Local housing boost p5
Paul Suttor
Ashley Sullivan started volunteering with the SES as a teenager and 28 years later he is still going strong.
Sullivan was recognised with an Emergency Services Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List on Monday along with several local community members.
Former Berry RSL president Raymond Strong and Unions Shoalhaven advocate Joan Craig have been awarded Order of Australia Medals, while Kiama educator Belinda Mackinnon (Public Service Medal) and Gerringong Rural Fire Service captain Andrew Sweeney (Australian Fire Service Medal) were also honoured.
For Sullivan, there has never been a dull moment in his time as a volunteer
Ashley rewarded for dedication to rescue efforts
and, since 2010, an employee with the SES.When a series of tornadoes hit Kiama in 2013, he was quickly on the scene with the local SES Unit to help people affected by the damaging winds and then get started on the recovery effort.
He described the carnage the confronted SES staff and volunteers as looking like a war zone.
“I'll never forget that night,” he told The Bugle
“It was very memorable, just the the level of destruction that it did. The one that went right through Kiama itself and then all the smaller ones - one went all the way over the back into Jamboroo and a bit further south towards the Shoalhaven.
“I remember flying over it and you could so clearly see the path that it took because it just absolutely destroyed everything in its direction.
Amazing. Tornadoes just weren't a regular thing that we had to manage so to see that scale of that destruction was pretty memorable.”
Ashley has been called into action for several flood relief efforts in the Illawarra and South Coast as well as many other natural diasters across NSW as well as interstate, pulling people out of cars when they have been trapped in rising waters.
He was instrumental in enhancing flood rescues across NSW following the devastating floods of 202223 and has used his corporate and operational background to coordinate the response of the NSW SES following the NSW Government’s Flood Inquiry.
Ashley got started when a family friend told him that he should give it a try and he quickly build up his skill set
with tasks like driving boats, repairing storm damage and how to correctly use a chainsaw.
That led him into full-time work as an arborist before he came full circle to return to the SES in 2010.
He now serves as the senior manager of the SES Fleet Service and is also a volunteer member of the Kiama Unit in the South Eastern Zone for the past decade and the Kogarah Unit in the Metro Zone.
“SES has been a huge part of my life and and shaped the career I've been given an opportunity to pursue and here I am today 28 years later.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I did operations for many many years particularly when I moved down to Wollongong and for the last eight years, I've been in the corporate side of SES, so I get to build and design the agency's vehicles,
vessels and trailers.
“And and then I still do operations when it happens, like the big floods the big storms. I get to go back out and and and help out where I can.
“Kiama’s got some some great people with great skill sets. I’ve made some really good friends out of being in the unit there.”
Ashley said the best part of the SES is the huge number of everyday Australians who give up their time to help the community in times of need.
“The great thing about the SES is the the commitment of the volunteers because these people the drop of a hat, sometimes in the middle of the night, have to go to somewhere that's been affected by a significant weather event,” he said.
“They may be tired but they turn up again and again.
We've had some pretty crazy wild weather in NSW in the last five years and our membership is growing.
“Our volunteers turn up and they keep training and exercising and supporting our communities and it's quite amazing.”
He has played an integral role in modifying and enhancing the unimog vehicles that the SES uses in floods which provide deep wading capability to drive through floodwaters.
“We call it a high clearance vehicle - it can wade through 1.2 metres of floodwaters, which is phenomenal,” he said.
“We've seen them rescue plenty of people and resupply lots of communities where we either couldn't get to them or had to use helicopters in the past which is high risk and very costly.”
Great news! We have a fresh new look with our website and email addresses. You can now find us at www.thebuglenews. com.au
The Bugle is a free independent newspaper, available fortnightly throughout the Kiama LGA in print .
There is a weekly digital edition available on The Bugle App and daily community news updates.
Published by: The Bugle News hello@thebuglenews. com.au
Office 2, Edessa Arcade 88-90 Terralong St, Kiama
GENERAL MANAGER belle@thebuglenews. com.au
EDITOR paul@thebuglenews. com.au
NEWS TEAM news@ thebuglenews.com.au
0412 415 101
ADVERTISING advertising@ thebuglenews.com.au
0428 662 499
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human. Content does not necessarily represent The Bugle's view.
Surf Club talks progressing
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has met with CEO of Surf Lifesaving NSW Steven Pearce and Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club president Gary George to work through the recent reclassification resolution of Council and discuss a pathway forward.
The meeting between Council, SLNSW and Gerringong SLSC was constructive, collegiate, and helped provide clarity around the appropriate planning pathways, lease negotiations and a range of compliance and operational matters.
All entities remain positive and committed to assisting the surf club to operate effectively from their wonderful new facility, which was built with the assistance of state and federal funding, as well as a $370,000 contribution from Kiama Council.
“I stated publicly in our recent Council Meeting that we were keen to have a fresh start in relations between Kiama Council and Gerringong SLSC and I’m pleased to report that last week’s meeting was a big step in the right direction,” Cr McDonald said. “Planning, zoning, and lease and licence agreements can be complex so we’re working through them with our in-house experts and the key stakeholders involved.
“We thank the community for their patience and understanding that these matters can take some time and there is often much misunderstanding around the nuances. However we are making good progress.”
Pearce thanked Kiama Council for their “obvious, and demonstrated commitment moving forward to find solutions to allow the Gerringong SLSC volunteer lifesavers and Gerringong community utilise our new surf life saving facility to support the delivery of critical lifesaving and emergency responses, and be a hub for community inclusion".
"Our meeting post the council meeting was very constructive and SLSNSW is committed to ensuring we find a solution that meets all stakeholders’ needs and outcomes.”
Masterplans now on display
Kiama Council has released the draft masterplans for both the Kiama Sports Complex and South Werri Beach Reserve. The draft masterplans will help the future layout and design of these two community facilities and are important part in attracting the necessary government funding to carry out the work. The masterplan for the Kiama Sports Complex (including the Kiama Leisure Centre) is designed to address the need for significant upgrades to the playing surface, lighting, buildings and amenities, which are nearing the end of their lifespan.
It provides options for an integrated design with high-quality infrastructure and amenities, that enhance sport participation. The masterplan for the South Werri Reserve reflects the community’s desire to preserve as much native habitat as possible while creating more opportunities for recreation.
This includes an improved playground, picnic area, skate park and pumptrack, new basketball court, renewed tennis courts, seating, pathways, shade trees and vegetation. The drafts were developed with extensive public and targeted consultation to learn what the community would like at each site.
Transgrid aerial inspections for bushfire safety
Transgrid will be deploying a helicopter across Greater Sydney & Illawarra South Coast this month to inspect the high-voltage electricity transmission lines for the network’s annual bushfire prevention program. The comprehensive inspections help identify any potential bushfire risks and assess the condition of towers and transmission lines to ensure the safe operation of the network in the lead-up to summer.
In the Illawarra and South Coast area, work will be done at Avon, Kangaroo Valley, Marulan, and Yallah.
Lifting performance poised to put Council back in the black
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is proud of what Council has achieved under its erformance Improvement Order and is committed to Council getting back in the black by 2026-27.
Cr McDonald says Council has come back from the brink and, while it has been a hard slog for both the previous and the current Councillors, as well as the wider council organisation, the results speak for themselves.
“The Performance improvement order (PIO), is what’s mission critical for our council and has been since it was issued by the NSW Government back in November 2022.
“The PIO is about balancing the budget and making sure that we’re financially sustainable and I’m really proud of what’s been achieved in 2.5 short years,” Cr McDonald said.
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice
Dr John Salmon is pleased to announce that he is practicing full time in Kiama.
Offering quality gentle dental care in a calm and relaxing environment.
A report from the CEO on the PIO in Council’s June Business Papers outlines Council’s progress, showing nearly all items are complete (70 per cent) or underway.
“We’ve seen our budget deficit reduced to a $3 million deficit – which means Council has achieved operational savings of $15 million – a huge achievement.”
But that doesn’t mean Council can rest on its laurels, as there is still more to do.
Council has introduced a rolling program of service reviews to ensure efficiencies and that it is delivering best practice.
Service reviews are a local government requirement and they also reassure the community they’re getting a good return on investment.
“The ratepayers are our shareholders and essentially they want to see their money being spent in the best way possible on services and for their local community.
“So that’s where we definitely need to go. We need to be accountable to ratepayers.
“Delivery of services within the restrictions imposed by the performance improvement order is the critical piece at the moment.”
The Office of Local Government is looking closely at anyone who is under a performance improvement order to make sure that they are addressing their relevant issues and hitting their targets.
While the Council may consider some increases (eg: the NSW Government/ IPART-dictated 10 per cent increase in domestic waste charges) and reductions of services, for example shorter seasonal hours at our Visitor Information Centre and Libraries, “it is about a partnership between the public and Council moving forward to make sure that we get that PIO lifted”.
Council, like the rest of Australia, is subject to financial pressure from inflation and rising costs of living.
The NSW Government’s IPART granted a rate increase of 3.7 per cent last year but Council’s wages bill went up by a similar amount, while the cost of electricity increased by double that, and Sydney Water charges have risen up to 18 per cent.
“Altogether, we’re tracking really well and if we all pull together, I’m confident we can clear the PIO and continue to deliver appropriate, effective and
efficient services that benefit everyone in our wonderful Kiama community.”
Cr McDonald is hoping to see local groups use many of Council’s under-used community assets more often in the future.
Council is trying to make it easier for small business owners and community groups to use facilities with its draft Lease & Licence Policy.
The draft policy, which includes the conditions for rental rebates, is on public exhibition as part of the community consultation process.
“That’s something that has been missing and it has been a long time coming. We are putting the word out to communities, sporting and interest groups, how you can go about leasing those Council assets and what the expectations are with regards to leasing those assets,” he said.
“I think it’s really important that those public assets are activated and utilised by as many community groups and other groups as possible.”
Council has also recently released its new Fraud and Corruption Control Policy, which is on public exhibition, and while many of the requirements in the document seem like they should be nobrainers, Cr McDonald said it was important for Kiama residents to have full faith in the people making major decisions that affect them.
“A lot of the councillors ran on tickets of governance, compliance and best practice. And I think that certainly feeds into exactly where we need to be as a council - to be open and transparent,” he added.
Paul Suttor
Paul Suttor
Belinda recognised for lifelong love of educating Andrew risks his life to keep us bushfire safe
Alot has changed in teaching since Kiama resident Belinda Mackinnon first started more than 40 years ago but she has adapted to the changes to become a role model for students and fellow educators.
Belinda was rewarded with a Public Service Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List when they were announced on Monday.
After recently being informed that she was receiving the honour, Belinda had to keep it a secret, not even telling her husband Rod until it was officially announced on Monday morning.
“No one knew until it was announced. I had to keep it strictly confidential so I didn’t even tell my husband,” she told The Bugle.
