Whale
a time at Kiama p3
Race to remember, mateship to treasure
Matty Taylor
Apowerful moment of mateship and inclusion has captured hearts at Minnamurra Public School, where a Year 6 student with multiple disabilities was cheered to the finish line by his fellow classmates in a moving show of support.
Eleven-year-old Viaan only began attending Minnamurra Public School six months ago after moving to Kiama from Melbourne in late 2024.
Born with a rare neurological condition known as MPPH syndrome, Viaan also lives with ASD, ADHD and an intellectual disability.
Despite those challenges, he took part in the school’s athletics carnival held just before the winter break in late June.Viaan’s parents, Priya and her partner Mark Houghton, were initially unsure whether
he would even attend the carnival. “We actually got a call from the school in the morning saying Viaan was feeling unwell,” Priya recalled this week.
“He was excited about our upcoming trip to Fiji and wanted to come home early. But we decided he could stay and do one race before leaving.”
That one race turned out to be a 200-metre event organised by one of Viaan’s favourite teachers, Miss Hughes. What happened next stunned Mark, who recorded the race on his phone, and those watching on.
“There was a whole group of boys rallying together, saying, ‘Viaan’s racing, who wants to run with him?’,” Mark said.
“Viaan ran the first 50 metres, then walked most of the next stretch. But as he came around the final
bend, something beautiful happened.
“Several boys who had already completed the race doubled back to join him. They clapped him on, offered encouragement, and jogged beside him down the home straight.
“Seeing the way the kids got around Viaan and were cheering him on was amazing. I got emotional. Even after I stopped filming, parents were coming up to me saying how amazing it was to watch.”
When Priya later saw the video, she described it as “electrifying”.
The moment came just a day after Viaan’s classmates gave him nearly 20 handwritten cards wishing him well ahead of a short placement at the Aspect South Coast School, before he rejoins his Minnamurra mates at Kiama High School next year.
“So, this level of support wasn’t just about one race. It showed how inclusive and kind this school community is,” Mark said.
“We had been quite worried about Viaan getting bullied and him not being included before he started at Minnamurra. But it’s been the complete opposite.”
Priya said the environment at Minnamurra Public had helped her son grow.
“From a social point of view, Viaan can be very introverted,” she said.
“But this experience has helped him come out of his shell. It’s helped him grow as a person, which is great.”
Minnamurra Public School principal Linda Wilbraham said the closing moment of the
200-metre race spoke volumes about the school’s values.
“When I saw the video, I was touched by how naturally and spontaneously Viaan’s peers stepped in to support him,” she said.
“They saw a mate in need of encouragement, and they were by his side.
“Everyone has their strengths, and at Minnamurra Public School we value a culture of inclusivity, kindness and care, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, knowing they belong.”
Carol Goddard, a regular contributor to The Bugle, watched the race unfold after heading along to watch her grandchild compete at the
day. She said it was a moment she would never forget after tipping The Bugle off about this wonderful story.
“A young boy, clearly struggling at the 150m mark, was surrounded by fellow students who’d already crossed the finish line.
“They walked with him, clapped him on the back, and cheered him to the end,” she said.
“If I saw nothing else at the athletics carnival to gladden my heart, this did. And it made my day.”
Minnamurra
Viaan, his mother Priya and her partner Mark, and, inset, getting encouragement to finish the race.
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Deer Willow and Farmer’s Table win
Paul Suttor
Two local Kiama businesses, Deer Willow and The Farmers Table, took home trophies at last week’s Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards, held at The Fraternity Club in Wollongong.
Deer Willow won the award for Most Outstanding Specialised Retail Business, while the Farmer’s Table won the award for Most Outstanding Best Café.
There was a mystery shopper element to the
competition to see how each business represented themselves over the phone, online and in person.
The award was a fantastic way for the new owners of Deer Willow to cap their first year in charge - Julia Davidson, Caroline Villamarin and Amy Cockshutt.
“We’ve had some really good year-on-year growth,” Julia said.
“We’ve all come from corporate backgroundsI’m from marketing, Amy was in corporate operations and Caroline’s been in retail and fashion. Between us we
thought we had a really good mix of skills to operate the shop.
“It’s been wonderful, the community has really rallied behind us. It’s been a big change going from those careers into retail.
“We’ve been very grateful for the customers supporting a local business.
“We were thrilled to win the award. It’s been a lot of hard work, late hours and we’re all managing juggling children and school.”
The luxe lifestyle store on Manning Street has been running for 12 years,
offering fashion, home and living, clothing and a range of products with the new owners revamping the range on offer.
“Kiama locals love it. There’s a lot of local customers and then we get a lot of visitors who frequent Kiama regularly who often tell us that it’s their favourite shop to visit,” Julia added.
“We’ve brought in 26 new brands to fill some gaps in the retail mix which have been very popular.
“It was a successful business model so we were keen to keep that going - it would be foolish to move far away from that. It’s been interesting to see what works and what doesn’t.”
The Farmer’s Table, situated in the Collins Street historic terraces, is a much newer venture and owner Alan Smith was blown away by their cafe beating out a long list of established venues in the region to take home the award.
The Deer Willow crew of Marcus Cockshutt, Amy Cockshutt, Julia Davidson, Mary Anderson, Jo Aspinall, Caroline Villamarin and Francois Tabbakh.
The Farmer’s Table crew are all smiles after winning their award.
Bugle Bulletin launches this week on YouTube
Anew era of local storytelling at The Bugle has arrived, and it’ll be presented on YouTube.
The Bugle Bulletin, our brand-new weekly news and sport broadcast, launched on Thursday at 5pm on The Bugle News Kiama YouTube channel. Airing every Thursday at the same time, the bulletin will bring you the best of the week’s local community news and sport, with footage to match the stories. Our first episode leads with one of the most heartwarming moments you’ll see all year: the powerful vision of an 11-year-old Minnamurra Public School student, who has multiple disabilities, being cheered across the finish line in a 200m race by his classmates.
It’s a raw and beautiful act of mateship, captured on video.
Also in this week’s launch episode is stunning drone vision of whales cruising just off the Kiama coastline, plus a fast-paced local sport wrap to keep you in the know.
The Bugle Bulletin is proudly produced by locals, for locals. And we’re just getting started. Subscribe now to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube and don’t miss a moment.
The Farmer’s Table
Deer Willow
Incredible footage shows whales ‘playing
Danielle Woolage
The humpback highway is busier than ever before with citizen scientists counting a record number of whales, including almost 150 off Kiama, during the latest annual census.
More than 5000 whales were spotted across the east coast during this year’s event on June 29, organised by volunteer rescue and research organisation ORRCA.
The census encourages community membersdubbed citizen scientists - to count and log whale sightings from their favourite viewing spot, with the data used by ORRCA to track the population size and types of species migrating north.
ORRCA president Ashley
tag’
with dolphins off Kiama
Ryan says this Whale Census Day was the most successful in its 26-year history, with more than 600 volunteers across 159 locations - from Tasmania to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast - registering for the count.
“Over the course of the day more than 5000 humpback whales were officially sighted by volunteers at various vantage points, including 142 off the headland at Kiama Heights,” said Ryan. She believes the huge community involvement likely contributed to the increased number of whale sightings with “records broken on every front”.
“So many people were out for the count and this is testament to the growing passion Australians have for their marine environment,” said Ryan. “Every set of eyes
made a difference.”
Experts believe more than 40,000 cetaceans, predominantly humpbacks, traverse Australia’s east coast during their northern migration to warmer waters.
Ryan said the annual census played a critical role in identifying individual whales, mapping habitat use, and informing broader conservation strategies.
“Citizen science is powerful not just because of the numbers, but because it brings people into the story,” she says.
“This year’s data will directly contribute to ongoing research and protection work. It's science made stronger by the community.”
Kiama’s David Finlay knows the value in environmental interaction and education.
The industrial chemist by trade has been a citizen scientist for decades patiently documenting the best Mother Nature has to offer through a camera lens.
He has captured the stunning Aurora Borealis off Gerringong, glow worm colonies in Helensburgh, fireflies at Macquarie Pass, ghost fungi mushrooms in Kiama frontyards and bioluminescence in the harbour.
Most recently he captured incredible footage of the humpbacks “playing tag” with a pod of dolphins off Kiama’s Blow Hole point on the weekend of the census.
“I’ve never seen whales and dolphins play so purposefully together, and for such an extended period, they were playing tag,” said Finlay who filmed the breathtaking scenes from his drone.
Court hears complainant contacted ABC reporter before Ward was charged
Areporter with the ABC has taken the stand at the NSW District Court to detail evidence about one of the complainants contacted him prior to the Gareth Ward trial into sexual assault allegations.
The trial, which is now in its seventh week, heard from ABC reporter Gavin Coote, who was contacted by a complainant who alleges the Kiama Independent MP indecently assaulted him at his Meroo Meadow property in the Shoalhaven in 2013.
Ward is facing five charges and has pleaded not guilty to each of them: sexual intercourse without consent, common assault and three counts of indecent assault.
teasing them with their speed and manoeuvrability.
"It was like a long trip with a car full of kids and taking a playground break. It was such a joy to watch.
“The more people that you can teach how to enjoy being in nature, while also preserving it, the better we all are.”
Data collected by citizen scientists during the census is collated and used in ORRCA’s East Coast Whale Migration Research Program, which helps document and understand the movement patterns of humpback whales along the state’s coastline. Research and data will also be used to better manage whale strandings, a distressing phenomenon that is not fully understood, with the state’s latest stranding on Wollongong’s City Beach on Tuesday.
“This behaviour went on for over an hour. The six whales just chased the dolphins everywhere, and the dolphins were
ORRCA volunteers and National Parks and Wildlife Service tried to refloat a female melon-headed whale after it was spotted circling unusually close to shore.
Despite the best efforts of rescuers the whale could not be saved.
The 44-year-old was charged three years ago following complaints against him from a man, aged 24 at the time, over an alleged incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago.
He has also been accused of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.
Coote told the Court that he had met the younger complainant in 2017 and three years later.
In 2020, after posting a photo of Ward and Keira MP Ryan Park on social media, Coote said the younger complainant contacted him via Instagram.
They arranged to meet in Sydney and Coote told the jury that the man told him about his allegations that Ward had “touched him on the genitals” while he was intoxicated and lying on the grass at his home and later that “he blacked out” when he was in a bedroom and the politician mounted him on a bed.
Coote said he informed the complainant a month later that he would be unable to publish his allegations and that he should contact police.
In May the following year, Ward stepped down from his ministerial position and was dumped by the Liberal Party after it was revealed that he had been charged. He was re-elected as an Independent candidate for Kiama in 2022.
