy and France,” Gillian says as she stands beneath the magnificent apricot-coloured Murano glass chandelier at the entrance to the restaurant and bar area.

The walls and ceiling are covered with murals by Port Macquarie artist Sean Thomas Bell, the lounges look as if you might sink into them and never want to get out and the fireplaces are ready for you to snuggle up in front of with an exciting cocktail.

Outside the restaurant and bar area is the ‘Champagne Garden’ “which is a beer garden, but for champagne,” Gillian says. “We have an extensive wine list and a great cocktail list – especially French champagne cocktails.”

The property, which was bought by new owners in July

2022, sits on around nine acres of pine forest, beautiful gardens and natural rainforest, and has a river frontage.

There are 43 hotel rooms – king and queen all with a pool – plus a two bedroom suite with spa bath. Gillian says they can accommodate 140 people.

The riverfront wedding area includes the outdoor wedding chapel – “We whitewashed all the bricks in the garden path and reinstalled them” – with a chandelier in the garden as a statement piece, a sumptuous bridal room overlooking the creek where the bride can get ready with all her helpers and an indoor 300sqm pillarless ballroom with 6m vaulted ceiling where guests attend a sit-down dinner.

Pushbikes are available for guests to ride around the property and a day spa is available for guests but also for locals to book into.

The pool area is like something out of ‘The White Lotus’.

“We have extended the

pool area out, made it more loungey,” Gillian says. “You can order cocktails and food while lying by the pool. It’s like entering another planet –it’s real luxury.

“After COVID, with people hesitant about travelling abroad, we thought let’s bring them up here to this luxury European-type venue.”

Gillian, who previously worked at one of the owner’s other properties, The Cove Jervis Bay – an eco-certified, self-catering wedding property located at the back

of Bherwherre Beach in the rainforest of Booderee National Park.

Also part of the group is The Woods Farm, another accommodation and wedding retreat at Tomerong.

The restaurant and champagne bar are open to the public Thursdays to Sundays.

See www.thelodgejamberoo. com.au for more details or call 4236 0269.

406 Jamberoo Mountain Rd by Perrie Croshaw

Return of the Art Society’s Exhibition Opening soiree

Council against windfarm idea

Councillor Matt Brown is strongly opposed to the windfarm proposal off the coast of Kiama, and his motion opposing its development was narrowly passed by the November Meeting of Council, 5 to 4.

As head of Destination Kiama, he is concerned about the impact of such highly visible wind turbines on tourism, quoting the Joni Mitchell lyrics, ‘you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone’.

“Why would we destroy a pristine view by putting up a windfarm?,” he said, noting that not enough study has been done on how the windfarm would impact whales or bird, no other windfarms in the world are as close to the coast as this one [this has since been disputed by a number of our App readers] and that cables going down to secure the turbines to the ocean floor would create havoc for whales.

Councillor Stuart Larkins spoke against the motion.

“What was announced by private developers is still a speculative proposal,” he said.

“They have been doing this up and down the coast, at Ulladulla, Eden, Port Kembla and probably other places in the next few months.”

He said that the previous government passed the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act in the second half of 2021 and since that time there continues to be amendments to this Federal legislation.

“It’s all in very early stages.”

Noting that no councillor in any neighbouring council has lodged a motion like this one, he said, “There is nothing that Kiama Council can say or do until the Federal Government announces that it will investigate the Illawarra offshore wind zone next year or later. Council, community or individuals can put in their feedback around the zoning when this process starts.”

for windfarms. The Illawarra zone was to focus on Port Kembla and the Bluescope Steel area.

“You wouldn’t have a private energy provider doing public consultations with a community if they didn’t expect to be awarded a contract and develop a massive offshore windfarm,” argued Cllr Brown.

“It’s very important for the community to have its say, which is why I raised this motion.

“The overwhelming opinion of every single person who has spoken to me doesn’t want to see their coastline developed. Emails are coming through thick and fast, and all are well researched, well considered.”