“I showed him on my phone and that set everything in motion. First of all he said ‘what is it’, just bleary-eyed, waking up. Then it was ‘oh my goodness’. He was very proud of me.”
Belinda was recognised for “outstanding public service to TAFE NSW in the delivery of education and organisational leadership”.
The executive director of Business Enablement at TAFE NSW, she started as a fill-in when a staff member was off sick after spending the first five years of her career as a primary school teacher.
One of her main responsibilities has been to teach literary and numeracy skills to guide vulnerable learners with complex needs.
“My background is language, literacy and numeracy so certainly for the first 20 or so years, I’ve been dealing with people with low literacy and numeracy skills and being able to provide them the opportunities to learn, and to achieve the things they want to achieve,” she explained.
“Some of the people that I remember didn’t know how to read a bus timetable so they’d wait at the bus stop until one came along.
“People are very good at being able to disguise it.
“I’d work with them with the skills they already have because people have some amazing ways of coping and surviving.
“Being able to make a difference is really critical to me. For people of all ages - from very young students who have found school hard and different, and they didn’t
fit in, to older adults who might have left the workforce who want to contribute more to their local community.
“You get the whole gamut of different people.”
Belinda often runs into former students in the community and it fills her heart with pride when she hears how they have improved their lives, emphasising that it was not unique to her and that a lot of TAFE teachers have similar tales to tell.
To illustrate examples of mathematics in educating students, Belinda would use a pool table to explain geometry or a darts board to help people learn addition and subtraction.
In the second half of her career at TAFE NSW, she played a vital role in bringing the Illawarra and Riverina institutes together as a cohesive entity after the organisation’s structure was changed.
Over the past few years, Belinda has led the Education Technology Ecosystem implemented by TAFE.
Although she is not an IT whiz herself, she has driven technological, system, and process improvements to deliver a more seamless and enriching educational experience for TAFE NSW’s 400,000 learners and 10,000 teachers.
As someone who used Gestetner machines when she first started teaching, the computer age has been an eye-opening experience but Belinda has adapted to the online education revolution to continue doing what she loves.
“While ever I can make a difference and I enjoy what I do and I’m in tune with the same values of the organisation, I’ll be around.”
Danielle Woolage
Gerringong firefighter Andrew Sweeney has been awarded a King’s Birthday honour for more than 35 years of dedication to the Rural Fire Service.
The bushfire risk specialist has spent more than three decades of his life fighting and investigating fires, supporting volunteers and ensuring all the crews he oversees are safe.
Most recently, he spent a week in Taree supporting RFS crews assisting involved in rescue and clean-up operation after devastating floods.
Sweeney was one of nine RFS members honoured with the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal.
“The recognition is humbling, but that’s not why we do the job we do,” said Sweeney, who was appointed head of the Gerringong Brigade in 2014 before stepping into a leadership position as Illawarra District Group Captain in 2020.
“It’s good to be acknowledged for all the hard work and all the time spent away from family, especially when you’re responding to disasters like floods and fires that have devastated so many communities.”
Along with responding the recent floods on the midnorth coast the wildfire and structural fire investigator played a pivotal role in investigating the 2019–20 Black Summer bush fires that devastated the South Coast.
He was also a lead wildfire investigator in the Southern
Highlands Green Wattle Creek fire where two volunteer firefighters were killed after a tree fell on their truck near Buxton.
“Investigating that fire, it was one of the biggest of the season and destroyed around 298,000 hectares, where two firefighters lost their lives and so much property was destroyed was pretty traumatic,” he added.
“We have critical incident support teams and chaplains to help us through that but of course it has an impact.”
Sweeney is one of hundreds of first responders - police, paramedics, firefighters, marine rescue and State Emergency Service volunteers – awarded King’s Birthday honours for their dedication to keeping communities safe.
The awards fall in the same week as Thank a First Responder Day which encourages people to honour those who dedicate their lives to helping communities in often tragic, always challenging, emergencies.
Thank a First Responder Day is an initiative of Fortem Australia, a support organisation for emergency service crews and their families which aims to educate people about the psychological toll these roles can take.
According to research by Beyond Blue post-traumatic stress disorder affects between 10 and 20 per cent of first responders, and nearly one in seven are impacted by anxiety and depression.
Sweeney is no stranger
to the psychological toll placed on emergency service personnel and part of his role in overseeing safety is ensuring the wellbeing of crews.
“There used to be a stigma that when a chaplain showed up on scene it was because someone died, but for the past few years chaplains have called or dropped in to stations for a chat and to build rapport and people tend to open up more with someone they trust.”
Fortem CEO Michael Willing says one in three first responders experience high levels of psychological distress from on-the-job trauma; a far higher rate than the general population.
“This alarming figure highlights the urgent need for greater support and appreciation of the sacrifices first responders make,” says Mr Willing.
“We know that feeling appreciated and valued is important for our wellbeing. The simple act of saying thanks for the challenging, traumatic and often dangerous work our first responders do will ensure these dedicated men and women know that they are recognised, appreciated, and valued by the communities they protect.”
Thank a First Responder Day is now in its sixth year and Fortem Australia is encouraging communities to show their appreciation by thanking a first responder, on any given day, to ensure they know just how valued they are.
Tperform their outstanding community service for the accolades but Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters was thrilled to honour seven of Kiama’s Hidden Treasures this week.
Hidden Treasures no more: seven locals honoured
that celebrates the invaluable contributions of women and girls who volunteer in regional, rural and remote communities across
Established in 2010, the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll offers a public tribute to recognise those who give their time and energy to support others.
“We had a really lovely morning tea,” Cr Matters said.
Cappella Choir performed for the gathering of family, friends and well-wishers with a stirring rendition of Paul Simon’s Love Me Like a Rock and California Dreaming by the Mamas & the Papas.
“It was just beautiful,” Cr Matters added.
The magnificent seven are:
President, she created Opera in the Valley, a celebrated local fundraiser. She also supports Meals on Wheels and donates essential items to SAHSSI, assisting women and children escaping domestic violence.
Joelie Robson: At just 20 years old, Joelie exemplifies courage and commitment.
Sue has spent over 30 years preserving Kiama’s heritage and honouring the lives of notable Australians like OrryKelly and Charmian Clift.
A Type 1 Diabetic and a trailblazer for young women in emergency response, she volunteers 20 to 30 hours per week across the RFS, St John Ambulance, Disaster Relief Australia and the Volunteer Rescue Association.
As President and Secretary of the Kiama and District Historical Society, she has led preservation projects, curated exhibitions and secured landmark recognition.
Antoinette Raynal:
The founder of Katandra Women’s A Cappella Choir, a musical community rooted in inclusion, empowerment and joy.
They were each nominated for the NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for their dedication to community service, leadership, and generosity of spirit.
Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative
The awards ceremony at Kiama Council on Tuesday honoured and celebrated the exceptional women from the Kiama LGA.
“The common thread from those women was that they said this is what my parents did - they gave back to the community so that’s just what I do. I stepped up and followed what they did.
“That’s what I really loved about those women.”
One of the recipients, Antoinette Raynal, and the other members of the Katandra Women’s A
Kay Brennan: A lifelong volunteer, Kay has quietly supported the Jamberoo and Kiama communities for more than five decades. Inspired by her father’s legacy, she has nurtured young riders through the Kiama Pony Club, stewarded at the Kiama and Sydney Royal Easter Shows, supported school programs, church activities and local hockey clubs, and served in the Jamberoo Bush Fire Brigade.
Jenny Judd: Her community service spans early childhood, education, the arts, and social justice. She has taught scripture for 33 years at Jamberoo Public School, co-founded the Jamberoo Playgroup, and helped establish the town’s Youth Hall. As CWA
She was recognised in the Youth category at the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Judi Sandilands Cincotta: After a 50-year career in nursing, Judi chose to give back by raising guide dog puppies and supporting therapy programs in local schools.
Her dogs bring comfort and calm to children facing adversity, helping them feel safe and seen.
Sue Eggins: A historian, researcher and advocate,
What began as a single vocal workshop has blossomed into a choir that supports charities, mentors young singers and creates a sense of belonging.
Boni Maywald: Since retiring, Boni has used craft, creativity and compassion to bring comfort to people in need.
As coordinator of Wrap With Love in Kiama and founder of the PeaceKnits initiative, she creates and donates handmade blankets to those facing hardship.
Ward’s lawyer raises doubts over complainant’s testimony
Kiama MP Gareth Ward’s defence lawyer has wrapped up his cross-examination of a sexual assault complainant by suggesting the alleged incident between the two men never happened.
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.
The trial resumed on Wednesday at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney after a week-long break due to Judge Kara Shead needing to attend to a personal matter.
Ward’s barrister, David Campbell SC, continued questioning the complainant under cross examination over an alleged 2015 incident in which the political staffer claimed he was sexually
assaulted by Ward at Potts Point in Sydney’s east after a night-time function at NSW Parliament House.
The man, who was 24 at the time and cannot be identified due to legal reasons, said he went to Ward’s apartment and that after he went to sleep in a spare bedroom that the politician sexually assaulted him.
Campbell put it to the complainant that the incident
never happened but he responded by saying “that is not true”.
The complainant also said the delay of several years before he reported the incident to police was due to his occupation in state politics making him “think twice” before making the allegations.
He added that Ward had “achieved a great deal in his electorate” and that the
electorate “should not have to pay the price for some bad mistakes he made”.
The complainant said that he did not raise the matter with his employer because he was unsure who would see the claims if it was sent to the Premier’s office.
He also said that he did not want the claims to be played out in the media while describing Ward as an “incredible” local member.
Another man, who had just turned 18 at the time of an alleged incident in 2013, has also accused Ward of an indecent assault at the Kiama MP’s Meroo Meadow property in the Shoalhaven.
The trial before Judge Shead continues.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
images taken by Access All Areas MediaMayor Cameron McDonald and Dep Mayor Melissa Matters (right) with (left to right) Jenny Judd, Boni Maywald, Antoinnette Raynal, Kay Brennan, Sue Eggins and Joelie Robson.
Judi Sandilands Cincotta
Honouring our local heroes and community
While the entire state is lamenting the fact that it will be another 119 days to the next public holiday (here at The Bugle, we call it the Long Winter), the King’s Birthday holiday allows us to honour those in our community that make invaluable contributions, on a daily basis.
There was an expectation from some that the road to a republic might have gained some momentum following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 –however this has yet to eventuate.
And given the sorry state of affairs that is currently the experience in the greatest republic of them all, we don’t think that there’ll be a renewed push any time soon.
But anyway, enough of the elitest talk about heads of state, and princes and kings – at the end of the day everyone can get behind a threeday weekend, a sleepin and another crack at doing the hedges.
And we can certainly support such a day if it means recognition for people like Raymond Strong, Joan Crabb, Belinda Mackinnon, Andrew Sweeney and Ashley Sullivan – all of whom have contributed to our community in different and invaluable ways.
