Local artist’s message on the wall
Masterpiece on Manning Street p4
TMI? How to ease budget fatigue
Amy Molloy
The Kiama community is experiencing budget fatigue after weeks of uncertainty — and years of financial instability — leading up to Kiama Council’s proposed plan and budget being made public.
On 24 April, the exhibition period opened for community feedback on key documents
— Kiama Municipal Council’s draft 2026–27 Budget, Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP), Fees & Charges, and Statement of Revenue Policy.
Together, these Integrated Planning & Reporting (IP&R) documents outline how Council proposes to deliver services, manage assets and work towards long-term financial sustainability.
On the same day, the
exhibition period for Council’s draft Employment Lands Strategy (v2) was also released.
Combined, the documents run to hundreds of pages.
Residents have told The Bugle they are overwhelmed by the density of the information and unsure whether their feedback will make a difference.
Even with 28 days to submit feedback or attend in-person
sessions — which begin on 6 May — many say it is difficult to process.
When challenged about transparency, Council has repeatedly said all relevant information is publicly available. However, the responsibility remains with residents to seek it out — and digest it.
“Business papers, by their nature, are big beasts,” CEO
of Kiama Council Jane Stroud told The Bugle. “When you've got a report and you've got to give all the attachments, it's a fine line … We always want to give more rather than less.”
Stroud acknowledges it can feel overwhelming — especially when the outcome could shape Kiama’s financial future.
“I know it can seem overwhelming, but it has always been important to me to make sure that there is more information out there,” she says.
Praising Kiama’s “well educated community”, Stroud has faith in residents to do their homework.
Like gas prices, Kiama’s struggling finances have become a water-cooler conversation, and it can easily overshadow all the positives of living in this community. That’s why last weekend felt like such a tonic.
Walking up Blowhole Point Road at sunrise, alongside thousands of Kiama “neighbours”, is always a heart-lifting experience – community spirit in action. Meanwhile, the KISS Arts Festival filled the shores of Black Beach with laughter, even with the spill at Black Beach cancelling the raft race.
(Incidentally, my husband
Welcome to The Bugle
won the ‘dry raft race’, holding my son upside down and sprinting towards the finish line.)
This is a time to hold onto the shining lights in the community, and what we love about being part of the Kiama ecosystem.
Speaking of which, this week we’ve launched a “Support The Bugle” button at the top of our website. We’ll never paywall our content, but you can donate to our communitycentred, solutions-focused journalism. Or, if you’re a local business, join our online directory (details on page 20) . Thanks for being part of our story.
Amy @amy_molloy
Too much information? How to ease budget fatigue
cont from p1
Amy Molloy
“You’ll be amazed, I have people on Terralong Street or at Blue Haven, read word for word [documents back to me] and cite the page number that material is on,” she says.
“What I often say is just try and stick to the facts. If you can, try and read the material; if you can’t understand the material, ask a Councillor. Or go to one of the pop-ups and talk to staff who can walk you through it.”
Public exhibition is a formal opportunity for the community to review Council’s draft plans and provide feedback.
It allows residents to see what projects and services are proposed across the municipality, check whether priorities reflect what matters most to them, and share feedback before plans are finalised.
deficit – Council are now considering the offer and the draft budget will, according to Council, be “updated during the exhibition period as more information becomes available.”
Despite this question mark, residents are still expected to submit feedback now. So, what is the best way to share your view and ease your budget overwhelm?
Feedback can be submitted via the Kiama Council website, by attending a community pop-up, sending an email, or mailing a submission to ‘Kiama Municipal Council, Att: The Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 75, Kiama NSW 2533.’
Correspondence must include the reference number SC5254.
The Bugle newspaper is brought to you by locals weekly and available free throughout the Kiama LGA. Get daily news updates and the digital edition anytime via The Bugle app or at thebuglenews.com.au
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The Bugle News is bound by the standards of practice of the Australian Press Council. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human. Content does not necessarily represent The Bugle’s view.
Complicating the process is the matter of the proposed partnership between Kiama Council and Reflections Holiday parks. After formerly receiving an offer from Reflections – for a figure expected to “neutralise” their projected $4.5million
Council have been leaning into community pop-ups as a way to connect with the community in places where people naturally gather. The first pop-up will be held on Wednesday 6 May from 2–5pm at Kiama Farmers’ Market, with more locations to be confirmed.
When giving feedback, Stroud has urged residents to be respectful.
“Whenever you’re doing face-to-face community engagement, there is always a risk,” she says. “Sometimes
people feel as though they have a right to get quite animated or agitated at staff members. That staff member is there to listen and gather your feedback; they’re not there to defend the decisions of council.
I always say to my staff who are out there – including myself – if you’re ever feeling threatened, if you’re ever worried about your safety, you need to leave.
That’s the safest thing that you can do. We just have to be
practical about these things. It’s a workplace. We can’t tolerate abuse. That’s not fair.”
During the exhibition period, submissions are reviewed as they are received by Council staff.
Submissions will be compiled into a report for Council, summarising community feedback and outlining suggested responses or changes.
The final plans will be presented to Council for adoption in June 2026.
Kiama residents will have the chance to speak directly with the state’s top decision-makers when the NSW Government’s Community Cabinet visits this month.
The event will be held on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, with a public Community Forum scheduled from 12:30pm to 2:00pm at The Pavilion.
Locals are invited to attend and take part in a Q&A session with the Premier and Cabinet Ministers, offering an opportunity to raise issues and ask questions about matters important to the Kiama community.
Community Cabinet is designed to strengthen connections between government and local
communities, giving residents a voice while also helping ministers better understand regional priorities and challenges.
Insights gathered during these visits are used to inform decision-making and improve the delivery of key services across NSW.
The Kiama session is part of an ongoing series of Community Cabinet visits across the state, with previous forums held in locations including Penrith, Orange, Broken Hill, the Central Coast and the South Coast.
Secure your place at the forum here: .https:// pd.eventsair.com/communitycabinet-kiama-forum/publicform/Site/Register
Kiama Council staff and AVCON personnel are continuing the clean-up work after a spill on Friday at Kiama Harbour.
A Fire and Rescue NSW crew first attended the spill along the stormwater drainage outlet at Black Beach on Friday morning.
They conducted water sampling to test the material and Hazmat officials installed a boom to stop the pollution from spreading.
The source of the spill has been identified, and Council
staff are working with representatives of that venue to prevent it happening again.
As at 30 April, Black Beach is still closed to swimming or any water-based activity.
Residents have voiced concerns about the only ‘beach closed’ sign placed at the North end of Black Beach, and how people have still been swimming in the area.
Council will provide an update when the water quality is deemed safe.
Community Cabinet coming to Kiama
Previous Council community pop-ups
Emily Crisp
Shellharbour Council
has taken a step that could reshape how people live on the South Coast, progressing a pilot scheme that would remove planning permission requirements for tiny homes for two years.
Council is progressing the proposed Tiny Homes Pilot Program and has reached the public exhibition stage.
The proposed trial would run for two years and focus on mobile tiny homes used as rental accommodation.
large mortgage. Often placed on family-owned land, they allow people to build an asset they can take with them if circumstances change.
One South Coast resident said setting up a tiny home on family property had taken the pressure off almost overnight.
“Rent was going up, and we were getting nowhere. This gave us a way to stay local, stay close to family, and actually have something that’s ours,” they said.
single women, many working remotely and wanting a space of their own.”
Ms Smith said many of her clients are actively choosing to reduce debt and simplify their lives.
“Older couples are downsizing and moving away from large family homes with all the ‘stuff’, wanting a sense of freedom to travel and be financially able to share resources with their children and grandchildren,” she said.
Leisure centre upgrade treads water
The move is aimed at easing pressure in a housing market where rents remain high and traditional home ownership continues to feel out of reach for many.
“You realise pretty quickly you don’t need as much space as you think. It’s changed how we live in a good way.”
Small homes, big change: the tiny house takeover but skatepark stays
That flexibility is also driving a rise in intergenerational living, something long familiar on the South Coast.
“I’m planning to build a tiny home on our property so that my kids, both in their twenties, don’t have to leave the nest if they can’t afford to,” a Jamberoo resident told The Bugle.
Another Kiama resident, who is in the process of drawing up plans for a tiny home, explained, “The plan is to have it as a place for family to stay when they visit, and to rent it out on Airbnb the rest of the time – especially at Christmas when everything is booked up in the area.”
For many, tiny homes offer a way to step off the rental cycle while avoiding the burden of a
For older homeowners, the model can work in reverse, with parents downsizing into a tiny home while freeing up the main house for adult children and grandchildren. The result is shared land, shared resources, and a different kind of financial security.
“Australia-wide, we are seeing a huge increase in housing affordability options for all kinds of families,” said Shani Smith from Havenwood Tiny Homes, based in Albion Park Rail.
That demand is not coming from one single demographic but reflects a broad crosssection of the community looking for alternatives to the traditional housing model.
“Families with young children, couples looking for their first home, single mothers navigating changes in their lives, and older couples who are downsizing,” Ms Smith said. “We’re also seeing
The proposed council pilot could accelerate that shift, although Ms Smith believes the timeframe may limit its impact.
“This is a first pivotal step from Shellharbour Council, which will give other LGAs the freedom to do the same,” she said. “It’s a start to alleviate mortgage and rental stress, but two years is not long enough for a pilot.”
Even so, the direction is clear. As housing pressures continue, councils are being forced to consider options that would have been unlikely even a few years ago.
For a region like the Illawarra, where lifestyle and land often intersect, the appeal is obvious. Tiny homes offer a way to stay local, stay connected, and rethink what home actually looks like.
If the pilot moves ahead, Shellharbour won’t just be responding to the housing crisis – it will be leading the charge on a housing model many locals are already embracing.
Amy Molloy
Welcoming nearly 280,000 visitors a year, Kiama Leisure Centre is one of the region’s most heavily used public facilities. Its future, however, remains unclear.
Nearly a year has passed since draft masterplans for the Kiama Sports Complex were released for public feedback. Since then, little has been confirmed. So, is it sink or swim for the leisure centre’s makeover?
Kiama council secured funding under the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (Phase 3) to develop masterplans for the sports complex and South Werri Reserve.
Those plans include options to demolish and rebuild the existing leisure centre, alongside upgrades to drainage, lighting and surrounding sports fields.