The trial before Judge Shead continues.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental
Where Kiama’s history meets coastal luxury
Ahistoric piece of Kiama’s original Cottage Hospital site has hit the market, now transformed into one of the town’s most luxurious properties.
Perched on 1739 square metres in a peaceful cul-desac, 1 Elouera Place occupies land that once formed part of the original Kiama Cottage Hospital site, first established in the mid-1800s to support the booming population of quarry workers in the area.
The hospital was opened at the top of Barney Street in 1887, before Kiama Hospital was moved to Bonaira Street in 1930.
The site at 1 Elouera Place retains historic links through its original dry-stone walls and majestic fig trees.
“This isn’t just a magnificent home, it’s a piece of Kiama’s
story,” selling agent Helena Crumpton, of Stone Real Estate, said.
From its rich past to its contemporary luxury, 1 Elouera Place now blends European elegance with relaxed coastal living, a combination Helena describes as “peaceful, private and perfect for entertaining”.
At the heart of the estate is a five-bedroom residence with soaring cathedral ceilings, herringbone oak floors, and full-length windows that flood the home with natural light.
French doors open to a broad terrace overlooking the in-ground saltwater pool, framed by sweeping district views that stretch all the way to the ocean.
“The layout is designed to bring the outside in,” Helena said.
“Whether you're hosting friends by the cabana or
enjoying a moment under the fig trees, it’s all about lifestyle.”
Inside, the home features a Carrara marble island kitchen with SMEG appliances, a walk-in butler’s pantry, and seamless flow to open-plan dining and living zones.
There’s also an electric fireplace, ducted airconditioning, and solar panels to boost comfort and efficiency.
The estate includes two additional structures - a gorgeous two-room studio with a kitchenette and bathroom perfect for a wide array of purposes and a “tiny home” like no other complete with kitchen, two modern bathrooms and a large entertaining deck.
One of the standout outdoor features is a custombuilt cabana with an outdoor kitchen, perfect for long summer lunches or evening
gatherings.There’s even a heritage-inspired outdoor shower built into the base of an old fig tree - a nod to the land’s past life.
But it’s not just the home turning heads, it’s the agency that’s marketing this spectacular property, which has a price guide of $4.9 million to $5.3 million.
Stone Real Estate Illawarra, which covers Thirroul to Gerroa, has recently become the No.1 selling agents in the region.The Kiama patchfrom Minnamurra to Gerroa, and west to Jamberoo - is led by the Crumptons, Helena and Greg, who have helped propel the office’s strong results.
“Our office has had over 400 sales transactions over the last 12 months, and our office as a whole has just leapfrogged other leading brands that have been going well for many years,” Greg said.
While Stone is now a growing national brand with more than 70 offices, the Crumptons believe it’s their grassroots reputation that sets them apart.
“We’ve been very conscious since we moved to Kiama just over five years ago about building and maintaining a very good reputation and we have been really well received by the local community,” Greg said. “Our whole office is ethically driven, and Stone
is very strict with procedures and compliances.”
With a premium home, a prized location and a wellperformed local agency behind it, 1 Elouera Place represents the rarest of real estate combinations: heritage, luxury, and growing market confidence all in one.
For further details or to arrange a private viewing, contact Greg or Helena Crumpton at Stone Real Estate.
Matty Taylor
The main downstairs living area.
Views from the main bedroom on the second storey.
The walkway into one of the cabins.
The first Kiama Cottage Hospital was opened at the top of Barney Street, close to 1 Elouera Place, back in 1887.
Local business wins, but what’s on the horizon?
Last Thursday was an opportunity for our local businesses and businesspeople to shine under the spotlight of the inaugural Kiama Business Network Awards.
After all, local business is the backbone of the economy and the main contributor to our community winning the gong for the NSW Top Tourism Town in back-toback years. While it is only in its first year running, the awards are a testament to the fact our community always punches above its weight. Our ability to leverage natural amenity and landscapes with local expertise and artisanal creativity is why we attract significant visitation across the entire year – rain, hail or shine.
However, the revelry of the Awards was somewhat undone when Kiama Council announced it would not be funding the annual Kiama New Year’s Eve Sky Show fireworks display –one of the country’s largest regional fireworks events.
NYE Sky Show brings in approximately $1.7m into the local economy and can be one of the biggest trading days for our local businesses. The decision has been justified as “fiscal responsibility” with Council still under the NSW Government Performance Improvement Order (thank you to the previous Council(s) for this truly unforgettable memento).
While there is no specific reference to the NYE Sky Show (trust us, we’ve looked) in the Performance Improvement Order, Council is required to “ensure (it) can move to surplus operating budgets and ensure its long-term financial security”.
Translation: Spend less and earn more.
However, the Sky Show is more than just dollars and cents. As The Bugle reported last weekend, the generosity from attendees provides critical funding for community organisations such as South Coast Surf Life Saving and local branches of the Rural Fire Service.
It is estimated that around $15,000 is raised every year
for vital community and local services. At a time when the cost-of-living crisis is still biting and we should be rallying around our community, it does seem a little off kilter that boffins and politicians in Sydney should dictate how Council spends (a relatively small amount of) money.
To put things into context, Kiama Council advises that the fireworks cost upwards of $95,000 to put on.
The Sky Show attracts visitors from all around the region, the state and beyond, and last year the event generated an economic impact for the town to the tune of $1.75m.
That is a benefit cost ratio of 18:1 which is on par with the Sydney Harbour Fireworks. For those playing at home, a benefit cost ratio that is 1:1 means that for every $1 you spend, there is $1 of economic benefit.
So the higher the ratio is, the more that investment is making money, and is therefore a good investment decision.
Some public sector investments have a BCR that is negative – so at 18:1 the Sky Show is the definition of a no-brainer.
So why are we risking this sound economic decision and why is our local community having to rely on a benefactor or sponsor to ensure the Sky Show happens this year.
In our last edition of “The View”, we lamented the fact that the NSW Government had dolled out not a penny, specifically for our community. Surely Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has a spare $95,000 in his $127 billion budget? Or perhaps the Transport Asset Manager (the new rebrand of the old Transport Asset Holding Entity) might want to sponsor the event and hold the fireworks at Bombo Quarry. What a great opportunity to showcase what the future of the quarry could be as a great public place.
Either way, The Bugle’s View is the NYE Sky Show must happen and if a generous sponsor cannot be found, Council or the State Government must come to (fund) the party.
Kiama Council’s much-debated Housing Strategy will be presented at Tuesday night’s meeting with a recommendation to be adopted so that the local government area has a clear direction for the future.
Council’s director of strategies and communities
Ed Paterson will urge Councillors to give the Strategy the green light after a lengthy process which started in March last year.
The Councillors will likely debate whether the Strategy is now ready to be implemented before a vote will be held.
The second version of the Strategy was placed on public exhibition between February and April and received 280 submissions from the public.
In his report to Council, Paterson said the feedback had been considered but there are “only minor changes proposed to the exhibited Draft v2 in the final Strategy”.
The changes include:
• Update the population projection sections to refer to the housing targets and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan as these are the only statutory requirements.
• Greenfield opportunities have been restructured to provide one consolidated table of greenfield sites and updated info for each site.
• Minor mapping changes – update the boundary for Riversdale Road Precinct, Dido Street Precinct, Kiama West (Springside Hill) and 86 Campbell Street, Gerringong.
• Updated wording of the “Non-negotiable principles for greenfield development”.
Paterson endorsed the Housing Strategy as one that identifies the housing needs of the Kiama LGA, along with four key objectives for housing and growth in Kiama:
1. Sufficient and well located housing supply
2. Diversity of housing options
3. Infrastructure is provided to support population growth and vice versa
4. Our centres and villages thrive.
“The Strategy also includes a vision, information about the Kiama LGA and our community, a housing supply and demand analysis, land use opportunities and constraints, as well as placebased opportunities and actions,” he wrote.
“In terms of supply, the Strategy proposes a mix of both infill and greenfield development.
“The majority of infill development is expected to occur in and around the Kiama and Gerringong Town Centres, with some also occurring throughout surrounding suburbs.”
D-Day for Housing Strategy
The Kiama Urban Expansion Area - which includes the Bombo Quarry, Riversdale Road and Dido Street precincts, along with Kiama West (Springside Hill) - has “the potential to deliver approximately 4200 residential lots”.
Paterson wrote the area could also be the home to new educational facilities and regionally significant recreational spaces.
“The area’s proximity to the Princes Highway and Bombo Train Station presents unique opportunities to ensure future development is integrated with these regional transport spines.”
He also listed a raft of “nonnegotiables”, which included appropriate road, pedestrian and public transport networks and connections, State Government infrastructure, a Sydney Water system with capacity to provide sewer and water services and that any financial liability to Council is minimised.
Heritage places and areas of high environmental significance must be identified and preserved while the provision of social and affordable housing must also be adequately considered.
“The Local Housing Strategy will be an important strategic planning document that will guide future development in the LGA,” he concluded.
Tuesday’s meeting will also revisit the issue of Council’s controversial decision to not allocate funding for the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which could be cancelled unless sufficient sponsorship is found.
Council has appealed to the business community to help bail out the budget for the iconic event.
The deadline for sponsors to come forward is this Sunday. Councillor Yasmin Tatrai will ask whether Council can confirm whether funds allocated to Tourism Kiama in 2017 are available to save this year’s fireworks display from going up in smoke.
CEO Jane Stroud has indicated that the issue will be resolved at the August meeting following an investigation into the financial resources available.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald will also update Council about a recent review into Section 7.11 and 7.12 developer contributions after Councillor Erica Warren called for an urgent engagement of specialist staff in May to look into whether correct governance procedures were being followed.
The review found: “It is be noted that the review determined that there was no wrongdoing by staff and no incorrect information given to Councillors.”
Paul Suttor
Ed Paterson
Drugs, knives seized
The use of handheld scanners by local police has resulted in the seizure of drugs and three knives in the Illawarra and South Coast Operation Ares is a high visibility operation where officers use handheld scanners – or electronic metal-detecting ‘wands’.
Taking mystique out of planning
Unpacking bureaucracy, regulation, political will and community psychology. Former Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly offers his thoughts.
The term Invisible Architecture is often used in literary and poetic discussion to describe the underlying, unseen frameworks that give a work its form and meaning.
In my retirement, I’ve taken up some writing and literature courses, where I first encountered the phrase. I found it a powerful and versatile metaphor, apt not just for novels and poetry, but also for the planning system in NSW.
Our system is shaped by layers of rules, assumptions, and relationships that influence every decision, yet are rarely visible to the public.
This invisible architecture determines how, where, and why our communities grow, or don’t.
The complexity of the NSW planning system privileges certain players while locking out others.