Particularly in the case of Mr Sullivan, his tireless dedication over three decades with the State Emergency Service has literally saved lives across our community, the Northern Rivers of
NSW and even in the north-western state of Idaho, USA.
With more wild weather (what happened to the above-average winter temperatures that were predicted only two weeks ago?!) and the threat of floods and storms on the horizon, we are lucky Mr Sullivan and the Kiama unit of the SES will be here to assist.
The stories and contributions of these King’s Day Honour recipients have been covered by The Bugle and as we have always said – what makes this community great, is its people.
It’s not only these five individuals, but it’s also all the operators and business owners who contributed towards Kiama again being recognised as NSW’s Top Tourism Town, and the people who will make events like the forthcoming Winter Street Festival, another success.
As we roll into a very chilly long winter, The Bugle’s View is that we should be celebrating our local heroes and our community, year-round.
Not just in the summer and warmer months where our landscapes are their most pristine and accessible, but also when we need to hunker down and all get a little bit closer and warmer!
So, over the next couple of months, make sure you get out and about and embrace what makes us not only the best tourist town, but the best town overall – our community.
South Kiama to get 'significant housing development’: Mayor
Paul Suttor
Around 380 residential lots are a step closer to being built after Kiama Council received the development application for Stage 1 of the South Kiama Urban Release Area.
Situated to the west of the Princes Highway between Saddleback Mountain Road to the north and Weir Street to the south, this URA contains 40 hectares of land that will also include public open space, environmental conservation and heritage areas, stormwater and associated infrastructure.
The subdivision and development of the overall URA is being carried out over four stages and the DA for Stage 1, closest to Saddleback Mountain Road, provides for 81 residential lots between 300sqm and 700sqm in size.
“This is the most significant housing development our municipality has seen for many years and will affect most of us either directly or indirectly,” Mayor Cameron McDonald said.
“I urge everyone to have a look at what’s proposed, see what you think, and make a submission.”
As part of the application, Saddleback Mountain Road will be upgraded and roads within the subdivision will be constructed, along with footpaths, bicycle shared paths and other infrastructure such stormwater works.
Rehabilitation work will be conducted on the riparian corridor, including bank stabilisation, rock batter retaining walls, bioretention basin and revegetation.
A public park just under 2000 square metres will be a major part of the development, including a half
basketball court, playground with soft fall areas, shade structures, seating and landscaping.
Kiama Council will ensure the Conservation Management Plan protects heritage items such as Kendalls Cemetery and the existing dry-stone walls.
The Stage 1 development application was placed on public exhibition this week for community feedback up until 5pm on 9 July.
Kiama Council director of planning, environment & communities Ed Paterson said the Development Control Plan for the South Kiama URA would set specific controls for the subdivision and dwelling construction.
“Having a site-specific DCP for South Kiama ensures we can get the best possible outcomes from this development, for its future residents, and the wider
community,” Paterson said.
“I’d like to thank my planning staff for their efforts getting this DCP in place as well as working with the developers to ensure their plans adhere to the letter and spirit of the DCP.
“Another win for our community is a Planning Agreement we’re negotiating, where the developer will provide land, works and monetary contributions to Council.”
The Planning Agreement, once finalised, will also be put on public exhibition for community feedback.
To view the development application and make a submission visit the Kiama Council website at www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/ southkiama.
The documents can also be viewed at Council’s administration office at 11 Manning Street, Kiama.
Who do you think we are?
Local stories, local scenery, national spotlight
Kiama locals, if you missed last week’s powerful episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, you can now watch it on SBS On Demand.
And you absolutely should.
This is Kiama as you have never seen it before. Wild, beautiful, and steeped in the raw emotion of family history. The episode follows Alone Australia winner Gina Chick as she uncovers her tangled ancestry.
Along the way, she discovers her greatgrandfather Sid worked at Bombo Quarry, and that her biological grandmother was Australian literary
icon Charmian Clift.Filmed on Dharawal Country, the episode features two standout Kiama locals, historian Dr Tony Gilmour and award-winning author Nadia Wheatley. Together, they help Gina navigate the deep truths of her family story.
Dr Gilmour joins Gina at Bombo Quarry and Hartwell House, sharing the history of Sid’s work and character. Nadia Wheatley meets her at the Pilots Cottage Museum to talk about the life and legacy of Charmian Clift.
These conversations are raw and powerful.
“This stopped being
a theory and became something I felt in my bones,” Gina says, as she faces the emotional weight of colonial impact and personal inheritance.
The Pilot’s Cottage Museum display on Charmian Clift is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Entry is by donation, and after watching this episode, you will want to visit.
So, who do you think we are? We are a community rich in story, landscape, and spirit.
Watch the episode on SBS On Demand and see Kiama in a new light.
‘We have the richest of cultures’: Uncle Gerry shares insights into South Coast’s Indigenous history
Mitchell Beadman
There was standing room only when Yuin Elder Uncle Gerry Moore held a talk with the Berry and District Historical Society at the Uniting Church Hall on the weekend.
Uncle Gerry sees it as a form of “truth telling” and spoke about the history of Indigenous people on the South Coast.
“The idea was to talk about how we came to live in the Shoalhaven Heads area, as well as Nowra, and how the early settlement and colonisation of our part of the country impacted Aboriginal people,” Uncle Gerry said.
Extensively published academic research highlights the impact of early European settlers on Aboriginal people with the clearing of their traditional lands ultimately leading to them being dispossessed.
“We lived in harmony on the land, and how eventually we had to coexist with early settlers
and the impact that had on our people as far as clearing the land and pushing Aboriginal people off their traditional lands onto reserves or missions,” he said. “We wouldn’t be settled in the beautiful areas that we are if it weren’t for our warriors Broughton and Broger who assisted Dr Charles Throsby and later, Alexander Berry,” Uncle Gerry said.
Due to the constructs of colonisation, the sharing and the passing on of knowledge was lost until recently. “We had the richest of cultures and ceremonies here on the coast before colonisation,” Uncle Gerry said.
“There’s a lot that our non-Aboriginal brothers and sisters don’t know about the way we lived and the different mobs, languages, customs, ceremonies and all these sorts of things that happened in our backyard,” he said.
However, it was not just a deficit perspective that Uncle Gerry shared,
with much of the talk highlighting the strengths reforming within Aboriginal culture today.
“And things are slowly changing now with Aboriginal studies being taught in some schools, Aboriginal languages Dhurga and Dharawal language being taught in some schools,” he said.
Dhurga language is spoken by the Yuin people and Dharawal language by the Tharawal people.
The Shoalhaven region borders Tharawal and Yuin countries.
“It is actually rekindling the strength of our own Aboriginal kids in the school about their culture and wanting to identify strongly.
Within Australia today, there are more than 250 Indigenous languages, with 800 different dialects.
Uncle Gerry is a prominent figure within the Shoalhaven region and has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his Indigenous advocacy.
Gina Chick with Tony Gilmour at Bombo Quarry Headland, NSW. Photo: SBS
GP boost for Kiama at MedClinic
Finding an appointment to see a GP can sometimes feel as rare as hen’s teeth these days, with already overworked doctors busier than ever before.
MedClinic Kiama has addressed the community demand for trusted, quality GPs by recently employing two new doctors at the practice, which has been providing healthcare to the
region for more than a decade.
“Kiama is a small community, and our doctors, nurses and administration team pride ourselves on knowing our patients on a first-name basis and providing quality care and treatment for multi-generations of families,” practice manager Nada Vukovic said.
The practice employs five doctors, Dr Linda Moore,
Dr Jonathan Bala, Dr Abdel Mohamed, Dr Jacqueline Wong, Dr John Oh and two new GPs, Dr Haleh Samai and Dr Feng Guo.
Each Tuesday, Dr Bala provides skin cancer checks and is accredited to carry out skin excision and minor surgeries where required.
Dr Mohamed specialises in alternative treatment for patients suffering from
chronic conditions where other treatments have failed to provide relief.
These conditions can include osteoarthritis, back pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, anxiety, depression and/or mood disorders, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, inflammatory bowel disease and cancerrelated symptoms. Dr Mohamed bulk bills all
standard appointments, however fees apply for alternative medicine consultations.
MedClinic’s other GPs, Dr Moore, Dr Wong, Dr Oh, Dr Samai and Dr Guo currently bulk bill all patients.
MedClinic welcomes all patients, with or without a Medicare card. They are open Saturdays and these appointments are bulk billed.
“Our practice is fully accredited with GPA 5th Edition Standards which means patients are getting the best safety and quality standard of care,” Nada added. MedClinic is at 10/65 Manning street with on-street parking available. Books are open for new patients, who should arrive 15 minutes before their appointment to complete a registration form.
Holistic methods proving successful
Local naturopath Melissa Poczwa has returned to Kiama to help people from all walks of life to take control of their health.
A research-based naturopath with a Bachelor of Health Science, she is passionate about guiding people to improve their overall well-being.
She grew up in Kiama and returned to the area in late 2023 to raise her first child and returned to work earlier this year with the Sunny Natal clinic on the corner of Terralong and Shoalhaven streets.
“I work in a holistic way, supporting patients through nutrition, diet changes, herbal and nutritional supplements to help support their symptoms as needed,” she explained.
“Foundationally, we review diet in detail because we are looking to see if there’s anything underlying which might be causing symptoms.
“Something really common I see is iron deficiency so we look at how much intake you get each week.
“We’re always looking at underlying causes as to why you’re feeling this way and to try to promote them to feeling more like themselves.
“Often we’re looking at their digestion, supporting hormones or energy production. Also when it comes to winter in
particular, a lot of immune support.
“Stress and sleep are common for a lot of patients - we’re all under a lot of high pressure these days. Especially with Mums and post-partum, sleep can be a big factor as to why they’re feeling tired.
“A lot of being a naturopath is working with herbal and nutritional medicine as a key focus but looking at them as the whole person rather than just treating one symptom.”
Melissa specialises in supporting women through all stages of life, from period problems and hormonal imbalances to postnatal recovery and perimenopause.
She also has male and female patients “across the stages of their lifespan”.
Melissa will be hosting a baby-friendly Nourishing Busy Parents workshop at Kiama Library on 24 June from 10.30am to 11.15am designed to support new mums with simple, practical nutrition strategies.
Attendees can learn how to meet their daily protein needs for sustained energy, discover easy breakfast ideas and snack hacks, and explore how food can support mood, sleep, and stress levels.
Melissa will provide realistic tips that people can put into practice straight away – even
with a baby in tow!
“I’m quite passionate about supporting post-partum mothers and what I commonly see is they’re usually quite nutritionally poor in some ways because they’re doing a great job looking after their little ones and not so much looking after themselves,” she said.
“One of the things they can do to help them feel betterbecause they’re usually low on energy and feeling high stressis just working on how to meet their daily protein needs.