Daniel Hill, a local school teacher who spoke passionately against the power project at the Public Forum meeting, has started a petition against the windfarms. Already over 600 people have signed.

Mr Hill said we need to stay on the front foot because if allowed this development “will be the end of this pristine environment as we know it. There is no question it will affect tourism. Lights will flash all night and blades will flash all day. It will be a disfigurement on the sea and a scar on our hearts.”

Councillor Mark Croxford, who seconded Clr Brown’s motion, spoke of the visual pollution the turbines would have – their size and concern over constantly blinking lights – yet Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang, who voted against the motion despite concerns around the regulatory framework, noted that we don’t complain about street lights blinking day and night or overhead power lines or the scar of the freeway that provides access.

“We get used to these lights or we are apathetic,” she said.

Kiama Art Society members are excitedly preparing for their 2023 Art Exhibition.

“This year our Exhibition will return to opening with a special function for the presentation to the winning artists,” says Helen Pain, Art Society President.

“This is a fun social gathering for artists and art lovers, where everyone can enjoy first viewing of the artworks and celebrate the achievements of so many local artists.”

All are welcome to the Opening on Friday 20 January, 5-7pm, Kiama Leagues Club Auditorium. Entry $10 (includes nibbles, with drinks available at club prices).

The Exhibition will be open 21-29 January, from 10am till 5pm.

An independent CSIRO report into offshore wind farms identified six potential zones

“If we don’t have things like this [windfarm] there will be no future and no tourism.”

President Helen Pain (right) with the Society’s Secretary and Treasurer Robyn McMillan, hanging last year’s exhibition

Funding for KISS Festival Blue Haven update

Co-founder and ongoing director of the KISS Arts Festival, Tamara Campbell, is delighted that the uniquely Kiama Festival has again received funding from Festivals Australia.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of Festivals Australia ($62,400) and this funding gets us halfway to the amount of money that needs to be raised to fund the event,” she says.

“KISS is free to the public and we want it to remain financially accessible and a community event that offers the highest quality artistic entertainment and interactions – it’s no easy task.”

In 2023, this funding will allow the AIR KISS (artists in residents) component of the event to really shine with the introduction of the KISS Adventure Playground on School Flat.

“The whole adventure theme will be tied together

with some storytelling elements to guide the participants through the space,” says Tamara, whose alter-ego Kiki is also looking forward to the event.

Imagine if you will a large climbable and playable music adventure playground; a forest of Hills Hoist trees; a cardboard sensory house; and a flying trapeze rig.

“In the tradition of KISS this area will be highly interactive and driven by participation,” says Tamara.

“The installations will be large and colourful and come to life when people engage, play and communicate through them.”

Local sponsors welcome.

Save the date: 21-23 April

A replacement machinery part has finally arrived to fix the hot water system at Stage 3 of Blue Haven Terralong.

Residents of that block of independent living units were without hot water from Christmas Eve until 30 December, when an interim solution gave them access to hot water from 8am-6pm. Until this was put into place, the only access provided for residents to shower was in one vacant unit in another building, with around 30 people having to walk there to share one bathroom. Some did not have the mobility for that.

A statement from Kiama Council apologised for the inconvenience and said, “Blue Haven management will review the system failure and associated contingency processes as part of their operations and asset management.”

At the Residential Aged Care Facility at Bonaira, food is being provided by external caterers following poor results in a food inspection and the departure of catering staff.

New flexible learning environment opening

After many years of planning, the William Campbell College, established to support students whose needs are not being met by mainstream education, is taking enrolments for the first term of this year.

Principal Amanda Cox says it has been a long wait for the Campbell family, but they are all very excited.

“We’re looking forward to providing an educational facility to meet the needs of kids in our local area who aren’t coping in their current schooling environments,” Mrs Cox says.

“At the end of the day, being able to provide a flexible learning environment is what we’re hoping to achieve.”

The newly built College at Nowra Hill will provide a holistic approach to education to support students with social, emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties, as well as help children where traumatic experiences, anx-

iety, gaps in their education or other various reasons have made them not cope in mainstream schools.

