Beetle-mania at Shopping Village
Mitchell Beadman
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has confirmed that biosecurity officers were called to Woolworths at Kiama Shopping Village on Saturday over concerns about the khapra beetle larvae being in a contaminated batch of nappies.
A DAFF spokesperson said biosecurity officers had been undertaking visits to various Woolworths stores after a packet of nappies was found
to include the beetle larvae on September 7.
The Kiama community groups on social media went into a frenzy with reports of “the nappy aisle blocked and people on (sic) uniforms using box cutters to open the nappies” at the Woolworths store on Terralong Street.
It drew similar comparisons to scenes from the film Contagion (2011) which features an Academy Awardwinning cast dealing with a global disease outbreak.
“Customers may see biosecurity officers
inspecting Woolworths stores as part of their tracing process,” a DAFF spokesperson said.
“The importer and Woolworths, as well as state and territory governments and key industry bodies, have been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have been traced, to ensure any biosecurity risk is identified and managed.”
Khapra beetles are considered “a serious pest of the plant industries, stored grain, and dry foodstuffs
worldwide and the beetle is not currently present in Australia”.
Australia’s chief plant protection officer Gabrielle Vivian-Smith told ABC Rural “it’s estimated it would cost the country conservatively $15.5 billion over 20 years if it was to establish”.
The DAFF website states “biosecurity has played a critical role in reducing risk and shaping our nation to become one of the few countries in the world remain free from the world’s most invasive pests and diseases”.
In 2007 there was a biosecurity outbreak where equine influenza infiltrated the NSW horse industry through the quarantine facility at Eastern Creek.
A comprehensive biosecurity response was implemented by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and DAFF where disruption costs are estimated to have reached just over $2.3 billion.
DAFF has advised purchasers of Little One’s Ultra Dry Nappy Pants –Walker Size 5 (42pk) or any
goods with signs of insect or pest activity:
· Do not use the goods
· Do not dispose of the goods or their packaging
· Do not return the goods to store
· Call 1800 798 636 or visit ‘report a pest or disease concern’ (www. agriculture. gov.au/report).
Kiama Woolworths and the Kiama Village Shopping Centre failed to respond to The Bugle’s requests for comment.
khaprabeetle (top) and larvae(bottom) .
Kiama joins statewide trial for safe battery disposal
Mitchell Beadman
Kiama Council’s Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Depot has joined forces with the NSW Environmental Protection Agency on a trial with 34 other councils to allow residents to safely dispose of embedded batteries or lithium-ion batteries.
Council signed up to the Embedded Battery Collection Trial following an EPA inspection of the Household Bulky Waste Event that in March.
“It is critical to dispose of any battery in the correct way – whether it is lithium based or not there is always a fire risk with any battery,” a Council spokesperson said.
NSW EPA chief executive Tony Chappel said battery fires are a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for communities and waste workers.
“We’re leading the way to combat these risks by introducing a product stewardship scheme, but we also need to make sure battery-powered items are being managed at the end of their usable life,” he said.
The Bugle asked Kiama Council if it was necessary for Council to acquire the relevant approvals from the NSW Rural Fire Service.
“The operation of the CRC (Community Recycling Centre) has been in place since 2016. This [trial] is an addition to the offerings that come with large 5mm thick galvanised steel boxes that are used to prevent the spread of fire,” the spokesperson said.
“It is not necessary to liaise with NSW Rural Fire Service.”
According to Fire and Rescue NSW data, about one in every 100 fires attended involves a lithium-ion battery or battery device.
FRNSW is one of the most extensive metropolitan fire
and rescue services and the most called upon, responding to around 20,000 fire or explosion incidents annually. By correctly disposing of batteries, there are also the added incentives for residents to keep council workers safe and do their bit for the
environment. “In addition to the risk of fire in a garbage truck, bulk transfer truck, processing facility or landfill there is the added incentive to recycle batteries because valuable non-renewable resources can be extracted and reused,” the Council
spokesperson said. “This reduces the reliance on mining new resources.
“Recycling also reduces the environmental impacts related to toxic metals entering landfills and polluting ground water.”
The trial has already started with the delivery of steel boxes to Council and they will will be compartmentalised to contain both embedded and separate batteries.