“In that event, I’ll be talking about their daily protein requirements as a postpartum female or if they’re breastfeeding, how their requirements increase.
“Quick, easy ideas so they can grab and go if they need to and how they might support their mood, sleep and stress levels because if you’re not looking after yourself, it’s incredibly hard to look after your little ones as well.”
Curious if naturopathy is for you? Start with a free 10-minute discovery call – visit melissapoczwa.com.au to book or find out more.
Info for the Kiama Library Event can be found at: https:// library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/ Events/Adults-events/ Nourishing-busy-parents-withnaturopath-Melissa-Poczwa
Danielle Woolage
Kiama author Karen
Deen was at a superannuation conference, staring out the window at the boats on Sydney Harbour, when she came up with the idea for her first novel.
It was 2017 and the now world-renowned romance writer was not yet a novelist. She was a partner in a successful Gerringong finance firm who always had a book on her bedside table but never dreamed of being a writer.
“I was a good reader but I never wanted to be an author,” says Karen, who last month released her 16th novel The Attraction. “I left school and went straight into accounting”.
So what changed? Like many women walking the wobbly tightrope of family and work commitments, Karen suffered from “mum guilt” and tried to do everything for everyone except herself.
“As a full-time working parent, I was juggling being a partner in a business, with raising kids, running a household, caring for my mum who was sick and volunteering for local sporting teams,” she recalls.
“I had run myself into the ground and I was physically and mentally exhausted. It felt like everybody wanted a piece of me and I had no pieces left to give. I was doing everything for everyone else but needed to do something for myself.
“So, when I was at that conference in Sydney, staring out at the luxury yachts on the
Romance aproves novel idea for Karen
Movie royalty Armstrong will bring star power to Orry-Kelly gala
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama Icons and Artists has announced that acclaimed Australian film director Gillian Armstrong will attend the Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala on 26 July in Kiama.
harbour, I started sketching out a plot for a novel.”
Once Karen started plotting and jotting she couldn’t stop and the accountant of 32 years soon found herself writing a book.
“It all just came flooding out,” she laughs. “I scribbled it all down in my accountant’s notebook and in a few days I had written 10,000 words in pencil on paper. I had to buy myself a laptop so I could type it all down, that nearly killed me!”
Once she had written 40,000 words, she told her husband she was going to “write that book I’ve been talking about for a while” and asked three girlfriends to read what she had written and “tell me honestly if it’s crap”.
“They loved it and couldn’t wait to see what happened next, and my family was so supportive,” says Karen. That book was Loves Wall – the first in a five-book series - and she would get up at 6am, go to work as an accountant, come home take care of her family and write until 2am.
While Karen loved her career in finance it was writing that “enthralled” her and she spent every spare moment, after work and kids and family life was put to bed, “creating a world that would take me, and my readers, out of the everyday”.
“When you read a book it’s a form of escape from the daily grind and that’s one of the things I love most about reading, but when you’re writing a book you also get to choose where the
story goes and that is such a privilege and so exciting,” she says. “And the research is so much fun, all my books are set overseas so I do a lot of googling to build those worlds and create that character development.”
Karen routinely writes 5000 words each day, churning out three or four books every year now that she is a full-time novelist.
She has written three series – The Time for Love, The Chicago Boys and the Hotel Temptation series which includes her latest release The Attraction. She has also kept the scrawled first draft she wrote in pencil many moons ago as a reminder of when “her two worlds collided” and she eventually resigned as a partner in her accounting firm.
It was a “big leap of faith” but the decision was made easier when COVID decimated the finance world in 2020.
“I was fielding calls at all hours of the day and night from panicked clients who had to stand staff down,” she says.
“We became their counsellors, it was emotionally taxing for everyone and that’s when I decided life’s too short. I was working and writing around the clock and it wasn’t sustainable. I thought ‘if I don’t do this know I never will’.”
Karen was also caring for her beloved mum, who had
cancer and was in palliative care.
“I didn’t tell mum I was writing a book until I’d completely finished it,” she explains. “Then when we knew we were going to lose her, I wanted her to know I was going to be a full-time author.”
Next month Karen will travel to the UK for a book signing of The Attraction, attended by thousands of romance fans. The novel is a contemporary romance set in London and centres around a workplace relationship between a financial controller for a top hotel chain and the second-in charge of a rival company.
“Writing about a billionaire’s romance in the corporate world draws on the world I lived in when I worked in finance,” explains Karen. “Every author draws on parts of themselves and the things they know without meaning to.”
She says becoming a fulltime writer is “one of the best decisions” she’s ever made but locals still sometimes “look at me like got two heads when I tell them I’m a romance writer”.
And while a coastal love story set in Kiama is not on the cards, Karen hasn’t ruled out a small town rural romance set somewhere in Australia.
Copies of her novels are available on her website.
Armstrong is internationally renowned for her films, including My Brilliant Career (1979), Little Women (1994), Charlotte Gray (2001), and Women He’s Undressed (2015) - a critically acclaimed documentary exploring the life and legacy of the legendary Kiama-born costume designer OrryKelly.
The gala will not only
known in his own country,” Armstrong told SBS at the time of the film’s release.
“The original premise was simple: ‘How did this person from nowhere make it in Hollywood?’ But we found out so much more.”
In the lead-up to the gala, the Kiama Icons and Artists Association hosted a special screening of Women He’s Undressed at the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre on 22 May, which was met with enthusiasm from the local community.
“Over 60 wonderful people joined us for an unforgettable screening,” said Catherine Menzies, Founder of the Association.
honour Orry-Kelly’s remarkable contributions to Hollywood but also mark the 10th anniversary of Armstrong’s documentary, which introduced his story to a new generation.
Armstrong will be joined on the night by esteemed guests Damien Parer (film producer) and Katherine Thomson (screenwriter), who will share insights into Orry-Kelly’s legacy and their experiences working on the documentary.
“This man deserves to be
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we couldn’t be happier to see such strong interest in Orry-Kelly’s incredible Hollywood journey. From dazzling costumes to fascinating behind-thescenes stories, his legacy continues to inspire.”
The Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala promises to be a unique celebration of film, fashion, and local heritage, shining a spotlight on one of Kiama’s most accomplished sons. To secure your tickets, go to the TryBooking platform.
Bernie Hems and Sue Eggins
Get your toes tapping to Estampa
After rescheduling due to Cyclone Alfred earlier this year, the Gerringong Music Club is bringing jazz quartet Estampa back this month.
This might be the event to broaden your musical palate.
Gerringong Music Club’s Imogen Stewart has nothing but praise for the group.
“Everyone loved Estampa so much that we decided to bring them back again.They bring a vibrant, colourful delightful program,” Stewart said.
The group is made up of Rebecca Karlen on violin and vocals, Paul Henderson on guitar and banjo, John Reeves on accordion and Samuel Vincent on double bass.
Rebecca Karlen told The Bugle that with a strong flavour of French and Brazilian jazz, the group leans on various influences that hold significance to the individuals.
And then they put their own stamp on it to rearrange the music to suit.
“We are such an eclectic group of musicians, but we all bring in our own passions,” Karlen said.
“I absolutely love the group because we play such diverse music, we all have very different musical backgrounds.
“Because we have played together for so long, and we genuinely love playing together, it is such a privilege working with these musicians, because they are so incredibly invested in everything they do.
“The joy that we feel when we play together - I think that’s the best feedback you can have as a musician, when it makes people feel something.”
Stewart explained what makes Estampa so good:
“Rebecca’s vocals are just so beautiful with the violin, piano, accordion, banjo, bass, and guitar.
Gerringong Rotary
By Stephanie Kemp
Gerringong Rotary Club continues to support the work undertaken worldwide by ShelterBox, who work with disaster-affected communities to provide emergency shelter, essential items and training needed to support families in the long process of rebuilding their lives. This year is ShelterBox’s
25th since being founded, making an impact across the globe. Later in the year we are planning a big travel raffle. We have also been able to help those affected by the recent Queensland floods.
The April Markets, held on Easter Saturday, were a great success. We had the best BBQ results for a while and were able to make a donation to the flood relief efforts.
“It’s just a beautiful mix of instruments and their repertoire is phenomenal.”
Another component that Estampa incorporates into their shows is improvisation, with Karlen explaining “because we play such diverse repertoire, we don’t improvise certain pieces of music, like Vivaldi, but in most of our music, we will incorporate improvisation in some way”.
Reflecting on her recent visit to Gerringong, you could sense the nostalgia from Karlen.
“I have wonderful memories of Gerringong, it is such beautiful town, really lovely, warm audience, so it was very memorable,” Karlen said.
With tickets available at the door, you don’t need to be a member of the Gerringong Music Club to attend.
The event will be held 29 June at Gerringong Town Hall from 2pm-3:30pm. One not to miss.
The joy of learning to appreciate fine chocolate
A wet Wednesday morning saw 16 or so Rotarians assembling at Tilda and Cacao in Gerringong for a talk on the origin of the business and how chocolate is made and how artisan chocolate differs from the mass produced (think fine wine as compared to the cask!).
Tilda and Cacao buy from small sustainable producers and, like wine, the terroir influences the flavour of the chocolate.
They have also focused on local ingredients, such as Davidson plum, to flavour their chocolate and create something unique.
As well as learning about the grinding and tempering processes, we were able to try the product (delicious!) and enjoyed a chocolate inspired morning tea.
Greg helps those in need
Mitchell Beadman
Gerringong’s Greg Ball, a volunteer firefighter of 35 years, continued his lengthy history of helping those in need by helping the floodravaged NSW Mid North Coast recently.
Greg joined crews from all over NSW and beyond in the extensive recovery operation led by the State Emergency Service.
The historical floods decimated several Mid North Coast townships and five people died as the result of the devastating natural disaster.
“It’s shattering… it’s just mind boggling,” Ball said.
“Even driving up there, the mess, the fences, the debris.”
Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade was a part of an 836-strong service partner personnel from NSW and across the country, which contributed to the rescue efforts in the towns across the Mid North Coast.
Up to 800mm fell within parts of the region in May.
“That was just terrible. If it comes up gradually over two weeks, there is no force (with the floods) and people
can prepare a bit better,” Ball said.
“A couple of old ladies against the Macleay River just wanted their pathways cleared so they could get to the clothesline. Little things, but important things.
“It’s depressing, but you know you got to help each other … we gave a couple of upset ones a cuddle and then you get a group hug. Little things for morale.”.
To remain as close to the affected areas, a basketball court was turned into makeshift accommodation for volunteers which resembled a base camp with rows of stretches for their beds.
Ball praised the SES leadership which helped direct the rescue efforts.
“It is not just about us boots on the ground, it’s the whole system right from the top down to the individual districts. It was really well done,” Ball said.
“It’s great working together and we all get on and they do their jobs, have a bit of a yarn here and there, the food was great.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said in a statement: “We’ve seen
thousands of people come together in support of one another with many more putting their hand up to join our volunteer ranks.”
