The Bugle 26 August 2023

Offshore windfarms back on agenda

diverse workforce.

“Offshore wind is energy rich and jobs rich but despite having some of the best wind resources in the world, Australia doesn’t currently have any offshore wind,” Minister Bowen said.

“This presents a huge economic opportunity for the regions that help power Australia – like the Illawarra, to continue to power our nation for generations to come.

This is a genuine consultation and I encourage all community members to get involved and have their say on the proposed zone.”

The Federal Government will keep the consultation period open until 16 October, during which time it will host community information sessions across the region.

The Kiama session will take place on Wednesday 20 September 2023 at Kiama Leagues Club from 4pm to 7pm.

When BlueFloat Energy - the company behind the South Pacific Offshore Wind Project - announced in June 2023 that it had selected an alternative site to Kiama for its wind farm, The Bugle heard from many unhappy

locals who did not want wind turbines in their town.

Concerns from locals include a loss of tourism from the disturbed coastal scenery, potentially disturbed whale migration patterns, and the lack of appropriate infrastructure.

We’re sure that the community will have a lot to say during the consultation period!

When we released this on our app we were inundated with email responses. Check out the app to read what the community is saying.

by Brendon Foye

Illawarra had been selected for its strong offshore winds, major port infrastructure and

Hope on the horizon for necessities

The Woolworths popup shop and BWS liquor store in Kiama Village have reopened to the public once again.

The pop-up store sells essential grocery items like milk and bread while the

main Woolworths store stays closed for renovations.

Kiama Woolworths closed in July for what was supposed to be three weeks until 16 August while work was carried out on the site. However, the site has remained

closed after a worksite accident on 27 July that put a contractor in hospital.

Woolworths is yet to announce a new reopening date for the rest of the centre.

Coming Up

Kiama Community Radio Birthday

Kiama Leagues Club

Friday 25 August, 7pm

Eat with Homestead of Hope

Kiama Scout Hall

Tuesday 29 August, 11am

Author Talk: Gabbie Stroud Kiama Library

Thursday 31 August, 5:30pm

ADFAS Lecture: Michael Pembroke Berry Uniting Hall

Thursday 31 August, 7:30pm

Film: Ukrainistan Artist War Gerringong Town Hall

Friday 1 September, 6:45pm

Kiama Saturday Run

Kiama Lighthouse

Saturday 9 September, 9:30am

Electric Vehicle Open Day

The Pavillion

Saturday 9 September, 1pm

Brushes at the Brewery

Stoic Brewing Gerringong

Saturday 9 September, 5:30pm

Hot Rod Show

Black Beach Park

Sunday 10 September, 8am

Blood Donation

Anglican Church, Kiama

Tuesday 12 September, 12:30pm

Referendum Discussion

The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow

Thursday 14 September, 7pm

Regular Events

Kiama Farmers’ Markets

Every Wednesday

Uniting Church or Kiama Surf Beach, 3-6pm

SENTRAL’S Open Mic

Every Thursday

SENTRAL Youth Services, 5-7pm

Robyn Sharp Open Gallery

First weekend of every month

Cedar Ridge Studio, Foxground, by appointment

The Berry Markets

First Sunday each month

Berry Show Society, 8.30-2pm

The Berry Bowling Club Markets

Second Saturday of the month, 9-2pm

Gerringong Rotary Markets

Third Saturday each month

Around the Town Hall, 8:30-1:30pm

Kiama Seaside Markets

Third Sunday each month

Black Beach, 9-3pm

Jamberoo Village Markets

Last Sunday each month

Reid Park, Jamberoo, 9-2pm

Have an event?

Let us know. Bugle/KCR steven@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Can’t wait to get your folk fix?

Char Char del mar is teaming up with The Kiama Pipe Band, Kiama Sea Shanty Club, and John Littrich and Neil McCann from The Water Runners for a free festival preview event at Burnetts on Barney on Saturday 16 September.

Folk by the Sea

The full lineup for Kiama’s next landmark music festival, Folk By The Sea, has been revealed, with 35 artists and performers making their way down the coast to perform.

The lineup includes 145 events that will take place across five venues at Kiama Showground, and another two venues at Kiama Anglican Church, from 22-24 September 2023.

The festival will be headlined by Melbourne-based Irish folk singer Enda Kenny fresh off a tour of the UK, Germany, and New Zealand. Kenny will perform at 7:30pm on Saturday 22 September and 3:30pm on Sunday 23 September.

alphabetical order below:

Alijamia

Cha Cha del mar

Chloe & Jason Roweth

Corn Nut Creek

East of West

Enda Kenny

Felicity Dowd

Fly Little Sparrow

Frankie & Albert

Good Tunes Session

Gumaraa

John Ralph

Kiama Pipe Band

Kiama Sea Shanty Club

LJ Parks

Mad Kelpie Playdate

Microwave Jenny

Nerida Cuddy

Peter Willey

Pirritu

Brushes and beers

You’ve heard of paint ‘n’ sip, but have you experienced brushes and beers?

Stoic Brewing in Gerringong is hosting a fun Brushes at the Brewery event in its new upstairs space. Have a drink and burger of your choice while painting at your own pace. Stoic Brewing will supply all the paint materials, including aprons, and participants can take their artwork home with them at the end.

Kiama Saturday Run

Join the fun in Kiama on 9-10 September for a weekend car run. Meet at Kiama Lighthouse at 9:30am on Saturday for an Observations Run to Berry. Stop for coffee and a walk around, then drive to Gerroa Boat Fishermans Club for lunch at 12pm. Saturday night, meet at Kendalls for a BYO BBQ at the camp kitchen.

Kiama Farmers Markets

Skip the online deals and grab a purple cauliflower Father’s Day is fast approaching, and while many may be considering the usual socks, undies and licorice allsorts, this is the year that you could consider moving out of the traditional present zone and look at something a little more exciting.

Sure, it is easy to zip online and head to one of the major retailers with your credit card in your hot little hand, waiting to find the most outstanding deal your eyeballs can gaze upon.

Still, a more excellent experience could await you at Coronation Park in Kiama.

The Kiama Farmers Market could be your ticket to finding something different for Dad.

Instead of heading online for the latest deal, why not use your favourite search engine to find a recipe harnessing some seasonal vegetables and set a Wednesday to head down to the Kiama Farmers Market.

It’s a great way to pick up fresh vegetables to cook the perfect roast vegetable salad or cauliflower pizza for your Dad on Father’s Day, and you never know, you might get him asking you to pick up a purple cauliflower or two!

Kiama’s own Cha Cha del mar and The Water Runners will perform multiple sets over the weekend, and both bands will appear at the Final Shindig at Kiama Bowling Club on Sunday night. The Final Shindig show will take place between 5-9pm and will be hosted by Nick Rheinberger and Tia Wilson.

There’s a plethora of events for all to participate in, from music workshops for aspiring musicians to spoken word events, dances, and plenty of shanties for those in need of a sing-a-long.

Festival organisers previously announced that this year’s festival will feature a ‘Voice of First Nations Folk’ concert with Indigenous artists. The concert will be headlined by Gumaraa, First Nations singer-songwriter

Pirritu and Microwave Jenny, composed of Indigenous duo Tessa Neku and Brendan Boney, which fuses folk, pop and jazz together.

Check out the full lineup in

News

The

Redfern Shanty Club

Remembering John Den-

gate

Rheinberger & Wilson

Robyn Sykes

Russell Churcher & Mark Ballesi & guests

Russell Hannah

Rusty & The Saint

Sarah Humphreys

Scroggin

Southern Cross Bush Band

& Friends

Stonybroke

The Con Artists

The Fallen Robins

The Water Runners

Todd Cook

Tony & Helen Romeo

Tribal Jewels Dance Co

We Mavericks

Wil Linder

Tickets are available now for punters of all ages. The festival is also looking for interested volunteers to participate.

offices. Contact

Council stays at 9

Kiama Council has voted against holding a referendum that would have asked the Kiama LGA whether to reduce the number of councillors from nine to seven at the next local election.

The motion was voted in favour by Councillors Mark Croxford, Warren Steel and Matt Brown, but was voted against by Councillors Jodi Keast, Stuart Larkins, Karen Renkema-Lang and Kathy Rice.

Councillor Croxford, who introduced the motion, said that Kiama was currently overrepresented compared to neighbouring councils.

Speaking at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 15 August, Councillor Croxford said residents of the Kiama LGA had the right to decide how its local government operates.

“At the very heart of democracy is choice. It’s the idea that the people should have a say in how they’re governed. In putting forth this notice of motion, we’re not imposing a decision, but a choice. It’s a choice based on the evolving needs of our municipality, the efficiency of our decision-making processes and the effective use of our resources.”

Councillor Croxford added that a smaller council would streamline debates and reduce bureaucracy, and that although cost-savings wasn’t the object, fewer councillors would save on allowances and administrative costs.

He also recognised that more councillors equates to more diverse representation, but said that it was ultimately up to the community as to how it is represented.

Arguing against the motion, Councillor Kathy Rice said there was an assumption that decision-making would be more effective with fewer councillors.

“In my experience on boards and community committees, the difference of two on the board will have less impact on efficiency and effectiveness than the group culture and processes would have.”

She added that councillors were not provided with any research material that supported the claims that fewer councillors translated to efficiency.

“Obviously a reduction in councillor numbers could save a small amount of cash, but economics should not be the major justification for a change that could create

Buyers Note

significant cultural change.”

Kiama has a relatively lower ratio of councillors to residents compared with our neighbouring councils, with one councillor per 2598 residents, which could suggest overrepresentation, according to Council’s Business Papers.

Wollongong for example has a ratio of one councillor per 16,637 residents, Shellharbour has one councillor per 8695 residents, and the Shoalhaven has one councillor per 8417 residents despite having 13 councillors.

Kiama still has a much lower ratio when compared with OLG Group 4 Councils, which includes LGAs with similar populations to Kiama like Richmond and Lithgow.

While Council also considered reducing the number of councillors down to five, it ultimately landed on seven as a balancing point between efficient decision-making and reasonable representation, which would equate to one councillor per 3384 residents. CEO Jane Stroud’s cost-benefit analysis estimates that Council could save up to $43,469 annually by reducing the number of councillors.

by Brendon Foye

Jerrara dam's future

Kiama Council has voted to form a working group that will help decide the future of Jerrara Dam by reviewing its 27-year-old plan of management.

Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma moved a successful motion on Tuesday 15 June to form the Jerrara Dam Working Group and was voted in favour unanimously by Council.

The working group has three goals: to review the Jerrara Dam Plan of Management 1996; consider future uses for the site; and to consider the rehabilitation of the site for the conservation and regeneration of its indigenous vegetation and associated habitats.

The group will submit its report to Council, who will then formally review the Jerrara Dam plan of management, subject to available budget.

Jerrara Dam is one of the Kiama LGA’s best kept secrets, but concerns for its future were raised in April 2023 following a proposal by Councillor Warren Steel for a report to be prepared exploring options to divest the asset from the local government. Council has since announced that Jerrara Dam won’t be part of its asset divestment program.

While locals and community stakeholders know that the

Bugle’s View Wind Turbines

Kiama Council has taken the first step to sell off Blue Haven Bonaira by opening the tender process.

Potential buyers can submit an EOI (expression of interest) to tender for the aged care home until the process closes on 12 September 2023. A selection panel will then shortlist the best submissions, who will then be invited to submit a tender.

Council will only allow Blue Haven Bonaira to be sold to an approved aged care provider that will continue to operate the site, and must abide by the Aged Care Act and Retirement Villages Act.

The sale will include Blue Haven Bonaira’s 134-bed aged care facility, along with 59 independent living units, Matterson Hall, Barroul House cafe, a chapel, gym and hair salon, and administration offices.

Kiama Council’s problems with Blue Haven Bonaira’s construction and management are well-documented, dating back to 2016 when Council underestimated the cost of building the facility by millions of dollars. The exact cost to build Blue Haven Bonaira still isn’t entirely clear, as the auditors Forsyths does not have enough information at its disposal to determine a final cost.

First it was on, then it was off – now offshore wind may be back on off the coast of Kiama.

Last week The Bugle’s Brendon Foye brought us big news from the Illawarra Clean Energy Summit & Expo.

The Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has announced plans for a 1,400 square kilometre offshore wind zone, stretching from Wombarra in the north to Gerringong in the south.

The project – which would see turbines installed at least 30 kilometres off Kiama’s coast – would generate enough energy to power 3.4 million homes. It will also provide 2,500 jobs during construction and 1,250 jobs on an ongoing basis.

While few of The Bugle’s readers would be against more good jobs and more clean energy, many are likely to have concerns around the environmental impact of such a project – and what that could mean for tourism and the local economy.

This news is also sure to give many of our readers a heavy dose of déjà vu.

Community information sessions will be held at Kiama Leagues Club on Wednesday 20 September and Gerringong Town Hall on Thursday 21September, with the formal consultation period to run until Monday 16 October.

Irrespective of where locals land on this issue, it’s The Bugle’s very strong view that everyone should get an opportunity to have their say and that the Federal Government needs to listen.

At the time of the BlueFloat decision, Kiama State MP, Gareth Ward welcomed the decision to move their project away from Kiama. We have not heard from Mr Ward following this latest development from the Federal Government.

In a statement on Facebook, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips provided details about the consultation period and said the project “presents a huge economic opportunity”.

Here at The Bugle, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that our community’s voice is heard. But ultimately it starts with you.

dam is home to a plethora of rare native flora and fauna, Deputy Mayor Draisma noted that Council didn’t have any specific data on the wildlife in the area. However, numerous studies have been conducted on the dam’s birdlife, with more than 178 bird species spotted living in the area, including four threatened species.

Members of the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association have remained ardent supporters for the protection and revitalisation of the area. The organisation formed its own working group, the Friends of Jerrara Dam at its July meeting to work with council to revitalise the area.

Speaking on behalf of the Friends of Jerrara Dam to Council, Stuart Richards reiterated the group’s desire to work together with council to achieve the best outcome for the area.

“We believe this important wetland and rainforest reserve requires the protection accorded to it by means of a revised Plan of Management which will contribute to the sustainability and security of this unique community land asset for future generations,” said Stuart at a council public access meeting.

“This magnificent area has benefits for the whole Kiama Municipality and beyond -

even more potential benefits than the Spring Creek wetlands.”

He added that the motion was the first step for the community to access increased community interest to make sure the reserve is managed and maintained as a community asset.

by Brendon Foye

Council opened Blue Haven Bonaira in 2019, and resolved to sell it in October 2022.

StewartBrown Advisory was selected by Council to be the marketing agent for the sale.

by Brendon Foye

It was only two months ago that BlueFloat Energy canned its plans to plant 150 turbines off Kiama’s shoreline, following significant community blowback. The Bugle reckons that blowback could’ve been measured in gigawatts!

At the very least, it’s a good thing that Minister Bowen has promised to hold a fair dinkum consultation on this new project. He says: “this is a genuine consultation and I encourage all community members to get involved and have their say on the proposed zone”.

Please contact us and tell us whether you think, on balance, a new offshore wind turbine farm is good for Kiama.

A local community coach and dad has been nominated for the tenth annual Phillips Community Sports Dad of the Year ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday 4 September.

A Kiama dad Lachlan Payne was wonderfully surprised by his wife Sherrie Paynen on the footy field during training and The Bugle was right on the spot at the Kiama showground when Sherrie told him he had been nominated for Community Sports Dad of the Year on Friday 18th August 2023.

Every athlete has a story about who has supported them over the years. In many cases this has been a parent, coach or community volunteer who has committed to championing community sports from the sidelines or behind the scenes. Lachlan clearly has been that person for very many players over a long time period.

Lachlan is the coach of three rugby league girls teams for the Kiama Knights, the U16s, the U14s, and U12s. He has three daughters who play for the teams, Charlotte Payne (U16), Eadie Payne (U14), and Jimmi Payne (U12). Two teams have progressed to Grand Finals next week on Saturday 26 August and the third is in a final a week earlier on Saturday 19 August.

Lachlan is the current club vice president of the Kiama Knights and been a committee member for many years and well known for being up for any job, whether for canteen or ground manager, to BBQ or first aid.