The College is initially catering for 20 students from Kindergarten to Year 6, with enrolments to be staggered over Term 1 and Term 2 in the first year to cater to the needs of each individual students.

Enquiries for enrolment are welcome. As a Special Assistance School, applicants will need to meet one of its eligibility criteria:

• are currently experiencing, or have experienced time in out-of-home care

• are experiencing socialemotional or behavioural

difficulties

• have a diagnosis and description of behaviour that is characteristic of mental health problems in the areas of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder

• have gaps or disruptions to their learning due to (for example) poor attendance, moving between schools, suspension or disengagement.

Find out more at www.williamcampbellcollege. nsw.edu.au or contact Amanda Cox on 0428 546 985 or office@ williamcampbellcollege.nsw. edu.au

by Cassandra Zaucer

Ultramarathon champion in our midst

Lifelong learning at U3A

Kiama’s University for the Third Age (U3A) is kickstarting this year with more than 16 courses in Term 1, and the return of its popular Monday Talks.

“U3A is ideal if you are looking to keep intellectually and socially active, make new friends and pursue new ideas,” says Jamberoo’s Gloria Jeffrey, a member of the U3A committee. “There is something for everybody: academic, social, physical, and recreational.”

Twinkle Toes

care, it was 3 years before my husband Ken retired and I was at a bit of a loss for what to do,” says Gloria.

“So I came along to U3A and it was actually the making of me (that was 20 years ago). Then Ken joined and now he enjoys giving some talks and courses. We’ve met some wonderful friends through the network.”

When does the 3rd age start?

In under 28 hours, Minnamurra local Rob Mason reached Australia’s highest peak in the 240km long Coast to Kosciusko Ultramarathon in early December, earning himself first place.

The annual Ultramarathon, Australia’s premier event in the sport, is a feat on many marathon runners’ bucket lists. Last year was 45 year old Rob’s sixth attempt since he began running ultramarathons in 2008.

“Each time I went back to try and do better and improve as a runner, and this year I had an amazing crew with me. It was the best experience of my life and I got to win the race with a sprint finish at the end,” Rob says.

“It was a dream come true for me and one of the happiest moments of my life.

To have all of my friends and family with me to share it was extraordinary.”

Starting on the beach in Eden, running through Jindabyne and all the way to Mount Kosciusko at over 2,000 metres above sea level, Rob says all of Australia’s best runners try and win it.

But this mean feat that many dream of is only the start for Rob and his crew as they are gearing up to run 100km a day for 11 days straight in September.

“We are going to run across NSW starting from the border of South Australia, near Broken Hill, to Bondi and we’re going to get the fastest ever time,” Rob says.

“The current record is 14 days and we’re going to beat it.”

by Cassandra Zaucer

Diggers hold working bee

Jamberoo’s RSL Hall will soon undergo a facelift, with exterior renovations happening the old fashioned way (through the efforts of volunteers) next month.

President of the KiamaJamberoo RSL sub-branch, Gary McKay, says renovations include “repairing old weatherboards and a coat of paint on the inside of the Hall”.

Anyone wanting to lend a hand in the renovations is welcome to join members on 11 and 12 of February from 9 am.

A BBQ lunch will be provided.

The Monday talks (2-4pm at North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre) are very, very popular, Gloria says, and this term will cover subjects such as COVID, Dealing with Chronic Pain, A Tourist’s View of China, How to Start a Zoo, What Milk is That, Our Place in the Galaxy, What is Art? and Geology of the Kiama Region. All talks on Monday afternoons are free to U3A members.

Courses run for either four or eight two-hour sessions, so there is time to have tea, coffee and a chat.

The list of courses this term includes:

• Yoga for the Mind and Body

• three different Tai Chi courses

• What’s in the News

• Poetry Appreciation

• Living in Medieval Times

• learn to tap dance with

• Table Tennis

• Mah Jong

• Philosophy for Beginners

• Arm-chair Travel Tips and Experiences

• Music Appreciation (limit 60)

• Writers Club (limit 20)

• Heredity 102 – Genetics and Your Health.

