One simple fix could have saved millions
expected to review these plans every five years. The work to prepare a replacement for Jamberoo should have started in late 2022. It did not. Instead, the plans were allowed to lapse without replacement, and contributions were quietly shifted to the fallback Section 7.12 scheme.
Section 7.12 applies a fixed percentage levy based on construction cost. While simpler to administer, it is not linked to local infrastructure need, and it typically delivers lower returns in high-growth areas. In this case, the shift has left the community with far less funding for essential infrastructure and no say in how it should be prioritised.
Cr Warren has asked Council to urgently engage a specialist consultant to prepare a new Section 7.11 Plan and to include the cost of this work in the 2025–26 budget. She has also called for a register to track expiry dates and ensure renewal work begins well in advance.
Preparing a new plan typically takes 12 months and requires review by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. There is an 8 per cent administration allowance built into the contribution framework so Council can recover the cost of preparing the plan.
Under state rules, councils are
Cr Warren has also urged Council to work more closely with developers who understand the planning framework and can help
ensure that Council captures its full entitlements. “We aren’t expected to know everything,” she said.
“Leaning on those with experience is good practice and another way Council can collaborate within the community.”
These actions are not about fixing a technical oversight. They are about rebuilding the systems that ensure our community receives its fair share of infrastructure investment when new homes are built.
The call for reform comes as residents voice frustration over a string of governance failures. The failure to renew contribution plans has already cost the community more than $1 million and contributed to a legal dispute that drained significant Council resources.
Two grants totalling $50,000 for Jamberoo Rural Fire Service were lost due to missed Council signatures
And now, $2.4m in cycleway funding is expected to be returned due to missed deadlines and coordination failures.
Cr Warren’s question points to a larger issue. Council is not losing opportunities because it lacks resources but because it lacks systems. The cost is not just financial. It is a loss of trust, momentum and potential.The solution is clear. Start early. Work together. And make sure no one forgets to renew what matters most.
Councillor
Car fire shines a light on inspirational local crews
Lynne Strong
Arecent car fire near Kiama Public School brought more than just flames. It revealed how deeply community, employers and emergency services are connected in keeping Kiama safe.
When a white Volkswagen caught fire beside Bong Bong Street, Kiama’s Fire and Rescue crew arrived within minutes.The fire station’s proximity proved vital. What many locals may not realise is that this kind of rapid response is only possible because everyday people, and the businesses they work for, make it possible.
Station Commander Rhys Dawson leads a part-time crew. “We all have primary jobs,” he explained. “When the pager goes off, we drop what we are doing and come in to respond.”
In this case, that quick response helped prevent the fire from escalating near one of the busiest parts of town. Car fires are rare on suburban streets. Most happen on the highway.
Dawson said the incident is a reminder that emergencies can occur anywhere, at any time. What sits behind these responses is an important relationship between emergency services and local workplaces.
His team of 20 relies on employers who are willing to be flexible. “A lot of our members can only be available during the week because their employers let them go when needed.Employers often tell us their staff come back with more confidence and better teamwork skills. It builds loyalty and pride.”
With National Volunteers Week around the corner, it is a timely opportunity to recognise the efforts of the businesses, shift managers and co-workers who make space for this service to operate.
It is often weekday availability that is the main challenge, and many employers are filling that gap.
Some members, like Dawson, work in related fields. He is a full-time firefighter for Sydney Trains. Others have flexible jobs or work close to the station.
In Kiama, Fire and Rescue focus on urban fire emergencies. The Rural Fire Service focus on bush fire
and rural emergencies. organisations support each other across all the townships with Kiama LGA.
“We are lucky in this region. Jamberoo and Gerringong RFS brigades are strong and proactive.”
In the incident near the school, two members of the
How a single stroll became a life-saving movement
Lynne Strong
When Mark Burns stepped out for a walk with a few mates in Kiama, he wasn’t launching a movement. He was looking for connection.
“I didn’t plan it,” he said. “I just knew I needed something simple, that didn’t ask too much of anyone, but still gave people a reason to show up.”
That first walk would become The Man Walk — now operating in more than 80 locations across Australia and internationally. Its formula is disarmingly simple: regular walks, no judgment, no pressure. You walk. You talk if you want to.
Behind the easygoing tone is a deep sense of purpose. Mark, a physiotherapist by training, lost his father at 23. His mother later died of gallbladder cancer. “If you’ve experienced grief or mental health struggles, you know how powerful it is to feel supported,” he said.
public also tried to put out the fire before the crew arrived
“When people feel supported, they step up,” Dawson added. Whether it is employers giving staff the flexibility to respond, or locals lending a hand in a crisis, that community commitment makes all the difference.”
“That’s what The Man Walk does. It creates a space where you don’t have to pretend, you’re fine.”
Now full-time CEO of the growing charity, Mark’s approach is practical and people-first. “I’m not interested in being the smartest person in the room.
I want to be surrounded by people who know more than I do, who challenge me, and who care deeply.”
That thinking shaped his board, which includes professionals from tech, planning, media, and corporate leadership. “Whether it’s business or everyday life, you build better things when the people around you complement your strengths,” he said.
Among them is Judy Henderson, a family friend and former policy advisor, who has mentored Mark through each stage of the journey. “She reminds me what matters,” he said. “She helps me keep going with care and purpose.”
And then there’s Glenn “Ernie” Wright, a poet and long-time supporter who delivered a spoken-word tribute at The Man Walk gala that moved the crowd to tears.Mark sees themand many others - as part of what makes the charity strong. “It’s never been about me,” he said. “It’s about the people who walk beside you. Literally and figuratively.”
From a single walk in Kiama to a national movement, Mark is clear about one thing. “You don’t need fanfare,” he said. “You just need to show up and be willing to listen.”
Photo: Vida Carden-Coyne
Josh Anderson, Rhys Dawson, Matt Kelly, Bryce.
Man Walk chair Alex Wade and founder/CEO Mark Burns.
How the Trump effect swayed Gilmore vote
Paul Suttor
Donald Trump is a name not often associated with politics in Kiama but rival Gilmore candidates Fiona Phillips and Andrew Constance are in rare agreement about the US President’s impact having an effect on the result in the federal seat.
Phillips was voted in for a third straight term after the Labor incumbent received a swing of 4.8 per cent on a two-party preferred basis to vanquish Constance.
He then announced he would be stepping away from politics after a lengthy career of more than two decades as a state Liberal member and federal candidate.
Phillips said there was a nationwide backlash against Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who was replaced earlier this week by Sussan Ley after he lost his own seat, and her read on the situation was that his campaign for nuclear energy was a massive turn-off for the voters.
“I think it was a range of things - definitely the Peter Dutton and the nuclear factor was pretty big. We’ve got comprehensive policies around cost of living relief and things that will really help build our communities
like housing. It just became completely obvious that the Coalition didn’t have the policies in place and they were just flip-flopping. From the local angle like a lot of people knew me and they told me they saw me as a hardworking local memberand ther’re things that build up
over time.”
Phillips said the similarities between the Coalition’s campaign to Trump’s divisive tactics in the US backfired on them.“We got all those corflutes dotted around the towns and along the highways that Labor was weak, woke and sending us broke with a
picture of Anthony Albanese.
“I think that whole culture war was just such a turn-off. People rejected it. The amount of people that said the signs were just overkill, I like to think that people can see through that and I think they have.
“When I knock on people’s doors, I ask them are there
any issues you are concerned about and a lot of people said
‘my shares are all plummeting because of Trump’. They were starting to realise that Trump was bad for people locally and they could see a similarity between some of what Dutton was doing in emulating some of Trump’s stuff.”