Sherrie said “My husband Lachlan has been coaching many teams for years and he deserves the recognition.”

Damien Cook, Rabbitohs and NSW Origin star won the 2022 Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year award. He knows firsthand the support he received from his own dad growing up and aspires to do the same with his kids, Willow and Jagger.

“Speaking from experience with my own dad when I was younger, community dads are so important with the roles they cover - from being a coach, setting up fields, refereeing and driving us to and from training and on-game days.

“My dad did this all while working full time and then worked overtime just to earn the extra time off to be able to get me to and from my commitments and be there to support me. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Submissions for YOUR nomination close at midnight AEST on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 so get in quick!

To nominate a community sports dad, submit 100 words on why they should win via www.sportsdads.com.au The winner will be notified prior to Father’s Day, Sunday, 3 September, with the prize pack including a Philips male grooming pack valued at over $1,000 RRP, as well as a $5,000 Rebel Sports voucher to purchase new clothing or sporting equipment for the community sports club of choice.

Those who nominate the successful dad will also have the chance to win a Philips OneBlade Pro ahead of Father’s Day.

By Mark Whalan and Steven White

Kiama Council wants to hear your feedback on a trio of community infrastructure projects - masterplans for sports recreation facilities in Kiama and Gerringong, and a new look for the jetty at Kiama Harbour.

Council tapped Sala4D Pty Ltd to develop masterplans for the Kiama and Gerringong sports complexes, which will be used to plan and prioritise future upgrades, as well as obtain funding to implement these upgrades.

Kiama Sports Complex

The first project is the Kiama Sports Complex, also known as ‘Quarry Sportsfield’ adjacent to the Kiama Leisure Centre in Havilah Place.

Kiama Council said the facility is in need of an upgrade, and has received funding to develop a masterplan to oversee these improvements from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

The entire site includes the Kiama Leisure Centre, netball courts, a skate park, public car park, and four grass field and athletic tracks, though the masterplan mainly focuses on everything other than the Leisure Centre.

south werri reserve

The second project is the reserve located on Pacific Avenue in Gerringong at the south end of Werri Beach. The site includes a basketball court, five tennis courts with lighting and a

clubhouse, public car park, playground, skate park, BBQ and picnic shelters, and exercise equipment.

Kiama Council will host community consultation sessions to seek feedback on the pair of masterplans and gain a better understanding of the community’s uses for the two sites.

The session for Kiama Sports Complex will be held at The Pavillion on 5 September at 7pm, while the South Werri session will be at Gerringong Town Hall at 3:30pm on the same day. Interested participants must RSVP to attend.

Kiama Council said it will take a holistic approach to planning for both locations, and upgrades would likely include new facilities and multi-use spaces that can be used for a range of sports.

Kiama harbour jetty

Kiama Council also wants feedback on three concept designs for an upgraded jetty at Kiama Harbour.

The jetty has sustained considerable damage from storms in recent years, particularly from the deluge of rain that fell in 2020. Those wild storms aren’t going away any time soon, so Kiama Council wants a design that is more appropriate to withstand another eventual battering.

Kiama Council has already funded the design phase with consultant Advisian producing the three concepts, but it still needs to apply for grant funding once a design has been selected.

There are three concepts on offer:

Concept 1:

• Lower level landing off Eastern jetty (0mAHD) total length of 9.8m. Potential to have two levels for multi-tide access.

• Repair or replace Western Jetty

• Path off Eastern Jetty for access

Concept 2:

• Repair or replace Western Jetty

Trio of infrastructure projects up for debate Surprise Nomination for Coach for Rugby Father of the Year

• Remove Eastern jetty and replace with on ramp pontoon (floating) Additional path and access to Eastern jetty Concept 3:

• Lower level landing off Eastern jetty (0mAHD). Potential to have two levels for multi-tide access. Repair or replace Western Jetty Kiama Council also noted that the fish cleaning table would likely need to be relocated depending on which design is selected.

Kiama Council will also host a community session to seek feedback on a new jetty on the same day as the sports complex sessions. Interested parties can attend The Pavillion on 5 September between 3pm5pm to discuss the proposed designs.

by Brendon Foye

Yes? No? here's the offerings

The Yes / No choice regarding a Voice to Parliament has been prevalent in the news of late, and the government has also posted Referendum Booklets to our homes. We’ve all observed that polls are favouring ‘No’ at this stage.

The Guardian newspaper released polling figures, showing that “47 per cent of 1150 respondents do not approve of the Voice, with 43 per cent in favour, and the remaining 10 per cent unsure. But every state queried on the issue returned a result against the Voice proposal, except for Victoria.”

So what’s at stake? The Voice would advise the Australian Government on matters relating to the social, spiritual and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (hereafter collectively referred to as Aboriginal, except where directly quoted).

“The Voice will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a constitutionally guaranteed right to speak to government and the parliament about what's needed for practical improvements to people's lives. This in turn would help address disadvantage and systemic discrimination,” say UNSW researchers.

Taking a different view, Chris Merritt, Vice President of the Rule of Law Education Centre, says “Eight years ago I saw nothing wrong with requiring parliament to listen to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders before using its power under section 51(xxvi) of the Constitution to make special laws that only affect Indigenous people. I still hold that view. This early model is what many people believe they are being asked to endorse. They are wrong. This is not what is on offer at this referendum.”

“Constitutional recognition of Indigenous people is desirable and can be achieved. However, this referendum on the Voice is the wrong way to achieve that goal as it creates a Constitutional entity with unlimited scope that erodes a fundamental principle of democracy, the equality of citizenship,” the Rule of Law Education Centre says.

The No voters assert that the real purpose of this referendum is to change our system of government by injecting a permanent element of racial privilege into the heart of the Constitution. They say that it would give Indigenous Australians – and their descendants for all time – a second method of influencing public policy that goes beyond the benefits of representative democracy that are already enjoyed by all citizens regardless of race.

They feel that it would constitutionalise a race-based lobby group, equipped with a separate bureaucracy, that would give Indigenous citizens the ability to have an additional say on every law and administrative decision, not just those relating specifically to Aboriginal people.

Since mis- and disinformation about the Voice to Parliament proposal are rife, three law experts at have sought to address the most common questions and myths, and their insightful article was originally published in The Conversation.

Let’s unravel, with this summary of concerns.

It’s fair to ask if Aboriginal people support the Voice. There is never a single view, but polling confirms the Voice continues to receive overwhelming Indigenous support. Two polls from 2023 confirm that 80 per cent and 83 per cent of Indigenous people support the Voice.

There are concerns that the Voice

will insert race into the Constitution.

In fact, the concept of race is already in Section 51 of the Constitution, which was amended in 1967 following a nationwide campaign for change.

The law experts pointed out, “As was intended in 1967, the power has been exercised for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (such as in relation to native title and cultural heritage protection laws). On the other hand, the same power could also arguably be used to pass laws that operate to their detriment. Its existence and breadth underscore the need for a mechanism – the Voice – to listen to the very people to whom those laws would apply.”

In terms of whether the Voice will make a practical difference to improve people’s lives, the experts acknowledge that, “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have answers to many pressing issues confronting their communities, but all too often are not heard. The positive impact of listening to Indigenous voices is supported by research.”

The Voice is seeking to give Aboriginal people a constitutionally guaranteed right to speak to the Government about what is practically needed and aims to help address systemic discrimination and disadvantage.

Whether the Voice can represent the diversity of Aboriginal views is another concern. The constitutional provision requires only that the Voice is an “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice” and leaves the rules governing its composition to be determined by parliament.

The identity, experience, culture and views of First Nations people across Australia are complex and diverse, which means that the government will need to engage in further consultation with Indigenous people on the specific design of the Voice to ensure the Voice is representative of the diversity of Aboriginal views.

The experts agree that the Voice is supported under international human rights law as it recognises Indigenous peoples’ rights to political representation and is consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Voice has been endorsed by several UN treaty bodies; however they have also expressed serious concern about the human rights violations that Indigenous people in Australia continue to experience.

In terms of whether Aboriginal people already have many ‘voices’ to government and parliament, the law experts say not. They take the view that although there may be more Aboriginal parliamentarians than ever, these individuals do not primarily represent Aboriginal people. They are party members bound by party policy, or individual MPs, who represent the whole of their constituencies. There is currently no representative body to provide parliament, in a nationally coordinated way, the views and experience of the Aboriginal people who will be affected by their decisions.

The concern as to whether the Voice gives rise to High Court litigation and clog up parliamentary work, according to informed legal opinion, the establishment of the Voice does not pose any abnormal risk of excessive litigation.

Parliament has the ability to determine its own business, and the parliament has legislative power to determine how the Voice will engage with the govern-

ment.

Monarchists are concerned as to how the Voice may affect sovereignty. The Voice proposal interacts with sovereignty at three different levels. Firstly, the call for the Voice reform is based on the strong assertion in the Uluru Statement from the Heart of the continuing and unceded sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

There is nothing in the Voice proposal which alters the British Crown’s assertion of sovereignty at settlement. Lastly, international treaty bodies have repeatedly confirmed that the Voice would be a positive step for the recognition and political participation rights of Aboriginal people within the state.

The Voice has a number of objectives, one of which is the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal people as the First Peoples of the land. First Nations people, through the Uluru Statement from the Heart, indicated they wished for recognition in the form of the Voice.

The law experts say that if the Voice is in the Constitution, it can only be

Is car theft really on the rise?

Kiama residents have called into question the presence of NSW Police in the Kiama LGA following a perceived recent uptick in the number of car thefts and break-ins.

Residents have taken to social media to share their stories about how vandals have broken into their vehicles at night, or even taken the vehicle in its entirety. While the number of social media posts has increased, that doesn’t necessarily mean crime rates have increased as well.

On the night of 16 August 2023, at least five cars were reported on social media to be stolen or broken into.

had not received any other reports of stolen cars on the same night, and has requested specific details to be reported so if any pattern emerges, it could be established and perpetrators identified.

Anyone with information is urged to call Bega Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The most recent statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows that the number of motor vehicle thefts across the state rose from 10,586 from April 2022 to March 2023. There was specifically a rise in car thefts in the Illawarra in that 12-month period as well, but only from 448 to 472.

Some of the social media posts called for the return to Kiama Police Station being staffed on a 24-hour basis, or at least increased patrols in the area.

abolished by another referendum, rather than by a change of government policy. This gives it independence and stability, so it can fulfil its function of speaking about matters that might not be politically popular.

Australians are being asked to vote at the referendum on permanent constitutional change (subject to a future referendum), so is there enough detail in relation to the constitutional change for them to decide? In fact there is a large amount to inform your choice, including the wording of the amendment, the referendum question, the explanatory memorandum to the amendment, a parliamentary inquiry’s report, and the government has also released the solicitor-general’s advice on the legal soundness of the amendment.

The detail establishing the “nuts and bolts” about what the legislation of the Voice will look like, is not part of the constitutional amendment, and it is normal for constitutions to leave this type of detail to be worked out in future by the parliament.

The government has taken the option of indicating what it will do following a successful referendum, and how it will go about setting up the Voice, should it pass. It has worked with the Referendum Working Group to finalise a set of design principles that provide the outline of what the voice will look like –how it will represent Aboriginal people across the country, what functions it will have, and how it will be accountable.

Happy reading for your informed choice!

by Donna Portland

NSW Police Media told The Bugle that a white Toyota RAV4 was reported stolen to police from Kiama Heights. Officers found the car on fire at around 5:40 am in Batemans Bay, confirming it was the same vehicle that was stolen from Kiama Heights.

These incidents incited a bevy of social media posts about unlocked cars being searched for valuables at night in the same area by a group of between two and four people, and some items of value including cash were reportedly taken.

If social media is to be believed, up to five cars were stolen in Kiama on the same night, and another two were found burnt out. One local told The Bugle that a Volvo was stolen from Kiama Heights, and another said her daughter’s car was taken from the Kiama Railway Station on the same night.

However, NSW Police Media told The Bugle they

David Watmore, State Secretary for the NSW Board of Neighbourhood Watch urged the Kiama community to register their Ring cameras on their front doors with local police, which could be used to identify perpetrators.

“It would be great to hold a meeting with the police, council and the community to discuss the possibility of reforming a Neighbourhood Watch,” David said.

“Yes, it still exists and has grown by 400 per cent in the last four years. Neighbourhood Watch has grown because people are wanting to improve their community and make them safer and more secure.”

by Mark Whalan

The Bugle wants to hear your thoughts, should we establish a Neighbourhood Watch program in Kiama? Let us know at hello@thebuglenewspaper. com.au

Photo of burning car by Louise Leahy of Bay Post, Moruya

FLOOD PLAN DROWNING IN CHALLENGES

Builders, planners and insurers are calling on the State governments to overhaul their approach to land use planning urgently. They want to ensure that no more homes are built on flood plains without regard to risk. This concern is widespread and includes the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. We have had some catastrophic floods in the area, and the majority who do accept that climate change is contributing to more intense rain events, are concerned that flooding will get worse.

In response to the flood emergency of recent years, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), Master Builders Australia (MBA) and the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), supported by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), convened the inaugural National Industry Roundtable: Land Use Planning and Resilience on 27 July.

Around 60 experts from government, financial services, property, and community joined the discussion. When thinking about future housing challenges, the Roundtable meeting called on state and territory governments to urgently rethink planning rules so no more homes are built in high-risk flood-prone locations.

The chair of the Property Council Illawarra, Jennifer Macquarie, informed The Bugle that “It’s already a State Government requirement that new development has to be built above the 1:100-year flood level (i.e. worst predicted flood in 100 years). The biggest growth areas in our region are West Albion Park and Dapto, both of which have plenty of creeks and a history of flooding, so the subdivisions are having to be designed around that.”

Ms Macquarie mentioned that “The standards were different in older suburbs. Some were built to a 1:20 year flood level, or a 1:50 year level, so these are the suburbs that flood most frequently and suffer the most in big rain events. This makes in-fill development / urban renewal of old suburbs more challenging.”

Recommendations for reform have been released in a communique from the three sponsoring organisations to be sent to planning ministers to enable discussion on the issue. The roundtable heard that all Australians are bearing the costs of worsening extreme weather events, which are increasing because of historic planning decisions.

It was agreed that without reform, population pressures and inadequate planning

laws will see further development of flood-prone land, putting lives at risk, costing taxpayers billions of dollars in recovery and remediation, and adding to an already strained insurance sector.

Andrew Hall, CEO Insurance Council of Australia, said, “The flood events of 2022, with almost 300,000 disaster-related claims costing around $7 billion, has driven up premiums and has resulted in affordability constraints for those at the highest risk.”

CEO Master Builders Australia, Denita Wawn said, “With a housing crisis at the forefront for many communities and a growing population, we must ensure that our planning laws are fit for the future and take an

appropriate risk-management approach. “Governments are encouraged to take a balanced approach to development and resist a default of building out with alternative considerations such as building up to take the pressure off the housing system and supported with more resilient and adaptable infrastructure to extreme weather events.

“Without fit for purpose planning laws, technical building regulation will always fail. The housing industry needs clear and concise rules that allow the industry to function and the community to have confidence.

President of Australia Local Government Association, Councillor Linda Scott, commented, “Australia’s 537

councils play a vital role in building resilient communities, assisting in every corner of the nation to ensure our communities can better prepare for, respond to and recover from increasing natural disasters.

“It’s crucial we rebuild damaged local infrastructure to a more resilient standard. Councils will continue to strongly advocate for ‘building back better’ as a core value and overriding principle of joint state/federal Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”

Matt Collins, CEO Planning Institute of Australia, comments, “Planning is a critical tool for influencing the level of future disaster risk, and our changing climate means we need to

act now to limit the impact of extreme weather on our communities.

“By adopting new riskbased policies and investing in better mapping and data, we can ensure development avoids or minimises exposure to flood hazards.”

Jennifer Macquarie adds, “Climate change isn’t the only contributor to increased flood risk. Councils own the drainage systems and are responsible for keeping them clear of rubbish so that when there is a flood, the pipes and culverts are not blocked by old mattresses, tree branches, or whatever.

