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THE BUGLE NEWS

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18 September - 24 September

Welcome to The Bugle Well, hello. To quote Adele, it’s meeeee. My name’s Maria Lewis, I’m a best-selling author, filmmaker, and – if you’ve been reading The Bugle for the past few months – you’ll recognise me as one of the newspaper’s reporters and now – big gulp – editor. I started as a cadet journalist at my local newspaper when I was 16, straight out of high school, and after 21 years in journalism I can’t say I ever saw myself stepping into an editor role. Truthfully, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the leadership and guidance of our previous editor, Babe Supreme, Amy Molloy. But also, a whole army of female mentors throughout my career, from weathered journos to groundbreaking editors like Cath Webber, who have shown rather than told me why journalism matters and especially why community journalism matters. The Bugle is an independently owned newspaper and in 2026, I cannot tell you how rare that is. During COVID, major publishers used the pandemic as an excuse to shut down hundreds of regional and rural mastheads across the country that were doing boots on the ground reporting critical to areas like ours. The stories that happen outside of cities matter, which is why we want to make sure our pages are filled with yarns that reflect the whole community rather than just a vocal minority. It’s a newspaper for you, by you, so if you have a story that you think The Bugle should know about: call us, email us, write in or paddle up to me in the line-up at Werri to share it. Since - like half The Bugle office - I’m a Kiwi and it is Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week), feels right to sign off with a lil’ language and a lil’ culture. Kia ū ki te pai, kia whai hua ai (hold on to what is good and good will follow). M xx @maria___lewis

Off the rails: Safety measures target teen train-surfers Kiama residents have raised concerns about what they describe as “increasingly brazen” antisocial behaviour by groups of young people – both locals and teenagers travelling to the area from Nowra and Bomaderry – including graffiti, vandalism and “malicious damage”. But residents say graffiti is only the tip of the iceberg. The train line between Minnamurra and Kiama stations has reportedly become a hotspot for dangerous behaviour. The Bugle has received reports of teenagers interfering with train signals, reportedly causing trains to stop and giving them enough time to cross the tracks and graffiti neighbouring fences. Minnamurra Station has also reportedly become a popular spot for young “train-surfers” to ride on the outside of trains – potentially life-threatening behaviour that Transport for NSW has been working to address across the state. Sydney Trains is aware of reports of dangerous behaviour in the rail corridor between

Former Minnamurra Public School assistant principal found not guilty

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A former Minnamurra Public School assistant principal has been found not guilty of multiple child sexual offences after appearing in Campbelltown District Court. Neil Morrison, 69, pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 under his authority and an additional count of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child aged between 10 and 14. As The Bugle previously reported, during the trial prosecutor Tony McCarthy detailed some of the allegations in his opening address, with the assaults alleged to have occurred when

Minnamurra and Kiama and continues to work with NSW Police to investigate incidents and deter offending. “Breaking into train crew cabins and buffer riding is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous,” said a spokesperson for Transport for NSW. “We remind offenders that these acts are simply not worth risking your life or putting our transport workers and innocent members of the public at risk. “Recent incidents in the Sydney Trains metropolitan area resulting in significant and lifelong injuries to young persons are deeply concerning. The impact of such injuries includes individuals, their families and responders.” Sydney Trains has stepped up its efforts to target buffer riding by installing external engineering solutions across the Tangara train fleet. The solution covers the tread plate at both ends of the train, making it more difficult for people to buffer ride. Sydney Trains has also increased security efforts, including deploying On Train Security Officers, locking off trailing carriages and working with schools and the Police Transport Command to educate

Morrison – who formally retired in 2016 but still fulfilled contracts at various schools after that date – was a Year 3 teacher. A 10-year-old female student alleged that she was repeatedly assaulted in a class storeroom, then again a year later during an overnight school camp while fellow students slept nearby. Further details were alleged during the trial, which The Bugle is choosing not to publish due to their sensitive nature. The student is said to have informed a family friend about what happened to her around 2020, with the matter then investigated by the Wollongong Child Abuse Squad over several years. Following his arrest, Morrison was banned from being in the company of anyone under the age of 18,

students about the dangers of trespassing, entering crew cabs and other unsafe behaviour around the rail network. Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney is taking proactive steps to address what residents have described as “growing teenage crime in Kiama”. This includes advocating for CCTV upgrades in areas where young people are known to gather and supporting funding for teenfocused nighttime culture. Kiama Councillor Yasmin Tatrai is also calling for an increased police presence in Kiama. “Waiting until a child, train driver, passenger or member of the public is seriously injured is not an acceptable strategy,” Cr Tatrai said. “A visible, properly resourced police presence would help deter offending, protect our community and demonstrate that repeated vandalism and dangerous behaviour will not be ignored.” Anyone who sees dangerous acts taking place is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, use station help points or notify train staff. The Bugle will continue to cover this emerging story.

ordered to hand over his passport and prohibited from going within 500 metres of an international departure point. The NSW Department of Education also suspended him from working for the organisation. Judge Philip Stewart, who presided over the case, found Morrison not guilty of all three charges. Judge Stewart said there were inconsistencies and contradictions in the complainant’s evidence that raised issues of reliability, meaning he could not be satisfied of Morrison’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge also said evidence prepared by the complainant highlighted “memory issues”, as well as substantial and subtle changes from the original statement. The case also highlights the

complexities that can arise when children and young people are required to give evidence about events alleged to have occurred years earlier. The Judicial Commission of NSW says children and young people can face particular difficulties in the adversarial court system, whether appearing as witnesses or alleged offenders, largely because of a mismatch between their developmental and linguistic capacity and the adult-oriented court environment. For those who may need assistance, the following services are available: Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Lifeline: 13 11 14 National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service: 1800 211 028

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THE BUGLE NEWS

NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

18 September - 24 September

Credit : Kiama Council

“You can’t hang back just because you’re black”:

Councillor Stan Jarrett’s empowering politics Maria Lewis

t was one of the closest council races in recent memory, but after three recounts and a margin of just 202 votes, Councillor Stan Jarrett isn’t wasting any time after taking the win. Officially sworn in as Kiama’s latest councillor on Tuesday night at Kiama Municipal Council’s Ordinary Meeting, Councillor Jarrett had less than a week to get settled in his new role. “We’ve just been so busy, I haven’t even had time to celebrate yet,” he told The Bugle. Yet he was already thinking about the impact his recent election could have on the local Indigenous population who might have been looking for a way into local politics and can now see a clear pathway. “The legacy I would like to leave would probably be that of a role model and encouraging Aboriginal people to get involved in the three tiers of government,” he told The Bugle. “I’ll certainly be doing some talks to our youth as well to try

and inspire them and embed that local, state and federal politics is open to everyone in this country. “You can’t hang back, just because you’re black. “You can do anything in this country, we’re a free peoples now … “I just hope to have some positive influence and compliment what’s happening here and look for solutions.” A Gumbayngirr, Punthamarra, Dunghutti, Jerrinja and Gurrang Gurrang man with strong bloodline connections to the South Coast, Cr Jarrett grew up playing rugby league locally. Having worked in the public service for nearly four decades, he said that after coming from humble beginnings it’s hard to believe he’s officially in politics despite it having always been an ambition. “We’ve come from a time when I was born we weren’t counted on the census,” he said. “In Queensland, I was actually under the Flora, Fauna and Aboriginals Act – I was part of the flora and fauna, you know?

“We couldn’t vote. We weren’t classified as citizens in this country. It wasn’t until ’67 with the referendum and then in ’68 when that was changed. “I didn’t run on the black card, I ran on the community card. “My Aboriginal community are part of the community, we’re a micro community within the big community, and I’m looking at the whole.” After longtime councillor Mike Cains stepped down in June, his resignation triggered a by-election. The cost became a contentious issue for the already financially stretched Kiama Council, with councillors expressing frustration over the expense. “I’m extremely disappointed that we have to go to the expense of $200,000,” said then Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters during council’s regular meeting on June 17. Yet the close race and impressive voter turnout proved it was all worth it to Cr Jarrett, with the Kiama community engaged in the debates, discussions and discourse over the course of the campaign.

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“What it showed me was whilst a small percentage had a bit of a whinge about the cost of the by-election, for everybody that voted and showed up, there are people still willing to uphold the principles around a democracy,” he said. “It was really good to see everybody coming out and voting, rather than just being angry about politics and not voting or not having a say.” One of the highlights, he said, was the “amicable” competition between himself and fellow candidate, Michael Bowden, owner of popular business Cin Cin and a prominent community figure. Locals who got used to seeing the two men’s faces together in the pages of The Bugle or on the campaign trail will be pleased to learn it’s not the last they’ll see of the pair working together. “I didn’t know Michael before this, but with just the two of us in the race there was no animosity,” he said, adding that they’re both “friendly people anyway”. “Michael actually called me a n d congratulated me

as well. “I got to chat to him properly and we’re still talking about some initiatives in the community that he’d like to get up and I really agree on.” The win itself came as a surprise for Cr Jarrett, who said he still hasn’t had a chance to celebrate yet because the role has “already been so busy”. “I got most of my support from Gerringong and Gerroa, the Toolijooa farmers, Rose Valley and Broughton Village where they really got behind me. “They put me in front early and I knew it was gonna be a close one or I’d lose. I was hoping to win, of course, but I didn’t think I would. “I turned off on Tuesday by the time it went to the third recount and thought I’m just not going to worry or stress about it. “If the universal forces want me to do it, then I’ll be doing it and if not, well, I have to accept what it is. “But I got up by a narrow margin, which was a very pleasant surprise at six o’clock on Friday when I was still in front.”

With a mammoth threehour first council session, there’s no easy transition into the role with the upcoming New South Wales State Election in March applying additional pressure and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party proving a serious threat to Premier Chris Minns current Labor government according to recent polling data. “One of the things I’m passionate about is harmonious communities and cultural exchange is very important,” said Cr Jarrett. “And you’ve got people like the Hansons coming out saying Aboriginal people are primitive and have never achieved anything in this country. It’s just crazy speaking. “Come over to Kiama, have a look and see what I’ve just done. “I know it comes from ignorance, because I know she doesn’t even look at things that happen in communities around Australia. “She looks at things through a different lens than a lot of us, most of us.”

THE BUGLE NEWS

NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

18 September - 24 September

Kiama, meet your (not so) new Mayor … And your brand new Deputy! Maria Lewis

aving first been voted in as Mayor via unanimous vote by councillors in October, 2024, it was a much closer call for the still current Mayor McDonald during Kiama Municipal Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday night. Three councillors declared their nominations, with Councillor Melinda Lawton and Councillor Matt Brown also in the race alongside Mayor McDonald. Per the guidelines, with more than three nominees it went to what can be best described as ‘sudden death’ format, with the ordinary ballot first seeing Cr Lawton drop out with the least amount of votes. Then it was down to just two, with Mayor McDonald ultimately winning over Cr Brown in a narrow victory of five votes to four. Returning to the role of Mayor, he will now serve in the position for the next two years until September, 2028. “Thank you, thank you for those watching at home,” he said, stepping up to the microphone to accept the

position. “Councillors, thank you so much for your support over the past two years. It has been a huge honour to be Mayor. “I look forward to continue serving the community alongside you as the Mayor and also as one of nine councillors who are doing their best by this community. “I do note that there were two other candidates. I congratulate Cr Lawton and Cr Brown for putting their names forward for the Mayoral position. “I’ve had the opportunity to speak to many councillors over the past week and I have been provided with feedback in regards to council and my performance over the past two years. “I fully accept there are areas I can improve and I look forward to continuing that journey alongside you. “I genuinely thank you for your support. I do note that it was 5 – 4, so I’m going to work hard to ensure that everyone in this council has the ability to do their best by the community and to speak up and be heard.” Mayor McDonald said that although he’s looking forward to serving his second term, he

does acknowledge there are some serious challenges for Kiama Council ahead. “We’ve got a really solid two years underneath this Performance Improvement Order (PIO),” he said. “And I think that the nine people around this room allied with the administrative staff at council, who are a fantastic group of people, it has been a privilege to get to know them over the last two years. “Supported by the community, there is nothing we can’t achieve.” The role of Deputy Mayor did see a changing face, however, with Cr Lawton undeterred by losing the Mayoral race and putting her hat in the ring for the Deputy Mayor role as well. Councillor Stuart Larkins also nominated and was ultimately victorious, winning with a majority of five votes to three and marking another historic first. "I'm excited to take on this leadership position,” said Cr Larkins, who’s midway through his second term. “I thank my Councillor colleagues for their support as well as Councillor Matters for her time in the role. “I'm looking forward to bringing kindness as well as

