The Bugle News 24 October 2025

Dispute flares over Seaside Markets share

they sell are of a high quality.

Kiama Business Network will meet disgruntled business owner next week over a dispute on the Seaside Markets’ impact on local trade.

Councillor Yasmin Tatrai moved a motion at Tuesday night’s Council meeting over concerns the markets were taking revenue from local businesses. Her motion was defeated with Mayor Cameron McDonald hopeful the issue could be resolved between KBN, which runs the markets, and a group of business operators who want stricter restrictions.

According to Council’s Spendmapp data, revenue rises by 25% in the town centre when the markets are on a Sunday - there have been 14 this year with two to come.

Cr Tatrai believes the data needs to be examined further as she believes market vendors are making profits while local shops are suffering. She has tabled a petition with more than 100 signatures and Council staff are reviewing the document.

KBN president Cathryn Lyall said there was no data to suggest the markets had a negative impact on local shops.

Lyall told Council’s open public forum on Monday that the markets were beneficial for the town while Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee member Ryan Rievely, CEO of travel platform Smartvisit, voiced objections over their impact.

KBN ensures more than 90 per cent of stall holders are from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven and the products

Lyall said there are only four food trucks each market as well as around five warm food options like crepes, and one coffee van, and they have reduced the number of culinary stalls in the past year.

KBN allows 1-2 community groups to have a free stall at each market for sausage sizzles or to run raffles.

“KBN is committed to working collaboratively and respectfully with both Council and our local businesses,” Lyall said. “Our goal is to nurture a vibrant, inclusive and economically resilient Kiama business community, and we will look forward to engaging directly with our local businesses on this matter.”

Cr McDonald said Council had a clear policy on markets and this was “not a matter for Local Government”.

“Our data has shown Market day is a very good day for local business across the LGA. We understand that it has been pretty tough for small businesses, coming off the back of a cold and rainy winter season, with increasing costs in rents, employment, utilities and outgoing costs.

“It can be difficult running a small business so we definitely want to be in there and supporting our local businesses. KBN has a fantastic board and group of volunteers that are very skilled and always seek to promote and sustain and support local business.”

Cr Tatrai was saddened that she did not receive sufficient support for her motion, which called for CEO Jane Stroud to conduct a thorough review of the markets and consider relocating them to venues

like the Leisure Centre, Gainsborough Oval or Werri Beach. “I respect the decision of Council but I’m personally disappointed by the vote. A hundred people signed that petition, which is a big thing for people to do, and I support those local businesspeople.

“I feel like I’ve let them down. Why can’t we have a market that benefits the community? Why does it have to be so big? Why does it have to have competing foods.

“Businesses in Kiama pay rent and work very hard day and night to run their businesses so if it’s not an issue for Council who is it an issue for? Some business owners are reporting 60% losses. That is staggering.”

Cr Tatrai claims stall holders are breaching the rule which permits one car per tent and they are damaging the park

and surrounding trees, and impinging on the pathway around the shoreline.

Rieveley, whose career includes 20-plus years specialising in destination marketing and tourism technology, has written to Councillors detailing his dismay at the markets detracting from local shops. He said the markets are “pushing out locals and higher-spending consumers who spend more at our bricksand-mortar businesses”.

“The additional spend generated on market days which KBN so loves to promote is largely being captured by people from outside our LGA who operate the market stalls and who sell trinkets manufactured overseas or other items which compete with what is already offered in town.”

Paul Suttor

Kiama Seaside Markets, cars parked near the walkway and Councillor

Yasmin Tatrai. Photos: Supplied

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Light at the end of tunnel for Sims Road in Employment Strategy

Mitchell Beadman

The long-running saga over Sims Road in Gerringong being opened up to local business operators is close to resolution after a major breakthrough at Tuesday night’s Kiama Council meeting.

Councillors voted 6-1 to consider the inclusion of the property into potential employment areas in its Employment Land Strategy.

Sims Road landowner Derek McMahon was pleased with the debate and the level of understanding from councillors during the meeting.

“I’ve always said that with any development in our area there should be robust debate around it,” McMahon said.

“Now the draft will be altered, I am happy to see it go back on public display, so the community gets the chance to have their say.

“This is a very good part of the process, and it displays good process and transparency from this new council.”

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. Content does not necessarily represent The Bugle's view.

Kiama Council has rejected Jamberoo Action Park's development application to use its car park as a holding yard for imported cars during the off-peak season, putting the theme park on notice.

The vehicles in question are BYDs - a Chinese manufacturer which has gained significant traction in the Australian market in recent years and are built as electric vehicles.

It is understood that concerns about the use of Jamberoo Road, a Councilmanaged road where the park is located, to transport a large amount of vehicles in and out of the area is a major reason

Cr Yasmin Tatrai said following the previous meeting when the inclusion of Sims Road was voted down by Councillors, she went and viewed the land.

“I’m just asking everyone to allow this to go into the strategy,” Cr Tatrai said.

“We say we want all these things, but then when it comes to us, we say no. We

have to start saying yes and getting things done.”

Mayor Cameron McDonald, who did not vote on this item due to a potential conflict of interest as McMahon was on his ticket at last year’s Council elections, told The Bugle that these decisions will have a lasting effect on the Kiama region.

“I think the idea is to identify

Gerringong business owers

Mark Blight and Derek McMahon.

Photo: The Bugle

what the appropriate land in the Local Government Area is for this type of development,” Cr McDonald said.

“Whether it is industrial, commercial, retail spaces – it is as important as the housing strategies for defining those areas for the next 20 or 30 years. It’s about planning for the future.”

For McMahon, his

long-term view is a threepronged approach: support local businesses, create employment and increase the circular economy.

“Sims Road is capable of potentially hosting 115 jobs,” McMahon said.

“Whilst the town grows, we’ve got to have sustainable growth in all areas, including retail, commercial, industrial, residential – the whole thing.” McMahon said it has been an occasionally tedious process to get the land approved even though they are not quite there yet.

“After five years, the history shows that it has clearly been overwhelmingly supported by Council and Councillors historically,” McMahon said.

“It’s by far ‘not home yet’, we’ve got a way to go, but I think it’s a very big step in the right direction for local businesses. We want to see the land facilitate pathways for young people to get into various industries.

“We really don’t want to see it become a storage facility because it doesn’t create any jobs.”

Jamberoo Action Park told to cease unauthorised car use

behind the DA being rejected. Council became aware three months ago that the overflow parking areas were being used to store a significant number of new vehicles after receiving complaints during the winter months.

Compliance officers inspected the site and instructed the Action Park owners to cease operating without consent via a Notice of Intention to issue an order to comply with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

It is understood they have been imported to Port Kembla and transported to Jamberoo before being distributed to dealerships throughout the country.

A spokesperson said Council staff have been working on the issue in accordance with its Compliance and Enforcement Policy and timeframes.

Compliance officers and planning staff met with the operators and representatives of Jamberoo Action Park and they were advised that a development consent was required to operate a transport depot and noted that this use was prohibited in the rural zones.

Jamberoo Action Park then lodged a DA with the Council for a Car Park and Passenger Transport Facility.

The public exhibition period for this DA closed on 22 September and the DA was refused by Council on

Monday afternoon.

Council is working with the owners of the Action Park towards resolving this issue and ensuring the site is only operated for authorised uses.

Mayor Cameron McDonald confirmed Council is always open to hearing concerns of the community and urged residents of the Kiama region to engage with Council directly if they want to receive a response from Council.

“People can contact us through our traditional customer service channels such as phone, email or at the Council Chambers on Manning Street,” Cr. McDonald said.

“We acknowledge receipt of all correspondence within 10-days and, while we can’t

promise to solve every issue in that timeframe, people can be assured they’ll hear back if they contact us [Council] directly.

“It is simply not possible or appropriate for Council to respond to queries or complaints via social media.” The land on which Jamberoo Action Park is situated was bought by the Eddy family in 1974 when milk quotas were reduced in NSW, and the dairy farm became no longer needed. Since then, the park has become NSW’s largest familyowned and operated water theme park and currently has a masterplan development approved to provide entertainment for 4500 –5000 people.

Mitchell Beadman

Kiama turns pink for preschool pay rise

As hundreds of early childhood educators flooded Martin Place on Wednesday, October 15waving banners and chanting for fair pay - staff at Kiama and Jamberoo preschools were rallying from home turf.

Their reason for skipping the march? To keep their doors open for local families.

Instead, they launched their own “mini movement” to support the Start Strong, Pair Fair campaign - asking families to dress children in pink, sign petitions, and email MPs in support of better pay for preschool educators.

Since mid 2024, the Independent Education Union of Australia (NSW/ACT) branch) has been bargaining

plea is simple: equal pay for equal work.

Right now, community preschool educators earn around 30 per cent less than those in schools, despite holding the same qualifications - and 15 per cent less than staff in long day care.

The result? A “workforce exodus,” says the Union.

Across Kiama and Jamberoo, long serving educators are leaving for better-paying jobs - or leaving the sector altogether.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Following the childcare abuse scandal in Melbourne and a spike in demand for trusted care, local preschools are stretched thin.

In a “childcare desert” like Kiama, every educator counts.

The Minns Labor

Property Law with a human touch.

Whether you’re buying, selling or downsizing, Carter Ferguson senior solicitor Steve Warwick brings a more human, caring and contemporary approach to your property law needs.