“Tight budgets for maintenance mean that the drainage systems are not cleaned as frequently as they could be, and water can’t get away in a flood. In addition, private property owners also build illegally within drainage easements, not really considering that the structure will block/ divert overland flow of water in a high rainfall event.”

So, it’s a complex issue, and one that’s on the radar for many people. Everyone’s insurance premiums have gone up, and we are all paying indirectly for the increased claims made due to more extreme floods and bushfires.

by Donna Portland

Bowling Eco Warriors

Cheap source of electricity

It’s no secret that solar is the cheapest source of electricity in Australia and grid energy is the most expensive that it’s ever been. People are really feeling the pinch.

The Australian Government confirms that “Australia has the highest uptake of solar globally, with around 30 per cent of homes with rooftop solar PV. As of 31 January 2022, more than 3 million rooftop solar PV systems have been installed across Australia.”

Have you noticed that the Kiama Bowling Club’s roof is almost completely covered by solar panels?

It’s hard to miss as you drive down Shoalhaven Street.

The Bugle's interest was piqued, so we asked manager, Andrew Broadwood about the Club’s motivation to go solar.

He advised, “The Board of Directors have always been interested in getting solar power, as many other clubs up and down the coast have had it successfully installed to save on energy bills.

“The benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions appealed to everyone also,”

he adds.

The club has 240 415W solar panels in total – “just about as many as we could possibly fit,” says Andrew. This was prompted by the knowledge that energy pricing was continuing to rise, and the club felt it had to jump onto it quickly.

“At the time of installation in October 2022, our contract was being renewed with the suppliers, tripling the price of energy.

“Each month we save loads off our energy bill: around $750 in the winter and $1200 in the summer.”

The club doesn’t yet have a battery, as it is using pretty much all of the energy pro-

duced.

There may also be some good news for electric vehicle drivers: “We are currently looking into installing EV charger stations at the Club, encouraging people to come and have something to eat and drink whilst charging their car,” Andrew adds. Whilst it hasn’t confirmed any EV charger installs as yet, the club continues to do more research. The Government continues to bring out grants and funding for EV charger installations, so Andrew is keeping an eye on that.

by Donna Portland

Clearly, people have caught on to the financial benefits of saving on energy bills with solar, but looking after the environment and being more self-reliant are becoming increasingly important. A solar PV and battery storage system offers the potential for complete energy self-sufficiency, as homes can be backed-up in the event of a blackout.

Carolyn Lee, from The Energy Experts in Kiama, has gone the whole hog to achieve complete energy independence. As well as having 10.22kw of solar installed, she and her partner have a 10kWh battery and an electric vehicle (EV) charger to power their BYD Atto 3 electric car. They also have

Carolyn has experienced firsthand how solar, battery storage, and electric vehicles work hand-in-hand to help reduce household and vehicle running costs. She points out the strong shift towards electrifying everything. “Given EV prices are coming down as their popularity increases, and car manufacturers are falling all over each other to announce new EV models to market, it makes so much sense to embrace the technology and lower your living expenses at the same time.”

In a recent article, Cars Guide says “According to Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council, powering an EV is around 70 per cent cheaper compared to a car with an internal-combustion engine powered by petrol or diesel, saving EV drivers, on average, $1600 in fuel costs each year.“

solar and you’re looking at about one cent per km.

Many homeowners will be eligible for a Green Loan which makes it more affordable to invest in these technologies. With a Green Loan, the reduction in your bill by having solar and/or batteries installed and using your free power and/or exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid, can outweigh your loan repayments, so you can be in a better financial position than you are now.

“These days, I look forward to receiving my electricity bills,” says Carolyn. “It’s not daunting, like it used to be. We are often in credit.”

You can meet Carolyn Lee, and other EV and solar power enthusiasts, at the upcoming ‘EV Open Day’ at The Pavilion Kiama on Saturday 9 September between 1-4pm. The event is being organised

BONAIRA TENDER PROCESS BEGINS

NEIL REILLY TALKS DIRECTLY WITH RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS

The shortlisted organisations will then be invited to put in their tenders to purchase Blue Haven Bonaira. All candidates will need to be approved Aged Care Providers.

Although it has been a long time coming and is something we’ve been talking about for more than 12 months, the EOI announcement was a big moment for all of us at Kiama Council.

lowing the council to refocus its energies and resources directly on the broader community's needs.

All that said, there is still a way to go before any change of ownership of Blue Haven Bonaira occurs. The reason the open, selective tender process involves so many steps is to ensure fairness, transparency and good governance.

families and friends, and our own staff who work at Blue Haven.

This week Kiama Council announced a momentous step in the process of divesting Blue Haven Bonaira.

We have begun the sales process by calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organisations that would like to put in a tender for the purchase of Blue Haven Bonaira.

All parties will need to provide evidence within the criteria stipulated, that they qualify to be considered.

The EOIs will be assessed by a panel of experts (which does not include myself or any of the councillors), which will produce a shortlist of eligible candidates.

The decision to sell our aged care operations located at Blue Haven Bonaira was an emotionally challenging one for all councillors. We not only recognise but many of us also personally share the deep connections this community has with Blue Haven.

I want to assure our community that this divestment is geared towards keeping the Blue Haven legacy alive. As difficult as it is, all councillors know that their decisions must ultimately seek to benefit the whole of the community in the long run.

It's our aim that, with a change in ownership, Blue Haven can continue to thrive and offer its residents the best care possible, while al-

It follows set criteria and is guided by probity lawyers and an independent sales agency.

That may all sound a little dry. But it’s important our community know that we’re doing all we can to ensure this process is everything you would expect in terms of openness, legality, communication and care.

I want to reassure you that no one’s home will be lost. In fact, this process means that all Blue Haven’s residents and their homes can remain in our community while also allowing council to operate sustainably and equitably, well into the future.

I’d also like to assure you we have communicated constantly with those most closely affected by this proposed change – the residents, their

This has taken the format of regular emails, eight face-to-face meetings chaired by the CEO, myself and the COO, five ‘Bonaira Banter’ sessions with our communications consultant where residents and families can ask questions and raise concerns, and have them addressed and answered, plus our quarterly Blue Haven newsletter/magazine.

We’ve also posted news and media releases on the Council website and Blue Haven website as well as provided regular updates via social media.

I do acknowledge it’s an emotive issue and, once again, I’d like to invite anyone who wishes to discuss the matter to come and talk to me directly. You can either come into my office at Council Chambers, or get in touch via phone or email.

I’m always happy to speak to our community members about this or any other issue that you’d like to bring to my attention.

Ceremonies around Australia, including the National War Memorial in Canberra and at Kiama’s Memorial Arch in Hindmarsh were held on Vietnam Veteran’s Day on Friday 18 August, 2023. They marked 50 years since the withdrawal of Australian troops from the Vietnam War.

The last to leave were embassy guards in 1973, with all troops withdrawn from combat operation in 1972. There are estimated to be more than 35,000 Australian veterans of this war still alive, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Last week the NSW president of the RSL, Ray James,

issued a formal apology to veterans who were badly treated when they returned. He noted 4,800 Vietnam Veterans are signed up to the NSW RSL, but over 8,000 veterans are not members.

Gary McKay, President of the Kiama and Jamberoo RSL sub branch, has written over 25 books with his most recent After the Blood Cools about the mental and physical challenges after combat and is available here.

Gary told The Bugle “Like the Welcome Home Parade in 1987, 16 years after we left Vietnam, the ‘apology’ is probably too little too late.”

by Mark Whalan

Pros and cons for jamberoo development

Garry Cochran lives in Hyams Place Jamberoo, and his back fence borders the proposed Golden Valley Road housing project for Jamberoo. He is one of six original objectors and has spoken publicly at the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc (JVRRA) about his issues.

Garry is concerned about increased population, increased road usage, in-

winding streets.

C. Shellcove style - double-storey duplexes where you can reach from one roof gutter to the other.”

Garry feels, "If something is going to happen in Jamberoo in the future, it must be Jamberoo-friendly.”

We also asked the developer for their thoughts on the community backlash.

Jennifer Macquarie, Director of Fountaindale Group,

Kiama bends a dangerous journey

The NSW Government has confirmed that upgrades for the Kiama Bends are on it's radar, and has already begun taking measures to shore up safety on the road between Kiama and Gerringong.

does not support a dedicated cycleway,” she added.

creased demand on facilities, schools, open areas and changes in the country atmosphere.

He says, “This DA will affect all valley residents now and forever. Once it happens, there is no going back.”

He said that “if the application for rezoning this land had included the current uncomplying DA and not the simplistic proposed development that was put in as well and showed the complicated water, waste, access and traffic problems that have arisen, I believe rezoning would not have taken place, and neither developer and Council and residents would not be going through this costly time-wasting exercise.

“Here we have a developer whose only concern is maximum yield and profit, not what is best for residents and future residents.”

Garry asks, “Why do people want to come to Jamberoo to live and visit?” and answers, “For what it is now: Peaceful, happy, friendly and attractive housing and beautiful green countryside.”

He sees three alternatives

“A. Tullimbah style - high-density front doors straight onto streets B. Albion Park style - large white boxes on the hillside in a rat-run of tiny

the developers proposing the housing project, said, “While it’s understandable that some people prefer things not to change around them, the reality is that change is constant. When I was growing up in Jamberoo in the 1970s the population was around 600. Since then, the village has grown progressively to its current population of around 2000 people.”

Her family was responsible for the development of Hyams Place, and she remembers that being every bit as controversial as Golden Valley, with the same arguments being raised against it.

Jennifer points out, “It happens for any new development in Jamberoo, but over time those new places and the people who move there settle in to become part of the fabric of the village. They provide new students for the primary school, become customers of local businesses, join sports clubs, and become volunteers for local organisations.”

She acknowledges that the Council and the Department of Planning have the challenging job of meeting the housing needs of the community and, at the same time, managing the expectations of existing residents. Jennifer

further comments, “When you think about how quickly growth has occurred in the surrounding areas of Albion Park and Kiama, development in Jamberoo has been fairly limited. The rezoning process for the Golden Valley land established a minimum lot size of 800m-squared to complement the existing township.

“Our subdivision has been designed in compliance with this and will result in a very different streetscape to the more densely planned communities of Tullimbar and Shell Cove where lot sizes are permitted down to 250m-squared.”

The Golden Valley DA was recommended for approval by Kiama Councils planning staff after a two-year assessment process and having met all of their requirements.

Jennifer adds, “We have had a lot of interest in these blocks from existing Jamberoo residents, as well as people from elsewhere who are keen to enjoy the rural lifestyle that Jamberoo has to offer.

“We are looking forward to a positive outcome from the Land and Environment Court appeal process so that we can move ahead with the project,” she says.

Sadly, Jamberoo has lost its beloved Postie Café which closed on 19 August. In her Facebook post the operator

cited ‘current economic conditions, food costs and staffing issues’ for the closure.

One might imagine that there would be more turnover locally if the township population increased. An additional 130 or so people will move into Jamberoo due to Golden Valley Road and other small developments in the village. This would positively affect the Postie Café and other local businesses in Jamberoo.

With a boost in population, essential services such as post offices, pharmacies, fuel stations, banks, general stores, rural supplies, and other retail and commercial offerings could be restored to the area.

By Donna Portland

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, confirmed in response to a question by Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward that the state government is currently assessing a proposal to install a safety barrier with motorcycle under-run.

“Behavioural programs in the region will continue with further investigations of speed-management treatments,” Minister Aitchison added.

She also said that line marking and reflective pavement markers were installed in June 2023, but it wouldn’t be possible to build any cycle lanes.

“Cycle lanes cannot be marked on this section of road as the road geometry

In response, Gareth Ward welcomed the Minister’s response: “I welcome the Minister’s answer and the State Government’s focus on addressing safety concerns on Kiama Bends as there have been a growing list of serious accidents over the past twelve months which have been very alarming for our local community.”

As the key piece of infrastructure connecting Kiama to Gerringong, accidents on Kiama Bends can have far-reaching consequences for traffic in the surrounding areas. A fatal accident that sadly occurred on the Kiama Bends as recently as 27 August caused traffic to be backed up for hours when a single lane needed to be closed.

by Brendon Foye

Cost of living Hard hitting for homeless

The Salvation Army has reported an increase in the number of homeless individuals, particularly among children and youth. They maintain that 12 interest rate rises, a rental crisis and a brutal winter where heating has gone from a necessity to luxury have contributed to the results they are seeing.

The Salvo’s know how hard the current economic climate hurts Australians. The situation is dire for the already homeless and those now finding themselves without stable accommodation.

“Never has it been harder to find accommodation even if you can afford it,” The Salvation Army’s General Manager of Homelessness, Jed Donoghue, says. “So, those who were already at a disadvantage, who were already struggling, are now desperate. And so many –too many – are children and young people.”

Southern Youth and Family Service provides housing and homelessness support across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Goulburn, Cooma, Bega, and more.

The Bugle asked CEO Narelle Clay for her thoughts about this issue.

“The housing crisis is desperate. I have worked in this area for 30 years and never seen it so bad.

“The lack of affordable housing, including social is very serious in our own Illawarra, including Warilla and Kiama. There are no properties to rent if people are on a low income. There are up to 10-year waiting lists

for social housing.”

She reveals that, as a community-based organisation providing housing and homelessness services, they see the severe impacts of the worsening housing crisis.

“We have homelessness services which are full and cannot assist people to move independently as there is no available rental properties and long waits for social housing. This means people who are newly homeless cannot find a vacancy in support services.

“As ownership has become less and less affordable, a growing number of people are renting, with over 8 million Australians now making homes in the rental sector.

“Around two in five of these households include dependent children, and a growing number of people are long-term renters who will rent through their entire life. Renting is no longer a temporary step.

“The current state of the rental market is characterised by instability, insecurity, and a lack of adequate protections for renters. Market rents are unaffordable, with many renters struggling to secure a new rental property in the fiercely competitive private rental market.

“Most renters continue to face significant insecurity, making it very difficult to assert their rights, such as requesting repairs. Many rental homes provided are of a poor standard.”

Ms Clay suggests, “Improving access to social and affordable housing and

assisting other renters in the private market will benefit the whole community. It will improve people’s access to stability, to better health outcomes, to be able to access training, education and employment, to obtain a decent income and contribute to the economy.”

It is estimated that there were 122,494 people homeless on Census night in 2021 (up from 116,427 in 2016 or a 5.2 per cent increase), according to The Australian Bureau of Statistics. Of these, 45,850 were children and young people.

A report by Youth Development Australia Ltd (YDA) which was presented at the National Children and Youth Homelessness Conference in Melbourne just recently, asks the Australian government to work collaboratively with youth homelessness services

and young people with lived experience to develop a plan that addresses the growing issue of child and youth homelessness.

Natalee O’Brien, The Salvation Army’s General Manager of Youth Services, agrees, citing attitudes among landlords towards young adults with little rental history or income, long rental queues, the decades required to save for a house deposit and the complexities of disadvantage.

“This means young people face more significant challenges to overcoming homelessness than those in other demographics,” she says.

“Without appropriate intervention, young people experiencing homelessness are at a much higher risk of failing to gain an education, entering the labour market or receiving support to

recover from past trauma or substance misuse.

“Our work with young people experiencing highly challenging circumstances has shown they can thrive when the drivers of disadvantage, discrimination and poverty are removed.”

Another report by ‘Everybody's Home’ was recently released as part of a national campaign to fix the housing crisis. Launched in 2018 by a coalition of housing, homelessness and welfare organisations to achieve change, the campaign is now supported by 500 organisations, businesses and councils, and 40,000 individuals across Australia.

The report highlights that a massive 98 per cent of survey respondents answered ‘yes’ to being concerned about the housing crisis, and the overwhelming majority

(67 per cent) were in housing stress (spending more than 30 per cent of their household budget on housing).

These figures show that more than half are experiencing extreme housing stress, spending 50 per cent or more of their income on housing. And 57 per cent expressed significant concerns regarding their current living arrangements, such as high costs, disrepair, temporary living arrangements, lack of safety, inadequate basic amenities, and limited access to essential services.

The housing crisis particularly impacts people who rely on government income support, says The Salvation Army’s General Manager of Policy and Advocacy, Jennifer Kirkaldy.