There is also a monthly readers/book club.

“There are minimum numbers for each course,” says Gloria, “as we need to cover our costs for hall rental, insurance and other items. The maximum number is capped at 60 people per session, but up until COVID we were getting around 60-75 people for our Monday talks.”

The Kiama U3A committee is made up of hard-working volunteers.

“When I retired after working fulltime as a clinical nurse consultant in palliative

“At around 55,” says Gloria. “And we also have people attend who are well in their 90s.”

Last year U3A members also undertook guided excursions to the Port Kembla Steelworks and HARS, the Historic Aviation Museum in Albion Park.

It costs just $25 per annum to join, and the cost for an eight week course is $20 and $10 for a four week course.

Term 1 starts in the week beginning 6 Febuary.

Full details of the program at kiama.u4anet.org.au

Enrolment days: 30 and 31 January. 2pm-4pm North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre, Meehan Dr, Kiama Downs.

Email: kiamau3a@gmail.com

by Perrie Croshaw

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Welcome to 2023, a new year of opportunity for your council and your community. Kiama Council is an organisation of people who are deeply devoted to the community we serve.

Some of us are councillors, some staff, and others volunteers.

We all continue to believe in the promise that together we can pull out of our current short-term issues and create great goals that will be rewarded by great results.

This year, councillors will determine the best strategic

use for the proceeds of the Akuna Street sale, adjusting our ratios to a more normal setting and in doing so, hopefully calm our bankers and other keen observers.

The process of the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira will also evolve into an open and transparent strategy that retains a healthy suite of aged care offerings in the district but shifts Council’s focus from an aged care business into a council with a retirement village as one of the many strings to its revenue bow.

The past year has not been all doom and gloom. We have in fact achieved victory over many aspects of council’s performance, and this year we will achieve even more.

We will move from a strategy of divestment into a strategy of sustainable revenue.

Building a robust financial strategy is about far more

than crunching numbers, good financial monitoring and demand management. It is collaboration, communication, ownership, vision and trust, especially between council staff and elected members.

This year I know we will be mindful of the past, but our eyes will be on the future.

There will be new life in the heart of our commercial and retail centre: the construction of a new Woolworths-anchored mini-mall and, together with the right contractor, an iconic revitalisation and unique makeover for Hindmarsh Park.

We may also see the beginnings of what will be built on the Akuna Street site.

The rejuvenation of these three major locations will result in quite the makeover for central Kiama during the next year or two. I’m looking

forward to seeing the transformation.

I have found great value in keeping the mayoral door open. I plan to enrich this in 2023 with additional opportunities to improve my accessibility, create an open flow of communication and maintain closer relationships with the community.

Now, with the end of our financial issues in sight (note, I didn’t say over!), culture within our council is noticeably enriched and we can build on this with increased vitality.

A new year offers a fresh perspective and opportunities. Rather than resist and hide in the old, I hope you’ll join me in welcoming and shepherding in the new. Together we shape the future of our Local Government Area.

Werri Warrior 2023

What originally started as a competition between two brothers, the annual Werri Warrior race has turned into an event the whole community can get behind.

Member of Gerringong Surf Club, Richard Payne, who unknowingly started the event seven years ago with his brother Mitch, says although it is a challenging course, it’s an event for everyone – not just surf club members.

“It’s for people to push themselves and go out and try to win, and it’s for others that are more than happy to take part and just try to finish, which is an accomplishment in itself,” Richard says.

Competitors will face a swim around a buoy before a run to the north end of Werri

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“Last year it was 12 year old Lucy who beat everyone which was fantastic to see. Not only was she the first girl to win it, but also a nipper,” Richard says.

Afterwards, competitors and spectators are invited to hang back at the Surf Club, listen to live music by Chris Cutting and have a few drinks.

“The race is secondary to everyone getting together and enjoying an afternoon in the sun. It’s one of the highlights of the year,” Richard says.