There will be additional signage indicating the collection of large embedded battery items such as e-scooters and vacuum cleaners as well as small, embedded batteries such as power banks, electric toothbrushes and vapes.
EPA states that oversize items (larger than 20kg) with embedded batteries are not accepted at trial sites.
For residents wanting to dispose of e-bikes, contact Kiama Council for more information.
As part of the trial between Kiama Council and the EPA, items are being received free of charge at the Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility and there is no requirement for residents to book in.
The disposal of embedded batteries or lithium-ion trials will continue across NSW until next September.
‘Shattered’ Ward pleads case for lenient sentence
Disgraced former Kiama MP Gareth Ward’s standing in the community has been “shattered”, according to his lawyer, as the convicted rapist faced a sentencing hearing at Parramatta District Court last Friday.
Ward appeared via video link from jail before Judge Kara Shead again after he was convicted of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault, stemming from incidents involving an 18-yearold in 2013 and a 24-year-old political staffer in 2015.
The 44-year-old was wearing a green prison uniform and his legal counsel, David Campbell SC told the court that his client had suffered "an enormous fall from grace".
Campbell said Ward’s once cherished standing in the community is “shattered” after he resigned early last month just hours before NSW Parliament was due to expel him. "He's languishing in custody,” Campbell told the Court.
Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles said the former NSW Families Minister, who held the seat in Kiama from 2011
until his recent resignation, that Ward was well aware of the risk of losing political office when he committed the offences. The Court heard a victim impact statement from the then recently turned 18-year-old from the 2013 incident, who spoke about having flashbacks to the night when he was abused by the former Kiama MP.
He said that he feared for his safety before giving evidence after receiving a voicemail which contained the sound of two gunshots.
The victim said he has "haunted” by the initial
incident at Ward’s Meroo Meadow home in the Shoalhaven and that he was "assaulted by someone I trusted then unconscious next to him for a number of hours".
He said he abused alcohol and drugs after the incident as his mental health worsened.
The older victim from the second incident also said he turned to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism after he had been abused by Ward.
In his statement which was tendered to the Court, he said he was raped by someone “entrusted with protecting our most vulnerable”. udge Shead
is expected to deliver her sentence on 29 October.
Earlier on Friday, Ward had issued a statement from jail to congratulate Katelin McInerney on her by-election victory after the Labor candidate's landslide win last weekend. “I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Katelin on her election as the Member for Kiama,” he wrote.
“It is important we all fight for a vibrant and robust democracy, and that the people get the opportunity to choose who they believe is the best representative for our local community.”
He paid tribute to the 13 candidates who threw their hat into the ring for the recent by-election which was triggered by his resignation.
"Representing my local community in Parliament has been the greatest honour of my life and I look forward to watching what the new member is able to achieve for our region," he added.
"My only advice to the new member is that people will judge you not on what you say but what you do and deliver.
"Labor promised a lot at this election, it’s now up to them to deliver.”
Optimism for Jamberoo sewer saga
Paul Suttor
The fight to upgrade
Jamberoo’s sewer main could finally be heading towards a positive outcome after local developer Fountaindale Group aired its frustrations in The Bugle.
Jamberoo’s housing future has been stuck in limbo due to years of delays on a vital sewer main upgrade, putting the Golden Valley development on hold as well as many residential upgrades.
Fountaindale Group’s Jennifer Macquarie has revealed there have been “some positive developments behind the scenes” since The Bugle published an article on their long-running battle with Sydney Water.
Water and Housing Minister Rose Jackson, asking her to intervene and get this project moving.
“To create Golden Valley’s 50 new lots and allow residents to build their dream homes on their new lots, we need a bigger sewer main running through Jamberoo,” she said.
“This isn’t just for our development – it’s essential for the whole village’s future growth.”
Sydney Water has been aware of the issue for eight years and despite ongoing discussions, it has not confirmed the size requirements for the new main. “From day one, we’ve offered to solve this problem ourselves. We’ll fully fund the design and construction of the new sewer main, do all the work to Sydney Water’s specifications, and wait to be reimbursed later,” Macquarie added.
She recently wrote to NSW
“The good news is that we’ve started noticing some momentum. After our letter to the Minister and media coverage, Sydney Water reached out to schedule meetings with us,” Macquarie added.