“Ninety per cent of people accessing our services who are receiving the JobSeeker payment are living below the poverty line,” Ms Kirkaldy says. “We know 77 per cent reported financial stress and 73 percent of respondents are struggling to afford food.”

“Our research has shown that people who rely on JobSeeker are actually going backwards after paying for housing and other non-discretionary expenses. On these essentials alone, they are having to spend more than they receive in income support.

“When you consider so many trapped in a poverty cycle are young people just starting out in life, and that Youth Allowance is at an even lower and more inadequate level than JobSeeker, the need for reform is acute and immediate.”

Narelle Clay says, “Governments should aim for investment consistent with meeting a target of a minimum 10 per cent of all housing being public or community housing by 2036 (58,000 homes per annum).”

by Donna Portland

Photo: Southern Youth and Family Service photo of the new housing 20 units they have just built “We could fill 200 more,” say Narelle Clay AM, CEO, Southern Youth and Family Services.

Aboriginal art transformation over time

Firstly, I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country, the land on which we live. I would also like to acknowledge and pay my respect to Elders past, present and those emerging. I would like to acknowledge the value,

Isabella said “Through studying Aboriginal art over the years, I have noticed a much larger representation of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art in public spaces, on book covers and in the fashion industry. Many people do not realise that these artworks, designs and

This traditional to contemporary art transformation has sparked interest in producing Aboriginal art across rural and remote areas, while a different kind of Indigenous art has emerged in urban Australia. Both have become central to Australian art, with Indigenous art centers fostering their growth.

“Supporting and promoting Aboriginal art has an effect in facilitating the language, culture and history of Aboriginal people and those who chose to live in remote locations linked to their own ancestral lands. These groups are the largest contributors to artworks seen in galleries and museums around the country,” Isabella informs.

across rural and remote Aboriginal Australia.

Isabella reveals that the 'Papunya Tula Artists' company is owned and directed by traditional Aboriginal people from the Western Desert, predominantly of the Luritja/ Pintupi language groups. It has 49 shareholders and now represents around 120 artists.

tions.

Kay says, “Through engagement in corroboree, ceremony, celebration of mythology and spirituality, my art continues to evolve through stories that educate about culture.”

Kay prefer? “I really enjoy creating traditional pieces. There's always a story to tell with them. Everything I paint is for a purpose.”

diversity and integrity of Aboriginal art, culture, and expression as an integral part of Australian heritage.

I would like to also acknowledge and thank the contribution of young local visual arts student, Isabella Crocco, whom I met when I attended an exhibition by local Indigenous artist Kay A in the Gerringong Library. Isabella wrote her Year 12 major project, “How has Aboriginal art transformed over time”, with assistance from Kay A. of the Wiradjuri Nation.

Indigenous art is centred on storytelling, used as a visual to convey knowledge of the land, events and beliefs of the Aboriginal people. It is imperative to pass on information to preserve their culture. There are over 250 Indigenous languages, so to convey important cultural stories through the generations, symbols and totems represent these stories through artworks.

prints are visual forms of Aboriginal storytelling which have transformed through its style, medium and scale.”

Contemporary Aboriginal artists use a wide variety of materials and techniques, including new technologies such as computers, three-dimensional and live elements, and performances. Alternatively, traditional artists use a limited number of materials and a restrained colour palette of yellow, brown, red and charcoal. Only over fifty years ago did painters begin using canvas or boards for their media, having previously used rock walls, sand, and bark.

Isabella says, “Contemporary art also includes the beginnings of installation art, the use of new materials and the rethinking of the "found object". Contemporary art uses different media and a brighter colour palette, and it continues to maintain this millennia-old culture through storytelling tradition.”

How has traditional Aboriginal art evolved from traditional to contemporary? Isabella’s research indicates that the contemporary Aboriginal art movement was born in the remote Northern Territory settlement of Papunya in 1971 when a group of Aboriginal elders began recording their knowledge of traditional culture on canvas and paper. A schoolteacher named Geoffrey Bardon was working with Aboriginal groups in Papunya at this time, and other remote communities around Alice Springs. Bardon noticed the Elders drawing symbols in the sand and recognised that the art was significant to these people as a form of language. Bardon was very interested in preserving this important part of their culture and lore, so he consulted with the Elders within these groups. This was the birth of the Aboriginal contemporary art movement. Soon after, eleven men formed a cooperative called ‘Papunya Tula Artists', and the movement began to generate widespread interest

KHS teacher sentenced

Kiama High School teacher

Todd Alexander has been convicted and sentenced for supplying a prohibited drug, which The Bugle understands to be cocaine.

Alexander was sentenced in Waverly Court on 16 August to a Community Correction Order for 20 months, expiring on 15 April 2025. He is subject to super-

vision by a Community Corrections Officer at the Wollongong Community Corrections District Office while the order is in place, and must perform 150 hours of community service work.

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education and Training said:

“We have taken action to manage risk. The employee

“The Papunya artists use dots, lines, footprints, and circles to create balanced forms and brightly coloured details, invoking their different language groups, magical stories, and associated memories. These works revealed a new style of art emerging initially from this single community on one significant occasion in Australia’s history,” she says.

Kay Andonopoulos, who

owns Werombi Studios, completed five years of formal education at the school of Contemporary Art in Sydney, and is formally recognised as a practicing artist of approximately 20 years. She gave her time and knowledge to assist Isabella in understanding her artist practice and personal connection to her artworks and process.

A number of her works have been acquired by government and private institu-

Kay reveals some of her background, “I am Kay of Wiradjuri nation, Cowra mob, Galari clan and there’s only one of me. I was born on Gadigal land, have moved around a little bit and have now settled in Gerringong.

“My origins in art, it is something I was born with, and it is part of my dreaming to tell stories through artmaking. I am influenced by traditional Wiradjuri culture; however, I connect to the country that I am on when not on Wiradjuri country.”

Kay reveals her motivation

She doesn't often do commissions because she doesn't paint for decorative purposes. “I’ll combine the two because I’ve got a foot now in both worlds. I paint from a very contemporary perspective, but I always put my signs and symbols in there and that tells the story – my truth,” Kay adds.

When asked about whether she believes that Aboriginal art has transformed over time, Kay responds, “It has; I heard a quote, “We don't live in the past, we bring our traditions into new worlds.” I live in a predominantly multicultural community, but in communities where

for art, “My dreaming, or what you might say my calling. It’s something that you can’t ignore. I will draw on dirt or on a wall. It’s something that I do in my spare time, but if I don't do it, I’m empty.”

Kay says that she changes her medium according to what she needs to say, “It can vary, but at the moment, it's entirely acrylic paint and usually on canvas.”

And which type of art does

they're very strong in (their) traditional culture that has not been interfered with or dominated, people continue to practice in their traditional ways, so it depends on the nation and where you go around (the) country.”

Kay’s next exhibition starts on Friday September 29 until October 5, at The GLaM Gallery, 8 Blackwood Street Gerringong.

by Donna Portland

is not currently working in schools."

“We are unable to provide further comment at this time.”

The school still lists Alexander on its website as a current employee and head teacher.

by Brendon Foye

We all know that the changing landscape of our world brings with it exciting, yet challenging times, so in order to provide even more care and legal expertise for all our clients, we are proud to announce an expansion of our Board of Directors. Alice

Steve Warwick

lead our talented team of Lawyers and Licensed Conveyancers to provide expert legal advice, support and representation across the

Kay and Isabella at recent exhibition at GLAM

Papunya Tula artists at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2011

Laurence, Jack Miller,

and Deb Russell

Illawarra and South Coast.

At Carter Ferguson Solicitors, we’re passionate about providing a more human, caring and contemporary approach to the Law.

Now even more care for our clients.

As the calendar flips to September, a month of significant importance draws near for Australians and the koalas that define part of our identity. Save the Koala Month, an initiative spearheaded by the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF), beckons us to take action and stand up as true heroes for these icons of our land.

The koala, an emblem etched not only onto our flags but into our very culture, faces an increasingly precarious future. With dwindling habitats and diminishing ranges, the urgency to rally behind their cause has never been more pressing.

The Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation, Deborah Tabart OAM, emphasises the gravity of this situation, stating, "The AKF currently believes there are less than

60,000 Koalas remaining in the wild and numerous challenges continue to threaten their survival."

The culprits are all too familiar: habitat loss, climate change, disease, and human interference. But, in the face of adversity, there is hope, and that hope comes in the form of collective action.

Save the Koala Month shines a spotlight on what unity can achieve, reminding us that a brighter future for these marsupials rests within our grasp.

Save the Koala Month is a beacon of hope, a reminder that our individual efforts, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can weave into a larger tapestry of change.

From planting trees in koala habitats to raising funds and amplifying awareness through social media, the

ways to participate are as diverse as our nation itself.

"Right now, our True Blues need true heroes," Deborah Tabart asserts.

The AKF has curated a list of 30 activities to span the 30 days of the month, offering everyone the chance to contribute in ways that resonate with their talents and passions. Whether it's through art exhibitions, community events, or grassroots campaigns, the goal is to foster a deep connection between us and these beloved creatures.

It's a call to action to not just save the koalas but also to deepen our understanding of our role as custodians of this land.

Save the Koala Month is about more than just raising funds—it's about raising consciousness and igniting a sense of shared responsibility. Every brushstroke of art, every dollar donated, every online post shared contributes to a larger movement

that will define the legacy we leave behind for future generations. The month-long celebration brings the reality of koala conservation closer to home, showing us that their survival hinges on our unwavering commitment.

To dive into the heart of Save the Koala Month and explore how to contribute, donate, and participate, visit the AKF website at www. savethekoala.com. While

there, be sure to follow the AKF on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the inspiring stories of koala heroes from across the nation.

The Australian Koala Foundation is at the forefront of this battle for survival, tirelessly working to protect not only the koalas but also the habitats that sustain them. Their goals are ambitious, aiming to refine and update the Koala Habitat Atlas mapping and establish the Koala Protection Act for their safeguard.

Save the Koala Month is an opportunity to stand up and be counted among the heroes who contribute to securing the future of these remarkable creatures. As September approaches, let's unite as Australians and show the world what it truly means to be a hero to our True Blue Aussies—the koalas.

by Veronica Grace

In a resounding victory for Australia's avian citizens, the mellifluous warbling of the magpie has captured the hearts of the nation, claiming the top spot in the ABC's search for ‘Australia's Favourite Animal Sound’.

With an impressive 36 per cent of the votes in the final

round, the magpie's signature call has left a harmonious mark on the country's auditory landscape.

Dr. Dominique Potvin, an esteemed behavioural ecologist and senior lecturer in Animal Ecology at the University of the Sunshine Coast, highlights the magpie's

warble as an integral part of Australia's sonic identity. Not only does the magpie's song resonate through various regional dialects developed over generations, but its musical expression continues to evolve. Family groups of magpies collaborate in duets and choruses, using their songs to demarcate territories and communicate their presence.

Trailing behind the magpie's melodious reign, the distinctive 'laugh' of the kookaburra secured second place in the poll. Known for their cacophonous ensemble performances, kookaburras deploy their vocal prowess to establish and protect their boundaries. Dr. Potvin acknowledges the loss of this iconic sound in some areas due to urban development and habitat degradation, which underlines the importance of conserving these auditory treasures.

Reverberating in third place, the melodic and almost maniacal calls of the butcherbird captivated voters. Dr. Potvin emphasises the uniqueness of this sound, emanating from the typically

subdued kingfisher family, making it a rarity in the avian world. Its intricate melodies reflect the special bond between a bird's acoustic expression and its environment.

Interestingly, the poll wasn't strictly avian-centric. The banjo frog hopped its way into seventh place, a testament to the indelible impression of its resonating 'bonk bonk' sound. Also making an appearance in the top ten was the distinctive chorus of cicadas, marking their place with their characteristic 'screeeeee.'

Associate Professor Jen Martin from the University of Melbourne points out the profound impact of certain animal sounds on our personal memories and experiences. She shares how the banjo frog's call evokes cherished childhood memories, emphasising that the poll encourages us all to pause, listen, and appreciate the rich soundscape that envelops us.

With over 150,000 votes cast, the poll not only unveiled Australia's favourite animal sounds but also

reaffirmed the nation's connection to its natural surroundings. Dr. Potvin reminds us that the allure of the natural world lies in the soundscape it offers, providing respite from the hum of

Story- Manly

human-made noise.

The poll, conducted as part of National Science Week 2023, was orchestrated by ABC Science with funding from the Australian Government's ‘Inspiring Australia’ strategy. The results highlight the significance of protecting and cherishing these unique animal sounds that form a vital part of Australia's cultural

Symphony of the wild -Magpie oz favourite Quarantine

and ecological heritage. As we continue to journey through the intricate tapestry of Australia's auditory landscape, it becomes evident that the symphony of nature holds immense value – not just for our hearts, but for the survival of the species that create it. In a world filled with noise, these soul-soothing sounds remind us to pause, listen, and truly appreciate the incredible diversity of life that surrounds us.

by Veronica Grace

bugle photo comp on

We are excited to launch our first competition for locals. We chose the “Community” theme after reflecting over the past few years. The pandemic served to highlight what really matters, and shone a light on what “Community” means to each of us. We all belong to one or more communities, which may intersect and may have either actively created or fallen into – including work or profession, social and friends, family, religion, hobbies and creative pursuits, neighbourhood, charity and support groups etc. Community can provide comfort, a supportive anchor and a sense of belonging that enriches our lives.

The competition starts on Friday 25 August and closes on Sunday 1 October 2023 at 11:59pm. Photographers are invited to interpret the theme however they choose – whatever “community” represents for you.

We are thrilled to have these three official judges:

Linda Fury: an award-winning photographer and President of the Kiama Shellharbour Camera Club.

Jeff Sheppeard: fine art photographer and owner of Norfolk and Co. shop Gerringong, and Brian Scott: The Bugle’s sport photographer and previous teacher with 20 years

involvement with newspapers.

Entries will be judged on: artistic and visual appeal, originality, interpretation of the theme, and image quality e.g. suitable sharpness, clarity, contrast, exposure, resolution.

There will be four prizes: First and Runner-up (adult category), Youth (under 16s) and the popular ‘People’s Choice’ where all entries will be considered.

You can be a judge too for the People’s Choice prize.

All are welcome to visit our office to view an exhibition displaying prints of all the entries at Unit 2 (first floor), 88-90 Terralong St, Kiama.

From 10am till 4pm on weekdays, from Tuesday 3 October - Friday 13 October. Come up and meet us, then view the entries and cast your vote for your favourite photo. Strictly one vote per person.

The Bugle will also host a webpage for online viewing. Details will be posted on our App.

Winners will receive their choice of prize – see poster below.

Entry Terms & Conditions:

-Free entry for all - limited to one (1) submission per entrant.

-Entrants must reside in the local community i.e. The Bugle circulation area (Min-

namurra, Kiama Downs, Jamberoo, Kiama, Gerringong and Gerroa).

-Entries to be supplied in JPEG file format in 3:2, 4:3 or 16:9 ratio, with resolution at least 300dpi and no greater than 10MB in size.

-The photo entry must be original and taken specifically for this competition.

-The Bugle may, in its discretion, choose not to publish or include an image, for any reason.

-Entrants acknowledge that

The Bugle will have the right to publish their image for promotional purposes, which relate to the competition.

-Entries are to be uploaded by file transfer (see the QR code) and must include a description of your entry, explaining how it represents “Community” to you (200 word maximum please).

The winners will be announced in The Bugle App and print edition on 19 October.

A huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and generosity: Framed By Us, Gainsborough Liquor, Jamberoo Action Park, Kiama Shellharbour Camera Club, OneFitness.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

E n t r i e s w i l l b e j u d g e d o n o r i g i n a l i t y , h o w w e l l t h e e n t r y i n t e r p r e t s t h e t h e m e , a r t i s t i c a n d v i s u a l a p p e a l a n d i m a g e q u a l i t y e g s u i t a b l e s h a r p n e s s , c l a r i t y , c o n t r a s t , e x p o s u r e r e s o l u t i o n J u d g i n g w i l p h o t o g r a p h b e a “ P e o p l r e a d e r s h i p

T h e p a n d e m i c s e r v e d t o h i g h l i g h t w h a t r e a l l y m a t t e r s a n d s h o n e a l i g h t o n w h a t “ C o m m u n i t y ” m e a n s t o e a c h o f u s W e a l l b e l o n g t o o n e o r m o r e c o m m u n i t i e s , w h i c h m a y i n t e r s e c t a n d w h i c h w e m a y h a v e e i t h e r a c t i v e l y c r e a t e d o r f a l l e n i n t o – i n c l u d i n g w o r k o r p r o f e s s i o n , s o c i a l a n d f r i e n d s f a m i l y r e l i g i o n h o b b i e s a n d c r e a t i v e p u r s u i t s , n e i g h b o u r h o o d , c h a r i t y a n d s u p p o r t g r o u p s e t c C o m m u n i t y c a n p r o v i d e c o m f o r t , a s u p p o r t i v e a n c h o r a n d a s e n s e o f b e l o n g i n g t h a t e n r i c h e s o u r l i v e s P h o t o g r a p h e r s a r e i n v i t e d t o i n t e r p r e t t h e t h e m e h o w e v e r t h e y e r c o m m u n i t y u

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T h e B u g l e A p p

Photo from Jeff Sheppeard portfolio

Photo from Linda Fury portfolio

Photo from Brian Scott portfolio

Going green going well

Our new Environmental Sustainability Officer, Luke Lister, has hit the ground running, tackling everything from coastal and estuary management to renewable energy and reducing our carbon footprint.

Why choose environment work as a career?

I think growing up in an eco-resort on the Far South Coast and having an inspiring Earth and Environmental Science teacher led me to university and subsequent employment. I get a real satisfaction out of giving back to the environment and feeling connected to it.

What drew you to council work?

I have worked for a range of employers in the private and public sector, from not-for-profits like Conservation Volunteers to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

This is the second council I’ve worked for, and honestly, I enjoy the level of engagement with the community that I get out of the projects I work on, as well as the structure that council brings.

What projects are on the go at the moment?

There’s always something to keep me busy, and I usually have several projects running at the same time.

I’m currently working on a river bank stabilisation project at Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park, developing a Coastal Management Plan, weed control at Baileys Island, investigating sustainability improvement for the Leisure Centre, data management to measure progress on renewable energy and ‘Net Zero’ targets, and our work as part of the Cities Power Partnership.

You recently planted more than 700 trees with Kiama High School students, what was that like?

I thoroughly enjoyed working with local Year 7 students on National Tree Day, teaching them how to plant local native species of grasses, shrubs and trees, and to care for our environment.

They really enjoyed learning about our local environment and getting their hands dirty planting trees.

The single most rewarding experience for me is inspiring people to have an interest in and passion for environmental management.

I also enjoyed being part of an event that bought the students together with our community, Landcare groups, and of course our great environment team and outdoor staff.

What’s something exciting you’re working on?

The development of the Kiama Coastal Management Plan. We’ve just received the Stage 3 report which we’re aiming to publish very soon and work on the draft Stage 4 report is already underway.

Once the Coastal Management Plan is complete, it will provide a science-based, practical way to manage our coastline.

What are some of the challenges you face?

Working in a small council means keeping on top of your work. It also means you learn to be a ‘Jack of all trades’ when it comes to environmental management, doing the planning, paperwork, budgeting and getting your hands dirty all at the same time.

Give us some fun facts about the environment in our LGA?

Storm Bay in Kiama is one of only two homes of the critically endangered marine slug Smeagol hilarus

Community infrastructure consultation

Council is hosting information sessions for three community infrastructure projects on Tuesday 5 September:

• Kiama Harbour jetty replacement

The Pavilion Kiama from 3pm-5pm

• Kiama Sports Complex (Quarry Sportsfields) masterplan

The Pavilion Kiama at 7pm

South Werri Reserve (Gerringong) masterplan

Gerringong Town Hall at 3.30pm

Community members are invited to attend, ask questions and provide feedback.

You can also provide your feedback via our website: https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/ community-infrastructure-consultations

Second Hand Saturday / Household Bulky Waste Drop Off

Time for a spring cleanout? We have two events that can help with that - Second Hand Saturday and our Household Bulky Waste Drop Off.

Second Hand Saturday:

2 September

Our giant community car boot sale returns next month, where you can sell, trade, swap or give away your unwanted, pre-loved items. www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/shs

Household Bulky Waste Drop Off: 7 to 15 October

Our free Drop Off is an ideal way to get rid of that old mattress, couch, bike or baby toys. You can make a booking and get a full list of what can be dropped off from our website: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/hhbw

GLaM trolley

Visitors to the Gerringong Library and Museum will notice a new addition adorning the entrance: a replica of the Boat Harbour wharf trolley that used to run milk and butter from the local dairy co-op out to waiting ships. The new installation was a collaboration between the Gerringong Historical Society and Council’s construction and maintenance staff.

In 1884, a jetty was built at Boat Harbour, Gerringong. The Dairy Maid was the first ship to draw alongside on 7 August, 1884

TOugh reality of selling

Analysts and agents say that the proportion of homes for sale that were purchased less than two years ago is at the highest level since at least 2014. This is likely due to rising financial stress brought on by the spate of interest rate increases, resulting in mortgagees battling with rising repayments.

The figures from real estate data firm CoreLogic show that the percentage of properties sold after being owned for one to two years is at a nine-year high.

Since a pandemic low in mid-2021 (at around 8.3 per cent), there has been a steep increase in properties re-sold within the past two years. In Hobart, the percentage is almost 16 per cent, and in Brisbane, it is 15.2 per cent, closely followed by the ACT with 13.9 per cent. It’s a tough reality, especially around Brisbane, where almost one in ten homes are sold within two years of the last sale.

Research from CoreLogic indicates that a quick turn-

over of properties generally spikes during booms as investors flip homes for a fast profit. Head of Australian Research Eliza Owen has analysed the numbers on homes reselling within a few years of the previous purchase and says, “Historically, it is unusual for properties to be selling if they've only been held for a short period of time when capital growth conditions are weak."

"In many instances, what was happening was that investors would purchase a property, hold it until the interest-only term was up and then resell it, in most instances for a profit."

This is not the case for many first-time buyers who have extended themselves as far as possible to buy a house when interest rates were low. Whether their situation becomes a ‘fire sale’ depends on what happens with further interest rate rises.

Local Kiama real estate agent Sam Lathbury from First National Coast & Country recommends, “Seek advice early about your options so you can remain in control of the sale process.

“The price you will be able to fetch at market depends on where you are located and how much competition there is at the time you want to sell.”

He advises, “You need to

plan for this to give yourself as much time and as many options as possible to get the right sale price.”

The issue for those needing to sell is that “You can only sell to those who are looking at the moment.” And these potential buyers may also have less to spend.

“There is a disparity between income and repayment ability - the borrowing capacity of most buyers has reduced by around 20 per cent and wages have not gone up in line with inflation,” he points out. There has been an overall 15 per cent drop in house prices in the local area, but in Kiama, it’s only been around ten per cent.

“Kiama is definitely in a bubble and not as affected by some of the financial pressures elsewhere but there is definitely a knock-on effect from market struggles,” Lathbury adds. “This is due to the popularity of the area and the fact that there is less stock on the market, so prices are maintaining compared to other areas”.

This is also affecting those buyers who have sold and then looking to buy here, and he adds “There is a lack of properties for sale, and this is an area where people want to buy, so demand is strong which has meant that our price correction hasn’t been as severe as some other areas.”

by Donna Portland

Most residents of Kiama, Gerringong, and Jamberoo may not realise the significance of the scattered remnants of the cabbage tree palms to the identity of the Indigenous inhabitants of the area, the Dharawal, and the early Kiama settlers, many originally from Northern Ireland.

The first iconically Australian headgear was the cabbage tree palm hat, made by boiling the leaves until white and then weaving them together. These hats were known for their durability and ability to withstand rainwater.

Livonia australis, also known as the cabbage tree, is a plant species that is widespread along the NSW coast, extending into Queensland and Victoria. However, it is particularly lush and widespread in the Illawarra, especially Southern Illawarra around Kiama.

The local name for the cab-

bage tree palm is Dharawal.

Indigenous stories tell that when the ancestors from the north arrived at the mouth of Lake Illawarra, they brought the sacred Dharawal, which gave their language its name with them.

The heart of the trunk could be used for medicine, and new growth could be eaten raw or cooked, and leaves used to create shelter, but its real strength was for string rope and hats.

Many farms around Kiama and Jamberoo still have scattered remnant cabbage tree palms on paddocks used for dairy cattle.

The tree is quite long-lived and can be between 100 and 200 years old, with some new plantings of cabbage palm trees along the sea edge at School Flat.

Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly previously proposed planting cabbage tree palms all along Bombo Beach in 2019.

David Radford from the

Kiama and District Historical Society has given a number of talks on the local significance of these trees.

The art of making cabbage palm hats has been revived by some historical societies such as in Parramatta.

While the cabbage palm tree is part of Kiama’s heritage, there is currently some local concern about losing some old cabbage palm trees to future development in central Kiama and Kiama Heights.

by Mark Whalan

Pic supplied by Susan Alexander of Alexander’s Art Supplies

brain fog

Researchers from the University of NSW and St. Vincent’s Hospital have identified a key pathway involved in inflammation, which appears to be activated in people with long COVID who have symptoms of ‘brain fog’. This could lead to answers and new treatments.

Patients who participated in this study had mild to moderate acute COVID-19 and were enrolled in the St Vincent's COVID-19 ADAPT study, a longitudinal study led by Professor Gail Matthews.

Scientists from the School of Psychology and Faculty of Medicine & Health found that of the study cohort of 128 people, those with prolonged activation of the kynurenine pathway were more likely to have mild cognitive deficits 12 months after developing COVID-19. They also found that these symptoms were less likely to improve over time. The study helps demonstrate that there is a biological change underlying brain fog in people who have long COVID as a result of mild acute COVID-19 infection.

“Together, this study and a previous study in the ADAPT program show that long COVID brain fog is associated with a dysregulation of the immune response,” says Associate Professor Lucette Cysique, lead author of the study. “The current study specifically found that an important metabolic pathway – the kynurenine pathway – is linked to the cognitive changes we’re seeing in this group of patients.”

A/Prof. Cysique says, “I think when patients go to the doctor with brain fog, it may be dismissed as a psychological problem. Our study speaks to the contrary, that there is a real biological mechanism behind long COVID brain fog.”

The discovery opens up

possibilities for identifying and treating people experiencing the cognitive effects of long COVID and perhaps long COVID in general.

“These findings lay the foundation for the kynurenine pathway as a potential diagnostic and monitoring marker, as well as a possible therapeutic target,” A/Prof. Cysique says.

Current evidence compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests approximately 10–20 per cent of people experience a variety of mid and long-term effects after they recover from their initial illness. In fact, up to 100 different symptoms have been recorded as part of the long COVID disease profile.

“Long COVID is a multi-organ disease, so people are differently affected across several of their body functions. This is not surprising as the immune system is involved across all body functions,” says A/Prof. Cysique.

“However, we now know that besides fatigue, cognitive changes are the most common symptoms associated with long COVID.”

The cognitive dysfunctions experienced by those with long COVID manifest most often as a lack of mental focus, clarity or mental fatigue that is unusual compared to one’s previous capacity. Especially after a cognitively demanding task (for example, reading complex instructions, participating in a meeting that demands a high concentration level, or watching a documentary on a topic that is new and complex). This is associated with short-term memory problems, difficulty in multi-tasking or concentration over

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has called on the Senate to put patients first and pass 60-day dispensing reforms to save patients money and time, and free up GP appointments.

also have to shorten trading hours, and there may also be resultant job losses.

long periods of time.

“With a little introspection, we can all imagine how longterm flu-like physical and mental fatigue would impact everyday function,” says A/ Prof. Cysique. “And we are talking of mostly working-age people. Hence, these types of deficits can affect work efficiency to some degree and probably contribute to the economic impact of the pandemic.”

While this study included only unvaccinated patients, because the testing was conducted before patients received their first vaccine, the majority of people in the study had long COVID due to mild COVID-19 infection.

“With vaccination, many of us will still experience mostly mild symptoms. Hence the results are still relevant, especially in the context of reinfection,” says A/Prof. Cysique.

In April 2023, the government announced new research funding for long COVID due to the long COVID parliamentary enquiry, showing that the government recognises long COVID as a serious issue that demands urgent solutions.

The team are keen to continue building on their research by extending the study cohort to vaccinated patients and to continue the investigation up to 24 months after the infection date.

“We are also in contact with a Dutch research group who also find that a prolonged activation of the KP is involved in COVID-19 brain changes and want to start a trial,” says A/Prof. Cysique.

by Donna Portland

ASSISTANCE FOR ISOLATED PATIENTS TRAVEL

The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme is available to Kiama residents forced to travel for specialist and allied healthcare that’s not available locally.

Since August 2022 it's 75 dollars a night for accommodation and 40 cents per kilometre if traveling in a private vehicle. The accommodation rates vary depending on whether it's a non for

profit accommodation , or a for profit accommodation, including AirBnBs.

To qualify you must be a NSW resident and enrolled with Medicare and not receiving financial assistance from third party insurance or other government services such as veteran affairs. However, full subsidies are also available with taxi vouchers and even the full cost of economy air fares if

This reform is widely supported by patient and consumer groups. It will double the amount of medicines that pharmacists can dispense for stable conditions, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, from 30 to 60 days – saving patients at least $180 a year and more if they’re taking multiple medicines.

The pharmacy lobby group has fought against this and have moved a disallowance motion in an attempt to stop 60-day dispensing reforms passing the Senate. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia feel that having more medicines on hand could cause overdoses, worsen medicine shortages, prompt pharmacy closures and force chemists to cut home deliveries.

They also feel that pharmacies will incur financial losses. A decline in income and profitability due to less foot traffic will mean less incidental sales. They may

One local gentleman The Bugle approached for an opinion said that he felt that there is a range of social benefits for some people to see their pharmacist more regularly (than every 2 months) as it gets them out of the house and gives them the opportunity to meet with people and do some socialising on their trip to the Chemist.

Yet GPs feel that this will make a big difference for

better. 30-day dispensing doesn’t make sense for people who’ve been on the same medications for stable conditions for years. It’s an unnecessary financial pain, and for people in rural and remote areas, frequent drives to the closest pharmacy are a real burden.”

The Bugle asked around town for some local opinion. Nola Tucker weighed in, “We are pensioners and already receive a very good deal. I do feel that the advice we both get from our pharmacist is always reliable and informed and in our best interests.”

approved.

The travel must be for treatment at least 100 kilometres for one journey or at least 200 kilometres receiving multiple treatment in one week.

To learn more ring 1800 478 227 or search online for IPTAAS or contact the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Health District.

by Mark Whalan

some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, who are struggling with rising costs, as well as people in rural areas who have a long drive to their nearest pharmacy.

Dr Nicole Higgins, President of RACGP, says, “As a GP from rural Australia, I know our patients deserve

“It really is not a big deal having to go as often as we do. We do, after all, buy groceries at least once a week and there has been no mention of any inconvenience or extra expense in that process. Imagine only buying milk and bread, not to say meat and fresh vegetables every 60 days. Subsidised medicine is an incredible benefit. If it keeps us healthy and above ground, I do not begrudge our very helpful and hard-working pharmacists their profit.”

by Donna Portland

Fallon Nash is a registered nurse with many years of experience. She worked with ENT surgeon Dr Thomas Kertesz as his scrub nurse in the operating room for over 15 years. He is a leader in the field of otology and whilst working with him Fallon saw a multitude of patients with many different ear conditions. She built an excellent knowledge base in ear conditions and treatments whilst working with these patients both during their operations and in the specialist rooms before and after.

“I also gained hands-on skills in micro suction, removing wax, infectious debris and foreign bodies from ears,” she remarks. Given her skills and backed by her extensive knowledge Fallon decided that she was uniquely placed to offer this service to her local community. It took “some guts, some research, a period of one step forward, two steps back, a lot of persistence and a lot of support,” and Fallon was able to open her clinic ‘Micro Ear Care’ this year.

