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Kiama on the verge of history
Paul Suttor
Kiama will create history with the first female state member set to be voted in at the 13 September by-election.
And while the four leading contenders for the seat are pleased to see strong female representation on the ballot paper, their main focus is delivering on the issues they see as important for the electorate.
Labor’s Katelin McInerney is considered the early favourite to win the seat following the resignation of jailed former independent MP Gareth Ward.
Liberal Party nominee Serena Copley has also been busy on the hustings after launching her campaign last week with independent Kate Dezarnaulds and Greens
candidate Tonia Gray can also see a path to victory in an election where the vast majority of the primary vote will be split between this talented quartet.
Three new candidates entered the race this week with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers endorsing Felix Nelson, small businessman Kyle Napoleoni nominating for Family First and Nowraborn Monaro Councillor Andrew Thaler declaring his intention to upset the applecart as an independent.
Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters has opted against running but she will be keeping a close eye on whoever wins before deciding whether she will throw her hat into the ring at the full NSW general election in early 2027.
McInerney said it was great to see four capable women in
the mix for the seat.
“I think it would be wonderful to see Kiama have its first female representative and that's what the race it's looking like,” she said.
“But I think at the top end of it is that we need someone who could get in and get the job going and who's already working with all levels of government and can get on with doing things and keeping the progress that's been made over the last two years going.
“And that's what I can do, having built those relationships and worked over the last three years as an advocate for the big investment and now delivering on that with Tripoli Way and Calderwood Public School.
“I'm just thrilled that now online as a mum of a fiveyear-old who is about to head
to a public school for big school. These are the kinds of investments that I'm really proud to have been a part of and that we need more of and I'll be an advocate to make sure that that funding's coming down here.”
Copley said she was optimistic about her chances at the by-election after buzzing around the odd boundaries of the state electorate which stretches from Albion Park in the north to the area west of Nowra.
“I think it’s fantastic that women are stepping forward to represent our community. I can only speak for myself, but I’m always very supportive of women who want to work for their community, as I do. And we will bring a fresh approach to politics.
“I’m very focused on the community. Always have
been, always will be. It’s been my community for over 30 years. I love it here, I want to fight for your family just as hard as I want to fight for my family.
“We all deserve to have the best quality of life that we enjoy down here, but we also need to protect it at the same time. I just want to work hard for this community and give back. And I genuinely mean that.”
Dezarnaulds said McInerney, Copley and Gray were “all exceptionally talented and very committed and they really have the interests of Kiama at heart”.
“It is absolutely fantastic that gender will not be an issue in this election campaign and it is amazing the opportunities that come to women when men behave badly,” she said with a wry smile.
“This by-election will be about the issues and I hope that it is a referendum on a broken party political system.
“I do not think there are any bad choices on offer among the four women at this election.
“I think that the community should feel reassured that they are for very communityminded, very hard-working, intelligent and committed people that they are choosing from.”
Dr Gray, who launched her campaign at Minnamurra on Monday, said Kiama was at a moment in history.
“You're going to have, no matter what, a female represent Kiama and that has never, ever happened,” she said.
“So we should be celebrating female leaders at the leadership table.”
Dr Tonia Gray, Katelin McInerney, Kate Dezarnaulds and Serena Copley
Local battery bulk buy information sessions can be very valuable
Kiama-based solar and battery company
The Energy Experts is organising a series of Local Battery Bulk Buy/ Info Sessions on Tuesday, 2 September at The Pavilion – in partnership with Sun People & Easther Electrical.
“We want to educate people about the importance of buying quality when it comes to a home battery systemboth from an efficiency and reliability point of view, but also from a safety perspective,” says Carolyn Lee of The Energy Experts.
“There are plenty of entrylevel brands on the market (a number of which are approved under the Federal Government rebate scheme).
“It's so easy to be lured on a cheap price, but longterm reliability and safety are critical.”
The combined buying power of these three companies will enable Kiama residents to save significantly on a home battery, as they’ll be buying container loads of batteries, rather than pallet loads.
“Most people in our community choose to support local where they can and
that’s exactly what they’ll be doing if they choose to install a government-subsidised battery through our bulk buy initiative,” says Lee.
Battery storage enables households to power their homes with solar energy 24/7.
The national battery rebate program began on 1 July. Over 16,000 batteries were installed across Australia in the first 28 days of the scheme.
In the Illawarra alone, hundreds of batteries have been installed since the rebate went live.
Experts in the solar industry have calculated the $2.3 billion in rebates will likely be exhausted within 12 months, based on current battery uptake.
Households and businesses are installing larger batteries than they otherwise would because there’s such a generous rebate on offer (around 30% discount on the average cost of a battery; worth up to $16,500).
As the subsidy can only be accessed the once, it works out to be more economical to install more battery capacity now than do it in two stages.
For households that choose to join a Virtual Power Plant,
where ongoing revenue can be generated by selling the stored energy back to the grid when demand is high, it’s financially more beneficial to have greater storage capacity, as it helps to achieve a faster return on investment.
“The two info sessions we’re running on September 2 will clarify the different tiers of batteries available under the scheme and will also help people understand more about VPPs, which hasten the payback of a battery by around 20%,” Lee added.
What: Local Battery Bulk Buy/Info Sessions
When: Tuesday 2 September, 10:30am11:30am; and 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Where: The Pavilion, Kiama There is limited seating, so register at theenergyexperts. com.au/events.
Sims Road drama erupts
Paul Suttor
Long-term Gerringong
businessman Derek McMahon is at his wit’s end over the “unfathomable” decision by Kiama Council lors to exclude his Sims Road property from the Employment Lands Strategy.
Council approved the Draft Employment Lands Strategy at its meeting on Tuesday night and it will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.
In his report to Council, director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson recommended that Sims Road should be included in the Strategy even though the land was not included in the consultants’ recommendations for future employment lands.
“This site has long been identified as a potential future employment precinct and was previously supported by Council to be rezoned,” Paterson wrote. He added the site was appropriate for employment land “due to both north and south bound connects to the Princes Highway and consideration should be given to including the three hectares at 5 Sims Road, Gerringong as future employment lands in the final ELS given it has permissibility as a highway service centre”.
A motion was moved to exclude Sims Road from the Employment Lands Strategy with Councillors Mike Cains, Yasmin Tatrai, Stuart Larkins and Melinda Lawton on board with only Matt Brown voting to keep it in. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters and Erica Warren abstained from voting due to a “significant non-pecuniary interest” because they had ran on McMahon’s independent ticket at the 2023 elections.
McMahon was furious at
the decision and wants the community to know that a project that could deliver major economic benefits to the area has been stymied.
The managing director of McMahons Transport purchased the land in 2020 with a view to the threehectare area becoming a place where businesses in the Kiama local government area could have the room to expand their operations.
McMahon said his family had been operating for 45 years in and around the LGA “and there has been no general industry space developed for us to have the opportunity to even move our business to or let alone grow”.
“And we’re not alone,” he said. “The list of companies in town that are frustrated by this issue is a mile long.”
McMahon said the Sims Road area was ideal for industrial businesses. “I’d been looking for land for a long time. It ticked a heap of boxes for me. It’s on an interchange, you don’t have to go past a single resident
to enter or exit so truck movements are really not an issue. It is not bounded by any residential and the houses that are there are a long way away. So noise is not an issue, it dissipates.
“It has a high level of background noise because it’s on the freeway and anybody who knows anything about noise engineering knows that that’s an enormous advantage. It has got sewer and water on it. There’s no agricultural value to it whatsoever. So there’s a heap of little unique things like that.”
McMahon said Council voted unanimously at the time to bid against him for the property five years ago to buy it for employment lands.
He said after the auction he went into Council and met with the planning team.
“We agreed that we had the same goal. And the then General Manager instructed his planning team to get it done. They were his words.”
McMahon said he took exception to the report presented to Council this week
Mayor explains tough call to cancel iconic NYE fireworks display
Mitchell Beadman
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has explained why he used his casting vote to cancel the New Year's Eve fireworks after a late bid to revive the iconic event fell just short at Tuesday night’s Council meeting.
by a consultancy firm which the ELS states “has been based on a desktop analysis”.
He addressed around 30 disgruntled local business operators at Gerringong Town Hall on Thursday to update them on the latest developments. McMahon indicated they will form an action group and make further submissions to Council to ensure the precinct and other local land is added to an updated version of the Employment Lands Strategy.
The Bugle contacted the four Councillors who voted against Sims Road - Cr Cains and Cr Tatrai did not comment while Cr Larkins said he is encouraging the community to provide feedback on this draft strategy for consideration at a future council meeting. Cr Lawton said she may support the project in future but wanted to ensure Council follows a consistent, transparent and defensible process in developing and implementing the Housing Strategy and supporting documents.
There was a late attempt to keep the popular event alive with Councillor Matt Brown proposing to the Council that $99,000 from the sale of land be put aside to fund the fireworks and the motion was seconded by Yasmin Tatrai. Council last week had the covenant lifted by the NSW Government on Glenbrook Drive, clearing the way for five lots to be sold.
Speaking to The Bugle, Cr McDonald explained why the tough decision needed to be made to not allocate funds from Council’s potential Glenbrook Drive land sales to save the popular event.
“Council needs to demonstrate good financial management. Financial responsibility is not selling Council assets to fund operational expenses like the fireworks, because that’s a short-lived goal. It’s robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
Director of strategies and communities, Ed Paterson, said Council had a Restricted Funds Policy which meant the money from asset sales such as the Glenbrook Road properties go into a property development reserve to be used for specific purposes.
“When we realise gains from the sale of assets, it should go back into developing other assets and other communities, facilities, and funding developments that generate ongoing income,” he said. “The varied
Performance Improvement Order makes it clear that Council are not to rely on asset divestment as a means of funding operations.”
The vote to use the Glenbrook funds for the fireworks for 2025 was split 4-4 and Cr McDonald, after using his casting vote to against the motion, thanked the efforts of the Kiama Business Network and Destination Kiama in trying to keep the event afloat.
“It’s upsetting that we can’t afford the fireworks this year through means that would be more appropriate then selling assets,” Cr McDonald said at the meeting.
“I would like to apologise to the community … that we haven’t been able to provide [the event] this year.
“There will be some reputational damage, which Cr Brown has forecast, but I am confident that Kiama can bounce back and have a sustainable model implemented for the fireworks to return next year in 2026.”
Councillors Mike Cains and Stuart Larkins also supported the fireworks going ahead with Glenbrook Drive funding while Cr McDonald, along with Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, Erica Warren and Melinda Lawton voted against it.
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Labor needs to lift: Katelin
Paul Suttor
Katelin McInerney admits the Labor government needs to do more for the Kiama electorate with transport at the top of her agenda.
The Labor candidate for next month’s by-election has spent the first week on the election campaign getting out and about to talk to locals but also show she was committed to making improvements in the region.
McInerney was joined by Chris Minns in Bomaderry on Sunday to spruik the Build to Rent project which will deliver 60 new homes in Bomaderry and the Premier was back on the South Coast on Tuesday at Albion Park to announce a further $20 million in funding for the Tripoli Way bypass. She was in Kangaroo Valley on Wednesday with NSW Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison to announce nightwork would be undertaken for the historic Hampden Bridge, options for a new crossing of Kangaroo River and a $500,000 pledge towards planning for a permanent new bridge.
Transport and traffic are major problems in the electorate and McInerney
conceded plenty of work needed to be done to address those issues and many others in the region.
“I’ve been at the train station in Kiama talking to commuters about the need for improvements to the South Coast service. Anyone who's traveled on that line knows that it needs a great deal of work. And that's why NSW Labor put $10 million into formulating
our resilience plan,” she said. “Our plan will look at the line from Sydney south to Bomaderry. The reality is the scoping work on what the line would need to be upgraded, that work hasn't been done for a number of years.
“When NSW Labor came into government in 2023, the maintenance backlog was enormous. There were more than a thousand urgent jobs
to be completed. We've had to do a lot of that backlog of maintenance work, which has greatly inconvenienced train passengers to the South Coast but it’s really important safety work.