Constance stood up for Dutton, claiming the public persona was different to the real person.
“Peter Dutton’s a wonderful guy. If you meet him and you spend some time with him, he’s very different to the way he’s been portrayed in the last couple of months,” he said.
“There’s a responsibility that goes with everything together. And no one should feel marginalised in Australia. But I think it’s a combination of things. I’m not going to sit here and just blame the leader.
“It’s a team sport, politics. Everyone forgets that. You’ve got to work together as a team. You’ve got to get the best policies on the table.
“Those policies need to reflect the community and where they’re at. And at the same time, you’ve got to listen to people. We got tarnished with Trump. Australia is not America. Everybody votes here. There’s not a large part of the population that doesn’t vote in Australia. And therefore our politics is different.”
Constance hit out at the Labor for running a “scare campaign” of their own by insinuating that a Coalition government would eradicate Medicare, which he said has never been and would never be one of their policies.
Volunteers at Kiama Uniting Church on election day.
It’s time to keep our politicians honest
Surprising? Anticlimatic? Shocking? Tremendous?
Just some of the words that locals have used to describe the election result for the electorate of Gilmore. After all was said and done, our community along with most of the country sided with Fiona Phillips and Labor.The current count shows a +4.7% swing to Mrs Phillips and Labor, underpinned by a first preference swing of +2.3% - similar to the national results.
Liberal challenger, Andrew Constance saw his first preference margin evaporate on the night with a decrease in his popular vote of more than 7%.
The result in Gilmore in some ways reflected the national mood with the community also shunning the local Greens candidate Debbie Killian. The Greens will lose three out of their four Lower House seats and would have been wiped off the House of Representatives map except for the efforts of Elizabeth Watson-Brown in the seat of Ryan in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
Most of the Greens and Liberal vote in Gilmore seems to have been redirected towards Labor and Berry-based independent Kate Dezarnaulds.
While initially surmising that she had captured 13% of the first-preference vote prior to campaign officially starting, Ms Dezarnaulds was unable to replicate the independent wave that was seen in last year’s Kiama Local Government elections and ended up with just 7.7% of the vote.
Nevertheless, when it comes to Gilmore, the community has largely reject-
ed the Greens’ agenda in favour of a more pragmatic and holistic approach that has been championed by a number of independent candidates. So now the stage is set. We are not scheduled to have another major election until 13 March 2027 which is when the next New South Wales state election will be held.
This means there are around 630 days of “clear air” where policy makers, bureaucrats and politicians can make big and bold decisions, allocate significant investment and genuinely improve the livelihoods of people in our community.
Big road upgrades like the Nowra Bypass, Jervis Bay Road Flyover, and the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass? Yes, we want them, and quickly.The Nowra Riverfront precinct? Sure, why not.Upgrades to the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club? Yes please. And while we are at it, how about some investment into local services and enabling infrastructure that will help deliver housing?
Sewer and water for a start, and perhaps some local road upgrades around our town centres?
In periods of political stability there’s great opportunity to make courageous decisions and enact real change. Equally, there’s a possibility of malaise, more of the same and not much getting done at all.
The Bugle ’s View is that now that the country has delivered Labor a resounding victory and we have quite a long runway till the next possible change in Government – we need to keep all levels of Government, honest and get what our community deserves.
Constance calls out ‘mean’ Libs over policy blunders
Paul Suttor
Andrew Constance believes the Liberal Party failed the women of Australia in their election campaign and believes they need to do some serious soul-searching in the wake of their cruising defeat.
The former NSW Treasurer, who failed in his bid to unseat Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips in Gilmore, has walked away from politics after two unsuccessful tilts at the South Coast federal electorate.
“The Liberal Party is going to have to, I think, work hard to find its heart and soul again. And you can’t live in the past,” he said. “The Liberal Party is a fantastic movement but the strength of the movement is made
up of the policies that count. We have let the women of Australia down, quite frankly. We’ve got a lot of work to do to re-engage the aspirations of young people, and women in particular if you look at the results on Saturday.
“And that stems from everything from leadership to policies, to values. Our party and its history is one of an incredible party supporting the individual. That’s what our founding beliefs are about.”
Constance describes himself as a progressive member of the Liberal Party and is adamant the Coalition should modernise its views on issues like the environment or risk spending multiple terms out of office.
“We’re not an antienvironment party, we should be a pro-environment
party. We’re a party that should be strong on issues to do with community and workforce participation, particularly for women,” he added.
“I think workplace flexibility and working from home and telling the world we’re going to sack 41,000 people and all of these things - it all adds up. To be honest with you, we probably looked a little mean, and that’s got to change.
“I’m not going to be one of these people who will hide in the backdrop and not put my name to what I believe in relation to what went wrong. I’ll just call it how it is if I’m asked about it.”
The party was founded by Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies in the 1940s but some of their thinking is stuck in the past, according
to Constance.“I do think that we have to do some soul searching in the times ahead,” he said.
“Our values and our principles are right. The movement that Menzies founded around supporting the forgotten people of Australia, supporting all walks of life, supporting the individual to be the best that they can be. That’s a given.
“But you’ve got to have modern-day policies which reflect modern Australia. And there are things which need to be immediately taken off the table.
“The community has spoken on the energy transition. They’ve made that crystal clear. So we need to listen to the community.”
He said the Liberals needed to re-establish harmony between their progressive and conservative members.
Andrew Constance at his post-election media conference at Shoalhaven Heads.
James quietly makes a political statement on campaign rubbish
Lynne Strong
Local resident James Prangnell didn’t set out to make a statement. He just didn’t want to see Kiama covered in campaign rubbish.
The morning after the federal election, James spotted a pile of political signs outside Kiama Uniting Church. It was Sunday. He figured there would be a service, and he didn’t want worshippers greeted by plastic and tape. After ten minutes waiting in his car, he got out and cleaned it up himself. Reverend Kath Merrifield later thanked him for his thoughtfulness.
It wasn’t the first time James had stepped in. Years earlier, he posted on Facebook about signs left outside Kiama High School. This time, he expanded his clean-up. He removed signage, untangled cable ties, and collected soaked how-to-vote flyers from public spaces across town.
Some of the corflute signs found a second life. “One of my neighbours has beehives and used them to make varroa mite
traps,” he said. “That felt like a win.” He walked away with a jar of honey and the quiet satisfaction of leaving things better than he found them.
“This isn’t about politics,” he said. “It’s about looking after the place we live in.”
James and his partner Jancy often collect rubbish when they visit the beach. He said he felt disheartened by the angry tone online and hopes people can channel frustration into action.
“I just want people to think.
If you see a mess, maybe help clean it up. You don’t need permission to be kind.”
One Facebook commenter summed it up best: “You’ve done more for the community in one hour than some candidates did all campaign.”
And for those who left Trump of Patriot signs behind, the community has a message.
“Looking at you, Clive. If you can find sixty million dollars to fund a campaign, please find fifteen minutes to clean up after it.
Acai’s the limit for Local Business Awards finalists
Shelby Gilbert
Twenty-five businesses in the Kiama area are celebrating after being named finalists in this year’s Local Business Awards.
The popular awards recognise excellence across many types of businesses in Illawarra and South Coast, from cafes and restaurants to retail shops and service providers.
For many businesses, being a finalist or winner offers recognition within the region.
Many familiar names from Kiama have made the cut. From new enterprises to wellestablished businesses, the list highlights how diverse Kiama’s local scene is.
Local business Acai Fix is
among this year’s finalists.
The popular Acai bar has built a strong following since opening six months ago by Kiama local Amelia Beahan.