It came about due to a chance meeting with Stacey from Hearing Sound Solutions which solved one of her biggest challenges in finding

a suitable space for the clinic. There are not many nurse-run clinics like this and whilst she is not a pioneer, Fallon is certainly breaking some ground in providing a new model of ear care for the community.

The method of treatment used is micro suction, which is a gentle and safe as there is direct visualisation of the ear with a microscope, and it is also very well tolerated. It is the treatment of choice for ENT specialists and is very effective.

What is glaucoma?

Most people I speak with have heard of glaucoma, but not many know what it is. Glaucoma is a group of progressive diseases affecting the optic nerve, which is the cable linking the eye to the brain. It is one of the leading causes of blindness, affecting about 300, 000 people in Australia.

There are many different types of glaucoma, but the most common type is called primary open angle glaucoma. In this case, the vision is damaged so gradually that it is hard to detect without special testing. For this reason, glaucoma is sometimes called the sneak thief of sight.

Glaucoma can be treated, but usually to only slow or stop progression, not to repair damage. For this reason, early detection of glaucoma is vitally important. We treat glaucoma by lowering the pressure of the eye.

I screen every patient I see for glaucoma, checking the optic nerve, eye pressure and asking about family history. Then if required, extra testing of peripheral vision and CT scanning of the optic nerves are performed.

Jean Anderson

EyeQ Optometrists

124 Terralong St, Kiama 4232 2610

Convenient online bookings eyeq.com.au

Usually, a patient would visit their GP and get a referral to an ENT, and it can take time to get an appointment. They may also have to travel some distance to see the ENT and then pay upwards of $230 for this same service

The benefit for Micro Ear Care clients is the ability for them to receive a service that is safe and effective, but not have to go to an ENT specialist. Fallon can provide a middle ground where people can see someone locally, freeing up time for our amazing local GPs and not having to make patients wait to see, and travel to, an ENT specialist.

House calls are possible: Fallon will travel to local nursing homes to treat the elderly. This will be of great interest to many locals who are unable to get to her clinic. Just recently, Fallon helped an elderly lady with hearing aids, who had blocked ears after a recent ear infection and couldn’t hear very well. This affects quality of life and can be very isolating for people, not to mention uncomfortable.

Fallon visited with her equipment and was able to successful clear both her ears while she was sitting in her chair. Fallon said, “The effect was instant and remarkable! She was able to hear both myself and her daughter easily and we were able to turn down the volume on the TV! What a privilege it was to be able to help in a small way to reconnect her with the world around her.”

by Donna Portland

It’s a family affair at Health Staff Australia (HSA), which specialises in staffing solutions focusing on aged care, at-home care, disability and healthcare recruitment Australia-wide.

Headquartered in Kiama, where they enjoy the ‘sea change’ from Oak Flats, owners Sandra and Temika are a mother-and-daughter duo.

Pepper, the Business Manager and her eldest daughter also work as Support Workers at HSA. They all love making a difference in people’s lives.

It’s a little like a matchmaking business where

sary supports, and additional equipment. As a result, Pepper notes a significant improvement in Participants' lives.

It is not easy work. “We have actually inherited some Participants who were badly neglected by other service providers, and we have seen a huge change in their mental health since they have been supported by us,” she adds.

HSA has been in the industry for almost ten years and started because Sandra, the owner, was looking after a participant a long time ago, and she saw how she had

been passed from service provider to other service providers because she was in the “too hard” basket.

Unfortunately, due to this constant upheaval and lack of security, the Participant took their own life, and Sandra made an oath never to let this happen again. So, she decided to start this business.

“This story really sums up Sandra,” says Pepper. “She is such a warm, down-toearth and loving person. She genuinely cares, and we have lots of conversations together trying to come up with plans on improving our Participants’ way of life.”

All the staff think that HSA is a great place to work. They are really proud of their Recruitment team for sourcing quality staff, and their friendly and highly trained Customer Service team who work “24/7”.

Patient care comes first, which is why HSA are sticklers for insurance, payroll

HSA needs to find the right fit between Participants and Support Workers. After all, the participants must wel come the support workers into their homes and lives, so it’s important to ensure they are happy and content with the choices made.

The Participants are impressed with the handson service and follow-up to ensure their satisfaction.

“My daughter doesn’t warm to people very quickly, hardly ever actually, and she has warmed to your support worker so well that I really don’t want to lose her.

“She has come leaps and bounds under the care of your worker. I love it. I can definitely vouch for Health Staff Australia,” says Dianne, the mother of a Participant.

To ensure Participants have the best possible life, Support Coordinators, Occupational Therapists, and NSW Health represen tatives hold meetings to brainstorm and implement effective strategies, neces

Fallon gave an educational talk to Kiama Family Before and After School Care Centre

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Cameron Thomas, proprietor of Central Perk café, has a love and passion for food. He also has an interesting and varied past.

Chef by trade, Cameron has been in hospitality most of his life and was 26 when he opened his first café in Mulgoa in Western Sydney. For some 10 years he successfully operated the café, and a ‘before and after school’ care centre, plus a wedding venue. All businesses did well. Always drawn towards working in a stimulating workplace, and at age 39, Cameron decided on a career change and joined the Police force. “Being a Policeman was an invaluable life experience,” he said, “It’s definitely NOT a ‘9 to 5’ existence.”

He recalls, “After eight months training in the Police Academy, as a 40-year-old thrown in with a bunch of 25-year-olds, I was looking forward to my first posting.”

Cameron was stationed in Marrickville, in Sydney’s Inner West, and spent six years in the force.

After frequent holidays to the South Coast, Cameron grew to love the area. In 2017 he bought property in Shell Cove, and in 2020 he moved in. Cameron wanted a complete life change, so he bought a café at 84 Terralong St, Kiama, which he renovated, and renamed

‘Central Perk’ – his own concept. The focus was, and will always be, on great food and good friendly service. He can’t help it – Cameron is a total ‘foodie’ and wants to promote local produce and goods.

“It was a lot of hard work to recover from the pandemic effects on the hospitality industry”. Cameron describes that period “like being hit by a truck”. He felt that the whole concept of hospitality had gone by the wayside over that period, so he redoubled his efforts to create an outstanding café.

“The problem with many hospitality venues is the lack of interaction with the customers. Perhaps staff are too disengaged?” he wonders.

Cameron selected the right team with the right attitude toward hospitality and gave them the best training. He is proud of his team and what they have achieved together.

Central Perk was selected out of well over 100 café nominations to become one of the 17 finalists for ‘Outstanding Café’ in the Precedent Local Business Awards

2023. Central Perk was one of only three selected from Kiama.

The awards will be held on 13 September at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow. Before then the finalist businesses are visited by an incognito judge who acts as a customer and evaluates the products and service. Central Perk should do well, especially since the whole mantra of the business is to provide good service, good food and good value. Cameron recognises that “People come here to enjoy the experience.” Whether Central Perk wins the Local Business Awards or not doesn’t really matter to Cameron. The recognition of becoming a finalist was already a huge reward and has let him know that he’s on the right track with the café. “Winning,” he says, “would just be icing on the cake!”

by Donna Portland

Marine Rescue NSW has held it's second annual Empowering Women’s Conference on the South Coast, concluding on August 19. The conference, attended by almost 50 people, offered a selection of guest speakers, including Maureen Cleary OAM, former CEO of Sydney’s Mater Hospital and Nonprofit Governance and Management Centre founder.

The forum theme was ‘Leading by empowerment, not commanding’. It was co-organised by Lynne Hocking, Deputy Unit Commander Marine Rescue Shoalhaven and Karen Lowry, Sussex Inlet Unit Commander.

“Our people play a vital role in keeping people safe at sea,” Ms Hocking said, adding, “We had women attend ranging from 90-and-a-halfyears old to their early 30s.

“In just 12 months, awareness of the conference has grown, and this year we attracted attendees from Marine Rescue NSW units as far south as Narooma, along the South Coast from the Shoalhaven and Illawarra, inland to Moama and north to the Central Coast. She encourages women of all ages to experience the Marine Rescue culture and remarks, “The training is awesome; the experiences

you get are second to none, but most importantly, you are doing something significant for your community.”

Narooma Watch Officer and Radio Operator Gilly Kearney also assisted with delivering the forum and said the two-day event was a significant success.

“One of the best things about it is seeing all the different women across our organisation come together with all their experiences and be so willing to share and empower each other,” she said.

Jervis Bay member Kristy Jones recently began her seventh-year volunteering for Marine Rescue NSW and said the forum was an inspiring experience.

“It's been wonderful that women can come together under this forum and have the platform to speak their voice, to collaborate our ideas and empower each other to be part of an organisation that's out there supporting the community,” Ms Jones said.

Planning for next year’s Marine Rescue NSW Empowering Women’s Forum will begin immediately, with the venue and date to be determined.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and

Gail Connellan is the living example of the phrase “it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

After a successful career in real estate and having raised a family of three in Minnamurra with her husband Malcolm, Gail wanted to return to what she was most passionate about in her adolescence: art.

“I wanted to get back to art because I had a passion for it but I just didn’t have time. You don’t have time to do anything when you’re working in real estate and raising a family,” Gail told The Bugle “I studied art at school, but I never pursued it any further because art just wasn’t considered something you could do full-time. It was being a secretary, nurse or a teacher. Those were the only things people thought women could do that brought in an income. They’re not bad jobs by any means, just as long as you’re passionate about it.”

gallery in Gerringong.

Perking up never too late empowering women

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Hammond are major supporters of the Empowering Women’s Forum, and both took part in the event over the weekend.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

by Donna Portland

The lessons have already started paying for themselves; Gail has already been commissioned to paint several artworks for clients, including a landscape of Minnamurra’s Rangoon Island.

never too old to pursue their passions, and young people should take advantage of the opportunities they’re afforded to pursue creative endeavours.

“The advice I give to people is that you are never too old.

Just go back to it if you really enjoy it. New generations can pursue those passions. Our generation couldn’t - it was something we always put on hold when our parents told us to get a ‘paying job’, and there were no jobs in art.”

The artist lifestyle also affords Gail more time with her family, having just become a grandmother. Kiama locals may be familiar with the story of Gail’s son, Brett Connellan, who survived a shark attack while surfing at Bombo Beach in 2016. After creating and self-funding a documentary - Attacking Life - with his friend Sam Tolhurst, Brett has been on a motivational speaking tour discussing how to be resilient through all of life’s challenges.

Gail resigned from the corporate lifestyle in 2021, but her passion for painting was really reignited in 2019 following the devastating bushfires that ripped through Australia. “I was feeling really emotional about it all and I ended up doing a painting on it,” Gail said “I just felt I needed to do that.”

She painted a powerful image of a firefighter battling a blaze, but wanted to improve on her work so decided to take up classes with Kerry Bruce, a local artist and owner/director of Fern Street

“At the moment, I’m painting a lot of animals. I love doing landscapes, but

“He recently finished a tour of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney where he talks about his experience and how he

animals are what I enjoy the most. I really like painting dark, black backgrounds and bringing animals forwards on the canvas. I’ve had some commissions for flowers and that sort of thing though, I’ll do anything!”

Gail says people are

got through it, relating it to day-to-day life with our own ‘personal shark attacks’ that can be whatever you’re going through. You just have to push through to the end as he did.”

by Brendon Foye

national science week

As part of National Science Week, the annual Bill Wheeler Award winner has been announced.

The annual event honours Bill Wheeler who resided in Kiama and took a keen interest in bionics research, and started the award with an annual bequest as part of his legacy.

The event is also supported annually by Kiama Rotary and was held on Tuesday 15 August 2023 at the Innovations Campus which is art of Wollongong University

The 2022 winner was Mitchell St Clair-Glover, and the 2021 winner was Jeremy Dinoro.

Before retiring, Bill Wheeler was an active member of the Kiama community and worked at the Wollongong courthouse. Sadly, he died of

spinal cancer in 2007.

The Bill Wheeler Award started in 2009 and gives a prize of $2000 annually to the student who best communicates the social impact of their research and the benefit of the prize.

The 2023 winner is IPRI (Intelligent Polymer Research Institute) PHD student Anna Kulaga. She recently engaged in a research trip to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Her PHD is the development of models to improve the vascularisation of islets within cells through 3D printing. The islet of Langerhans for example, lives within your pancreas and has four types of endocrine cells that play important roles in normal insulin secretion within your body.

The event is run and supported by the Intelligent Polymers Lab based at the Innovation Campus at the University of Wollongong.

The Lab is internationally recognised for its groundbreaking work and practical applications for electromaterials science and cellular printing.

The award is presented every year by ACES (Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science) director Professor Gordon Wallace who is world renowned for his work as a leader of the Wollongong University team working with graphene and bioprinters to create revolutionary medical devices often printed with the patient’s own cells.

by Mark Whalan

youthie in the park

Kiama Sentral Youth Services at the Youth Cottage in Hindmarsh Park held its regular Kiama Youth Showcase in Hindmarsh Park on Saturday August 19 from 12pm to 3pm in partnership with Beyond Empathy, which is behind many local teen mental health initiatives. The event also marked the launch of realFm, a podcast series made by Kiama youth celebrating hanging out, noticing life is a bit weird, and being a bit weird yourself. You can listen to realFM now, so listen out for the story about a puffer fish in a cup! Also on the Orry Kelly stage

were a number of local bands and artists: Jacob Lewis, Zerconium, Janis and Rhys Evans. Zerconium played some originals (pretty good on stage performance of EXHALE which might even be an original!) and metal/punk standards including Nirvana. Zerconium had some early Silverchair energy in their stage performance. Young photographer pictures were also on display, made by local young people and a short film showcasing the services Sentral Youth Service provide especially its regular hang out which is a safe and inclusive space, and

Community infrastructure projects

Kiama Council invites you to have your say on the following community infrastructure projects by attending one of the consultation sessions listed below, emailing council@kiama.nsw.gov.au or, by visiting our website kiama.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

studio where young people can explore and record their own creative projects.

Sentral had its 30th anniversary celebrations in April featuring a reunion of old and current Sentral staff (an event which had a bit of Doctor Who vibe). It also provides drop in times just to hang out on Wednesday, 3-6pm and Friday, 3-6pm for social hanging out, but also has professional support services when it’s time to talk about something serious and get some advice.

by Mark Whalan

tiktok ticks & Tocks

As a 23-year-old who frequently immerses herself in the vibrant world of TikTok, I've marvelled at the creativity, humour, and sense of connection that this platform brings to my life. TikTok offers a unique space for self-expression and community-building, from dance crazes to comedic skits. However, beneath the surface of its catchy tunes and engaging visuals lies an issue gaining attention for its potential impact on mental health—body image.

Recent research from UNSW Sydney has shed light on the potential dangers of consuming short-form social media content that sets unrealistic beauty standards. The study suggests that the alluring veneer of TikTok videos portraying unattainable appearances might affect how young women perceive their bodies. In a culture obsessed with narrow definitions of beauty that are constantly changing —it's hardly surprising that such content can breed discontentment.

The study uncovered that even a mere glimpse of appearance-ideal content is enough to cast a shadow on body image. As someone who has scrolled through countless videos on TikTok, I understand the allure of perfection often showcased.

Yet, this desire to meet unattainable standards can lead to negative mood shifts and self-objectification. In this phenomenon, we begin to see ourselves through the lens of our appearance rather than as multifaceted individuals.

With its rapid-fire delivery of content, TikTok can magnify the pressure to conform to appearance ideals. Whether participating in dance trends or trying out beauty hacks, the subtext of looking a certain way can be hard to escape. As the study's lead author, Jade Gurtala, points out, "Total exposure time was only like a minute and a half, and we found that was enough to have harmful impacts."

One aspect of this issue that has captured my attention is the rise of editing and enhancements. As video content grows increasingly sophisticated, the line between reality and fantasy becomes increasingly blurred. While the thrill of experimenting with filters and effects can be undeniable, it's crucial to acknowledge that what we're seeing may not always reflect authenticity.