Longer term, the Bombo Quarry lands have been flagged as a potential site for expanded sport and recreation. But that vision is years away, while pressure on existing facilities is already building.
As Council literature reads, “This master-planning exercise seeks to ensure that the Kiama Sports Complex and Leisure Centre remain capable of supporting local needs in a Regionally Significant Facility.”
Few dispute the need for investment. The question is what happens in the interim.
Residents have raised concerns about potential disruptions – and whether the community could be left without access to key facilities during any
redevelopment.
“As far as the Leisure Centre goes, the capital works budget will be approved in June and there are no plans to shut down the Leisure Centre for any significant period,” says a representative from Kiama Council.
“There could be a partial closure of some facilities in July during the annual maintenance window, but nothing out of the ordinary.”
However, is this only because no plans have currently been finalised?
“There are no plans to shut the leisure centre for any significant period at this stage, as
Council is yet to approve any masterplans or concepts for the precinct, identify funding sources for the works, or award tenders,” the representative reiterated.
“The masterplan, which is being developed (yet to be approved), is the initial step.”
Behind the uncertainty sits a more immediate constraint: money.
Ahead of an Extraordinary Meeting on 7 April, council outlined “budget control improvements” including a projected $42,000 saving from “reducing the span of operating hours”, alongside a proposed five per cent increase in fees and charges.
A “reduction in headcount” across facilities, including the leisure centre, was also flagged.
At the same time, Council says it is recruiting.
When asked about a nationwide shortage of swimming instructors, Council responded: “Kiama Municipal Council is actively recruiting suitably qualified staff, including seasonal casual staff.
In accordance with the adopted Kiama Leisure
Centre Service Review and Strategy, Council is continuing to review how it provides services at the centre.”
The competing signals — cuts on one hand, recruitment on the other — underscore the balancing act between financial restraint and maintaining services. Some elements, at least, appear settled.
In the summary of the Public Exhibition Engagement Report, it is confirmed “the skatepark [will] remain at the Sports Complex.” Whether it will be upgraded remains undecided.
Community feedback has also pushed for expansion: “additional courts for both netball and basketball, with the inclusion of multipurpose courts” and that “a 50-metre indoor pool is required.”
A splash park has also been proposed, aimed at broadening the centre’s appeal to families and visitors.
Delivering any of it will come at a cost. Upgrades are estimated at around $100m, with Council expected to rely heavily on state and federal funding.
Council has already received $250,000 from the NSW Office of Sport, with an additional $38,000 contributed from Council’s Development Contributions Fund toward upgrades to Kiama netball courts.
The Leisure Centre, like all Council services, is included in the Draft Operational Plan and associated budget. In the Draft Budget 2026/27, the revenue for the leisure centre is listed as $2.74 million, with estimated expenses of $3.72 million, resulting in a deficit of $987,000.
Kiama artist’s aerosol art wows crowd
From spray cans to saints
Myah Garza
According to Colin McKinnon, recreating a 17thcentury masterpiece as a mural on a Telstra building in Kiama has been less of a challenge than many might expect.
“I’ve actually found it quite a fluid process,” he says.
The 41-year-old artist has spent most of his adult life working in a very different visual language – one shaped by graffiti, animeinspired illustration and commissioned murals, drawing on years behind a spray can.
Late last year, McKinnon stumbled across Baroqueera painter Peter Paul Rubens.
“The fine art world is kind of new to me,” he says. “Coming from graffiti, it’s a different world… it’s nothing I’d really explored.”
“I was looking for a way to do art with more meaning, more substance.”
What now stands on Manning Street, on the Telstra building opposite Kiama Council chambers, is the result of that search: a large-scale reinterpretation of Caravaggio’s The Calling of Saint Matthew,
The aerosol artwork is already drawing a steady stream of onlookers.
McKinnon describes himself as entirely selftaught, having started at 21.
His training, he says, comes down to “just YouTube” and what artists often call “time on the can” – years spent learning how to control spray paint, layer colour and build form.
“I was actually a late starter,” he says. “Then it was just pure graffiti for a few years.”
After some interruptions – including a period where he stepped away from art after “getting into a bit of trouble” – he returned in his late 20s and gradually built a freelance practice.
Over time, his work expanded into portraits, commercial murals and stylised pieces influenced by anime, which he still credits for its storytelling.
“There’s a lot of really good meaning in those stories,” he says.
Even so, by the end of last year, he found himself searching for something more.
That search led him, unexpectedly, into the world
of Baroque painting.
“I stumbled into Rubens first,” he says. “And then I found Caravaggio.”
The impact was immediate.
Rather than idealised figures, the Italian painter used people from the streets – labourers, criminals, sex workers – and placed them in sacred settings.
“He’s a fascinating character… a bit of a bad boy,” says McKinnon.
It also reflects something he feels is missing in today’s mural landscape.
“In many ways, the current mural scene has lost a part of itself – its soul,” he says.
Still, McKinnon is careful not to dismiss contemporary mural work, having been part of that system himself.
“Safe murals for businesses and councils have created a tier of art that feels somewhat soulless,” he says. “We’ve seen them so frequently – it’s become just another mural: another bird, another face.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that – I’ve painted those murals, and proudly. And they can be really special.
In a lot of the conversations I’ve been having, there’s a desire for a return to something like the Renaissance or the Baroque — art with narrative and impact,” he says. “Not massproduced.”
Part of that, he suggests, may be tied to the rise of artificial intelligence and the increasing ease of generating images.
“AI has been useful… but it’s also taken some of the life out of creative practice,” he says. “This mass-generated content has created a void of art with meaning.”
Against that backdrop, the decision to paint a Caravaggio work in a regional town feels less unusual.
The Manning Street mural was not commissioned.
McKinnon funded it himself after being connected to the site through a local contact, with Telstra agreeing to the use of the wall.
“It’s my own project,” he says. “You could almost say I’ve gifted it to the town.”
The process, he says, became straightforward once the initial structure was in place.
He broke the original painting into blocks of colour, then used his experience with spray paint to build depth and softness
back into the image.
“As long as the sketch is there and you’ve got a guide to follow, placement of colour becomes easier,” he says. “Then it’s just knowing how to feather, dust and clean up lines.”
Over the week he spent working on the mural, the response from the community was immediate. Locals stopped to watch, ask questions and return to see its progress.
“It just went nuts,” he says. “People were talking about it in coffee shops.”
The interactions have helped cement McKinnon’s connection to Kiama, where he has lived for the past four and a half years after moving from Sydney.
“It feels way more like home now,” he says.
He is already planning a second, related work on the adjacent wall, continuing the story of Saint Matthew.
“I’ve been trying to find a way to bridge faith and art,” he says.
“We’re all fallible. Nobody’s perfect. I do my best – it’s not that good, but it’s my best.”
The story depicted in The Calling of Saint Matthew centres on an ordinary moment interrupted by something greater – a scene where everyday figures are confronted with a higher calling.
It’s an idea that extends beyond the canvas, and one McKinnon hopes to build on.
He is now working with Sydney-based filmmaker and Caravaggio lecturer Martin Wetherill on a broader concept: a series of large-scale works inspired by the Baroque master, potentially installed across Sydney and linked as a public art trail.
The Kiama mural, he says, is just the beginning.
“I needed a case study … a sample wall to demonstrate the concept.”
If realised, the project would bring classical narratives into contemporary public spaces.
For now, McKinnon’s reimagined Renaissance work remains on Manning Street.
“I hope it brings more awareness – and more projects like this,” he says. “They’re great conversational pieces in a town.”
Follow McKinnon @digitalprofets_
“Disgusting” toilets spark outcry
Donna Portland
AA key moment for the community
strongly worded post on the Kiama Community Page has drawn attention to the condition of the public toilets adjacent to Hindmarsh Park on Terralong Street, with one visitor describing the facilities as “disgusting” and calling for urgent action.
The post, which detailed concerns about cleanliness around door handles, floors and fixtures, prompted The Bugle to seek a response from Kiama Municipal Council.
seven days a week, with a scheduled service beginning at approximately 5am. This routine includes sanitising toilet bowls, seats, basins and urinals, restocking consumables, removing graffiti, and mopping and sweeping all floors.
During peak periods -–including weekdays and public holidays – staff also conduct a secondary check, typically around midday, to replenish supplies and identify any maintenance issues.
Council acknowledged that some elements of the facility present ongoing challenges.
“The cleaners are consistently reporting that the men’s urinal is difficult to maintain due to a build-up of
limescale,” a spokesperson said. “Different cleaning products are being trialled to improve outcomes.”
Issues raised regarding grime around door areas have since been addressed, with Council advising these sections will now receive more frequent attention.
Periodic deep cleaning is also undertaken, particularly along floor edges where dirt can accumulate beyond routine mopping.
Council noted the Terralong Street amenities are among the most heavily used in the municipality and are also one of its oldest facilities – a combination that can place additional strain on maintenance standards.
Jamberoo in a jam: roads versus growth
Traffic and pedestrian safety concerns are resurfacing in Jamberoo as residents respond to new development and the prospect of further growth.
A recent community traffic survey conducted by the Jamberoo Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association (JVRRA) provides a snapshot of how locals move through the village - and where they see risks increasing. With 211 households responding - around onethird of the community - the survey highlights a population heavily reliant on cars, while also regularly walking and cycling. Residents say that mix is placing growing pressure on infrastructure not designed for higher traffic volumes.
Much of the concern centres on the Golden Valley Road subdivision. Stage 1, now underway, relies on a single entry and exit point onto Golden Valley Road. The concentration of traffic through one access point has raised fears about congestion,
particularly in emergency situations.
There are also concerns about how additional vehicles will affect surrounding streets.
Roads such as Macquarie, Owen, Beattie and Youngalready narrow and lacking footpaths - are expected to absorb overflow traffic, with pedestrians, children and cyclists sharing the roadway.
The intersection of Golden Valley Road and Allowrie Street is another focal point.
Beyond the subdivision, the survey points to broader unease about traffic conditions across Jamberoo.
Around half of respondents reported moderate to high concern about driver behaviour, with speeding and unsafe driving most commonly cited.
Pedestrian safety also emerged as a recurring theme, with gaps in footpath networks, limited safe crossings, and increasing traffic on residential streets Cycling safety remains another concern.