After Jackson told The Bugle that Sydney Water was now “actively working with the Fountaindale Group to service the project”, Sydney Water also issued a statement to say it will work with Fountaindale “to define the technical scope of work, delivery and funding arrangements.”
“We’re encouraged by these recent developments. After years of delays and moving goalposts, it feels like we finally have Sydney Water’s attention and commitment to move forward,” Macquarie said.
“But given their track record, we’re not taking our foot off the accelerator just
yet. We’ll keep the pressure on until we have the specifications we need and can commence construction of the subdivision.”
Macquarie said Sydney Water’s delays are also affecting projects across Western Sydney and she believes “a developerled solution makes sense for everyone”.
“Once this sewer main is upgraded, it will unlock housing opportunities across the village.
“Families will be able to build granny flats for elderly parents.
Young adults struggling with rental costs will have options for secondary dwellings on family properties.
“And other potential developments in the area can finally move forward.
“Local businesses, some of which have been struggling with Jamberoo’s current small population, will benefit from the economic boost that new families bring to the village.
“The irony isn’t lost on us – we have willing developers, approved plans, patient buyers and a housing crisis that needs solving. The only barrier has been getting Sydney Water to tell us the size of a pipe.
“Thanks to recent pressure from the Minister’s office and media attention, we now have momentum. We’re working closely with Sydney Water on agreed timelines for the next stages, and we’re optimistic about finally getting this project underway.
“And we won’t rest until we have shovels in the ground.”
The Everyday Table aims to connect and feed people from all walks of life
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, Kiama Councillor Yasmin Tatrai says it’s becoming more important for everyone to keep a close eye on their finances.
Cr Tatrai recently raised a motion seeking Council’s support for The Everyday Table - a weekly community catch-up, chat and food drive - to have regular access and storage space at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre.
The Everyday Table initiative not only includes a free lunch, but offers cutprice groceries and personal care items to all community members looking to save a few dollars, and provides a safe, supportive gathering space for those feeling socially isolated.
“There are many people in the LGA who may be asset rich because of the value of their homes, but who sometimes struggle to make ends meet as supermarket prices skyrocket,” says Cr Tatrai.
a safe place to land. People are hurting quietly, here in our own community. That’s what The Everyday Table is about. “Every Wednesday lunchtime at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre, people will find affordable groceries, free barista coffee, a warm meal, and most importantly, a place to connect.
“There’s no form to fill in. No means test. No one checking if you qualify.
weekly donations from businesses that have surplus items. “The aim is to help everyone in the region, whether they are a family or they live on their own, to ease the cost of groceries a little through our access to the Foodbank and Good 360 donations,” explains Esther.
“We have also had local businesses offer to give us their excess products which we will pass on for free. We want to see as many community members as possible at The Everyday Table creating connections and saving money on their pantry staples.”
The motion to grant the volunteer-based program a weekly slot, as well as storage space for groceries and cooking implements, was unanimously supported by Council at its September meeting.
The social connection and cost-saving initiative is the brainchild of local business owner Esther Keenan and her husband Nathan.
“Kiama is often painted as picture-perfect, and it is, we live in one of the most beautiful places in the country,” says Nathan.
“But if you look a little deeper, not every fridge is full, not every table is shared, and not everyone feels like they belong. We all know of families who are stretched. Seniors who are isolated. Young people who are just searching for
Because belonging isn’t something you earn. It’s something every person deserves.”
Esther, who voluntarily runs the program with Nathan, also operates a successful full-time businessKnown Designs and Print.
Despite having very little spare time, she is determined to give back to the community which has supported her.
“Nathan and I came up with the idea for The Everyday Table to help people across the region, from all demographics,” says Esther.
“We are a family of six and keeping the pantry stocked is so expensive. Everyone is counting the cost of each dollar they spend.”
Esther says The Everyday Table, a not-for-profit and registered charity, is supported by Foodbank and Good 360, who provide
Esther says the program is as much about connection as it is cost saving.
“The Everyday Table provides that, with shared meals, practical support, and opportunities to catch up with neighbours,” she says. “A simple cup of tea and a chat can make a huge difference to someone’s day.” The program is also supported by Kiama Council through its Community Hubs manager who helps with advertising and logistics.