In my day-to-day experience, I encounter countless videos wherein individuals edit their bodies and lifestyles to project the elusive

'perfect' image. Moreover, I've even encountered deep fakes powered by AI technology, where world leaders, celebrities, and even the public are seamlessly manipulated to perform dances and utter statements that never occurred. Although these instances may offer amusement and humour on the surface, the underlying implications of such technology are undeniably disconcerting. In an era of technological progress, this distinction between genuine and manipulated content becomes particularly paramount within video content, as viewers may perceive unedited appearances through different lenses. This research serves as a

reminder that social media is not an isolated realm; it has implications for our mental health and well-being. The study participants reported spending two to three hours on social media daily—time that, when spent predominantly on appearance-focused content, can inadvertently fuel feelings of inadequacy. As an active user of TikTok, this finding compelled me to reflect on my content consumption habits. However, the study doesn't just highlight a problem—it also presents potential solutions. By diversifying

the content we consume and engaging with media literacy guides, we can equip ourselves with tools to navigate the social media landscape more thoughtfully.

As someone who values the connections I've made through TikTok, I believe that harnessing this platform's positive aspects while being conscious of its potential pitfalls is key.

The rise of body positivity and self-acceptance movements within social media indicates that change is possible. By spotlighting diverse and unedited bodies, we

can begin to counteract the pervasive beauty ideals that often dominate our feeds.

As Dr Jasmine Fardouly, the study's senior author, mentions, "It’s important to update these educational body intervention programmes given the emerging evidence around the negative impacts of appearance-ideal video content."

TikTok has undoubtedly transformed the way we engage with content and each other. Let's ensure that as we dance through its virtual corridors, we do so with an awareness of its potential effects on our mental health. Together, we can redefine what it means to engage with social media in a way that empowers, uplifts, and enriches our lives.

by Veronica Grace

STOIC BREWERY GERRINGONG PET WALL OF FAME

Ultra Marathon For good cause Footy Fever

Rob Mason from Minnamurra is a 46-year-old firefighter currently stationed in Nowra/ Shoalhaven. He has set himself the challenge of running 1200 kilometres across the state in 12 days.

he has seen a lot of injuries to children caused by fires. He admires the courageous and resilient children, the dedicated surgeons and staff at the burns unit and wants to give support to their work

to trying an ultra-marathon (which is anything more than the normal 42-kilometre marathon). “It all kicked off from there. I fell in love with running ultra distance races,” he says.

Rob realised how important running was to his mental health, “As a Firey I was doing rescue and was exposed to a lot of traumatic incidents and so I turned to running to help me deal with it – to keep my mindset positive and to experience ‘post-traumatic growth’ as opposed to ‘post-traumatic stress’,” he remarks. “It really helps me process things”.

The previous record for this run stands at 19 days. On 21 September Rob will begin his run from the NSW border west of Broken Hill with the aim of reaching Bondi on the NSW coast, and he will do it seven days faster than anyone else has ever achieved!

Rob is passionate about helping raise much needed funds for the Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. As a fire-fighter with 23 years on the job,

and the kids’ journey to recovery. He said, “The mild discomfort that I feel when running those long races is nothing compared to what those kids go through.”

His running career started in 2008. Rob had stopped playing soccer which he’d done as a kid and was looking for something to do that would keep him fit for his firefighting job. So, Rob started to run socially with mates. They decided to do a marathon, which later led

As his running improved, he began to understand the link that helped him cope with a busy job and lifestyle, two young kids and a wife working full time. Running became his “go to” from a mental health perspective. Rob started to increase the challenges; from 50 kilometres to 100 kilometres and then to 100-mile races. This culminated in his favourite event: the Coast to Kosciusko race, that starts on the beach at Eden and finishes on the top of Australia at Mount Kosciusko. Rob has done it six times and last year in 2022 he was lucky enough to win it, which was his lifelong dream.

Why do “1200 kilometres in 12 days”? The idea was born out of the ‘Coast to Kosci’ win last year. He and his support team of five asked

themselves “What can we do that is bigger – will stretch us and raise money for something important to us?” so the concept of running across the whole state came to mind.

What kind of training regime does a runner like Rob follow?

The minimum distance covered each week is 100 kilometres, but it’s more likely that he will do 180-200 kilometres per week. Rob runs at least once a day, but it can also be twice or three

SECOND HAND SATURDAY

times a day. He also works out in the gym focussing on strength work. Then there is “mindset work” where he taps into positivity, strategies and engagement to deal with negative thoughts. It’s definitely a ‘mind over matter’ exercise to stay mentally strong and focussed on such long endurance races.

To learn more about Rob’s mission please visit his website: www.robmason.run by Donna Portland

Gerringong Junior Lions

U13 Tag Rugby League team are in their grand final and as is the slightly pagan tradition they have wrapped the ‘island tree’ in Fern Street Gerringong with all the members of the team names for good luck!

Good luck from The Bugle !

Everyone is welcome to come along and grab a bargain. Enjoy the atmosphere, meet your local community and help preserve your local environment.

If you are a Kiama Municipal resident, earn some extra $$$. Get involved by registering a site in Second Hand Saturday for a gold coin donation. Reuse, repair and recycle!

Date: Saturday 2 September 2023

Time: 8am-12noon

Venue: “School Flat”, Black Beach, Shoalhaven Street, Kiama

local women's football

later lost the Grand Final against Dapto. Taryn says, “We were playing Division 4 then. Some, like my sisters, did not qualify to over 30s at that time.”

The Gerringong Breakers

“over 30s” women’s football team has reached the Grand Final against their rivals from Jamberoo.

Taryn Sams is the female coordinator for Gerringong Breakers. She is passionate about the game and showing the younger generation of girls that soccer isn’t a “boys sport” as it has been previously perceived and that they can be confident, succeed, and enjoy the game comfortably with all girls teams from the age of eight.

She tells The Bugle that this is the first year together for the current team.

“We have a few new ladies that have joined and are playing their first ever year of football, however a lot of us have been playing together in other grades for Gerringong Breakers since we were juniors and have played together on and off for many

years.”

Taryn has twin sisters who have all been playing together for the last four years in the same team. She says, “Our family has been involved in Gerringong Breakers Soccer club for 35 years plus.”

Fifty per cent of the Gerringong Breakers team are mums, proving the importance of women’s sports in Australia for mums and everyone involved. “It’s a great way to socialise and enjoy time with friends while exercising,” Taryn says.

The team trains once a week and plays once a week on a Sunday. They face opponents from Gerringong all the way to Helensburgh. This all happens in between kids, travel, injury etc.

The Gerringong Breakers did make the Grand Final match a few years ago and were undefeated all year but

Some interesting recent history: Gerringong played Thirroul in the Semi-final on 13 August and won in penalties 4-1 (One all draw at full time, 10 minute each way extra time and then a penalty shootout). The day after, the Matildas also won with penalties. Taryn recalls, “We played in difficult conditions; it rained for the whole 90 minutes!”

Taryn reflects, “The success of the Matildas has done such a lot for females in football, in particular I am excited for the positive change and to see our club and game grow as more females join the game! This is also why I’m pushing to get more female facilities to accommodate the growing game.”

There is a community project underway to upgrade facilities at Gerry Emery Reserve to facilitate females in sport, as there are no female changing rooms and limited toilets. John Trevenar, a life member of the Gerringong Breakers Football Club, has spent almost two years working on this community project. The women are very grateful for Mr Trevenar's

hard work in getting the project off the ground.

Taryn has told The Bugle that “Kiama Council has advised that a revised consent for the DA was approved in July 2023. Council via our Project Manager have been working through issues around the cost estimate and delivery process for the project. We have been fundraising and working on government grants to get this project off the ground!”

Simone Boulton from the Jamberoo Football Club told The Bugle that Jamberoo FC

In loving memory

John McCarthy

23 September 1933 - 6 August 2023

Late of Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Kiama from 2009

John arrived in Australia as a £10 Pom & entered this country as a participant in The Big Brother Scheme Unfortunately he was not met by a “Big Brother” & made his way alone as a very young lad He found clerical work in Sydney, & later worked with a shipping company in Brisbane .

He eventually enrolled as a mature age student at University of Queensland He majored in history & international relations - John won the University medal and a scholarship to study for his masters degree

All this time he was working & living without family support

His next challenge was to complete his PhD and commence his academic career in Canberra “Curious about most things to the end and consistent in his love for those he cared about “

first introduced a Women’s team in 2018 and it has continued growing even since. She says, “We currently have an all ages women’s team and two over 30’s women’s teams. They’ve made the women feel welcome and have always treated us exactly the same as the men’s teams, such as new women’s cut shirts!

I think that many women have come to play for Jamberoo FC because we are a family and turn up for each other, there’s no separation between the men’s teams and women’s teams - we’re all under one umbrella.”

She mentioned that this season has also been tough team as they’ve also struggled to field a team at times too. “There have been season ending injuries, and life in -

Who will win the Grand Taryn also reveals, “Our numbers this season, due to

travel and injury etc. In the most recent game versus Jamberoo, they won 5-0 as we only had eight players. In April, we played them we won 5-0. So, it’s anyone’s game next Sunday!”

Simone chimes in, “The first time we played Gerringong we were down on players too. I don’t doubt for a second that this Sunday will be a great game between our clubs!”

The Grand Final match between the Gerringong Breakers and the Jamberoo Ravens takes place at 11 am on 27 August 2023 at Sir Ian McLennan Oval at Kembla Grange. It would be great to see local support for both our local teams!

And after?

The winning team of the Grand Final game will be Premiers of Women’s Over 30’s Div 2. They will have the rest of the year off and start registrations again for the 2024 season in February 2024.

by Donna Portland

Chess set to please

Jake O’Brien at 11 years old has become a well-known feature of the Kiama Farmer Market. Since April earlier this year, young, old, new, and veteran chess players have played chess in a lovely outdoor environment.

However, that outdoor environment can be challenging for an indoor game like chess, with Jake having three chess sets on tables in the open air. The wind can lead to overturned games, pieces can be stolen or go missing.

Last week The Bugle reported a call out was made

to the Kiama community to donate or help pay for a giant chess set to be a feature of the Kiama Farmers Market.

Gerringong Uniting have kindly lent their outdoor chess set, at least for a while, and Tricia Ashelford the market manager managed to spray some chess squares to make a temporary chessboard before this. A permanent giant chess set has yet to be donated.

“I will be looking into getting some black and white linoleum squares for the future so we can have

a proper chessboard, “ she said. Jake was clearly pleased and surprised at the giant chessboard and the ability to be able to stand within the board to decide his next move.

The giant chess game was a hit with both the young players and spectators and hopefully, Jake’s Chess Place will grow with the striking visuals of giant chess pieces overlooking the sandy Kiama beach at Coronation Park for many markets to come!

by Mark Whalan

KHS Country Cup winners

Kiama High School has taken out the Rugby League Country State Championship: 26-24.

In a tough, skillful game of Rugby League, our boys clinched the win with a try and conversion on the full time siren and defeated All-Saints College Maitland.

Kiama High now has its name on the shield for the very first time.

Kiama HS took control of the match through tries

to Jett Brookfield, Asher Chapman, Ashton Moore and Phoenix Johns and led 20-6 midway through the second half. All Saints College stepped up a gear, swung momentum, scored three quick tries and with two minutes remaining Kiama was trailing 24-20.

A perfect short kick off by Asher Chapman found a leaping Mason Andrews, giving Kiama HS one final set of six to attack with. With

10 seconds on the clock five eighth Kye Anderson zigged and zagged his way past multiple defenders, scoring a brilliant solo try next to the goal post.

Kye then calmly slotted the goal after the siren to give Kiama High an epic victory.

by Peter Quine

The Bugle congratulates Kiama High on such an exciting, right down to the final whistle, win!

Team list- Asher Chapman, Jarrad Milne, Reed Palmer, Phoenix Johns, Ashton Moore, Kye Anderson,Jett Brookfield, Sam Guevara, Keyen Detheridge,Dylan Bignall, Lacom Poching, Levi Poching, Mason Andrews, Ashton Jeffers, Xavier Steele, Oliver Hartley, Water BoysArchie Holland, Tama Nahona-Ponga.

Kiama Quilters presented founding member Margret Carmichael with a Quilt to mark her 90th birthday at the Kiama Quilters meeting at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Hindmarsh Park.

The Kiama Quilters put on a lovely High Tea to celebrate Margaret Carmicheal’s 90th birthday.

For 38 years, Margaret Carmichael has been an essential member of the Kiama Quilters. Unfortunately, the group could not celebrate her contributions due to recent health issues.

Kiama and Jamberoo

Uniting Church Minister, the Reverend Katherine Merrifield described Margaret as a pillar of her church community and has been a stalwart of many community organisations for years.

“Margaret would be the first to say her faith was at the heart of her desire to get

involved and make a difference in so many ways,” Rev Kath said.

Margaret was presented with a special quilt made by members. She made a short speech, talking about how the Kiama Quilters started 38 years ago and paying tribute to her husband John Carmichael with whom she has shared a marriage of over 70 years.

“John has been and always is my rock. When I married him, I knew nothing, and together we taught each other over 70 years of marriage.”

Kiama Quilters also had a small fundraiser for R.S.P.C.A during the lunch.

The Kiama Quilters met every Wednesday from 10 am to 1 pm at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Hindmarsh Park in Kiama.

by Mark Whalan

Kiama Quilters Charlie Cavoodle

Charlie the Cavoodle from Kiama is a reality show TV star after appearing recently on Dogs Bering (Very) Badly on Channel 10.

Charlie got help with his escaping problem from the Dog father himself, Graeme Hall. He is the star of the very popular UK series of the same name and has arrived in Australia to produce an Aussie version of the series with Channel 10. He has helped over 5000 people and their dogs in the UK.

Graeme says his mission is to get families to understand their problem pooches and work with the families to get the best outcome for both them and their best friends.

The big task for Graeme on the episode was teaching Charlie not to escape when the gate was open.

Charlie the Kiama Ca-

voodle’s problem was he is a renowned escape artist, repeatedly getting loose and even once got trapped down a cliff in June 2018 in the Sapphire Coast region (between Bermagui in the north and Eden in the south of NSW’s south coast) and had to be rescued down a cliff and nearly died. Charlie was chasing a kangaroo and fell 40 meters and broke his back, needing life-saving surgery which was successful. This inspired Sheree to start and run the Flying Dog Boutique which is found in all Collective Beat sites.

Owner Sheree Bradley is well known in Kiama as the owner/operator of the Collective Beat in Kiama, Gerringong, and Huskisson.

by Mark Whalan

BOOT SCOOTING BABY

ing support from everyone involved in the dance.

Line dancing in Kiama has always had a larger percentage of ladies and many retirees looking for something different to do. “The guys tend to be a little shy about dancing,” she reveals. “Many of the kids who came with their parents to the dance are now parents themselves and when they heard about the 30-year celebration they put up their hand to be there,” Joan adds.

Ukraine Movie

Gerringong Pic’n’Flicks will be showing the George Gittoe and Hellen Rose film “Ukraine Guernica Art War '' on Friday 1 September at the Gerringong Town Hall starting at 7:30pm.

Joan Smart is a line dance teacher who has been holding classes in the Kiama area since 1993. Starting out as a 47-year-old grandmother, Joan thought that it might be an opportunity to bring an old fashion style dance night to the families of the region. She never imagined at that time she’d end up running a business for 30 years teaching line dance.

Joan is now a spritely 77 and has certainly achieved some goals. To celebrate 30 years of dance teaching she is organising two functions.

Friday night 20 October 2023 a free Dance Night, at the Kiama Masonic Hall from 7pm to 10pm for all her old and new dancers, “who can manage a dance or two!”

It’s back to the beginnings at the Masonic Hall with its ‘sprung’ wooden floor, “just made for dancing,” Joan enthuses.

Saturday 21 October 2023 from 12pm until 5pm is a sit-down (no dance) luncheon at the Kiama Leagues Club for all people who have ever danced with Joan – one lesson or up to 30 years of

dancing – all are welcome. It’s time to catch up with old friends and fellow dancers.

Without any social media or website, Joan has gone ‘old school’ and managed to put the word out ‘virally’ via phone calls to old students and friends. So far 120 dancers have booked in, with some guests even coming from interstate and overseas though there is still room for more of Joan’s dancers to claim their place at the tables!