Residents argue the situation reflects a lack of integrated planning.Suggestions include traffic-calming measures and improved pedestrian infrastructure. A recurring proposal is a second access road to service the Golden Valley development, potentially connecting further east to Allowrie Street.
Developer Fountaindale Group maintains that traffic impacts for Stage 1 were assessed through professional studies, which concluded Golden Valley Road could accommodate the additional load.
Director Jennifer Macquarie says, “The traffic reports were reviewed as part of Council’s development assessment process, with Council’s engineer concurring with the findings.”
She added that Stage 2yet to undergo rezoning and approval - includes plans for a new intersection onto Jamberoo Road, providing an alternative access point.
“New traffic studies would
be undertaken as part of any future application taking into account projected traffic from both stages,” says Macquarie.
She also pointed to broader benefits, including increased housing diversity, support for local businesses, and the potential donation of land for a new preschool.
A Council spokesperson declined to provide a fresh response, referring instead to its February 2023 assessment report.
That report acknowledged traffic as a key issue raised in submissions and confirmed these concerns were considered during the approval process, ultimately concluding the development was acceptable and in the public interest.
Council also advised that upgrades to intersections or related infrastructure have not been identified in its Capital Works Program, and that it has no formal position on the proposed second access point, as no application for Stage 2 has been lodged.
When the NSW Government rolls into Kiama for its Community Cabinet on 19 May, it will bring with it the usual promise: a chance for locals to speak directly to decision-makers on ’topics or issues that are important to them and their community', and to feel heard. On paper, Community Cabinet is designed as a democratic olive branch. Cabinet ministers meeting in regional areas, hosting forums, and engaging faceto-face with communities outside Sydney’s political bubble. We had a similar cavalcade when the byeelection for the seat of Kiama took place in 2025.
But the visit this time around, is more than a little bit peculiar. The timing feels less like routine outreach and more like a visit loaded with political subtext.
As we all know, Kiama Council is currently navigating an unusually complex and sensitive relationship with the NSW Government. Most prominently, the council remains under a Performance Improvement Order, a rare (but historical) intervention that places it under heightened scrutiny. This alone creates a delicate dynamic: a State Government arriving to “listen” to a community whose elected body it is actively overseeing.
At the same time, Kiama is grappling with a new and controversial proposal involving Reflections Holidays and the future of its holiday parks. The unsolicited proposal, opaque and infant as it is, can correct Council’s financial course but may also be a decision that has decades-long implications.
It has already raised questions locally about transparency, asset control, and long-term financial sustainability. For many residents, this issue goes to the heart of who ultimately shapes Kiama’s economic future: the council, the state, or external operators. Layered on top of this is the ongoing pressure on the Council’s budget. Years of financial strain, exacerbated by asset management challenges and revenue limitations due to a lack of population growth, have forced difficult decisions and sharpened community concern. The State’s involvement, whether through oversight or indirect influence, is part of that story.
Against this backdrop, Community Cabinet risks feeling performative unless it directly engages with these tensions. Residents are unlikely to be satisfied with generalised listening exercises or broad policy talking points. We should expect clarity on the future of council autonomy and the performance improvement order, on the role of the State Government and the unsolicited proposal, and on how Kiama can regain financial stability without losing control of what makes it distinct.
If handled well, the visit could reset trust and open a more transparent dialogue and be a key moment for Katelin McInerney. If not, it may simply underscore a growing perception that key decisions affecting Kiama are being shaped elsewhere.
For a government that says it wants to listen, this Community Cabinet will be a test of whether it is prepared to answer some tough questions.
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice Family History Service review
Kate Henderson
On 29 April a community discussion was held to review the family history services at Kiama Library led by Jan Richards Consulting. All were welcome to offer their opinions, thoughts and experiences whether as a past or current user of the Family History Centre, an occasional visitor for research or an interested party.
Richards, a highly experienced consultant specialising in libraries,
archives and galleries, will prepare a report for Kiama Council based on the collated feelings of the community. Also in attendance was Michelle Bell, the Community and Engagement Officer for Council.
Founded in 1988, the former squash courts became the Family History Centre after a grant was obtained by Ray Thornburn. In the intervening years it gained a reputation for excellence in the field of genealogy. The Centre was known to have outstanding
resources, including rare books on Irish history not available online.
Local Lynelle Johnson who used the Family History Centre to investigate her own family background suggested that marketing and promotion may be useful tools in the future of the Centre, including boosting its potential for cultural tourism.
All present agreed that the Centre needs to be open for enough hours to remain viable.
The report will be presented next week.
Dr John Salmon is pleased to announce that he is practicing full time in Kiama.
Offering quality gentle dental care in a calm and relaxing environment.
House or street?
Is it better to buy the best house or on the best street? Our property columnist Sam Scobie weighs in.
It is one of the oldest dilemmas in real estate: do you buy the shining jewel on a modest block, or the “diamond in the rough” nestled among the area’s most prestigious homes? In a coastal market like Kiama, where location and lifestyle are the primary drivers of value, the answer often depends on whether you are prioritising immediate comfort or long-term capital growth.
Buying the “best house on the worst street” offers immediate gratification. You might find a movein-ready home with modern finishes and zero maintenance. However, a ceiling effect often applies – no matter how premium your kitchen is, your resale value is frequently compared to the surrounding homes.
Conversely, finding the “worst house” on a premium strip in iconic pockets like Gwinganna Avenue or the tightly held streets in the harbour precinct is the traditional investor’s dream. In Kiama, you are often buying for the view or proximity to the water — things you cannot easily change. While older coastal homes require a keen eye for maintenance due to salt air, every dollar spent on renovation is bolstered by the high value of established neighbouring properties. Ultimately, the choice depends on your “why”. If you need a stress-free family home today, the finished house is a great fit. But if you want to build equity in a blue-chip location, the fixer-upper in a top-tier street is a strong financial option. If you’re weighing up two local properties and want an objective look at their potential, I am always here to help. This is paid content. The Bugle thanks our supporters.
Businesses brews over coffee connect
Awho’s who of local businesses gathered at The Hill Bar & Kitchen in Gerringong on Wednesday morning for the Kiama Business Network’s Coffee Connect.
The brainchild of KBN’s Vice President Matthew King, the monthly catch ups have been running for almost a year now as a way for neighbourhood businesses to network and touch base.
“It has been a great one for us,” said KBN President Cathryn Lyall. “As business owners and operators, it can be hard to do evenings –especially with families – but in the mornings everyone can spare a half an hour for a cup of coffee on their way into work.”
Around 30 representatives of various businesses stopped by, including the team from Travel Focus Group.
“In such a small place, it’s so great to have businesses that get together like this on a regular basis,” said Kelly Morrison, Travel Specialist. Travel Focus are gearing up for their own event next week – their monthly ROAM Women Tour breakfast club – which is raising funds for the Cancer Council as part of the Biggest Morning Tea 2026.
“The Kiama Business Network have helped us get the word out and encourage their members to come along to the breakfast club, which is more than 25 women now,” says Morrison. Each event features a guest speaker and a focus on trips to different parts of the world with many of the attendees recently returning from a tour of Cambodia and Vietnam.
ROAM Women Tour breakfast club is taking place at 8am on Wednesday, 6 May at Travel Focus Group’s office in Gerringong.
Realities of the regional housing crisis
place.
In the final article in our series on the South Coast Housing Forum, Steve Bartlett, owner of the Huskisson Hotel group offers his insight into the current regional housing “crisis”.
Australia’s regional housing crisis did not emerge overnight – it is the result of decades of structural, economic and social shifts, particularly in coastal communities.
Across regions such as Shoalhaven, Kiama and Port Stephens, there are clear patterns that explain why housing supply has struggled to keep pace with demand, and why younger generations are increasingly being locked out.
Many of these coastal towns were once built on agriculture, timber and fishing— industries that supported stable, working communities.
Over time, however, they transformed into lifestyle destinations. Holiday homes became permanent residences, and as populations grew, communities sought to preserve the natural beauty that attracted them in the first
Planning restrictions tightened, development slowed, and large portions of land were effectively “locked up.” While well-intentioned, this shift has had unintended consequences: housing supply has dwindled, and younger people can no longer afford to live in the very communities they grew up in.
The economic implications are significant. Thriving communities require more than scenic appeal – they need sustainable sources of income.
In many regional areas, local economies rely heavily on government support, pensions, or tourism, rather than consistent, productive industries that bring in external revenue. Without this inflow of money, communities struggle to sustain themselves.
Jobs become scarce, particularly for young people, who are often forced to leave in search of opportunity. In their absence, businesses face labour shortages, sometimes turning to overseas workers to fill roles, further highlighting the imbalance.
This creates a cycle that is
difficult to break.
Compounding the issue is the complexity of the planning and approval system. Responsibility is fragmented across multiple levels of government and departments – planning, water, environment, transport – often operating in silos.
This makes even straightforwarddevelopments difficult to progress. At the same time, small but vocal community groups can exert disproportionate influence, slowing or halting projects despite broader public need.
The result is a system where well-intentioned regulation and community input can inadvertently prevent necessary housing from being built.
Underlying all of this is a simple economic reality: housing prices are high because supply is constrained. While demand continues to grow, the availability of developable land has steadily decreased due to zoning restrictions, environmental protections and heritage considerations. Policies designed to assist buyers, while helpful in the short term, often drive prices higher
without addressing the root cause.
There are also broader structural challenges. The construction industry faces critical labour shortages, with too few apprentices entering trades and insufficient skilled migration to meet demand. At the same time, building requirements and regulations have increased costs, making it harder for individuals to build their own homes—a pathway that was once common.
Addressing the housing crisis will require more than incremental change. It calls for a coordinated, outcomefocused approach that prioritises housing supply, streamlines approvals, and invests in workforce development. Without this, regional communities risk stagnation—becoming places where people may want to live, but increasingly, cannot afford to stay.
Ultimately, the issue is not just about housing. It is about the long-term viability of communities, the opportunities available to younger generations, and the kind of future regional Australia is building.
Steve Bartlett
Maria Lewis
Second hand scene gets second life
With Mother’s Day approaching, the idea of gifting is shifting. In Kiama, more locals are turning to second-hand finds, not just for affordability, but for something with a bit more character.
At Anglicare on Terralong Street, that sense of reuse is already well established.