Also representing Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade was fellow volunteer firefighter Sandra Lightfoot. It was her first deployment to a rescue appointment.
“My mum has been up there for 30 years, so to me it was really important, and I really wanted to assist because it is like my second home,” Lightfoot said.
“They needed heavy vehicle license drivers to go up north and I hold that license.”
NSW SES Commissioner
Mike Wassing thanked the SES volunteers “and our emergency service colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand for their dedication and commitment during this crisis”.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority has now taken over from the NSW State Emergency Services and will now assume responsibility for managing clean-up and repair efforts in the impacted communities as part of the recovery process.
Volunteers needed
In order to keep making a difference by helping charities like these as well as running local initiatives like the monthly Gerringong Markets and helping to found Active Aging NSW, which is bringing new dementia programs to the South Coast, we need new volunteers.
While our focus is on our charity work, we are a social bunch – Wednesday morning meetings in Gerringong Town Hall have a visiting speaker, once a month we all go out to dinner and we have sporadic social activities, such as our visit to the Jervis Bay Botanical Garden.
Later this year a group from the club is planning a few days away.
A Focus on Travel
Peta Godfrey, owner of Travel Focus in Gerringong spoke at one of our recent meetings about her journey as a travel agent through the COVID period and what has changed between before and after the pandemic.
Peta grew up locally and joined Guidepost Travel, the predecessor to Travel Focus. She bought the business in 2017 and in 2020 she was suddenly facing closing borders and clients stuck overseas, with no idea how long the situation was going to last.
Thanks to JobKeeper, she could retain some of her staff, but the business was making no money so she had to close the office and surrender her lease, while working from home to get clients back to Australia and cancelling and rebooking holidays, rebooking and rescheduling up to three times to prevent the client losing their money altogether.
reopened in 2023, staff had got other jobs, as had Peta herself! Airline staff were untrained, pilots had left the industry and there was a shortage of planes as it took six months to get them back in the air again after being parked in the desert.
Flight prices had gone up threefold and Peta was wondering whether to reopen the business at all in the face of these challenges as she was enjoying her new low stress life.
What made the decision for her was locals stopping her in the street and asking when she was going to reopen so they could book a trip.
The people reignited her passion for the industry, and she has found that business now is even better than it was before the pandemic. Travel has become more complicated with new visa requirements everywhere and clients now appreciate the service they receive from a specialist travel agent and how much time they save compared to doing all the bookings themselves. New members and friends always welcomesee www.gerringongrotary.com.au or contact secretarygerringongrotary@gmail.com.
By the time borders
Mitchell Beadman
Greg Ball
Distilled provides a potent mix
Mitchell Beadman
Over the recent glorious long weekend, The Co-Op at Gerringong lit up with the Distilled festival showcasing a talented selection of local and visiting distilleries and artists.
The Co-Op owner, Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters was thrilled to see hundreds of people out and about in the beautiful winter weather to sample some of the local delights and some great music.
“We were lucky with the weather and the crowds,” Cr Matters said.
Among the distilleries on show were several from the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands regions, including Tara Distillery, Wolf and Woman Distillery, Old Salt Distillery and Merrigangs.
“There were a couple of different changes we had to make with the licensing, so we had to adapt. It still went well,” Cr Matters said.
“It is really good for other businesses to come in and have a few hundred people have access to sample their products. I think they are really happy.
“People love to come down and
Why trusted travel agents matter more than ever
Have you ever wondered what inspires someone to make travel not just a passion, but a profession?
For Peta Godfrey, owner of Travel Focus Group in Gerringong, it all started with a spontaneous snowboarding trip to Austria at age 16, a decision that would shape her entire future.
Q: What are the main changes you’ve noticed in the industry?
A
: I caught the tail end of paper tickets, with my trusty red pen in hand. The shift to e-tickets was exciting, but the biggest changes have come in the last three years, thanks to COVID-19, Travel 2.0!
What kept me going was our community. Loyal clients would stop me in the street to ask when we’d reopen, or if I could book their next trip. That support reminded me why I started in this industry.
Q: Is travel still a great career to pursue?
A: For anyone with a true passion for travel, it’s absolutely worth it. The perks are fantastic, and the camaraderie is like nothing else. Helping people bring their travel dreams to life is so rewarding. We love it when clients come in after a trip and relive their journey with us!
Q: What was the main reason you became a travel agent?
A: As many African countries as possible … plus, a sneaky trip to Antarctica! Want to see what expert travel planning feels like? Chat to one of the experienced Travel Focus advisors. This article is paid content courtesy of Travel Focus in Gerringong
have samples. A lot of locals came on Sunday (to Distilled), with many out of town, I think overall it is really fabulous to see that.”
Local emerging singersongwriter Olivia Coggan was one of the 15 musical performers who entertained the crowds.
“People obviously love music, and it is good to have options around. We want more of that for people to come and enjoy some live music,” Cr Matters said.
“Other events like the winery had a great turn-out, and I’m pleased that there’s no rain for them as well.
“I think it is just fabulous for businesses to have all the venues ‘happening’ and people going in between venues.”
With many events held across the region on the long weekend, it highlights the region’s strengths with the engagement from locals and tourists.
It is estimated that around 400 people attended the Distilled event over the two days.
Q: Do you think travel agents are more important now than ever?
A: Absolutely! Clients find the internet overwhelming. There is too much information and too many scams. Travel agents are the solution, and we’re busier than ever.
At Travel Focus Group, we’ve seen a huge rise in demand. To keep up, we’ve expanded our team and brought on some fantastic new staff. They’re already working closely with clients to plan, refine, and book travel that’s seamless and personal.
A
: It all started in 1997 when my best friend asked me to go snowboarding in Austria. I had just started Year 11, but a trip to Europe seemed far more important. My parents were incredibly supportive, and I took six weeks off school.
Being in Europe at 16 was incredible, especially discovering there was no legal drinking age in Austria!
When I returned, I walked straight into an English exam. Knowing I had no chance of passing, I made a bold decision: I left school, enrolled in a travel course, and have never looked back.
Bondi Cigars: Photo: Johnny D Photography
Omega Retreat Estate a long lost local wonder
Mark Emery
Helping out at the Gerringong Library and Museum once a month, we get many interesting visits.
On different occasions, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a member of the Gray family, who have a strong connection to the Kiama LGA. Their link to Gerringong district is through Omega Retreat Estate.
Mackay Cameron, a descendant of the first Gray to come here, gave me the opportunity to view a manuscript he had completed on his family history and was happy for me to use it to help tell the story. The Omega Retreat is a large area of land just south of the lookout at Saddleback Mountain and continues down the hill on the southern side of the highway, stopping close to what is now Werri Beach.
In 1833, James Mackay Gray left Ireland. After a few adventures he ended up visiting Thomas Campbell, who owned that parcel of land called “Bark Hill”.
Mackay Gray fell in love with the place and wanted to purchase it. However, Campbell was not allowed to sell it until 1838.
This suited Mackay as it
gave him time to organise his affairs and arrange for his wife Sarah Anne and their five children to come from Ireland. One can only imagine the joy of seeing this for the first time from the top of Saddleback Mountain.
Mackay began to farm a section of the land.
Considering that he thought that this land would go as far as settlement would go, he named the land Omega Retreat - Omega being the last letter in the Greek alphabet.
Mackay Gray set about clearing it so it could be used to generate an income.
He cut the land up into tenanted farms. He was able to use convict labour as it was a lot cheaper. Some of these were ex-convicts as “Ticket of Leave” men. On the 1841 census the names of these were George Brothers, William Burlane, John Cook, John Jordan, George Barnes, Evan Campbell and William Greenwood.
In 1842, Campbell’s original building - in which the Gray family was residing - was burnt to the ground. All their possessions went up in flames.
Around 1853, Mackay extended the estate by adding another 400 acres of property.
Secondly, he built a grand
home with 11 rooms, lined with red cedar. He called it “Omega House” but the locals referred to it as “The Big House”. Unfortunately, it burnt down in 1886.
He looked at the education of the local kids. The first school was the Mount Pleasant School established in 1858 with a very “interesting” lady as teacher. He had more luck with the Omega Retreat School in 1860. That building is now a private residence halfway down the hill towards the south.
Some businesses were established on the propertya tannery, a store and a pubthe Dairyman’s Arms. In 1880, a milk condensing factory and a butter factory were established.
Mackay and Sarah lost a son and daughter. a terrible tragedy which badly affected them.In 1877, Mackay died, followed by Sarah the next year.
The remaining son, Sam, inherited the farm, as was the custom in those days.
He died in 1889. His wife continued on until she passed away in 1900.
This marked the end of the Omega Retreat farm, as it was sold in 1901.
Nowadays there are a number of dairy farms as well
as a few private houses set into the hill above Werri Beach to capture the wonderful view.
Many people stop at the top of Saddleback Mountain to admire the sight. I wonder if they have as much excitement in their eyes as Sarah did when she first saw her new home all those years ago.
Sneaky sound success: Fine Wine Festival draws bumper Pavilion crowd
Lleyton Hughes
Sneaky Sound System
headlined a sold-out
Fine Wine Festival at The Pavilion in Kiama for the second year running on Saturday, cementing the event’s status as one of the South Coast’s rising cultural highlights.
The second annual Fine Wine Festival was a blend of the best local wineries with live music and quality food - and both events were sold out.
“It was fantastic. We brought back Sneaky Sound System because so many people asked for them after last year’s sell-out,” said festival co-founder Joseph Felice.
“They’re an incredible live act. Connie’s vocals are as strong as ever - maybe even better than ever. The energy in the room was unbelievable.”
The event’s popularity has already pushed the limits of The Pavilion’s capacity. Felice confirmed the team is planning an expansion for 2026.
“This year’s support was even stronger than last year. Around 30% of ticket holders were return attendees, which is really exciting,” Felice said.
“We had strong representation from Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa,
and Shellharbour, plus visitors from interstateSouth Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania. It’s clearly becoming a destination event.”
The team originally hoped to expand last weekend’s event to the Kiama Showground, aiming for a 5000-person capacity. But the timing - mid-winter and peak rugby season - meant the plan had to be shelved.
“We had high-profile artists lined up,” said Felice. “But the Council and local rugby club were understandably cautious about the grounds being damaged. We get it - it’s not the right time of year for that venue.”
The Festival is gearing up for its biggest year yet in 2026, with new venues under consideration and Council providing assistance behind the scenes.
“We’ve already pencilled in some alternative venues for next year,” Felice said. “Council has been supportive, which is great. They recognise how much local and regional support we have, and they know this event is here to stay.”
With its growing fan base, strong community backing, and plans to expand, the 2026 Fine Wine Festival promises to be one of the biggest local events on the calendar.