Congratulations to Deputy Mayor Stuart Larkins

Revenue improvement a must-have for Council

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Interment Right Holder Please Contact Kiama Municipal Council Kiama Municipal Council is seeking to contact the registered Interment Right Holder for the following burial site: Cemetery: Jamberoo Cemetery Inscription on Headstone: Alwyn Jones Plot/Section: Row E Plot 36 Church of England Section Date of Passing: 21/5/94 Interment Right Holder: Unknown If you are the Interment Right Holder, or believe you may have a legal interest in this interment right, please contact Donna Flanagan by 16 Oct 2026. Contact: Donna Flanagan Manager Property and Commercial Kiama Municipal Council

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brave decision making to the leadership position over the next two years.” A Wodi-Wodi and Yuin man, in 2021 he became the first Aboriginal person ever elected to Kiama Council and now going forward serving as Deputy Mayor, it’s an exciting and historic time for diverse members of the Kiama community. The Ordinary Meeting began with Uncle Stan Jarrett being officially sworn in as the newest councillor following his tight victory in the recent by-election. He becomes only the second ever Aboriginal member of Kiama Council alongside Cr Larkins. Mayor McDonald took time following the confirmation of the new Deputy Mayor to thank the previous role holder Cr Matters, calling her “a rock” and thanking her for “her friendship”. “I’ve had to rely on your support innumerable times,” he said. “I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and I know that the community thanks you for the two years you’ve spent giving over your time as Deputy Mayor.”

t’s my pleasure to be bringing this Mayor’s update to you after having the honour of being reelected on Tuesday night for another two years. I am extremely proud to be serving the people of Kiama and I’m determined to do my very best to ensure we keep putting our best foot forward for the community. It would be remiss of me not to thank Melissa Matters for her two years of dedicated and energetic service as Deputy Mayor and I’d also like to congratulate Stuart Larkins on being elected to the role. He’s a passionate advocate for our community and I’ve lost count of the number of committees he’s on while going above and beyond for our area. It was a busy meeting on Tuesday night with Councillor Stan Jarrett also being sworn in. He received a bit of a baptism of fire with such a busy agenda and I’m certain he will bring a fresh

voice to our Council and make a positive contribution over the next two years. There has been plenty of talk in the community about several of the items on the Council’s agenda, particularly surrounding our Draft Revenue Improvement Strategy. We’ve been transparent about the financial issues facing Council and the need to complete the directions of the varied Performance Improvement Order issued to us by the NSW Government on 30 June. One of the first items on our State Governmentimposed to-do list was to come up with a new revenue strategy within 60 days and Council staff have diligently gone about that task and presented various options for Councillors and the community to consider. We voted to approve the Strategy at Tuesday’s meeting to kick-start the conversation with local residents about their preferences for revenuegenerating opportunities so that we can establish a clear direction in the coming years. Earlier this year when we were going through our draft budget process, the people of Kiama told us loud and clear that they did not want to see reductions in areas such

as our community, youth, library and leisure centre services. That means we need to explore ways to raise revenue and the report that has been put forward includes a range of options, not just the possibility of a Special Rate Variation, which is well down the list when it comes to my preferred way of increasing our annual income. Council is also floating the possibility of paid parking for non-residents, investigating whether our fees and charges need to be adjusted, and what options are available regarding our catalyst sites such as the old retirement home site at Havilah Place and property optimisation, which was recommended in the separate Strategic Asset Review document. Financial sustainability is an issue which is affecting the local government sector across the country but Kiama needs to be more proactive than most of our counterparts due to the PIO, which needs to be wrapped up by the 2027-28 financial year. No decisions have been made yet and we are looking forward to hearing from the community through our online engagement portals or in person at upcoming community pop-up events.

THE BUGLE NEWS

NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

18 September - 24 September

Owners left with “feeling of betrayal” after council’s sales freeze continued Maria Lewis

ermanent site holders in the local area have once again been left in limbo as they wait for news about what is happening to Kiama Council’s holiday parks. And for owners at Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park, the situation is even more dire with the freeze on van sales extended due to “unforeseen circumstances” in a letter that went out on Monday, September 14. Chris Challen and Steven Miller have owned a site at the holiday park for over a decade, splitting the cost between their two families, and had several buyers lined up when Kiama Council first announced the stop-sell on June 18. “It just keeps getting worse and worse and now you can’t get out,” Challen said, with Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park currently the only council park with a freeze on sales. “We had three buyers lined up, then it all when cold when we had to tell them we couldn’t sell – and wouldn’t know when we could sell to them or why – until council gave us an

update. “That was four months ago. “Now we’re all trapped paying rates that keep getting increased every year, on a van that we can’t sell, in a time when the economy is tougher than ever.” Kiama Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday offered some development, with the holiday parks matter first discussed in a confidential session closed to members of the public and media. In April of this year, Council had initially voted to approve a motion to “further consider” an offer made by Reflections Holidays - who runs 40 parks in coastal and inland areas across NSW – with a spokesperson confirming they received three additional “unsolicited proposals to operate, manage or take over the leases of the five holiday parks”. “During this process it became evident that for the four holiday parks on Crown Lands, no pathway to granting a lease was available to Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper due to the sites currently being claimed under the Aboriginal Land Rights

Act and lying within the boundaries of the South Coast People’s registered Native Title claim,” Kiama Council said in a statement released online Thursday, September 17. Council has then had to cease the EOI/tender process, with CEO Jane Frawley informing the other providers. “Minister Kamper informed Council that its only option is to consider negotiating directly with companies who are already tier-one Crown Lands operators, one of those is Reflections Holidays,” the Council statement said. Ms Frawley added: “Absolutely no decision has been made, no agreements have been entered into, we are simply holding discussions to explore the benefits, drawbacks, risks and opportunities that a partnership could present.” However, the continuing “in good faith” negotiations have provided little comfort for site holders across council’s holiday parks desperate for a concrete answer. And for Clancy Gibbs, a single mother of three and permanent site owner Seven

For Kiama, that continuity has value. Council remains under pressure to demonstrate financial sustainability, manage assets and infrastructure responsibly, navigate planning and growth questions, and meet high community expectations without treating every challenge as an invitation to political conflict. The council’s own agenda has long been shaped by the need for financial discipline and improvement in its longterm position. McDonald came to the role with a business focused: he is a partner at Culleton Lawyers and a former

Continuity with Change

iama’s mayoral ballot this week was not a formality. Cameron McDonald has retained the mayoralty by the narrowest of margins, winning the support of five councillors to four – a markedly different result from his first election to the role less than two years ago. When Cr McDonald first became Mayor in October 2024, he was elected unopposed. As a first-term councillor, he was the only nominee for the position and took the mayoralty with the unanimous support of those present. This time,

the contest was real, the division was visible and the result was decided by a single vote. An unopposed election can reflect confidence, goodwill or simply a newly formed council still finding its feet. A 5–4 result, by contrast, reveals a chamber where councillors have formed clearer views about leadership, priorities and the direction of the organisation. It is not a mandate for complacency. But neither is it a rejection of the Mayor’s record. It is, ultimately, a vote to continue with it.

Mile, there has been “no compassion, understanding or consideration for personal circumstances” four months after the initial freeze on sales was put in place. “We have received minimal communication,” she told The Bugle. “The last update we had stated ‘unforeseen circumstances’, but they still have no idea what is happening and they’re still charging us full rates. “How does that make sense?” Gibbs said she had been in the process of selling her site months before the freeze and had been waiting for “delayed communication” from Kiama Council when news about the stop-sell was first sent out. “The biggest impact for me personally is the feeling of betrayal, lies and deceit,” she said. “No one would get back to me and there was a lack of honest communication around the changes they were clearly about to put in place. “They made my situation more difficult than it already was having to fund three

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children on my own.” In their online statement, Council said they are “awaiting the completion of the masterplan for Seven Mile Beach”. “Permanent site owners were informed earlier this week that there had been a slight delay in the masterplan process and they will be updated again after the process is complete.” However, for many the delays aren’t good enough with Challen having to change his mortgage repayments from fortnightly to monthly in order to keep up with Kiama Council’s growing fees. As previously reported, rates for permanent site holders at the holiday parks in the Kiama LGA had increased by more than 10 per cent from the previous year – well above the recommended 3 per cent increase in line with CPI and significantly higher than permanent sites in Shoalhaven and Shellharbour LGAs that sat around 4.1 and 6 per cent respectively. “They’re operating without a license, how is that legal?” Challen asked.

president of the Kiama Chamber of Commerce. In his initial remarks as Mayor, he identified financial sustainability as a central goal. That emphasis should remain at the core of his first term. The arrival of Stuart Larkins in the deputy mayoralty position and Stan Jarrett as Kiama’s newest councillor changes the council’s make-up further. Jarrett enters after winning the recent by-election by 202 votes over Michael Bowden, securing 6,877 votes to Bowden’s 6,675. Their challenge, along with that of every councillor, is to make the close mayoral result productive rather than paralysing. It could be

easy for easy for the rest of this term of Council to be marred with in-fighting, undermining and a genuine will to get nothing done. A business-minded council should not be mistaken for a council interested only in balance sheets. Kiama’s natural environment, coastal identity, public spaces, heritage and community life are not optional extras; they are fundamental local assets. But protecting them requires a council capable of making hard choices, setting priorities and being honest about what projects cost to deliver and maintain. The lesson from this week’s vote is therefore straightforward. McDonald

“But they can keep charging us rates, while preventing us from selling … they should one hundred per cent freeze the rates like they have frozen sales. “They’re spending our money as taxpayers to do nothing and give us no information. “They’re supposed to be for the people.” A spokesperson from Kiama Council told The Bugle that “rates have been set for the 2026-27 financial year. These will be reviewed as part of the budget process for ’27-28.” Of the five holiday parks operated by Council, only two - Kiama Harbour Cabins & Surf Beach Holiday Park – are currently licensed, while the others - including Seven Mile Beach Holiday Parks, where the sales freeze is currently in place - have been unlicensed since 2020. A council spokesperson previously confirmed with The Bugle that license applications were formally lodged in 2020, with results still pending. For an extended version of this article, visit The Bugle app. has retained the mayoralty, but there is clear disquiet in the council chamber. Our community now expects continuity in the fundamentals – prudent management, a focus on financial sustainability and attention to practical delivery. But the closeness of the vote should also sharpen council’s sense of accountability. A 5–4 result is not a licence for division. It is an opportunity for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors to prove that a closely balanced chamber can still govern with maturity, commercial discipline and the town’s long-term interests firmly in view.

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SOUTH COAST FAMILY’S FIGHT FOR DOG SAFETY

Myah Garza

hen Naomi Benson started learning about dog behaviour, she never imagined it would become part of her life. Certainly not after what happened to her 17-yearold stepdaughter, Annalyse Blyton. Annalyse, known affectionately as Leasy, died following a dog attack in the Hunter Valley in 2025. In the months since, her family launched Pink for Leasy, a campaign calling for better education, responsible ownership, accountability and changes aimed at preventing future attacks. The more Naomi – who is based on the South Coast – and her family have learned, the more complicated the conversation has become. “We never thought in a million years that we would, especially after what happened with Leasy, be looking into and educating ourselves further on dogs because it's just hard,” Naomi says. “But it also gives us a lot more respect for them. “At the end of the day, we see this as a human issue. We've created this.”