“In Kiama, it’s the community I love most,” said Liz, who works at the store.
“The customers who came in when we first opened over a year ago are still coming back. They’re returning pieces they’ve bought, finding
something new, and keeping that cycle going. ” Australia-wide, the shift is clear. According to an Australia Post report, 46 per cent of Australians now buy second-hand items each year, with the recommerce market forecast to reach USD $6.75 billion by 2029.
On social media, “second hand influencers” like Jessica Hoole of My Second Hand Life and Hannah Klose of Never Ever Pay Retail earn thousands of followers, for swapping thrifting tips and showcasing their latest second hand buys. In Kiama, that growth is playing out in practical ways, with shoppers becoming
more selective about what they buy.
“We focus on quality items that are going to last,” Liz said. “We steer clear of fast fashion because it doesn’t wash and wear well, and if something isn’t in good condition, it doesn’t go on the shelf. People are looking for pieces they can keep, pass on, or donate again. It keeps that cycle moving.”
It has been nearly a year since The Salvation Army “Salvos” store on Terralong Street closed, leaving local thrifters in mourning – with the large retail space empty.
While traditional op shops remain a staple, many locals are expanding where they look. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Depop have become part of the mix, particularly for larger household items or children’s gear.
Kiama resident Emily Smith said she had relied heavily on Marketplace when decorating her daughter’s room.
“I probably found about 80 per cent of it there, including her bed, some really sweet baskets, and a few decor pieces,” she said.
Kiama resident Rachael Chard said Marketplace had also become a go-to for everyday items. “Strollers, bookshelves, tables, kids’
sports gear, bikes — I use it all the time. Even kitchen stuff.”
Others say they are more selective about where they shop, with some finding it harder to come across genuine bargains in larger op-shop chains and turning instead to smaller stores.
Beyond shops and apps, there is also a strong culture of reuse happening at a neighbourhood level. One local said the town’s informal sharing networks were just as valuable.
“I love the Kiama freebies page, and the bulky waste drop-off shop twice a year is brilliant. You can pick up tools, toys, bikes, all sorts of outdoor gear for free. It’s amazing what gets a second life.”
That idea of a “second life” is at the heart of recommerce, whether it’s a dress bought for a special occasion, a bookshelf passed between homes.
And the local landscape is continuing to evolve. Lifeline South Coast has recently announced it will open a new store in Kiama – and is looking for volunteers – adding another option for shoppers and donors alike.
As the cost of living continues to shape spending habits, second-hand is no longer a fallback. In Kiama, it is becoming part of how people shop, gift and live.
Lifeline
Volunteers needed
The Bugle Newsroom
Lifeline South Coast is excited to announce the upcoming opening of a brand-new retail shop in Kiama, creating a fresh opportunity for the local community to support lifesaving services—while also getting involved as volunteers.
As preparations ramp up, Lifeline South Coast is calling on community members to be part of something meaningful by volunteering in the new store.
“We’re incredibly excited to be joining the Kiama community,” said Renee Green, Lifeline South Coast CEO.
“Our shops are more than just retail spaces – they’re community hubs. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and this new location offers a wonderful opportunity for people to connect, learn new skills,
and contribute to a cause that saves lives.”
Set to open soon, the Kiama shop will offer a welcoming space for locals and visitors to shop quality pre-loved goods, connect with their community, and contribute to a cause that makes a real difference. A variety of volunteer roles are available, including customer service, cashier work, donation sorting, merchandising, and more. No prior retail experience is necessary; just a willingness to get involved and be part of a supportive team.
By volunteering just a few hours a week, locals can help ensure that Lifeline South Coast continues to provide vital services to those in crisis. Anyone interested in volunteering are encouraged to register their interest and attend an upcoming information session. https://46661213.hs-sites-ap1. com/kiama-retail-shop
Emily Crisp
Shop it local
Tiffany Springett
There is no shortage of beautiful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in and around Kiama. Local boutiques and makers are offering a curated mix of gifts, from fresh flowers and handcrafted homewares to luxurious candles, fashion pieces and relaxing wellness experiences. Whether you’re planning ahead or searching for something special at the last minute, shopping locally not only makes gifting more personal, but also supports the small businesses that make the South Coast community so unique.
Mother’s Day done the Kiama way
34
34 Degrees South is a coastal-inspired boutique described by visitors as a hidden gem. Located in Gerringong, the store blends classic, sophisticated pieces with relaxed beachside charm, creating a space that feels both inspiring and welcoming. Just in time for Mother’s Day, 34 Degrees South is offering fresh, locally sourced flower arrangements alongside their range of distinctive gifts. With in-store pickup and free local delivery available across Gerringong and Kiama, it’s an easy and thoughtful way to make Mum feel truly appreciated. 34degrees.com. au/
Deer Willow in Kiama offers a carefully curated collection of unique homewares, furniture and fashion inspired by a relaxed, coastal way of life. With pieces that blend comfort, style and effortless elegance, the store is perfect for finding something special for the home or wardrobe. This Mother’s Day, Deer Willow features a range of thoughtful gift ideas, from statement furniture pieces to stylish fashion and accessories deerwillow.com.au
Indigo Rose Home Living, in Kiama, brings together a curated mix of fashion, fragrance, and home styling pieces designed to add comfort, beauty and personality to everyday life. With a focus on thoughtful, timeless finds, the store offers everything from cosy homewares and elegant décor to meaningful keepsakes and wearable pieces. Indigo Rose is the perfect place to find a heartfelt gift, with ideas ranging from scented candles and perfumes to stylish accessories, home accents and carefully selected treasures. indigorose.net.au
Wellness Luxury Escape South Coast brings the ultimate spa experience straight to your door, offering in-house massages, facials, and group yoga or pilates sessions designed for total relaxation. Their mobile studio travels to Kiama and surrounds, whether you are staying in an air bnb, hotel or your own home. Treat someone special to a luxurious at-home spa experience or a curated wellness getaway. wellnessluxuryescapesc.com.au
Kai Lunar Collections is a thoughtfully curated boutique inspired by a love of travel, bringing together natural, sustainable fashion, accessories and homewares sourced from artisan makers around the world. Founded in 2017 from a passion for collecting beautiful, meaningful pieces, the store blends timeless craftsmanship with a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic. Located in Kiama, Kai Lunar now offers on-trend, easy-to-wear styles alongside unique home décor, perfect for something a little different for Mother’s Day. kailunarcollections.com.au
Endota Spa, located in Kiama, invites you to embrace wellbeing as more than a moment, but a way of life. With a focus on nurturing the mind, body and skin, their range of spa treatments and thoughtfully crafted products are designed to help you feel balanced, confident and restored. This Mother’s Day, Endota offers a selection of gifts, from relaxing spa experiences to luxurious skincare and wellness kits. endotaspa.com.au
Indigo Rose Home Living
Kai Lunar Collections
Degrees South
Wellness Luxury Escape Gerringong
Endota Spa
Deer Willow
Saltwater Cafe’s callout
This year is a very special milestone for Saltwater Kiama, as the award-winning cafe turns five years old.
To celebrate the milestone — and mother’s day — they’re launching an “inspiring mum” campaign. And it’s more than a free coffee and a thank-you.
for inspiring mums
“We want to do more than mark the occasion,” says Saltwater Kiama owner Gülçin Töpel. “We want to highlight real stories from our community and give back to the people who have supported us from day one.”
Since changing hands two years ago, Saltwater Cafe has transformed from inside to
out, revitalising community spirit and building on the quality of their products and the community spirit they offer to locals and tourists alike..
“We strive to be a friendly, welcoming, and positive part of every customer's life – whether they visit us one or one hundred times,” says
Töpel.
“We are also proud to share that last year we received the AU Business Champion Award this year, and we want to continue celebrating the community behind our journey.”
Do you know a mother who has inspired you; a mum who stays strong
through challenges, gives to her children and inspires everyone around her?
They want to hear her story.
One selected “Inspiring Mum” will receive a $500 cash prize.
To enter, follow Saltwater Kiama @saltwaterkiama. Like their inspiring mum
post, share your story in the comments (or direct message them).
Close of entries is 6 May 2026. The winner will be announced by Saltwater Kiama during Mother’s Day week.
This is paid content. The Bugle thanks our supporters.
80+ small businesses for mums
From stress to serenity
Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be a challenge — but at Qifeet in Kiama, the focus is on something truly meaningful: wellbeing.
Rather than offering a traditional present, Qifeet provides an experience designed to help mums relax, restore and feel genuinely cared for. Combining remedial massage with traditional Chinese medicine, their treatments go beyond surface-level relaxation to support overall health and recovery.
“Our goal is to offer more than just a gift,” the team at Qifeet says. “We want to create an experience that nurtures both body and mind.”
One of the most popular
options this year is the Qifeet Mother’s Day gift voucher. Flexible and easy to purchase, it allows mums to choose from a range of treatments, including massage and acupuncture — or even enjoy a combination of both for deeper care.
Customers can tailor their gift with a range of thoughtful treatment, including relaxing massages, a “pain relief combo” of acupuncture and massage or “restore and balance” acupuncture with herbal support.
For those short on time, Qifeet’s vouchers are also an ideal last-minute solution — quick to organise, yet still personal and meaningful.
Choosing a local business like Qifeet adds another
layer of value to the gift.
Supporting local means investing back into the community while helping small businesses continue to provide personalised care and services. And for anyone still unsure what to buy?
“You can’t go wrong with giving your mum time to relax,” they say. “It’s something she might not buy for herself, but will truly appreciate.”
This Mother’s Day, skip the usual gifts and give Mum something that really matters — the chance to feel cared for.
Visit Qifeet at 1/114 Terralong Street, Kiama or call on 02 4293 1882. Vouchers available now.
This is paid content. The Bugle thanks our supporters.
This Mother’s Day, The Collective Beat invites the community to discover a truly special place to find the perfect gift.
Home to more than 80+ small creative businesses across three stores – many proudly run by mums – they understand what mothers love and the joy of giving something meaningful.
Collective Beat stores
offer a thoughtfully curated range of gifts, including candles, chocolates, jewellery, artworks, homewares, fashion and unique giftware, all created or selected with care.
This mothers day weekend, they will also have fresh flowers from local flower farms available, making it even easier to spoil Mum with something beautiful.