“It feels pretty amazing that the Kiama community has just pulled together to support my small business. I think it shows how strong our little community actually is,” she said.
“I’ve put lots of time and effort into building a community presence, and so for them to show up for me and vote me in to become a finalist, it feels pretty amazing.”
For Amelia, community involvement plays a key part in small business success. She has sponsored several local sporting teams, including the Kiama Knights rugby league
club, the Kiama under-14s rep netball side, and teams from Gerringong. “I really like to chat with all of our customers and make sure that they know I’m interested in who they are. They’re not just a customer to me,” said Amelia.
“I like to make their visit really personal, and I think that has helped me build a really strong sense of community.”
For all the local finalists, the awards night brings valuable networking opportunities, where other business owners can meet and learn from each other.“A business can sometimes be lonely and you feel like you’re doing it on your own, but getting to attend these awards nights and come together with other local business owners provides
an opportunity to know that there’s other people out there doing it with you as well,” Amelia said.
Businesses become finalists based on the number of public nominations they receive, and once they are shortlisted they will be judged to determine a winner.
There is a clear set of criteria, including a questionnaire where the business shares details about how it is run and its successes, and its online presence. This ensures a fair approach for businesses of all sizes.
“We also get a secret shopper, so a judge who comes and pretends to be a customer and we serve them our product and they do some judging there,” Amelia said.
One of the most rewarding things for Amelia about running her business is not the awards or success but her staff.
“I have a team of six young women.
“So I think watching the girls really come into themselves and become confident, we’re all under 21,” she said.
“We’re all watching us just pull the business together and see the growth and our hard work really paying off has been one of the most rewarding things.”
Winners will be announced at a presentation evening on 2 July, at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow. The event will bring together business owners, staff and supporters for the night of celebration.
finalists for Local Business Awards: Acai Fix, Belinda Doyle - South Coast Photography, Burnett Trees, Butchers Nook Kiama, Coloured Bubble, Crooked River Estate, Deer Willow, Entwine Glass Designs, Epics Music, Feather & Heart Candle Collective, First National Coast & Country - Kiama, Gerringong Pet Accommodation, HILL to AIR, Jamberoo Valley Meats, Kiama Academy of Early Learning, Kiama Family Before and After School Care, Lucy Rose Flowers, Marketing Movement, Meats and Greet BBQ Kiama, Miss Arda, Native. Kiama, Platinum Solar Designs, The Chronic Creatives, The Collective Beat Gerringong, The Farmer’s Table.
Funding boost helps Bugle give our readers even more
The Bugle newspaper has completed a significant upgrade of its digital delivery systems, thanks to a $59,960 (excl. GST) funding contribution from the NSW Government.
The project, which focused on expanding The Bugle App and upgrading the publication’s website, has strengthened local news delivery for the Kiama region and also, all the other independent newspapers that use the app in Australia and New Zealand.
Enhancements included the development of a premium paywall, the creation of content tools for businesses and community groups, and the redesign and testing of a new business listings and community noticeboard page.The funding was used to cover consultant costs associated with app and website development, as well as a capped allocation for project management and administration.
Manager of The Bugle, Belle Woodfield, said the funding allowed the regional publication to take an important step forward in its digital evolution.“We’re grateful to the NSW Government for recognising the importance of regional media and supporting innovation in how local news is delivered,” she said.
“This investment has allowed us to improve both user experience and the sustainability of our digital offerings.”
In accordance with NSW Government funding requirements, the contribution has been acknowledged gratefully.
The NSW Government logo and funding acknowledgment also appear in connection with all materials associated with the project.
The Bugle continues to serve the Kiama and surrounding communities with locally focused journalism through both print and digital channels.
Kiama
Isabell a living treasure still going strong at 100
We were the Wards of Minnamurra Street - that is how Isabell Collins remembers her family’s place in Kiama’s history - a presence stretching from bush blocks to backyard veggie gardens, from hauling water by bucket to hosting a 100th birthday party in true community style.
Isabell reached her centenary on 8 May, but the surprise celebration came five days early. Family and friends filled the Kiama Leagues Club, while Isabell thought she was just going out for lunch. “I won’t go to heaven now because I lied through my teeth,” said daughter Joanne Lucas, who cancelled appointments and made up stories to pull off the perfect surprise.
Isabell has lived all her life on Minnamurra Street, at the Hothersall Street end, back when it was still farmland. “We were in bush,” she says.
“Lantana and blackberry everywhere.”
There was a spring near where Woolworths now stands, and that’s where the family fetched water in buckets. Her childhood home had no plumbing. Toilet paper was newspaper. Washing was done in an old-fashioned copper, with a tub of starch on the side.
Her parents bought land there, and one by one, family homes were built. Her brother Morris lived at the Pacific Avenue end, formerly Thomson Street, and another brother also settled nearby.
Her family had the vegetable garden, while Morris and Violet kept chickens. “We passed the veggies to them, they passed the eggs to us. That’s how it worked.”
Isabell remembers when almost everything came to your doorstep, including fashion. Travelling salesmen would arrive each month, hauling enormous suitcases filled with dresses, linen and
underclothes. “You’d pick what you wanted, and they’d take the order, then return later with your goods,” she recalls. Other men came with shoes, others with saucepans.
“They carried everything themselves. No trucks. Just sheer strength and sweat.”
Isabell worked at Con Mosckos Café, now the site of the newsagent. She served hot meals until midnight, scrubbed and closed up, then did it all again. “He’d call me in for lunch, or dinner, or breakfast. I loved every minute.”
She and long-time friend Norma Stead raised funds to build two extra tennis courts and a two-storey clubhouse. They held lamington drives and fetes, made dolls to sell, and served food from the show caravan. “You just did whatever needed doing,” Isabell says.
When a tornado struck Kiama 13 years ago, her parents’ home was destroyed, one of three houses lost on
the street. Isabell’s own home, next door, withstood the storm. “That house had stood for a hundred years. Built by hand, cedar boards. Not like the new ones.”
Today, Isabell still paints flowerpots and swims at home.
“If she’s in the pool too long, I’ve got to get in after her,” says Joanne. “But really, we’ll end up burying her with a paint brush in her hand.”
Across the road is a park named Isabell Reserve. It’s a fitting tribute. Kiama has changed.
Lynne Strong
The street has filled. The salesmen have long gone. But Isabell is still here.
Still painting, painting and a part of the town she helped build.
Isabell Collins, in the red jacket, at her reserve.
Isabell and family
With her birthday cake
Picture perfect for Instagram
Lynne Strong
Often when I was overseas, our guide would pause to point out “Instagram opportunities.”
Not heritage sites or places of deep meaning, just spots where everyone stands to take the photo. Sometimes I’d look and silently ask myself, “Why here?” Other times, I got it. Either way, I played along, quietly reflecting on how strange the world had become. Another day, another first world problem.
So you can imagine my mixed feelings now that Gerringong has its own Instagram altar: Tasman Drive. While doing my usual Saturday 10am to 2pm tour of local happenings, I swung by Tasman Drive, now officially crowned by TikTok as the most Instagrammable spot in NSW. And right on cue, I spotted this lovely family just standing there, gazing out at the view.They weren’t
snapping selfies or staging TikToks. Just soaking it in. I asked where they were from. “Sydney,” they said. “We saw this place online and had to see it for ourselves.”
The dad is a journalist for a Nepalese newspaper. So naturally I said, “Well, I’m from the Kiama paper. Mind if I take your photo? We’re both documenting TikTok tourism in action.”