A proud Kiama local with deep experience in residential, rural, commercial and retirement villages, Steve provides the expert support, advice and representation you need to navigate the sale process from start to finish, ensuring you enjoy the best possible outcome. Steve specialises in property legal services, so for expert advice on all things property, get in touch or visit our Collins Street office in Kiama.

From grief to grit:

Kiama Ultra Challenge aims to raise $50K for charity

When Nardia Guillaumier lost her father in 2024 to cardiac amyloidosis, a rare and little-known disease, she knew she had to do something in his memory.

rowers and bikes to keep them moving for the full 8- 9 hours it will take the pair to complete their challenge.

promised $100 million to help community preschools extend their hours - most currently open six hours a day and close during school holidays - but the Union fears this will only add pressure without a pay rise to match.

Dr Amanda Lloyd, Educational Consultant and President of the Kiama Preschool Parent Committee, says the issue runs deeper than wages.

“Community preschools connect children, families and place, fostering belonging, confidence and a love of learning,” she says.

When staff turnover is high, it’s the kids who lose out.

Kiama Preschool - opened over 50 years ago thanks to local donations - has long prided itself on stability. Some educators have guided generations of local families.

But for younger educators, a “job for life” is a luxury few can afford - even in a place they adore.

Local parents told The Bugle, they support the pay rise.

“There’s nowhere like it,” said a mother whose daughter attends Kiama preschool. “When I drop my daughter off, I never have to worry. It’s community at its best - and that’s priceless.”

Fast forward to March, and Guillaumier had just claimed her second consecutive gold medal in the 2000m event at the World Indoor Rowing Championships. Inspired by both grief and triumph, she set her sights on a bold new goal: the Kiama Ultra Challenge. “My dad passed away from cardiac amyloidosis - a condition where the body creates a bent protein that gathers on an organ. In his case, it was the heart. It hardens over time until the organ can no longer function,” Guillaumier said.

“I realised hardly anyone had heard of the disease, and I wanted to raise awareness - and do it in his honour. Since I’m relatively fit and still competing, I thought, why not put my heartbeats to good use?”

Her idea? Take her experience as a 2km competitive rower and push it far beyond her limits - by rowing 100km on an indoor machine. But it didn’t stop there. “I asked my coach, Alan Swan of Swan Athletics, to help train me for the 100km row, and he said, ‘Why don’t I bike 200km beside you on an indoor bike?’ It was brillianttwo different machines, one shared goal.”

From a two-person challenge, the event has now grown into a communitywide fundraiser. Twelve teams will participate alongside Guillaumier and Swan, taking turns on indoor

“It’s not a race. There’s no competition for time or distance. The only winner is the team that raises the most money,” said Guillaumier.

The event is raising funds for four charities close to the organisers’ hearts: Amyloidosis Network Australia, Breast Cancer Network Australia, The Leukaemia Foundation and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club

Guillaumier’s sister is a breast cancer survivor, Swan’s mother and sister have also overcome breast cancer, and both have friends affected by leukaemia. The Surf Club, a vital community hub, was added for its important role in saving lives and training volunteers. “The furthest I’ve rowed is 57km - and that was just a few weeks ago,” Guillaumier said. “This will

be tough. But why set an easy goal? This is meant to test every ounce of my body and mind. When people donate, they know we’re giving it absolutely everything.”

Training continues in the lead-up to the event, with long practice rows and a competition in October to build endurance. Guillaumier remains determined.

“We’re lucky - we get to choose this challenge. So many others don’t. That’s what keeps me going.”

While team registrations are now full, the public can still take part in a few ways: Try out the public rower on the day for a small donation, buy raffle tickets (with over $7,000 in prizes donated by local businesses) or simply come along to show support.

The Kiama Ultra Challenge will take place at the Kiama Surf Club Auditorium on 15 November, beginning with a 7:30am briefing.

Amy Molloy

Back to the mean: Extremes don’t last - a local lesson

Neil Reilly

Have you ever noticed how the loudest meeting, the biggest shock in a budget or the wildest public reaction eventually quietens down?

That’s not just wishful thinking, it’s a statistical reality: regression to the mean.

Extreme events tend to be followed by more ordinary ones, things revert (or regress) toward their long-term average.

We see this everywhere, in human behaviour, in politics, in community life.

And last month’s Kiama byelection gives us a vivid local example.

Earlier this year, the seat of Kiama was thrown into chaos when the sitting MP, Gareth Ward, was found guilty of sexually abusing two men.

He resigned just as a vote to expel him from NSW Parliament was about to occur, which triggered the 13 September by-election.

Labor’s Katelin McInerney won decisively with about 37.32% of first preferences, with a two-party preferred share of 60.19% vs 39.81% for the Liberals.

Meanwhile, the Liberal candidate saw a swing against the conservative vote of about

14.48 points in primary votes.

What’s striking is how that result reflects a reversion from the extreme circumstances surrounding the vacancy. The scandal and succession of events pushed the electorate outside its usual voting patterns. But once the byelection was decided, things look more like a return toward the underlying political tendencies in the area.

Analysts caution that comparing swings in such a seat is tricky. Ward had held the seat as an independent after leaving the Liberals, and his personal following distorted the baseline.

But the upshot is clear: the extraordinary conditions that preceded the election were unlikely to sustain forever.

Voters gravitated back toward more stable alignments once the crisis passed.

I think leaders also need to consider when the mean itself is moving.

Sometimes what seems like “returning to average” is actually a shifting average.

For instance, demographic change, evolving attitudes, or sustained external pressures can shift what “normal” means.

In Kiama’s case, the scandal forced a momentary deviation, but the long-term leanings of the electorate remain relevant.

Extremes should be regarded as wake-ups, but we shouldn’t assume permanence.

If a campaign, crisis or public mood runs extremely one way, treat it as a cue to dig deeper, not as a permanent realignment.

In Kiama today, the extreme disruption brought on by Ward’s scandal gave way to a more stable outcome, a seat firmly in Labor hands, but not as a reactionary anomaly so much as a firm return to equilibrium.

That doesn’t mean nothing changes. It means change often overshoots, then swings back toward the centre.

Maybe the next time you see an overblown reaction in a meeting, or a headline that feels too big to last, you can smile and whisper: “That’s regression to the mean doing its work.”

Council adamant roads on track as Phillips questions lack of progress

Shoalhaven City Council is adamant that upgrades to six roads are on track despite Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips questioning the lack of progress from $40 million in Federal Government funding.

Phillips called on Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White to publicly update the community on the status of local road upgrades after Council received the $40 million Shoalhaven Roads Package in 2022.

The six roads in question are Forest Road, Callala Beach Road, Callala Bay Road, Culburra Road, the Coonemia/Currarong/ Callala Bay Road intersection and the Greenwell Point/ Worrigee Road intersection.

“I delivered the funds three years ago, this month, but there continues to be little communication from the Shoalhaven Mayor on the progress of the road works,” she said.

Phillips added “ratepayers just want their roads fixed”.

“It’s beyond belief that I delivered $40 million in the federal budget three years ago, specifically to fix six key local roads, and yet what does the Shoalhaven Mayor have to show for it?

“The least the Mayor could do is tell locals what’s going on and when their roads are going to be fixed. It’s a bit rich of the Mayor calling for more money when the funding I delivered three years ago has not been spent.”

Council responded with a statement to say the first instalment of funding was received in July last year and is work is being undertaken in three phases over a threeyear period to be completed by late 2027. As part of the funding agreement with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, the Council project team provides monthly updates to the federal department and

quarterly updates to Phillips.

Council said the first phase of scoping was complete after road safety analysis, road condition analysis, concept sketches and cost estimates were done.

The project team is now in the design phase - that includes flood modelling to improve the resilience of access to towns and villages - which will determine the delivery schedule of the road projects.

“The scoping phase has involved a lot of surveying, research and analysis which may appear like work is not progressing, but it’s certainly on track and part of the process of major infrastructure projects,” said acting director of city services, Kevin Norwood.

“A thorough scoping phase ensures that the funding is allocated to the areas that need it most and the areas that will provide the greatest benefit to the community.

“We now move to the second phase which includes detailed design for all sites, land acquisition process for Worrigee intersection and flood studies on impacted roads."

The works schedule will be finalised and publicly available in February.

Safety first for Kiama

Our scenic coastline, famous for our beaches, breathtaking scenery, rugged cliffs and, of course, the Blowhole, has also been the site of heartbreaking tragedy.

Over the past 15 years, 11 people have lost their lives around the Blowhole area — making it the second-most deadly rock fishing location in NSW, behind South Sydney’s Little Bay.

Visitors are often not aware conditions can change dramatically and unpredictable waves have repeatedly claimed lives, including a double fatality less than a year ago when a father and son were swept from the rocks near the Blowhole. In response, Surf Life Saving NSW has launched a bold experiment: a 14-month trial of artificial-intelligencepowered cameras designed to detect when a person is washed into the water and potentially alert rescuers within seconds.

The Surveillance AI for Lifesaving (SAIL) initiative continuously scans the coastline, counting how many people are present on the rocks. If that number suddenly drops, the AI detects that someone may have fallen into the ocean - triggering an instant notification to the State Operations Centre for review of camera footage.