By shopping at The
Collective Beat, you are not only finding a heartfelt gift, but also supporting local families, makers and small businesses within our community.
The Collective Beat looks forward to welcoming you in store to celebrate the mums, grandmothers and special women in your life this Mother’s Day. This is paid content. The Bugle thanks our supporters.
Kiama Business Network boosts cyber and AI skills
Kiama Business Network (KBN) is stepping up its support for local businesses, focusing on two areas many operators are navigating right now, cybersecurity and AI.
The organisation is working toward SMB1001 Bronze cybersecurity compliance, a recognised standard designed to help small businesses strengthen their systems and protect data.
With support from local IT providers, the process is already underway. Dev Rasnakakewa of 4T Solutions said KBN is starting from a strong base.
“We’ve found the foundations are well in place. This is about refining processes and making sure the right safeguards are clearly visible,” he said.
At the same time, KBN is helping local businesses make sense of artificial
intelligence, with a new workshop titled “AI That Works for Your Business”.
This two-hour workshop, delivered exclusively for KBN members, is designed to give local business owners practical, easy-to-use skills they can apply in their dayto-day operations. Facilitated by Glenn Haworth of Resolve Business Coaching, the session will include live demonstrations and handson practice, focusing on how AI can be used to save time, improve decision-making, and streamline everyday business tasks.
“This is about making AI practical and accessible,” Haworth said. “People will leave with clear, useful ways to apply it in their own business straight away.”
The workshop will be offered free of charge to KBN members, with further details to be released soon.
Shanae Allen brings heart to Kells Kiama
Having worked for Kells in Wollongong for several years, Shanae Allen recently made the transition to the Kiama office, a place that is dear to her heart as part of her childhood.
Allen grew up in Albion Park and has happy memories of visiting Kiama with her family.
“In my childhood, coming down here was like a weekend treat,” she says.
Allen lists the Kiama Ice Creamery and Daisy the Decorated Dairy Cow as cornerstones to her childhood memories of Kiama.
She has even used Daisy as an orientation point when describing the location of her
new office to her family.
Whilst studying Conveyancing Law & Practice at Macquarie University, Allen was hired by Kells.
“Shanae joined us while she was studying her degree at Macquarie University and we’ve fostered that and she’s grown into an excellent conveyancer,” Kells Kiama Partner, Michael Hatfield says.
During that time, Allen worked in admin and on the residential property team prior to becoming a Licensed Conveyancer.
“I’ve got several years of experience working in residential property, part of that being admin and most of it since I became a Licensed Conveyancer.”
Allen will still be in the same position as she was at the Wollongong office however now she has taken on a leadership role and is also more client based.
“I’m meeting with clients in Kiama and finding it’s a lot more personal, I’ve got a good relationship with the clients, which I love,” she says.
As a people person, she enjoys the opportunity to meet her clients face to face.
“I like putting a face to the name and getting to know their character which helps me, when I’m helping them with what they need ” she says.
The role of a Licensed Conveyancer means that Allen is often working with clients during significant
periods in their life, which is an element of her role that she also loves.
“I love the job. I like helping people feel comfortable and confident when they are going through milestones and nurturing that whole process, because I understand it can be overwhelming,” she says. Allen isn’t alone in her enthusiasm.
Having observed her grow over several years, Michael is also thrilled to welcome her to the team.
“It was a perfectly natural fit. She’s wonderful with people, very capable at what she does…it’s a great addition to the firm,” he says. This is paid content. The Bugle thanks our supporters.
Olivia Funnell
Tuned in: KCR
KCR Big Night Out:
A celebration of quiet heroes among us
Carers are the quiet backbone of our community. They are the people who give their time, energy and compassion to support others, often without recognition and often without a break. This May, KCR (Kiama Community Radio) and Kiama Golf Club are joining forces to give something back to those who give so much.
On Saturday 16 May 2026, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, carers from across the Kiama LGA are invited to enjoy A Big Night Out for Carers at Kiama Golf Club – a free evening of live music, good company and well-deserved relaxation.
The event is proudly supported by Kiama Municipal Council, whose contribution has helped make the night accessible and affordable for all carers.
If you spend your days caring for others – whether a family member, friend, neighbour or someone in the community – this night is for you. Carers can book a free ticket with a reserved seat, ensuring they can simply arrive, sit down and enjoy the evening without stress.
Thanks to council support, carers will also have access to reduced-price meals, making it easier to enjoy dinner out without the usual cost or the effort of cooking. Those wishing to view the menu can contact the event organiser
directly.
The night will feature the incredible Pearl Noire and her band, bringing soulful, high-energy live music to the Kiama Golf Club. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, reconnect with friends, or simply enjoy a rare moment of time for yourself.
Carers Gateway will be present on the night with information packs for carers. The Illawarra ME/ CFS, FM & LC Support Group have also taken part in the planning of the event.
Events like A Big Night Out for Carers are a reminder that carers deserve rest, recognition and community support.
A single night out may seem small, but for many carers it is a rare and meaningful opportunity to feel valued.
All attendees will have the chance to win a special lucky door prize: Two nights’ free accommodation at the Carers’ Cottage (sleeps up to six), kindly donated by the Kiama Lions. KCR, Kiama Golf Club and Kiama Municipal Council are proud to host this event as a gesture of appreciation for the carers who keep our community strong, compassionate and connected.
Tickets at Trybooking: https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1573783
Further information contact marketing@kcr.org. au
New sign of mateship at surf club
Donna Portland
The Kiama Men's Shed has once again showcased its craftsmanship, recently creating a striking custom sign for the Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club.
Crafted from rich walnut driftwood, the large sign features a detailed carved depiction of Cathedral Rocks. It was designed by Ralph Steel, a foundation member of the Surf Club, and expertly produced by the Men’s Shed CNC team.
Surf Club President Brett Schweitzer expressed sincere appreciation for the generous donation, describing the piece as both visually impressive and deeply meaningful to the club.
Now proudly displayed in the bar area, the sign stands as a lasting symbol of local craftsmanship, shared history, and community connection.
Projects like this highlight the enduring partnership between the Surf Club and the Men’s Shed - two organisations united by skill, generosity and a strong sense of mateship.
From cans to classrooms: in the mix
Donna Portland
For more than a decade, Gerringong resident Ian Watt has quietly turned other people’s recycling into life-changing opportunities. By collecting bottles and cans from local households, Ian and his wife have helped fund the education of four children in Bali – supporting them all the way through university.
“It’s something we’ve just kept doing over the years,” he said. “Those young adults wouldn’t have had the same opportunities without that support.”
Known locally as ‘Watto’, he works with a network of residents who allow him to sort through their yellow bins, salvaging eligible containers and directing the proceeds
towards children in need. What began as a simple act of generosity has grown into a sustained effort with tangible outcomes.
His experience on the ground, however, has also shaped his view on Kiama Council’s recent decision to move yellow bin collections to a fortnightly service. In a letter to Council, Watt questioned the rationale behind the change, particularly the suggestion that recycling bins are often underused.
“In the streets where homeowners agree I can remove their bottles and cans, I regularly see bins that are full or three-quarters full,” he said.
While he supports waste reduction initiatives, he believes the change may not reflect actual usage patterns
in areas like Gerringong.
“I can’t understand reducing the yellow bin service,” he said. “If anything, I’d have thought green waste would make more sense to reduce.”
Kiama Council said the shift to fortnightly recycling collections is based on broader usage data across the local government area and is part of efforts to improve efficiency and sustainability.
“Many households do not fill their yellow bin each week. Collecting recycling less often will help run the service more efficiently, minimising the cost to all Kiama ratepayers,” the spokesperson said.
Despite his concerns, Watt’s focus remains firmly on the bigger picture.
“It’s really about helping where you can,” he said. “If
collecting bottles and cans here can help someone get an education, then it’s worth doing.”
Dawn to dusk Anzac Day 2026
The Bugle Newsroom
For 25 April 2026, thousands made their way up Blowhole Point Road for the dawn start of Anzac Day commemorations.
As the sun rose, the crowd stretched from the far eastern point of the coastline down past Diggies Café, listening quietly and respectfully –a far cry from the heckling experienced at services in Melbourne and Sydney.
At the Scout Hall, a lifesize crochet soldier stood alongside 200 crocheted poppies – commemorating not only Anzac Day but also marking 100 years of the first Kiama Scouts.
Later in the day, school children, community groups and veterans took part in the Kiama march, including 96-year-old Max Hair, who was interviewed in last week’s Bugle – fresh out of hospital to join the commemorations.
Sitting in a Mercedes alongside 103-year-old veteran Harold West, their presence drew cheers from the crowds.
Hair can’t remember ever missing an Anzac commemoration, even standing at the end of his driveway during Covid to honour the veterans of the past, and those currently serving.
Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, thanked all involved.
“It was terrific to see the Kiama community turn out to remember the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform,” she says.
“Thank you to Jamberoo Kiama RSL for such a meaningful recognition of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms, the Sing Australia Choir for commemorating the occasion in such a beautiful way, and the wonderful Reverend Kath Merrifield for her deep and heartfelt prayer for peace.
Thank you also to SubLieutenant Ryan Kelly of HMAS Albatross for his Anzac address, to the Kiama High School leadership team for delivering the prayers for our Defence Force, and to all the
schools who turned out so many students on the day.”
Anzac Day events also took place across Gerringong and Gerroa, with Jamberoo the previous weekend.
At Gerringong, the Dawn Service for 2026 was a resounding success with a crowd well in excess of 1,000 enjoying a beautiful sunrise over the ocean at the Headland Memorial in Gerringong.
The service started at 6am with the Catafalque Party provided by HMAS Albatross under the command of Lieutenant James Butcher.
Sub-Branch Secretary Jeff McClenaughan welcomed everyone and gave an Acknowledgement of Country.
Vice President Kim Bailey gave
the prologue and introduced the prayers.
Guest speaker was Lieutenant Oscar Craig from HMAS Albatross.
The Gerringong Public School choir sang a tribute song “Spirit of The Anzacs” by Lee Kernighan and they also did the National Anthem at the end of the service.
Meanwhile, at the Kiama Anzac Day march, members of the Rotary Club of Kiama laid wreaths at the memorial arch, and veterans received gifts from community groups and school children.
“The best gift was a card from a young school student who joined many others expressing their thanks on this day for the bravery of the past,”
said a member of the Rotary Club. “They will have to be the brave ones of the future.”