So here we are. One global
family, one local coastline, one very photogenic moment. This once sleepy strip with million dollar ocean views has become a backdrop for thousands of holiday snaps. Tourists call it a hidden gem. Locals just call it “trying to reverse out of my driveway while dodging influencers and kombis.”
Ever since Shruti and Dishant Rawat posted their viral video marvelling at the
“underrated beauty” of this spot, things have escalated. Cars roll in from Sydney like a sunset- chasing parade. Strangers stand in driveways for the panorama of Werri Beach. One bloke reportedly mistook a front garden for a public lookout and set up a drone launch pad between the wheelie bins.
“It’s a beautiful view,” said one long time resident. “But sometimes I look out my
window and see more tripods than lomandra.”
Locals have developed coping strategies. Bin night is now stealthy and swift. Dog walks are re routed to avoid photobombing engagement shoots. And the Gerringong Facebook group keeps a tally of how many driveways have been mistaken for the path to Bali.
Still, not everyone minds. A few residents have embraced their accidental fame. One now offers drone battery top ups and sells lemonade.
Another painted a sign that reads: Yes, we know it’s beautiful. Please don’t climb the retaining wall.
And just quietly, the view is just as good from the grassed headland. No need to balance your tripod on someone’s front path.
Because while some tourist spots ask for ropes, maps and emergency beacons, Tasman Drive just asks for patience, a bit of humour and a very firm grip on your recycling bin.
Probus Club plays key roles in Anzac Day tributes
Gerroa Combined Probus Club recently attended the Gerringong Anzac Day dawn service. Club member Ann Emond kindly made the wreath for the Service at Gerringong. Vice President Roger Berry laid the wreath and one of the Probus members, Denis Langley, played The Last Post.
Hitting the heights in Bolivia is well worth the journey
When I told people I was heading to Bolivia for a holiday, the reactions were mixed.
Some asked, “Is it safe?”
Others recognised it as the home of the world’s largest salt flats. A few even thought it was in Africa rather than South America. But now that I’ve been, let me tell you—Bolivia is one of the most spectacular and diverse countries in the world.Yes, it’s remote for us Australians, and no, it’s not particularly cheap or easy to get to. But it is absolutely worth the effort.
The landscapes alone are mind-blowing. Imagine standing in front of Laguna Colorada, a red lake full of bright pink flamingos, set
against the high-altitude, otherworldly backdrop of the Altiplano. Then, drive just a few hours further and you’ll find yourself at the Salar de Uyuni—the blinding white salt flats that stretch to the horizon.
We visited in April, which is the perfect time to catch the famous mirror effect after the rains. It’s like stepping into another planet. And this is only scratching the surface.
In La Paz, the world’s highest capital city, you’ll be struck by the dramatic sight of the city tucked into a valley with Mt Illimani rising above it. Wander through the Witches’ Market, where you’ll find dried llama foetuses,
herbal remedies, and potions said to bring luck or ward off misfortune. It’s as fascinating as it is confronting.
For the adventurous, there’s Death Road—once known as the most dangerous road in the world. Mountain biking down this steep, narrow track carved into the cliffside is not for the faint-hearted, but the thrill (and views) are unforgettable. We didn’t brave this, but encountered many who did and they certainly got their adrenaline fill!
Then there’s Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, with tiny islands made of reed full of history and spirituality. Isla del Sol in particular feels like a place suspended in time, with
ancient Incan ruins and sweeping views over deep blue water.
Everywhere you go, you’ll see traditional Andean culture—bright woven textiles, women in bowler hats and pleated skirts, and a strong sense of pride in indigenous heritage. And don’t get me
started on the food: hearty stews, fresh trout, and of course, a daily pisco sour or two.
Bolivia isn’t polished or easy. But it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s completely unforgettable. If you’re into colour, nature, culture, and discovering something truly special, then perhaps it’s time to add Bolivia
The Adhikari family
How the stories we tell about dying can change how we live
Lynne Strong
It was a full house at the Lions Club dinner on last week, but the room fell into a thoughtful silence as retired palliative care expert Dr Michael Barbato took the floor.
He brought a presentation that was anything but ordinary. His slides were simple, elegant and powerful, drawing the room into the quiet truths we often avoid. As one attendee remarked, “He could teach a masterclass in how to use slides.”
Introduced by local GP Dr David Grant, Dr Barbato delivered a message that was both confronting and comforting. None of us want to die, but there is a better, kinder way to do it. He began by addressing the silence that
Dr David Grant, Alf Bartolotta, Jim Webb, Dr Michael Barbato and Gerry McInerney.
often surrounds death. “We talk politics and religion,” he said, “but not dying.” It is a reticence he understands but believes our communities must face.
“Telling the truth hurts,” he said, “but deceit hurts even more.”
Among the many stories he shared, one stood out — author Cory Taylor’s reflection that the worst part of dying was not the pain, but the loneliness. In her final book, Dying: A Memoir, Taylor
wrote not of fear or agony but of a disconnection from those around her, who often did not know how to simply be present.
Dr Barbato described how, just 70 years ago, most people died at home, surrounded by family. Today, medicalised death can too easily isolate people at the exact moment they need connection most. That is why the emergence of End-of-Life Doulas, now a formally accredited service, is so important. These doulas advocate for the dying, supporting them and their families in navigating options, emotions and care.
The key, he stressed, is comfort. “When people are in pain, all their energy goes to their body. Only once they are pain-free can they begin to deal with the emotional and
existential reality of dying.”
Then came the heart of his message — End-ofLife Visions and Dreams.
These vivid, often symbolic experiences happen not in delirium, but in clarity. A woman who saw her bags packed and a boat waiting, though no one had told her she was dying. A mother visited in a dream by her own late mother. A man who saw a figure named Trent sitting on a chair by his bedside. A little girl gazing out the window and smiling moments before she passed.
These are not rare, Dr Barbato explained. “They occur in 80 to 100 per cent of dying people.” They often allow for reconciliation and final expressions of love.
But loneliness, he warned, still haunts the dying. Too
Working Group could be best way to solve Jamberoo Preschool saga
When Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters recently called out the state and federal governments for failing Jamberoo families, the director of Jamberoo Community Preschool, Belinda Hibbert, felt seen.
“The Jamberoo community just comes together to support us so much,” she said. “And now it feels like the support is even broader. It’s clear this preschool means a lot to a lot of people.”
Jamberoo Community Preschool is part of Kiama Preschool Incorporated, which has been educating local children for more than 50 years. Generations of families have come through its doors, and now many are returning
as parents.But demand has never been higher. There are around 150 children on the waitlist in Jamberoo alone.
In Kiama, the list is even longer. Belinda estimates there are more than 300 names waiting for a place.
“A lot of families want to come to community preschools. We are not for profit, we have higher staff-tochild ratios, and we are truly part of our local community. People know us. They see us walking up the street.”
Jamberoo Preschool legally requires three educators each day but currently employs six. That means more time for relationship building and school readiness, which Belinda believes is central to their success.
The preschool has been actively searching for a new
site after years of operating on a known floodplain.
A breakthrough came when local developer Fountaindale Group offered to donate a parcel of land in their proposed Golden Valley Stage 2 subdivision. But with that development proposal still to be formally assessed and approved, the offer remains just that, an offer.
Jennifer Macquarie, a representative of Fountaindale Group, said Council has the ability to fast-track the rezoning process if it chooses.
“Once Kiama Council’s housing strategy is adopted we will immediately start to prepare and lodge a rezoning application over the land, and then it will be up to Council and State Government how quickly the assessment progresses.”
She is calling for a working group to be set up between Council, the preschool and the developer to prevent the project from stalling. “What is missing is a coordinated plan and a clear timeline,” she said.