Pink for Leasy is not an antidog campaign. Naomi says that would be entirely at odds with the girl at its centre. “She absolutely loved animals,” she says. Annalyse had grown up around Labradors, cats and other animals. Her love of them is one of the reasons her family is determined to understand the issue rather than reduce it to fear or blame. “She wouldn't have wanted it any other way.” At the campaign's first community stalls, including at Nowra Bunnings – where Leasy’s father is an employee – and the Culburra Beach Markets, Pink for Leasy began taking that learning directly to the public. The family used an activity encouraging people to think about their dogs, their characteristics and what they were originally bred to do. “That’s what our aim is with the community stalls,” Naomi says. “To get people thinking a bit more about the dog they're bringing into their home, or the dog they may have not yet brought into their home.” Naomi admits she had not always considered education part of dog ownership. “A few years back, we wanted a dog,” she says. “So within the same day, we were

Annalyse and Harry

able to make the decision that we wanted a dog, we got the dog and that was in our home forever.” “It was definitely my responsibility to go out and get the education,” she says. “But you're kind of brought up thinking you don't need to because you've never had to.” Pink for Leasy wants to make that information easier to access, encouraging prospective owners to look beyond appearance or popularity before bringing a dog into their lives. Its broader message is that prevention begins long before an attack through education, responsible ownership, recognising warning signs and taking concerns seriously. At the markets, Naomi also found many people had their own stories. “Every single person I spoke to at the markets, even at the Bunnings event, someone knew who had had an incident or someone personally had had an incident,” she says. Then came the question: “Did you report it?” For many, the answer was no. Dog incidents often happen within communities where people know one another, and reporting a neighbour's dog can have uncomfortable

consequences. “We've had some horror stories of people who have reported and it's been dealt with really badly,” Naomi says. “One lady reached out – who will remain anonymous. Her information was actually given over and she was harassed horrendously until she moved.” The experience has helped Naomi understand why people can be reluctant to report dangerous encounters, but it also raises a question for the campaign: how much is going unrecorded? “The statistics we have access to can only tell us about the incidents that make it into the system,” Pink for Leasy says. For Naomi, containment is one of the most basic elements of responsible ownership. “When you see the repeated same dog happening each week, that's when we see that as the start of where things can become dangerous,” she says. Pink for Leasy hopes to take its conversations into schools and communities, with education around dog behaviour, warning signs, responsible ownership and safe interactions. The group is also seeking partnerships with educators, veterinarians,

THE BUGLE NEWS

18 September - 24 September

Pink for Leasy with Fiona Phillips, Culburra Markets

trainers, behaviourists and community organisations, while advocating for stronger enforcement and greater accountability around irresponsible and unethical breeding. “This is not a quick fix,” Naomi says. The campaign is now partnering with Dog Force Australia on a community dog safety and education workshop planned for November, with a short survey helping shape the event. However, before the community stalls and advocacy, there was Annalyse. She was 17 and in Year 11. She was shy and cautious, Naomi says. “She was a little bit scared of everything.” That began to change after she met her partner, Harry. Naomi watched Annalyse come out of her shell and take on things that once would have seemed completely out of character. She started riding motorbikes — a far cry from the girl who had refused to go on waterslides during a family holiday. “Anything that could potentially harm her was a big no-no,” Naomi says. “To see the other side of her since she met Harry was really, really lovely to see.”

The last time Naomi saw Annalyse was at her auntie Joyce's wedding. Annalyse wore a lilac-purple dress that had belonged to her grandmother. In April, when Annalyse would have turned 18, the family gathered at a place she had visited with Harry. They placed roses into the water and wrote letters to her on dissolvable paper. “It was really powerful to see how many people had been affected by this one incident, all in the same place,” Naomi says. Now, every conversation, community stall, survey and meeting is part of an effort to make sure Annalyse's life means something beyond the circumstances of her death. For Naomi, that means remembering the girl who loved animals, found a new confidence with Harry and would have turned 18 this year. “She was just such a gentle, beautiful soul.” More information or donations: pinkforleasyinc.com/ pages/our-mission Follow the campaign through Facebook: .facebook. com/p/Pink-forLeasy-61560713876524/

THE BUGLE NEWS

BUSINESS www.thebuglenews.com.au

18 September - 24 September 2026

KIAMA DOWNS MUM LAUNCHES CUSTOMIZABLE CAPZ FOR KIDS

Emily Crisp

holiday, a skateboard and a child decorating his hat have inspired Kiama Downs mum Bridget Seymour to launch a new range of customisable caps for children. CapCapz is the creation of the mother of three, who has stepped into the world of product design after working in banking for 16 years. Originally from the United Kingdom, Bridget has lived in Australia for 20 years and came up with the idea while watching one of her sons add small accessories to the side of his hat. “I was like, ‘Oh, you want to personalise that?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, that’s pretty cool,’” she said. “I thought, wouldn’t it be great if we could develop some sort of hat that children could personalise?” Around 20 minutes later, the idea for CapCapz had been born. The caps feature Velcro panels with space for six interchangeable patches, allowing children to change the characters and designs displayed on their hats. Each starter bundle includes a cap and six blind bags containing one surprise patch each, with children able to collect more

or swap them with friends. Bridget describes the concept as “Crocs for your head”, combining something children need to wear for sun protection with the fun and individuality of choosing their own accessories. “They probably don’t want to look like everyone else, but they still don’t want to look completely different to everyone else, and it just gives you that edge,” she said. “They have that autonomy over how it looks.” Although the idea arrived quickly, developing it into a business took considerably longer. With no previous product design experience, Bridget began experimenting with pieces of paper pinned to different hats before working with a manufacturer to create a prototype. The process of refining the cap, deciding where the logo should sit and developing the first collection took several months. “There’s a lot of stuff in the market where it’s like, ‘You can set up a business in a week.’ You can’t,” she said. “It was probably three months of going backwards and forwards trying to get the perfect prototype.” Her sons were enlisted as the first product testers and were asked to attach and remove the Velcro patches 100

times to make sure they could withstand the realities of being worn by active children. “That’s what it’s going to have to go through to make sure it’s rigorous enough to put up with what kids need to do, whether it be at school, a skate park, surfing down the beach or throwing it in the sand,” she said. Friends and their children have also tested the caps, helping Bridget gauge which designs appeal to young customers. Some families were deliberately given only one cap to see whether siblings would ask for their own. “They are asking for one desperately,” she said. “That’s a great sign that there’s already some demand created.” CapCapz has launched with 10 patch designs, with new collections expected four times a year. Each release will feature between 10 and 15 designs, while future plans include a permanent range of patches that can be purchased individually. An alphabet collection is also planned for early next year, giving children the option to add their initials to their caps. Cap Capz can be purchased online at www.capcapz.com or through Instagram at @ cap.capz, with free delivery available to local customers.

Kiama takes silver at national tourism awards

iama has been named Australia’s secondbest Top Tourism Town, taking home the silver medal at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra on Tuesday morning, September 15. It marks the third consecutive year Kiama has been recognised as a national finalist, after securing its third New South Wales Top Tourism Town title earlier this year. Representing NSW at the national awards, Kiama was up against regional destinations including Kununurra in Western Australia, Stanthorpe in Queensland, Tanunda in South Australia, Devonport in Tasmania and Echuca in Victoria. Stanthorpe ultimately came away with the gold and was named the 2026 Australian Top Tourism Town at an awards breakfast at Parliament House.

Mayor Cameron McDonald said the silver medal was still a significant achievement for Kiama and something to be hugely proud of. “Even though we didn’t take home the national award, this is still a proud moment for our community to finish runner-up and return home with the silver medal,” he said. “While many visitors might come for the famous Blowhole, they quickly discover there is so much more to Kiama. “Our coastline, villages, food, events, local businesses and welcoming community all play a part in creating memorable experiences.” Kiama’s national submission showcased the town’s ocean pools, coastal walks, village cafés, boutique accommodation, local events and seaside lifestyle. The judging process included public voting, consumer reviews and

assessment by tourism industry experts. Kiama will also be inducted into the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame next year following its trio of NSW Top Tourism Town wins. Councillor Matt Brown, chair of Kiama Council’s Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee, said the national recognition reflected the work of local tourism operators, businesses, volunteers and the wider community. “Quality tourism doesn't happen by accident,” he said. “It comes from passionate operators, local businesses and good leadership, as well as volunteers and community members all contributing to something bigger.” Kiama has now finished in the top two nationally for three consecutive years, continuing its run as one of the country’s leading regional tourism destinations.

THE BUGLE NEWS

BUSINESS www.thebuglenews.com.au

18 September - 24 September 2026

Kiama businesses shine at Illawarra Business Awards

From dumplings to

bubble tea

Kiama couple start a new chapter with U-Tea

or many small business owners, Friday night’s IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards were about more than trophies and titles – they were also a rare excuse to step away from the business, dress up and enjoy a night out. More than 600 people gathered at University Hall at the University of Wollongong on Friday, September 11, for one of the region’s biggest nights on the business calendar. For business owners who spend much of their lives consumed by customers, staffing, accounts, deadlines and the everyday demands of

keeping a business running, occasions like this can be few and far between. The gala gave attendees a chance to leave the workplace behind, take to the dance floor, reconnect with familiar faces and meet businesspeople from across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Kiama had plenty to celebrate, with a strong contingent progressing to the regional awards after success at the Kiama Business Awards – an initiative of Kiama Business Network and Kiama Council. Local finalists included Jes Cochrane from Marketing Movement for Outstanding

Employee; Teresa Vi Nguyen from Specsavers Kiama for Outstanding Young Business Leader; Gulcin Topel from Saltwater Kiama for Outstanding Business Leader; Marketing Movement for Employer of Choice; The Sea & Beau for Outstanding New Business; Bee Inspired for Excellence in Micro Business; Cin Cin Wine Bar for Excellence in Small Business; Kells Kiama Sevens for Outstanding Community Organisation; Kiama Business Network for Outstanding Local Chamber; and The Collective Beat for Outstanding Visitor Experience.

Myah Garza

fter eight years of running Kiama Dumpling Shop, Wendy Qu and her husband Tom Yu are taking a different approach with their new Terralong Street venture. No strangers to hospitality, the couple has worked some of the longest hours in Kiama’s food scene. During busy periods, they could work up to 100 hours a week, often finishing around 2am or 3am in preparation for the next day. “We are always the last one to finish the job on the street,” Wendy laughed. Eventually, the long hours caught up with them. Following issues with her bones and joints, Wendy and her husband decided to sell off their dumpling business. Wendy stopped working there almost two years ago, while Tom stayed on for another eight months before the couple finally took a break. Then, on a holiday back to China, Wendy discovered something she had previously paid little attention to: bubble tea. Her best friend bought her a few drinks and insisted she try them. “I was like, ‘Oh really? It’s just like a sweet water for me,’” Wendy recalled. But after the first taste, her opinion changed quickly. “I just wouldn’t stop drinking them. I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s so good!’”

Her newfound bubble tea love sparked the idea that maybe Kiama could use a bubble tea shop of its own. That idea has now manifested into U-Tea, which opened September 8 on Terralong Street. The name’s inspiration came from Wendy and her partner Tom’s surnames – Qu and Yu – which both end in ‘U’. However, getting to the opening hasn't been as straightforward as the couple had hoped. The couple had originally planned to open another store in Kiama Village, but the project has been delayed after Wendy says the construction company they hired took $72,000 without completing the work. The matter is now being handled by their solicitor, with Wendy expecting legal proceedings to begin in November. The setback has been difficult, but it also pushed the couple to get U-Tea open first. “We’ve got to have income to fight with them,” Wendy said. She said the past six months had been particularly difficult, but local support helped them through it. Neighbours, former customers and staff offered their help, while local MP support also helped Wendy navigate the process. “Everyone just helped me,” she said. It is a reminder that Wendy and Tom aren't newcomers to Kiama. They have lived in the area for around 15 years, previously running a restaurant in Kiama Downs before opening their dumpling business. U-Tea is designed as a place to slow down rather than simply grab a drink and leave. The shop has small spaces

where customers can sit and chat with friends or family, or even take some time for themselves. “Just like a little time to treat yourself,” Wendy said. Wendy said she wanted the space to feel welcoming even for people who weren't necessarily there to buy something, saying Kiama visitors can come in to simply “charge their phones” “If they want to have a good break or rest, just sit here. That’s fine,” she said. “I’m happy to see everyone just come here to see each other.” The shop is also providing jobs for young people, with eight staff currently working across the – eventual– U-Tea locations, including local high school and university students. “They get excited to work here.” “It’s something new,” Wendy said, acknowledging that many young people are now learning how to make bubble tea. The menu features a range of milk teas and fruit-based drinks, with options including grass jelly and other chewy toppings. So far, the mango coconut sago has emerged as a customer favourite. The second U-Tea store at Kiama Village is still planned, with Wendy hoping it will eventually offer an expanded menu including smoothies, fresh juices, and snacks. For now, the focus is on getting the Terralong Street store right. U-Tea has kept its promotion relatively lowkey since opening, with Wendy wanting to make sure the drinks and service were up to standard before attracting a larger crowd. “The quality is always the most important thing for us,” she said.