This new technology means lifesavers no longer have to rely solely on bystanders or chance to know when someone is in trouble. “The cameras are able to track movement and recognise when a person goes from standing on the rocks to being in the surf,” said Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce.

He summarises the benefits simply by saying “it gives us crucial time to respond - the difference between rescue and recovery”.

Kiama Council has embraced the SAIL project as a vital investment in public safety, and it’s telling that our community is one of two where this trial is taking place.

Mayor Cameron McDonald said: “Anything that helps protect people in and around our coastline is welcome. Kiama is proud to lead on an innovation that could save countless lives.”

While artificial intelligence often sparks public debate over fears of job loss and the displacement of human effort, this project demonstrates the oppositehow technology can enhance and empower human action rather than replace it.

As Surf Life Saving NSW continues to adopt drone technology, shark detection AI, and rip-current monitoring tools, its mission remains deeply human: saving lives through faster action, smarter systems and stronger community safety.

Here at The Bugle, we will put our hand up and say we have been critical (on a fair number of occasions) of investments and initiatives that Kiama Council have embarked upon.

After all, we are here to report and provide a view that is fearless and to tell it like it is. Equally, when Council can work behind the scenes and secure innovative solutions to genuinely serious problems, we as a community should acknowledge that, too.

No matter how many warning signs, fences or measures are put in place at the Blowhole – human nature is curious and adventurous, and this can be disastrous. The Bugle’s View is that Council and Surf Life Saving NSW should be congratulated for implementing this breakthrough technology –any efforts that can prevent the senseless loss of life is a fantastic initiative.

Emergency Services Day fundraiser to continue Steven’s legacy

Danielle Woolage

“Sheer grit and determination” drove slain frontline worker Steven Tougher to achieve his dream of becoming a clinical paramedic.”

Now his grieving family is channeling that same iron will to push for mandatory sentencing for anyone who attacks an emergency service worker. Steven was repeatedly stabbed in a fast food car park in 2023 while on night shift completing paperwork. He had been a clinical paramedic for just over a year.

“He was so very proud of becoming a paramedic,” says his father Jeff who is spearheading a campaign for mandatory jail terms for anyone who assaults a frontline worker. “Steven had to overcome so many obstacles along the way to first become a nurse and then a paramedic, but he got over all the hurdles and he was so very happy to achieve his dream.”

Grit and determination are family traits, with Jeff and his wife Jill campaigning tirelessly to introduce “Steven’s Law” into legislation since their beloved son was killed.

Last year alone 562 paramedics were assaulted while simply doing their job.

“They are just the ones who report it, many more don’t,” says Jeff. “Assaults to frontline workers are much more common than people realise.”

The law change proposes a minimum 12-month jail term, suspended if the offender

completes a rehabilitation program, and calls for all paramedics to be issued body worn cameras and stab vests.

Jeff and his family have visited ambulance stations across NSW, travelling as far south as Albury, and west to Orange, hearing horror stories of assault while paramedics are carrying out their life saving work.

“We did a five day road trip last year on the anniversary of Steve's death and we went from Wollongong to Albury in the south and up through the centre of NSW, visiting as many stations as possible,” says Jeff.

At each station the family hands out Steven’s Law stickers, which frontline workers place on their vehicles to highlight the need for law reform. “I choose to make it my purpose to achieve something from what was a very tragic circumstance,” explains Jeff.

“Promoting awareness, pushing for better protection for frontline workers has helped me, helped my family, come to terms with what happened. We have decided to make a difference rather than just be damaged by it.”

Jeff admits law reform is a “big bucket to kick” but he refuses to give up.

“The wheels of politics move slowly,” says Jeff. “But the Attorney-General (Michael Daley) has just announced minimum sentencing for intimate partner homicide after a push by the mum of Mackenzie Anderson who was murdered by her ex. It will now attract a standard non-parole period

of 25 years, so let's see what the government can come up with to protect frontline workers.

“Steven never gave up on his dream and we won’t give up on his legacy. He was the most compassionate person I know, he forced his way into becoming a nurse, used to do volunteer work in the ER at Shellharbour hospital, and spent years studying to be a paramedic only to find out he was colour blind. They were going to knock him back but he could still see red and green so he got over that hurdle. It was sheer grit and determination, nothing was going to stop him from achieving his dream. That’s what keeps us going, we want Steven’s law to be part of the vernacular.”

As a fresh-faced 17-yearold straight out of high school Steven convinced a private hospital to hire him as a trainee nurse. The health service didn’t have a traineeship program but after initially being knocked back for a job, Steven returned a week later with a business plan. He got the job and was one of the first students in the Illawarra to complete a traineeship with Ramsay Health.

After a successful career as a theatre nurse he retrained, pursuing his passion to become a clinical paramedic. He overcame his colour blind hurdle, only to stumble during his final obstacle, the cardio test. “He had almost talked himself out of it, convinced himself he had failed, that he wasn’t fit enough. But he wasn’t going to give up on his

dream that easily. He went to his doctor and it turned out Steven misread the numbers.”

One of Jeff’s most treasured possessions is a photo of Steven, in his ambulance, on his first shift as a clinical paramedic. “He showed up out the front with an enormous grin saying ‘come and check out my ambulance’. I’ll never forget that smile, he was a big fella, over six feet, but the biggest thing about him that day was his smile.”

On October 31, Kiama Golf Club will host the inaugural Emergency Services Day, dedicated to honouring Steven’s Law. Spots are available for the four-person ambrose event, along with hole sponsorship. Event organiser Stuart Miller, the club’s assistant groundskeeper and a lifelong friend of Jeff, says the event will be held each year to recognise the work of emergency services workers, in what is often a thankless job.

“If we can do anything to make sure nothing like this ever happens again to a frontline worker, we will," says Stuart. “What these people do for their communities, day in and day out, is nothing short of amazing. We want to do everything in our power to keep them safe.”

Jeff will speak at the event about the family’s journey through grief, forgiveness and its push for change. “These assaults are career ending and, in Steven’s case, lifeending,” says Jeff.

For more information about the golf day, visit Kiama Golf Club’s facebook page.

Steven Tougher and (right) his parents Jeff and Jill with Ryan Park. Photos: Supplied

KBN hard at work to help local businesses

At the Kiama Business Network, we’re passionate about one thing - helping local business to thrive.

Our community is filled with hardworking, creative, and committed business owners, and KBN exists to support, connect and strengthen them.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient local economy and a vibrant business culture right here in Kiama.

Formerly known as the Kiama and District Chamber of Commerce, our organisation has proudly served the business community for decades, evolving alongside the region’s needs.

In February, we relaunched as the Kiama Business Network, a name that better reflects our collaborative spirit and inclusive approach to local business support.

We are an independent, not-for-profit and apolitical organisation that represents a diverse mix of local businesses - from small start-ups and home-based enterprises to well-established

retailers, tourism operators, trades, transport, light industries and professional services. Our elected board reflects the diversity of our membership with passionate volunteers serving the community.

Over the past four years, membership has grown significantly from 82 to more than 230 members, a reflection of the trust and relevance KBN holds within the local community.

KBN works in strong collaboration with Kiama Council and regional stakeholders, such as Business Illawarra, ensuring that the voice of business is actively represented in local and regional decision-making.

Our advocacy efforts have already contributed to tangible improvements in areas such as town planning, local events, business infrastructure, and the creation of more opportunities for business visibility and engagement, including this year’s inaugural Kiama Business Awards.

Through collaboration, advocacy, and a packed calendar of development

opportunities, KBN gives businesses the tools, confidence, and networks they need to grow.

Whether you’re an established business, a startup, or an entrepreneur with an idea, there’s a place for you in our community.

Connecting through events and networking

Our regular Coffee Connect mornings and Business Connect events bring people together to share ideas, form partnerships and celebrate local success. These include highlights like the Micro Business Showcase and the Mayoral Breakfast, which give members the chance to engage directly with community leaders and showcase the incredible range of local enterprise in our region.

Building skills and resilience

KBN’s Business Development Programs provide practical, relevant support for businesses at every stage. Through a mix of workshops, mentoring and specialised programs,

including marketing workshops, social media training and Youth Mental Health First Aid certification.

Celebrating local success

Our annual KBN Business Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Kiama’s business leaders, innovators and community contributors. It’s a chance to highlight the people and businesses who make our local economy such a strong and inspiring part of our region.

In 2025, six local businesses and business leaders represented Kiama as finalists at the Business Illawarra Awards, the largest cohort of finalists to date.

Supporting community and local economy

KBN proudly coordinates the Kiama Seaside Markets, which continue to be a cornerstone of our community - supporting local makers, food producers, and service clubs such as Rotary and Lions. These markets not only bring visitors and vibrancy to our town but also play a key role in keeping

money circulating locally.

We’ve also led communitydriven campaigns such as Think, Shop & Buy Local and the COVID Recovery Initiative and we are fielding a KBN Member rowing team in the Kiama Ultra Challenge, supporting a range of charities as well as the Kiama Surf Life Saving branch.

Advocating for local business

Beyond events, KBN provides a strong and respected voice for business in the Kiama region. We advocate on important local issues, including the Housing and Employment Lands Strategies, Special Entertainment Precinct and 24-Hour Economy initiatives.

We’ve hosted Meet the Candidates events for Council, State and Federal elections, ensuring local business perspectives are heard where decisions are made.