“There’s a lot more to do. It'll be a big one for me, making sure that we're doing everything we can to improve that line. It'll cost money. And that's certainly something I plan to be a very big advocate over because transport is a social determinant of success.”
“I brought the transport minister down and showed them the timetable inside Kiama train station from when we had the steam train services and the old red rattlers. It didn't look as different as you’d want it to a century later.
“There’s work to do, we've put the money into making sure we know what that's going to look like, what we need and what it's going to cost.
“And it'll be my job if I'm lucky enough to get elected to be pushing for the investment.”
McInerney may be considered the favourite to win the by-election but she is not taking anything for granted.
“It's going to be tough
having knocked on hundreds of doors across Albion Park, Kiama and in the south of the electorate. People are doing it tough,” she said.
“They're telling me the issues are very similar to what we were talking about in the 2023 election. I'm not surprised that education, public schools, medical services, essential services are still high on people's priority lists.
“So are roads, everywhere we go, people are talking about making sure that we've got money there for roads.
“The NSW government and the federal Labor governments have both put significant money into disaster recovery in our area. There's been a significant spend to make our roads more resilient.
“There's more work to do there, but we've seen that money coming in and we’ve seen the results of the works on those roads.
“It's a fight for every vote for sure.
“I think that the community is fed up with the uncertainty we've had over the past five years and they just want someone who's going to get in there and do the job.”
Chris Homer, Katelin McInerney and Chris Minns
And we’re off and running … again!
Saturday, 13 September
2025 is shaping up to be a momentous day.
It’s the first day of Kiama Council’s household bulky waste drop-off program.
If you’re undertaking a spring clean and are not able to reuse, recycle or donate, then we am sure you are excited about the second Saturday in September. Also, on the calendar for the 13th day of September is 1990s country pop music icon LeAnn Rimes, who is performing one night only in Sydney.
Rimes is responsible for karaoke classics “How do I Live”, and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” and overall reminding us of simpler and easier times.
Or maybe you’re a little less practical and nostalgic and will be completely engaged in the Kiama byelection, where we will elect a new individual to represent our interests in the hallowed halls of the Parliament of NSW.
The farcical scenes of two weeks ago, where there was a possibility that meeting with our local MP would require a trip up the M1 to Cessnock Correctional Centre (during official visiting hours only) have been averted. Instead, we get to go back to the polls – a full 546 days earlier than we all thought.
While candidates have until next Thursday (28 August) to nominate for the election, it looks like the field of genuine contenders has been set with four frontrunners and three latecomers who are unlikely to attract more than a minimal share of the vote.
Labor: Katelin McInerney will be looking to go one better than the 2023 election. Aiming to capitalise on her campaign kick-off with Premier Chris Minns, and the strong and
continued popularity of Labor at both a State and Federal level, McInerney is the natural frontrunner.
Liberal: Serena Copley is a former Shoalhaven City Councillor who has been part of the community for more than 30 years. The Liberal Party is coming off an extremely low base of just 12% of the vote in 2023, demonstrating that it will be an uphill battle for Copley and the Liberals.
Community Independent: Kate Dezarnaulds and her supporters might be thinking it’s Groundhog Day as she goes back-toback after her inaugural hit-out earlier this year for the federal election.
Stylising herself as a true independent, backed by the Community Independent Project, Independent for South Coast and Climate 200, she will again hopes the community’s belief in an independent Council, translates at a state level.
Greens: Dr Tonia Gray, another former Shoalhaven City Councillor, will round out the field for The Greens.
Decimated at this year’s Federal election, Dr Gray will be returning to the campaign trail after running fourth in the race for Kiama in 2023.
We will be watching with extreme interest over the next three weeks to understand more about these candidates, their commitments and platforms. In a refreshing change of pace, it looks all but assured that a woman will represent the electorate of Kiama for the first time in the history.
No matter who it is, the most important thing is what they stand for.
The Bugle’s View is that they should stand for “more”.
More investment, more focus, more resources, and more for our community.
www.limebuildinggroup.com.au
Copley pledges $26m for Kiama Sporting Complex upgrade
Mitchell Beadman
The Liberal Party’s Kiama candidate, Serena Copley, has taken aim at the NSW Government over delays in the long-awaited Nowra Bypass and lack of support for small business while also pledging $26 million in
families and clubs have been operating with ageing facilities that simply don’t meet today’s needs. A NSW Liberal Government will change that. For the first time, female footballers will have their own dedicated changerooms. The upgraded netball facilities, lighting, and a synthetic athletics
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Roads Natalie Ward in Bomaderry on Thursday morning to call out Labor over delays to the Nowra Bypass on the Princes Highway.
Copley said $105 million was allocated in 2023 for planning work on the Nowra Bypass. But no delivery
funding for Kiama Sporting Complex.
Copley and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman announced on Friday morning that a NSW Liberal Government would spend big on urgently needed upgrades to Kiama’s ageing sporting infrastructure to deliver the first stage of Council’s masterplan.
“This $26 million commitment will deliver the first stage of a modern, fit-for-purpose sporting precinct for Kiama,” Speakman said.
“For too long, players,
track will ensure our young people can train and compete in all conditions.”
Copley said the local sporting community had been crying out for these upgrades. “From netball and basketball to football, cricket, athletics and Little A’s, the precinct supports thousands of players every week.
“This funding will make sure those facilities keep pace with demand and are safe, accessible and ready for the future.”
The former Shoalhaven Councillor joined Shadow
THE SOUTH COAST & SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS’ LEADING
commitment has been given or funding allocated so it could be decades away from becoming a reality, if it ever happens.
“The people of the South Coast know the truth, Labor talk big before an election, and then afterwards projects are pushed into the never never,” she said.
“There’s no vision, no funding, and no urgency from Labor at any level of government, but particularly from the Minns Labor Government.”
Copley is also urging voters to hold the Minns Labor government to account for the demise of the Business Connect program and rising insolvency liquidations.
Copley and Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James visited Albert Street Caffé and Bar in Berry during the week to highlight the axing of Business Connect.
“Instead of helping the struggling local businesses, Labor has taken an important service away,” Copley said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of communities like ours.
In this week's Bugle Bulletin we are once again bringing you the latest local news and weekend sports highlights - as we do every Monday. We kick things off with a look at the candidates vying to replace former Kiama MP Gareth Ward. With the by-election now set for September 13, seven contenders have officially thrown their hats into the ring.
Next, we head to the Kiama ocean pools, where Jane, Kath, Ros, Sarah, and Janelle - better known as the Icy Poles - are braving the 13 to 15-degree waters for a sunrise swim. It's all part of the Daffodil Day Dip, raising vital funds for the Cancer Council.
We also check back in on the New Year’s Eve fireworks situation before diving into a big weekend in sport.
In Group 7 Rugby League, the Shellharbour Sharks finally got their revenge over the Gerringong Lions, while Kiama Knights captain Kieran Poole celebrated a massive milestone - his 250th first-grade game for the club.
In the AFL, Shellee Gibson notched up her 200th senior game, and the Kiama Power mens premier division side secured an impressive win. And the Kiama Rugby Club continues its red-hot run, chalking up two more wins across both grades over the weekend.
At The Bugle, we’re committed to pairing compelling visuals with meaningful local storytelling - delivering a news experience that’s informative, entertaining, and immersive.
Subscribe to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube and never miss an episode!
Tim James and Serena Copley with small business owner Michael.
Photo The Bugle
Serena Copley with Shadow Minister, Felicity Wilson out and about in Gerringing
Kate says by-election a chance to shake up Minns government ‘arrogance’
Paul Suttor
Kate Dezarnaulds believes Kiama has a gift-wrapped opportunity to have a huge say in NSW Parliament while also getting better representation for the electorate.
Premier Chris Minns is at the helm of a minority government which is two seats shy of a majority and Dezarnaulds says Kiama would have its voice heard at Macquarie Street much more if they reject Labor at the ballot box in the 13 September by-election.
The Community Independent candidate told The Bugle that she believes Labor candidate Katelin McInerney is a clear favourite to win the seat because the Liberal Party will be punished heavily by the electorate for its past links to previous member, Gareth Ward.
His resignation after being found guilty of sexual assault offences prompted the byelection with the 44-yearold convicted rapist in jail in Cessnock awaiting sentencing six days after the electorate
votes on his successor as the state member for Kiama.
Dezarnaulds finished a distant third behind reelected Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips and Liberal nominee Andrew Constance in the federal election on 3 May.
The Kiama electorate could go from one end of the spectrum to the other - the Minns government previously gave Ward the cold shoulder but if they elect an independent for the next 18 months, they will devote plenty of resources to winning back the seat.
“We went to the last federal election where all of the polling was telling us that there was most likely going to be a minority Labor government with a very strong independent crossbench. And that didn't happen,” Dezarnaulds said.
“We ended up with a very dominant Labor Party as a result of the federal election. But we now have already a minority Labor government in the State Parliament with a very strong independent crossbench.
“And so the opportunity
for Kiama is to have an independent who can play a real role in dialing back some of the arrogance and excesses of the Labor Party and be a strong voice for Kiama that the rest of the crossbench and the rest of the parliament is willing to work with.
“The last NSW Parliament was not collaborative with our former member. And the opportunities for the region have been really muted by his untenable position over the last three years.”
The Berry businesswoman said the local community was frustrated with both sides of politics.
“The Canberra and Macquarie Street-centric decision-making from the Liberals and Labor is a really poor vehicle to have local voices shape local solutions in regional communities,” she said.
“The frustration and disappointment within the community with the Greens means that from the base of the Greens, Labor and Liberal, there are a whole bunch of people looking for a new place to put their trust.”
Dezarnaulds believes the
electorate is about to enter a period of significant change.
“I think this is a shoo-in for Labor, unless something really changes.
“Unless the community gets behind a genuine independent alternative, this is a shoo-in for Labor.
“I think it would be a huge surprise if the Liberal Party were able to resolve the conflicts of the last few years in the space of a three-week by-election.
“I am sure that Gareth's traditional supporter base will vote Liberal. But I think that there is a growing portion of the community who are traditional supporters of all of the major parties who have become disillusioned with the
party system.
“As a small business leader and a sensible centre alternative that can see that we have got a big job ahead of us on the energy transition and housing.
“Both housing and energy transition require somebody who can make sure that in the rush for these two large changes that the local voices are still heard. And we need to be able to build the social licence for the change that's ahead of us.
“I can't see how a Labor MP for Kiama is going to be able
to share the concerns and the interests of the people of Kiama in a way that's going to move the needle on what seems like a fait accompli on a number of levels.
“This is a rare case where you really get a try-beforeyou-buy opportunity. We will be going back to the electorate in 18 months' time and asking for another chance.
“The community will get to see and feel really quickly whether or not they have made the right choice. It is a rare chance where you can take a risk on a fresh option.”
Matters rules out crack at Kiama by-election but may run next time
Paul Suttor
After much toing and froing, Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters has opted against contesting the upcoming by-election but she will be keeping a close eye on whoever wins before deciding whether she will throw her hat into the ring next time around.
The independent Councillor seriously considered standing in the by-election and would have been a formidable opponent for Labor’s Katelin McInerney, Serena Copley (Liberals), Dr Tonia Gray (Greens) and Kate Dezarnaulds (Community Independent).
But she told The Bugle that she was not quite ready to commit herself to a crack at a seat in state government.
She will be closely monitoring whoever emerges triumphant on 13 September over the next 18 months to see if they deliver on their promises for the electorate.
And if Cr Matters feels the residents of Kiama are still being treated like second-class citizens in NSW Parliament, she is likely to nominate for
the full state election in early 2027.
Her interest in potentially running for Kiama this time around was triggered by a recent phone poll of the electorate which mentioned her name among a list of local politicians to see who had name recognition among the constituents.
“After that, I had phone calls saying ‘oh, you're running’ and ‘you should be running’, and I'm going hold on,” she explained.
“The only reason I thought about running was I thought what is the best for the Kiama seat?
“And ultimately because I'm only new to Kiama Council, my commitment is solely focused there for now.”
Cr Matters is apolitical but wants to ensure that whoever is elected is not just part of a party machine but dedicated to what the region needs.