THE BUGLE NEWS

18 September - 24 September 2026

Responses to elder abuse in Australia P

BUSINESS www.thebuglenews.com.au

Buy and sell in the same market

A recent study commissioned by the Federal Attorney-General’s Department estimated that one in six older Australians has experienced elder abuse. RMB Special Counsel STEVEN BURNS explains some remedies: Many victims of elder abuse do not seek help, due to complex emotional ties and difficulties in obtaining help. As Australia’s population ages, with an estimated eight million people aged over 65 by 2050, addressing identification and means of intervention or providing assistance has become an important social issue. The main challenge in identifying elder abuse is that it is often invisible. Most abuse occurs within the family, with adult children responsible for around half of reported cases. This dynamic sometimes creates a “shame barrier” where victims fear that reporting will lead to legal trouble for their children or result in their own forced relocation to residential care.

While physical signs of abuse can be recognised, psychological and financial abuse are more common, frequently driven by “inheritance impatience” on the part of adult children. Families are observing things that do not seem right such as savings disappearing, houses changing hands or wills being rewritten under questionable circumstances. The challenge for family members is knowing when to step in and what steps to take. Lawyers can assist by investigating the situation, looking at, revoking or challenging misused Powers of Attorney and taking action to recover misappropriated assets. The Supreme Court of NSW has a protective jurisdiction and can, in appropriate cases, provide quick action such as injunctions to protect against financial elder abuse. Proceedings can also be brought in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) including for financial management or guardianship Orders. NCAT is able to convene urgent hearings if the relative is at immediate risk of serious harm due to abuse, neglect or exploitation. The government is implementing a National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2024-2034, with a focus on moving towards active prevention of abuse and the elimination of ageism which can be seen as a driver of elder mistreatment. The new Aged Care Act 2024 commenced in November 2025, enshrining the rights of older Australians in law and providing a more robust regulatory framework and accessible complaint mechanism. The Act applies to older Australians regardless of whether they live in a nursing home or their own private residence. As a start, the National Elder Abuse Helpline (1800 353 374) provides a contact point for confidential advice and referrals across all Australian jurisdictions.

eople ask me constantly whether now's a good time to sell. Nine times out of ten the same person is also planning to buy something else, and once that's the case, the answer matters a lot less than they think. If your sale and your purchase happen within a few weeks of each other, you're dealing with the same conditions on both sides of the transaction. If the Market's up, you get more for yours and you pay more for theirs and when Market's softer, you get less and pay less. Generally, it washes out. Where it doesn't wash out is when you're trading up. Ten per cent on a $1.3 million sale is $130,000. Ten per cent on the $2 million place you're moving into is $200,000. So the rising market you were so pleased about has just cost you

seventy grand. Trading down, it works the other way, which is why a quieter market suits downsizers better than most people expect. The thing that genuinely hurts is the gap. Sell in March, then spend six months looking, and you're buying in a market that's had half a year to move without you. Which is why I don't see my job as ending at the sale. I'd rather know what you're moving into before we launch your campaign covering what you're after, what it's likely to cost, what's quietly available. I'm across properties that haven't hit the portals yet, I know which vendors are flexible on settlement, and I can line your timing up so the two ends meet. Half the value I add is in the second half of the move, not the first.

THE BUGLE NEWS

BUSINESS www.thebuglenews.com.au

18 September - 24 September 2026

KCR Presents: A

Blues In The Night

t Kiama Community Radio, we’re proud to present our biggest fundraising event of the year: Blues In The Night, a one night celebration of powerhouse contemporary blues at the Kiama Leagues Club. This night means a lot to us. It’s a chance to bring outstanding musicians to a local stage, bring our community together, and raise the funds that keep KCR broadcasting local voices, local stories and local music across the Kiama LGA. We’ve put together a lineup we’re genuinely excited about. Headlining the night is The Frank Sultana Blues Band. Frank’s 2023 win at the Memphis International Blues Challenge - only the third Australian winner in 20 years - has cemented his reputation well beyond the Illawarra, but his roots remain firmly local. His raw, soulful sound makes him one of the most compelling blues performers in Australia. He’s joined by Jr & the Jewel Tones, bringing swinging grooves, sharp guitar work and deep blues grit, along with Shane Flew

What does the $20,000 EV mean for your home?

& Matt Ross, winners of the prestigious Sydney Blues Society Solo/Duo Challenge 2025. Their warm, honest, Americana infused blues and roots style rounds out a lineup that promises a full evening of exceptional musicianship. While the music will be unforgettable, the purpose behind the night is just as important. Every ticket sold directly supports KCR — your volunteer run, community powered radio station. Funds raised help us maintain equipment, produce programs, train volunteers and continue delivering grassroots broadcasting that reflects the character and

SCAN ME

diversity of the Kiama LGA. We’re also appealing for sponsorship and raffle prize contributions to help make this our strongest fundraiser yet. And we’d like to say this plainly: if KCR has supported your organisation — if we’ve played your music, interviewed you, promoted your event or created a podcast for you — perhaps you have a raffle prize you could contribute. It would mean a great deal to us. Every contribution, large or small, helps keep community radio thriving. If you or your organisation would like to support the event, we’d be delighted to hear from you at marketing@ kcr.org.au. We’re grateful for the support of Kiama Leagues Club, The Bugle, Brendon Comber and Katelin McInerney MP, whose backing helps us bring this event to life. We’d love to see you there — and we’d be grateful if you could encourage friends, neighbours and fellow music lovers to join us. Together, we can make Blues In The Night a night to remember and a milestone for KCR’s future.

It’s time to talk … about dementia

any people find it difficult to talk about dementia. Sometimes they simply don’t know what to say to a friend who has received a diagnosis. Others may fear what dementia could mean for a family member or themselves. A lack of understanding about the effects of dementia can also contribute to stigma within the community. It’s time to talk. That’s the theme of this year’s Dementia

Action Week, which runs from 21–27 September. As part of the week, the Dementia Inclusive Kiama Project will host a Community Awareness Day on Monday, 21 September, from 10am– 2pm at the Uniting Church Hall in Gerringong. The event aims to help people better understand dementia and feel more comfortable talking about it. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from people living with dementia

and their carers, as well as ask questions and hear from allied health professionals about the support available to people living with dementia. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided, but registrations are required by 17 September for catering purposes. To register, email adminsoutherndag@gmail. com, or phone or SMS Graham on 0414 681 051 or Lynda on 0417 468 977.

or years, buying an electric vehicle in Australia has meant paying a premium over a petrol or diesel vehicle. That’s changing rapidly and owning an EV is now more accessible than ever before. BYD has shaken up the Australian car market with its just-released Atto 1, which is now available for $19,990 drive-away. Other manufacturers are following suit, making it impossible to ignore the allure of EVs – especially in light of current petrol prices. No matter where you fill up, you can’t help but baulk at the bowser. Fuel prices are climbing again due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the ACCC reporting increases across most Australian locations. We're at the perfect cross road (excuse the pun) for electric car affordability and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles becoming less affordable to fill and to run. There is another piece of the puzzle that is often overlooked: how do you charge your EV?

If you don’t have solar (or you can’t charge from your panels during the day), you’ll find that you can still save some money over filling up with fuel, but by charging from the grid, you’ll still be adding to your household electricity bill. However, charging your car from your own solar system means your roof becomes your personal fuel station. A well-designed solar system can generate electricity during the day, while a home battery can store excess energy for later. Add an EV charger and your home energy system can work together to you enable you to ‘drive on sunshine’. ie. using energy generated by your panels. For households considering buying an EV, solar should be part of the conversation before you buy the car—not afterwards. You’ll want a decent size system to charge your car and power your home. Charging technology has changed dramatically; it’s so smart now, giving you the ability to charge at the

exact rate your panels are producing; or at full charge if you need to get moving quicker. Both EVs and battery storage are becoming more affordable. With intelligent EV chargers, households can now make better use of their solar generation, instead of exporting it to the grid for a pittance. Now that the $20,000 EV has arrived, is your home ready to take charge? If you're considering solar, batteries or an EV charger, now is the time to look at how they can work together as one energy system while the full rebates are available (both solar & battery rebates shrink at the end of this year and systems have to be fully installed to claim the full subsidy). Talk to The Energy Experts based here in Kiama about tailoring a home energy system to meet your current and future needs. Call The 1300 516 474 or email save@ theenergyexperts.com.au

FREE WEEKLY COMMUNITY PAPER

18 SEPTEMBER - 24 SEPTEMBER 2026

81 years, 40km: Illawarra cyclist’s labour of love for late husband

Seniors edition

81 years, 40km:

llawarra cyclist’s lap of love for late husband Amy Molloy

t 81, Wollongong cyclist Janice Fitzpatrick is preparing to ride 40 kilometres around Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin in memory of her husband Bernie – and to help change the future for families affected by dementia. For decades, cycling meant companionship for Janice and Bernie Fitzpatrick. The couple met as trainee teachers at Wagga Wagga Teachers College in 1964, built a life together over 60 years, raised seven children and, in retirement, took on longdistance fundraising rides – sometimes on their own bikes and sometimes together on a tandem. Now, almost two years after losing Bernie to dementia, Janice is getting back on her road bike for one of her most

meaningful rides yet – and it’s not an e-bike. On Friday September 18, Janice will set out at 9am from Acton Peninsula to complete a lap of Lake Burley Griffin, including the steep climb to the National Arboretum Canberra. She hopes the ride will raise $15,000 for dementia research at the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney. Janice won’t be tackling the challenge alone. Her son is driving from Ballarat to ride alongside her, while a grandson will travel from Melbourne. A Canberra cyclist has also volunteered to guide her around the lake, with friends and supporters planning to see her off and welcome her back. The response to her fundraiser has already exceeded expectations. Janice

initially set a target of $8,000, but after donations passed $7,500 well before the ride, she increased her goal to $15,000. At the time of writing, her total had surpassed $11,000. For Janice, the support has added another dimension to a ride already carrying enormous personal meaning. “Bernie and I had been a team for 60 years,” Janice said. “Cycling was one of the things we loved and something Bernie continued until just 11 months before he passed. “Seeing my soulmate go from an intelligent, dedicated, loving and fit husband and father to someone so impacted by dementia was extremely hard. “I wanted to take something that meant so much to us and use it to help research that could make a difference for other families.”

Bernie was diagnosed with dementia in May 2018. An English and History teacher, he had taken enormous pride in his command of language. Janice recalls the distress of watching dementia gradually take away abilities that had been fundamental to his identity. “He was a grammar guru and an almost perfect speller,” Janice said. “As those abilities disappeared, he knew it was happening. If he made a spelling mistake, sometimes he would say, ‘This is pathetic.’ It was heartbreaking because this was the disease – it wasn’t Bernie.” Since Bernie’s death in September 2024, Janice has remained closely involved with the dementia community in the Illawarra. She continues to support the Corrimal Dementia

Carers Group and is involved in community initiatives including the Illawarra Shoalhaven Dementia Public Forum, using her own experience to support other families living with dementia. And she certainly hasn’t stopped cycling. Every Friday, Janice joins a group of fellow senior cyclists for a ride of about 22 kilometres – training that should stand her in good stead when she tackles Lake Burley Griffin. The idea for the Canberra fundraiser came after Janice saw dementia clinician and researcher Professor Henry Brodaty, Co-Director of CHeBA, recognised as the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year and decided to contact the centre. “Janice’s enthusiasm, generosity and determination have been quite

overwhelming,” Professor Brodaty said. “Janice has already given so much to the dementia community through her experience caring for Bernie and her ongoing support of other families. “At 81, to turn something they loved doing together into an opportunity to help others is remarkable.” For Janice, crossing the finish line will mean much more than completing a 40-kilometre lap of the lake. It will be another ride with Bernie in mind – and one she hopes will help researchers move closer to a future where fewer families have to watch dementia change someone they love. To donate, visit: https://rideout-dementia.raiselysite.com/

THE BUGLE NEWS

Seniors www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au

From one spotless oven to 16 years in business Swords Cleaning and Support

Services

ack in the early days, our business was forged out of necessity. While we had always had a hand in the service industry, a simple, unexpected moment in 2010 completely changed our trajectory. Following a routine house inspection, a kind local property manager looked at our oven and was completely floored. When she discovered that we had cleaned the oven ourselves, she was amazed. She told us, without hesitation, that our work was significantly cleaner than the established local oven cleaning company operating in the Illawarra at the time.