“Nath and I are so very thankful for the support from Kiama Council and Cr Tatrai, and we are excited to see how this can help make a difference in our community,” says Esther.
The Everyday Table is expected to open its doors in October. “I am just so proud of this motion,” says Cr Tatrai.
“That’s what we’re in Council for, to make a positive difference in the community and make things like this happen.
“The world is so fast-paced these days but we need to slow down and remember what’s important - human connections and compassion for people.”
People can express their interest in volunteering for The Everyday Table by emailing kiama@ generocitychurch.com
Danielle Woolage
‘A chance to connect’: Record turn-out for fourth Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup
Lleyton Hughes
The fourth annual Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup on Monday featured a record number of students taking part in the growing community event.
Launched in 2022, the Cup is an Oztag tournament designed to strengthen relationships between the Indigenous community, the non-Indigenous community and local police.
This year’s event kicked off in style, with the trophy arriving by helicopter at Cec Glenholmes Oval, delivered by officers from POLAir with support from Lake Illawarra Police Commander, Superintendent Craig Ireland and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Glen Sutherland. More than 150 students from 13 high schools on the South Coast competed across 16 teams - including two police teams and one community team - making it the largest tournament yet.
“We’ve got 16 teams this year playing for the Reconciliation Cup, which was won last year by Warilla High School,” said Superintendent Ireland.
“It’s all about getting together, having a good time, showing community spirit, and giving police a chance to connect with young people - particularly our young Indigenous people.”
Ireland said the event
provides a rare opportunity for police and young people to interact in a positive and welcoming environment.
“Usually when police and young people meet, it’s during incidents involving crime or safety concerns. This tournament helps break down barriers. Police and the community should be one.”
“Our officers live and work in the same communities - we are you.”
Now in its fourth year, the competition has more than doubled in size since 2024, with growing interest from local schools wanting to participate.
“There’s more and more schools wanting to get involved so young people can get to know their local police in a different light,” Ireland added.
Warilla High School successfully defended their title, defeating Illawarra Sports High in the final.
Warilla student Deakin Ingram was named Player of the Day, while Warrawong High School took home the Commander’s Medal for best community spirit and participation.
NSW Minister for Police Yasmin Catley praised the initiative.
“When young people see police officers as approachable and human, trust begins to grow - and that’s exactly what these kinds of initiatives are designed to achieve,” she said.
Kiama celebrates new citizens on National Citizenship Day
Lleyton Hughes and Mark Whalan
National Citizenship Day was celebrated at the Kiama Pavilion on 17 September, with more than 20 locals officially becoming Australian citizens.
Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters warmly welcomed the new citizens in a heartfelt ceremony.
The group included people from England, New Zealand, and various countries across Asia and Europe, ranging in age from their teens to their seventies.
Among them was Mridul Anand Vij - known to many in Kiama as Ridz - one of the proprietors of By the Sea, a local favourite known for its high-quality Indian regional cuisine nights.
“It’s a great honour to be welcomed into the Australian family,” she said. “The Kiama community has already embraced myself, my husband Deep, and our Aussie-born daughter Gracie.
“We look forward to playing a greater role in Kiama and in the country we have grown to love.”
National Citizenship Day
was first marked in 2001. The date, 17 September, was chosen to align with the renaming of the Australian Citizenship Act in 1973.
Between 2024 and 2025, 165,193 people became Australian citizens - the majority from British Commonwealth countries, including New Zealand (33,103), India (23,015), the UK (12,674), and South Africa (4,428).
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s population stood at 27,536,874 in March 2025, with a net overseas migration of 315,900. Historically, Kiama is considered one of the best examples of "chain migration" in Australia, with significant numbers of North Irish Protestants settling in the region in the 19th century. Today, 3,363 people living in the Kiama LGA were born overseas, according to REMPLAN data - with the highest number arriving between 1960 and 1975.
While many of the new citizens were already part of the fabric of our community, The Bugle congratulates all who officially became Australian citizens this week.
Local kids can spring into school holiday fun
It’s that time of year, again, when school holidays have parents wondering how they are going to keep their kids amused over the next fortnight.
But never fear because there is plenty happening in and around Kiama for schoolchildren, and parents as well.
If you haven’t checked it out already, make sure you catch the Kiama Sculpture Walk, which will be on display until 15 October.