Our advocacy and collaborations extend across a wide network, working with Business Illawarra, Business NSW, Kiama Municipal Council, TEAC, and the Economic Development and

Housing teams to champion opportunities for growth and sustainability.

Investing in the future KBN is also committed to nurturing the next generation of local business leaders. Through initiatives such as NGEN and Ignite Youth, and our sponsorship of the Kiama High School Year 12 Business Studies Award, which includes a cash prize and mentoring, we’re helping young people see entrepreneurship as an exciting and achievable path. At KBN, we believe when local businesses succeed, the whole community benefits. Every connection, every collaboration, and every conversation brings us closer to a stronger, more prosperous Kiama.

We invite all local business owners, entrepreneurs and residents who share this vision to join us - come along to an event, follow us on social media, or simply reach out and say hello. Together, we’re growing Kiama’s business community.

Please note - This is paid content

Astute services for Kiama

Navigating your way through financial matters can be complicated but Astute Financial in Kiama is set up to help people get full value in a wide range of areas.

Astute offers services from lending to insurance and financial advice.

They can help with all types of loans by getting to know the client’s financial situation, then applying their years of industry knowledge to provide you with the loan that’s best suited for you, not necessarily the one with the lowest interest rate. Astute recently opened a new locally owned office in Terralong Street operated by Brent Rollings, his wife Kathryn and their son Harry as well as office allrounder Bob Mallens.

Brent started his career with 25 years in corporate IT before moving into the financial services industry a decade ago when his family moved to Kiama. He started with a business in Camden while also operating in Shellharbour before recently deciding to set up shop in Kiama.

“We’ve got a really wellestablished client base. It’s a mix of locals, as well as clients from all over the country.

“We’ve built the business based on strong referrals. We

haven’t advertised a lot. It’s just been a lot of word of mouth.”

Property is a perennial hot topic in Kiama and Brent said they can help people who are starting out or more experienced owners who are looking for a change.

“If you’re a first homebuyer who has no idea how to enter the market and buy property, we can guide them through the finance and the whole purchasing process,” he said.

“We also help people wanting to refinance or review their current home loan to make sure they’re getting a great deal. For those wanting to build more equity or if you’ve got an investment strategy, trying to build a property portfolio, we’re here to help. Additionally we have an equipment finance and asset side of the business, where we can help businesses buying vehicles or plant machinery. We can even take care of your insurances for you – whether you are a business or just looking to insure your home or vehicles”.

It can be daunting in a place like Kiama where real estate prices are rising but it’s not impossible. “There is quite a bit of complexity around the schemes for first home buyers. You can easily get lost in it without guidance,” Brent

added. “Ultimately, our job is to try and get the best outcome we can for our clients. And that is whether we’re looking for the most competitive interest rate in the market or looking at the different policies that lenders have around what they will and won’t do.

“And that can result in massive variances in what you can actually borrow.

“The government has just reviewed the first-home buyer scheme so they’ve made it far more accessible to a lot of people. And I feel like that will drive even more interest in the property market.

“We already live in one of the most desirable locations in Australia that has had significant property growth associated with it. But there’s incentives around these schemes and the narrative is that we may see some further interest rate cuts over the next three to six to 12 months.

“The other night we had an interview with some firsthome buyers and they wanted to buy in Kiama. And by the time we got to the end of the conversation, they thought maybe we cannot buy in Kiama, but maybe we can look at Albion Park or Dapto or further down the coast.

“You just need to work out what is achievable.”

Brent said they are transparent about the process

- “if you want the best interest rate we can find, this is where you will land but it may not be the best option when you factor everything in.

“People can jump online and do their own research but we see it a lot - they don’t see the hidden costs or banks will decline them and it would never have been an application that we would have submitted.

“We have a really high success rate of approval because we don’t want to submit an application unless we are confident we will get the approval. Ultimately, it’s up to the client, but typically we will come up with four options for them to choose from.”

And once your deal is done, Astute keep in touch to ensure the client is staying on track.

“Where we really add value to our clients – is that we stay in touch. We are not just here to get a loan established. We are looking to build long-term relationships with clients.

“We are always checking in - every 6-12 months in more detail, we’ll do a rate review or a home loan health check.”

And the best aspect for the borrower is that there is no upfront cost - the lenders pay Astute for their services. Please note - this is paid content

Fire crews react quickly to put out Bombo blaze

Dylan Penrose

Emergency

services crews rushed to a fire at the southern end of Bombo Beach on Tuesday morning, extinguishing the blaze before it could spread to nearby properties.

The fire began in the scrub at the base of the cliff at Pheasant Point and spread upwards.

Fire crews were quickly on the scene after residents and early-morning walkers on the beach noticed the flames around 6.30am.

Several crews from Fire and Rescue NSW stations at Kiama and Shellharbour, as well as Jamberoo Rural Fire Service, descended on the area to put the fire out.

Due to the difficult

access point, a water pump was set up at the bottom of the grass area with a hoseline spanning from the sand through a nearby residential property.

A Remotely Piloted Aircraft was used to gain an aerial visual of the area and gather thermal readings.

After two hours at the scene, representatives from the local Fire and Rescue were confident that the fire was out.

The NSW Rural Fire Service issued a statement a couple of hours after the blaze broke out to say "there is no immediate danger" and that the fire was under control.

Members of the public were urged to stay away from the area while the emergency services crews cleared up the damage.

HeartKids walk brings community together for important cause

Eleeya Kahale

HeartKids’ annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat walk is coming to Kiama for the first time this Sunday, bringing locals together in support of children and families affected by childhood-onset heart disease.

In its 11th year, the national walk unites towns across 30 locations from Cairns to Kalgoorlie, with participants walking 4km to honour the four lives lost each week to CoHD, or 8km to represent the eight babies born each day with a heart condition.

HeartKids community engagement manager Sami Glastonbury said the event is about connection, remembrance and celebration.

“It’s our time to come together - no two journeys are the same, but this is where families find understanding

and support,” she said.

“Whether your child is a heart angel or a heart champion, you’ll always be part of our community.”

This year’s Kiama walk has already drawn over 120 registrations.

“We never want our families to feel isolated,” Glastonbury said. “The walk is a beautiful sea of flags - blue for heart kids, white for those we remember, and red for supporters.

Funds raised will help HeartKids continue providing vital services, including in hospital and regional support, mental health programs, camps for teens and resources to help families navigate lifelong challenges.

Beyond the walk, HeartKids offers ongoing social and emotional support for families, ensuring no one faces their journey alone.

The charity provides

programs that guide families through key life stages - from diagnosis and hospital care to transitioning into school and adulthood.

Teen camps and community days also help young people connect with others who understand their experiences.

Glastonbury said the walk is also about visibility and awareness.

“When people see our bright red shirts and flags, it sparks conversation,” she said.

“It reminds people that heart disease in children is more common than many realise - everyone knows someone touched by it.”

The Kiama event gets underway at 9am on Sunday (26 October) at Coronation Park, with the walk starting at 10:30am.

Participants can also join virtually or donate at www. twofeetheartbeat.org.au

Coexistence in art and life: Morgan’s new exhibition

Morgan Shimeld’s new

explores the relationship be tween the grounded and the infinite - an idea that has particularly fasci nated him since mov ing to his home in the Blue Mountains.

Shimeld, who has been sculpting since graduating from Sydney College of the Arts in 2000, relocated from Sydney to the Blue Mountains with his family eight years ago. Since then, the natural world surrounding him has become a constant source of inspiration.

“When I was living in Sydney, I was more inspired by the built environment,” said Shimeld.

“Now, I’m still working with geometric abstraction, but I’m seeing those shapes more in a natural context - like the escarpments, cliffs, gorges and valleys that surround me. Those forms are filtering into the sculptures I create.”

based wall installations.

Shimeld reflects this duality in his creative process, balancing intuition with precision.

This ongoing relationship between the built and the natural, the earth and the sky, the man-made and the ethereal, has become embedded in Shimeld’s practice. It’s most evident in his dual bodies of work: bronze sculptures and wire-

“There’s a large element of intuition, especially with the wire wall works. I get into a kind of creative zone while forming them. It’s intuitive in terms of knowing when a piece feels finished or balanced,” he said.

“I don’t do sketches for my work - I go straight into threedimensional form, so the intuition is really essential.

But there’s also precision in how those forms come

Shimeld isn’t so much interested in the contrast between different forms or ideas, but rather how they can

“For me, coexistence is about responding to the environment you’re inbeing inspired by it and understanding it, especially through a visual language.

It’s about allowing both natural and human-made influences to sit together in one

That spirit of coexistence carries through into how Shimeld hopes audiences will experience

“I hope anyone who visits sees something new and different. The wire work, especially, is quite unique - sculptures on walls aren't something people see every day. The shadow play is something people often comment on.

“I also hope people get a sense of the warmth and materiality of the bronze too.”

The exhibition runs until 29 November and for Shimeld, the show holds a deeper personal resonance - it marks a creative reunion with

SEVENMARKS founders Chick Butcher and Cobi Cockburn. “We all went to university together - about 25 years ago now. We’ve all gone off and followed our own creative paths, but we’ve stayed connected,” he said. “We’d been talking about doing something together for a while, and the timing finally felt right. This

exhibition is a really special opportunity to bring it all together. They're some of my oldest friends, and it just feels really meaningful to share this moment with them.”