“I think it's best that we, as Council, work with a really good, strong candidate,” she added.
“Council is, I think, just turning the corner a little bit. And I think that our efforts
should remain focused there. But we definitely need someone strong that's going to advocate for us in State Parliament to help us get the area where we need it to be.
“So I'm placing great faith in the electorate that they will choose the person who will deliver for us.
The NSW Labor Government had a frosty relationship with disgraced independent Gareth Ward over the past few years.
“I just don't think we've had the representation we deserve. I'd like to see that change,” Cr Matters added.
“It's a bit of an 18-month window into what's going to happen to see if we’ve voted for the right person. Are they delivering for our area? And if they don't, then maybe I need to step up.
“But I have confidence that we have got strong women there that will step up. But let's wait and see. You never say never.
“I don't mind who is in government, but I do care about our area and I will fight for what we deserve and what we need to do.”
Gray having a red- hot go for Greens
Tonia Gray declared she wants to see an electric train brought in to solve Kiama’s rail problem as she announced her bid to win next month’s by-election for The Greens.
The mid-term poll, brought about by disgraced independent MP Gareth Ward’s sexual assault convictions, is a chance for a party like The Greens to upset the apple cart, as they famously did in Wollongong when Michael Organ won the Cunningham federal seat in 2002.Dr Gray said The Greens viewed the 13 September poll as a chance for the Kiama electorate to express their dissatisfaction with Premier Chris Minns’ Labor government.
“In a by-election, the Greens get galvanised, they are energised,” she said.
“I am astounded with what they achieve in basically a minority party but you've got the balance of power and that's what we should be handing them as a community.”
Dr Gray was flanked by NSW Upper House MPs Sue Higginson and Abigail Boyd as she launched her campaign on the banks of Minnamurra River. “Byelections traditionally are a chance. They provide a whole different opportunity to a general election,” Higginson said.
“People are often looking
at who the incumbent government is, seeing that they're not necessarily delivering the things that they need to make a difference in their lives right now and we can see that.
“The Minns Labor Government has not done anything for the cost of living crisis that people are experiencing.
“They're not improving access to housing, to childcare, to healthcare and this is a real issue and a by-election gives people a real chance to get a fierce, strong advocate for their community. They are in this very lucky position where they get to really, really send a message to the current government of the day.”
Dr Gray said she hoped that among the 20,000 people who voted for Ward at the last election, “a few of them are environmental advocates and want for their children and grandchildren, a better future for us all”.
She said a battery-powered electric train is the answer for the South Coast’s rail network problems Kiama to Bomaderry.
“Our big, bold vision is for something beyond what the rhetoric was that every other candidate has said. It seems like it's just the same rehash. Whereas ours is, firstly, if you're going to do bold leadership, you've got to have great ideas,” she said.
“It's been proven in The Netherlands. It works. You
transfer from the diesel to these electric-powered trains and it's just like an electricpowered car. You do not need to change anything. The infrastructure is simple.
“So while we haven't come to that sort of solution before, our challenge now is to the Premier, Mr Minns, to back us in if this is a growing growth area that the Kiama electorate needs infrastructure to support it.
“Let’s bring it into the 21st century. It will not be hard. We’ve got the knowledge, we’ve got the technology, we’ve got the finances but the political system is broken.
“Within two years you would see action because it's not going to be hard, it's just finding the money, taxing coal and gas appropriately, that would fund it and then get out of dirty politics as well because we don't want big corporate donors delivering what the landscape of politics is all about.”
Boyd lashed the Government for its lack of impact in proving areas such as housing, healthcare and childcare.
“What we have in NSW is a Labor government that has no courage, no spine and has, halfway through its parliamentary term, done nothing to actually address the issues of the day,” she said.
“You're not going to get (positive change) by electing the same old parties to do the same old things.”
Paul Suttor
When public trust is broken
Neil Reilly
The actions and behaviour for which Gareth Ward has been found guilty are reprehensible. They cannot be excused, diminished, or brushed aside.
As a community, we are right to feel disappointment, anger, and sadness when a person entrusted with public office fails us so deeply.
Yet alongside that public outrage, I feel another, quieter sorrow, for what might havebeen. I first met him in 2008, when he was a Shoalhaven City Councillor.
We were newcomers to local government, meeting at an LGNSW conference in Broken Hill. What struck me then was his low opinion of fellow councillors, regardless of their political allegiance.
His views were already set, just weeks after an election.
It was a red flag: if he could dismiss his own colleagues so quickly, it was easy to imagine him doing the same to anyone outside his chosen circle. Over time, I came to wonder if this outlook was not just political strategy, but perhaps a shield - a way of keeping people at a certain distance. By 2016, when Kiama Council was slated for forced amalgamation with Shoalhaven, he was our local
member. In that heated fight, I saw two sides to him: siding with Kiama locals when he was here, but supporting the state government’s position in Macquarie Street.
This ability to speak one way in one room and another way elsewhere became part of his political
transactional, shaped by shifting alliances more than steady trust. And that, I think, is the real sadness.
I’m not sure Gareth ever let himself step outside the political arena long enough to form friendships unbound by ambition or rivalry.
Perhaps he did not trust that such relationships could last; perhaps he never had the chance to learn.
Whatever the reason, the cost was high.
Without those deeper connections that sustain and anchor us, the contest of politics can become the
Their pain is real and enduring. They deserve our compassion, our respect, and our unwavering support.
It takes extraordinary courage to speak up, and their bravery reminds us that accountability is not only a matter of law, it is a moral duty.
The lesson here is broader than one man’s fall.
It is about the standards we demand from those who lead us: integrity over expedience, respect over manipulation, service over self-interest.
Public office is not a trophy.
It is a responsibility, embedded in trust and sustained by our shared humanity. When that trust is broken, the shadow it casts is long. The victims carry their trauma.
“In the end, a public life will not be measured by the seats you win or the titles you hold. It will be measured by the trust you nurture, the humanity you show, and the friendships that remain when the contest is over.”
method. As mayor, I knew my duty was to keep our working relationship functional. And wedid that. He was diligent, he worked hard. But I noticed much of his energy was spent on preserving his position.
It wasn’t unusual for politics and yet, with Gareth, relationships often seemed
whole of a person’s life and, in the end, their undoing. Politics is demanding work, but its foundation must be trust between colleagues and between the community and its leaders.
Once broken, trust is hard to restore.
In this moment, however, our deepest concern must be for the victims.
The community carries its disappointment. And some, like Gareth, are left carrying something lonelier still: the absence of bonds that politics alone can never replace.
In the end, a public life will not be measured by the seats you win or the titles you hold.
It will be measured by the trust you nurture, the humanity you show, and the friendships that remain when the contest is over.
Trio throw their names on ballot
Three more candidates have entered the race for the Kiama by-election with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, Family First and an independent nominee throwing their hat into the ring.
The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers have endorsed Felix Nelson, who has spent most of his life in the electorate of Kiama where he has chosen to build his career and raise his family.
With a background as a land manager, experience in the outdoor industry, and service to Australia as a member of the Army, including a tour in Afghanistan, the Party says he brings life experience and a strong sense of duty to his community.
Small businessman Kyle Napoleoni will be Family First’s candidate on 13 September 13 for the state seat.
Napoleoni, who grew up in the Illawarra where he continues to live with his young family, is the grandson of Italian migrants who came to Australia to work in the steelworks.
The third candidate to emerge in the lead-up to the byelection is controversial Monaro Councillor Andrew Thaler, who was recently suspended from Council due to alleged breaches of the Local Government Act. Thaler was born in Nowra and grew up in Cambewarra where he attended primary school.
Cin Cin puts connection on the menu
Shelby Gilbert
When Michael Bowden observed that traditional entertainment wasn’t filling seats at Cin Cin Wine Bar, instead of doubling down, he focused on what Kiama needed.
This has resulted in a wholesome approach to hospitality that focuses on getting people to reconnect with others, which has seen events sell out in days.
This approach came from Michael’s own journey in mental health advocacy, his involvement with The Man Walk, his social enterprise Rockstar Dads, and years of experience in hospitality (28 years to be exact).
“I've always found that being able to connect with
and within two to three days we sold the first one out,” said Michael.
Cin Cin’s variety of handson experiences also includes paint and sip sessions, clay making, candle workshops and macrame classes. All of the events that Cin Cin offers have a mutual purposebuilding connections.
The Thursday Book Hour is an example of this, running from 4-5pm in collaboration with Kiama Unplugged, people are encouraged to “disconnect from your phone and reconnect with a good book”.
This has expanded to include knitting, crocheting, board games and conversation.
The partnership with Kiama Unplugged is also working on expanding to
approach doesn’t stop there, with a project in the works with local resident Tamara Campbell.
The project involves a dinner at Cin Cin where a topic is set for the evening and people are encouraged to connect through fun conversations facilitated by Tamara.
“I know Tamara quite well and I know her personality, it will bring to the facilitation some fun and some playfulness,” said Michael.
Michael is also reaching out beyond just events and into practical solutions, including a new courtesy electric van that provides sustainable transportation for patrons.
He is using Cin Cin’s new courtesy van to create connections with local businesses, Fillmore’s and
other people is one really good tool when it comes to having good mental health,” he said.
“I've sort of gone, ‘well, what am I passionate about and how can we bring that into the business?’”
This strategy is proving to be effective, with the venue’s “The Case of the Kiama Blowhole Mystery” event selling out in days.
The intimate event includes drinks on arrival and a full interactive experience unraveling the mystery of the Kiama Blowhole body.
“I thought it was a really good way for people to connect … we advertised it
Unplugged date nights, giving couples the opportunity to put their phones away and connect over dinner.
These nights will also include a community table for singles to meet new people and have conversations over dinner.
“The main thing is it's just not doom scrolling on your phone, it's about doing something with a purpose,” Michael said.
Monthly Barstool Brothers gatherings offer men a relaxed and low-pressure opportunity to connect over a free meal, meeting on the last Wednesday of each month.
Michael’s collaborative
Little Betty's, running a circuit between the three venues to get patrons to and from home.
Connection is the cornerstone of Michael’s innovative and collaborative approach to his business, and as he says it’s as simple as “being open to having a conversation with just the person sitting next to you”.
Cin Cin Wine Bar’s upcoming events can be found on their social media pages or at their website.
The Case of the Kiama Blowhole Mystery event runs Thursday September 18, from 6-9pm, with tickets available through Eventbrite.
Mitchell Beadman
The next phase of the $440 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment was signified on Monday with the removal of “Jane the Crane”.
Ryan Park - the NSW Minister for Health, and the Illawarra and the South Coast - was joined by the Member for the South Coast Liza Butler and newly ordained Labor candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, to celebrate the removal of the second crane.
Now the final pour will take place and the “fit-outs” can begin inside the hospital.
Walking through parts of the hospital which one day will be an integral part of the hospital’s intensive care unit, Park had a spring in his step.
“This new hospital will deliver contemporary and expanded hospital services to support the health outcomes for the Shoalhaven community for generations to come,” Park said.
“We are yet another step closer to the completion of construction of the $440 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment.”
Hospital upgrade enters new phase
Butler was inspired by the work that has been done on the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment.
“What a fabulous day for the second crane to be finally be removed, it only feels like yesterday we were here, the first sod in that spot and in that time, the hospital has really come out of the ground,” Butler said.
“We know that people living in regional areas, especially an expanding area such as ours, really need those critical and acute health services that this new redeveloped hospital will provide to the community.”
McInerney, who has been busy on the campaign trail since her announcement as the Labor candidate last Thursday, said the development would make a massive difference for the electorate of Kiama.
“It’s been an absolute surprise to see how far it’s come along in the short amount of time that I was here last,” McInerney said.
Park took the opportunity to throw his support behind McInerney, who was runnerup in a closely run election last time around to Gareth Ward, whose resignation due to
sexual assault convictions has triggered the 13 September byelection.
“The last couple of years for the people of Kiama has been pretty chaotic for the people of Kiama, that is a reality,” he said.
“What they are going to get in Katelin is not someone screaming from the sidelines, someone who is a key player and a part of our government and someone who will focus on what the issues are that are important to the people of Kiama.