Fans flock to Winter Wine Festival at Crooked River Estate
Lleyton Hughes
More than 4,000 people flocked to the picturesque Crooked River Estate in Gerringong over the weekend for the Winter Wine Festival, making it the event’s biggest year yet.
Held over two days, the festival featured a standout musical lineup, with Xavier Rudd and The Beautiful Girls headlining Saturday, and Boy & Bear and Meg Mac closing out Sunday’s festivities.
Event photographer Lisa O’Connell described the
atmosphere as “electric.”
“This year's Winter Wine Festival at Crooked River Wines delivered a weekend to remember,” O’Connell said.
“The South Coast has produced some amazing talent, and it was fantastic to see Kiama’s Surely Shirley alongside Illawarra locals like Kane Calcite and Cheeky Leash - whose awesome set even included flying monkeys taking the stage.”
“I’m sure Boy & Bear’s Feeding Line and Xavier’s Follow The Sun could be heard all across Gerringong
with the crowd singing along.”
The 2025 festival marks the fifth edition since the event was revived in 2021, and Crooked River Estate Managing Director Roger Lloyd confirmed this year was their biggest yet.
“This was one of our best events in terms of the weather and the bands,” said Lloyd. “We partnered with Yours and Owls this year to help with the lineup, and that collaboration worked really well.”
The festival also served as the perfect opportunity to
unveil Crooked River Estate’s brand-new on-site wedding venue, which doubled as a bar for the weekend.
“We’ve only just completed that space and used it as one of the bars. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive - people were genuinely awestruck. We’re really proud of how it turned out,”
Lloyd said.
The Winter Wine Festival capped off a packed weekend of community events across the Kiama LGA, showcasing the region’s thriving live music scene, vibrant culture, and community spirit.
What’s On?
OpenField Arts Festival
Fri 13 to Sun 15 June
Berry, NSW
OpenField Arts Festival 2025
invites travellers to swap the city rush for a weekend of contemporary art, gourmet dining, and boutique shopping in this charming South Coast town.
Mosaic Art Classes Kiama: Turkish Lamp Workshop
Sat 14 June, sessions at 10am, 2pm, and 6pm
Kiama Bowling Club
Learn how to craft your own Turkish mosaic lamp with the help of expert instructors. Bookings from $99-$149.
Kiama Council Meeting
Tues 17 June 5pm Home Composting Workshop
Tues 17 June 9am-12pm
Kiama Community Garden
Kiama Council is hosting this free event about feeding your garden with food scraps. Registrations close Monday 16 June at 3pm.
Death Cafe
Thurs 19 June, 2:30-4pm
Kiama Library
This free event invites you to a welcoming space to participate in relaxed conversations surrounding death and dying. Bookings are essential.
The Best of the Bee Gees
Fri 20 June, 8-10:30pm
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
The Best of the Bee Gees opens with the Greatest Hits, followed by a high-energy second act with songs from Saturday Night Fever. Tickets can be purchased online.
Andrew Wilson: The History of Golf in Kiama
Saturday 21 June 2.00pm
Kiama Library Auditorium
(Ground Floor) Railway Parade
$3 Members for Kiama History Society and $5 for Non-Members and includes afternoon Tea
Revvies Kiama
Coastal Classic
Sun 22 June
The running festival has four race distances. Register online.
Echoes: Steel City Strings
Sun 22 June, 2pm-4pm
The Pavilion Kiama Book online, ticket prices. Children $15, Adult $65, Concession $50, Group of 5 or more $40pp.
Sing Australia Kiama’s 15th birthday
Wed 25 June
Karaoke ‘style singalongs, bling and party food. We are always looking to welcome new members and this might be the perfect night to give it a go. If you’re interested in attending contact: Maree Shepherd, 0414 752 982, maree@shepherd.com.au
Lunch & Learn Series
Wed 25 June, 12-2pm
The Kiama Pavilion
Kiama & Shoalhaven Community Colleges are running practical sessions offering tips and networking to help local businesses grow.
Akmal - Live in Kiama Fri 27 June, 8-9:30pm
The Pavilion Kiama
Tickets can be purchased online at the Pavilion’s website.
Kiama I Do - Wedding
Open Day
Sat 28 June, 11am-2pm
The Pavilion Kiama
Meet expert wedding vendors and suppliers, chat about wedding plans, explore ceremony and photo locations, and more!
Gerringong Music Club presents Estampa
Sun 29 June, 2pm-3:30pm
Gerringong Town Hall
Book tickets online or at the door.
Entries close for Country Press NSW Short Story Competition
4 July
Pick up entry forms from The Bugle offices.
Kiama Vintage Fair
Sun 6 July, 9am-3pm Masonic Hall, 46 Collins St, Kiama Winter Street Festival
Sat 12 July
Terralong Street, Kiama
Step into a Winter Wonderland in Kiama! $5 donation upon entry is kindly requested 1927
Sat 12 July, 7-11pm
The Pavilion Kiama
1927 are excited to announce their upcoming show at Kiama Pavilion, tickets will sell fast so don’t miss out!
Hurricane: The Australian Luke Combs Tribute Show
Fri 18 July, from 4pm
The Co-Op Gerringong
Celebrate the music of Luke Combs with a spectacular two-hour live performance at The Co-Op. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
Josephine Wants to Dance
Tue 22 July, 10am-1:30pm
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and... a dancing kangaroo! Tickets can be purchased online.
Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala
Sat, 26th July 2025, 6pm
The Sebel, Kiama
The gala will honour the legendary costume designer’s exceptional career and achievements.
NAIDOC Awards Ceremony
Sat 26 July, 5-10pm
Shellharbour Civic Centre
Celebrate the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven.
South Coast Ceramics Market
Sun 17 Aug
The Co-Op Gerringong
The market celebrates the artistry, heritage and beauty of handmade ceramics on the South Coast, with over 30 local potters, sculptors and makers attending.
A place in the Sultan’s Kitchen
Fri 29 Aug, 8-10pm
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen by Joshua Hinton. Tickets can be purchased online.
Sing Australia Kiama hits the high notes for 15 years
Shelby Gilbert
Sing Australia is throwing a party to celebrate 15 years of bringing music and enjoyment to the local community, with a special birthday night set for Wednesday 25 June.
The occasion marks years of performances across some of Kiama’s biggest events, from the Kiama Folk Festival, and Jazz & Blues Festival, to Anzac Dawn Services and Christmas carols.
Leader and Conductor of the group, Maree Shepherd, welcomes the celebrations for the group who currently has over 40 members, with the purpose of the party being to honour those who have helped build and grow Sing Australia Kiama.
"We're doing this to honour people that have made such a big contribution to the success of Sing Australia Kiama, that may no longer be with us, but really were instrumental in helping establish it in the area,” Maree said.
The celebration is particularly meaningful as the group missed celebrating their 10th birthday
the middle of COVID, and whilst I did Zoom sessions with everybody throughout COVID, we couldn't actually get together,” Maree said.
“So, we thought, look, we're going to set this up to have a little more fun for the 15th”.
Current and former members have been invited to join in on the night of celebrations.
“We've invited back past leaders of SingAustralia who are going to be coming along to attend, plus some of the older members that are no longer with us, but for various reasons, going to come along to help us celebrate,” said Maree. Since forming in 2010, Sing Australia Kiama has performed at major local events including Citizenship Ceremonies, the Lion’s Convention, Festival of Choirs, Jamberoo Jam Festival, South Coast Sings, and Shellharbour Senior’s Expo. They’ve also brought music to aged care homes and performed at notable venues like Floriade, Old Parliament House, and St Mary’s Cathedral as part of the national
celebration will be a night to remember with special performances as well as karaoke-style sinalongs, and party food.
“Some of the members will be doing various acts. We'll do some sing-alongs.
We've got a bit of karaoke that I know people will sing along to and dance,” Maree said.
While the birthday party is focused on honouring past and present members, Maree is always keen to welcome newcomers to their weekly Wednesday meetings. However, Maree finds the biggest problem with finding new members is that people are worried to join because they think they can’t sing.
“Sing Australia isn't about judging people's singing voices. It's about connecting people through singing,” Maree said.
“I think what attracts most people is not so much the singing, it's the friendships and it's the fun time you just have being together on the night having a go”.
The group is a part of a network of over 70 singing groups across Australia, with
a song list of about 500 songs, meaning members can join any group across the country without rehearsal.
“I often invite members from the Wollongong, Vincentia and other groups from other Sing Australias to join us without rehearsal, because we sing from the same song books and as such, we can join together,” Maree said.
For those wanting to try Sing Australia Kiama, the regular Wednesday night meetings from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Uniting Church are the perfect opportunity.
“I'm always welcoming people to come and give it a go, they can come for three weeks without any commitment or payment or anything just to see the group,” Maree said.
Maree is particularly keen to attract younger people to keep the group thriving for another 15 years of using music as a form of self-expression, free of expectations and judgement. For more information visit Sing Australia's website or contact Maree Shepherd at maree@shepherd.com.au
The OpenField Arts Festival returns to Berry next week, bringing the town to life with contemporary art, storytelling, and connection to place.
A powerful First Nations program grounded in culture, Country and community is an integral part of the festival, which begins on Friday.
A special outdoor ceremony at the Berry Showground Pavilion, including a Welcome to Country by Nabumarra Aunty Delia Lowe and a Smoking Ceremony with Drew Longbottom, will kick off proceedings.
The launch will also feature songs in language performed by Yaala, Emma Stewart and Tamika Townsend. All locals and visitors are warmly encouraged to attend.
Curated by Guringai and Yuin cloak-maker and
storyteller
Amanda Jane Reynolds, the First Nations program includes performances, workshops and cultural activations across the weekend.
Indigenous atheartbeat the centre of OpenField Arts festival
“One of the things we’re doing through OpenField is holding space,” Reynolds said.
“For deep history, for truth-telling, for continuing presence — and for joy. It’s about honouring our ancestors, our Elders, and the generations to come. We want people to fall in love with this Country and understand the responsibility we all share in protecting its future.”
The centre of the First Nations program is the First Nations Hub at the Berry Rural Youth Hall — a place where all are welcome to pay respects to Ancestors, Elders
John Mara and Peter Daley weren’t always masters of the hook and yarn.
In fact, four years ago they hadn’t crocheted a stitch. But COVID changed that, as it did for many of us. Bored on the lounge during lockdown, the married couple from Forest Lodge turned to YouTube, hit play, and discovered talents they never knew they had.
“We were watching TV and said, ‘There has to be more to life than this,’” Peter said. “I’d always wanted to try crochet, so we gave it a go.” Their go-to channel? TL Yarn Crafts, where American fibre artist Toni Lipsey teaches
everything from beginner stitches to advanced Tunisian techniques. “She’s fast, clear, and has the best tutorials,” said John. “We even bought her book.”
What started as a pandemic project has grown into a colourful passion. John now specialises in Tunisian crochet, a technique that uses a long hook with a cord extension, ideal for large pieces like blankets.