Many grant programs require a matched in-kind contribution. The donated land could meet this condition, but only if its value is formally recognised and documented.
Belinda welcomed the strong advocacy from Cr Matters and said she hopes the preschool’s inclusion in Council’s Delivery and Operational Plan will spark more than just talk.
“This is not just about buildings,” she said. “It’s about giving families the start they deserve, close to home and connected to their community.”
often, visitors arrive with what one patient called coffin eyes, full of sadness and fear. “The job of visitors,” he said, “is simple. Show up. Shut up. Listen. Be the friend you have always been. These people are living, not dying.”
And truth telling? It means giving people space to talk about dying, if and when they are ready. “If they are not speaking of dying,” he said, “they are not in denial. They are handling it the best way they can.” He closed by sharing his own near-death experience at age seven, and the moment he witnessed a dying patient sit bolt upright, arms outstretched, in a vision just minutes before she died. The dying do not need pity or performance. They need presence, permission and peace.
Lions set up for palliative care
At a recent community talk on end-of-life care, Kiama Lions Club member Gerry McInerney made a heartfelt announcement that could ease the burden for local families. The Lions Cancer Care Trust will now cover the full cost of palliative care medications for patients in the Kiama area during a six-month trial
Endurance for a
cause
On 15 November, Kiama Surf Club will host the first Kiama Ultra Challenge, a community fundraiser built on grit, heart and a big dose of local spirit. Organisers Nadia Guillaumier and Alan Swan will tackle an extreme challenge: Nadia will row 100km and Alan will ride 200km on an indoor exercise bike. Their goal is to raise $100,000 for Breast Cancer Network Australia, Amyloidosis Australia, the Leukaemia Foundation and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club. Team entries, sponsorships and raffle prizes are all part of the plan.
Tiny plastics, big problem
A small group of citizen scientists have been surveying microplastics on Kiama beaches since 2019. Now they’re looking for more hands. Join them at Black Beach at 8am on Friday 23 May to see how the national AUSMAP project works.
Felt Into Nature returns to Kiama
The Illawarra Feltmakers will host their popular Felt into Nature Exhibition and Sale at Kiama Masonic Hall on 7-8 June, from 9am to 4pm. Entry is free. Visitors can enjoy handmade felt items, watch live demos, and browse supplies. With hands-on activities and a raffle, it’s a warm celebration of creativity and community.
Open day lights up community spirit
Kiama Fire and Rescue opened the station to the public with trucks, sausage sandwiches and safety demonstrations. A highlight was a dramatic kitchen fire simulation showing how to deal with an oil fire in a saucepan. The event also promoted their free services, including home fire safety checks and smoke alarm support for vulnerable residents.
Tourism leaders gather
The 2025 Visitor Economy Symposium was held in Kiama on Wednesday, drawing tourism operators, media and industry leaders from across the region. The event explored AI, workforce challenges and international market opportunities.
Biggest Morning Tea with a big heart
Join the team at the Kiama Visitor Information Centre for the Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday 22 May from 10am to 1pm. Staff and volunteers will bake a delicious range of sweet and savoury treats, including gluten and dairy free options, to raise money for the Cancer Council. Every dollar raised will go toward cancer research, prevention, support services and advocacy. Details and donation link at kiama.com.au.
Eurovision postcards from Basel
Local volunteer John Stott is currently in Switzerland and will be contributing to The Bugle’s Postcards to Home series. Reporting from Eurovision 2024 in Basel, John blends civic reflection with just the right amount of sparkle. His travel diary offers a uniquely Kiama take on one of the world’s most colourful events, proof that you can take the man out of Kiama, but never Kiama out of the man.
Lynne Strong
Jennifer Macquarie and Belinda Hibbert
Jamberoo Preschool operating in a flood prone environment
Pawspective
Can you help Biggie find his new forever home?
After nearly three years in animal shelters and foster homes Biggie deserves a loving family to call his own for the rest of his days.
After being found on the streets as a stray and not claimed, Biggie was very close to the worst fate ever for dogs in shelters.
Best Friends For Ever Illawarra heard about Biggie and stepped in to save him and he has been in their care along with his foster family since.Named after the late American rapper known as Biggie Smalls, he is a sevenyear-old Staffy cross.
He is super friendly and perfect with children of all ages. Biggie is house trained and has impeccable
manners, learns very quickly and has no issue being home alone while his foster dads are at work. He loves cuddles and playing with all his toys - Biggie hasn’t been introduced to any cats so it is unknown if he would be suitable in a home with feline occupants. He has been in a home as the only dog while in foster care but he does like interacting with other dogs on his walks.
Can you give Biggie his forever home? Best Friends Forever Illawarra does a fantastic job looking after and rehoming dogs like Biggie that find themselves homeless.
Unfortunately they have lost their facility at Yellow Rock and are now on the lookout for a new venue where they can continue their great work in helping homeless animals.
If you are interested or would like more information on adopting Biggie or think you can help or have any ideas on locating a new headquarters, contact Tay from Best Friends Forever Illawarra on 0431026455.
Tractors, tools and trophies:
From mechanic to cattle judge for Kate
Lynne Strong
There is no such thing as an ordinary day for Kate Bourke.
One moment she might be repairing a tractor on Jamie Hamilton’s dairy farm, the next she could be leading a prize heifer into the Sydney Royal Easter Show ring.
Somewhere in between, she is raising calves, fine-tuning her cattle judging skills, and quietly building a future many young farmers only dream about.
Kate’s journey into agriculture did not begin on the farm. It started in her father’s four-wheel drive workshop, where she completed a full mechanical apprenticeship before stepping onto the land.
“I always wanted to work in agriculture. That was the end goal,” Kate said. “But I wanted mechanical knowledge first, so I left school after Year 10 to
get the theory and hands on skills training needed.”
It was a move that now sets her apart. When something breaks down on the farm, Kate can fix it. Her mechanical know-how has made her an indispensable part of Jamie Hamilton’s team, where she handles the tractor work and machinery maintenance, while her colleague Ebony Wilson focuses on milking the cows.
But it is not just about what happens behind the scenes. Kate is also making her mark centre stage.
Earlier this year, she came runner-up in the Sydney Royal Easter Show dairy cattle judging competition, an achievement that reflects her dedication to understanding livestock and presenting them at their best. It is a far cry from the early days, when she admits she was daunted by public speaking and unsure of her place in the industry.
“I used to be really quiet. But participating in show competitions helped me so much. It taught me to project my voice, to back myself,” she said. When she is not working on the dairy or showing cattle, Kate is competing in horse riding events across the South Coast.
From barrel racing and campdrafting to team penning and stock horse classes, her weekends are packed with adrenaline and horsemanship.
A proud member of her local pony club, Kate has been riding since the age of 12 and now competes at shows and rodeos in places like Milton, Moruya, Braidwood and Goulburn. For her, riding is more than a hobby, it is another way of living the agricultural lifestyle she loves.
Kate’s approach to farming is practical, hard-working, and quietly ambitious. She sees agriculture as a long-term
career, one built over decades rather than years.
Like many young farmers, she dreams of leasing or managing a farm one day, but recognises the rising cost of land will make that path a tough one.
“There is a lot of money in genetics, in tractor work, in farming,” Kate said. “You have got to work your way up.”
She sees her involvement in showing cattle, riding horses and competing in farmers’ challenges as the perfect work-life balance, blending passion with purpose.
“It is a lifestyle. You do it because you love it,” she said.
With her mix of mechanical skill, stock sense, and steely determination, Kate is redefining what it means to build a future on the land - one tractor, one show ring, and one quiet triumph at a time.