“And that is not chaos, it is better hospitals, better schools, it’s better roads, and she will be an integral part of a team that is focused on that.”
The crane, which Pleasant Heights Primary School student Jack Bartlett named Jane the Crane, worked more than 4120 hours and lifted more than 25,000 loads.
Upon completion, the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment will provide emergency, critical care, acute and non-admitted services locally, reducing the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.
Ryan Park and Katelin McInerney at Shoalhaven Hospital
Tamara Campbell, Michael Bowden, Jane Bourne
Mitchell Beadman
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald plans to amplify the voices of the community to the State Government during this critical by-election period.
At the recent Kiama Council meeting, the State Government Advocacy Plan (SGAP) was approved unanimously by all Councillors.
Council has long been advocating for its needs to all levels of government but took this by-election opportunity to sharpen the pencil on its requests to the state for essential infrastructure to support local residents.
Cr McDonald has held an initial discussion with Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman to highlight the necessity of investing in the LGA. “Kiama has been neglected and overlooked with investment decisions over the past few years with some significant infrastructure and service investments being directed to
Council paving a new path with Macquarie street
other seats and areas. It’s time for our needs to be heard and acted on too,” Cr McDonald said. “The by-election presents a timely opportunity to ensure that all candidates are fully informed of the challenges and opportunities facing Kiama LGA and the wants and needs of our local community.
“Local Government is the level of government closest to the community and we know what we need for housing, growth and recreation.
“We’ve listened to our community and now we would like to share that knowledge with candidates wanting to represent us.
“Our advocacy plan speaks loudly about what we need and I say to all candidates: ‘my door is open to you, we welcome you and want to partner with you to get things done here in the Kiama LGA’.”
Cr McDonald said the list makes for sobering reading in terms of what the local community wants, needs and deserves and has thus far missed out on.
Union raises concern over Council’s waste collection plans
Paul Suttor
Kiama Council has moved to ease fears that waste collection will be outsourced amid concern in the community about potential job losses and a reduction in service quality.
But the United Services Union has warned ratepayers that any move towards outsourcing would have detrimental consequences for the level of service that the community receives.
As part of its rolling program of service reviews, Council is conducting an internal review of domestic waste management. A councillor briefing was held last week on 12 August to outline the findings of the draft review.
Council is in now the process of providing feedback to the consultants who prepared the draft before receiving a final version which will then be presented to Councillors.
A spokesperson said Council understands “there is concern among staff regarding the potential outcomes, however no decisions have been made
at this stage as the Domestic Waste Management service review is still ongoing”.
Council will continue to engage with staff and stakeholders throughout this process and will provide updates as the review progresses. Regular service reviews are a legislative requirement of local government organisations.
“At Kiama Council, our focus is on ensuring efficiency, value for money and strategic alignment across the organisation,” the spokesperson said.
“Council has been open and transparent about the fact we are conducting these service reviews and our executives and managers team regularly meet with and brief staff and Councillors as part of the process.”
USU southern branch organiser Rudi Oppitz said the union was holding regular conversations with its membership and Council management.
“We’re talking to Kiama Council and letting them know that we object to outsourcing of Council work, particularly around the waste and additional work that
flows from waste,” he said.
“That belongs to our members and should be carried out by our membership.
“We’re keeping a very close eye on any activity that could see the loss of positions and jobs at that Council.
“We know what the doublespeak relating to reviews taking place and all that sort of things, and assertions being made at the managerial level that there’s nothing to see here. Nine times out of 10 there’s something that’s on foot that unless the union intervenes, it could cost our members jobs or positions.
“This Council doesn’t have a very good track record in terms of outsourcing and the grounds for which it does outsourcing so it’s certainly for our office a Council we’re keeping a very close eye on.”
Oppitz added that Council waste collection staff have “pride in the work they do” to ensure the waste collection process runs smoothly. “The
ratepayers have every right to be anxious and concerned,” he added.
“Our members that do this work at the moment, there is an additional touch in the service because they live in the community they live in.
“You don’t get the same service from multinational organisations. I’m yet to see any outsourced service where it becomes cheaper for the ratepayer. The level of service disappears as well. You’re nothing more than just a number.”
A Waste Services review was reported to Council in January with the business case reported on 24 February. These were confidential reports due to the commercial in confidence information. A Report for Information was reported to Council’s May meeting, flagging an extra service review, specifically for domestic waste management and this report was made publicly available.
Inaugural ceramics market a smash hit
The Co-Op Gerringong was the venue for the inaugural South Coast Ceramics Market on Sunday and the beautifully renovated historic building set the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable event.
Founded by Zeynep Testoni, owner of Soul Clay Studios Gerringong, the market was created to showcase the remarkable ceramic talent of artists from Dharawal and Yuin Countries.
For many, travelling to major city markets isn’t viable due to the significant costs involved.
This new venture brings the vibrancy and buzz of larger established markets directly to the South Coast, making it inclusive, accessible and celebratory of emerging and established artists.
The response was extraordinary - over 1500 visitors attended, with
queues spilling out the doors.
Bumpy Road Catering kept the crowd fueled with endless burgers, while The Co-Op bar ensured no one went thirsty.
The market was officially opened by a moving Welcome To Country conducted by Aunty Gwenda Jarratt, who was recently awarded Elder of the Year at the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.
The market featured artists from four teaching studios: Soul Clay Studios, Clay Wollongong, Kiama Ceramic Arts Studio and Crooked River Pottery, alongside makers from organisations such as Ulladulla Potters and Illawarra Potters.
There was also more than 30 independent artists.
Together, they created a vibrant showcase of the South Coast’s thriving ceramics community.
Daryl holds unique honour at Cedar on Collins
“It felt like a resort from the moment I toured it,” Daryl said.
At 69, Daryl Henson holds the unique title of being the youngest resident at Cedar on Collins, Kiama’s premier retirement village.
Having lived in Kiama since he was in Year 8 in high school, Daryl’s deep connection to the area made his choice to retire locally an easy one.
After a long career with Sydney Trains at Bombo Quarry and years spent in a house with a sizable yard on Shoalhaven Street, Daryl found maintaining his garden increasingly demandingespecially after a health scare linked to overexertion.
Seeking a retirement option that combined ease with community, he discovered Cedar on Collins.
“The location is unbeatable - right in the heart of Kiama with everything just a short walk away.
“Plus, living on a flat block is a relief after years on a slope.”
His stylish two-bedroom apartment features a generous balcony where he enjoys outdoor time without the hassle of upkeep.
Daryl is also a fan of the village’s concierge service, and appreciates the convenience of having the front desk staff.
Beyond comfort, social connection was key. Monthly outings and themed events like the recent Italian night foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
“I’ve met lots of interesting
people and absolutely love the ‘oldies’,” he laughs.
As a history enthusiast, Daryl relishes conversations about Kiama’s past with fellow residents.
He acknowledges that safety and peace of mind are assured with an emergency call system in each apartment, offering reassurance to those with health issues.
Cedar on Collins appeals mostly to locals, with easy train access drawing interest from surrounding areas.
For Daryl, moving here meant simply changing his address - his vibrant Kiama lifestyle remains wonderfully intact.
“What’s not to love about Kiama?” he smiles. “Great cafes, the Leagues Club nearby, the supermarket, and Hindmarsh Park just across the road. It’s home.”
Donna Portland
Tourism After Hours shines a light on Kiama’s strengths
Belle Wood
It was clinking glasses and plenty of networking smiles at Crooked River Estate last Thursday as 70 Destination Kiama partners gathered for the latest Tourism After Hours event.
The setting couldn’t have been better - despite the torrential downpour on the evening - rolling vines, stunning views and the added excitement of a sneak peek at the Estate’s new villas.
These four two-bedroom retreats each come with their own private plunge pool - the sort of indulgence that makes a weekend away feel like a real escape.
Of course, Tourism After Hours isn’t just about the setting - it’s also about celebrating the people who make the visitor experience exceptional in the area.
The Above and Beyond Award was presented to Jade Dedomenico from Werri Beach Holiday Park, recognised for her warmth, professionalism and genuine care for guests.
Her team praised Jade’s ability to make visitors feel instantly at ease, creating the kind of first impression that keeps people coming back.
Adding to the evening’s buzz, Crooked River Estate unveiled its new Wine Club. For those tempted to sign up,
there’s a very local sweeteneranyone joining in August gets free delivery for life. It’s an offer sure to have plenty of households topping up their cellars with local drops.
Behind the good food, wine and company, the night also offered a reminder of just how important tourism is to the Kiama area.
Destination Kiama tourism and events manager Sally Bursell said 67% of visitors to the area come from Sydney, making it the perfect shortbreak destination.
That equates to 181,000 visitors and 507,000 nights each year, injecting around $148 million into the economy.
Visitors are spending well too, averaging $1320 per trip or $370 per night - higher than many other NSW coastal towns.
And with 59% of households earning over $100,000, they’re ready to pay
for quality - from boutique stays and premium dining to unique, local experiences.
Short stays dominate (one to two nights), but the number of longer breaks is growing.
Winter visitation is also on the rise, proving the region’s appeal stretches beyond summer beach days.
With 89% of visitors coming specifically for Kiama (not just passing through), the opportunity is ripe for local operators to collaborate and build integrated experiences that keep guests entertained, well fed and wanting more.
Keep your eyes peeled for the new offerings from businesses like Kiama Cycles to enhance the visitor experience.
Tourism After Hours is a reminder that while Kiama’s natural beauty sells itself, it’s the people - like Jade, and businesses willing to innovate - who ensure the visitor economy thrives all year round.
‘I’m not done yet’: Gerringong local Bev to celebrate 105th birthday
Lleyton Hughes
On 2 September, Gerringong local Bev Sherwood will turn 105 years old - and she still thinks she’s got plenty of life left in her.
She plans to spend the day with her 85-yearold daughter, who is catching the train down to Gerringong - though Bev admits she’s more concerned about her daughter making the trip.
“My daughter’s coming down, which is a bit of a concern,” Bev said. “But she said she’ll be here, so it will be nice to see her.”
Born in 1920, Bev was a child with a lot of health issues until her early teens - but she’s been making up for it ever since.
“After that, I played a lot of sport - tennis, bowls, and golf - you couldn’t stop me,” she said. “Now I’ve got an exercise chair from the hospital, and I use that. I also go to exercise class once a week at the Gerringong Bowling Club.”
One of her earliest memories is meeting her husband at a dance when she was just 13 years old.
“My father used to organise dances for young people. The man who became my husband came over and asked me to dance. I said, ‘I don’t want to dance with you,’” she laughs.
“My father scolded me and said I should’ve said, ‘No thank you.’ I guess that was the start of it.”
Bev and her husband Bill moved to Gerringong more than 40 years ago, and she still remembers the moment Bill fell in love with the place.
“I didn’t plan to stay. I was
just passing through with my sister, but the car broke down and we ended up staying a week. My husband fell in love with the place, so we stayed.”
And she’s grown to love it just as much.
“I love the beach. The people. The clubs. It’s a lovely town. I used to go to the club often, but not so much anymore - although I did go recently and sat there for three hours chatting with friends.”
Bev once worked at a tannery and says she always enjoyed going to work. She and Bill had one daughter
together, and although he passed away 17 years ago, she still remembers him fondly.
“He was a wonderful man. A good father. Everyone loved him.”
Over the years, Bev has faced her share of challenges, including breast cancer and a stroke last November, which forced her to give up gardening - her favourite pastime. These days, she’s content giving gardening advice from her chair.
“I just keep living my life. I’ve got my little dog, Gracie - she’s a great house dog.”
So what’s her secret to a long life? “Exercise, keep moving. And my mum used to say I was a good girl - that she always trusted me. I also never eat after lunch, I don’t smoke, and I don’t drink. ”
Her advice for living well?
“Always love people. Don’t quarrel. Don’t get into other people’s business. Know right from wrong and live by it. If you know right from wrong, you’ll live a good life.”
Bev’s story is nothing short of remarkable. At nearly 105, she’s still able to get around her home with the help of a walker, her memory is sharp, and she can still hold a great conversation.