Earth and Sky opens on Saturday, 25 October, from 5–7pm at Kiama’s SEVENMARKS Gallery. Tickets are available at the Sevenmarks website.

CWA Evening Branch springs into High Tea

If you happened to be in the vicinity of Kiama's Surf Beach last Saturday afternoon, you may have noticed a bevy of brightly clad, well-dressed ladies and gentlemen entering the surf club.

These people, including myself, were there as guests of the evening branch of Kiama CWA for their inaugural spring high tea.

The event was organised to “create and support community connections”, and judging by the events of the ensuing two hours, it certainly achieved this aim.

Just entering the room was a delightful start. Dress code was “spring floral” and everyone looked resplendent in their colourful spring finery.

Filling the room were many roundtables, beautifully and thoughtfully laid with crisp white linen, delicate china settings for eight - coffee jugs, teapots, cake tiers and in the centre of each table, a vase of pretty spring blooms.

A glorious view of the sea and beach outside added to the atmosphere.

CWA ladies were bedecked in their aprons, feverishly organising the delivery of goodies to each table, and ensuring everyone found their seat. The chatter was spirited and happy.

Kiama evening branch president Dianne Tierney gave the welcome speech, talked a little about what the CWA does in our community, the reasoning behind this particular event and then introduced various future speakers, before handing over to the MC, Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.

Though the CWA of NSW has been operating for over

100 years, the Kiama Evening Branch has only been around since 2017. It has over 30 members who meet in the evening because most still work full-time.

Fundraising to support community, the organisation of friendly social events, the setting of policies to be lobbied for at state level to aid in improving the conditions of country folk, all these tasks are undertaken by the CWA. It's not all about those famous scones!

Support from the community is invaluable, and mandatory for the ongoing success of the CWA, which is apolitical. Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips was there as a guest, along with Melissa Matters, showing their support for this hardworking community organisation.

Kiama Surf Life Saving Club donated the use of the spectacular venue, and in addition, a major financial sponsor Gary Pinch of Accounting Professionals Shellharbour donated a generous sum to help cover the cost of ingredients for all those delicious morsels made by the CWA.

Local businesses donated raffle prizes, with a highlight being an original oil painting on canvas by well-known Kiama artists, Michele Skuza, herself a KEB member.

Speakers for the day were Thea Blanch of St Vincent de Paul Kiama, who spoke of their aid for those suffering financial hardship in our community; Sabrina Kelly, co-founder of the Social Club for Neurodivergent Youth in Kiama, who spoke about the amazing help and support the CWA has given her organisation; and Brenda Waters of Berry CWA, who explained their "Women Living Rough" program,

and gave us a little insight into what her branch is doing to help women in this very disturbing situation. The dedication and work of these individuals and organisations is to be not only applauded and admired, but supported. By us all.

Thoroughly enjoyable, wonderful entertainment was provided by members of the Sing Australia Choir under the leadership of Maree Shepherd. Singing along was the request, and how much fun we collectively had with Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, possibly the most used song at any celebration, sporting event or pub, ever! And what about the food? High Tea it certainly was! We were plied with cake tiers beautifully arrayed with the KEB's own cooking, tiny iced cupcakes, dainty lemon drop cookies, coconut and jam and choc slices and bickies. Then there were mini quiches, sausage rolls, lovely mouthwatering little sandwich strips, and of course, those divine scones. With jam & cream if you don't mind.

All washed down with tea, coffee and for the naughty ones, bubbles from the bar. Too soon, after the raffles had been won, prizes given out, the food had been demolished and the last dregs had been drained from the teapots, it was time to leave.

An absolutely delicious CWA offering, a successful fundraiser with special thanks to member Claire Calvert, and also a reminder of how needed these community organisations are and what a first rate service they provide.

Carol Goddard

Colin recognised with top Garden Clubs award

Mitchell Beadman

Jamberoo local Colin

Hollis was bestowed a great honour of one of the highest awards at the AGM of Garden Clubs Australia in Albury and he said it could be his last.

Hollis has been an influential figure in spurring the growth of Rose Society groups across the Sydney region and was awarded the President’s Award of the Garden Clubs of Australia, which was presented by president Lori Emerson.

“I’ve been a member of the society now for over 20 years and have been a president for many years,” Hollis said.

“Other than a life membership, this award is the highest award that can be bestowed on an individual.

“The interesting thing about this award is the 780 affiliated groups across Australia and has close to 100,000 members.”

Hollis felt it was a remarkable coincidence that the two highest awards went to people from the Kiama region.

“As well as my award, the life membership award went to [Kiama local] Deirdre McLachlan and she got the highest award that can be bestowed on an individual,” he said.

Kiama leading the way on menopause action

Danielle Woolage

Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease. That is the message being spruiked by women’s health professionals across the region on the back of World Menopause Day.

For too long menopause has been shrouded in silence, but as more women find their voice, clinical and public awareness has increased and so too has government action, with Kiama leading the way.

Last month NSW Health Minister Ryan Park and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison launched the Illawarra Shoalhaven Menopause Service at the Kiama Integrated Primary and Community Health Centre.

mental well-being, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep and healthy relationships – played a major role in optimising health during menopause.

Risks associated with menopause can include increased heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and mental health problems as well as diabetes, with World Menopause Day shining a spotlight on the long-term health and economic impacts if symptoms aren’t addressed.

“For too long, menopause has been under-recognised,” says newly elected Kiama MP Katelin McInerney.

“We get lots of people walking through there and they are always complimentary about the park.

“I’d like to expand our planting there at Peace Park, but without the volunteers we are very restricted in what we can do,” he said.

Speaking through the challenges the group faces with Peace Park and the environment, sometimes it is Mother Nature and other times, well, human nature.

“Sometimes you get the hot wind coming through and that will burn the rose

Hollis is also a key figure in maintaining Peace Park on Manning Street, along with a group of volunteers and he enjoys the weekly camaraderie and the feedback from the visitors.

petals, and then other times we don’t know if vandals knock them over,” he said.

“We have suffered a little bit this year with people stealing our roses. We lost about eight bushes within the last year.”

Hollis is liberal minded when it comes to acceptance but cannot help his frustration.

“I don’t mind them so much taking the roses (bulb), I prefer them not to, but it does make me very angry when they take the whole bush,” Hollis said.

“The roses are there for everyone.

“They are there for people when they walk through the park to enjoy them and appreciate them, and you

know it is not very civic minded.”

Hollis expressed his cheeky side when asked about his recent award but directed the conversation back to Peace Park, which he talks about with much enthusiasm.

“I certainly did not get a big cheque with it,” he said.

“I think it is not only for the work I have done in Peace Park, but being the state president of the society involves a lot of travel throughout the state.”

Illawarra Rose SocietyRosy Day rose display will be held at Burnett’s on Barney Plant Nursery at 80 Barney St. Kiama on Saturday 1 November between 9am and 4:30pm, an event Hollis says should not be missed!

Pilot’s Cottage Museum opens doors to Indigenous history

Kiama Histohrical Society is reframing local history with an insightful display of Indigenous artefacts at Pilot’s Cottage Museum.

KHS Vice President and Director of the Royal Australian Historical Society

Tony Gilmour said that in the museum’s 40 years of operation, there has been glaring oversight when it comes to placing a spotlight on Aboriginal voices.

Over the past nine months, Gilmour has partnered with Dr Aunty Joyce Donovan to delve into the past and curate an exhibition that delivers a more nuanced and inclusive perspective to the public.

“[The museum] has always shown colonial settler history and so we’ve never really had a comprehensive display of any Aboriginal history … We’re reinterpreting some of the earlier colonial stories as well,” he said.

“Aboriginal people were not only significant before settlement. They’ve had a role in the community afterwards as well, which hasn’t often

been appreciated.” One out of the museum’s four rooms has now been dedicated to embracing these overlooked cultural identities, a stark increase in coverage. Gilmour’s mission to provide a platform for Aboriginal culture in the pre-colonial age was not an easy one, with little documentation of the area before its first newspaper began publication in the 1850s.

He states that most of

the obtainable records are written from a settler perspective, omitting details of the Indigenous contributions toward cedar gathering, agriculture and quarrying.

Because Aboriginal history is largely an oral one, collating information required Gilmour to engage with Elders and family members, including the great-grandchildren of Aboriginal leader and pioneer for indigenous

rights, King Mickey Johnson.

“Whilst I can trawl through innumerable written documents, it’s actually fun to talk to people.

“It makes it much more real,” Gilmour said.

Pilot’s Cottage Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-3pm.

This Saturday’s event featuring words from Elders and Dr Aunty Joyce Donovan will take place at 2pm for an entry fee of $3-$5at Kiama Library Auditorium.

The service, linked with the nursing and medicallyled menopause hub at The Royal Hospital for Women, provides holistic treatment for the thousands of women across NSW experiencing severe or complex symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.

On October 18, to mark World Menopause Day, the health minister announced the state government’s two-year rollout of menopause services was complete, with more than 7000 women state-wide using the specialist services.

“By working in partnership with the Royal Hospital for Women, we’re ensuring that women experiencing severe or complex menopause symptoms can receive expert care, with a dedicated pathway to access the right help, at the right time, in the right place,” says Park.