It’s harder to get into the Leagues Club than it is to vote
Lynne Strong
Kiama MP Gareth Ward has expressed frustration after a bill aimed at strengthening voter integrity was voted down in NSW Parliament, despite support from the Coalition and several independents.
Ward’s Electoral Amendment (Voter ID and Electronic Mark-Off) Bill proposed two key reforms: requiring some form of ID to vote and replacing paper rolls with electronic markoff systems. He said both measures are long overdue.
“East Timor has stronger voter integrity laws than we do.
Can i come home with you?
Beautiful staffy cross bull terrier needs a new home. Sounds like scooby doo. She’s fun and playful and has the most beautiful, loyal and loving nature. She loves being active and needs some space to roam. Desexed, fully vaxxed and microchipped. Very loved 2 and a half year old and it is heartbreaking I cannot have her anymore due to our family having to move overseas. Please reach out to: mermaidtalesmedia@gmail. com or contact The Bugle for details
When you vote there, you dip your finger in ink. Here, we still rely on people crossing your name off a bit of paper,” Ward said.
According to the NSW Electoral Commission, over 3,000 people voted more than once in the last state election. With tighter margins in many electorates, Ward argues that these figures are significant.
The bill would have introduced ID requirements such as a driver’s licence, Medicare card, pension card or student card. For voters without ID, a statutory declaration option would remain in place, preserving access for all.
Despite this, Labor and the Greens opposed the bill, arguing it could disadvantage vulnerable people, including those who are homeless or Aboriginal, who may struggle to provide identification.
“During COVID, I asked how we could efficiently communicate with people in social housing. The answer was that 90 per cent have smartphones. If you’ve got a smartphone, you can get electronic ID,” he said. He believes the opposition has more to do with politics than principle.
“Labor and the Greens think they have something to gain by keeping the system weak. It
is shameful they voted against basic voter protections,” Ward said. The bill had support from the Liberals, Nationals and crossbench MPs but fell short of the numbers needed to pass.
Ward pointed out the irony that stricter identification measures exist for entering a social venue than for voting.
“At the Leagues Club, you insert your driver’s licence into a scanner. It reads and records your personal data, and then prints out a slip that allows you to enter the club. Yet you can walk into a polling booth and vote without showing any ID. That’s a gap we should be closing,” he said..
Dr John Salmon is pleased to announce that he is practicing full time in Kiama.
Offering
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice
Stephanie Little Illawarra pet photography
Photos: Kaylee Spowart Photography, Fiona Hanks
Kayley Spowart Photography
Fiona Hanks Photography
What’s On?
Upcoming events in Landcare Kiama
Coastal Community Planting program.
Sunday 18 May | Minnamurra
Saturday 24 May | Werri
Beach
Saturday 31 May | Little Blowhole, Kiama
Tickets are on humanitix.
Contact Meredith Hall on 0499 027 770.
Jenny Maliphant & Jane Briscoe exhibition
15 May to 21 May, 10am-4pm
Old Kiama Fire Station
“The 2 of Us” is an exhibition featuring a collection of paintings that explore seascapes, cityscapes, Australian flora, still life, and landscapes.
Cellissimo concert
Sunday 18 May, 2pm-3:30pm Gerringong Town Hall
Volunteer Expo
Wednesday 21 May, 2pm-4pm
The Kiama Farmers Market, Coronation Park
Celebrate Volunteer Week at Kiama Council’s Volunteer Expo.
Orry-Kelly movie night
22 May, 6:30pm-9:30pm Joyce Wheatley Community Centre
Secure your tickets, $20pp at ‘trybooking.com’ Shellharbour Kiama Camera Club exhibition
22 May to 28 May, 10am-4pm Old Kiama Fire Station
An exhibition of original photographic works produced by members of Kiama Shellharbour Camera Club. Jambero RFS and The Fukers
Saturday 24 May, 7pm-11pm Jamberoo School of Arts. Get tickets ‘humanitix.com’ Kiama Parkinson’s Support Group seminar
Tuesday 27 May
Kiama Leagues Club
Get tickets at ‘humanitix.com’
The Secret life of Kiama’s native bees
27 May, 5:30pm-6:30pm Kiama Library
Join native bee enthusiast
Alison Mellor for a free talk on the secret lives of Kiama’s wild native bees. Booking essential, register online or call 02 4233 1133.
Echinoderms in Watercolour Kiama Library
Tuesday 27 May, 10am-12pm Suitable for beginners, all materials provided. Adults 15+, $20 per person.
Lunch & Learn
28 May, 12pm-2pm The Kiama Pavilion Kiama & Shoalhaven
Shellharbour City Arts Society exhibition
29 May to 04 June, 10am-4pm Old Kiama Fire Station
Worldwide Knit in Public Exhibition
30 May to 12 June, from 1pm Gerringong Library & Museum
Celebrate the opening of the WKiP Exhibition by Robyn Sharp and Perrie Croshaw.
Join them on Saturday 7 June for a ‘Knit-In’ from 9:30am3pm. No need to book. For more information contact 0424641663
Kiama Record Fair
31 May and 1 June, 10am-4pm
Masonic Hall
New & used vinyl, vintage clothing, & more!
Shoalhaven
Entertainment Centre: 1984
Tuesday 3 June, 8pm-10pm
Strap in for an electrifying take on the George Orwell classic – from the multi-award-winning creative minds at Shake & Stir. Book now at ‘shoalhavenentertainment.
com.au’
Winter Wine Festival
7 June to 8 June, 11am-10pm
Crooked River Estate
The festival returns over the June long weekend with two days of live music, local wine, and great food.
Distilled
7 June to 8 June
The Co-Op Gerringong
This intimate venue will come alive with a solid line-up of exceptional local musicians and local Distilleries. Get tickets online at thecoopgerringong.com
Kiama Red Cross fun run/walk
Sunday 8 June
Kiama Coastal Walk 21.1km or 8km or 5km. details: ‘kiama.com.au/ events/kiama-fun-run’.
Susannah Hardy in conversation with Lisa Darcy
Tuesday 10 June, 6pm to 7pm
Kiama Library
OpenField Arts Festival
13 June to 15 June
Berry, NSW
Mosaic Art Classes
Turkish Lamp Workshop
Saturday 14 June, sessions at 10am, 2pm, and 6pm
Kiama Bowling Club
Bookings range from $99$149.
Revvies Kiama
Coastal Classic
Sunday 22 June
The running festival has four race distances; 2km, 5km, 12km and the main event, the 21km Revvies Kiama Coastal Classic. Register online.
Entries close for Country Press NSW Short Story Competition
4 July
Pick up entry forms from The Bugle offices.
Kiama Vintage Fair
Sunday 6 July
Masonic Hall, 46 Collins St, 9am-3pm
Come along to find vintage treasure, collectables, mid century, retro, memorabilia, vinyl, and so much more!
Orry-Kelly Dressing
Hollywood Gala
Saturday, 26th July 2025, 6pm
The Sebel, Kiama
The gala will honour the legendary costume designer’s exceptional career and achievements, celebrating his legacy right here in his hometown of Kiama.
Folk by the Sea
12 September to 14 September
Kiama Showground Pavilion
Early Bird ticket is available on the website
‘folkbythesea.com.au’
Camera Club in focus at Fire Station
Lleyton Hughes
Members from the Kiama-Shellharbour Camera Club will be exhibiting their work at the Old Fire Station next Thursday - and for Kevin O’Gorman, it marks a personal milestone.