Saturday 4 February, Werri Beach, 2.30pm

Beach. After another swim, the course leads to the top of the headlands and back to

the beach to the finish line, roughly taking the winner 45 minutes to complete.

by Cassandra Zaucer

The surprise winner of last year’s event, Lucy Darragh

On New Year’s Eve at the Harbour

The

Around 15,000 people are estimated to have attended the fireworks on Kiama Harbour on the eve of 2023.

easing of restrictions attracted families, old friends and new, and visitors into the town centre on a beautiful evening, with the hope of a better year to come.

Right: Sophie and Bryce from Albion Park with children Evelyn and Ada

Below: Ben Rudd, with Annette and Dan Sullivan, and Kerry Rudd

Above: Mira and Danny Glavan, Paul Allin, Chris and Lynn Sievers, and Annie Allin

Above: Tabitha, Eliza and Bridie Gray, with Steve McLeod, their grandmother Laurel Hair and great aunt Coral Hair, visiting from NZ

Left: Mairead and Joanna from Gerringong

Right: Dave from Kiama Downs with Pauline and Marty from Berry

Bottom right: Grace Ridbey and Rhy Sutcliffe visit every year from Albury

1. Duck that was twin sister to Della Duck

Colour of a Jackie Howe work singlet 6. First name of writer of Waltzing Matilda at Winton Qld in 1895

Castrol GTX ad: Oils aint

aniseed

flightless bird found in Qld

Arguably the wettest place in Australia

Independent Federal MP holding the seat of Kennedy 17. Wire mesh that keeps out flies; Auto glass that keeps out wind. 18. Style of train. Holder of

Aust train speed record at 210kmh in 1998. 19. The time of the new moon; the beginning of the month in the lunar calendar 21. Orchid which is Qld’s floral emblem 22. First floor surrounds of a Queenslander home 25. Aust reality TV series hosted by Scott Cam 26. Swedish group that won

Eurovision in 1974 28. Lead zinc copper silver mining town in Qld which is the world’s 2nd largest city (43,188 sq km) (2,3) 29. There are 3600 seconds in this unit. 30. West African viral disease 32. Which historical Aust based shoe polish is no longer sold in the UK due to declining sales and changing footwear styles 34. Shocked, astonished. ---smacked 36. Where is the Big Pineapple located 37. Feminine of Latin: Italus 38. 19th century Sydney merchant after whom Townsville was named 39. Who went to Qld droving and we don’t know where he are 40. Mend a hole in knitted material with a needle 41. Qld slang for a suitcase 42. International airline started in Winton Qld in 1920

DOWN

1. Where did you get that black eye? I walked into a ---2. Murder a political leader 3. You could be placed in this when you have forgotten your partner’s birthday (3,5)

4. The disposal of a dead person’s body by burning it to ashes 5. Cattle dog cartoons 6. Qld town where the Tree of Knowledge is located. 10 metre tree was used as a meeting place for shearers during great strikes of the

1890s. 7. Most unpleasant, offensive or repugnant 10. Rock n roll band that had a Brisbane bridge named after them (2, 8) 11. Home of Aust Stockman’s Hall of Fame opened by QEII in 1988 14. Northernmost part of Aust that has Prince Andrew’s ducal title (4,4) 20. What Shreck is 21. Which airport is in both NSW and QLD 22. Verb: clean carpets

23. Seventh commandment advises that this shall not be committed

24. Type of scones was Flo Bjelke Peterson famous 25. Next Aust city to hold the Olympics

27. Qld coastal city included in the Fed seat of Leichhardt held by Warren Entch

29. Australian aviator born in

Bundaberg, first person to fly solo England to Australia 31. A member of the lowest hereditary titled British order, with the status of a commoner but able to use the prefix ‘Sir’ 33. Qld village which has the longest camel race on the Australian camel racing circuit 35. North Qld oldest town and namesake for a variety of mango

Crossword compiled by Steve Law. Correspondence welcome to crossword@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

FACE A FACE EYEWEAR

I am your representative in the Australian Parliament. I can help with issues like Medicare, Centrelink, aged care and pensions, the NDIS, Veterans’ Affairs and community grants. I can also arrange special birthday and anniversary messages, and information for pensioners and seniors. You can contact me on 4423 1782.