“It looks like knitting, but it’s crochet,” he explained, showing off a black and white chevron throw that took three months to finish.Peter prefers traditional crochet, favouring baby blankets, granny
and younger generations, and to honour Country in all its forms: mountain, water, land and sky.
Set between sacred mountains and one of the region’s best-loved community venues, the Hub is a symbol of resilience, pride in younger generations, and a space for open-hearted connection. It reminds us that First Nations culture belongs at the centre of community life.
Throughout the weekend, the Hub will host weaving, storytelling, art-making and drop-in workshops, along with a stall selling handmade crafts, bush healing items and bush-tukka. Visitors can also view Cullunghutti: the Mountain and its People, a striking series of banners created by Uncle Noel Wellington in partnership with local Elders, community and National Parks and
Wildlife, to share history and connection to place.
A major feature of the First Nations Hub is the collaborative creation of a large-scale Story Cloak on cowhide. This evolving artwork responds to OpenField’s theme RE:Place, inviting participants to contribute markings and stories that reflect the cultural and environmental impacts of colonisation.
“Cattle were one of the first major impacts on our lands and people,” Ms Reynolds said. “This cloak helps us reflect on that history while reconnecting with species like dingoes and whales, which are now under threat. Creating art together lets us listen, share, and reconnect with Country in powerful ways.”
On Friday and Saturday, Wandi Wandian artist and environmental activist
Of course men
crochet
too
and these two stole the show
squares, and the occasional crocheted toilet roll cover. “It’s the kind of thing your greatgrandmother would be proud of,” he laughed.
But yarn is just the beginning. John also makes resin jewellery using rose crystals, resin brooches, and even a resin Christmas tree. He decorates the house every year, crochets costumes, and takes his projects on the train, to medical appointments, and anywhere there’s good light.“I’ve had young boys stop and tell me it looks amazing,” he said. “It’s always a conversation starter.”
The couple were special guests at Gerringong Library
and Museum for Worldwide Knit in Public Day, invited to showcase their skills and remind everyone that creativity has no gender.
They brought books, blankets, jewellery and joy, drawing curious onlookers and plenty of admiration.
From personal projects to planned donations for nursing home residents, their craft is as generous as it is joyful. COVID taught us a lot, including how to sit still long enough to discover something new.
For John and Peter, that something was crochet. And they’ve been hooked ever since.
Amethyst Downing will lead Dingo Belonging workshops, where participants can learn about the significant role of this totem species within our biodiversity.
During this workshop there is opportunity to create a dingo pup to carry in Saturday’s art parade through the streets of Berry (beginning at 4pm, Queen Street).
“These animals are a cornerstone species - dingoes keep our biodiversity balanced which sustain all life and are the only Apex land animal of its size.” Downing said.
“Through creative conservation workshops we can share, exchange knowledge and collectively activate the dialogue to decolonize forms of pest control."
A panel discussion on Sunday afternoon (3–4.30pm) at the Berry School of Arts will feature Reynolds, Downing, Dr Jodi Edwards, Lauren Carpenter/Chapman and Dr Lou Netana Glover in conversation about First
Nations heritage, story and art.
The completed Story Cloak will also be shared with the community.
The festival will close at 5pm on Sunday with a special outdoor performance by acclaimed First Nations violinist and vocalist Eric Avery, drawing on his family’s custodial songs and the stories held by the land around Berry.
OpenField is a free, notfor-profit festival supported by local volunteers, artists and community partners. The First Nations program is central to its vision of reconnection, learning and celebration.
“There’s so much strength in sitting together — creating, listening and learning from Country and from each other,” Reynolds added.
“These are the kinds of connections that stay with you. That’s what makes festivals like this matter.”
View the full program and book now at www. openfieldartsfestival.org.au.
28/12/1947 - 30/5/2025
WILSON, JILLIAN DIANE
(NÉE BROWN)
Jill, loving wife of Barry, adored mother of Adam and Craig, cherished mother-in-law of Trish, and belove d grandmother to Lucas and Mae.
Treasured sister/sister-in-law of Margaret and Jimmy, Don and Christie, Katrina and Jeremy. A kind and loving aunt and great-aunt to their children an d grandchildren.
A TRUE AND GENTLE FRIEND TO SO MANY.
Jill was warm, modest and unassuming, her intelligence and curiosity were boundless. She enjoyed an insatiable love of learning.
Farewell dear Jillian. You've left an indelible mark on all our hearts, and we will miss you ... so deeply.
A funeral service was held on Friday
Eric Avery
DJ Charlie Villas
Jayanto Tan
John Mara and Peter Daley: Photo Lynne Strong
morning, June 13, at Uniting Church, Kiama, followed by the burial at Bombo Cemetery.
support local
Classical Kiama Returns: A century of sound for the senses
After a six-month silence, the institution that is the Classical Kiama series is striking up again, with a single, special concert that promises to transport audiences back in time.
Internationally acclaimed violinist Daniel Röhn will take to the stage at the Kiama Anglican Church on Sunday 13 July 2025 at 5pm, joined by renowned Ukrainian pianist Olena Nikulina, in what he describes as a “century concert.”
The recital revives the traditional format of violin and piano performances from 100 years ago, bringing to life an art form that Röhn says has all but disappeared in the modern concert landscape.
“From an early age, I was taught to leave the public wanting more, not less,” Röhn said. “But I’ve heard from many of you - from the Kiama Visitor Centre, the Anglican Church, even personal letters - that what you really want is more music. So, we shall have music again.”
The program promises an irresistible mix of classical gems from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, and others, performed in the intimate and acoustically rich setting of
Man charged over house fire
A man was charged on Wednesday after a suspicious fire in Oak Flats.
Emergency services were called to a house in Fisher Street about 2.30am on 12 February following reports of a fire in the backyard.
The 39-year-old man inside the home managed to extinguish the fire at the rear of the property before he noticed a second fire near the electricity box at the front of the house.
Fire and Rescue responded and extinguished the second blaze. No one was injured.
Following inquiries, a 46-year-old man was arrested during the week at Lake Illawarra Police Station.
He was charged with damage property by fire, use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order and supply prohibited drugs.
This
Shoalhaven River kayakers rescued
A group of kayakers have been rescued following a multi-agency search and rescue operation on the Shoalhaven River.
Six men began downstream kayaking on the river on Saturday, entering the water at Oallen Ford, with plans to arrive at Bungonia State Recreation Area, near the Bee Box Track exit, on Monday.
About 1pm on Monday, a personal locator beacon was activated, near Windellama, after the group failed to reach their pre-positioned vehicles.
Police officers established a command post and personnel from NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, POLAir, Toll Helicopters, SES and NSW Ambulance searched for the missing men.
More than three hours
later they were located at a remote location in a stepsided gorge unable to go up or down river. The location couldn’t be accessed by road.
The Toll Helicopter winched NSW Ambulance critical care paramedics into the location, retrieving four of the men, aged 51-64, and taking them back to the command post.
The men were treated at the command post for minor injuries and exposure.
Due to darkness, two critical care paramedics were winched in, where they camped overnight with the remaining two men.
About 10.50am on Tuesday, the two men, aged 52 and 26, were winched from the river to Windellama. Neither of the men were injured.
The Hume Police District Superintendent Linda Bradbury said this is a timely reminder of the need to carry a personal locator beacon.
“The group of kayakers had necessary equipment to support their trip and had notified friends of their plans. The location they found themselves in was extremely remote and had they not been carrying a personal locator beacon, the outcome could have been devastating, Supt Bradbury said.
“We thank all of the emergency service agencies for their contribution during the search and rescue operation and remind anyone heading out to engage in adventure sports, that they check the conditions, make sure they are wearing suitable clothing and carrying sufficient supplies, check the weather conditions and most importantly carry a personal locator beacon – which in this case, was life-saving.”
Jamberoo Mountain Road back in business after extensive overhaul
Jamberoo Mountain Road has been reopened with Kiama Council wrapping up the repair work on Friday afternoon after completing extensive work.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald thanked the contractor, Ground Stabilisation Systems, as well as Council’s own engineers and work crews for getting the repairs done on time and under budget.
“Capital works of this scale are always notoriously tricky to deliver without delays or additional costs,” Cr McDonald said.
“That’s a credit to everyone involved.
“I also want to thank the people who rely on Jamberoo Mountain Road, especially local residents and businesses, for your continuing patience with the disruptions of recent years.”
The five-week repair program addressed the damage caused by a landslip to about 50 metres of the road just above The Abbey.
Council contractors installed 24 soil nails to underpin the road, with a concrete capping beam, and 40 square meters of shotcrete to the face of the supporting wall.
They were also able to repair two extra minor
slips above and below the main work site. The works crews have also been busy with maintenance and betterment works, cleaning out more than 1000m of stormwater drains, 8km of vegetation maintenance to improve line of sight for motorists, tree trimming to remove hazardous branches, replacing damaged road signs, guard rails and guide posts.
Cr McDonald also thanked the Australian and NSW Governments for funding the repairs under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, NSW Betterment Program, and the Transport for NSW Block Grant Assistance Program.
Kiama Council continues to advocate for Jamberoo Mountain Road to be reclassified from a local (council-managed) road to
one managed by the NSW Government. Changing the classification would reduce the hefty burden on Council’s financial position and Council continues to lobby for this change of management to the relevant Minister in meetings, correspondence and through our advocacy priorities. Night works from 8pm to 4am are still being conducted on Macquarie Pass until 18 July.
the Kiama Anglican Church, which will be comfortably heated for the occasion.
one-off recital marks the relaunch of Classical Kiama and will later tour
other parts of Australia and Röhn’s native Germany. But local audiences will be the very first to experience it. Tickets are available now via TryBooking, with sales
through the Kiama Visitor Centre to be announced soon. Don’t miss this unique chance to reconnect with the magic of classical music, live and local.
PUZZLES
22 Person new and inexperienced in a job (6) 23 Roy or Ginger (6)
Curly hairdo (4)
Eels slip into Kiama to get set for NRLW season
Lleyton Hughes
There was blue and gold everywhere you looked at Chittick Oval when the Parramatta Eels NRLW team trained in Kiama ahead of their season opener on 3 July.
The Eels, managed by Kiama local Kate Parkinson, are set to take on the Cronulla Sharks in the first game of the NRLW season.
They chose Kiama’s pristine, coastal facilities as part of their training camp in preparation for the challenge ahead.
According to Group 7 Operations Manager Ashton Sims, the Eels are just the latest in a growing list of professional teams taking advantage of what the Kiama region has to offer.
“It’s fantastic to see how many different NRLW and NRL teams have trained here over the years,” said Sims.
“In my time, we’ve had the St George Illawarra Dragons, Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Parramatta Eels, and even the Australian
Kangaroos back in 2021.”
“Now we’ve also hosted NRLW teams like the Wests Tigers, the Dragons, and now the Eels.”