That was the exact moment Swords Cleaning was born. Sixteen years later, our services have grown right alongside our experience. Today, Swords Cleaning provides comprehensive cleaning solutions to residential, commercial and industrial clients, managing everything from internal deep cleans to external properties and “everywhere in between”. Our diverse client base reflects our versatile approach. We cater to everyone – ranging from Mr and Mrs Smith up the road to national business outlets and busy doctors’ consultation rooms. We firmly believe that our service is dictated entirely by you, our clients. Working closely across the

Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama regions, our dedicated staff are here to assist with any scale of cleaning. By using our own professional equipment and specialised products, we achieve the best possible results on every job, knowing exactly what to use while we do our thing. Trusted NDIS & aged care support We recognise that sometimes, the task of maintaining a property simply becomes too much to handle alone. To ensure we can truly support everyone in our community, our team includes qualified Disability Support Officers. Whether you need assistance through the NDIS, aged care packages, insurance

claims or simply personal help, you can rely on Swords to deliver exactly what you need. Our team is ready to step in with: ● Regularly scheduled domestic cleaning ● One-off, heavy-duty spring cleans ● Office and workplace maintenance ● Professional window and glass cleaning ● Deep oven detailing Contact Swords Cleaning today When the house is in a mess, call Swords Cleaning, let us give you a quote and we’ll do the rest. For enquiries please contact Jenna 0402 708 503

SWORDS CLEANING & SUPPORT SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES OUR SERVICES:

Windows, ovens, stovetops, regular, one off, spring cleans, presale and more! CONTACT US

0402 708 503 jswords060@gmail.com Find us on Facebook @Swords Cleaning & Support Services

Before

After

18 September - 24 September

Kiama sees surge in Willwriting as residents plan for the future Myah Garza

iama has recorded one of the biggest increases in Willwriting in regional Australia, with the number of residents writing a Will up 247 per cent year-on-year. New data from online Will platform Safewill has ranked Kiama third among the fastest-growing regional postcodes for Will-writing nationally. Online Will platform Safewill says major life changes, such as moving to a new area, can prompt people to think more seriously about their future and get their affairs in order. Safewill founder and CEO Adam Lubofsky said settling into a new community could be one of those moments. “When people make a big move, whether that’s a tree change, a sea change, or

simply putting down new roots, it often prompts them to think about the future and get their affairs in order,” he said. The trend comes as Willmakers also appear to be thinking beyond what happens to their money and property. Safewill recorded a rise in people leaving bequests to humanitarian causes, health and medical research and environmental organisations, while the number of Wills naming a guardian or making care provisions for a pet jumped 54 per cent. Across Australia, Tasmania recorded the biggest overall increase in Will-writing, rising 73.6 per cent year-on-year. Safewill’s Free Wills Fortnight runs until September 21.

THE BUGLE NEWS

Seniors www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au

18 September - 24 September

Cedar on Collins hosts a Retirement Living Seminar Myah Garza

ollowing the success of their first retirement living seminar in July, Cedar on Collins held a second session on Tuesday, September 15, at the Kiama Leagues Club. Over 50 guests were given the opportunity to hear about the premium retirement community, located on Collins Street, where they gained insight into available apartments, were able to ask questions, book tours and enjoy a complementary lunch in a relaxed environment. In a valuable addition, they were also able to hear from current residents about their experiences of living at Cedar on Collins, who gave insight into the activities and outings they enjoy together as a community and why they call Cedar home. Sharn de Witt, Head of Retirement Operations at Fresh Hope Communities, the non-profit organisation which operates Cedar, was pleased with the turnout. “We were delighted by

the wonderful response to our second Cedar on Collins retirement living information session,” she said. “It was fantastic to see such an engaged group, meet everyone, and it was particularly special to hear directly from some of our residents.” “The strong interest is a really great reflection of the appeal of Cedar on Collins and the opportunity to be part of a connected community. We sincerely thank everyone who made the time to join us and be part of the day.” She added, “We’d love to invite those thinking about a sea change or their next step in retirement to consider joining this vibrant community. It’s so uniquely positioned in Kiama and it’s a truly special place.” If you’re interested in finding out more about Cedar on Collins, book a personal tour by calling 1800 470 585 or register for their final Open Day for the year on Wednesday 19 November at cedarkiama.com.au.

Residents sharing what life is like at Cedar on Collins

ols 1959 ur Olympic Po Kiama Harbo

Construction of Robertson Basin 1870s Tony Gilmore

Digging into harbour’s history Veronica Bardsley

ish and chip wars. Olympic swimming pools. Quarries and shipping ports. The question is, how much do you really know about Kiama? Thankfully, Tony Gilmore and the Kiama Historical Society are doing the digging for us. From forgotten Olympic swimming pools to Kiama’s industrial past, there are plenty of stories to mark the 150th birthday of Robertson Basin, Kiama Harbour. I greeted Tony at the Pilot’s Cottage Museum, the same house once called home by Kiama’s harbour masters from around 1881 to 1981. We wandered down the hallway, surrounded by walls of old red cedar and that familiar old-book smell. History lingers in every inch of the cottage — the secret stories of the families who once called this place home. As we emerged onto the back porch, I found myself wondering how different the view must have looked to the harbour masters who once stood in the very same spot. And now, more than a century later, Tony and I are sitting on that same porch, reminiscing about the people, places and stories that came before us. “Yesterday I was reading about School Flat, the grassed area in front of the seawall there” Tony pointed toward the

PUBLIC NOTICE. Know All Earthlings By These Presents, Greetings Notice To Agent Is Notice To Principal, Notice To Principal Is Notice To Agent that i, john robert lamont©, not presumed dead or lost at sea, who was born a free permanent living soul, and a Pre-1973 private inhabitant, Non-Australian Citizen/ Non-Resident, with Hague Apostille Treaty Number 2025/4935, has exercised his right of nationality pursuant to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has elected to divorce and separate himself from the presumption of Australian citizenship on the 6th day of the 1st moon/ month in the Adamic year 5,998, and has opted out of the provincial territorial jurisdiction of Australia as a citizen as expressed in the document entitled “Notice of Repatriation and Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Relations”, Registered Mail number: RR161046836AU, ISBN: 978-1-7638450-0-8

grassy patch at black beach. “That was our Olympic pool.” Yes, that's right: an Olympic pool in Kiama. Roughly 100 metres long and built in the 1930s. And beneath the soil, there it still lies, maybe one day to be dug up by future historians wondering about our lives. Even further back, swimming in Kiama was even more different. “At one stage, there were four different pools over there,” Tony said. “That was the ladies side, so that’s the ladies pool. And this one here (at the blowhole) was the gents pool. “In the 1930s, we had this rather exotic importation of continental swimming and continental pools.” More than just leisure, the pools brought a wave of social revolution of their own. “That allowed men and women, scandalously, to swim together.” Tony said, while I clutched my metaphorical pearls. The walls of the Pilot’s Cottage have stood strong for decades, thanks at least in part to the stone they were built from. Many locals already know Kiama’s claim to fame stretches beyond its iconic blowhole. The area is rich in basalt — an incredibly hard and durable volcanic stone that helped build far more than just the walls around us. “This is a volcanic-based basalt, but it’s an incredibly hard and robust material,” Tony said, running his hand over the stone walls of the cottage. “It was in real demand when Sydney was expanding, particularly with the growth of the city and also the railways and the roads.” From the late 19th century, Bombo and Kiama became a

major source of basalt for the growing railway network, with the stone helping lay the foundations — quite literally — for the railways connecting New South Wales. “Kiama pretty much had a near monopoly on that stone going to Sydney,” he said, with Tony having a lovely way of bringing that history into the present. “I like to think if I’m travelling by train across New South Wales, a little bit of Kiama is there.” As we continued scanning the coastline, Bombo Headland stood out in all its glory. Even this dramatic stretch of coastline has a story to tell. “The Bombo headland... that’s an artificial creation because of all the stone that was quarried from there,” Tony explained. Beneath the cliffs and columns is a history of industry — thousands upon thousands of tonnes of Kiama’s famous basalt, quarried and shipped away to help build a growing New South Wales. We then clocked the fish and chip shop. “There was a seismic battle between two competing fish and chip shops, which is a great story,” Tony said, as I slowly realised just how many stories he has tucked away. And that, really, is the problem with trying to write about Kiama’s history with Tony Gilmore: there is simply too much of it. Tony has spent years researching, digging through old newspapers and piecing together the stories that might otherwise be forgotten. I could probably fill an entire newspaper with what he knows and still leave half of it out. Though the Kiama Harbour may have changed

the stories, thankfully, haven't disappeared due to the diligent work of our local historians. To mark 150 years of Robertson Basin, the Kiama Historical Society is bringing some of those stories to life with a trio of events. There’ll be sea shanties at Tory’s Hotel on Wednesday, September 16, with the Kiama Sea Shanty Club putting a local spin on traditional sailors’ songs. On Saturday, September 19, maritime archaeologist James Hunter from the Australian National Maritime Museum will join Tony at Kiama Library to explore the coastal shipping that helped shape Kiama, before Tony dives into the construction and economic impact of Robertson Basin. And then there are Tony’s Harbour History Walks, running from September 18– 21. At $15 for members and $20 for non-members, the team wasn’t quite sure how many people would book. They initially planned for three walks, but all three sold out, meaning another three have now been added. Tony laughed that he’ll need plenty of coffee to keep up with all the walking. Opening the basin in 1876 helped transform Kiama from a small market town into a bustling industrial port, with ships carrying the region’s famous basalt far beyond the South Coast. “There wouldn’t be any Kiama here without the shipping,” Tony said. “Most people who’ve arrived over the last decade will just think Kiama is a rather peaceful, tranquil place. Expensive, quite pleasant, not much happening,” he said. “It’s not always been tea shops and doilies.”

THE BUGLE NEWS

Seniors www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au

IS YOUR HOME FIRE SAFE? Book a free safety check Amy Molloy Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is encouraging residents who may be more vulnerable to fire risk to take advantage of a free home safety service. The FRNSW Home Safety Visit program allows residents, family members, carers or advocates to request a visit from local firefighters to help make a home safer. During the free visit, firefighters can check whether smoke alarms are working correctly, replace batteries and, where required, install a long-life battery-powered smoke alarm. Firefighters can also provide personalised advice about reducing fire risks and preparing household members for what to do in the event of a fire. FRNSW says the service may be particularly useful for older residents, people living alone, those with limited mobility, people with hearing or vision impairment, people supported by carers, and residents who speak English as a second language. A Home Safety Visit can be requested by the resident or with the assistance of an

advocate, carer or family member. To request a free FRNSW Home Safety Visit, visit the Fire and Rescue NSW website and search for “Safety Visits”. FRNSW’s spring fire safety campaign is also encouraging Australians to use their spring clean as an opportunity to reduce fire risks a r o u n d the home. There were more than 930 residential fires across NSW during spring last year, with 400 starting in kitchens or cooking areas. FRNSW is reminding residents that clearing c l u t te r is about more than keeping the house tidy. Hallways, doors and windows should be kept clear so everyone can get out quickly

Maria Lewis

If you were lucky enough to attend our High Tea last weekend, you got to taste our famous CWA Scones! If you missed out, there is always next year. In the meantime, why not make them yourself! PREP TIME

COOK TIME

SERVINGS

15 MIN

10 MIN

18-20

Method

sifted, plus extra, to dust 1 tsp caster sugar 300ml pure cream 300ml Full Cream Milk Salt, a pinch Jam & whipped cream, to serve

Kiama U3A helping seniors lead active lives with active minds and active bodies

Kiama U3A 202526 Committee. Missing Lyn Willoughby

CWA SCONES

4 cups (600 g) self-raising flour,

in the event of a fire. Residents are also encouraged to take a few minutes to check their escape routes while spring cleaning. Translated fire safety information and multicultural resources are also available through the FRNSW website at fire.nsw.gov.au.