Land use planning shapes every street, suburb, skyline, park, and paddock. Yet, for most citizens, its workings are obscure, buried beneath acronyms, shifting strategies, and often unintelligible documents. In NSW, planning complexity often functions more as a feature than a flaw. It benefits some while burdening the rest. Professional intermediaries, planning consultants, lawyers, and lobbyists are among the biggest winners. They depend on navigating ambiguity. When legislation is open to interpretation, they become indispensable. Simplification threatens their
market.
Large developers also benefit. With the financial resilience to absorb delays and the legal firepower to push through disputes, they are well positioned to exploit loopholes or negotiate Voluntary Planning Agreements. Smaller operators are often drowned in paperwork or priced out of participation.
The state government plays referee and participant. Ambiguity allows it to override local planning frameworks under the guise of housing supply or state significance.
This flexibility means state intervention can be politically convenient but procedurally opaque.
Councillors and political actors who understand the system’s grey zones can wield quiet but significant influence.
Amendments, referrals and procedural delays become tools of strategy rather than governance. Certain residents’ groups use complexity to their advantage, objecting through appeals, exploiting obscure planning clauses, or delaying projects indefinitely.
Heritage, character and overshadowing concerns, while sometimes valid, can be used tactically rather than constructively.
To reimagine planning, we must look outward. Globally, planning systems fall into three broad categories: mixed, decentralised-flexible, and centralised-directive models. Each offers lessons, some cautionary, others inspiring. Mixed models like Victoria, Queensland, Canada and the UK are comparable but cumbersome.
These can deliver good outcomes, but only when roles are clearly defined, policies are stable, and community trust is maintained. Decentralised and flexible systems like the US and Japan are fast but uneven. Flexibility and speed are possible, but only if rules are simple, political interference is limited, and development rights are respected.
Centralised and directive systems which are found in China and Singapore are clear but authoritarian. Centralisation ensures coherence, but at the cost of democracy, adaptability, and human-scale nuance.
Communities expect fairness, clarity, and a chance to be heard. When they encounter jargon, delays, or abrupt overrides, frustration sets in. Trust is eroded. Councillors are caught in a tug-of-war of constituent expectations, legal constraints and political alliances. Planning becomes performative, motions deferred, reports commissioned, decisions postponed, not to resolve issues, but to delay accountability.
Constant reform, often sold as progress, breeds fatigue. Those with resources adapt - others fall behind. Reform churn makes long-term thinking impossible.
Over years of observing, debating, and working within the system, I’ve kept notes on changes that might help.
Reduce discretion: Shift
from subjective assessments (“no unreasonable impact”) to clear, objective criteria.
Commit to stability: Establish a 10-year legislative horizon with scheduled reviews, avoid reactive, piecemeal reforms.
Improve access: Fund plain-language guides, digital planning assistants, and training for community members and councillors.
Clarify roles: Define decision-making boundaries across councils, panels, departments, and courts. Too many think they’re the “planning Lion King.”
Borrow from others: Streamline zoning like Japan. Embrace local autonomy like Canada. Seek clarity like Singapore, but keep our democracy.
The people of NSW deserve a planning system that is transparent, efficient and fair, that delivers housing without endless delay, empowers local voices without silencing innovation, and eliminates the backroom trade-offs that undermine trust.
To achieve this, we need a bold reform agenda: Merge LEPs and DCPs into a unified zoning code. Establish an independent Planning Commission to depoliticise decisions. Expand fast-track approvals (CDCs), backed by objective, measurable rules. Digitise the entire planning process, from application to appeal, and enforce strict timelines. Introduce penalties for unjustified delay and enforce transparency in developer contributions.
These steps would shift power away from NIMBYs, consultants, and bureaucratic gatekeepers, restoring integrity and clarity to a system too long lost in its own maze.
Land use planning is more than a technical exercise; it reflects how we understand community, growth, and fairness.
Today, NSW’s system mirrors the values of caution, complexity and control. It is a choice, not a necessity.
We can design something better: a planning framework that reflects transparency over opacity, stability over churn, and accessibility over exclusion.
The Invisible Architecture does not need to stay hidden. We can, and should, bring it into the light.
Last Thursday, officers attached to Wollongong Police District conducted a handheld scanning operation at Wollongong CBD, train station and surrounding shopping precinct. Two weapons were detected and seized, 291 people were scanned and eight charges were laid, including custody of a knife in a public place, possess prohibited drug and shoplifting.
Officers also conducted a scanning operation in Nowra and shopping precincts in Bomaderry and the train station last Thursday. One weapon was detected and seized, 84 people were scanned, four were searched and a Firearms Prohibition Order person search was conducted.
Zonta to hold major fundraiser
Zonta Club of KiamaShellharbour is holding its major fundraising event of the year next Saturday. A Country & Western Trivia Night will be held from 7pm–11pm at Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club where you can expect a night full of laughs, games, prizes, and cowboy hats, all in support of causes that matter. Funds raised go towards projects like: Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven & Illawarra; Dressed for Success, and Illawarra Women’s Health Centre’s Young Women’s Program. Oher good causes include Birthing Kits that provide a clean birthing environment for women in developing countries and Breast Cushions that provide dignity and comfort for men and women who have undergone breast cancer surgery.
Boost for Closet program
People in the IllawarraShoalhaven region living with mental illness now have better access to essential supplies to support their wellbeing, thanks to the expansion of Keith’s Closet to Shellharbour Hospital.
Minister for Health Ryan Park on Thursday officially opened the new service, made possible thanks to an investment of $185,000 by the State Government to open additional Keith’s Closets across NSW, including Sydney and the Illawarra. Keith’s Closet is a walk-in wardrobe which helps to clothe and support vulnerable clients with everyday essentials and is located at Shellharbour Hospital.
Matty Taylor
Kiama Community Radio is celebrating a major milestone, having reached 500 locally produced podcast episodes since launching in mid-2020.
Founded as a pandemic project by three passionate locals, the community-driven station has grown into a trusted voice for the Kiama region, capturing the stories, music and conversations that shape local life.
“This has been an extraordinary journey,” KCR founding member Madeleine Scarfe said.
“I’ve been putting together the podcasts because it’s pivotal to KCR’s mission to be the voice of our community, capturing a snapshot of life in this place and time for future generations.”
The 500-episode achievement reflects hundreds of interviews with artists, community leaders and changemakers, along with countless hours of behind-the-scenes work from its small team of volunteers.
The idea for KCR emerged in March 2020 as COVID-19 lockdowns began. Scarfe was one of three founders, alongside Karen RenkemaLang and Graeme Gherashe.
Local community radio hits 500-podcast milestone
Kiama Community Radio founding member Madeleine Scarfe.
“The original idea came from Cathy Law (then owner of The Bugle), and the three of us took it up,” Scarfe said.
“We started out meeting on Zoom and recording on
We published a notice in The Bugle and soon gathered a skilled and willing
group of contributors.”
the podcasting service and designed the website and graphics, along with Gabi
Cabral, who brought radio experience, and Helen Lear.
“Everyone simply contributed what they could. Karen had governance expertise, Graeme was a project manager, and together we managed to establish KCR as an incorporated association and launched podcasting in July 2020,” Scarfe said.
KCR has become a hub for local voices and specialinterest groups, as well as playing an important role in preserving Kiama’s oral history.
“We record historical society meetings relevant to Kiama because that’s a record of our oral history, and many of the presenters won’t be around forever,” Scarfe said.
“We’re always keen to welcome new volunteers who want to be part of a friendly, creative community radio team.”
KCR chair Glenn Shepherd, host of Around the Arenas, said the 500-podcast mark was a tribute to community pride and persistence.
“This achievement proves how much our community values having a local voice,” he said.
“From the playing fields to the Council Chambers, we’ve created a platform that genuinely reflects life in Kiama and surrounds. I’m proud to be part of something so real and so local.”
our phones.
Early volunteers included Diana McLaren, who set up
Specsavers Kiama focuses on building local connections
Happy Birthday, Teresa - from all of Kiama!
It was an afternoon of smiles, cake, flowers and a heartfelt connection with the community last week as Teresa, the bubbly manager of Specsavers Kiama, celebrated her birthday with colleagues in the Kiama Village Centre.
Teresa, who has been at the helm of Specsavers Kiama for just over a year, has quickly become a familiar and friendly face in the local business community.
One of her closest connections is with Alaa, the owner of Barber Industries next door.
“I’ve made some really
good friends here,” Teresa shared with a grin.
“Alaa has been right next door since we opened, and he’s always been incredibly supportive. If I’m ever caught up or need a quick hand, he’s happy to step in and help. We all really look out for each other here.”
That sense of mutual support and camaraderie extends far beyond just two shops. The entire Kiama Village Centre has cultivated a warm and connected business community.
“Everyone in the centre is amazing,” Teresa added. “We check in on each other, and there’s a real sense of
togetherness. It’s hard not to make friends, I’m a bit of a yapper! I love chatting to everyone and seeing how they’re doing.”
Teresa says the true highlight of her time in Kiama has been the locals themselves.
“They’re just lovely. I’ve met so many great clients and people from around town. There’s something really special about the Kiama atmosphere.”
As Specsavers Kiama continues to grow, it’s clear that Teresa’s warmth, dedication, and community connections contribute to the store’s success.
Fresh focus brewing at Park Central Cafe
Matty Taylor
There’s a fresh buzz brewing at one of Kiama’s most prominent cafe spots, with Park Central Cafe on Terralong Street launching under new ownership.
Harpal “Harry” Singh has taken the reins and kicked off a new era on Saturday, introducing a revamped New York-style deli menu and longer trading hours. Leading the front of house and kitchen is Rideika Boney, with a renewed focus on fresh, gourmet offerings and extended breakfast and lunch options.
“We're focusing on breakfast and lunch, extending opening hours from 7am to 5pm and keeping the kitchen open
all day,” Singh said.
“Some of the new additions on the menu are chicken burgers, veggie burgers, wraps, salads, and nachos, as well as protein shakes. So, we're expanding the breakfast and lunch items, and including waffles for the kids.”
The new menu features cakes, bagels, sourdough sandwiches, artisan pastries, cakes and a wide range of hot and cold beverages. Coffee remains a major specialty.
Originally from Punjab in India, Singh came to Australia a decade ago as an international student. He now lives in Wollongong with his wife, Gurpreet Kaur.
“We love it here in Kiama and we have some good friends here. So, we didn’t hesitate to take on this
business,” he said. He said Park Central Cafe’s location made it an ideal meeting place for locals and visitors. He’s aiming to cater to both with a menu that balances quality with comfort.
“This is a popular holiday location, so it’s important that we have the right offerings for visitors,” Singh said. “But we want to continue to look after our local customers and keep growing the business.