At EyeQ Optometrists Kiama we hand select a range of frames from manufacturers all across the globe. This week we’d like to introduce you to FACE A FACE, eyewear that is handmade in France, is rich in colour and expressive.

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We love assisting our patients find the perfect frames to suit their needs and personality so feel free to visit us and see which FACE A FACE frame matches your style.

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Same, same – but different!

Kia Orana, familiarly used as a greeting though literally meaning ‘may you live a long and fulfilling life’. Welcome to Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

We chose this Pacific Island as the destination for our second honeymoon cum 10th wedding anniversary. And what a paradise. Rarotonga did not disappoint.

The same, same refers to both the luscious green volcanic peaks at its centre contrasted with the stunning turquoise reef beaches – just like Kiama – mountains and beaches! But the loose comparison may end there, though the whales were migrating past too.

A friendly, relaxed people, life on Raro takes a leisurely pace, especially with a maximum road speed of 50 kph and 20 in school zones and the bus, hailed just wherever you are, only every hour.

It seems the locals are all born with the ability to sing and play the drums! Family is big.

We bring home strong memories of chooks and dogs everywhere, roosters crowing all through the day and night, goats on ropes and palm trees everywhere especially in lieu of fences.

The island is strongly Christian, shutting down to respect Sabbath on Sundays; a church on every corner or

1 for every 200 citizens; and giving thanks during several tourist adventures and grace before meals.

Sighted liberally over the island are grand marble gravestones or memorials usually under cover at the front of household blocks though there are a few central graveyards as well. As with many holiday destinations, you can do as much or as little as you like. We indulged (& recommend) the glass bottomed boat, snorkelling and fish BBQ lunch at the Muri lagoon; swimming with turtles & more snorkelling; visiting the Marine Discovery Centre and

the Marie Nui gardens along with exploring the two roads which circumnavigate and lots of swimming.

There are more active water sports to enjoy – even SUP yoga, biking and scootering, and several walks of a more strenuous nature.

And to get a taste of their true culture, an island feast night with traditional singing and dancing is a must.

The food ranges from the cheap and cheerful from food trucks, take-aways and the Muri night markets, to casual cafes, 5 star restaurants and of course you can self cater.

Accomodation can be tailored to all budgets including

backpackers, beach bungalows, large and small resorts, no doubt many BnBs or even glamping which we chose.

We can’t speak more highly of the Cook Islands hoping to return. We bring back our memories, digital pics and videos, a black Pearl, a worn island map – and a diary planner!

Meitaki and Aere Ra (thank you and good bye).

Roe Kitchin, Kiama

If you’d like to share your travel story, send your postcard to: news@ thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Meeting Pele

from page 1 it tells the story of a young boy meeting his idol,” Jamie says.

He was fortunate enough to attend the Pelé Soccer Camps thanks to his late uncle, Johnny Warren, who left an incredible legacy to the sport in Australia as a soccer player, coach, administrator, writer and broadcaster.

“As part of Uncle John’s role with the SBS, he interviewed Pelé in Sydney and took the photograph to the interview. So, in 2001 Pelé signed the photograph for Uncle John and signed ‘To Jamie, good luck, Pelé’.

“Uncle John brought it home and said, ‘you’ve got to

get it framed and stick it in a prominent position at the Pub’, and that’s what we did. It hangs right above the bar, and it has been there ever since,” Jamie says.

He remembers Pelé – who won three FIFA World Cups for Brazil and scored 1,300 professional goals in his career – as both a wonderful footballer and a wonderful person.

“Our condolences go to the Australian Brazilian community and to the Brazilian community worldwide. It’s such a massive loss but we’re so lucky to have witnessed his journey.”

by Cassandra Zaucer

Jamie Warren behind the bar of the Jamberoo Pub