O’Gorman, a retired teacher and librarian, joined the Kiama-Shellharbour Camera Club as just something to do in retirement and after six years it has grown into something much more.“I retired roughly seven years ago from work and then a year later I ran into some friends who were involved with the club, knowing that I had done photography in the past, they
said I should try it out,” he says. “Initially I thought it was just going to be another hobby in retirement but after six years of enjoying it so much, I’ve actually enrolled to do formal training at TAFE this year because I realised I wanted to go further.”
His work will be featured in the exhibition which runs from 22-28 and it’ll be the second time his work has been featured as a part of the club’s group exhibitions.
“I was very hesitant to put work into the exhibitions, even though I’ve been with the club for many years. But last year, I took some photographs, mostly portraits, and entered them. And one of mine was
the first one to sell,” he says.
“It sort of affirmed that I was doing the right thing and I think that’s one of the reasons the club is important because it gives you an avenue and the confidence to put your work out there.”
His growth as an artist in the one year since that first exhibition can be seen clearly in the more experimental work he has chosen to submit for this one. “I’ve got one that’s more of a creative composite as well as two macro shots and one that’s an actual travel panorama that I did when we were in New Zealand,” he says.
“And that’s one of the big benefits of being in the club, we do various shoots. We
do a lot of landscape as well as street photography, event photography. We go to places like Cockatoo Island and White Bay Power Station, places that have some interesting architecture.
“We’ve just recently had a presentation by a photographic artist who does imaginary composite photos using photographic elements that she combines into very imaginary pictures. It’s really eye opening.”
Also joining Kevin at the exhibition will be KiamaShellharbour Camera Club members Geraldine Lefoe and Flavio Spedalieri as well as President of the Club Linda Fury.
Craft and community knitting together at library
Lynne Strong
From exquisite knitting and quilting to heartfelt giving, the upcoming exhibition at Gerringong Library is more than a display. It is a thank you, a tribute, and a warm embrace for the community.
Launching at 1pm on Friday 30 May, the exhibition brings together a rare collection of handcrafted work from three remarkable sources: the celebrated Wrap with Love knitters, the talented members of Kiama Quilters, and, for the first time, a complete display of textile artist Brian McCarthy’s latest plantdyed, hand-spun, hand-knit project pieces. The event is free and open to all and will run for ten days (closed Sundays and Mondays) until 1pm on Thursday 12 June.
“The exhibition is a gift to the community,” organiser Boni Maywald said. “It is a way to say thank you for the support we have received, and to show the beautiful craft made by incredible people right here in our region.”
The display will fill the Gerringong Library and Museum Exhibition space, located in the restored
School of Arts building, with intricate quilts, fine embroidery, artistic wall hangings and richly coloured handmade wraps.
While none of the pieces will be for sale, the spirit of giving is at the heart of the event.
Visitors are invited to bring along handmade items such as beanies, scarves or blankets to donate to local charities. Collection boxes, labelled for each organisation, will be placed in the exhibition space.
“We just want to help warm people through winter and remind them that someone cares,” Boni said “No payment, no strings, just kindness.”
The official launch will be co-hosted by local artist Robin Sharp and crafter/ journalist Perrie Croshaw and will feature a visit from 50 guests travelling from Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts.
They will spend the day touring heritage School of Arts buildings along the South Coast, including Coledale, Gerringong and Berry, before returning to Sydney.
Members of Kiama Council have been invited, along with local residents and visitors, to experience this joyful and generous celebration of creativity.
“Seeing these beautiful pieces together for the first time is a rare opportunity. It is a moment of beauty and belonging, and everyone is welcome.”
One of Kevin O'Gorman's entries in the 2025 exhibition.
One of Linda Fury's competition entries of Bombo Quarry.
Boni Maywald and Peter Maywald
Volunteering helps plants and people thrive
Lynne Strong
When most teenagers are sleeping in or glued to a screen, Ethan is planting trees, clearing weeds, and helping protect native flora in and around Kiama.
At just 13, Ethan is one of Landcare’s youngest and most dedicated volunteers. His commitment is clear in every seedling he plants and every working bee he attends.
Ethan’s passion for horticulture began with bonsai trees, inspired by his nan. That early spark has now grown into a dream to study horticulture at TAFE and one day work in agriculture, especially regenerative farming.“I was walking one day with Mum when we saw a council worker planting here at Bombo Headland,” he explains.
“That’s what got us started. We initially connected with Trevor Gollan from Friends of Killalea as well as Simon Williams through the Landcare Illawarra Facebook page.”
Since then, Ethan has become a regular face at
Landcare Illawarra walks, workshops and working bees across Killalea and Minnamurra and is set to begin volunteering at Bombo Headland as well.
He’s not in it for community service hours or school credit. He’s there because it matters.
“You are helping the animals and their habitat,” he says. “You’re stopping plant and animal species from going extinct. It’s super rewarding for me.”
At school Ethan is focusing on science and maths,
knowing it will help him get closer to his dream career.
And while he hasn’t yet visited a regenerative farm, he’s determined to get there and is open to introductions.
His mum is by his side at every working bee. She’s not from a conservation background, but Ethan’s passion has rubbed off on her too.Landcare Illawarra
Coordinator Meredith Hall says “Ethan is a delight. He is focused and works hard at the working bees, is curious and asks thoughtful questions
about plants. He is constantly learning, and we hope his volunteer work helps him define the career he wants”.
In National Volunteers Week, Ethan’s story is a reminder that anyone can make a difference. His message to other young people is simple: “Just give it a go. You might find it’s the most rewarding thing you do.”
Landcare Illawarra will be at the Kiama Volunteers Expo at Kiama Farmers Market on 21 May.
Golden Guitar winner in Folk By The Sea
Kiama’s annual folk festival, Folk By The Sea, has secured an impressive headliner for this year’s event, with multiple Golden Guitar winner Darren Coggan set to perform at the festival in September.
Coggan will take centre stage in a blockbuster Saturday show at the festival, which will be held at Kiama Showground Pavilion on September 1214.
Festival Director Neil McCann expressed his enthusiasm about securing such a prominent singer.
“We’re so excited to have Darren Coggan perform at Folk By The Sea,” he said.
“He really is a consummate entertainer and he has such a vast volume of work to showcase.”
Coggan has earned multiple Golden Guitar awards at Tamworth’s Country Music Festival with a large catalogue of original songs. He has performed his critically-
acclaimed Peace Train, a portrait of Cat Stevens, on some of the world’s grandest stages, from the Sydney Opera House to Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall in Scotland and Liverpool Philharmonic in England. He also hosts the lifestyle TV program Sydney Weekender on Seven.
Coggan joins a lineup of 40 acts from around Australia at Folk By The Sea, including Americana/bluegrass duo The Weeping Willows, Indi-folk band Hand Over Hammer,Triple j Unearthed-winning folk rock duo Ally Row from Victoria, and Indigenous singer and storyteller Jessie Lloyd.
Kiama will be well represented with Neil’s own band The Water Runners, Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Kiama Pipe Band and the Kiama Sea Shanty crew.
Early Bird ticket and volunteering information is available on the festival website.
Ethan and his mother Kelly
Darren Coggan
Jessie Lloyd
Female football is on the rise with Kiama joining national festivities
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama Junior Football Club joined the nationwide celebration of Female Football Week in style last week with eight of its 12 female teams playing at home on Saturday.
Female Football Week pays tribute to the growth of women’s football at every level and recognises the vital role women play in developing the game on and off the field.
Kiama JFC honoured its 12 all-girl teams, featuring 168 players and more than 60 female coaches, managers and volunteers.
“We had eight teams playing at home on the Saturday,”
says Kiama JFC’s female football advocate Ben Morgan.