“We’ll be making everything fresh, and we’ll be expanding the kitchen. It’s all very exciting.”
Daisy moos-flash
By Bernie Hems
Kiama Community Radio is excited to introduce a fresh face - and she’s already a bit of a local celebrity! Say hello to Daisy
the Cow, our brandnew emblem and proud new voice (well, moo) of KCR. Daisy, who is owned by Council, is looking fresh as a daisy from the brilliant artwork of Tiffany Springett
Why Daisy?
Because she’s not just a local icon - she’s our neighbour. You’ll often see her standing tall in the paddock on Terralong Street. And if you spot Daisy, you’ve just about found us — we’re next door but one. Daisy perfectly captures the spirit of Kiama: relaxed, curious, and unmistakably homegrown. Just like KCR, she’s part of the landscape — keeping watch, staying grounded, and always ready to reflect what’s happening in our community. At KCR, we’re on-air rain or shine (streaming 24/7), bringing you local news, music, stories, and interviews. Daisy reminds us to keep things simple, genuine, and
connected — and to never underestimate the power of a calm, steady presence. You’ll soon see more of Daisy in our social media, event signage, and KCR merchandise. She’s our mascot, our mood, and a friendly face from the neighbourhood.
How to Listen to KCR
�� Website: Visit kcr.org.au to stream live.
Mobile App: Download the free KCR app (iOS and Android).
iHeartRadio: Listen via the iHeartRadio platform.
Podcast: Catch up on shows via Buzzsprout and Spotify.
Zeno.FM: You can also stream live through Zeno.FM.
L to R Tyrone, Teresa, Ariahn, Damien, Alaa, Fahd
ManagerandchefRideikaBoney
New Park Central owner Harry Singh, second from left, and his wife Gurpreet Kaur with fellow local business owners Deepanshu Vij and Mridul Anand.
Tight-knit team the secret to Burnetts’ award success
Matty Taylor
The secret behind Burnetts on Barneys’ double delight at the Kiama Business Awards isn’t flashy marketing or big-city scale.
It’s a combination of a closeknit team, loyal customers and a deep connection to the community.
That’s the message from coowner and founder Elizabeth Burnett, who says the garden nursery’s success stems from something refreshingly simple: people.
“Our customers come in here and know us by name,” she said.
“And it might sound a bit old-fashioned, but it feels good. And maybe that’s what was recognised (at the Awards).”
Burnetts on Barney scooped Business of the Year and Excellence in Small Business at the inaugural awards, hosted by the Kiama Business Network at The Pavilion.
The garden centre employs 19 staff across its wider nursery operations and popular Quarry Cafe.
“It just means there’s lots to do and lots of people have different roles. But it’s a tight team. We’re very close,” Burnett said.
“What happens here is not about me. It’s about this team of people wearing green.
“They’re fantasticwhether they’re in the cafe or the nursery. They’re
fantastic - always smiling, with wonderful product knowledge.”
The awards night drew nominations from 50 businesses across the Kiama LGA.
“I think the fact that they are the inaugural awards, that's where we’re so fortunatethat as a business community we’ve had this opportunity,” Elizabeth said.
“There’s a great sense of wanting to be connected and working together at a local level, but even more broadly and seeing how we can take it further.
“Kiama businesses can really shine now and go on to the Illawarra Business Awards in their own right.”
She said last week’s awards night gave local businesses an opportunity not just to celebrate, but to further unify.
“It’s tight doing business now. It’s really hard. So, we have to work together,” she said.
That collaborative spirit has been part of the Burnetts journey from day one.
“Andrew and I started with Burnett Trees, and Burnett Trees is still what I think is a great business,” Elizabeth said.
“We came to Barney Street 15 years ago. We started with the landscape supplies and then a garden centre and most recently the Quarry Cafe. So, there’s just lots of different levels. But I think it’s all about community.”
The site has become not just a meeting place for locals. It services local landscapers, builders and other tradies.
“We’re very fortunate to have great suppliers in this area … including McMahons and SOILCO,” Elizabeth said.
“They’re all local companies and there’s plenty more. We’re lucky to be part of that whole chain.”
She said there was something uplifting about working among plants - and that sense of wellbeing seems to rub off on customers and staff alike.
“The space itself here has such a great history. It’s a beautiful space and it’s very hard to not feel happy when you’re amongst plants,” she said.
She was full of praise for the sponsors, The Bugle and Kiama Council for backing the first local business awards.
“Thanks for the beautiful support,” Elizabeth said.
“It’s important to know that our media is supporting business. And Council was another key supporter of these inaugural awards.
“Business in Kiama relies heavily on the support of Council.”
Burnetts on Barney is also the sponsor of The Bugle’s new weekly gardening video segment, presented by local garden guru John Gabriele.
The segment launches this week on The Bugle’s YouTube channel and his associated column is on Page 15.
Slow Dough ‘elated’ with trophy after not so rapid rise
Paul Suttor
True to their name, Slow Dough bakery took a while to get going but they are rapidly growing in reputation and impact in the Kiama community.
The Manning Street bakery was named the Outstanding New Business at the Kiama Business Awards last week, well deserved recognition for owners Lucy and Richard King after years of hard work both before and after opening their doors.
Slow Dough was created when Richard got into baking during the pandemic and in late 2021, he started selling the varieties he had come up with by mail order from the garage of their Gerringong home.
“I think it’s safe to say that we’re elated to win the award,” Lucy said.
“It is really important to receive recognition from your local community and it’s a real acknowledgement of the hard work we’ve put in.”
Richard added: “We were really surprised - we’ve been very focused on our own patch, head down, bum up. We feel like we’re doing all right but relative to what?
“So when we’re put up against extraordinary other businesses, to come out on top was pretty humbling.”
When he started baking, he would send a message to his mailing list to say what was going to be ready each Saturday and people would respond to say which option they wanted.
That grew to the point where they needed a bigger permanent location and it was tough to find a spot with
space large enough for a bakery and a small area for customers to savour the treats.
The old minister’s cottage at the Uniting Church had been used by the Men’s Shed but they had moved to a more suitable location for them, so Slow Dough pounced on the opportunity, opening their doors in early 2024.
It took them more than a year to wade through the development applications paperwork and complete renovations to make it fit for purpose but it has proved to be the ideal location for them.
“We both come from a corporate background,” Lucy explained.
“Rich had always been interested in baking but had never got the opportunity to do it. So when we were in what seemed like a neverending lockdown at the time, it allowed him the chance to get into making it.”
He said his initial offerings would have been “better for building than eating” but after lots of practice, he refined his craft.
“Neither of us have done this before and are still learning every day in terms of baking and building a business,” Lucy added.
“We just want to acknowledge the Kiama community and our customers who have really supported us. Everything we do is new. It’s just been
so wonderful the way the locals have rallied us on because it’s been tough at times.
“They’ve been open to what we do because we do things a bit differently. They’ve been willing to come along this journey with us. We’re very grateful.”
They were also a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category, an essential part of their set-up.
“My background is in corporate sustainability so it’s something that’s really important to make sure we’re integrating that into what we do as a business,” Lucy said.
They partnered with Kerryn McInnes from The Passion Project at The Pines in Kiama and they collect Slow Dough’s compostable waste for her permaculture garden.
“It’s a nice example of closing the loop within our local community and ecosystem of businesses,” Lucy said.
“We do generate a fair bit of waste but we make sure we do as much as we can to reduce that.”
Slow Dough’s cardboard packaging, including the coffee cups, is compostable and included in this program to help reduce landfill.
Lucy King, Susan Spence, Jo Aspinall and Richard King
Elizabeth Burnett.
Lions out and about to give back to local community
Gerringong Lions Club has been busy giving to the community and benefitting from their endeavours in recent weeks.
Cheryl Skinner and Jenny Barclay from The Lions Eye Health Program gave a presentation on the program’s aims, objectives and achievements at a recent meeting.
They travel to various
organisations and schools and provide a simple testing program to identify vision problems in children.
Parents can follow up with a visit to the optometrist. They had visited the Gerringong Surf Club Nippers in recent times. Several of the Gerringong Lions signed up to do the training to be able to conduct the program..
On the long weekend in June, Lions were able to help out with the Crooked River Wine Festival and Concert. They provided guidance to patrons to sort out recyclables from landfill. Cans and bottles collected from the festival then formed part of the Lions Return and Earn project.
The first five years of the project resulted in one million bottles and cans being recycled. In the past two years they have reached 650,000 items, well on their way to the second million of cans and bottles being recycled for a variety of uses rather than going into landfill.
Gerringong Lions recognised the work done for the community by the president of Gerringong District All Sports, John Trevenar, by presenting him with a Certificate of Appreciation.
This was to recognise the work John had done in planning and building new facilities at Gerry Emery Oval. The work incorporates new change room facilities for women and girls, new toilets, and male and female referees rooms.
An extension to the
The Gerringong Bowlo has been conducting its Community Raffle program and in June the Lions Club was the beneficiary. This is a fantastic initiative by The Bowlo and many organisations have been helped.
clubhouse is well underway. John has raised much of the money, through pledges from local tradesmen, a grant from NSW Government and federal member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, who has pledged a further grant to complete the work.
The Lions presented John with a cheque for $7500 as their contribution to the project, that will benefit Gerringong Cricket Club, Gerringong Breakers Football Club and the Gerringong Touch Football Club.
Female-only travel tours into growing number of...
The old saying there’s safety in numbers has never been truer, as adventures for solo female globetrotters become one of the travel industry’s fastest growing sectors.
Gerringong travel agent Kelly Morrison, one of the many women travelling alone or on female-only tours, has tapped into the growing market with Travel Focus Group’s new business venture – ROAM, a travel experience designed specifically for women.
A 2025 travel trends report found solo female travellers are on the rise, with Tourism Research Australia and Austrade data showing women travelling alone made up 40 per cent of the domestic market, with 30 per cent of women heading overseas solo.
Morrison, who joined Travel Focus Group as an agent three months ago after moving to the area for a sea change, embraced solo travel after divorcing and becoming an empty nester.
But she says there are downsides to going it alone, with clients reporting safety as the top concern for female travellers, not to mention the higher cost of a singles supplement. When Morrison and her sister decided to embark on a Moroccan
adventure, they chose to travel with an all-women’s group tour “for the safety aspect”.
Wander
Wander
“It was one of the best trips I’ve been on,” she said.
After the group tour ended, the sisters had two days on their own in Morocco’s bustling capital and safety quickly became an issue.
“We got followed by a male and had to duck into a shop and hide behind the racks,” she explained.
The safety scare sparked the idea for ROAM and Morrison held the group’s first breakfast recently for like-minded females to travel together.