The Bugle would like to wish Bev a very happy birthday when the time comes on 2 September - and leave you with a few final words of wisdom from her: “I love living. I’m not done yet. I love people, and that’s the way to live.”
There were smiles all round at Tourism After Hours. Photos: The Bugle
Bev Sherwood is a local legend. Photo: The Bugle
This week school students around the nation ditched uniforms to dress up as their favourite characters for Children’s Book Week.
At Vincentia High lovers of literacy didn’t have to look far for inspiring stories, with a dozen of the school’s Indigenous students recently publishing two books of their own. An anthology of poems and stories called ngayawanj barra barra-nggul (we belong to the land, we belong to the
sea) was written and illustrated by students in years 7-10, alongside Vincentia High’s visual arts teacher Jaz Corr and awardwinning indigenous poet Kirli Saunders.
A second book bagan, barra barra, mirriwarr (The Boys Who Found Their Way) was written and illustrated by Vincentia High mates Tyran Uddin and Kayden Wellington, also with Ms Saunders, a proud Gunai woman and Ms Corr, a proud Dharawal woman.
Both books have been
shortlisted for the Karajia Award for Children’s Literature, ngayawanj barra barranggul in the non-fiction category and bagan, barra barra, mirriwarr in the picture fiction category.
The books, a collaboration with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF), are written in English and Dhurgathe traditional Aboriginal language of the Yuin people.
The “serendipitous” project began last year when a colleague urged Vincentia High’s Dhurga language teacher Jonathan Hill to share the work being done at the school with the ILF, whose main focus is to help revitalise languages in remote parts of Australia.
Vincentia High School has been at the forefront of Indigenous language revitalisation for the past two decades, since community elders first began teaching Dhurga language lessons to
Celebrating literacy in duo lingos: Dhurga and English
students. Dhurga is now a compulsory language subject for all Year 7 students at the school.
“Dhurga lessons are not just about learning languages,” explains Mr Hill. “A lot of what we do is around culture and identity and connecting everyone to the land, learning from the land and the traditional practices that have cared for the land.”
He was thrilled when the ILF, an Australian Book Industry national charity working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the nation, agreed to collaborate on the project.
“Everything sort of fell into place because we already had a connection with Kirli Saunders, I had done some poetry work with her early in my teaching days, and Jaz is very prominent in the art world. The words and the book’s illustrations are spectacular and it was a really communal process with the students. Marion Worthy, a teacher at the school who is a language custodian, was also involved in the drafting process.”
During breaks the group would swim in the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay, with some of the kids diving for abalone and fish and cooking them for lunch.
“We would come back and eat and then do a bit more thinking and creating and workshopping,” says Mr Hill.
In less than a week the students had filled a threemetre long blank piece of recycled cardboard with their words, ideas and drawings; the two books inspired by their storytelling, painting, fishing, swimming and cultural learning.
bagan, barra barra, mirriwarr is about two boys who learn from animals about being on Country and connecting to the land and to each other. That connection to Country, evident in the lyrical language and ocean-themed illustrations, resulted in both books being shortlisted for the prestigious children’s literature award which recognises the important message of First Nations authors and illustrators that honour a connection to Country.
The students, ranging in age from 12 to 16, brainstormed their ideas with Ms Saunders, Mr Hill and Ms Corr during two workshops over six days on Country in Booderee National Park.
Ms Corr believes “making art on Country” made the finished product “so much more potent”.
“There's a lot of power in the stories and the artwork, and that comes from the kids being on Country,” she says.
“When the students started working with the community that turned into two huge canvases that were each 1.8m long. It was a beautiful, strong, visual language that we created with the community and we have now gifted back those canvases to Aunty Gai Brown and Uncle George Brown Junior of Booderee National Park.”
Aunty Gai Brown is Vincentia High School’s Aboriginal Education Coordinator and in her introduction to ngayawanj barra barra-nggul says the project is the “first time students from Vincentia High have had the opportunity to share their stories and language with a wider audience.”
That audience will grow even bigger if ngayawanj barra barra-nggul or bagan, barra barra, mirriwarr win their nominated categories.
This year’s Karajia and Environment Awards for Children’s Literature will be announced during The Wilderness Society’s Nature Book Week in October.
Danielle Woolage
Oscar overcomes travel turbulence to ‘spread his wings ’
Danielle Woolage
Kiama schoolboy Oscar O’Brien recently returned from the happiest place on earthTokyo Disneyland - a trip he funded himself by collecting cans and bottles from around the region for several months.
But it wasn’t the adventure park itself or the souvenir bag he purchased with his hardearned money that made the eight-year-old happiest. It was the fact he overcame one of his biggest fears - travel.
Oscar, who is neurodivergent, has suffered from severe motion sickness for most of his life.
Research into the cause of travel sickness has linked it to a poor perception of movement, where a person’s eyes see movement but their inner ear senses stillness.
This mismatch between the eyes and ears confuses the brain and can cause nausea and dizziness.
While Oscar eventually overcame the nausea and dizziness as he got older, the neurological link between travel and getting sick made him extremely anxious. Even a short drive in the car would trigger a fear response.
His mum, Nicole O’Brien, recalls a family ferry trip in Newcastle several years ago which left Oscar “curled in a ball screaming in fear”.
“He was terrified,” says Nicole. “I had to hold him and rock him and put a jumper over him so he couldn’t see the ocean.
“It was supposed to be a fun day out but was one of the most traumatic experiences, for both of us.”
So a 10-hour flight to Japan was a big hurdle for the primary school student to clear.
But the family came up with a clever plan to help Oscar
come to terms with his travel anxiety. They linked travelling to fundraising and set Oscar a goal of collecting and recycling cans to pay for his adventure, instead of focusing on his fears.
Nicole and her husband, Brendon, gradually increased the length of their family travels and made sure there was always a fun reward at the end for Oscar and his siblings.
“One of our favourite things to do as a family is
visit farmers in the region,” explains Nicole, who co-owns Kiama’s Butcher’s Nook with her husband.
“We feel at home being on the land and Oscar is a natural homebody so we have to make sure he feels comfortable on any adventures.”
The car trips became increasingly longer and eventually Oscar was able to fly to Melbourne before setting himself the goal of travelling to Japan in July.
“I’m proud I did it,” says Oscar. “I’m very happy that I wasn’t that scared on the plane, I was a little bit scared but excited for the trip.”
Oscar collected almost 10,000 bottles and cans to fund his adventure, which also contributed to a cleaner environment, another factor that helped push him to reach his goal.
“The Kiama community were so supportive of Oscar,” says Nicole. “And we are so
grateful that they have helped him on his way to becoming the best person that he can be.
“As a mum, this journey has been as much about survival as hope. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to a future where Oscar can spread his wings and soar.”
And soar he did, despite some bumps along the way.
“Oscar wouldn’t take his seatbelt off for the whole flight,” says Nicole. “He has definitely been held back mentally by his earlier experiences of motion sickness and can’t completely get over this speed hump in his little brain.
“He did so well and it was such a valuable learning experience for all of us, visiting a different culture, but the most valuable part of the whole trip was that Oscar learned he can overcome his fears.”
Oscar continues to collect bottles and cans for the next trip he is planning - a family cruise.
“Clearly he doesn’t remember that ferry trip, I’m still traumatised by it,” laughs Nicole. “But if Oscar can do it, so can I.”
If you’re in the Kiama area please consider donating your cans and bottles to Oscar’s cause. For bulk pick-ups or more information, contact 0416 702 996.
The Pavilion hosted more than 80 creatives when they gathered for Kiama’s first Creative Business Summit, a one-day event designed to inspire, inform and empower those working in the creative industries.
Hosted by local creative business mentor Emma VeigaMalta, last week’s conference drew participants from across the South Coast and beyond.
Creative Business
Summit inspires and empowers
While 80 per cent of attendees came from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, visitors also travelled from Sydney, Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast, Mudgee, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast - all of whom stayed and dined locally, delivering an immediate boost to Kiama’s visitor economy.
The event’s diverse lineup of speakers provided insights tailored to the unique challenges of creative
entrepreneurs.
Veiga-Malta hosted and shared her Creative Confidence thoughts on impediments as a creative such as comparisonitis, impostor syndrome, perfectionism and fear of rejection or failure. She encouraged all to create a NEW story for ourselves.
Justine Mclean addressed the often-overlooked topic of money management for creatives, reminding the audience that while artistry
may be their strength, financial confidence is essential for sustainability.
Leanne O’Sullivan shared strategies for building a digital presence without losing creative spark, with practical advice on how to ensure work is seen, supported and sold.
Louise Croker, executive director of South Coast Arts explored ways to unlock creative potential, including tools for rethinking approaches to grant
applications, which face an 80–85 per cent failure rate.
The forward-looking session with Antony Snape and Belinda Brooks examined The Age of AI, co-presented with “Luna,” an AI collaborator. He reminded attendees that “creative industries aren’t being destroyed, they’re being redistributed,” emphasising the opportunities for those who learn to harness new tools. Brooks added that in an era of automation,
human connection remains paramount: “AI can write a poem, but it can’t know what it means to hold your grandmother’s hand while she tells you her final story.”
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Comments ranged from “SO. DAMN. GOOD” to “By far the best event I have ever attended.”
Attendees praised the calibre of the speakers, noting their key takeaway was the importance of treating creative practice as a professional pursuit and well worth attending to challenge the status quo of creative thinking.
Veiga-Malta, who has spent more than 25 years as a practising artist and designer, said the aim of the summit was to challenge the “starving artist” mentality and equip creatives with practical tools to build sustainable, joyful businesses.
“Life and business as a creative need to feel good,” she said.
“Happiness is a core value of mine, and I want to show others how to create a lifestyle business that supports their creativity - not drains it.”
With strong attendance and great reviews, plans are already underway for the 2026 Creative Business Summit, set for Thursday 30 July at The Pavilion, Kiama. Early bird tickets are on sale now via www. thecreativebusinesssummit. com.
Sprinter gardening: Colour, crops & creepy-crawlies
The Bugle’s gardening column, featuring local expert John Gabriele, will help you get the best out of your patch all year round.
Sprinter annuals
Here we are in sprinter - that transition period between winter and spring. What a gorgeous time of year to start planting annuals and bring a splash of colour to your garden.
Think alyssums, bellis, matthiola (stock), primulas, violas, and this little beauty: nasturtium - a wonderful companion plant for your vegetable garden. Tagetes (marigolds) are also a great addition, ideal for attracting pollinators and providing habitat for beneficial insects that help control pests and diseases.
Nasturtiums aren't just companion plants - they're edible too! Add their flowers
or leaves to your weekend salads for a burst of colour and a lovely peppery flavour. Rainbow chard
Looking for value for money in your veggie garden? You can’t go wrong with rainbow chard.
These striking plants have brightly coloured petioles - reds, yellows, whites, and pinks - that make them perfect for getting kids interested in gardening. And yes, they’re entirely edible.
As a “pick and come again” crop, rainbow chard is great to plant now. Come spring and summer, you’ll be harvesting plenty of fresh greens from your patch.
Sprinter pests
Sprinter is also the time when pests begin to stir. I found some aphids on my broad beans this weekthey’ve really started to settle in.
I’ve been checking regularly
with my hand lens and spotted a small population. Nothing too concerning yet; I’ve pruned off the affected parts and disposed of them thoughtfully. But from now on, I’ll be out there every day keeping an eye on things in case their numbers explode. Prevention can be as simple as a spray of soapy water, or, if needed, a contact insecticide. But I prefer to monitor firstbeneficial insects often arrive to help out, and they can do a great job keeping pest populations in check. The key to good gardening, as any seasoned grower will tell you: get yourself a hand lens and scout your patch regularly.
▶For all of your gardening needs - head to Burnetts on Barney, Kiama's local garden centre. And for more John Gabrielle content, head to The Bugle's Youtube channel.
Belle Wood
John Gabrielle at Burnetts on Barney with a colourful range of annuals.
What’s On?
Inquisitive Imaginings
exhibition
Thurs 21 Aug to Wed 27 Aug,
10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Woven Baskets
Sat 23 Aug, 9am-2pm
Joyce Wheatley Community
Centre
Weave your own woven basket with step by step instructions. $140 per person, book online.