Illawarra Shoalhaven menopause referral service coordinator Georgia Watson says the clinics, which also operate in Nowra and Ulladulla, ensure women in rural and regional areas get the wraparound support they need close to home.

“Having a dedicated menopause service helps break down barriers to accessing expert care in what can already be a challenging time in this person’s life,” says Watson.

“Our goal is to make sure every person who uses this service is supported. Whether it’s through physiotherapy, virtual consultations, or connection with local services, we’re here to walk alongside them.”

World Menopause Day was created by the International Menopause Society and World Health Organization in 2009 to improve menopause treatment through expert knowledge and clinical research. This year's focus was on the role of Lifestyle Medicine in Menopausal Health, with research highlighting the link between healthy lifestyle choices, a reduced risk of chronic disease and improved menopausal symptoms.

The paper found that lifestyle medicine – healthy eating, physical activity,

“(The Illawarra Shoalhaven Menopause Service) acknowledges the complexity and individuality of each woman’s journey. This service is about equity, dignity, and responding to women who’ve asked for better support, it’s an important step towards more comprehensive women’s health.”

Illawarra Shoalhaven Menopause Service’s nursing and clinical care coordinators provide assessment, triage and referral to multidisciplinary teams including physio, psychology or psychiatry, dietitians and medical specialists to reduce health risks. Improved menopause treatment has also been on the federal government’s radar, after a senate inquiry into menopause and perimenopause in 2024 found a lack of understanding and awareness, even among health professionals.

During the inquiry’s public submissions women frequently reported limited access to evidence-based information and support, which led to frustration and feelings of isolation.

Last week the Commonwealth, in response to the inquiry’s recommendations, opened the tender process to develop national clinical guidelines for healthcare professionals. The guidelines, along with increased training, would ensure women in perimenopause and menopause received consistent advice, support and treatment.

Federal Assistant Minister for Women Rebecca White says the inquiry found significant knowledge gaps meant health professionals “can lack confidence in providing menopause advice and management options, particularly menopausal hormone therapy”.

“This can lead to delays and inconsistencies in diagnosis and management and poorer health outcomes for women,” she says. “Perimenopause and menopause can have a major impact on women’s health and wellbeing, affecting sleep, concentration, mood and quality of life. Yet too many women continue to struggle to find the right adviceand support.”

Dylan Penrose

Colin Hollis and Lori Emerson Photo: Royal Horticultural Society of NSW

The Terrys making waves and paving ways

Dylan Penrose

Gerringong-based indie rock band

The Terrys have received over $25,000 in grants courtesy of Creative Australia as part of its commitment to rewarding local culture and homegrown artistry.

Kiama locals are likely to recognise the burgeoning musicians from their set at 2024’s Changing Tides Festival.

The five-piece ensemble will kick off a regional tour next month for their self-

titled third album, which was released in July of this year.

With upgraded performance equipment and 12 new summer-infused tracks under their belt, the rising stars will bring their groovy brand of pub rock to venues across the country, and ring in the new year with a highly anticipated performance at North Gong Hotel alongside Sydney rapper Chillinit.

The band debuted as a trio in 2020 with “Video Games”, in the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns and

social distancing restrictions that stripped them of touring opportunities.

When many artists put their creative ambitions on pause, they seized this opportunity to make their foray into the indie music scene.

“The bigger acts and the people that were already doing music just kind of went radio silent. None of us even thought we’d ever be in a band, we were just winging it,” lead vocalist Jacob Finch told The Bugle.

Finch says the band owe a lot of their rapid rise to

the internet and navigating audience engagement in the digital age.

Their 2021 single, “Our Paradise”, was met with Triple J Unearthed acclaim and captured mainstream attention, eventually finishing 76th in the following year’s Hottest 100 countdown.

The tune has since garnered 12 million streams on Spotify.

Triple J has been instrumental in platforming Aussie musicians, most notably with fellow Gerringong band Pacific Avenue and internationally

names

The Terrys were recently featured in the radio station’s popular Like A Version segment, performing a reworked rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” following the death of frontman Ozzy Osbourne.

Although their budgets and rehearsals have increased dramatically since the group’s humble beginnings, Finch assures fans that The Terrys’ signature sonic stylings are here to stay.

“I think that’s the charm of

all the earlier stuff, because it was all recorded in a home studio … [We’ve] got that really DIY feel, I never want to lose that. I don’t want it to be too polished,” he said.

As they gear up to take the stage, the band members express gratitude for their loyal fanbase and the country’s support for its homegrown talent.

The tour begins in Bunbury, WA on 15 November and The Terrys will raise the roof on 17 venues across Australia before wrapping up in late February.

Local community encouraged to stop and smell the roses

Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice

announce that he is practicing full time in Kiama.

Dylan Penrose

Kiama is about to blossom as The Illawarra Regional Rose Society prepares for its second annual Rosy Day at Burnett’s Nursery next Saturday (1 November).

Seasoned rosarians and gardening novices are invited to showcase their floral arrangements and learn more about the perennial plant alongside friendly company.

The event is a newly implemented approach to what used to be the Shoalhaven Festival of Roses, which carried on in Jamberoo until 2023. Unlike the Festival of Roses, these exhibitions

will not be judged by a panel.

Visitors can expect to see a unique variety of photogenic displays and they can also tune into informative talks about garden maintenance, hybridisation, mulching, general rose care and how to craft the perfect posy.

Last year, there were about 100 attendees and IRRS chair

Lorraine Vost is expecting a lot more this time around.

She said there has been an influx of community engagement and IRRS members following a successful four-day stint at the Berry Garden Festival.

“Some of the roses we see are no longer available to buy.

There was one [from a bush] that was over 75 years old … Other people have got roses even older than that,” she said.

The event will be Lorraine's first Rosy Day after assuming the chair role, however her involvement with the society has spanned 10 years and included noteworthy contributions to the garden at Peace Park.

The event will run from 9am to 4pm next Saturday and is open to all members of the public.

Those wishing to display their roses are expected to arrive at the Palm Pavilion from 7.30-9.30am with their presentations in a container.

renowned

like The Kid Laroi.

What’s On?

Gerringong Rotary

Trivia Night

Sat 25 Oct, 7pm-10pm

Gerroa Fisherman’s Club

Put together a team of eight, or come and join another table for a lot of fun at Gerringong Rotary’s trivia night with great prizes. Bookings essential, 8 people $240, individuals $30.

Jamberoo Car Show

26 Oct, 9am-2pm

Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo

Approximately 500 classic cars on display, modern and vintage fire trucks and stationary engine displays, and plenty of activities for kids!

Rosy Day

Nov 1st 2025.

Burnetts on Barney

Enjoy a relaxed day of beautiful local roses – no judging, just sharing! Rose tips from members & floral art demos.

Run Huskisson

Sat 1 Nov, from 8am

White Sands Park, Huskisson

Since its launch in 2011, Run Husky has grown into one of Australia’s largest coastal running festivals, a celebration of fitness, fun, and incredible race-day energy.

Huskisson Triathlon

Sun 2 Nov, from 6am

White Sands Park, Huskisson Gear up for another year of racing as Husky draws in athletes for an unforgettable experience. After a great debut, the full marathon returns with a two-day festival.

Melbourne Cup Calcutta

Mon 3 Nov, from 6pm Kiama Bowling Club Calcutta raffle tickets are $10 and on sale now!

Melbourne Cup Luncheon

Tues 4 Nov, from 12pm

Kiama Bowling Club

Watch the race on the big screens at Kiama Bowlo!

Enjoy an all you can eat buffet and one house wine/beer for $50pp. Book your seats now

Melbourne Cup at KLC

Tues 4 Nov, from 12pm

Kiama Leagues Club

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style - wine and dine in the Main Lounge or catch every race live and loud on the big screens at Cedar Cutters Sports Bar. Book now.

Jamberoo Croquet Club

Wed 5 Nov, from 5pm Come & Try Club Keith Irvine Oval Jamberoo

Twilight Croquet - equipment and coaching provided. No charge, no experience needed. Bookings necessary

Live & Local

Sat 8 Nov, 2pm-9:15pm

The Co-Op Gerringong

Join the Co-Op for an afternoon full of great tunes, community vibes, and showcasing incredible local talent - and best of all, it’s completely free.

Born Jovi – A Bon Jovi Tribute

Sat 15 Nov, 8pm-9:30pm

Kiama Leagues Club

Born Jovi is finally making a long-awaited return to Kiama Leagues Club for one massive night of Bon Jovi anthems. Book now, tickets $20. A Fundraiser for Orangutans

Sunday Nov 16th

3pm-5pm

The race to save the rainforest. Changing Tides Music Festival

Sat 22 Nov, 12pm-10pm Kiama Showgrounds

Changing Tides Festival is an energetic celebration of music, local culture, and community. With headline act Sam Fender, Noah Cyrus, The Rubens, Skeggs, and many more!

The Pavilion

Twilight Market Fri 28 Nov, 1pm-7pm Kiama Pavilion

The much-loved Annual Pavilion Kiama Market is back - with a fresh new twist! Shop local, discover unique gifts, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Kiama U3A Excursion

- Nan Tien Temple Fri 28 Nov, 9am-4pm

Nan Tien Temple

Participate in a 3.5 hour guided tour, cultural activities, learn about Buddhism, and enjoy a vegetarian lunch with Kiama U3A. RSVP to attend. Find more information at Kiama U3A’s website. The Angels Fri 5 Dec, from 7:30pm Kiama Pavilion

The Angels (Official) are bringing their Echoes Of Thunder Greatest Hits tour to Kiama. Tickets are available online.