The get-together was a hit, with more than a dozen women registering their interest in the small-group, female-only adventures.
The first tour, in November, will be to New Zealand and include good food, fine wine, a health spa and jet boat ride.
“There are a lot of adventurous women out there who want to go off the beaten track but still have that safety net of travelling with a group,” she added
Morrison has designed the inaugural itinerary around the things she likes to do as a traveller; a bit of sightseeing, an off-the-beaten track adventure, excellent food and wine and boutique accommodation.
“Many organised tours
L to R – Cheryl Skinner, Jenny Barclay, (Lions Eye Health) and John Larkins Lions Zone Chairperson
Lions Brian Arberry and Peter Jeffrey, with Gerringong Lions newest and youngest member Lexi Hehir (far R ) receiving a cheque for $1805 from The Gerringong Bowling Club.
( L to R) Lions Peter Jeffrey, Ron Horner and Return and Earn Leader Bruce Ray
Lions President Steve Pottie (L) with John Trevenar
Danielle Woolage
Kelly Morrison in Morocco.
John Thompson thanking Guest Speaker Glenis Brooking Publicity Officer from U3A
President Rae Doak inducting new member Jann Dures
Women Women
are extremely structured; you have to get up at 6am to be on a bus by 7am to visit multiple tourist attractions every day. Those sorts of tours are very cookie-cutter, very generic.”
Photos:LaraMathewson
accommodations or tours designed for dual occupancy.
Her idea of a good holiday involves more peace than pace.“You won’t experience jam-packed schedules or tourist traps on our tours.
ROAM is all about leisurely mornings, local culture and meaningful experiences.
“My mum did a bus trip through Europe and she said it was the most exhausting holiday she had ever been on. One day she just refused to get out of bed, maybe that’s where I get it from!”
ROAM group tours will be much more fluid, allowing people to linger over a nice breakfast before they “go off and do things” and incorporating experiences that allow women to give back to the communities they visit.“On a trip to India or Vietnam we might visit an orphanage and ask women to bring some baby clothes to donate. It’s all about letting women share experiences in a safe environment,”
Morrison said.“The beauty of these tours is that they try and cater for everyone’s interests. Travelling doesn’t have to be go, go, go, it’s just as important to slow down, take things in, immerse yourself in the experience so you have a chance to enjoy it while you’re there.”
Many solo female adventurers are also looking to link with other women to share the cost of the dreaded singles supplement - an extra fee charged to those travelling alone when booking
CMRI Trivia Night will help make a world of difference
Jeans for Genes Day is coming up on 8 August and all funds raised by Children’s Medical Research Institute Gerringong Committee will support the research that’s finding cures for genetic diseases.
One in 20 children face a birth defect or genetic disease.
Tickets for the Trivia Night at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club are on sale from next Wednesday (14 July) at http:// www.trybooking.com/DCRXB.
Cost is $30 per person with tables of up to eight people. Nibblies are provided, drinks at bar prices and a courtesy bus can be booked through the club.
There will be a multi draw raffle and denim quilt raffle tickets for sale and drawn on the night. The quilt was created by the Kiama Quilters Guild and donated to CMRI.
Jeans for Genes pens and badges as well as quilt raffle
tickets will be sold at IGA Gerringong on 1-2 and 7-8 August.
Students at Gerringong Public School will be helping us to raise funds by having a mufti day and gold coin donation. Local businesses also support the cause with donations for the raffle and by selling merchandise.
Come to the Trivia Night and enjoy a fast game with music trivia included and comperes Glen Isemonger and Dave Peade keeping the fun and the questions moving!
It’s all about raising funds for research that gives us the cures.
The importance of research and the importance of Jeans for Genes Day is that it benefits the families who have a sick child to make it through their journey.
Jeans for Genes is one of Australia’s oldest charity days and this year it will move to the first Thursday in August.
With enquiries on the rise, Morrison also plans to link up solo travellers interested in similar experience, with a view to them sharing the cost of a double room or tours for two.
“We’ve had several women in their 80s come in and say I really want to go to Antarctica but they don’t want to travel by themselves,” she explained.
“The single supplement is so expensive and we help them find a like-minded person who they can travel with and share a room with to avoid that cost. It’s not only cheaper but much more fun when you share the experience with someone else.”
Morrison said all-female group tours are the opposite of a “draincation” - a phrase coined to describe travelling with kids or a partner where the mental load is still high –and involve more wine and less whine.
“Travelling with children or a partner is not always a holiday, you still carry the same burdens as at home, just in a different location,” said Morrison. “Sometimes it’s even harder because kids are out of their routine and comfort zone.
“On a ROAM tour you don’t have to worry if everyone has packed enough underwear or will eat what’s on the menu, you just get to focus on yourself and the things you like to do. And let’s be honest wine always tastes better with girlfriends.”
Beyond the brochures: Why Colorado surprised us
Lauren Murphy from Travel Focus was invited on a Colorado “famil” in February, (short for “familiarisation trip” – an industry perk where travel agents are hosted to experience a destination firsthand).
She expected the usual suspects: snowy peaks, buzzing ski towns, and the odd mulled wine by the fire. What she didn’t expect was how much this trip would shift the way we talk about Colorado.
For starters: the sunshine. Three hundred days a year, apparently. Not something we associate with ski holidays but stepping off the plane into blue skies and crisp, dry air set the tone straight away. This wasn’t going to be your average alpine escape.
Lauren’s trip took her from Denver to the snowfields of Steamboat, Vail, Aspen and Telluride - each with its own personality. While the bigname resorts of Aspen and Vail delivered as promised
it was the lesser-hyped towns that left the biggest impression.
Telluride had this warm, small-town vibe that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.
Steamboat, on the other hand, looks like it’s been plucked straight from a western film set, only with world-class champagne powder and scenery that stops you in your tracks.
There were plenty of moments off the slopes that really stood out and you don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy Colorado.
One of Lauren’s highlights was snowmobiling in Telluride. Open trails, barely another person in sight, and that feeling of being completely out in nature.
It was equally peaceful and thrilling. Another unexpected favourite was a visit to Kemo Sabe in Vail, a well-known Western outfitter specialising in custom boots, belts and cowboy hats.
Lauren got to design her
own hat from scratch, picking the shape, band, stitching, even branding it with initials. It was fun, personal, and a great option for families, small groups, or anyone wanting a break from the snow without feeling like they’re missing out. There’s a lot to do even if you never step foot on the slopes.
In Aspen, The Little Nell hotel made a strong impression. With its unbeatable location right at the base of the lift and a team that gets what skiers need, it’s the kind of place where everything just works - easy, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming.
And here’s a tip for Aussie skiers: grab an Epic or Ikon pass before you go. Not only does it unlock Colorado’s top resorts, but it also gives you unlimited lift access at ski fields in Australia, including Thredbo and Perisher.
Colorado is a place where the scenery stuns, the experiences stay with you, and the people make you feel at home. There’s something here for everyone, on or off the mountain.
If you’ve ever considered a ski trip to Colorado, or just want to hear more, get in touch with Lauren at Travel Focus Group. Email us at office@travelfocusgroup. com or call 02 4209 2044.
Lauren Murphy in Colorado.
Women stepping up to lead Kiama Lions
Matty Taylor
Athird woman in the past five years will now be at the helm of Kiama Lions Club, marking another milestone for the once male-dominated community group.
Outgoing president Cheryl Moses handed over to incoming leader Susan Hudson during the club’s 55th annual changeover at Kiama Leagues Club recently.
Moses became only the second female president in the club’s five-decade
history, following Veronica Dzelde’s breakthrough term five years ago.
“All the men have been very helpful over the past year,” Moses said.
“My year as president was a big learning curve. I enjoyed it, after I was initially reluctant to take on the role.
Hudson, who joined the club three years ago, now takes the reins.
“I’m really positive about continuing the great work of the club,” she said.
to further strengthen our fundraising. We support the local high school and surf club, among other things, and I love the thought of keeping that going.
‘Warms my heart’: Caleb finds freedom and joy with trike
Mitchell Beadman
“Lions Clubs are still relevant today, because of the way we give back to the community.
“We raise tens of thousands of dollars each year for various community projects.
“It’s all about serving the community, and that’s why I joined, as well as to meet other local people.”
“All the men have been welcoming to me since I joined the club. And kind. The men are genuinely lovely. All the things they stand for are genuine.
“In terms of my goals for the year ahead, I want
“We also want to keep attracting new members. If people want to join our club, of any age, feel free to get in touch with us on our Facebook page.”
Women now make up 10 of the 52 members at the club, which distributed more than $66,000 to various projects over the past year.
For most kids, they would love that new shiny bike in the shop window, but for Kiama local Caleb Goodwin, it was his new trike which was donated by the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation (ALCMF) recently that had him smiling.
Born with Global Development Delay, Lauren Goodwin, Caleb’s mother, was thrilled with the opportunities that the trike has provided for her son.
“The exercise is going to be great for him, but just the joy it brings him. I’ve never seen him so happy. He gets very excited and claps and yeah, it just warms my heart,” she said.
“It is very hard to find inclusive things for him, especially at his age. Now he can ride his bike with his siblings and have that inclusivity.”
Due to funding constraints within the National Disability Insurance Scheme, bikes and trikes are not included. However, there are community foundations like the ALCMF that support those with a disability like Caleb.
“We had no idea it (ALCMF) existed,” Lauren said. “They had a couple of bikes at the therapy, and they said we can put in an application for funding. They (therapists) sent all the paperwork off to the foundation.”
Caleb requires intensive therapy once a week, travelling to the NAPA Centre in North Sydney, as well as intermittent three-week intensive therapy.
“Caleb has Global Development Delays, so he has developmental delays with everything he does,” Lauren said.
“He uses a device and some sign language,
which he’s not very good at. So, it is basically a guessing game.
“He’s not very steady on his feet. He didn’t start walking until he was about three and half. He is building up muscles in his legs and his arms and learning how to navigate stairs and uneven surfaces.”
There are many barriers the Goodwin family and Caleb face, but they are not letting that break their stride. “We have to advocate for everything,” Lauren said.
“The hardest one is dealing with the NDIS, (it’s) not easy to deal with. Especially with all these changes at the moment.
“We didn’t get to choose where Caleb went to school, the school board chooses for you. That was a big stress last year because we didn’t know where he was going to go.
“Just out in public, the amount of people that look at you and look at him funny because he has got disabilities.”
Lauren shared that although life has dealt Caleb difficult circumstances, like everyone, he is unique and special.“There is not just one thing that makes him special, (it’s) everything and anything,” she said. “Caleb is such a joy. He can’t do things other children can do, but he lives in his own little world and he drags you into it. He loves music and he will come and drag you into his little music bubble and make you dance and sing with him and spin him around.