Over the years Joan’s line dancers entertained at many venues from Wollongong to Berry and everywhere in between, at Christmas in July and Christmas parties. The dancers love dressing up and she has oodles of photo albums of the dance groups:

“River Prance, Sister Act, Slice Girls, Hocus Pocus, Chicago (for our 10th anniversary) and charity shows were amazing.”

The Kiama Bootscooters Club has gifted some $22 thousand to Kiama SES and Kiama Lions Club Cancer Care Fund. The money was raised from the overwhelm-

Joan still holds classes on Monday and Wednesday at the hall and at present has no plans to retire. Her mantra to all is “Leave your troubles at the door, come inside, join in, and be part of the music, dance, laughter, fun and friendship. Kiama line dancers are a family.”

The luncheon at KLC and the Dance Night before will be wonderful celebratory occasions – a time to meet up with old friends and share happy memories. Joan would like “to see all your beautiful happy faces.”

by Donna Portland

The film was launched in the Illawarra at the Gala Cinema Warrawong on 16 August.

George Gittoe is a longterm resident of Werri Beach, and if you saw him quietly shopping at the local Gerringong IGA, you wouldn’t have any idea what a remarkable life he has led.

He is described as one of Australia’s most uncompromising artists, activists, and filmmakers. In collaboration with Hellen Rose, new creative works arise from the ashes of unspeakable tragedy, including the former House of Culture in Irpin, Ukraine.

For 50 years, he has worked in almost every war zone since Vietnam, including Cambodia, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Somalia, South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, Western Sahara, Southern Lebanon, Palestine-Israel, Tibet, East Timor, Bougainville, Northern Ireland, the Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Iraq, the North-West Frontier of Pakistan, and Afghanistan. He has become an award-winning filmmaker and public artist.

He has brought a fearless and compassionate eye to all these war zones and has received many awards and honours, including the Sydney Peace Prize.

Remarkably he has made several Pashtun romance dramas in northern Pakistan, where filming sometimes led them to cross the border into Afghanistan.

In George’s own words, why does he do it?

“The whole world is my studio. In the past it was the natural world where predators fed on gentler creatures. I go alone into a different

kind of human wilderness to contemplate the basics of humanity.”

George Gittoe installed the Yellow Surf Shack in 2021 at Pacific Avenue Werri Beach in a yellow fibro house built in 1947.

Since 2005, it has served as a base for the surf community at Werri Beach.

George had a famous Yellow House artist refuge in Jalalabad, Afghanistan (with the permission of the Taliban). The first bohemian Yellow House was in Sydney in 1971, when George was 21, with the likes of Brett Whiteley and Martin Sharp.

by Mark Whalan

Love thy neighbour

The Bugle is giving a shoutout to John Grant from Granties Maze in Gerringong for demonstrating some practical assistance to youth in need.

John collects a huge truckload of bottles and cans every year and then donates the proceeds to help local youth. He gives the money to “A Taste of Paradise” farm near Berry.

The farm is focused on supporting disadvantaged

and at-risk young people. Interacting with animals and a farm environment has proven life-changing and healing impacts on vulnera-

ble young people.

A Taste of Paradise (ATOP) charity operates a day programme that incorporates Assisted Animal Therapy, one-on-one mentoring and horticultural training.

Children aged five to eighteen are referred to ATOP’s day programs by Government child welfare workers, welfare agencies, and individuals. Referring agencies strongly support their programmes- in many

cases, the farm provides the only positive and stabilising influences in a young person’s life.

ATOP does not receive any direct funding for the work they do with youth. Like John Grant, you can also support ATOP farm by directly donating or shopping for produce at the Berry Farmers Market, which sells certified organic free-range eggs, fruit and vegetables, and seedlings.

by Donna Portland

TRAVEL FOCUS - JAPAN’S FOUR SEASONS - A YEAR ROUND ADVENTURE

If you’ve ever thought of Japan as a one-season wonder, it’s time to broaden your horizons. This captivating country is a symphony of natural beauty, cultural marvels, and ceaseless excitement all year long.

Spring (March to May): Imagine strolling through streets, parks, and temples, all decorated in delicate shades of pink. The cherry blossoms, or sakura, are here, stealing the spotlight with their elegance. Join in the tradition of hanami, where picnics become genuine works of art beneath these exquisite blooms. With mild weather and a calendar packed with lively festivals, spring unveils the perfect setting to dive deep into the heart of Japan.

Summer (June to August): Sure, the temperatures rise, but that only adds to the sizzle of a Japanese summer. Prepare for a sensory overload as vibrant festivals come alive, accompanied by fireworks that turn the night sky into a canvas of colours. The traditional summer festivals provide a unique glimpse into local life and culture. From the electric atmosphere of coastal beaches to the cooling embrace of mountain retreats, summer in Japan is all about the buzz. Just remember to pack that umbrella, as unexpected summer showers are all part of the adventure.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is when nature transforms its palette, trading greens for a breathtaking array of red, orange, and gold. Everywhere you look, parks and mountains are blanketed in these fiery tones, begging to be captured

THE UPSIDE OF PLAYING WORDLE

on camera. The comfortably cool weather sets the stage for exploration – whether it’s historical sites that unveil Japan’s deep-rooted heritage or the immersive experience of soaking in the culture through local traditions.

Winter (December to February): Japan’s winter is a tale of two halves. In the northern regions, snow blankets the landscapes, turning into a snowy paradise, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that southern Japan sleeps through the cold season. Cities transform into twinkling wonderlands with charming winter illuminations. And what’s more magical than relaxing in a warm onsen, surrounded by snowflakes dancing in the air?

Embrace the captivating tale of Japan’s year-round journey, a tapestry woven with nature’s wonders, cultural gems, and endless adventures.

Each season has its own distinct character, ensuring that no matter when you set foot in this enchanting land, you’re in for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Our pick: Avoid the crowds and step onto the legendary Kumano Kodo trail. This ancient path weaves through shrines, forests, and mountains, offering a fresh perspective on Japan’s rich heritage. From the delicate charm of cherry blossoms in spring to the fiery spectacle of autumn foliage, it’s a journey that will rejuvenate your spirit and redefine your travel expectations at any time of the year.

by Travel Focus Group

POTATO POST

How do you like to serve your potatoes at home?

Mashed, baked, fried or something a little more exotic?

Saturday 19 August was National Potato Day which encouraged all Australians to celebrate the humble spud that remains a staple in many of our diets.

According to Australian Horticulture, 87 per cent of people buy potatoes weighing over 1 kg per shopping trip, which explains why it's still a popular vegetable.

While most potato production occurs in South Australia and Tasmania, our region also has good soil.

Luke Bartlett, a fifth-generation potato farmer from Brayton, was a familiar face at the Kiama Markets before becoming a father five years ago. He is not surprised by the popularity of the vegetable.

"It's so versatile, you can do so much with a spud."

Sebago, Dutch Cream and Ruby Reds are the three varieties of potatoes that Luke grows on the farm thanks to an ideal climate and clean water close to the river.

According to Luke, the Sebago potato is the popular va-

riety, with one local takeaway shop in Kiama buying them to make homemade chips, which is rare nowadays.

"Many years ago, when my grandfather grew them, his father used to supply the whole Wollongong coast. They used to go through about sixty to seventy tonnes a week of spuds.

"Nowadays, many people opt for frozen chips due to the convenience of simply pouring them from a bag, whereas in the past, homemade chips were the norm and highly sought after."

With Father's Day approaching, Luke suggests you can't go wrong with a side of potatoes for a great meal.

"A good old roast for sure with a Sebago; it's a cracking good one. It's fluffy inside and crunchy on the outside."

There are alternatives if your father isn't fond of the old roast.

"Some hand made chips or simply steam them with butter."

And where does Luke sit on the age-old debate of the potato cake versus the scallop?

"I'm on the Scallop side!"

By Steven White

Even if you don’t play Wordle, chances are that you’ve heard of it. The trending word game has become a global sensation, helping people start their mornings with a little brain teaser.

The game originated at The New York Times. You open the website every day and take a stab at the daily game. How it works is that you guess a five-letter word, and the game gives you feedback about whether your letters are right or wrong. Green means the right letter in the right place and yellow means the right letter in the wrong place.

Studies suggest that games like Wordle are a great stimulation activity that promote brain function and help prevent dementia and cognitive decline.

“These types of activities are protective of cognitive function, and the more different kinds of activities you do, and the more difficult they are, the better off you are,” says Dr Amy Sanders, neurologist and medical director of the Hartford Healthcare Memory Care Centre, in the USA.

Research shows that playing Wordle increase grey matter and improve connections between neurons in brain regions. However, just maintaining your physical fitness, for your brain to grow and stay healthy, you need to continue to challenge it. Playing Wordle is addictive in a good way and has a positive impact on brain health.

In addition to the rush of joy from success, people find Wordle addictive because of the challenge of six limited attempts. This feeling is amplified when we cannot solve the daily Wordle in the given number of guesses. Our brains can't stand losing, and we resolve that feeling

of anger by trying again tomorrow.

Dr. Jessica Caldwell, a neuropsychologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio says that there is no minimum time that you need to spend solving word puzzles each day. It matters more that you are playing them on a regular basis. The games also need to provide a challenge, so if a particular game becomes too easy, experts say you need to switch it up.

“In order to keep your memory and your thinking sharp, the key is really challenge and learning,” Dr Caldwell said.

That all makes perfect sense: just like exercising your body, you need to exercise your brain. Interestingly, this journalist has experienced a different benefit from playing Wordle – increased social connection that comes from sharing Wordle results with friends and family. It’s helped me connect with my siblings every day. We don’t see each other as often as we’d like, but the ease of sharing our daily Wordle stats has helped us to reconnect. Ultimately, all games are social.

This is true even when the game is single player, like Wordle, or even perhaps a newspaper crossword! Through simple design, it’s easy to share your Wordle wins and losses. The user interface also lets you share how you came to determine the day’s word. Wordle’s design creates a “shared experience” you can use to engage others in conversation and build connections.

by Donna Portland

22

Revitalising Relationships

Caryn Walsh

Father’s Day – a time to celebrate a special person! They’re always there when you have a problem.

They hold you tight when the world feels scary, and they soothe you when you are going through a hard time.

They are there to pick you up and support you when the going gets tough - and they are a special person with whom to have a laugh at any little thing. Many dad’s are just exceptional.

Simply put, dad’s make the world feel like a better place when they are in it.

Known as a special holiday to honour one’s father, or relevant father figures, Father’s Day also pays tribute to the influence fathers have on society.

Presents of varying sizes and contents are enjoyed by dads to celebrate them on this special day and need

Life and Executive Coach and welcomes your Relationship questions in this column.

It could be socks (again!), underwear (really?) or a car wash but it doesn’t matter. It’s special. And so are they.

The modern-day father comes in various forms.

The world is no longer the same as it was.

Today’s father isn’t always the traditional married breadwinner and disciplinarian in the family. He can be single or married; externally employed or stay-at home; gay or straight; an adoptive or step-parent; and a more than capable caregiver to children facing physical or psychological challenges.

Simply put, dad’s matter.

In addition, recent psychological research across families from all ethnic backgrounds suggest that a fathers’ affection and increased family involvement helps promote children’s social and emotional development.

Furthermore dads can do this, regardless of whether he lives with the family or

not. Any supportive and sensitive father contributes to the wellbeing of their children and so father – child relationships are an important part of our modern-world where possible.

A family is a complex, dynamic ever-changing system, and sometimes our relationships with our dad is no longer positive or possible and we appreciate some people may not celebrate Father’s Day. Regardless, take time out for yourself today too.

Celebrating those dad’s who cannot be with us.

On this day we also pay tribute to those father figures we love who cannot be with us on the day – other family commitments, incarceration, living overseas or deceased, but we celebrate them too.

And for those who don’t have a relationship with their father figure anymore, for whatever reason, we hope you also have a great day and do something special for yourself.

We wish you the best on this day.

If you have a question, please send it to Caryn at hello@thebuglenewspaper. com.au

4-HOUR SLOWCOOKED BEEF SHORT RIBS

DIRECTIONS

1 Preheat your oven to 160°c

PERFECT FOR FATHER’S DAY, THE TALENTED HEAD CHEF FROM KIAMA GOLF CLUB, KUWAR SINGH HAS GIVEN US HIS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

2 KG BEEF SHORT RIBS

2 TABLESPOONS VEGETABLE OIL

1 LARGE ONION, CHOPPED

4 GARLIC CLOVES

3-4 CARROTS, CHOPPED

1 CELERY STALK, AND LEEKS CHOPPED

2 TABLESPOONS TOMATO PASTE

2 CUPS RED WINE

2 CUPS BEEF BROTH

1 SPRIG OF FRESH THYME AND ROSEMARY

2 BAY LEAVES SALT AND BLACK PEPPER TO TASTE

2. Season the short ribs generously with salt and black pepper Heat the vegetable oil in an ovensafe pot over medium-high heat

3 Working in batches, sear the short ribs on all sides until they are browned and crispy

This will take about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside

4 In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, leeks, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

5 Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance its flavour

6. Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes until it has reduced slightly

7 Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves to the pot. Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid

8 Cover the pot with a lid or sliver foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the short ribs for about 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

9 Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid.

10 Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it has reduced

11 Serve the short ribs with the braising liquid or sauce and accompany them with mashed potatoes and Gremolata on top.

Gremolata:

1 bunch flat parsley, finely sliced, 2 cloves, finely grated, Zest of 2 lemons, -30ml extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything, and you're good to go!

Caryn is a Kiama Counsellor & Psychotherapist,

While Kiama Netball were getting behind our wonderful female athletes in both the ladies soccer and our World Champions, the Australian Netball Diamonds by wearing some green and gold on Saturday, it was  the last games of the season for all our modified netball teams playing Net-Set-Go  Koala or Kan-

garoo divisions (7-9yr olds).

Our 10yr Division also concluded their season with the winners, Kiama Central 15 taking out the first past the post comp closely followed by Gerringong 12 in second place.

Many of our other divisions played their final round matches this week also and

MIGHTY MATILDAS

now move into semi-final mode for games on 2 September. Next weeks games will see final rounds for a very closely contested Cadet division and some Inter and Junior A and C grades before they too contest semis in two weeks.

A large and enthusiastic crowd of over a thousand Matildas supporters, many in Matildas scarves of green and gold, watched on the big screen in Hindmarsh Park a tense but ultimately disappointing match with the Matildas losing the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals against England 3-1.

England went on to play in the grand final, but lost to a strong Spanish side.

The World Cup didn't end there for Australia as they went on to play Sweden for third place, ultimately losing that game as well.

The home-ground advantage of a roaring crowd lifted the Matildas but it was English striker Ella Toone who scored giving England the half-time break in the lead.

Not long after the break, Sam Kerr scored a powerful goal in the 63rd minute from outside the box, leveling the score and giving Matildas

fans hope for a short while that Australia might go all the way to the final against Spain.

However, Lauren Hemp for England scored and then, to close the gate completely for the Matildas, Alessia Russo scored a third, giving England an unassailable lead with 3-1.

In the second half, Sam Kerr had two near goals, but these missed opportunities failed to finish.

The Lionesses are jubilant with the win, as it is the first time England have made it to a final in the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Australia and Sweden battled it out for the third spot on Saturday 19 August at Suncorp Stadium near Brisbane. The final game between Spain and England took place at Stadium Australia on Sunday, August 20.

Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward success-

fully organised an event for the community in Hindmarsh Park in just two days. The event featured a giant screen and six food vans, all conveniently located near the Orry Kelly stage.

A short film was played before the match telling the story of Kiama Baptist Pastor Grant Wilson called ‘I’m Not Finished Yet.’ It tells the story of Grant’s recovery from a shocking bike accident in 2021 which caused him a C4 incomplete spinal injury, leaving him a quadriplegic to today where he can stand on his own for short periods.

The short film is in the Open Entrant-Documentary section of the Focus on Ability Film Festival. The film festival asks for filmmakers to focus on the ability of people with a disability, and last year had 281 finalists from 19 countries.

by Mark Whalan

Waving the flag to support the Matildas on the night are River, McKenzie, and Charlotte who are players in the KJFC U8 Pink Team.