There are 20 unique creations dotted around the coastline from Hindmarsh Park to Kiama Harbour. High school students can take part in outdoor excursions, arts and crafts workshops, and gaming showdowns while the local libraries are a great place for the younger kids to hang out during the holidays with a great mix of free and lowcost activities, including the always popular LEGO workshops.
They can also take part in a cardboard cat workshop which pays homage to one of the Kiama Sculpture Walk’s outdoor installations. Kiama and Gerringong Libraries will host storytelling sessions, movie nights and STEMinspired challenges.
There will be a family self-portrait challenge at Kiama Library next Tuesday, a free event which encourages anyone aged 5-105 to build a picture of themself using only Lego bricks. It’s up to each master builder to decide
how easy or complicated they want their creation to be - the only limit is their imagination.
Lego builders can also head to Gerringong Library on Thursday for a “picnic” where they will be
One of the more unusual workshops will be at Gerringong Library next Tuesday from 10am1pm where kids aged 7-12 can make a gorgeous felt moth keychain and badge to wear, decorate their school bag or give to someone as a gift.There’s a whole heap more at the libraries including a crochet workshop, spool racers, fabric bird making, decorating a herb garden, digital illustrations, mosaic snails, felt moths and more.
At Kiama Leisure Centre, there will be five four-hour school holiday events where kids can make a splash on inflatable pool toys while also mastering new skills in gymnastics. If your child is more advanced in the pool, there are also Squad Intensives swimming programs during the school holidays so they can shave a few seconds off their personal best times.
And the best news for parents looking to get kids out of the house is the long-range forecast for Kiama is for sunny days over the next two weeks. So there is no excuse for kids not to leave their electronic devices at home and get out and about. All you have to do is convince them of that. Good luck.
Berry reverend backs Wesley Mission’s pokies reform
Mitchell Beadman
Berry Uniting Church’s Reverend John Brentnall is calling on community members and local leaders to stand with Wesley Mission in pushing for stronger harm-minimisation measures around poker machines.
Speaking with The Bugle at Kiama Uniting Church, Rev Brentnall highlighted staggering statistics on pokies use in NSW.
“The number of machines is ridiculous in NSW. According to 2023 [statistics], there is one poker machine for 88 people,” Rev Brentnall said.
“Since the [NSW state] election [in March 2023], there were 648 extra poker machines from June 2022-23 and 451 machines from June 2023-24.”
Rev Brentnall explained the Wesley Mission’s campaign for poker machine reform has already begun working in parallel with community members and organisations who see the destruction that they can have on individuals and families.
“Quite a few of the organisations that are part of the campaign come into contact with people [and] their gambling addiction has meant they’ve gambled away their house and so forth and they [services] are picking up the pieces,” he said.
“It is a [social] justice issue.”
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The Wesley Mission and its supporters are campaigning on five key poker machine reform measures to the NSW government and Rev Brentnall sees one that could be easily implemented.
“Powering down poker machines between midnight and 10am is the low-hanging fruit,” he said.
Roy Morgan Research was commissioned by the NSW Government, which released the peer-reviewed research and evaluation on Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) Late Night Play on EGM Player Behaviours in 2023.
The research, which was led by Dr Matthew Stevens, produced “purposeful findings” with the Executive Summary conceding there is “the need for greater research to better understand the characteristics, gambling behaviours and participation”.
The other reforms Wesley Mission is campaigning on for ‘put pokies in their place’ is:
1. Implementation of universal cashless gambling with harm reduction measures built-in
2. Fund an independent state-wide selfexclusion register
3. Let communities have a say about poker machines licenses through their local councils
4. Greater transparency around poker machine venue data.
In June, the NSW government welcomed the Auditor General’s Performance Audit into the regulation of gaming machines and highlighted the current government has implemented more comprehensive reforms over the past two years.
A spokesperson for the Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris MP said that the Government took gambling harm minimisation seriously.
“We are laser-focused on targeting gaming addiction, which can have a devastating impact on the relatively small number of people it impacts, along with their loved ones,” a spokesperson for Harris said.
“The government is delivering evidence-based gaming reform that reduces harm, protects people’s privacy, stops money laundering, and supports local communities and jobs.