Sunday Community Support Groupcommunity film night. Thursday, 30 Oct. 6 – 8pm 205 Foxground Road

Tickets- : $20 on Humanitix

Presented by Sunday Community Support Group & supported by ROAM* Women Tours. Join us for a screening of the award-winning short film Frances.

Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure:

The Art of Mike Tikkeros

Lleyton Hughes

You may know of Mike Tikkeros’ work without knowing the man at all. His house in Kiama has become something of a local landmark.

“Have you seen the house in Kiama with all the sculptures out the front?”

But the outside is just the beginning. Once you step inside, Tikkeros’ world becomes even more fascinating.

Navigating around sculptures that fill the floors, walls and hallways, Tikkeros explains his upcoming exhibition at the Shellharbour Marina on October 25 and 26.

“It started when they were building the houses and the marina. I got inspired and just went crazy making boats - I made about 16 different ones. Then I was contacted to do an exhibition to showcase them,” he says.

“They were also looking

for a painter, so I helped find Olivia Deans. She’s a young local artist doing these beautiful whale murals with lots of blue tones. It complements my boats perfectly - so we teamed up for a joint exhibition.”

He is constantly inspired by the world around himand once the idea hits, he can’t ignore it.

“Everything I make is inspired by something I see. Like once I was camping and saw a goanna climbing a tree.

“I came home and carved one.

“Sometimes I’ll even see something in a piece of wood - and it just speaks to me.

“When I worked at Cleary Brothers, I’d see forklifts, bulldozers, excavatorsmachines I used to operate or just admire. Now they’re all sculptures.”

His passion for making things began early.

“I’ve always been handson - woodwork, metalwork, art and sport. That’s what I went to school for,” he says.

“Back in my day, art wasn’t seen as a career. My parents were immigrants. They believed in hard work. Art didn’t get the same respect it does today.”

He opened a successful cafe in Kiama, running it for six and a half years - but his creativity never stopped.

“I had itchy fingers. I’d close the shop at night and go out the back to make things - chickens out of fibreglass, Coca-Cola displays out of foam, even spaghetti

sculptures suspended in midair with glue and varnish. It never stopped.”

These days, he works almost entirely with recycled materials, giving things that might otherwise be discarded a second life.

“I get parts from all over - recyclers, mates in engineering, even surgical tools when I can. I love giving things a second chance. Like tools or wires - people just throw them out,” he says.

“But I turn them into art. If I didn’t, they’d get melted down into metal mop buckets or something. I’d rather they become sculptures.”

Even something like a busted microwave can find new meaning.

But beyond repurposing, there’s something compulsive about his work - as if the ideas in his head physically need to come out.

“I have to make itwhatever’s in my head. Otherwise it drives me mad. I’ve got so many ideas I can’t get them out fast enough.”

So why does he do it?

“I just love it. It’s about creating, recycling, giving something meaning again. It’s about leaving something behind that matters - not just for me, but maybe for someone who sees it and thinks differently because of it.”

Catch Mike’s extraordinary sculptures and Olivia’s beautiful paintings at the Shellharbour Marina on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.

Mike with his boat sculptures. Photo Brian Scott

Tikkeros' garage workshop

Record numbers expected for Huskisson Run and Triathlon

Lleyton Hughes

Both Run Huskisson and the Huskisson Triathlon are set to attract more than 7,500 runners and triathletes to the stunning coastal town on the first weekend of November.

With the run scheduled for Friday, November 1, and the triathlon on Saturday, November 2, Elite Energy has crafted an action-packed, back-to-back weekend for endurance enthusiasts.

“We’re especially excited this year - it looks like the Husky Triathlon will sell out for the first time ever, with about 2,000 athletes registered. That’s a huge milestone for us,” said Elite Energy marketing specialist Shinead Roulstone.

“Run Huskisson is also shaping up to be another sell-out for the second year running, with similar numbers to last year. We’re honestly overjoyed by the community response.”

Roulstone credits the popularity of both events to the breathtaking beauty of the Jervis Bay coastline.

“You just can’t beat Huskisson - and really, Jervis Bay in general. It’s a stunning location with white sand beaches and a welcoming community. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Shoalhaven,” she said.

She also highlighted the economic benefits the events bring to the local community and its small businesses.

“What we’re seeing is people come for the race but stay for a family holiday. On average, each travel party includes about 2.3 people, so it’s not just athletes - it’s

families, partners, and friends. That brings a huge boost to local tourism,” she said.

“And with running booming and people more enthusiastic than ever about triathlon, it’s the perfect combination: a beautiful destination and the chance to challenge yourself.”

According to Roulstone, the reach of the events extends far beyond New South Wales.

“We have a loyal group of people who attend all our Huskisson events - whether it’s the tri or the run. But now we’re also attracting a much broader audience, including many from interstateQueensland, Victoria, Western Australia - and even New Zealand. Around 7.5% of participants are from outside NSW,” she said.

To help athletes get to the event safely and efficiently, Elite Energy has organised free shuttle buses.

Multiple free parking areas are available across Vincentia, Woollamia, and Moona Moona Reserve, with shuttle routes running directly to Event HQ - three routes from Vincentia and one from Woollamia.

“This should really ease congestion and make getting to the start line smooth and stress-free,” said Roulstone.

Participants are reminded that, while the Run Huskisson course follows much of the coastal path, there will be changed traffic conditions. For the triathlon, impacts have been carefully condensed to minimise disruption.

Full event and transport details are available at: Run Huskisson: runhusky. com.au

Huskisson Triathlon: eliteenergy.com.au

Hawks slump to huge defeat

Illawarra’s NBL title defence is looking shaky after the Hawks dropped back to the bottom of the ladder on the back of last Saturday’s 116-76 thumping at the hands of South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena.

To make matters worse, they were brought undone by a former club junior with Angus Glover notching a career-high 26 points after a blistering 23-point effort in the first half.

Glover drained seven of his eight three-point attempts in the opening two quarters as the Phoenix streaked away from the Hawks, who have now lost four of their first five games.

"We won all four quarters - that was my favourite part,” Phoenix coach Josh King said. "We stayed consistent

throughout the game and didn't have any slippage or let-up."

Star import JaVale McGee led the way for Illawarra with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, including a swat on a three-point attempt by Jordan Hunter.

"We walk away very disappointed," Hawks captain Tyler Harvey said.

"As players it's our job to perform on the court and we didn't do it tonight.

"This league is tough. If you come out lax, you're going to get your butt kicked."

Illawarra led 16-13 early but Glover’s hot hand put the Phoenix in front 30-23 by the end of the first term.

The Phoenix scored 16 unanswered points as part of a 22-2 run on the way to jumping out to a 66-40 advantage

by the half-time break. Illawarra were unable to make any headway in the third quarter and after trailing 83-52 at the end of the three quarter, both teams went through the motions in the final term with the result never in question.

The Hawks face another difficult assignment in their bid to get their season back on track when they fly to Perth for the second time in the space of a few weeks for a Saturday night showdown with the Wildcats, who have won three of their opening six matches.

Illawarra return to the WIN Entertainment Centre next Friday for a Halloween fixture against the New Zealand Breakers before jetting off to Adelaide on Sunday to take on the 36ers.

Young guns fire Cavettes to big victory

Young guns Ebony

Winston and Ava Sloan starred as the Kiama Cavettes completed a perfect start to their South Coast Cricket women’s first-grade campaign at Bonaira Oval last Friday.

Cavettes skipper Brooklyn Brown sent Shellharbour into bat and a combination of energetic fielding and tight bowling kept runs to a minimum.

Winston, Phoebe Glaessner, Emma Ford, Brielle Cleary and Amanda Cleary were among the wickets as

Shellharbour were held to 5-135 from their 20 overs.

Sloan and Winston opened up in the run-chase and were hurtling along at more than 10 runs an over.

They each hit a six and kept the scores flowing to reel in the target in just the 12th over without a wicket falling.

Winston finished on 71 not out and Ava was unbeaten on 37 as they recorded the highest Cavettes partnership on record.

In the other South Coast women’s matches, Tahlia Pracy and Anne Boatswain each scored 51 as the Ratatouilles beat the Ratettes by 16 runs in the clash between the two Oak Flats sides

Ex Servos (1-85) thrashed Kiama (5-82) and the Kookas

(0-95) did likewise to Lake Illawarra (9-94) with Jennifer Kitchen bagging 3-9 with the ball.

In the men’s competition, Kiama scraped home with just two overs to spare to beat Oak Flats by four wickets at Geoff Shaw Oval.

The Rats made 7-197 with opener Kip Penfold top-scoring with 85 but the Cavaliers managed to hand the home side their second straight nail-biting loss with Ryan Butta (69) and captain Jaya Hartgerink (42) doing the bulk of the scoring.

Hyeon Parsons smashed a brilliant 173 to lead North Nowra Cambewarra to victory over the Kookas at Oakleigh Park.

Parsons belted 17 fours and cleared the boundary rope

nine times, speeding along at a strike rate higher than 160 in his 108-ball whirlwind.