Home Composting
Workshop
Sat 23 Aug, 1pm-4pm
Kiama Community Garden
Learn the basics of successful composting in your own home, with a method to suit every situation.
A Big Night Out
Sat 23 Aug, 6:30pm-9:30pm Kiama Golf Club
Locals are invited to dust off their dancing shoes for an evening of music and connection at a free community event hosted by Kiama Community Radio.
Tickets are essential.
Book Hour
Thurs 28 Aug, 4pm-5pm
Cin Cin Wine Bar
Bring a book and enjoy a drink and some quiet time every
Thursday afternoon.
Soul Clay Studios exhibition
Thurs 28 Aug to Wed 3 Sep, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
A place in the Sultan’s Kitchen
Fri 29 Aug, 8-10pm
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
Tickets can be purchased online.
A.L. Tait Author Talk
Sat 30 Aug, 1:30pm-3pm Kiama Library
Join bestselling author Allison Tait for an afternoon of murder and mayhem as she talks about her new novel Danger Road. Second hand book sale
Fri 29 to Sun 31 Aug, 9am-4pm Ss Peter & Paul Parish Hall
Books, games, jigsaws, CDs, DVDs and bric a brac all cheap. Supporting the Kiama High School SRE teacher.
Between Dreams and Truth exhibition
Thurs 4 Sep to Wed 10 Sep, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Camille Booker
Author Talk
Sat 6 Sep, 2pm-4pm
Kiama Library
Local award-winning author, Camille Booker, is hosting an author talk about her latest novel, The Woman in the Waves. Tickets are available online, at the library, or call 02 4233 1133.
Kiama mobile blood donor centre
Tues 9 Sep to Sat 13 Sep
Kiama Anglican Church
Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at Lifeblood.com.au, on the app or on 13 14 95.
Sam Matters Cup
Charity Golf Day
Fri 12 Sep, registration 7am, 8am start
Gerringong Golf Club
You don’t need to be a serious golfer to take part - just come along for a fun-filled day in memory of Sam, supporting a great cause.
Kiama Rod Run
Fri 12 to 14 Sep
Black Beach Reserve
The 10th Kiama Rod Run will feature a meet & greet Friday evening, cruise & coffee on Saturday morning, Saturday evening at Kendall’s Caravan Park, and the Show & Shine on Sunday.
Folk by the Sea
Fri 12 to Sun 14 Sep
Kiama Showground Pavilion
Folk by the Sea is a music festival that showcases a rich blend of folk, world, roots, Celtic, bluegrass, and gypsy music. Early Bird tickets are available on their website.
Kiama Blowhole Mystery
Thurs 18 Sep, 6pm-9pm
Cin Cin Wine Bar
Get ready to unravel the mystery of the Kiama Blowhole Body and solve the case with a team of experts. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while you work together to crack the code. Bookings essential.
'Can’t allow this to happen again' Kiama local's Harbour Bridge Gaza protest
Lleyton Hughes
The Palestine Action Group, organisers of the recent protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge against the killings in Gaza, estimate that 300,000 people took part - significantly higher than the NSW Police’s estimate of 90,000. Among the crowd was Kiama local Howard H Jones.
The March for Humanity and Palestine took place on 3 August, in protest against what organisers describe as genocide in Gaza. Despite challenging conditions, Jones made the journey from Kiama to attend.
A former Kiama Councillor, who served from 1991-95, Jones said he felt compelled to join the march in solidarity with the
Palestinian people.
“It was very difficult for me to go up. I've got my body issues and of course it was raining. So it was a difficult decision for me to make,” said Jones.
“But I thought to myself, if you remain silent on such an important issue, then you're complicit. So I was driven to go up there because of my concern for the terrible things that are happening to the Palestinian people.”
As of the latest reports, the death toll in the IsraelGaza war stands at 62,614 Palestinians and 1139 people killed in Israel since October 7, 2023.
“The numbers were crushing, really. I was concerned, especially when the police turned the front of the march back into the crowd. I was walking with a
stick and struggling - it was difficult in many respects.
“And of course, it was wet and cold. Horrible conditions. But I was amazed to see so many people under those dreadful conditions.”
Jones believes mass protests like this can play a significant role in shaping public opinion and policy.
“I think it's bringing about immense change. That protest was seen all over the world - even people in the Gaza Strip saw it. I think that’s highly influential. Yes, I think the demonstration was incredibly powerful.”
Another protest organised by the Palestine Action Group is scheduled for Sunday, 24 August, at 1.30pm in Hyde Park North.
“People can't afford to ignore what's going on in Palestine,” said Jones. “We
know how history works. The Holocaust of the Jews was ignored by the world when it was happening.
“That’s in my mind all the time. I think: we can't allow this to happen again.”
“The purpose of the march, as far as I was concerned, was to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to highlight the genocide that's happening there,” said Jones. Due to the scale of the protest, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed from 11.30am to 4pm. Jones said he was moved by the number of people who turned out, despite the harsh weather.
“The sense of camaraderie and concern was amazing. The number of families with children and strollers, and elderly people like myself, was incredible. The vibe was absolutely positive,” he said.
Kiama honours Vietnam veterans at memorial service
On a chilly Monday afternoon, the KiamaJamberoo RSL SubBranch held a Memorial Service at the Memorial Arch, Hindmarsh Park in Kiama for Vietnam Veterans Day.
Returned service personnel, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and several local residents attended the service to pay their respects to those who served in the conflict more than half a century ago.
Lieutenant Colonel Gary McKay MC OAM (Ret’d) provided his address to those braving the elements by sharing his story of service, expressing empathy and praise for his fellow veterans who served in Vietnam.
“It’s why all Australian veterans of the Vietnam War should be proud of their service in what was a very difficult time and a very tough campaign,” McKay said.
“I felt particularly sorry for the men who had served their
national service and returned to an apathetic, if not hostile environment.”
Phillips provided the service with a prayer reading before she joined the procession of wreath laying with Cr McDonald.
“Vietnam Veterans Day is so important for this community here and right across our region,” she said.
“I’ve been really thankful to be able to come here today and to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day with veterans that have some of the most harrowing stories that we really need to hear.”
Cr McDonald shared the importance with The Bugle of these services for not only the veterans and their families, but the wider Kiama community.
“It’s always important to recognise the people that have gone overseas so that we can enjoy the life that we live here in Kiama,” he said.
“We’re extremely proud of the local representation that went overseas and fought in that conflict that was the
Vietnam War.
“Many of those people are still significant members of our community and it is always an honour to attend a service that we had today and acknowledge the contribution that was made.”
In his address, McKay reminded decision makers of the lasting sacrifice soldiers endure not only in battle, but when they return home, and for the appropriate compensation.
“I can assure you that war is nasty. It is not a nice place to go,” he said.
Service rituals were undertaken with a moving rendition of the Last Post from Warwick Sporne.
After the service attendees “adjourned” to the Kiama Leagues Club for “rehydration”, which McKay quipped “is only fitting and proper on a day like today”.
It was a busy day for Phillips, attending three services which began at Sussex Inlet in the morning, and ended at Bomaderry in the late afternoon.
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice
Cricket coaches bring wealth of knowldege
Mark Emery
In a child’s life they will often come across adults who will freely give of their time to provide activities or experiences that make their childhood something they look back on with fondness.
At school, many teachers will volunteer to take extra work coaching sporting teams, dance groups or choirs.
It goes without saying that schools would not function without the input from parent helpers in such things as transport.
Athol Noble. Now this was something he did not have to do. He did not have some family member or associate that inspired him to take on the job. He had already done 10 lifetimes of service to many groups in Gerringong.
He did it because it needed to be done and he was a man who always stepped up when needed.
And yes, he did the job. He marshalled this team together, trained them up, led them like a general and we won the premiership - my only one.
The fast bowlers
adults who will do the same, sometimes for decades. Gerringong is certainly a place like this.
In my childhood I also had many people like this and I will admit I was remiss in thanking them for what they did as a child.
Some of the wonderful people from Gerringong I have touched on in previous articles, Bob Rogers and Bob Daniel in the scouts and Ken Hodges in the surf lifesaving club are ones that come to mind.
But for me cricket was a big part of my childhood. And there are two gentlemen who had a big part in that - Athol Noble and Norm Carradus.
Come the Gerringong cricket season in 1977-78, I was part of a group of young blokes around 18 years of age or so. We were a tearaway group who liked to have a good time but we did enjoy our cricket. We put together a team and entered the thirdgrade competition.
Now being immature and more than a little bit disorganised we needed someone with a lot of maturity to mould us from being a raw lot with potential to being a game-winning group.
Sort of like a father figure/ coach/captain in the Wayne Bennett type.
So, into the void steps
and buy some chips from Miller's Fish and Chip Shop which was where the surf shop is now, roughly, then walk over the hill past what was the Scout and Guide hall (GLaM) and down to Jubilee Oval, (Michael Cronin Oval). It used to have a concrete cricket pitch in the middle. We would get set up at the practice nets which were behind the oval beside the coral trees.
We would then proceed to each have a bowl and a bat with some fielding practice thrown in under his watchful eye.
of course (Paul Rose was very fast!). But if this did not shift a dangerous batter then Athol would come on himself.
He was not a young man but he would roll up and bowl the juiciest of balls that would just bounce and sit nicely on the pitch.
An accomplished firstgrader would easily dispatch them all to the boundary in short order.
These were not first-grade players. They could not resist the temptation to try and whack them over the boundary.
Alas, most of them went down the throats of yours truly and the rest of the fielders in the outfield that Athol had placed out there for just that purpose.
Norm Carradus was a builder who lived in Werri Beach with a wife and two children. I was lucky enough to be the same age as his son, also named Mark.
During the winter months, Mark would play soccer and Norm would devote his time to that, but come summer, it was time for cricket. There was no chance of us boys playing cricket, however, without a coach and that is where Norm stepped in.
Once a week, after school, we would leave Gerringong Public School, which was where the park in the main street is now, cross the street
Woe betides any person who mucked around. I remember getting into trouble, quite justifiably I might add, for doing the same.
Come Saturday, if we were playing at home, we would turn up early to drag out the mats to cover the concrete pitch to play our game. Then we would rush over to see where we were going to bat, I was usually number 10, I was not very good.
But hey, we were not a great team and often I would still get to bat twice. One week the team only got a total of nine Away games were a little trickier.
There was no one else, no special buses to transport all of us. Norm had a huge Ford station wagon, which, empty of tools, would squeeze, kit included, all the team for the trip to Albion Park, Shellharbour or some other place.
We never thought twice about being squashed up in the back. It’d never be allowed today.
After I retired, I did a lot of research on the history of the Gerringong Cricket Club. I came to appreciate, apart from having a very distinguished senior career as a batter, just how much time Norm dedicated to junior cricket.
On the honour board under the heading of “Gerringong Juniors” the name Carradus is very prominent.
Mitchell Beadman
Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch president Gary McKay at the Memorial Arch. Photo: The Bugle
Romans Hot Rod show cruises into Kiama
Kiama, start your engines - the Romans Hot Rod show is rolling into town next month at Black Beach Park.
The Romans Hot Rod show often has more than 300 cars and this year’s event on from September 12-14 will showcase an eclectic range for all to see their own reflection in. Hot Rod enthusiast Steven Poulton said there will be something for everyone.
“There will be a wide variety of Hot Rods and Custom Cars, all different and bright colours, you’ll never find two identical Hot Rods,” Poulton said.
“They’re all built to meet strict engineering standards and complying regulations."
The Romans Hot Rod Association is celebrating its 65th anniversary with Poulton sharing the association prides itself on its history and heritage amongst the Hot-Rodding fraternity.
“There has always been a
like-minded of people in the clubs [for] 65 years who’ve promoted Hot-Rodding and will continue to into the future,” he said.
“The Romans Hot Rod Association was founded in 1960 by a few teenagers following an advertisement in a local paper for interested people to attend a meeting in the south of Sydney.
“It is the oldest club in NSW and the second oldest Australia, with 70 members.
“Many who have been in the club for over 50 years.”