“Results from the NSW Gambling Survey 2024 show 0.9% of people in NSW are classified as experiencing high-risk gambling.”
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman called out government for lack of action in protecting those vulnerable to poker machines.
“While NSW families are losing more than a million dollars every single hour on poker machines, Chris Minns still won’t commit to real reform,” Speakman said.
“The Minns Labor government is hooked on gambling revenue and has no plan to protect our communities.
“Labor’s refusal leaves families carrying the cost.”
In the 2024-25 budget, part of the measures was the $10 million funding injection to reduce gambling harm across NSW.
In NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s 2025-26 NSW Budget speech, there is no mention of any direct funding to harm minimisation for poker machines.
Clubs NSW, which is the representative body for the clubs across the state, commissioned Urbis - a social policy and research organisation - to evaluate the economic and social impact of clubs.
Urbis found that clubs in NSW provided $9 billion per annum of social and economic contribution, and they are also significant facilitators of employment providing 75,500 jobs and contribute more than $1.2 billion in taxes.
According to NSW government data, during the period of 1 December 2024 to 28 February 2025, there were 996 clubs registered with poker machines, but this does not include establishments with a gambling license.
The government’s vision for NSW is to be working towards zero gambling harm in 2027.
Beach patrols up and running for summer
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, Kiama Council is reminding residents and visitors to make safety a priority by swimming only at patrolled beaches during the spring school holidays.
Patrols officially kick off on Saturday, with Council lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers on duty across our most popular spots.
Patrol hours will be:
Surf Beach: Patrolled daily 10am – 4pm
Jones Beach & Werri
Beach: Patrolled on weekends only, 10am – 4pm
Beach safety will ramp up even further from 22 December, when Council's full summer lifeguard team comes on board.
“No matter how confident you are in the surf, one rule
applies to everyone: if there are no red and yellow flags, don’t swim," Supervising Lifeguard Craig Bowley said.
“While our beaches are stunning, they can also be unpredictable.
"South Bombo Beach, in particular, is one of the most hazardous locations along our coastline.”
To improve safety, Kiama Council and Surf Life
Saving NSW have installed Emergency Relay Beacons (ERBs) at high-risk areas including South Bombo, Kendalls Beach, and Blowhole Point.
In an emergency, these beacons connect you immediately to the Surf Life Saving NSW Operations Centre and alert nearby lifesavers via text. Please stay between the flags.
NSW SES urges you to create a plan this storm season
With the 2025–26 storm season now officially underway, the NSW State Emergency Service is urging communities across the state to take proactive steps to prepare for severe weather.
Following a year where we’ve already seen recordbreaking flooding, a cyclone and damaging winds wreak havoc across the state, the NSW SES is reinforcing the importance of early planning and community readiness.
NSW typically experiences increased storm activity between the beginning of September and the end of
April, with risks including heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and flash flooding.
Last Storm Season, the NSW SES responded to more than 29,000 storm-related incidents across the state.
You are encouraged to know your risk, know the warnings and make a plan before the first storm strikes. Having a plan will help you prepare, respond and recover better from storms.
Create your emergency plan now using the NSW SES Emergency Planning Tool available atwww.ses.nsw.gov.au.
New locally assembled light flood rescue vehicle for Kiama
Alocally assembled light flood rescue vehicle will help emergency services in Kiama respond to natural disasters.
As part of the NSW Government's fleet replacement program, State Emergency Service volunteers will have the latest, purposebuilt equipment to keep communities safe.
Built locally at Alexander Perrie & Co at Port Kembla and designed with enhanced offroad capability, the 4WD vehicles have a custom-built body for flood rescue equipment, and integrated stowage for inflatable flood rescue rafts.
These vehicles are also being delivered to SES units in Sydney, Wyong, Tamworth, Ballina, Yamba, Orange and Forbes.
September to April is typically the time when the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain increases, but August has already been wet for the South Coast, with Kiama experiencing its wettest winter on record with close to 600mm falling.
Moruya is also getting a high clearance vehicle to increase volunteers' ability to access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding.
They are designed to operate in extreme off-road conditions and through floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep, enabling SES crews to deliver essential supplies, complete rescues, and support other emergency services in remote and hardto-reach locations.