“He knows what he wants.”
Part of the advocacy work for the ALCMF is the collection of donated stamps, where recently a rare Penny Black stamp was donated in Kiama.
Susan Hudson and Cheryl Moses
Tackling the thorny issue of pruning roses
Welcome to The Bugle’s new gardening column with local expert John Gabriele, helping you get the best out of your patch year-round.
We’re kicking things off with a winter must-do: pruning your roses.
If you’ve got roses in your garden, now’s the time to give them a good cut back. It might seem daunting but it’s easier than you think when you do it correctly.
Winter pruning is one of the most important things you can do to keep your roses healthy and blooming beautifully come spring. The trick is to follow a few simple rules.
First, get yourself a good, sharp pair of secateurs. And gloves! Those thorns can do a number on your hands.
Step one is removing any dead or diseased wood - that’s always the starting point. Then we move on to shaping the plant.
The goal is to open up the
centre of the bush so air can flow through, which helps prevent fungal diseases in the warmer months.
I like to prune fairly hard. Roses are very forgiving and respond with strong, fresh growth. Always cut back to an outward-facing bud on a 45-degree angle to direct water away from the bud.
Once you’ve finished pruning, it’s time to apply lime sulphur.
This acts as a fungicide and helps protect against black spot, rust, and other common rose diseases. Make sure you cover the cuts, spray the bush, and treat about a metre around the base to eliminate any spores hiding in the soil or mulch.
Give your secateurs a clean and sharpen before packing up - and you’re done! Come spring, you’ll be
rewarded with lush new growth and stunning flowers.
What to plant now
Now’s the perfect time to get into your veggie patch.
I recommend planting oriental cabbage, pak choi, sun choi, Asian broccoliand two of my favourites: snow peas and sugar-snap peas.
You can grow peas from punnets or seed. I like to soak the seeds in seaweed solution for 20 minutes before planting.
Space them about 5cm apart and make sure they’ve got something to climb on. A strip of fencing wire is ideal. It’s a great way to get the kids involved in the garden, too.
To watch the full gardening segment, head to The Bugle Kiama’s YouTube channel.
Landscape Supplies
Plant Nursery
Hardware
Homewares
The Quarry Cafe
Burnett Trees
NAIDOC week art and culture exhibition in Kiama
Mitchell Beadman
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Kiama Council is holding an exhibition with local Wodi Wodi women Aunty Jodie and Lila Stewart from the Dharawal nation at the Old Fire Station.
While exhibiting their artworks and traditional pieces in Kiama from Friday to Wednesday, this is also the chance for the community in the region to engage and connect with the longest living culture during NAIDOC Week.
“We’re excited about showcasing and selling our stuff, but also delivering the workshops for the community,” Aunty Jodie said.
“There are four workshops - two on Saturday and two on Sunday.
“There is going to be a sign out the front (for the workshops), if you wanted to do any of the workshops, put your name down so we can get a number of how many people.”
Aunty Jodie sees the connection from the greater community with Indigenous culture is through engagement.
“Join Aboriginal people and sit with them and yarn,” Aunty Jodie said.
“Talking about yarns and culture and history, gets everyone on the same page.
“Art is the most formal thing of all because people look at colours and that’s what draws them in.”
When talking about where they gain their inspiration, Aunty Jodie reflects on her upbringing.
“When you are growing
up by the sea, living between the mountains, I have lots of different stories,” Aunty Jodie said.
“Every Aboriginal person has their own tribes and languages; I got all my information (which) I collated from the Dharawal and Yuin nations.”
For Aunty Lila, paintbrushes are not her forte, with her
talent and storytelling transmitted through the craft side of Aboriginal culture.
“I do weaving and Aunty Phyllis Stewart showed me how to start it all off,” Aunty Lila said.
“I watched her a little bit and then I just sat one day, and I thought, I am going to start doing some weaving and I started making earrings. I find
it very therapeutic.”
Speaking on the strengths of Aboriginal culture, Aunty Jodie and Aunty Lila agree that teaching the younger generation and kinship are significant pillars within culture.
“They need the knowledge, and they need to know about their identity,” Aunty Jodie said.
“I love teaching the younger generations about culture, about knowledge, about dreamtime stories, about living from the past to where we are now.
“How you can transform a creative story onto a canvas, that is how I do a lot of the storytelling.”
This exhibition and workshops at The Old Fire Station is part of Kiama Council’s celebration of NAIDOC Week, “recognising and honouring the rich traditions, creativity and voices”.
On 26 July, the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards are being hosted by Shellharbour City Council at the Shellharbour Civic Centre.
The awards are collaboratively organised by Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven Councils, recognising the talents, achievements and outstanding contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond.
The theme for NAIDOC Week is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy and marks 50 years of a legacy celebrating the annual week on the national calendar.
Aunty Lila (left) and Aunty Jodie (right) with their collections
What’s On?
NAIDOC Week
art exhibition
Thurs 10 July to Wed 16 July, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Head down to the Old Fire Station for a special exhibition celebrating Aboriginal culture, featuring the works of local artists Aunty Jodie and Aunty Lila Stewart.
Kiama Winter
Street Festival
Sat 12 July
Terralong Street, Kiama
$5 donation upon entry is kindly requested
1927
Sat 12 July, 7-11pm
The Pavilion Kiama
Textile Art Group Kiama
Sat 12 July, 10am-1pm, second saturday of the month
Kiama Library
Tony Gilmour & Aunty
Joyce Donovan: Aboriginal Kiama
Sat 12 July, 2pm
Kiama Library Auditorium
Tony and Joyce have worked to transform the way the Pilots Cottage Museum tells the story of Aboriginal and Colonial Kiama, here they’ll share stories of our past.
Where Thought Settles
Sat 12 July to Sun 24 Aug
SevenMarks Gallery
Annual rose pruning day
Sun 13 July, from 9:30am Peace Park, Manning Street Kiama
Rose pruning will be explained and demonstrated at Peace Park in this free event open to all.
Kids reptile show
Mon 14 July, 3pm-5pm Kiama Leagues Club
School Holidays Reptile
Show – Pizza, Pythons & Plenty of Fun! $25 per child, bookings essential.
Lego art prints
Tues 15 July, 10am-11pm Gerringong Library
Ages 5-12. This is a FREE event. Book online
Kids movie night Wed 16 July, 5pm-6:30pm Kiama Leagues Club
Reflections of Realism and Fantasy exhibition
Thu 17 July to Wed 23 July, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
The exhibition includes artwork which reflects the Illawarra area and also artwork which has fantasy content.
Hurricane: The Australian Luke Combs Tribute Show Fri 18 July, from 4pm
The Co-Op Gerringong
Tickets can be purchased on their website.
Alma Moodie Quartet Sun 20 July, 2-3:30pm Gerringong Town Hall
Tickets are available online or at the door.
Josephine Wants to Dance Tue 22 July, 10am-1:30pm Shoalhaven
Entertainment Centre
Tickets can be purchased online.
Nowra Quilters exhibition Thu 24 July to Wed 30 July, 10am-4pm Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Christmas In July
Trivia Night Fri 25 July, 6-10:30pm
The Pavilion
Hosted by the Kiama Rotary Club, funds raised will support Rotary projects. Book seats online at The Pavilion’s website.
Sydney Comedy Festival 2025 Fri 25 July, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Kiama Leagues Club
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour will be bringing the best of the 2025 Festival to Kiama! Tickets are $40, book online. Tramways Sat 26 July
The Illawarra Light Railway Museum
Take a trip back in time to the Tramways and revisit the legends of Australia’s Industrial Railways.
Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala Sat, 26 July 2025, 6pm The Sebel, Kiama
Kiama’s favourite Folk Festival is back!
Lleyton Hughes
We’re two months out from the 12th annual Kiama Folk by the Sea Festival - and with over 35 bands and artists already confirmed, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the biggest on the Kiama calendar.
Running from 12-14 September across 10 local venues, Festival director Neil McCann says he’s excited for what 2025 has in store.
“Folk festivals are a significant part of the Australian music landscape
now - they’re happening all over the country,” McCann said.
“Kiama’s festival has been going for over a decade and it gives a great platform to musicians who aren’t necessarily mainstreamartists playing folk music in all its forms, from bluegrass and country to acoustic and beyond.”
This year’s program includes award-winning acts like Darren Coggan, recipient of multiple Golden Guitars and Independent Country Music Awards, The Weeping Willows, currently touring
SEVENMARKS Co-Founder
Chick
Butcher
is stepping into the spotlight (even if he’d rather not)
Lleyton Hughes
Chick Butcher doesn’t particularly enjoy talking about his art.
As co-owner of Kiama’s SEVENMARKS Gallery with his wife Cobi, and good friends Nina and Cesar, he’s had to become more comfortable speaking about his work - but even now, he admits he’d still prefer to let the pieces speak for themselves.
His upcoming solo exhibition, Where Thoughts Settle, opens Saturday 12 July as a highlight of the Kiama Winter Festival, and you’ll likely find him quietly hiding out somewhere away from the crowd.
It’s not shyness so much as a firm belief: the material is the language. For Chick, if words could carry what he wanted to express, he wouldn’t be in the studio at all.
“Why would I make the work if I could express it in words? I’d be writing poetry or theses on art. But my language is my material,” he says.
That material is constantly
shifting, though Chick’s thematic compass has remained steady for over 20 years: mortality, memory, deterioration. His practice evolves, but the undercurrent remains the same.
“You could throw a blanket over my themes for the last two decades. The work changes, but the ideas are always there.”
In Where Thoughts Settle, Chick reintroduces timber to his work - an early love from his time at the Sturt School for Wood - blending it with his now-signature use of glass and steel.
The timber in these new works is burned, marked, and handled piece by piece, hinting at decay, memory, and repetition. This new work is also inspired by Australian artists like, in particular Sidney Nolan ‘Drought Series’ and Rosalie Gascoigne sculptural assemblages.
“The work I used to make could have come from anywhere in the world. But this work feels rooted in this place. It carries my understanding of here.”
Among the centrepieces of the show are slabs of dense
nationwide, says the real magic lies in the atmosphere.
“People are just there to enjoy the music - there's rarely any angst. Folk festivals have this beautiful community vibe. They’re almost always volunteer-run, not-for-profit events,” he said.
“We’ve got between 35 and 40 acts this year, offering a huge variety. Folk festival crowds want to hear a bit of everything - and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver.”
A key element of most folk festivals is the camping culture - artists and audiences mingling on-site. But in Kiama, that’s been a logistical hurdle.
Europe and the UK, and The Water Runners, who have played at festivals across the country.