“There was a great atmosphere - we had a giant inflatable football jumping castle, a photo booth, giveaways, and face painting in club colours. It felt like a really special day.”
Morgan said the club had enjoyed a huge increase in female participation, especially in recent years - a shift he credited in part to the Matildas’ success.
“I’ve coached my daughter’s team since they were under-6s - they’re under-10s now,” he said. “Five years ago, Football South Coast didn’t offer a girls’ under-7s comp. We had to move up an age group just to play with other girls.
That same age group now has around 30 teams. It’s unreal.”
Morgan said he wanted to continue building on that momentum by creating inclusive and positive spaces that help girls feel confident and motivated to stay in the sport. “There’s still a big imbalance between boys and girls in football. We need to keep raising awareness and encouraging girls to get involved.
“Some girls thrive in mixed teams, but others can feel intimidated or go quiet when playing against boys. Having all-girls teams gives them a space to come out of their shell and really enjoy the game.”
Football Week is a celebration of all women in football, including referees, coaches, administrators and volunteers.
“Last year was the first time we really celebrated Female Football Week in a big way,” he added. “We want to keep building on that. It’s also about recognising the women working behind the scenes - the volunteers, committee members, and coaches - who help make it all possible.”
As Kiama JFC continues to champion girls’ football, events like Female Football Week play a vital role in building momentum and creating a welcoming environment for the next generation.
Local quartet help power South Coast to rep victories
Lleyton Hughes
Four Kiama Power AFL players represented the South Coast last weekend, helping the men’s and women’s teams claim victories over their Hunter Central Coast counterparts.
Three women - Dakota Mason, Teneale Keene, and Maddison Aitkin - along with Lachlan Kirk from the men’s side, were selected for the AFL South Coast teams, a strong sign of the club’s growing strength in 2025.
“Last year, we didn’t have any players selected, so it was great to see some of our own back in the mix,” said Power committee member Anthony Grady.
“All the girls played solidly over the weekend, and they came away with a win.
@Dakota scored a great goal, and everyone got through
the game unscathed and ready to go again this week, which is fantastic.”
Both teams won convincingly with the women earning a 44-23 triumph and the men dominating to run
out comfortable winners to the tune of 106-84 .
“Lachlan has been away the past two years, and was put straight back into the South Coast side his first year back and he kicked a great
goal as well,” said Grady. The club is proud of its players for representing Kiama and the South Coast on a bigger stage, building on momentum from the Power’s first-grade team, which notched its first win
Get to the beach to see South Coast
Cup
Lleyton Hughes
Jones Beach Boardriders
Club is set to host the first South Coast Cup next Saturday, bringing together boardriders clubs from South Sydney to the Victorian border to compete for pride - and a $4500 prize pool.
The tournament will be held at Jones Beach, Bombo, or Surf Beach, depending on conditions on the day. JBB member Geoff Latimar says the club hopes the unique event becomes a permanent fixture on the local surfing calendar.
“We wanted to give clubs south of Sydney more opportunities to train and compete within our region,” says Latimar.
“That not only supports those clubs but also helps our local surfers develop their skills through quality competition.”
The vision is to make the South Coast Cup more than just a surf comp - it’s a community celebration.
“We’re planning a full day of surfing followed by a presentation, live music, and entertainment to round out the event,” says Latimar.
So far, 12 clubs have entered, each fielding a team of six top surfers: an under-20 boy, under-20 girl, open woman, two open men, and an over-40 competitor.
“Each surfer will compete within a 50-minute heat, and the best wave from each team member will be combined to form the team’s total score,” Latimar says. The winning team will be crowned the best boardriders club south of Sydney and get the honour of taking home the inaugural South Coast Cup title.
of the season the previous weekend over premiers Wollongong Bulldogs.
“It was a really good win and gave the boys a lot of confidence,” said Grady.
“We came out firing in the first quarter - kicked five goals to one. We didn’t maintain that intensity for the rest of the match, so it ended up being a tight finish. We won by less than a goal. In the past, those are the types of games we might have lost when the pressure was on. It was especially satisfying considering it was against the Bulldogs, who’ve beaten us by over 100 points the last two or three seasons.”
All three Kiama Power grades - firsts, reserves, and women’s - will travel south to Bomaderry this Saturday to take on the Tigers as they look to extend their recent run of success.
Among the big names who are expected to compete are former world junior champions Dean Bowen and Jarvis Earle, big wave surfer Dylan Longbottom, Oceanna Rogers - who just qualified for the Challenger Series - and Alice Hodgson, the current national under-18 girls leader.
Spectators are encouraged to come down and enjoy the action in what should be a high-level competition.
Latimar recommends following Jones Beach Boardriders on Facebook and Instagram for location updates and event announcements.
“If people follow us on Instagram or Facebook, they’ll get all the updates.
“We’d love to see the community come down, enjoy a sausage sizzle, support the surfers, and stick around for the live music and festival.”
Female
Teneale, Maddi and Dakota after their win for AFL South Coast. Photo: Anthony Grady
Girls celebrating Female Football Week at Kiama Sporting Complex. Photos: Ben Morgan
GIRLS RUGBY LEAGUE
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Sacked Dragon makes surprise Kiama comeback
Lleyton Hughes
Former St George Illawarra Dragons NRL player Talatau Amone made a surprise return to the footy field last weekend at Kiama Showground.
He suited up for Kiama Rugby Club in their stunning 33–27 win over Shoalhavenending their opponents’ incredible 43-game unbeaten streak.
The 23-year-old played 54 NRL games for the Dragons
before being stood down by the league for 12 months in 2023 following his involvement in a hammer attack in Warrawong in 2022.
While Amone has been training with Kiama for several weeks, he made his official debut in one of the biggest games of the year - a grand final rematch against Shoalhaven, who had not lost a match in over 1000 days and had claimed the last three Illawarra District Rugby Union titles, including last year’s final
against Kiama.
“He was good friends with some of the boys in the team, and they told him to come down and have a run,” said Kiama Rugby Club president Mark Redding.
“He didn’t play last week, but this week he played great against Shoalhaven - and that really helped us out.”
Redding said it was the support of the playing group that helped the club welcome Amone with confidence.
“Some of our blokes knew
their backing, so that was fine by us,” he said. “We know our fellas, and if they’re willing to support him, we’re happy to do the same. He’s fit in really well, gotten involved, and has been great for us.”
Amone played fullback in the win and was given three points in the IDRU Player of the Year Award. Kiama put together a strong defensive performance - an area they had been focusing on throughout the pre-season after last year’s 36–5 grand final defeat to the
Kiama player Dante Patrick, who scored a try in the match, admitted there were nerves heading into the game.
“It was a different type of nerves from last year’s grand final,” Patrick said. “It was a mix of nerves and excitement because we had nothing to lose - but we really wanted to come home with the win.”
Kiama started strong, holding Shoalhaven to just a twopoint lead at halftime before the match turned into a second-half shootout.
“We scored first in the second half, then they scored - it
was back and forth,” Patrick said. “It was a bit unexpected since both teams are known for their defence.” Patrick said there were still areas for improvement.
“It’s definitely a morale booster for the club - to know we’re not one-hit wonders, that we’re actually contenders at the top,” he said. “But at the same time, we pride ourselves on our defence, and conceding 27 points wasn’t good enough.”
Kiama will look to build on their momentum when they face Uni next Saturday.
Amone in his Kiama Rugby debut. Photo Paul Davidson
Former NRL player Junior Amone starred in Kiama’s victory over Shoalhaven. Photo Paul Davidson