FeaturedRecipe

Ingredients

18 September - 24 September

1. Preheat oven to 245°C/225°C fan-forced. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. 2. Place the sifted flour, sugar and a pinch of fine salt in a large bowl. Add the cream and milk and cut through the mixture with a butter knife to combine. 3. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead and pat out until 2-2.5cm thick. 4. Use a floured 5cm or 6cm round cookie cutter to cut out scones and place on one prepared tray, 1cm apart. Press dough offcuts together and cut out remaining rounds and place on remaining tray. 5.Bake for 10 minutes until scones are golden on the bottom and top. Serve with jam and cream.

ost volunteer organisations like Kiama U3A who provide healthy mind and body courses and activities for local seniors - faced a difficult start to their membership year in January 2026. With the US/Iran war adversely affecting inflation generally, but also petrol and diesel prices spiking even higher, it created concerns about availability in our local regional community. Seniors, who tend to rely more on income from pensions - some of which may not increase in line with inflation – were and continue to be the hardest hit. To help our members who are mainly retired or semi-retired -alleviate some of this inflation pain, the Committee of Kiama U3A offered their Members an average 52% discount on Course fees for Terms 1 and 2 of the calendar year. The response was positive with marginal increases in member renewals as well as in course applications when compared with the prior year. Based on the feedback from similar organisations who did not offer any incentives to their members, it’s likely that Kiama U3A Member renewals would have declined if the

committee had not acted. Fast forward nearly nine months and the situation is no better, with a recent return to hostilities creating ongoing concerns. Recruiting new members is vital for organisations such as Kiama U3A as they often bring new ideas, a better understanding of developments in technology, and a reduction in the average age of all members. With the new 2027 membership year starting in just over three months, Kiama U3A is offering new members who sign up any time before 31 December of this year up to 15 months membership at the price of the 2027 Annual Membership fee of $30. Depending on how soon new members sign up, this can represent a saving of up to 20%. In addition, from 1 October 2026, all members will save the credit card surcharge when they pay their fees online - which would have been around 2% - as Kiama U3A have decided to absorb this cost in future without an equivalent increase in membership or course fees. Kiama U3A is currently running a new member and volunteers campaign headed by the following words of wisdom attributed to George Bernard Shaw, but without endorsing some of this famous, and

Tips: When cutting the scone dough, make sure to do straight up-and-down movements. If you twist the cutter, the scone will rise on an angle. This recipe can be altered to be gluten-free by replacing the self raising flour with glutenfree self-raising flour and 1 tsp xanthan gum (if appropriate).

CWA Kiama Evening Branch meets at 6.30 pm on the first Wednesday of the month at Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, 150 North Kiama Drive, Kiama Downs. Send an email to secretary.cwakiamaevening@gmail.com to find out more. We would love to hear from you and welcome you to our CWA branch.

Tai Chi for Beginners class in action

popular, Irishman’s more controversial comments. As he once said: “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.” This is being backed up with words from our members and volunteers about what Kiama U3A means to them. Historically, word of mouth has long been considered the main source of new members and volunteers so these words will selectively appear in future promotions and in our Quarterly Newsletter. Playing in Kiama U3A terms means keeping body and mind active by attending our Tai Chi or table tennis courses for body active and Mah Jong, weekly talks and/or our interesting educational courses for healthy mind. “We were actively seeking, both internally and externally, experienced volunteers to run Pilates, yoga and similar exercise courses and for card/similar mind challenging games,” The President of Kiama U3A, Charles Walker, told The Bugle. Any member or volunteer interested in volunteering to run body active or mind active courses should contact the President, Charles Walker by email at president@kiama.u3anet. org.au or on 0488 445 655

wanted

THE BUGLE NEWS

Seniors www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au

18 September - 24 September

new members & volunteers for kiama u3a

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing” George Bernard Shaw.

Interested in “PLAYING “ TO KEEP your mind and body active? Kiama U3A is a member led organisation that provides fun, social and affordable activities for its retired/semi-retired members. A registered charity, it is non-sectarian and non-political. Kiama U3A wants new members as well as new volunteers to create and run courses for our members. Kiama U3A believes that most of it’s new members and voluntary course leaders were influenced to join by “word of mouth”. Below are some “words” from our members and volunteer course leaders about what Kiama U3A means to them (as well as some words of wisdom from individuals who probably wished they could have been course leaders!) My membership of Kiama U3A enables me to make contributions to the education of several retired people, and to discover new information. I run instructional courses on the Aging Brain and Dementia, and on numerous other medico-biological, and biotechnology subject areas. Timothy B, Member and Course Tutor

Kiama U3A enables me to contribute to my community, as a volunteer. And to engage with my community as an individual. I’m grateful for all the opportunities offered by Kiama U3A and urge anyone who can to consider getting involved. My thanks to all the Kiama U3A volunteers. Shirley G, Life Member and Course Tutor

Dot R, Member and Course Tutor

“Happiness is the highest good” Aristotle, Non-member

"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." Carl Jung, Non-member

“The only thing I know is that I know nothing." Socrates, Non-member

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Mahatma Gandhi, Non-member “Life must be lived as play.” Plato, Non-member

I discovered I have found that Kiama U3A helps me to be purposeful in my retirement. I can come and learn about a wide range of topics, especially at Monday Talks. I can enjoy people’s company and I can share my knowledge with others when I run a class. There is a lot to gain from joining this one organisation, all run by volunteers.

Kiama U3A 2025/26 Committee. Missing: Lyn Willoughby

“Stimulation. Learning. Companionship”.

“Life must be lived as play.”

Laurie G, Life Member

Plato, Non-member

“It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it.” Seneca, Non-member

Thank you so much for running U3A, it has saved me from utter loneliness! Member

keep your mind active. keep your body moving. meet new people. have fun. Whilst we currently run active body classes in Tai Chi, Table Tennis and organise an introductory game of Croquet we are seeking experienced volunteers to run classes in Pilates, Yoga and similar active healthy body classes. | We also run a very popular Mah Jong class and are seeking suitably experienced volunteers to run other board/card game activities. | If you are interested in collecting your reward by becoming a member, please visit our website at kiama.u3anet.org.au for information about our current offer of up to 15 months membership to 31 December 2027 for the Annual Fee of just $30 OR SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW.

If you are interested in collecting your reward by volunteering to run courses for our members please contact our President, Charles Walker, 0488 445 655, by email at president@kiama.u3anet.org.au

kiama

reward: priceless

THE BUGLE NEWS

WHATS ON www.thebuglenews.com.au

FROM ICEBERGS TO GARDENS what’s on? 18 September - 24 September

Share your news

Do you have an update from a community group or coverage of a local event? List your event on our What’s On page on our App. (Deadline: EOD Tuesday for the Friday print edition.)

Sara Dining Berry growing into new favourite Myah Garza

t Sara Berry Dining, the garden isn’t only growing alongside the restaurant. It “dictates” the kitchen. For Alex Prichard, after 11 years as head chef at Sydney’s iconic Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, cooking at a farm just outside Berry has meant stepping away from the confines of a defined cuisine and letting the garden have a say. “If instead of stressing about trying to force nature to do what you want it to for a menu, you let it dictate it, it takes a bit of stress away from it and makes it challenging, but fun,” he said. Prichard left his hometown of Kurrajong at 15 to begin his apprenticeship and work with leading chefs before eventually spending more than a decade at Icebergs. He and his wife moved to the South Coast six to seven years ago, initially settling in Gerringong. “We came around the bends, and saw Gerringong and the rolling green hills, and the beach – we just fell in love with it,” he said. While he continued commuting to Sydney, Prichard increasingly wanted to build his life and career where he lived. His work judging the

Delicious Produce Awards also gave him an introduction to producers across the region. “I always found it a little bit shocking that there weren’t more venues down here kind of showing the incredible produce from the region,” he said. Pop-ups at Dovecote gave him the confidence that diners were ready for something different, they wanted food with a connection to where it came from. That eventually led to a partnership with Peter and Nadia from Linnaeus Collection at what is now Moraea Farm. Sara opened on August 1, but the garden had been growing for about 18 months while the restaurant worked through its much anticipated approvals. Optimistically, this extra time allowed Prichard to experiment with what produce would thrive in the local conditions. Wanting to impress his business partner and set the tone for the restaurant, Pritchard began planting the seeds for what Sara would become. “I’ll never forget the first time I took him through the garden, I planted this thing called passion fruit marigold,” Pritchard said, describing the flower. “You crush up the petals and

it smells exactly like a perfectly ripe, fragrant passion fruit – I remember the first time I showed Pete that and I crushed up and it absolutely blew his mind,” Pritchard said. “He kind of said, no, you just do whatever the hell you want.” That marigold is now featured in Sara’s pavlova, hot sauce and a tea blend made with Berry Tea Shop. There are Mexican cucumbers (Cucamelons), French Chanterelle melons, and Zephyr squash. The garden has also forced Prichard to rethink the way he plans dishes. A zucchini-flower dish originally intended for a spring opening became a merguez sausage wrapped in broccolini and fioretto leaves when the restaurant opened in winter. At Icebergs, Prichard was working within a coastal Italian framework. At Sara, he now has the freedom to move between cuisines. “You’ve got a menu there that’s got a nettle tortellini next to a kangaroo tail empanada next to fish with cafe de Paris butter.” The two things that dictate the menu, he says, are the garden and “food I’d want to cook or serve people if they came over to my house”. Now, over a month after its opening, Pritchard says the response has been “insane.”

“It’s been an absolute whirlwind.” But Prichard’s ambition for Sara and the South Coast dining scene extends beyond just his restaurant. He believes the South Coast has the ingredients to develop a distinctive food identity, particularly if diners become more interested in where their food comes from and are willing to support producers and businesses using local products. “You’ve got a restaurant that feels like it’s in the country, but you’re five minutes from the ocean,” he said. He also wants to see more hospitality professionals move south, develop their skills and eventually open their own venues. “I’d love nothing more than to, you know, have a chef or a waiter or someone working for me for a couple of years and then, you know, see them open up their own restaurant in Berry or somewhere else.” One of Sara’s biggest challenges has been finding enough experienced hospitality staff, but Prichard wants to see young people view the industry as a genuine career. “Hospitality can genuinely be a career and you can make an incredible living out of it,” he said, with the venue actively on the lookout for new talent.

Gerringong Rotary Markets Sat 19 Sep, 8:30am-1:30pm Gerringong Town Hall Kiama Smash Repairs 20th Celebration Sat 19 Sep, 10am-2pm Kiama Smash Repairs Car display, sausage sizzle, giveaways, raffles Gerringong Rural Fire Service Open Day Sat 19 Sep, 10am-2pm Gerringong Firestation Sausage sizzle, kids games and learning about fire season Murder Mystery Night Sat 19 Sep, 7pm-9pm Gerringong Anglican Church Evening of mystery, food and drinks Kiama Seaside Markets Sun 20 Sep, 9am-3pm Black Beach, Kiama Men’s Biathlon Sun 20 Sep, 11:30am Gerringong Anglican Church pickle ball, barefoot bowls and bible chats Dementia Action Week Mon 21 Sep-Sun 27 Sep Parkinson’s Kiama Support Group Seminar Tue 22 Sep Kiama Leagues Club Four guest speakers Building Hope through Education Wed 23 Sep, 7:30pm-9pm Gerringong Anglican Church An evening with Amos Simfukwe Dust and Drinks Sat 26 Sep, 1pm-2:30pm Gerringong Library Stories of Life in Birdsville Jamberoo Village Markets Sun 27 Sep, 9am-1pm Reid Park, Jamberoo

Berry Village Market Sun 27 Sep, 10am-3pm Berry Bowling Club Music in the Park Sun 27 Sep, 1pm-5pm Hindmarsh Park Free event showcasing local musicians Horizontal Festival Fri 2 Oct Bowral wine makers, tasting bars, live music and new free precincts Kiama Trading Card Expo Sat 3 Oct, 10am-4pm Kiama Leagues Club Up to 28 vendor tables featuring collectibles to buy,sell or trade Daisy Spring Festival Sat 3 Oct-Sun 4 Oct Old Fire Station, Kiama Live music, workshops, interactive art Kiama Vintage Fair Sat 3 Oct- Sun 4 Oct, 9:30am-3:30pm Masonic Hall, Kiama Vintage treasures, free entry and live music Kiama Culture Festival Sat 10 Oct, 11am-5pm Hindmarsh Park, Kiama Live dance, music, handson activities, family-friendly fun Bollywood Night Wed 14 Oct, 5pm-8pm Kiama Downs Surf Club Dj, Henna, Buffet with By The Sea Takeaway Art Vision Exhibition Thu 15 Oct-Wed 21 Oct Old Fire Station, Kiama 7 Local Artists, multi-style art, ceramics and jewellery. Author Michael Robotham talk Thu 15 Oct, 6pm-8pm Shellharbour City Library Hear Robotham about his latest books and writing journeys

KIAMA LEAGUES KIAMA LEAGUES CLUB CLUB PRESENTS PRESENTS

AYY A THHUURRSSDDB T R ER BE O O T T C C O 155 O 1 M 7::3300PPM 7 18+

FREE TICKETS FREE TICKETS MUST MUST BE BE RESERVED RESERVED AT: AT: COMEDYFORACAUSE.NET/EVENT/KLC26/ COMEDYFORACAUSE.NET/EVENT/KLC26/ 18+ EVENT 18+ EVENT

THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER 18 September - 24 September

HOT RODS, HOT BODS, HOT DOGS T he local streets took a trip back in time over the weekend as the hot rods rolled into town for another year. As per usual, the Romans Hot Rod Club brought the beautiful weather with them, along with an impressive collection of hot rods, classics and beautifully restored vehicles that certainly turned a few heads around town.