“Another standout is Charley Castle and the Boys in the Well - a young band that recently won the Tamworth Busking Competition,” McCann said.
“That’s no small feat. Tamworth draws in everyone trying to make it in country music. They won purely on the strength of their musicianship and performance. They’re seriously impressive.”
McCann, a longtime attendee of folk festivals
“Camping is a huge part of the experience. A lot of our audience are older folk who don’t want to fork out for motels - many have caravans and follow the folk festival trail,” said McCann.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have access to enough campgrounds. That’s been one of our biggest challenges, and it’s definitely impacted attendance.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep ticket prices low so it’s still affordable for people.”
One way to save? Grab an early bird ticket - on sale now until 31 July before prices go up.
Head to folkbythesea.com. au/tickets to secure your spot at the 2025 Folk by the Sea Festival in Kiama.
black kiln-formed glass, some weighing over 45 kilograms and taking more than two months to complete.
Chick uses glass not for its shine or clarity, but for its depth - black glass, so dark it almost absorbs light.
“You don’t get that depth of black in painting. Not many materials can hold that. Glass carries something else and the polishing - it’s cerebral, physical,” he explains.
One major wall piece features dozens of blackened timber pillars, each one slightly different, disrupted by fragments of that polished black glass.
The work seems to chart
a lifetime: days marked by repetition, punctuated by flashing moments of clarity or reflection or perfection.
That may be this writer’s reading - but that’s the point.
“I don’t like to explain the work too much. I want people to see what they need to see,” says Chick. “The people who spend time with it usually get something. And that’s enough.”
Where Thoughts Settle runs from 12 July to 23 August 2025 at SEVENMARKS Gallery in Kiama. Drop in on opening night and if you do happen to catch him, maybe talk to him about the process - not the meaning.
RFS Captain pays tribute to team after NSW award nomination
Gilbert
Jamberoo Rural Fire Service Captain Hannah McInnerney has been recognised as one of only four NSW RFS finalists in the 2025 Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards.
The Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) recognise outstanding community service performed by volunteer and paid members of NSW emergency service agencies. They celebrate those who demonstrate Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" through their dedication beyond normal duties.
McInnerney, who also serves as District Instructor and Assessor across the Illawarra Sutherland team, was selected from thousands of potential recipients across the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib announced the 28 RESCA finalists across
seven emergency service categories recently at NSW Parliament House.
McInnerney joins three other RFS finalists, Deputy Group Captain Phil Hurst AFSM from Hawkesbury, Firefighter Kingsley Hunt from Murrumbateman, and Deputy Group Officer Sarah Mika from Uralla. Other finalists in the Illawarra and South Coast are Fire and Rescue NSW senior firefighter Peter Bugden in Nowra and Marine Rescue NSW Zone Duty Operations Manager Stuart Massey in Ulladulla.
McInnerney said the recognition belonged to her entire team, not just her as an individual. “If I could change one thing, it would be to change the nomination from me to the brigade,” she said.
“Emergency services isn't a one-person game … It's all the people behind that do the work and do as much, in some cases do as much, but don't get recognition.”
The day of the announcement at Parliament House demonstrated her commitment to service as she attended as many calls as she could.
Starting at 3am, McInnerney attended four emergency calls before travelling to Sydney for the awards ceremony, then returned to respond to another three or four calls that afternoon.
“I didn't want to leave,” she said. “I would have much preferred - if I had the opportunity, I would have
said, I can't make it. I'm just going to help the guys out locally”.
Under McInnerney’s leadership, the Jamberoo RFS has transformed into what she describes as a “significantly diverse brigade that's on the map for gender equality across the services”.
The brigade now spans from ages 16 to 85, including “students, lawyers, doctors, priests, you name it”.
Despite being selected as a RFS finalist from across the state, McInnerney maintains
her humility. “If you asked me, am I special, I'd say no.
“I'm no different to any other person that is in uniform or outside of uniform,” she said. “I wouldn't ask someone to do something that I would never do … I try and blend in as much as I can and be one of them, be one of the team.”
She hopes her nomination helps to highlight diversity in emergency services recognition as well as put the Jamberoo brigade on the map.
“It’s shone the light on the brigade and the brigade
activities and achievements. It's highlighted the diversity and inclusion, and it promotes the emergency services,” McInnerney said.
The winners of the 2025 Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards will be announced at an awards dinner on 2 August.
Shelby
Captain Hannah McInnerney Jamberoo (centre), NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Viki Campbell (left), Deputy Group Captain Phil Hurst AFSM Hawkesbury (right).
Majesty and strength of East Coast Low brings unadulterated beauty
Carol Goddard
To quote Danish author Karen Blixen, best known for her novel
Out Of Africa, the cure for anything is saltwater, sweat, tears or the sea.
And what a lot of water we see whenever the East Coast Low comes to visit. From the Bombo quarry to Kendall's Beach, the sea puts on a magical watery display.
The immense power of the waves, the swirling whiteness of our ocean shows just what Mother Nature is capable of producing.
During the week, our seaside tourist town is not notably busy. Rarely are there traffic jams, or conga lines of vehicles.
But this all changes when the word gets out. Surf's up. Let's go and look, take a few videos and pics, post them on social media.
And so, people are out at every vantage point, to witness quite a spectacular
Kiama and surrounding areas have dominated the 2025 Wedding Industry Awards for the Illawarra and Southern Highlands Region, with local businesses claiming top spots across multiple categories. Leading the winners, Sharon Campbell continues her outstanding run with Sharon is my Celebrant winning Civil Marriage Celebrant for the fourth consecutive year, and Elopements by Sharon winning Elopements and Intimate Weddings for the third year in a row.
weather event. At the north end of Bombo, waves crash into the headland affectionately known as the toothbrush, (look at the shape and you'll see why), and tower way up into the sky.
The beach is ever diminishing, while at the south end, little Spring Creek has now become a river complete with mini rapids.
Travel around the headland to Kiama Harbour, where the rockpool is barely visible,and there's surf at Black Beach.
There's rarely surf at Black Beach.
Until the Low strikes.
And then waves push to the walkway, crashing into and over it, leaving very large puddles of water. Great for splashing in.
The sea is boiling near the round rockpool, which resembles the suds in a very large washing machine.
And saltwater is creeping up the steps and beneath thankfully empty chairs. Surrounding rocks are
providing a vantage spot for us awestruck sea lovers.
Further on,the Blowhole is working as I've never seen it before.
Quite a crowd has gathered to enjoy Kiama's most famous natural feature, and onlookers are keeping their respectful distance, while also getting drenched by the fast moving salt spray.
Around the headland to Surf Beach the sea is boiling, sand loss quite evident and on the sea surface there is a film of brown-coloured foam.
In an instant,the surf surge is so strong that a huge wave crashes into the wall of the park, close to the surf club, brown foam sent careening into the air, and coming down to land on the heads of some unsuspecting viewers who thought they were high enough to be safe.
They scurry further back into the park, unscathed except for getting foamed.
That foamy wave continues into the Coronation Park,
which is now a seabird filled lake. At the southern end of Surf Beach, the canal resembles a fast flowing river, and the car park is now sand and seaweed covered. There is consternation that the two cars parked there should perhaps be moved before they float away on the tide.
The northern end of Kendall's Beach is enormous, the sea breathtaking in its raw energy.
Sightseers here are also taking in the vista all the way to our lighthouse.
The majesty and the strength of the ocean, the sheer unadulterated beauty of it, on show for us all.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau said that the sea, once it casts its spell, holds you one in its net forever.
For those of us who are fortunate to witness the ever changing moods, and the mighty power and beauty of the ocean, this is most certainly true.
The Sebel Kiama won the Hotel Wedding Accommodation award, and also placed top three for Wedding Venue Coordinator and highly commended for Wedding Venue - Four to Five Star Hotel. Greyleigh Kiama earned high commendation in Boutique Wedding Accommodation and top five for Wedding Venue Coordinator.
Minnamurra Rainforest also won the award for Wedding Ceremony Location.
Creative wedding services shined with Always Flowers
Kiama winning Wedding Florist, Making Faces Makeup Studio won Bridal Hair and Makeup, Chloe Marie Artistry taking Wedding Photographer, and Planned by Page winning Wedding Planner and Coordinator.
Gerringong businesses also celebrated success, with Meet Mabel Vintage Caravan Bar Service winning Caravans, Trucks, Carts, and Bars, and The Gelato Bike placing top three in the same category, whilst The Wedding Creators won Wedding Content Creator.
Additional recognition
goes to The Mercure Gerringong Resort (top three for Wedding VenueFour to Five Star Hotel), The Lodge Jamberoo (highly commended for Wedding Venue - Boutique), Seacliffe House Gerringong (top three for Wedding Venue - Farm and Country), Greyleigh - The Gables (highly commended for Wedding Venue - Farm and Country), The Pavilion Kiama (highly commended for Wedding Venue - Function Centre), and Crooked River Winery (top three for Wedding VenueWinery).
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama Power’s Premier Division side sent a powerful message to the Illawarra competition last weekend with a crushing 138–30 win over the Wollongong Bulldogs.
In a historic day for the club, both the Reserve and Premier Division teams defeated their Bulldogs counterparts - something Committee Member Anthony Grady believes may never have happened before.
“It might be the first time we’ve ever beaten both Bulldogs men’s sides on the same day,” Grady said.
“We’ve been digging through the records and can’t
find another instance - so it could be a club first.”
It was only the second time the Power and Bulldogs had met this season, with the previous encounter decided by just four points in Kiama’s favour. To turn that into a 108-point blowout reflects how far the side has come.
“That first game was our first win of the season, but we walked away a little disappointed,” Grady said.
“We felt we dominated most of that match but let them score a few late goals in the last quarter, which made it look closer than it was.”
At the halfway point of the season, Grady had called on the team to play with more confidence and maintain
Surging Power obliterate Bulldogs in historic 108-point thrashing
intensity through all four quarters. Last weekend, he saw that mindset come to life.
“We showed much more confidence and focus. It was great to see the boys overcome that mental barrier,” he said.
“We kicked ten goals to none in the final quarter - we didn’t take the foot off the gas the whole way through.”
Seventeen-year-old midfielder Elias Oldfield made his Premier Division debut and was a standout, kicking three goals.
“We actually had 5-6 regular starters out, so it was great to see other players step up,” said Grady.
“Elias has come through our juniors, and he was outstanding on debut.”
Despite the dominant performance, Grady stressed the team is staying grounded ahead of a huge matchup this weekend.
“The Bulldogs are below us on the ladder, so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.
“This weekend is a big onewe face Shellharbour, who we haven’t played yet and they’re sitting third. We haven’t beaten a team above us yet, so this is a real test.”