None of the Kookas bowlers were spared from his onslaught - veteran allrounder Craig Bramble was the best of a badly beaten bunch, finishing with 3-62 from six overs.

Even after Parsons was out stumped, his teammates kept the runs flowing with Elijah Guyatt (48), captain Nathan Thomas (40) and Blake Horton (42) making handy contributions in the imposing total of 9-401.

Lake Illawarra remained undefeated after thrashing Ex Servos by 115 runs at Howard Fowles Oval.

Jackson Ingram blasted 19 fours and a six to record a century with his 109 coming from just 62 deliveries.

Jake O’Connell hit 10 boundaries in his 68 and Noah McWilliams added an unbeaten 48 as the Lakers were bowled out inside 43 overs with Ex Servos skipper Andrew Wilson (4-44) keeping them in check. But the visitors collapsed to be 7-58 and never recovered, all out for 120 with Ryan Smith’s 3-25 the best of the Lake bowlers.

Jonah Bolden

KIAMAJUNIOROZTAG-UNDER10UNDER11CRICKET

Perfect Day for Hall of Famer Ali

Ali Day has retired a happy man after winning a barely believable 11th Coolangatta Gold on the weekend to sign off from the elite ironman ranks in perfect style.

The former Kiama Surf Life Saving Club nipper has rewritten the record books to become one of the most decorated and admired athletes in the history of the sport.

Over a career spanning more than 15 years, Day became the first ironman to win the three major titles in the same season – Coolangatta Gold, Iron Series and Australian Championships.

This year’s Coolangat-

ta Gold was shortened but Day yet again blitzed the opposition to win in a time of two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds to finish 53 seconds ahead of Northcliffe rival Matt Bevilacqua and Cory Taylor, who was a further 26 seconds behind his training partner.

“It’s so good – that’s probably one of the first times I had doubts coming into it,” Day conceded. “I felt like Bevy was coming home like a freight train. I’m just counting my lucky stars that I got away with another one.

“Obviously, with the 40km race you’re in rhythm the whole time and with the

shorter race, running that soft sand was brutal. You just never get in the flow.

“I knew that if I could just keep somewhat of a barrier, I was going to be OK. Bevy, CT - they were chasing me that whole time and I was holding on for dear life in that last run leg.”

Day removed any doubts that he would go around again next time.

“That is 100% the last time I’ll do this race,” he said.

“It was a huge challenge. I wanted to tell myself after last year that I wouldn’t come back and do it. But at the same time, I get to live this incredible life, I have an incred-

ible family and an incredible support network, sponsors.

“I still knew in the back of my mind I had one more in me and I’m so glad I was able to win this one.”

Day led by 70 seconds coming into the final run leg and Bevilacqua looked to be finishing the stronger but the undisputed champion was too strong.

The Coolangatta Gold has a new female champion with 24-year-old Electra Outram from Sunshine Beach claiming her first major title.

Before taking part in his final event, Day was inducted into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame, recognis-

ing his extraordinary career defined by excellence, resilience, and contribution to the surf life saving movement.

His brilliant career accolades include:

- 11x Coolangatta Gold Champion (a record unmatched in history)

- 5x Nutri-Grain Ironman Series Champ, with 22 race wins

- 4x Australian Ironman Champ

- World Ironman Champ

- 4x Queensland Open Ironman Champion

- Australian and state representative.

“You never start your career to get awards or have this rec-

ognition, you want to make the Iron Series, I wanted to win the Gold, you want to be a professional and get the most out of yourself for as long as you could,” Day said.

“I’ve been in the sport since I was eight years old and a professional for 17 years so it’s really special for me, but it’s more special for my circle – my kids, my parents, Kel, my coaches, the clubs and people who have made my career what it is.”

Surf Life Saving Australia chief executive Adam Weir said Day “represents everything Surf Life Saving stands for – courage, commitment, and community.

Kiama’s Ali Day with women’s champion Electra Outram and crossing the line in triumph.

Photos: Surf Life Saving Australia

GERRINGONG CRICKET UNDER 11

KIAMA 3RD GRADE CRICKET

Putting the fun in run not as easy as it sounds

Carol Goddard

Over my lifetime, I have set myself many personal goals, some achievable, some not. There were those journeys which were more difficult than others, and some more successful.

The following story immediately came to mind, because it led to many positive changes in my life.

Back in the early 1980s I decided it was time I became physically fit. I had never been overweight , nor slothful, in fact it was not for health reasons that I had this goal. I fell victim to vanity, and to the then relatively new craze of jogging. I was going to get out of my malaise, I was going to transform myself. I was going to

get fit.

It was my intention to attain a sexy sixpack, or at least some noticeable muscle tone, previously and regrettably nowhere to be found on my body.

So off I trotted to purchase tools of the trade: some shorts and a pair of flat tennis shoes. The shorts did the trick, but unfortunately the shoes, with little or no support for my very sensitive feet and calves, brought about shin splints within my first weeks.

For those of you who have not encountered this condition, I can assure you it is not pleasant. However, with rest I recovered, and undaunted, bought more suitable running shoes, and restarted my journey to fitness.

I was at this stage the mumma of two very young children, and it was incredibly difficult to find some me time to pursue my goal.

The only way forward was to get up very early in the morning, sometimes before dawn, and start training before Hubby left for work. What a support crew he was! Soon, I purchased a treadmill, because within a relatively short space of time, jogging became my drug of choice. I’d get into a rhythm on that treadmill, sweating all those little daily issues away. It was soothing, a salve for the day-to days of being an athome mum.

I couldn’t just run off around the neighbourhood when I felt like it, but having that treadmill at home

was such an asset.

I was able to train early, late, whenever I could take time out from the day-to-day mundanity of raising kids and running a household.

I did not run with anyone. I hadn’t joined a running group. It was just me, the treadmill, and occasionally the neighbourhood streets.

And then a 10km local fun run was advertised. I had never run anywhere near that distance.

I decided to enter. At the time, Hubby wasn’t keen on the idea - he was worried for me, but I just kept training.

And when the big day arrived, my first competitive outing since school, he was there with the kids at the finish line, camera

in hand. He’d cheered me all the way. It was the hardest physical thing I had done to this point in my life. I am no athlete. My body type isn’t exactly gazelle. My legs are sturdy, but definitely not long.

At the start of the race, I positioned myself quite conservatively midway in the pack. More lack of selfesteem than strategy.

I was very naive in the ways of fun runs, this being my first, and when the starter’s pistol sounded, I took off as fast as I could.

Unfortunately, I was very slow, and as runners obviously a lot older than myself were flying by me with relative ease, I reset my thoughts to finishing. Just that. Finishing. Because I had never

trained on the road for the whole 10km, only on the treadmill, I soon discovered a vast difference. In fact, there was no comparison. The road was not giving in any way. I now just had to pace myself. When I crossed the finish line, not disgraced, the camaraderie of the competitors was awesome, so comforting. I remember us all in the park, eating communal raisin toast with an accompanying cup of tea not long after, and it hit me: what an amazing experience I’d just had. The kids were impressed. I was a hero. And Hubby? He told me then and there that he’d be training with me for next year’s event.

Gerringong 1914 roll call

Mark Emery

Working at the Gerringong museum the other day, I was having a joke with a lady saying that to be regarded as a local in the town you have to have lived there for more than 40 years.

The lady laughed and said that no, you have to have a street or park named after your family. All good fun to pass the time. Like just about every person reading this, there comes a time when you have to clean out the possessions of a family member who has passed away.

Often there are many papers and documents to be sorted, some valuable and others less so. When my father died, my family had to do this. I collected all the valuable, interesting stuff and put it into a couple of suitcases.

Now to digress for a moment. When the Kiama LGA was first established, Kiama was in charge of the whole area, as it is the case today. In 1871 the Gerringong residents were not happy with this and established the Gerringong Municipal Council which ran until 1954.

That is a story for another day. Going

through the suitcase at the GLaM the other day, one piece caught the attention of the assembled (small) crowd. What I found was an Electoral Roll for Gerringong Municipality in 1914. Some names are instantly recognisable and would have many members represented on a similar roll in 2025. Other names have

all but disappeared. Maybe the families moved away but another reason could be that there were a lot of girls in the family. As the girls married, the family name disappeared. Speaking of females. Most are mentioned with the occupation of “domestic duties”. Compare that with today. Anyway, I would like to mention

just a few. Many of you out there must have lots of other stories to tell from the names. We would like to hear from you. Thomas Bergin is one important one that comes up. He was a man who owned and ran what is now Cronin's pub and is a direct descendant.

The Blow family was one my father remembered fondly.

The Campbells are a big family in Gerringong, particularly in real estate. I have read so much about the Deverys, especially in the Gerringong CC. The Hindmarsh family, of course, with the famous Alnebank property. Who can go past the Millers. Other names come up: Gray, Johnston, Walker, Langton, Noble and so many others. I could go on with numerous stories about prominent families, either still an important part of Gerringong life today or lost in the mists of time. I suppose I could have offended somebody by not mentioning their family name. Well, if that is the case, or even if it is not, as I said earlier, we here at the Bugle would love to hear some stories about these people who lived so long ago. They all deserve to have their story told.

A store in Gerringong opposite the Town Hall in about 1900.

A store in Gerringong opposite the Town Hall in about 1900.

Kiama CWA’s Spring High Tea