The weekend, filled with rides, lunches and celebrations, came to its pinnacle on Sunday with a car show to put others to shame. Rows of gorgeous cars filled Black Beach Old School Flat, with plenty of friendly competition as owners battled it out for the coveted awards. Mayor Cameron McDonald was on hand to present the awards, with Roman’s Choice

going to Tony Thomas’ Model A Roadster, while the Street Rod Committee’s Choice was awarded to Anthony Marlia’s Ford Anglia. The ASRF Choice went to Steve Durrington’s 1937 Chevy Coupe, Jason Cavanagh’s Classic Fabrication Choice went to Neil Ide’s vehicle, and Hybrid Paints Choice was awarded to Charlie Pace’s stunning 1957 Chevy Convertible.

There was also a raffle that caused plenty of excitement, with the lucky winner, Trish Mathis from Urunga, taking home a fantastic jukebox. If you missed out, well, you really did miss out! But don’t worry — the Romans Hot Rod Club will be rolling back into town again next year, bringing the cars, the good times and, hopefully, that beautiful weather with them.

out & about

Hundreds stepped out for a good cause at the Walk To Defeat MND Illawarra

hether you had two legs or four, people and pets alike came out for the Walk To Defeat MND Illawarra on Sunday, September 13. Starting and finishing at Bulli Beach Reserve, it stepped off at 10am with perfect weather as nearly 400 people got their daily

exercise in all for a good cause. With Christian and Bella from i98FM emceeing the event, walkers were kept entertained with a healthy dose of chatter as more than $64,000 was raised to support people living with MND.

History and fashion transport Gerringong back in time with The Cavalcade

erringong Town Hall was transported back in time last weekend as the women of The Cavalcade of History and Fashion put on a stunning display. A volunteer, not-for-profit community group whose custodians collect, preserve and display a collection of historic fashion dating back to the late 1700s, The Cavalcade’s presentation saw a sellout event on Saturday, September 12. “It was significantly bigger than we expected,” said Heather Williams, one of the committee organisers from

Gerringong Sunrise Rotary. “We had a lot of people who arrived at the door who hadn’t booked a ticket, which is a great testament to how interested people were.” With some 150 attendees and afternoon tea provided by Gerringong Red Cross, The Cavalcade showcased a selection of historical garments from their collection, which they began gathering almost 60 years ago. “The Cavalcade of History and Fashion call themselves a museum without walls,” Williams told The Bugle.

“They have a collection of over 18,000 garments from the colonial period onwards, which gives them an outstanding perspective on historical fashion. “There was one particular beautiful cape that had this long, intricate embroidery that had belonged to a woman who was a concert pianist and had worn it to the Opera House. “It’s just things you don’t get to see every day.” Money raised from the event will go towards funding Rotary’s youth projects in the local area.

Kiama Downs

GARAGE SALE SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER FROM 8AM–12PM

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

2 5 F L I N D E R S AV E N U E , K I A M A D O W N S

By The Sea Takeaway presents

BOLLYWOOD NIGHT

Open 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday 21B Barney St, Kiama

Wednesday 14 October 5PM-8PM

Celebrating 20 Celebrating 20 years years 2006-2026

Bollywood DJ Buffet Dinner Henna Tattoo Artist

Small car show/display from local car enthusiasts

BYO only

SATURDAY

$70 per person kIAMA dOWNS sURF lIFE sAVING clUB

RSVP on 02 4232 1489

WHAT’S ON WEEKLY www.kiamabowling.com.au

19 SEP

10AM-2PM

Servicing the community for 20 years 2006–2026 4232 2757

Monday

Tuesday

MAHJONG 1pm-4pm

Eureka Euchre 2pm

Happy Hour 4pm-5pm

Happy Hour 4pm-5pm Bowls Coaching 4pm

ksmr@bigpond.com

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Meat raffle 6:45pm Happy Hour 4pm-5pm

Sunday FREE Pool 1pm-6pm

Seafood raffle 6:30pm Tez’s Trivia 7pm

Karaoke 7pm

Live Music

Meat raffle 5:30pm

THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER

PUZZLES www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au

18 September - 24 September

PUZZLES

1 Punctuation mark (10) 2 Designers of goods and structures (9)

4 Extravagant (9) 5 Dodge (5) 6 Italicise (6) 7 Not edited (5) 8 Entrance (4) 9 Girls’ name (6) 14 Looks (10) 16 Yellowish-green colour (4,5)

18 Bleaching (9) 21 Natural fibre used in clothing (6)

22 Relinquish (6) 24 Metallic noise (5) 25 Fashion brand, – Vuitton (5) 26 Alcove (4)

9-LETTER

No. 351

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in ‘s’.

Today’s Aim: 10 words: Good 15 words: Very good

Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?

26 25 19 17 16 14

E G Y V S U Q X

13 12 11

10 7 6 5 4 3 2

7 6 5 8 2 3 4 9 1 4 2 1 5 6 9 8 7 3 3 8 9 4 1 7 6 5 2 2 3 6 9 5 1 7 8 4 9 1 7 3 4 8 2 6 5 8 5 4 2 7 6 1 3 9 5 4 8 6 3 2 9 1 7 1 9 3 7 8 4 5 2 6 6 7 2 1 9 5 3 4 8

N A H

22 21

3 5 4 9 8 6 2 7 1 1 8 9 7 2 4 5 3 6 7 2 6 5 3 1 4 9 8 6 4 7 2 1 5 3 8 9 9 1 5 3 7 8 6 4 2 8 3 2 6 4 9 7 1 5 4 7 1 8 6 2 9 5 3 2 9 8 4 5 3 1 6 7 5 6 3 1 9 7 8 2 4

T W B

9 8

EASY

MEDIUM

K Z O R C D L M P

26 25

H 24

SOLUTIONS

7 14

7 18

24 9

11 15

was originally known as the Cappella Magna?

2. Heath Ledger (pictured) starred in Brokeback Mountain with which other lead actor?

3. How many stars are on

the flag of the Solomon Islands?

4. Which song from the movie Barbie won the Academy Award for Best Original Song?

SUDOKU

E C H O

6 LETTERS CRUDER MASONS NEATER SNARES

NHL team from which city?

6. Who led the First Fleet? 7. In which year did the Chernobyl disaster happen?

8. What is written on the

poster that Mulder has up in his office in The X-Files?

9. And what object is also depicted on it?

10. Which instrument closely resembles a fiddle?

8 LETTERS ATTEMPTS MARINATE MONGOOSE REVERIES

No. 350

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

EASY

9 8 8 9 7

2 5

6 8

6 4 7 3 5 3 8 6 7 1 5 2 4 2 8 3 1 6 3 9 7 4

MEDIUM

1 3 1

4 6

8 2

9 1 7 4

1 7

6 3 7 5 9 5

5 6 3 8

1809 | PUZZLES AND PAGINATION ©

WORD SEARCH 5. The Red Wings are an

7 LETTERS ELATION PERTEST RANKEST SOOTIER SWIFTER UNCLEAR

STOKE SWEET TORSO TWEAK UPEND VENUE YARDS

OVERT PASTA PHASE PIETY POKED RAVEL RELAY SHADE SIGMA SMEAR SNEAK SNIPE SPEAR STEEL

A H

QUICK QUIZ 1. Which historic building

4 LETTERS DRYS EACH ECHO EKES EYED LURE OKRA PROS SAPS

5 LETTERS ACTOR ADMIT ALPHA ALTAR AORTA APRIL ATONE AWARE BASED BASIS CHEST CLOVE CREAK CREEP CREPE ELDER ENROL EVADE FLEET FOAMS HASTE HIRES KNOTS MARTS MESSY NAPES NOSED OLIVE OPTED

19 25

25 3

8 13

26 25

20 words: Excellent

CODEWORD No. 341 1

SOLUTION

Procedures (10) Exchange (4) Firefighting equipment (4) Involved in meditation (10) Reflected sound (4) Astronomical unit of distance (5-4)

15 17 19 20 23 25

Extremely expert (3) Russian city, Saint – (10) Natural (7) Stone fruit (7) US state (9) Location (4)

1 3 10 11 12 13

airy, brat, bratty, bray, briar, brit, bruit, brut, burr, bury, rarity, ratty, ruby, rutty, tarry, tart, trait, tray, TRIBUTARY, turbary

ACROSS

SEED SELF SPAT TRIO TRIP

SOLUTION

DOWN

3 LETTERS ADD ATE AYE CHI CRY DUD DUO EAT ELM EVE HOW INK IOU JAM JET LAP LAX OWN PAD RAP RUE USE WAN WAX

No. 260

SOLUTION

27 High plain (7) 28 Feeling (7) 29 Captivating (10) 30 Exclamation of surprise (3)

WORDFIT

No. 261

C U R A T E D E T H E M E E V O F E L E T N N K S U M R Y E U A D C U O I C E E I E T H C N U O O T A O H T R M U R A L T X R V P L S A T E X T U R E E G I E F I N I F R A M E S C R N G I N I T S C A L E P C T T T A I M A K E O V E R A O I O I F U K E C U S T O M T N C P S L T O E R E C O R N I C E G L N E L E V A T E P A N E L I O H Y G G E C A U L K A V A L T T E B A C K S P L A S H A D S H O M P R O P O R T I O N H A N G E C L E R E S T O R Y

Can you find all the words listed? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

ALCOVE

FINISHES

BACKSPLASH FLOCK

PANEL PATINA

CAULK

FRAME

PROPORTION

CHAISE

GILD

REDO

CLERESTORY GROUT CORNICE

HANG

COUNTERTOP HUE

SCALE SCONCE STYLE

CURATED

HYGGE

TEXTURE

CUSTOM

ILLUMINATE

THEME

ECLECTIC

MAKEOVER

TILE

ELEVATE

MURAL

TONE

FAUX

PAINT

TRIM

SECRET MESSAGE: Everything it takes to renovate a home

No. 351

N A P E S C R E P E C L O V E R E L A Y R A V E L O L I V E S T E E L E V A D E U P E N D F L E E T D U D R U E E A T D R Y S A P R I L N E A T E R W A X I O U C R Y B A S E D E N R O L E C H O A T T E M P T S E K E S R A P S O O T I E R R A N K E S T T R I P M A R I N A T E I N K T O R S O P O K E D S E E D U S E OWN J E T M A S O N S S I G M A S A P S A T E F O A M S W A N E L M A C T O R P H A S E S P E A R S H A D E C H E S T A O R T A H I R E S T W E A K Y A R D S

CROSSWORD

ANSWERS: 1. The Sistine Chapel 2. Jake Gyllenhaal 3. Five 4. What Was I Made For? 5. Detroit 6. Captain Arthur Phillip 7. 1986 8. I Want To Believe 9. A UFO 10. Violin

THE BUGLE NEWS

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Locksmiths locally in 2025, and I’m proud to both live and work in the Kiama area. Being local is a big part of the business for me as I want people around Kiama to know they have a reliable locksmith close by when they need one. What do you enjoy most about your trade? I like that every day and every job is different. There’s also a lot of satisfaction in solving a problem for someone, especially when they’re locked out or have a security issue and you can get it sorted quickly. What makes your business different? Top Notch Locksmiths is owner-operated, so when you call, you’re dealing directly with the locksmith who will actually be doing the