Part of the event is an "observation run" which has similarities to an oldfashioned scavenger hunt Poulton explains.
“After meeting in our cars at a designated start point, an instruction sheet with directions is given out,” Poulton said.
“The cars [then] all leave at various intervals, following directions and providing answers to questions on objects and landmarks on the way to the final destination.
“There’s usually generous prizes for those who answer the questions correctly.”
When asked to share an interesting fact about Hot Rods, Poulton gave a comprehensive answer and also shared how he became involved with Romans Hot Rods. “Hot Rods are defined as ‘Pre 1948 cars of American origin, although many people see modified cars as being hot rods, this isn’t necessarily the case,” he said.
“The hobby developed in the USA in the 1950s into the '60s and continues to this day.
“I have always been interested in older cars and brought a 1954 FJ Holden in 1995 and that got me interested along with some mates at work, Bob Mathis and Byron Martienson
Poulton encourages the community of the Kiama region to attend the event and expressed thanks to the Kiama Municipal Council.
“The Romans are grateful to Kiama Council for supporting our event and keeping the interest in Hot Rodding alive and having the Kiama community be able to come along and enjoy seeing some fantastic cars,” Poulton said.
The main event day on Sunday, September 14 starts from 8am to 2pm (presentation from 1pm) with music, trade, and food stalls. There is a $10 display car entry (free entry to the public).
Jason brings extraordinary life experience to airwaves
Bernie Hems
Jason Beasley-Hahn, one of Kiama Community Radio’s most engaging presenters, has lived a life anything but ordinary.
His life took a dramatic turn before he was even a year old. His father, Alf Beasley, a celebrated speedway driver and one of the original “Thunderbugs”, tragically died in a crash at Tracey’s Speedway in Melbourne while Jason was at the track in his mother’s arms.
Later, his mother married Kevin Hahn, also a member of the Thunderbugs team, and the family began using the surname Hahn for simplicity. A few years later, Jason welcomed a little sister, Lisa, who was born with Down syndrome. To Jason and his siblings, she was simply their cherished sister.
Jason gained a deep appreciation and understanding from his experiences with Lisa, who lived a full and meaningful life into her fifties before passing away due to medical complications.
Despite the family’s deep roots in speedway racing, neither Jason nor his older brother ever got behind the wheel of a race car.
Their father’s death left a legacy of both pride and caution – a respect for the thrills of the track, and a quiet understanding of its risks.
Growing up in Clayton, just outside Melbourne, Jason left school in Year 10 to begin an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner.
It lasted only three months – his rebellious refusal to cut his hair for machinery safety meant he had to leave, much to his parents’ disappointment.
Jason soon found himself working as a clerical assistant, where he discovered the public service was a true meritocracy.
He thrived, progressing from clerical assistant to clerk, and by age 25 was studying part-time at university for a bachelor’s degree while building his career.
His work flourished across both federal and state public service roles, including time at the Department of Industrial Relations, where he became known as a “boundary spanner” –bridging technology and business.
He landed a role at Deloitte in management consulting, then moved to Unisys, before being headhunted by tech giant IBM where he juggled high-stakes projects and major clients across the Asia Pacific. A head-hunter friend soon opened the door to Gartner, the world’s top IT research firm, where Jason ran their prestigious executive program across the
Asia Pacific region.
In 2005 he went under spinal surgery but he returned to consulting, lending his expertise to Deloitte, NCR, Objective, and Forrester, navigating the complexities of high-level projects.
Two years ago, his journey took a difficult turn with a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Jason underwent treatment and is now thankfully in remission.
His experience has deepened his perspective on life, resilience, and the importance of embracing every moment.
When asked about his daughters, Jason’s face lights up with genuine pride. His youngest has found her calling working as a senior staff member at a large financial institution — a role she absolutely loves.
His eldest daughter’s journey, however, has been far more challenging. About six years ago, she began suffering severe migraines that worsened into seizures.
The diagnosis was a benign brain tumour, a frightening ordeal for the whole family.
“She started losing feeling down one side, and it was becoming dangerous,” Jason recalls.
Thankfully, modern medicine offered hope. Although initially surgery was ruled out and she was offered treatment with a Gamma Knife, a highly precise form of targeted radiation therapy, it would not be conclusive and the radio therapy had side effects.
A chance meeting by a family friend with another brain surgeon offered hope and after several restless weeks she chose to have the surgery. Overall a very successful outcome with very little side effects meaning she got her life back.
Jason met Val nine years
ago. After living between Neutral Bay, Paddington, and Balmain, they moved to Minnamurra two and a half years ago.
Recently, Jason and Val have been all about adventure. Last November, they spent an unforgettable month exploring South America and Antarctica“absolutely amazing,” Jason says.
Soon after, they soaked up the sun in Bali before heading to the Greek islands. After a week with friends on Turkey’s coast, they sailed the Aegean, dropping anchor at beach clubs with Greek wine waiting.
Athens’ museums and Meteora’s breathtaking monasteries, perched high on rock pillars, were highlights.
“Climbing in 40-degree heat was tough but worth every step,” Jason recalls.
After being retrenched due to health, Jason found himself at a loose end. “I was just a grumpy old man with nothing to do,” he laughs.
Val spotted Kiama Community Radio at the farmers market and encouraged him to reach out.
He began training and soon felt at home behind the console – despite occasionally leaving the mic on (or off) at the wrong times and learning the dreaded term dead air the hard way.
Jason brings a lifetime of knowledge, humour, and curiosity to KCR, always humble and endlessly willing to learn.
“I know some people are listening and enjoying it, and that’s enough for me,” he says.
His Tuesday breakfast show from 7-9am is his chance to play many of the songs he loves – both the danceable hits from the 1970s and ‘80s along with a few romantic songs while sharing local news and events with listeners.
Mitchell Beadman
Jason BeasleyHahn has settled in nicely to his role at Kiama Community Radio.
Save the date for Kiama Pipe Band
Kiama Pipe Band has announced Saturday, 29 November is the big event date for “Pipes and Drums by the Sea – An interactive Experience”
Pipe Major Paul Wells said it was an event not to be missed.
“The event will be unlike anything we’ve done before and will include not only performances by the band, but offer handson experiences for those who would like to know more about the music and history of Scottish pipes and drums,” he said.
Bass drummer and treasurer of the band, Deb Riley explains they could not have offered an event of this quality without the generous funding provided by a Kiama Council cultural grant.
The event will be free and include refreshments provided by Kiama Rotary Club.
Further information is coming soon so keep an eye on The Bugle, Kiama Community Radio, and Kiama Pipe Band’s social media channels and posters.
All over the world, we humans are living in strange times.
It's an age of unease, of political unrest, fast-paced technological change, of economic struggle, even of arbitrary and damaging worldwide weather events.
It's an era where questionable individuals on the world stage have gained political power, and in so doing, threaten peace and stability worldwide.
Statesmanlike qualities of great intelligence and moral fibre have been superseded by ego, showmanship, oneupmanship, and a dogeat-dog mentality, or so it seems.
What did Shirley Strachan of the Aussie band Skyhooks sing all those years ago?
“Horror movie right there on my TV, horror movie right
there on my TV, horror movie and it's blown a fuse, horror movie, it's the six-thirty news, shockin' me right outa my brain.”
So what sort of coping strategies can we employ as individuals on a day-to-day basis, when it often seems humankind is taking a major leap backwards?
As individuals, we feel we can't do much to solve the world's ills, but every little bit of positivity can make a difference. And will. Here are some methods I am currently using, and finding to be immensely helpful.
Working continuously on developing your positivity and mental strength is a must.
Feeling good about yourself is a powerful tool. As someone once said, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Being kind, even if it's
just a smile for a stranger, is uplifting. Kindness can cure so many ills. Listen to music, read something engaging, watch a movie, go for a walk or a swim, or any form of exercise. Get those endorphins activated.
Work hard and to the best of your ability. And rest.
Be discerning with media and social media, and question everything you read and hear and see.
Some people choose to not use social media. Some people avoid watching the television news, and don't read newspapers or online news. They turn off. They choose to live in their own bubble,
and so they are uninformed. And that is their choice. Don't accept as truth what you haven't researched well, and at the same time, listen to other people's opinions. Respect their point of view, even if you don't agree. We all have the right to an opinion. Seek out fun. Laugh. It's such a salve, such a good feeling to laugh, it's a tonic which makes everything seem that much lighter and brighter. Endeavour to live life to the full, to live your best life, because every new day is a gift, and every new day will have something unique for you to discover and make the most of.
Carol Goodard
Kiama Pipe Band’s tenor drummers Sue Courage Pickering and Elly Unicomb.
Tough round for local teams with Shellharbour finally getting revenge
Lleyton Hughes
Round 16 proved a tough outing for all three local teams at a critical point in the Group 7 season.
Shellharbour Sharks finally broke their hoodoo against Gerringong - the side that beat them in the last two grand finals. Played at Ron Costello Oval on Sunday, the game started in familiar fashion, with Gerringong striking early. Toby Gumley Quine crossed, followed by a try off the back of a line break from Wes Pring, giving the Lions a 12-0 lead.
Shellharbour notched two quick tries before the break to level the scores at 12-12.
Kade Sampson bagged his second try of the afternoon, finishing off a slick backline move to put the Sharks ahead.
Centre Ryan James powered through on a storming run to extend the lead, and a 70thminute intercept try pushed the score to 24-12.
Young winger James
Kunkler stepped through the line in the 75th to give the Lions hope, but they fell 24-18.
Kiama also suffered a costly loss. Albion Park struck first through halfback Kane Ball in the 5th minute, but Kiama fullback Brad Killmore replied with a near-identical try six minutes later.
Both teams traded tries to lock the scores at 12-all.
Momentum swung, however, when Kiama winger Matt Morris attempted a chipand-chase that fell straight to Cooper Barnes, who ran the length of the field to make it 16-12. Albion Park took control from there, scoring back-toback tries in the 56th and 60th minutes to stretch the lead to 26-12. Combination from Sam Hooper, Killmore, and McDonald in the 78th minute gave Kiama a consolation try as Albion Park held firm 26-18.
“It was a tough loss,” said Killmore “They out-enthused us for most of the game. It just proves anyone in the five can win it. We’ll regroup.”
The Knights also played a catch-up game againstBerryShoalhaven Heads on Wednesday at Bomaderry Sporting Complex in the rain.
Kiama dominated in a 26-4 victory which moves them into second place leading into this weekend’s bye.
Over at Kevin Walsh Oval, the Jamberoo Superoos were stunned by the eighth-placed Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs, who put on a second-half clinic.
The game was evenly poised early, with both teams trading tries to sit at 16-all by the 43rd minute.
Jamberoo’s Rhys Kennedy muscled over from dummy half in the 47th to give the home side the lead, but from the 52nd minute on, it was all Bulldogs - four unanswered tries sealing a commanding 40-22 win.
With two rounds remaining, the top five looks setStingrays, Sharks, Knights, Lions, and Eagles - but the final order is still wide open.
Kiama Rugby set for historic double
home semi after caning Camden
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama asserted their dominance over the Illawarra District Rugby Union competition last weekend, claiming emphatic wins in both grades against Camden Rams.
Played at Camden Rugby Park, Kiama’s first-grade side ran in five tries in each half to secure a thumping 64-17 victory.
Centre Mick Taylor was the standout performer, crossing the line four times. Captain Jack Hobbs added a double, while flyhalf Cooper Hansen contributed 17 points with a try and six goals.
Kiama forward Dante Patrick praised the team’s overall performance but acknowledged there were still areas to improve.
“I thought our discipline and defence throughout the game were actually pretty sound, but there were
just some unlucky reads. Camden threw a couple of moves at us that we weren't really ready for - hats off to them,” Patrick said.
“But after those 17 points, we made it personal. From that point on, we didn’t want to let anything else through.”
Kiama’s reserve grade team also put on a dominant display, winning 52-17.
“Both grades went out there this week with the mindset of making a statement heading into the business end of the season,” said Patrick.
“We just wanted to show we’re the team to beat in both grades. Camden put up an awesome fight, but we wanted to show that it’s going to be really tough for anyone to beat us in the run home - and I think we executed that pretty well.”