Meanwhile, Kiama Power’s women’s side narrowly went down to Bomaderry by just three points. They’ll be looking to bounce back this weekend when they take on the Wollongong Bulldogs.
Lleyton Hughes
The Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) team delivered an outstanding performance at the State IRB Championships, bringing home an impressive haul of 16 medals.
Held at Cape Hawke from June 27-29, Kiama Downs SLSC fielded just 17 competitorsbut still finished third overall in the point score, competing against clubs with up to 60 athletes.
“We went up there not expecting a lot, with some key competitors injured or away,” said Kiama Downs SLSC vice IRB captain Steve Strong.
“So to come away with 16 medals from 30 races and 20 finals - and to finish third overall - is just sensational.”
Of those 16 medals, seven were gold, including wins in the Open Male Rescue and Teams, U23 Male Rescue, 35+ Male Mass and Rescue, 35+ Female Teams, and Rookie Rescue divisions. “To top it off, every competitor came home with a medal,” Strong said.
“For some it was their first state medal, for others their first state gold, and for many their biggest haul at a State Championships.”
The result is even more impressive considering several top athletes were absent or managing injuries in preparation for the upcoming Australian Championships.
“We’ve got a few competitors overseas and others resting with niggling injuries ahead of Aussies at South West Rocks,” Strong said.
“One of our female drivers
is among the top in the state in both Open and Masters, and one of our male drivers is a standout in his divisions too. So the fact that we performed so well without our full squad gives us a lot of encouragement.”
Strong credits the club’s success to a mix of experienced members, quality coaching, and a sharp focus on individual events.
“We’ve got long-time racers who are excellent coaches and mentors,” he said.
“Our mindset is simple: focus on the race in front of you. We don’t worry about the point score - we’re there to win what we’re in.”
The Kiama Downs team now shifts its attention to the Australian IRB Championships, to be held at South West Rocks from July 16-20. The Bugle wishes all local competitors the very best of luck!
Kiama Downs Medal Winners
Sweet 16 for Kiama Downs at IRB State Titles
Photos: Maddi Aitkin
Tough NAIDOC Round for local sides
Lleyton Hughes
It wasn’t a good weekend for local teams in NAIDOC Round 12 of the Group 7 competition, with both firstgrade sides falling short in two tightly contested clashes.
All first-grade teams wore specially designed NAIDOC jerseys to commemorate the occasion, with every game kicking off with a Welcome to Country ceremony.
Group 7 Operations Manager Ashton Sims said the round held special significance.
In a top-of-the-table showdown at Ron Costello Oval in Shellharbour, thirdplaced Kiama Knights were aiming to upset ladder leaders Shellharbour Sharks for the second time this season.
Despite missing five-eighth Sam Hooper due to injury, Kiama struck first through a slick backline movement, finished off by Kye Andrews in the 34th minute.
They led 6–0 at halftime, but the Sharks struck back just three minutes into the second half. Halfback
Braxton Wallace grubbered for himself and scored under the posts to level the scores.
Moments later, Shellharbour capitalised on an awkward bomb that Kiama failed to field, scoring again to take a 12-6 lead. A late penalty goal sealed the win for the Sharks, with the final score 14-6.
Kiama fullback Brad Killmore, who sustained an injury in the match and is expected to spend four weeks on the sidelines, remained optimistic.
“It was a disappointing scoreline, but there are still lots of positives to take away from the game,” he said.
“Completing at 60% was what killed us yesterday, so that’ll be a big focus. Very happy with the defensive effort - only conceding tries off kicks.”
Meanwhile, the Jamberoo Superoos also suffered a narrow defeat, going down to the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets.
The Superoos have been plagued by injuries this season and are still awaiting the return of several key players. Nevertheless, they
started strong, with centre Riley Plekan beating three defenders to cross in the 10th minute.
Nowra hit back quickly, scoring off a kick just three minutes later. No further points were added in the first half, with Nowra leading 6-4 at the break.
Centre Dean Watling put Jamberoo back in front early in the second half after finishing off a pinpoint kick from halfback Jono Dallas.
Nowra winger Braydon Rumble-Walsh turned the game with back-to-back contributions - first scoring a try with some sharp footwork, then breaking the line and offloading for another to push the lead to 16-10.
Jamberoo equalised with 17 minutes left through centre Dill Johnston, but couldn’t hold off Nowra, who sealed the win with two late tries.
Gerringong Lions had the bye this week. Next round, they’ll face competition leaders Shellharbour Sharks, while Jamberoo take on Milton and Kiama face off against Albion Park.
Stewart returns as Dragons gear up for Roosters showdown
Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart has been recalled to the St George Illawarra side for Saturday's crucial clash with the Roosters at Kogarah.
Stewart was stood down from last Saturday's 2824 loss to the Raiders in Canberra after suffering a concussion in the prevoius round when the Dragons knocked off Parramatta at WIN Stadium.
The rookie lock has been cleared to make his return and was named on the interchange bench when Shane Flanagan announced his Round 19 team on Tuesday.
Former Maroons forward Jaydn Su’A will line up for his 150th NRL game after the Samoan international previously played for Brisbane and South Sydney.
He joined the Dragons in 2022 and after winning the Dragons Medal a year ago, he has been one of the team's top performers this season.
Queensland winger Valentine Holmes has been named to back up from Wednesday's State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium, which means centre Corey Allan has been dropped to the reserves.
Veteran second-rower Luciano Leilua has overcome a quad strain which sidelined him last week to also boost the pack alongside Stewart.
Michael Molo has been relegated to the interchange with Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Viliami Fifita now in the reserves.
The Dragons have won just six of theeir 15 starts in 2025 but are still in the playoff hunt in 11th spot, just two competition points
behind eighth-placed Manly. They could leapfrog the Roosters, who are in ninth, if they can topple them at Kogarah this weekend.
The Roosters have five players on representative duty - Connor Watson, Robert Toia, Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins, while centre Billy Smith (knee), halfback Sam Walker (thumb) and lock Victor Radley (concussion) have also been named to make their return from injury.
This Saturday's match will be a double-header with the NRLW side taking on the Roosters at 3.15pm before the NRL match at 5.30pm.
The club will be celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the 2010 grand final victory over the Roosters with a strong contingent of former players on hand for the clash.
Gerringong SLSC celebrates huge season at Presentation Night
Lleyton Hughes
Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club celebrated their members’ contributions from one of the busiest and most significant summer seasons at their annual presentation night recently.
With the completion of their new clubhouse and a season marked by five major incidents, the club’s 500 members had more than a few reasons to reflect.
Club president Gary George said it was the perfect moment to pause and celebrate.
“It was the first annual awards night in our new clubhouse - a fantastic way to mark the end of a long, demanding season,” he said.
“It’s a chance to look back on the highlights and acknowledge the people who keep the club running all year round.”
More than 100 attendees joined the celebrations, including Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, and Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce.
George described how intense the season had been for patrolling members, with some contributing up to 100 hours over the summer.
One of the most significant categories on the night was Outstanding Rescues, reflecting the five major incidents that occurred along Gerringong’s stretch of coast - each of them outside of regular patrol hours.
“Two of those were broken leg rescues,” George explained. “Tragically, a woman drowned despite the efforts of Mason Ring and Hudson Alchin, who found her while surfing and brought her back to shore where CPR
was performed. Sadly, we couldn’t revive her.”
Another tragedy struck at Werri Lagoon, where a young boy drowned. Members of the Werri Boardriders were first on the scene.
“And then there was the dramatic rescue in threemetre-plus swell,” said George.
“Simon Sadler and Mark Booth went out in the dark, in massive surf, to locate a surfer who’d been swept out. These were all emergency call-outsbeyond patrolling hours.”
Two major awards closed the evening: Club Person of the Year, awarded to Gary George himself, and Junior Club Person of the Year, awarded to Harry Wicks.
“Harry was involved in nearly every one of our major rescues this year. He’s just always there - ready to help when it’s needed,” said George.
As for his own award, George was humble.
“I feel incredibly honoured, but any of the other eight nominees would’ve been just as deserving.
“What matters most is the culture of the club. Everyone pitches in. It’s a team effort - and really, the whole club deserves recognition.”
Gerringong SLSC Awards
Club Person of the Year: Gary George
Junior Club Person of the Year: Harry Wicks
Outstanding Club Service: Wendy Quinn
Senior Patrol Person: Cameron Steel
Junior Patrol Person: Zac Gillet
Rowers Rowlock: Bec Hamilton Cow Cup: The Naps Outstanding Rescues: Mason Ring, Hudson Alchin, Harry Wicks, Mark Booth, Simon Sadler
Special Recognition: Rose Leamon, Sam Papesch
Photo: Game Face Photography
Photos: @SticksPix_
Lucy rises to No.1 with a bullet after Nias Pro success
Gerringong surfer
Lucy Darragh has risen to the top of the Oceania/Australia Qualifying Series rankings following her standout victory at the Nias Pro in Indonesia.
The 15-year-old surfed her way to a breakthrough win on the international stage, dominating the event held in Nias from June 21 to 26.
“The trip was such a cool experience,” she said. “I learnt so much. The waves at Nias were incredibleespecially for a competition.”
In the final, Darragh faced close friend Charli Hately. She locked in scores of 7 and 6.53 on her opening two waves - enough to secure the win.
“It was so good to share a final with such a good friend. We were laughing
and having a chat out there - it was such a good atmosphere,” she said.
Her father, Larn Darragh, was waiting in the channel during the final. Once the result was confirmed, Lucy paddled over to share the special moment with him.
“Both my dad and I were so excited - and a bit shocked too! It took a while for the achievement to sink in, but I’m so happy and can’t wait
to compete there again,” said Lucy.
The win bumped her to number one on the Oceania/ Australia Qualifying Series Rankings - one of her major goals for 2025.
“I’m surprised to be on top of the rankings this early, especially with how many incredible surfers are competing,” she said.
“I’m hoping to do well in the upcoming QS6000
events later in the season and hopefully finish in the top four to qualify for the Challenger Series.”
While in Indonesia, Lucy also competed in the Krui Pro, facing off against a field of more experienced surfers. She advanced to the Round of 32 before being narrowly eliminated.
“Although I got knocked out early, I learnt a lot of new heat strategies and gained
experience at the top QS level,” she said.
“Krui is such a special place - with so many waves to surf and fun adventures - so I’m really grateful I got to go there.”
With her sights now firmly set on the Challenger Series, it seems Gerringong may have another rising star in the making - following in the footsteps of local legend Sally Fitzgibbons.
Lleyton Hughes
Lucy Darragh in action and, right, with close friend Charli Hately after winning the Nias Pro.