In the lead up to Anzac Day, two bus trips were organised by the Kiama/Jamberoo RSL to strengthen connections with neighbouring sub-branches.
To support this, two bus trips were organised, with members from Gerringong and Albion Park Sub-Branches invited to join.
The first trip visited the Veterans Centre and HMAS Albatross in Nowra, followed by a second outing to the Military Vehicle Museum in Bowral.
It is hoped this event, titled Honouring Their Service, will become an annual gathering.
103 year old, Harold West
Max Hair
what’s on?
Kiama Sculpture Walk
Until Sat 18 Jul
Black Beach, Kiama
Experience the wonderment created by Australian sculptors for gardens and public spaces
The Enchanted ForestIn Bloom
Until Sun 17 May, 6pm
Blackbutt Forest Reserve
Transform the forest into a luminous, immersive journey of light, colour and sound
Kiama-Jamberoo RSL
Friday 1 May, 12pm RSL Hall Jamberoo
BBQ lunch. All veterans are welcome.
Berry Quilt Show
Fri 1 May-Sun 3 May
Berry School of Arts
Bi-annual Quilt Show with raffles and challenges
Captain Christie Ocean
Swim
Sun 3 May, from 7am Boat Harbour, Gerringong
Swim 1.8km to Werri Beach
DIY Chocolate Box
Workshop – Mother’s Day
Fri 8 May, 1:30pm
The Treat Factory, Berry
Craft a box of chocolates for Mother’s Day
Kiama Textiles Art group
meeting
Sat 9 May, 10am-12:30pm Kiama Library
Meet on the second Saturday of the month
Mother’s Day High Tea
Sat 9 May, 2pm-4pm Gerringong Town Hall
Afternoon tea to celebrate mothers
Mother’s Day at Kiama Golf Club
Sun 10 May, 8am
Kiama Golf Club
Relaxed dining experience, flowers and mimosas.
Mother’s Day at Cin Cin
Bar
Sun 10 May, 7am-9pm Cin Cin Wine Bar
Mother’s Day at Club
Jamberoo
Sun 10 May, 12pm-8pm Club Jamberoo
Mother’s Day at Kiama Leagues Club
Sun 10 May, 12pm Kiama League’s Club
Bistro specials and live music from 2:30pm
Mother’s Day Signature
High Tea
Sun 10 May, 12:30pm2:30pm Bella Char, Gerringong Signature High Tea with arrival Champagne
Mother’s Day at Gerringong Bowling Club Sun 10 May, 12pm-8:30pm Gerringong Bowling Club
Live music and Werri Waves Bistro serving food
SEEN Women’s Conference Sat 16 May, 9am-4pm
Kiama Baptist Church
A day of inspiration, connection and empowerment
Werri Beach Celebrating 100 years
Sat 16 May, 2pm Kiama Library
Geoff Webb on a journey to Werri Beach
Wings Over Shellharbour 2026
Sat 16 May-Sun 17 May, 9am-5pm Shellharbour Airport, Albion Park Rail
Aerial displays, aerobatics and a family festival experience
Carers Big Night Out Sat 16 May, from 7pm Kiama Golf Club
Live entertainment, special dinner, lucky door prizes
Dementia Inclusive
Kiama gathering
Mon 18 May, from 10am Barroul House, Kiama Monthly gathering for social activities and support Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Thu 21 May, 10am-1pm Kiama Pavilion
Hosted by Cedar on Collins, raising funds for cancer
The Jamberoo Red Cross, RFS, fUKEr fundraiser Sat 23 May, 7pm-11pm
Abestselling Australian author is heading to Kiama, with Natasha Lester set to speak at a special event hosted by the Friends of Kiama Library.
The author of The Chateau on Sunset will appear at The Pavilion Kiama for a morning talk and book signing, giving local readers the chance to hear directly from the writer behind the novel.
Friends of Kiama Library President, Perrie Croshaw said the event is one that’s expected to resonate with the community.
“We are very excited to have attracted such a sought-after speaker as Natasha Lester to visit us in Kiama,” she said.
“She is a New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction, with novels often exploring the lives of extraordinary women, just what we want to read about before Mother’s Day on Sunday.”
Speaking recently about the book, Lester said the idea came to her while travelling through Italy, after reflecting on a string of novels that reimagine classic stories in new ways. Looking out across the countryside, she began to consider how that approach
Bundanon’s
Tiffany Springett
Applications are now open for the 2027 Artists in Residence program at Bundanon Art Museum, offering creatives from across Australia and around the world the chance to immerse themselves in one of the country’s most inspiring cultural landscapes. Recognised as the largest initiative of its kind nationally, the program invites artists and researchers from all disciplines to apply, whether they are emerging talents or established professionals. Open to individuals, collaborative groups and incorporated companies, the residency encourages bold ideas, experimentation and the development of new work.
might work with one of her own favourites.
“What if I did something like that with one of my favourite books, Jane Eyre?” she said.
What followed was not just a retelling, but a reworking of the original story’s emotional core. Lester was drawn to the idea that Jane Eyre, while romantically fulfilled by the end of the novel, never quite achieved the independence she longed for.
“I decided to write a story where Jane got both a romantically satisfying and a personally satisfying ending, an ending that such a great heroine truly deserved,” she said.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s Hollywood, The Chateau on Sunset balances the glamour of the era with its darker realities. Lester’s research revealed a world where power was tightly controlled and often abused.
“There was such a lot of ugliness going on beneath the glamour and the beauty,” she said. “Women were having to fight every day against a very male-controlled studio system, one that wanted to take away all of their power.”
That tension plays out through the character of Aria Jones, a young woman forced to rebuild her life and find her voice.
“What I wanted to do in this book was to take a more ordinary person… and see what it would take to make her rise up and claim both her voice and her power,” Lester said.
Events like this are about more than just the book itself, offering a way for readers to connect.
“How fabulous is it to have the author in person to speak to us?” Croshaw said. “Friends of Kiama Library’s author talks are like really big book clubs but with the actual author there, it’s a terrific way of getting like-minded members of the community together.”
Run by volunteers, the Friends of Kiama Library use funds raised to support local readers, including gifting every newborn in the Kiama area a library bag with their first book.
The event will be held at The Pavilion Kiama from 10am, with tickets priced at $15 for Friends members and $20 for guests. Visit library.kiama.nsw. gov.au
art residency opens
Set along the Shoalhaven River, Bundanon spans two properties gifted to the nation by Arthur Boyd and Yvonne Boyd. Their vision was to create a place where creativity and learning could flourish in harmony with the natural environment, “a place for the community to enjoy the bush and the river, and a place to be used as a forum where those from every facet of the
arts and sciences could come together.”
That vision continues through the residency program, which welcomes around 350 artists each year.
Applications opened on 20 April and will close at 5pm on Monday 1 June 2026, with no late submissions accepted. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in September, with the residency
program running from midMarch to late November 2027.
With its unique blend of artistic heritage and natural beauty, Bundanon continues to offer a rare opportunity for creatives to step away from the everyday and focus on pushing their practice forward.
Alongside the residency program, Bundanon has also announced a major exhibition, Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar, bringing Arthur Boyd’s iconic works into light with a significant new commission by leading contemporary artist Shaun Gladwell.
Presented in the Art Museum from 4 July to 11 October and curated, the exhibition explores enduring themes of power, exile and transformation.
Emily Crisp
The show goes on at KISS
Even an unknown spill in Kiama Harbour, which caused the cancellation of the raft race, couldn’t dampen the KISS Arts Festival, which took centre stage at Black Beach over the weekend of 25–26 April.
For KISS co-founder Tamara Campbell (also known as the character ‘Kiki Bittovabitsch’), the replacement for the raft race ended up being a festival highlight.
“I actually really enjoyed when the raft race couldn't go ahead and we had to instantly find something to fill that half hour,” says Campbell.
Traditionally, Sunday at KISS sees local families race across the harbour on handmade rafts. Instead, organisers switched to a ‘dry raft race’, ran in collaboration with Kiama Unplugged.
Participants were tasked with picking up a family member, with the first to cross the finish line winning a $100 voucher to Little Betty’s.
It followed a ‘Hungry Hippo’ competition, where kids on skateboards filled buckets with plastic balls for prizes, including a voucher to Toyworld Kiama.
“I just loved seeing people jumping in and playing,” says Campbell. “It was an experiment, but it’s something we’d love to expand on next year.”
Speaking of next year, the future of the KISS Festival is in jeopardy. The event, which has been running annually in Kiama for over a decade, has been hit by budget cuts.
The festival employs approximately 30 professional artists each year and is estimated to deliver more than $1.5 million into the Kiama economy across three days, according to a
Remplan Tourism Impact Summary. It has also provided free, world-class entertainment for families, locals and visitors alike.
However, for a festival that has always been free to attend, the loss of council funding presents an existential threat.
The week before the festival, Campbell and cofounder Dave Evans predicted the event might not continue. However, the vibrancy of the weekend has reignited their determination.
“We will definitely do whatever we can,” says Evans. “We will try every avenue. We will talk to every person, every minister, every councillor that we possibly can to try to ensure that there’s funding in some way, shape or form to make it possible for it to happen again.”
The 2026 KISS Festival featured a vibrant line-up of acts, both at the adultsonly ‘kabaret’ and along the foreshore of Black Beach across two days.
From standout acts like ‘The Mullet Man and Mim’ – whose acrobatic moves were no small feat in the wind – to Doctor Hubble and his magical bubbles, which wowed children and adults alike, this was an event not just for tourists, but for locals who look forward to it every year.
“Given that Kiama is such a tourist destination, lots of locals feel like they would prefer to avoid the centre of town on these kinds of days,” says Evans. “But KISS is different. It was busy with tourists and locals coming together as a community to celebrate and have fun.”
Campbell adds, “It’s special and unique, and I don’t want to see it disappear. We just need to play a much bigger game to make sure it comes back next year.”
Blow Your Bugle
This weekend’s KISS Arts Festival was a special one for me. Not for the risqué KISS Kabaret night with its incredibly talented line-up (hi Kiki Bittovabitsch and Dave Evans).
Nor was it the chance to see my great mates Rheinberger & Wilson in the place I first met them four years ago. Even the cracking autumn weather, morning to night, paled into insignificance …
Because this weekend was my first KISS as a performer.