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18 September - 24 September

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

The Kiama Knights under 16-2 2026 group 7 premiers. Photo Kiama junior Knights

Knights Under 16-2 boys finish junior journey as premiers Lleyton Hughes

he Kiama Knights Under 16-2 boys have finished their junior rugby league journey on the highest possible note, defeating the Shellharbour Stingrays 10-4 in their grand final at WIN Stadium on Sunday. It was a tight and physical match from start to finish, with the Knights producing a huge defensive effort to hold the Stingrays out and secure the premiership. For manager Jade Ross, who has been looking after the team for the past nine years, the victory was made even more special by the journey the boys had taken together. “It was just amazing for these boys with their last year of the junior Knights just to

hold that memory, to take out the win,” she said. The team’s season had begun with some uncertainty, as the Knights were once again struggling for numbers. “We always seem to be struggling for numbers,” Ross said. “We’re always just trying to get a team together and just hoping there’s this one core group that always plays throughout the years.” This year, the Knights were able to bring across several players from Nowra, whose team had unfortunately folded, helping the Kiama side put together a full squad. The move proved to be a positive one, with the new players quickly becoming part of a close-knit group. “It was just a really nice way to just bring communities

together as well, bringing Nowra and Kiama together,” Ross said. “The boys in this team have always been such great mates, and they’ve just been so welcoming with anyone.” That camaraderie translated onto the field, with the Knights putting together an outstanding season. After going through most of the season undefeated, their only loss came against the Stingrays at Shellharbour towards the end of the regular season. The two sides would meet again when it mattered most. The grand final was a tense affair, with the scores locked at 4-all at half-time before the Knights managed to find a way through in the second half. Ross said the team had to

overcome plenty of adversity during the match, including 15 penalties going against the Knights. Despite the pressure, the players refused to let it affect them. “All of them just held their heads high and got on with the job and just knew what they needed to do to get the win on the day,” she said. Their defensive effort ultimately proved decisive, with the Knights holding on until the final whistle to claim the premiership. Xander Ross was rewarded for his performance by being named Player of the Match, capping off an outstanding individual display in the grand final. Ross said the victory was particularly meaningful for

the players who had spent much of their childhood playing together. Three of the boys have been with the junior Knights for 11 years, having started together in the Under 6s. “They’re all going to move on to the seniors next year,” she said. “So this was just an amazing moment for them to take that win on.” The celebrations continued after the match, with the wider Kiama Knights community helping make the occasion one the players would remember. When the team returned to the leagues club, members of the Knights community formed a tunnel for the boys to run through. “They’re just memories that these 15 and 16-year-old boys

would just hold for life,” Ross said. For Ross, the team’s success has never been solely about what happens on the scoreboard. “They’re all just such great mates,” she said. “As a manager, I’ve been proud every week to put my hand up and say I’m the manager of those Kiama Knights boys, because they go on the field and they’re just amazing sportsmen.” After nine years as manager and 11 years of junior football for some of the players, Sunday’s grand final victory was a fitting way for the boys to finish their junior Knights careers. Now, they will make the move into the seniors together - as Group 7 junior premiers.

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thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER

Division one all ages Kiama Quarriers premiers. Photo Kiama Quarriers Football Club

Knights book grand-final berth as Lions fall to last-gasp Stingrays field goal Lleyton Hughes

he Kiama Knights are through to their second straight Group 7 grand final after beating minor premiers Albion Park 28-8 over the weekend, while the Gerringong Lions suffered a heartbreaking end to their season with a one-point loss to the Stingrays of Shellharbour. The Knights went into their final against Albion Park at Albion Park full of confidence after defeating them just two weeks earlier. It showed when they scored just four minutes into the match. Halfback Cameron Vazzoler grubbered from dummy-half, with the rebound landing right into the hands of fullback Brad Killmore, who picked it up and

burrowed over for the opening points. From their next set, however, the Knights made an error, and Albion Park fullback Jack Talbott slipped through the Kiama defence from the scrum to bring the score back to 6-4, with Kiama still in front. Kiama centre Max Jennings made two big plays which led to their next try. First, he made a great chase on a Vazzoler bomb, forcing a knock-on. Then, a couple of plays later, he broke a tackle in a backline play and offloaded to winger Kye Deane, who went over in the corner to make it 12-4. Another Knights error let Albion Park back into the game, and it was Talbott again who weaved through the Kiama defence to score his second try and make it 12-8. But from there on, it was

all Knights. Before half-time, a short ball from hooker Daniel Martin put forward Matt Nicholson over to make the score 18-8 going into the break. The Knights scored from their first set of the second half when Hooper took the ball to the line and gave a lovely ball to Killmore out the back, with the fullback going straight through. Then it was Hooper again who produced a beautiful short ball, this time to secondrower Keiran Poole, who went through untouched to score the final try of the match. Despite the big win, Killmore wasn’t completely happy with his team’s efforts. “We definitely didn’t play our best footy on the weekend - we made a couple of errors coming off our line and we can

definitely improve in that area. But we’re always happy with a win, especially against Albion Park at their home ground,” he said. The win puts the defending premiers into the grand final for the second year in a row, with a week off next week. Albion Park will battle it out with the Stingrays of Shellharbour for the remaining spot. “We’re very happy with a week off - we did the same thing last year and I think it helped a lot. It’s a long year and to be a little bit more fresh before the grand final is always helpful,” he said. Unfortunately, that second spot in the grand final will not be occupied by the Gerringong Lions, who went down 1918 in a thriller against the Stingrays at Gerringong over

the weekend. The Lions’ first half was impeccable, striking early with a penalty goal before scoring the first try of the match in the 14th minute. Lions centre James Kunkler scored a spectacular try off the back of a Rixon Russell kick. They then went 70 metres in a set before hooker Nathan Ford darted out of dummyhalf to create space for fiveeighth Jarrod Tiyce, who threw a long ball to Kunkler for his second of the day. Leading 12-0, it wasn’t until the 36th minute that the Stingrays finally managed to break the Lions’ defence, when front-rower Liam Henry muscled his way over from close range to make it 12-6. The Stingrays were first to strike in the second half to level the scores, but the Lions

hit back in the 55th minute to regain the lead when fullback Wes Pring put Kunkler over for his third try to make it 18-12. With just over ten minutes to play, the Stingrays levelled the scores again, setting up a frantic final ten minutes with both sides chasing a field goal. With four minutes to go, Tiyce’s attempt from 40 metres out went just wide of the posts. Moments later, it appeared the Stingrays’ Isaac Morris was in a perfect position to attempt a field goal, but the scrambling Gerringong defence stopped him from getting the kick away. With just 20 seconds to go, Morris got his second chance. This time, he took it. As the ball sailed over the posts, the Lions’ hearts were broken and their 2026 season came to an end.

Back-to-back glory for Quarriers as women claim two premierships Lleyton Hughes

he Kiama Quarriers have finished a huge weekend with two premierships from three grand final appearances, with the club’s Division One women

going back-to-back after a dominant 5-0 victory. The Over 30 Division One women also lifted the trophy after a thrilling 2-1 extratime win over Thirroul, while the men’s Over 35s narrowly missed out after going down

3-2 on Saturday. For club secretary Nerissa Peterson, having two of the club’s eight teams finish as premiers was a fantastic result. “It’s fantastic for a club,” Peterson said. “We’ve only got eight teams, so for two of them to win grand finals is pretty awesome.” The first of the two women’s grand finals was the Over 30 Division One clash against Thirroul, and it did not start the way the Quarriers would have hoped. Thirroul struck first in the opening half, with Kiama struggling to find their best football. But the Quarriers lifted after the break, spending much of the second half camped in attack as they searched for an equaliser. They hit the post, had efforts go over the bar and created several chances before finally finding a way through in the 85th minute. A corner was delivered into the box and Katie French rose to head the ball home, sending the game into extra time at 1-1. French then struck again just five minutes into extra time, once again heading home from an Alex King corner to put Kiama in front. The Quarriers managed to hold on for the remainder

of extra time, despite Thirroul creating a couple of late chances, to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory. French’s two goals capped off an outstanding season for the striker, who is the Quarriers’ leading goalscorer. “She’s amazing,” Peterson said. “Both kicks were corner kicks off the same girl too, Alex King, who does these amazing kicks across that Frenchy just finds with her head.” The result was particularly satisfying after the Over 30s had lost their first semi-final, before fighting their way back to earn their grand final spot. The Division One women then took to the field in the second grand final, and their performance could hardly have been more different. After losing to their opponents Fairy Meadow two weeks earlier, the Quarriers came out firing and controlled the match from the beginning. They scored four goals before adding a penalty in the second half to complete a 5-0 victory. Having already finished the regular season as league champions, the premiership capped off an outstanding campaign for the side. It was also their second consecutive grand final victory, making them back-to-back premiers. “They were in control pretty

much from the word go,” Peterson said. “They were just in control and always looked dangerous, I never doubted them for a minute.” The success has also left the Division One women with an important decision to make, with the team now considering whether to step up to Premier League next season. Peterson said the continued success of the side could also have benefits for the rest of the Quarriers’ women’s program. “Once you’ve got a good team, you attract more players and new players to come into that second grade as well to support moving forward,” she said. While the two women’s teams were able to finish their seasons with premierships, the men’s Over 35s came agonisingly close. After finishing third overall and fighting their way through

two semi-finals to reach the decider, the Quarriers went down 3-2 in a close and fiery grand final. Although the result was disappointing, Peterson said the team could still be proud of what they had achieved. “They were still pretty happy finishing second overall,” she said. “It was still a really good result for them too. “The men were really successful for a long time, and now we’ve got this bunch of ladies that are really successful,” Peterson said. “So it’s really great to see.” The success could also provide inspiration for the next generation, with the Kiama Junior Club now developing girls’ teams of its own. “It will be really nice for them to see the girls being successful and look up to them and make their way through into our club too,” Peterson said.

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18 September - 24 September

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KIAMA KNIGHTS UNDER 10 BLACK BT

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18 September - 24 September

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

Lucy Darragh goes from bronze to world junior champion Lleyton Hughes

erringong surfer Lucy Darragh has gone from the disappointment of a bronze medal last year to becoming a world champion, winning the Under 16 Girls title at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in El Salvador. The 16-year-old South Coast surfer carried strong form throughout the competition, progressing through the main draw and ultimately claiming the gold medal in the final. It was a particularly special result for Darragh after finishing third in the same

event in 2025. Last year’s bronze left her knowing she had more to give, and she returned this year with winning the world title firmly in her sights. “I’m so stoked,” Darragh said. “Winning this event was a huge goal of mine last year and I came really close with the bronze, so it just made me so hungry to get the win this year.” Darragh made her intentions clear from the opening round, posting a 9.00 wave - the highest single-wave score of the opening round in the Under 16 Girls division. She continued that form throughout the event,

avoiding the repechage rounds and progressing through the main draw all the way to the final. Darragh was also the only surfer in the Under 16 Girls field currently competing on the World Surf League Challenger Series, giving her valuable experience competing in high-pressure heats against some of the world’s best young surfers. In the final, she faced Zoë Panettiere of the United States, with Darragh ultimately securing the gold medal. Her victory makes her just the third Australian girl to win the Under 16 World Junior title, following Sierra Kerr in 2023

and Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie in 2024. For Darragh, however, the week was about more than just her own result. She was part of an Australian junior team that claimed the overall team gold for the third consecutive year, with Darragh highlighting the support and camaraderie within the team. “The week has kind of flown by because me and the team have just been having so much fun, watching every single one of each other’s heats,” she said. “Getting the win is kind of like the cherry on top.” She also paid tribute to her teammates, with Loci Cullen,

Ben Zanatta Creagh and Ocean Lancaster all producing strong performances during the competition. “Loci getting the win just before me, and then Ben and Ocean in this one, it just shows how dominant Australia is and how many great surfers we’ve got,” Darragh said. The world title adds another major achievement to what is already becoming an impressive young career for the Werri Beach surfer. But Darragh has her sights set well beyond junior competition, with the Olympics one of her biggest ambitions. “Hopefully I can go to the

Olympics one day, it’s one of my biggest dreams,” she said. And after turning last year’s bronze into this year’s gold, the 16-year-old has already shown what she can do when she sets her sights on a goal. Darragh also made sure to acknowledge the people back home who have supported her throughout her journey. “Shout out to everyone who supported me, all my brothers and sisters, my grandma, the whole Werri Boardriders at Gerringong Surf Club,” she said. “So stoked, thank you everyone.”

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KIAMA NETBALL - JUNIOR B BEACHETTES 10

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KIAMA JFC UNDER 11 RED

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

rugrug-

KIAMA KNIGHTS UNDER 10 RED BT

thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER

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THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

KIAMA NETBALL - JUNIOR A BEACHETTES 10

21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

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GERRINGONG LIONS LLT1

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JAMBEROO SUPEROOS LLT2

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21 AUGUST - 27 AUGUST

thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER

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SHOT OF THE WEEK Jamberoo Superoos first grade Captain Dean Watling makes a spectacular leap to take the high ball with safe hands during the recent clash against Gerringong Lions

The Bugle News 18 September 2026