Sims said the attraction is simple: Kiama provides a break from city life and the perfect setting for focused, high-quality training.
“The facilities here are fantastic - between the gym at The Sebel, the Kiama Showground, and Chittick Oval right by the ocean, it’s the ideal environment for elite teams,” he said.
A former NRL veteran himself, with over 200 firstgrade games, Sims knows the value of camps like this when it comes to building
team chemistry. “When you're away from home and family, your team becomes that family.
“It’s crucial to build those bonds off the field - that’s what translates to trust and connection on the field,” he said.
“You get to be fully focused on footy. And the proof’s there - Penrith Panthers trained here the past few years, and look at what they’ve achieved.”
The Eels NRLW team is still chasing its first premiership, and they'll be hoping the Panthers left a little of their winning magic behind in Kiama - and that they’ve picked it up just in time.
Big Power boost: Kiama sign VFLW midfielder mid-season
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama Power have snapped up Maddie Edwards, a former VFLW midfielder, to bolster their women’s team for the rest of the season.
Edwards brings top-level experience, having played for Richmond and Williamstown in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition.
“She spent the last two seasons with Williamstown, where she was voted Players’ Player in 2023 and finished runner-up in the Best and Fairest,” said Kiama Power committee member Anthony Grady. “She was also in their leadership group last year and was the inaugural captain of the Coburg Lionswomen's
team when they entered the competition - she’s incredibly credentialed in both talent and leadership.”
Grady said Edwards has already made a strong impression at training.
“She jumped straight invocal from the start, giving direction and sharing tips. It’s like having another coach on the field,” he said.
“Her experience at the elite level and exposure to highquality coaching is something she brings with her, and she’s already passing that on to our younger players.”
Kiama Power’s women’s team has had a mixed start to the season, with three wins and three losses.
Their next match is a rematch against the Bulldogs,
who beat them back in Round 4, and they’ll be looking to turn the tables this time.
Meanwhile, the men’s first-grade team is taking advantage of an extended break following the King’s Birthday long weekend and this week’s bye.
“We lost to the Lions two weeks ago, but for three quarters it was a tight contest,” said Grady.
“We let them kick five goals in the third quarter, and that was the difference. If we’d taken our chances and stayed focused, the result could have easily gone the other way.”
With time to regroup, the team is focusing on building consistency and playing four strong quarters when they return to the field.
Kiama Coastal Classic set to break records
The Elite Energy Kiama Coastal Classic is on track to break its own attendance record, with over 1000 participants set to hit the course next Saturday.
Since its debut in 2016, the event has grown steadily in scale and popularity.
“I’ve worked on and off with Elite Energy for the last 10 years. We launched this event in 2016, and I’ve been part of it from the beginning,” said Elite Energy Events marketing manager Seb Gallery.
“Back then we had just over 500 participants. This year, we’re looking at more than double that - likely over 1000 runners.”
The Kiama Coastal Classic features four distances2km, 5km, 12km, and 21km
- all starting from the Kiama Surf Club and following the region’s spectacular coastal track.
Its growing popularity reflects the national surge in health and fitness culture and the run club boom.
“It’s an incredibly picturesque run, so you don’t have to do much to sell the location,” Gallery said.
“In the past two to three years, we’ve seen a big shift toward health and fitness - especially running. That movement has definitely boosted our numbers this year.”
Beyond the running, Gallery says the event played a valuable role in supporting local community spirit and regional tourism.
“It’s about bringing the
locals together, which we’re always passionate about,” he said.
“But it’s also about attracting people from Sydney and beyond. They come down, stay the night, grab a meal or a drink - and many end up coming back again. We hear that often in our post-event feedback.”
Kiama Coastal Classic is firmly established as one of the most scenic and community-driven runs in the region.
So whether you’re lacing up or cheering from the sidelines, head to Kiama Surf Club on 22 June and be part of this growing coastal tradition. Get more information here: https://raceroster.com/ events/2025/91548/kiamacoastal-classic-2025
Maddie Edwards playing in the VFLW. Photo supplied.
Kiama Red Cross Fun Run raises over $10K
Lleyton Hughes
The eleventh annual Kiama Red Cross Fun
Run raised more than $10,000 last weekend to support vulnerable individuals and families in the local area.
Held on Sunday, 8 June, the weather broke in favour of the event, offering a clear window for the 384 participants who took part in the 5km, 8km, and 21.1km races and fun runs.
“We were so blessed with the weather -
for a better winter day - fresh air and that beautiful Kiama coastline. It really made for a special atmosphere,” she said.
“We’re also lucky to have so many service clubs and community members helping with marshalling. Runners were so appreciative of their encouragement - it really lifted spirits.”
While the focus of the day was on community and charity, O’Brien acknowledged the achievements of the top finishers:
things weren’t looking good the day before or the day after,” said Judi O’Brien, President of Kiama Red Cross.
“People came out in droves. We had 384 entrants, which is up on previous years, and we raised more than $10,000 for the Red Cross. It was an excellent day.” O’Brien said feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the stunning coastal views and the supportive marshals stationed along the course.
“You couldn’t have asked
decade-long tradition.
“It was so popular and raised so much money that we decided to keep it going,” O’Brien said.
“In over 11 years, we’ve raised more than $80,000 just from this event alone.”
She added that the event has grown and evolved in response to community feedback, including the recent introduction of a half marathon (21.1km) for more competitive runners,
21.1km winners:
Male: Scott Fraser
Female: Lucy Holman
8km winners:
Male: Colt Phillips
Female: Mariana Byrne
5km winners:
Male: Rob Little
Female: Emily Crump
The Kiama Red Cross Fun Run began in 2014, originally envisioned as a one-off event to promote healthy living and raise funds. But the success of that first year sparked a now
while maintaining shorter distances for walkers and casual participants.
“We’ve really honed the event to make it something people look forward to every year.”
O’Brien praised the Kiama community for its continued support and said planning is already underway for the twelfth Fun Run in 2026.
Our photographer Brian Scott will have a full spread of Kiama Red Cross Fun Run photos in The Bugle's digital edition next week.
Lleyton Hughes
Findings from a $140,000 PhD research scholarship, funded by the Johnny Warren Football Foundation, have called for stronger support and recognition of grassroots football across Australia.
The foundation was originally established by the NSW Government in 2003 following a proposal by football legend Johnny Warren to then-premier Bob Carr outlined a need to develop a NSW Football Foundation and Academy.
After Johnny’s passing in 2004, his nephew Jamie Warren, who also owns the Jamberoo Pub, took over as Executive Chair and in 2018, the foundation funded a major football research scholarship at the University of Sydney, valued at $140,000.
“The foundation has recently been focused on continuing John's broader legacy,” said Jamie.
“We saw research as a way to contribute to the future of the game, particularly because there’s so little academic work being done on football in Australia.”
The recipient of the scholarship, Dr Donna Denyer, spent six years conducting in-depth research into the relationship between
Johnny Warren Foundation wants more support at grassroots
community football and the broader Australian football landscape. Her findings were released in November 2024.
Dr Denyer’s research aimed to explore how grassroots football contributes to shaping the national network. Her thesis highlighted the need for governing bodies to go beyond a market-driven approach and recognise the social, cultural, and community contributions of local clubs and volunteers.
“The main part of the research is trying to connect grassroots football to the professional game,” said Jamie. “Donna conducted 34 interviews, analysed 91 key documents and 129 media articles, and uncovered key themes including the need for greater engagement between professional and community football, improving access and affordability, and celebrating the sport’s cultural diversity.”
The findings emphasised the need for more flexible formats and inclusive pathways to encourage broader participation - all starting at the base level.
“These are the kinds of things that can and should be strengthened at the grassroots level. They create a ripple effect that benefits the entire football ecosystem,” Jamie said. The
foundation is reviewing Dr Denyer’s findings to decide on next steps. “In many ways, football is in a great place. Participation is strong, especially among girls.
The Matildas are selling out stadiums, which was unheard of a decade ago.
“Since John passed, we’ve seen growth not only in players but in the professionalism of club administrators and coach education. We’re qualifying and performing in the men's and women’s World Cupsthe game is strong.”
Jamie says Johnny’s legacy continues to drive both him and the foundation.
“John was all heart when it came to football. His passion inspires everything we do.”
A quote from Johnny, included in Dr Denyer’s thesis, sums up the spirit of the foundation:
“Football binds people outside the football pitch … Membership to the football family does not depend on ability but rather on devotion and camaraderie … Football people, real football people, will do anything anytime for other football people. That is community at work …”
Jamie expressed gratitude to the local community who’ve supported the Jamberoo-based foundation over the years.
JAMBEROO JUNIOR SUPEROOS VS SHELLHARBOUR
JAMBEROO JUNIOR SUPEROOS UNDER 12 GIRLS
KIAMA RUGBY UNION
RESERVE GRADE - VS VIKINGS
KIAMA RUGBY UNION
FIRST GRADE VS VIKINGS
KIAMA JUNIOR RUGBY UNION
UNDER 16 GIRLS VS LINDFIELD
KIAMA POWER GIRLS UNDER 17 AFL
Brian Scott Photography
Kiama on top after four on the trot Turning the tables:
Kiama Rugby Club’s firstgrade team has surged to the top of the Illawarra District Rugby Union ladder with a commanding 62-10 victory over the University of Wollongong.
The dominant performance marked Kiama’s fourth consecutive win, with the team crossing the line for an impressive 10 tries.
Kiama team member Dante Patrick said he was impressed that the team stayed focused by addressing their mistakes, even in a one-sided match.
“We really made sure
to focus on the negativesturning over the ball, silly mistakes.
“We never got complacent. We’re always striving to be a bit better,” Patrick said.
“Against a different team, those mistakes could have cost us. I think that’s what kept us on the right path throughout the game.”
Patrick also acknowledged the effort of their opponents, praising the team's respect for a University side that’s rebuilding this season.
“They were ready for a game, so we showed the same respect by giving them our best. Everyone’s had their time
as the struggling side, and what you want is to challenge the top teams - that’s how you improve,” Patrick said.
He went on to highlight the standout debut of Zechariah Taufa, who made his firstgrade debut following strong performances in the reserve grade ranks.
“He’s only 18, from a rugby league background, and switched codes this year. He’s been a shining light, ripping it up in second grade and earned his spot on Friday night,” Patrick said. “He didn’t look out of place at all - I think there’s plenty more first-grade footy ahead for him.”
Looking ahead, Kiama will face a major challenge against third-placed Camden, who sit just two points behind them on the ladder.
“Camden are a lot like usunpredictable and dangerous. You’ve got to stay in front of them the whole time to shut them down,” Patrick said.
“We always have a tough battle with them, so we’ve got a big week of prep to try and stay on top.”
Kiama will host Camden at Kiama Showground on Saturday. Get to the game to cheer them on for what will hopefully be a fifth straight win.
Lleyton Hughes