I joined my friends in the Kiama Illawarra Pride Choir for two gigs. There I was, in my adopted hometown, singing for a real audience. Never have I felt more nervous (I had family there), excited, or alive. And we smashed the shows— our Kiama community loved its little choir!
A big thank you to music director Tia Wilson for persuading me to join KIPC 15 months ago, and to AD Jonnell Uptin and president Tonina Harvey for encouraging me to stick with it. Through them, I’ve learned that it’s worth taking risks. That strangers can become friends. That everyone has a voice. In KIPC, I feel accepted as an ally, in a space where people can live their truth. Thank you.
Amy Molloy
Karen Lateo
Credit: Peter Izzard
Credit: Peter Izzard
Inspired by an elder Gerringong musician’s new single
Olivia Funnell
‘Elliott’ is the latest single to be released by Gerringongbased musician Kevin Sullivan. Also known as the frontman of Kevin Sullivan and The Sulli-Vans, whom he tours with his three youngest children, KJ, Cha Cha and Jet. Since 2020, they have performed more than 270 shows all over Australia and have appeared on The Voice.
Sullivan’s latest single is named after the town of Elliott which lies halfway between Alice Springs and Darwin and is his second single to be written with Stuart Joel
Nuggett, an Indigenous singer songwriter. The duo recently had their song I’m Barred Again top the Australian country music charts.
‘Elliott’ is about Nuggett’s mother, Janet Gregory, who is the last female elder who reads and writes in the local indigenous language from Elliott called Djingili. But it is also more broadly about the loss of indigenous language.
The music video was shot over several days in Elliott which gave Sullivan a greater understanding about indigenous culture in that area.
“Janet, Stuart’s mother was
there and she told us about the importance of land and water and the environment and their culture,” he says.
Despite the theme around loss of indigenous language, “Elliott” is an upbeat song.
“It’s got this sort of rhythmic cadence to it. It’s an up-tempo song. I’d like to think it’s a bit of an earwormer sort of, gets in your head a little bit as well,” he says.
Remaining positive and upbeat is something that is dear to Sullivan’s heart, after tragically losing his sister to motor neurone disease last year.
“It’s been reinforced
recently with my sister passing away. We’ve lost people to cancer and illness and you really have to make every second you’re here count. So, you know, just surrounding yourself with positive people, or positive things. Yeah, that’s what we try to do,” he says.
Prior to shooting the music video, Sullivan had the opportunity to meet with and interview Janet Gregory to which he gained more insight on the loss of Djingili.
“I sat down and I interviewed her outside of her house and she said, she knew this has been coming because she said, when she
was a little girl, the school up around Elliott and in the territory would encourage the children not to speak their indigenous language and to speak English,” he says.
Over the years, Gregory made a concerted effort to pass the language onto her son and even worked closely with a linguist to phonetically record the language.
Throughout the song, her son, Nuggett sings several Djingili words such as, kulumindini kgnow.
Kulumindini meaning Elliott and kgnow being the Djingili word for home.
“At one stage he sings some
more Djingili words about his mother,” Sullivan says.
When reflecting more broadly on his career as a musician, Sullivan, a former police officer, believes that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
“Success to me is just you know, living this musical life and this musical journey. And I’ve done it with my children. We’ve seen the most amazing places all around Australia,” he says.
‘Elliott’ is available to purchase and stream on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Vivid Sydney attracts 2.5 - 3 million visitors each year. It is the world’s largest multi-art-form event and navigating it, especially with children, is a feat in itself.
Nick Martin, Kiama local and Operations Manager at Vivid Sydney is no stranger to getting the best out of Vivid with children.
“If you've got kids in particular, young kids, you definitely want to plan it,” he says.
The event has four pillars: light, music, minds (ideas) and food and there are hundreds of events across the city.
“So if you're going for one night, you know, obviously the light installations are your focus and particularly if it's a family,” he says.
The Light Walk, which is a free, immersive outdoor trail peppered with installations, stretches for approximately eight kilometres with up to 40 different installations.
“We occupy everything from the Sydney Opera House all the way around Circular Quay and the Rocks,” he says.
Martin knows first-hand the sheer scale of the event.
“It's too big to do it all in one night. Even without kids, I know because I've walked the footprint, you know, hundreds of times. And I even have a golf buggy. Even with a golf buggy you struggle to get around the whole thing in one night,” he says.
For families, Wednesday nights are less busy and more manageable and he suggests arriving at the site by 5:30pm and pre-booking parking if you are driving.
“And you can if you go on a weeknight, nobody believes me, you can walk around and there'll be…very few people,” he says.
Martin also suggests prepurchasing Opal cards for the kids, charging them with $10 and packing warm clothes and snacks.
His next suggestion is to
Vivid withSydney kids
plan the route.
“Now, if you go on the Vivid Sydney website, it can be a bit overwhelming because there's hundreds of events and all kinds. The best thing you do is just go to the map,” he says, which is available on the Vivid website.
His first suggestion is “Route A” which encompasses Circular Quay, The Rocks and Barangaroo Lawns.
On this route you will find 3D light projections, large light installations, views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and food at Fire Kitchen — an free open-air food event celebrating live fire cooking and will even feature some celebrity chefs.
For attendees who would like to see the drone shows, Martin suggests “Route B”, which is situated around Darling Harbour. In addition to the drone shows, there are interactive installations for the kids and music.
He also suggests parking near Central Station, taking the
light rail to Exhibition Centre and walking to Tumbalong Park.
At 6pm, the lights at Tumbalong Park switch on. It is here where Martin also suggests feeding the kids, prior to the drone shows.
“There's a thousand drone shows. It'll absolutely fill the sky. It's up 120 meters high which is as high as some of the skyscrapers in the city. It'll be absolutely insane. People will have never seen anything like it,” he says.
After the drone shows, you can then return to Central Station by walking to Town Hall Station and catching the train from there.
Martin has been part of Vivid Sydney for three years and is proud of this year’s event and hopes that families can get the most out of it.
“You get a lot of pride in the event,” he says.
Vivid Sydney runs from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June. More information visit, vividsydney.com
Olivia Funnell
Rochford Chocolate keeping things local
Timothy Rochford, Robertson-based chocolatier and owner of Rochford Chocolate knows good chocolate. “It melts cleanly in your mouth and you know that’s a good chocolate,” he says.
In addition to this, good chocolate should also snap when it is broken, be one consistent colour and have a shiny quality to it. Rochford has been making chocolates since 2006 initially for family
and friends which then grew into a small business. He then went overseas for five years to work closely with chocolatiers in Amsterdam and Switzerland. After moving to Robertson from Sydney, Rochford has re-established Rochford Chocolate as an online store however he also sells chocolate through The Local Nest in Robertson.
“It’s an interesting place Robertson because there’s lots of artisans and artists, people doing their own little business so it’s a great setting to set up Rochford Chocolates,” he says.
Whilst Rochford makes
all of his chocolate products in Robertson, he still has to source most of his chocolate from overseas.
Approximately 99.5 percent of chocolate is imported to Australia from overseas, which works out to be about 600 000 kilos according to Rochford. The remaining five percent is grown in Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. However, this is not enough to meet Australia’s chocolate supply demands.
“There’s about 30 hectares in Australia of chocolate beans. Mossman up in Northern Queensland and mission
beach, there’s chocolatiers up there that are producing chocolates but as I say, probably 1000 kilos of beans but definitely not enough for all the chocolatiers in Australia,” Rochford says.
Even though Australia currently relies on chocolate from overseas, Australia’s cocoa farming will likely continue to increase. “One day our wonderful Australian chocolate will grow but that’s really in its infancy,” he says.
Rochford usually buys his chocolate in bulk and then melts and tempers it down, which involves the
process of melting, cooling and reheating chocolate in order to stabilise the cocoa butter crystals, ensuring the chocolate sets with that glossy finish and snap quality.
Rochford is strict about only selling chocolate that he loves but he’s also always interested in what people like. He lists salted caramels, coffee truffle and single origin dark chocolate as some crowd favourites. He also prefers to incorporate local ingredients and flavours into his chocolates.
“Wherever I can minimise that overseas content in my
products I will ensure that,” he says, “I think it’s important to try and include a local flavour to whatever we do in the food industry.”
Like any small, local business Rochford welcomes visitors from the city however he believes that small towns like Robertson should focus on self-sufficiency also.
“All the small towns like to try and rely on people from big cities to come and spend money but I think we as small towns have got to work at being self-sufficient and look inwards,” he says.
Jamberoo Golf Club invites the community
Olivia Funnell
Hodgson goes back to back at Parko Pro
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama surfer Alice Hodgson has claimed her second straight Under-18s title at the Parko Junior Pro, executing a composed and tactical performance to secure the win. Held on the Sunshine Coast on April 18-19, the 10,000-point event is named after Australian surfing legend Joel Parkinson.
Hodgson progressed through the heats to reach the final, where she faced local
Savannah surfs really well and it’s her local break, so I knew she’d be dangerous,” Hodgson said.
“The waves were slow, so holding priority was a big part of my strategy.”
The 17-year-old showed maturity beyond her years, locking in early scores and controlling priority in the closing stages of the heat.
Reilly posted a strong 6.40 late in the final, but Hodgson held her nerve.
“I was so nervous when Savannah got that score. Toward the end she only needed around a four, so I just
chance,” she said.
“I was happy I built scoreboard pressure early, which made it harder for her.”
Hodgson secured the win by 1.06 points, claiming the event for the second consecutive year.
“Last year was my first time winning a 10,000 event, so I was really grateful. It became a goal of mine to go back-toback, so I’m really happy I was able to do it,” she said.
Despite the repeat result, Hodgson believes her surfing has significantly improved over the past 12 months.
“I’ve definitely grown in
confidence, especially mentally. If I’m having a bad heat now, I feel like I can turn it around because I’ve developed strategies over the past year,” she said.
“My completion rate has improved as well, and I’ve built a pre-heat routine that works for me. That’s been a gradual process since winning Parko last year.”
She also credited her familiarity with similar conditions at home.
“The waves were pretty grovelly, which suits me because that’s what we train in at home. I was glad
conditions,” she said.
“The environment was great too - I had my friends there, the water was warm, and we were in swimmers the whole time. It was just a really fun event.”