With the two wins, it's all but confirmed that both Kiama teams will host a
Sizzling Sainsbury steps up to win NSW novice title
Local boxer Jarod Sainsbury claimed victory at the NSW Novice State Titles for his weight and division recently at the Hudson Hotel in Seven Hills.
Sainsbury competed in the elite division for boxers aged over 19, in the 75kg weight class. He also fought in the C division, which is for fighters with 0-3 bouts.
Originally scheduled to have three fights, Sainsbury's first opponent withdrew. In his second bout, he secured a win in the second round, and in the final, he clinched the title with a unanimous decision.
His coach, Steven Anton -
owner of Boost Boxing Gym in Albion Park Rail, where Sainsbury trains - said the title was a well-deserved achievement. "He's been trying hard for a long time, and from the beginning, we set out with the goal to win this competition," said Anton. "I had a lot of confidence in him based on how he trains. I knew he was going to be too strong for that category. His skill level is above the threefight experience level."
It was Sainsbury’s first appearance at the NSW titles. Despite boxing for seven years, he had only two judged fights prior to the competition - both wins - as well as a few exhibition bouts.
"That’s quite normal in amateur boxing. Jarod’s had a lot of opponents pull out over the years," said Anton. "His first official fight with Boost was almost two years ago, but he’d been trying to get matched up for two years before that as well."
Anton explained that many boxers spend years building skills before entering regular competition.
"You start off training a couple of times a week, learn the fundamentals, and gradually develop into someone ready to fight. It's a natural progression."
Sainsbury is also a highly regarded coach at Boost Boxing Gym.
"From the first day he walked in, Jarod’s been about the community.
“He helps everyone, he's a team player, and he works incredibly hard," said Anton.
"He listens, he trains hard, and he's super encouraging to everyone around him. He’s not just an amazing athlete - he’s an amazing coach as well."
"He's brilliant with the kids and juniors.
“He’s always inspiring others, always showing up, and just a massive asset to the gym. We all love him."
Sainsbury trains several times a week, putting in an average of 6-8 hours of physically and mentally demanding work.
Anton believes this dedication is laying the groundwork for a professional future.
“Hopefully we can get him another 15 to 20 fights and turn him pro,” said Anton.
“He’s ticking all the boxes.
“He’s doing everything we set out to do, and I’m so glad to be part of it.”
"It means everything to me to see his hard work paying off.
“The training is intense, it takes a real toll on the body - especially when you're working full-time and supporting a family.
“To have someone from the Boost Boxing family achieving so much makes me incredibly proud."
home major semi-final in two weeks - an achievement not seen in Kiama for many years. “It’s one for the history books, having both grades playing in a major semi at Kiama,” said Patrick. “It’s going to be massive, and we can’t wait to put on a big performance on a big stage in front of a home crowd.”
Both teams are sitting second on their respective ladders, with an outside chance of finishing first depending on next weekend’s results.
As they prepare for finals rugby, Patrick said the focus now turns to opposition analysis.
“We’re studying our likely opponents and looking at what we can do to get the job done,” he said.
Both grades will face Bowral at Kiama Showground on Saturday (23 August) in the final round of the regular season.
Kiama captain Kieran Poole played his 250th first grade game for the club. Photo @SticksPix_
Camden and Kiama Rugby teams lining up before the match. Photo Camden Rugby
Kiama went down to Albion Park at home on the weekend. Photo @SticksPix_
Lleyton Hughes
Owner of Boost Boxing Steven Anton with NSW champion Jarod Sainsbury.
Photo: Boost Boxing.
Two Quarriers women’s teams advance to grand finals in style
Lleyton Hughes
Two Kiama Quarriers senior teams have claimed Division One league championships and are now through to their respective grand finals in two weeks’ time.
The All Age Division One women’s team went undefeated throughout the 2025 season, finishing with 14 wins and 2 draws. Their closest competitors on the ladder, Moss Vale, trailed by ten points.
The team had a scare in last Sunday’s major semi-final against Moss Vale, falling
“Despite the rain, they’ve been booking alternative venues like indoor courts. They’re more cohesive this year and have a deeper squad to draw from.”
The club’s Over 30s Women’s Division One team also booked their grand final spot with a 3-1 win over Russell Vale on Sunday. After conceding a goal in the 30th minute, the team rallied to dominate the remainder of the match.
They’ve also had a standout season, losing just one game all year - though Peterson says that match came under unusual circumstances.
behind 2-1 early in the match. But they fought back with two goals from Alyce Quod, securing a 3-2 win and a place in the grand final.
Kiama Quarriers Football Club secretary Nerissa Peterson said the team had put in a tremendous effort this season. “They recruited a few new players, and the team has really bonded. They’ve been training harder, even showing up on cold Thursday nights,” she said.
“The Over 30s had one loss, and that was when they only had nine players against a full team of eleven. But they’ve beaten all the teams they’ll face in the grand final, including Russell Vale, so they’re pretty confident,” she said.
Weather permitting, both grand finals are scheduled for Sunday, 31 August, and Peterson says the club is buzzing with excitement at the prospect of two potential wins.
“It would be really special. The Over 30s won the grand final in 2023, but for the All Age Division One women,
it’s been a while. I don’t think they’ve won for some time - especially since the split between the Women’s Premier League and the community league.
“So it’s been several years,” she said.
Meanwhile, the All Age Division Three men’s team is still in contention after a dramatic victory over Gerringong on Saturday.
The match ended 1-1, going to penalties, where Kiama emerged victorious with a 7-6 result.
“For our Division Three team to make the semi-finals is huge. They’ve got a good
mix - some new players, and a few who’ve come back from the district league to play again for their local club,” said Peterson.
“It’s just really great to see that momentum and strength returning to the club.”
Kiama will now face the University of Wollongong next week.
If they win, it will mean three Kiama Quarriers teams will be playing in grand finals this season.
Kiama Downs captain honoured at Surf Life Saving NSW Awards
Lleyton Hughes
Josh Douglas, Captain of Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), has been named Facilitator of the Year at the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence, held at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney last Saturday.
Kiama Downs had nominees in nine categories on the night, with Douglas taking home one of the top honours.
“I don’t really like getting recognition and things like that, but it’s nice,” said Douglas.
The Facilitator of the Year award recognises individuals who train and assess surf lifesavers in essential skills across areas such as first aid, resuscitation, and rescue craft operation.
“For me, that means a lot of first aid courses, advanced resuscitation, IRB and RWCwhich are the jet ski courses,” Douglas explained.
“This past season, I also travelled to a lot of branches across NSW to upskill trainers in IRB operations.
“There’s new work being done in that area. I even went down to Victoria to learn about the updated RWC (jet ski) training, then brought that knowledge back to share with clubs across New South Wales.”
Douglas was also recognised closer to home, receiving Club Person of the Year at Kiama Downs SLSC’s own presentation night last Friday. Club President Brett Schweitzer highlighted Douglas’ wide-ranging contribution to the club.
“Josh was away for about two weeks this year supporting the Northern Rivers during the floods,” Schweitzer said.
“He’s heavily involved in our community events, like Australia Day, and he’s on three patrols - so he does a huge number of patrolling
hours. He’s also on call for after-hours rescues, and he never says no to those.”
Douglas has been part of the club for 27 years and recently completed his 20th season as Club Captain. His motivation, he says, is simple.
“It’s the people.
“The members at Kiama Downs are there for the community - they want to help. It’s just a great bunch of people working together, not just to improve the club, but to make the broader community better too,” he said.
Schweitzer said the awards serve as a valuable reminder of the efforts made by volunteers.
“Volunteers don’t seek recognition, but we should take at least one opportunity each year to acknowledge the incredible work they do,” he said.
“None of the people we recognised do it for awards. They do it because they care about the community. These awards are just a moment to reflect on that - and have a bit of fun too.”
Kiama Downs SLSC Presentation Night Award Winners
Junior Competitor: Maria Flor Santana De Castro
Competitor: Kirra Dale Cadet: Polly Gazzard
Junior Member: Darcy Newman
Bill Gown Award: Gary Trudgett
Patrol Person: Nick Mulholland
Club Person: Josh Douglas
Kiama Downs Nominees at the 2025 SLSNSW Awards of Excellence
Coach: Nathon Foster
Assessor: Trina Jensen
Services Team: Support Services Team, Kiama Downs
Youth Volunteer: Archie Weir
Surf Sports Team: Red IRB Racing Team
Surf Lifesaver of the Year: Nicholas Mulholland
Patrol Captain: Benjamin McAlister
Support Operations Manager: Josh Douglas
The Kiama All Age Division Three men's team are one win away from a grand final spot. Photo KQFC
The over 30s division one league champions. Photo KQFC
The undefeated All Age Division One women’s league champions. Photo KQFC
The Kiama Downs crew at the SLSNSW Awards of Excellence. Photo: Kiama Downs SLSC
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WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION AFL GERRINGONG LIONS
Shellee hits 200-game milestone only metres from where it all began
game on Saturday, 16 August.
Fifteen years in the making, Shellee has won five premierships, represented both NSW and the South Coast, and kicked 142 career goals.
Although her team couldn’t secure the win to mark the milestone, she still enjoyed the occasion.
“They were just stronger than us. We had our shots, and they just fell short. That’s footy. What can you do?” said Shellee.
“I’ve been around a long time, so it doesn’t affect me that much. I love just getting out there and running around. The girls all have pretty good attitudes. We gave it our all and just weren’t the better team on the day.
“But it was a good day for footy. I think everyone had a good day. We all had a good night, the boys got some wins, so the atmosphere was really good.”
Shellee was the driving force behind the Illawarra’s first women’s AFL team - the Wollongong Saints - where she took on the roles of president, treasurer, coach, captain, and player.
She reflected on her very first game, which was against Sydney University, and how it all started after playing only soccer before.
“Game number one, I think we played Sydney Uni or something,
and the ball was dribbling along the ground and I walked backwards away from it,” she said.
“I’m like, man, they’re all tackling and jumping on the ground. It’s too crazy. But yeah, eventually I got there. It was very, very different to soccer.”
So what motivated her to start a team in a sport she barely knew?
“I think I’m just determined. I like kicking. I like kicking and catching. I like kicking the ball. I don’t like tackling. So I just practised kicking, running, catching - and I’m still, that’s still all I can do really,” she said.
“I just like playing team sports. I like the whole atmosphere. Kiama is a good family club. Everyone’s up and about, everyone says congratulations, all the guys get around you - we all train together.”
That family spirit, she says, was nowhere to be seen when she first started.
“We weren’t affiliated with anyone when we started in the women’s competition. No one really wanted anything to do with us. We couldn’t join the men’s club. We couldn’t train on
reaching the 200-game milestone.
We had nothing. We didn’t even have toilets. It was terrible - we didn’t even have equipment,” she said.
Now, there are 11 teams across two divisions in the South Coast competition - something Shellee says she never imagined.
“I struggled to get eight players for the first three games. That’s all I had. I had to fill my car up - just so I knew I’d definitely have five players to drive to Sydney every week,” she said.
“And like, we had no experience. I’d never played a game before. And I was the coach and the player and the captain and the president.
Now we’ve got like 15’s and 16’s and 17’s - some will have played a hundred games before they even hit seniors. And it’s only growing. It’s going to be massive.”
Gibson’s knee collapsed during preseason this year, and it nearly stopped her from
“My cartilage is gone. I’ve worn it out playing too many games. So I had a couple of weeks just strengthening and rehab and wore a bit of tape and got through it,” she said.
But is 200 the end?
“As long as the girls kick me the ball and I don’t have to tackle, that’d be good. But yeah, I’ll just keep going until I fall apart.”
Her team is out of finals contention this season, but she’ll lace up the boots one last time for Kiama Power’s final match of the year against Northern Districts at home on Saturday, 23 August.
To wrap up, Shellee shared the pre-game superstition that might just be the secret to her long and resilient career.
“I like to put my right boot on first, and then I put both boots on, and then I tie them up. I don’t tie one at a time,” she said. “I also like to go for a lap of the field and have some me time. I just need one or two minutes.”