Hodgson backed up her result the following weekend at the North Narrabeen Pro Junior, where she reached the quarter-finals, as well as the North Narrabeen Ripper, finishing runner-up in the Under-18s division.
She also posted one of the standout scores of the event, a 16.43 in the semi-final. Despite falling short in the
“She beat me in that comp after I beat her in the Parko semi-final, so it was nice to see her get the win - I was really happy for her,” she said. Next up for Hodgson are the NSW State Titles in Coffs Harbour from May 18-24, where she will be aiming to qualify for the Australian Championships.
“I’ve got state titles in two weeks, so I’ll be training for that. After that, hopefully I qualify for Aussies, which are in Western Australia at Margaret River this yearthat’s really exciting,” she said “It’s top five at state, and it’s
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Hodgson with Australian surfing legend Joel Parkinson, the inspiration for the Parko Pro which Hodgson won for the second consecutive year.
Photo: Surfing QLD
Disputed conversion overshadows Lions derby win
Lleyton Hughes
Acontroversial refereeing decision has cast a shadow over the Gerringong Lions two point derby win against the Kiama Knights over the weekend.
In a game that already had all the makings of a classic between two top Group 7 sides, it also delivered controversies, brawls, two sin bins, a send-off, and a result decided by a penalty goal.
The first 20 minutes at the Showground proved just how evenly matched the two teams are.
Both sides found small patches of momentum, but neither looked truly dangerous in attack.
After 25 minutes, Gerringong finally created their first real opportunity on Kiama’s line.
Following strong secondphase play and sharp dummyhalf runs, Kiama’s defence began to tire and a beautifully run line from Tyrell Taione broke through to score the opening try of the match.
Kiama responded with a couple of sets at the other end, but their attack failed to trouble the Lions.
However, in the 29th minute, a dummy-half run from hooker Ryan Hodgson sparked some creativity as the
Knights marched downfield.
After earning a penalty, Kiama began to look dangerous, and it was Hodgson again who finished the movement - throwing a dummy from hooker and strolling over to score the first points against the Lions in 2026.
With the score at 6-4, fullback Brad Killmore lined up the conversion and sent the ball toward the posts, only for confusion to follow as the touch judges gave conflicting signals - one flag up, one flag down.
Amid the uncertainty, the kick was ruled no goal, and a puzzled Killmore returned for the kickoff.
At the time, the decision did not seem overly significant, but as the contest tightened, every point proved crucial.
Gerringong dominated the final ten minutes of the first half, earning repeat sets on Kiama’s line. It appeared the Knights’ scrambling defence might hold firm.
But just before the siren, five-eighth Jarrod Tiyce produced a perfectly weighted kick to the right corner for winger Tyler Dolenc to finish.
Gerringong took a 10-4 lead into halftime after Jake Taylor missed the conversion.
Kiama came out firing in the second half and
nearly struck early when a grubber from Tom Angel was collected by Max Jennings and offloaded to Matt Morris for what looked like a certain try - only for the final pass to be ruled forward.
The decision sparked tension, and a couple plays later a scuffle ensued resulting in both teams having a player sent to the sin bin - Rixon Russell for Gerringong and Tom Angel for Kiama.
Gerringong pressed forward again, but the Knights’ defence held strong.
Soon after, Kiama worked their way upfield, and a brilliant play from fiveeighth Sam Hooper saw Killmore break the line before offloading back to Hooper, who backed up to score under the posts.
Killmore converted to level the scores at 10-10 with 25 minutes remaining.
Five minutes later, Kiama were awarded a penalty just over 20 metres out but were unable to convert, leaving the scores locked.
Shortly after, Gerringong received a similar opportunity directly in front, and Taylor made no mistake, giving the Lions a 12-10 lead.
Gerringong then controlled possession with back-to-back sets on Kiama’s line, but once again the Knights’ defence
stood firm. A late penalty gave Kiama one final chance with only minutes remaining. However, the Knights failed to capitalise on their final set, turning the ball over on their final play.
Another scuffle erupted just before full-time, resulting in Knights forward Matt Nicholson being sent off despite being one of Kiama’s best performers.
The siren sounded, and the Lions held on for a hard-fought victory in an entertaining match showcasing some of the best rugby league the region has to offer.
Knights fullback and goal kicker Brad Killmore refused to blame the loss on the controversial conversion decision and instead praised his team’s effort.
“It was a really tough loss. I thought there was a great effort from all of our boys. We tried our hardest, and sometimes it’s just not your day. Things didn’t seem to go our way when we needed them to,” Killmore said.
Kiama now sit at one win from three games and will look to improve when they host the Warilla Gorillas this weekend, while the unbeaten Lions face last year’s runnersup, the Shellharbour Sharks, at Michael Cronin Oval.
Kiama open title defence with gritty win over Bowral
Lleyton Hughes
The defending premiers opened their Illawarra District Rugby Union season with a win last weekend, showing they will again be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
After a round one bye, Kiama hosted Bowral and came away with a 15–7 victory at home.
Forward Dante Patrick said there were still areas to improve but was pleased with the overall performance.
“It was a bit scrappy, to be honest, and the result was probably closer than a lot of people expected. That’s a credit to Bowral - they’re getting back to being the competitive side everyone knows they can be,” he said.
“But I can’t fault our boys either. Most teams had a round before us, so there were definitely a few cobwebs to shake off. Even so, it
never really felt like we were going to lose. We left a lot of opportunities out there and made some errors, but that first hit-out will do us good.”
great - whether that’s off the back of last year’s success or just people wanting to be part of it,” he said.
“At the same time, a lot of
The side looked slightly different from last year’s premiership-winning team, with four debutants in the starting lineup, but Patrick said the new faces have been a positive addition.
“There’s been a fair bit of change. We’ve had a few new guys come in, which has been
players from the grand final side are still filtering back in. Some have had family or work commitments, so they’re easing into the season. We’re really happy with where we’re at, and the competition for spots is strong.”
With the premiership comes expectation, but
Lleyton Hughes
Long-time local golfer
John Knox is helping put the Kiama region on the national stage after recently being appointed to a councillor role with the NSW Veteran Golfers Association (NSWVGA).
The appointment has also seen Knox join the organising committee for the 2027 Australian Veteran Golfers Championship, which will be held across multiple courses in and around the Illawarra.
A golfer of more than 30 years, Knox said his involvement in veterans golf has always been driven by a simple passion for the game.
“I just enjoy the golf. The company’s good, the exercise is good and it’s a bit of a challenge,” he said.
“I started playing after school when I was teaching and it just stuck.”
Knox has now been playing veterans golf for almost two decades, regularly travelling across New South Wales to compete in “Weeks of Golf” events in places such as Griffith, Yamba, Orange and Leeton.
Patrick said the team is focused on staying grounded.
“You’ve just got to block that out and reset. We’re treating it like a new season and focusing on ourselves,” he said.
“We’re not going around saying we’re the team to beat - that’s for others to decide. At the end of the day, the only team that can beat us is ourselves.”
Looking ahead, Patrick said the squad is focused on building on last year’s strengths.
“Toward the end of last season, our line-out was probably one of the best in the competition. We want to keep that as a strength and add more to our game,” he said.
“It’s about building our DNA and adding more weapons. If we can improve those areas, it’ll make us a much more dangerous side.”
Kiama will face the Tech Waratahs at Kiama Showground this weekend.
“It’s the camaraderie and the experience,” he said. “You’re playing different courses, meeting people, and spending time in these regional towns - it’s something I’ve really enjoyed over the years.”
His involvement at that level led to an approach from NSWVGA officials late last year, encouraging him to step into a leadership role.
“I was asked by the president and vice president if I’d be interested in joining the council,” Knox said.
“They had a couple of positions open up, so I put my hand up.”
Knox is now one of 11 councillors who help oversee around 50 veteran golf events annually across the state, as well as major championship competitions.
The role also involves attending events, presenting awards and helping coordinate the growing veterans golf calendar.
As part of his new position, Knox is also playing a key role in organising the 2027
Australian Veteran Golfers Championship - set to bring more than 500 competitors to the region.
The event will be staged across five courses, including Kiama, Port Kembla, The Links Shell Cove, Shoalhaven Heads and Grange.
“We’re expecting around 520 golfers from all over Australia,” Knox said.
“It’s the first time the championships have been played across five courses, so there’s a fair bit of organisation involved.”
Planning is already underway, with monthly meetings focusing on logistics including accommodation, transport, scheduling and event coordination.
“We’ve got to organise everything from entry forms and registrations through to accommodation options and even activities for non-golfing partners,” he said.
“We’re also planning a presentation dinner for more than 600 people, so it’s a pretty big operation.”
Knox said events like this not only bring together the golfing community but also deliver a significant boost to local economies.
“They bring a lot of tourism into towns,” he said. “Accommodation, cafes, fuel, shops - it all adds up. These events can inject hundreds of thousands of dollars into regional areas.”
Despite his growing offcourse responsibilities, Knox is still an active player, aiming to get on the course at least twice a week and continue competing in events across the state.
For him, veterans golf remains as much about connection as competition.
“It’s the physical side, the social side and even the mental side of the game,” he said.
“You’re out in the fresh air, keeping active and meeting people - it’s got a lot of benefits.”
With a major national event now on the horizon, Knox said he is proud to help bring the spotlight to the local region.
“It’s a great opportunity for the Illawarra and for Kiama,” he said. “It’ll be a fantastic event.”
Knox takes on key role ahead of national veterans golf event
John has been golfing for more than 30 years. Photo: Brian Scott
The defending premiers are now only one win from the first three matches. Photo Brian Scott
Kiama Rugby have begun their 2026 title defence with a win.
Photo : Brian Scott
KIAMA KNIGHTS FIRST GRADE
local lens
Peter Izzard, a South Coast–based professional photographer, brought his signature natural and honest style to the recent KISS Arts Festival, capturing the energy and creativity of the event through his lens.Known for documenting everything from weddings and families to businesses and everyday moments, Izzard has spent over a decade refining a timeless approach that avoids trends in favour of authenticity. Rarely without a camera, his work at the festival reflects both his passion for storytelling and his deep connection to the coastal lifestyle he calls home.
Peter Izzard
KIAMA JFC UNDER 12 GIRLS
KIAMA QUARRIESOVER 45’S