The delivery of the new vehicles comes as South Coast and Illawarra emergency crews responded to more than 3,200 incidents in the past
12 months, an increase of 500 incidents from the previous year in what has been the busiest year for the region since 2022.
High clearance vehicles will be delivered across the state, including to areas recently impacted by flooding, such as Murwillumbah, Coffs Harbour and Taree. Others will be operational throughout the state in Ku-ring-gai, Broken Hill, Goulburn, Moruya, Forbes and Dubbo.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said this is an important investment that will make a real difference in keeping South Coast communities safe.
“It’s only right that our brave SES volunteers have the best equipment possible, made nearby in Port Kembla," he said.
“As the region continues to face more extreme weather events, making sure our front-line emergency services are prepared is essential.”
Newly elected state member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, thanked the local SES volunteers for "their bravery and dedication to our community".
"They exemplify the very best of Kiama and what I love about this community so much," she said.
“Our community has faced repeated extreme weather events recently and this vital investment will boost our resilience to them, support our SES in doing their important, lifesaving work.
“I’m really thrilled to see this investment delivered and will continue to advocate to ensure we receive our fair share of extreme weather resilience and response support.”
Hot Rods rev up for a great cause
Plans are already underway for next year’s Kiama Hot Rod Run after a successful threeday event recently.
The 10th annual event in Kiama, organised by the Romans Hot Rod Association, enjoyed perfect weather, attracting large crowds.
There were 225 Hot Rods and Customs at Sunday’s Show and Shine along the waterfront at Black
Reserve.
As well as the great cars on display, there was a variety of food and drink stalls, along with model cars for sale by Prized Pieces and Insurance advice from Shannon’s to keep everyone busy with Ricky Mackaway providing great music throughout the day.
despite having a senior’s moment when he left his questions back in his cabin, Ernie Bell’s trivia competition got the brains trust scratching their heads in pursuit of a multitude of prizes.
The Top five Cars as picked by the entrants were all of a
presenting the trophies and Paul Beck of Killer Rides for providing magazines and CDs to the Top five winners.
The organising committee also paid tribute to The Bugle for its help in promoting the event as well as Shannons Insurance and the Australian Street Rod Federation for their sponsorship.
very high quality.
The Observation Run on Saturday from Kiama Lighthouse was a bit of fun for those choosing to do it, finishing at Berry for a coffee and cake stop before heading for lunch at Gerroa Fisherman’s Club.
The Saturday evening Sausage Sizzle at Kendalls
On The Beach Holiday Park proved very popular and
Jason Cavanagh of “Classic Fabrications” at Fernhill, picked up the Romans HRA Trophy with his 1936 Ford Coupe and Tomerong’s John Dyer won the Geoff Keast Memorial Trophy with his blue 1932 Ford Coupe.
The Street Rod Committee Trophy went to Kanahooka’s Chris Cassar with his blue 1932 Ford Roadster and Christine Power from Tomerong won the Shannons Trophy with her pink and cream 1954 Ford Customline.
The Romans HRA would like to thank Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald for
The Romans HRC will also be making a donation from the proceeds of the Kiama Rod Run to the Dr Sarah Cope Foundation.
Sarah was a member of the Romans HRA who sadly passed away four years ago, shortly after receiving her Doctorate of Health Science from the University of Canberra where Sarah was an Assistant Professor of Nursing. Her Foundation supports young nurses with their training and studies at the University of Canberra.
The Hot Rods festival made for a very busy weekend in Kiama with a soccer tournament, by-election and Folk Festival on at the same time. Romans HRA has set aside the weekend of 11-13 September for next year’s event.
eaturedRecipe
Glitter, grooves and good times at the Co-Op
Locals turned out in force last Friday night as Disco Revolution transformed the Gerringong Co-Op into a Studio 54-inspired dance floor.
With more than 200 tickets sold, you couldn’t keep punters off the floor as DJ Diggz and the Disco Revolution band served up classics from Donna Summer, Tina Turner, The Bee Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band and more.
Glitter was the order of the night, drinks flowed and the atmosphere was buzzing.
Jay Jaksa, the female lead vocalist, was an absolute standout. Her striking style and signature big hair lit up the stage, but it was her powerhouse vocals that truly stole the show.
She was perfectly complemented by Michael Marino, whose electric energy and crisp voice had the crowd up and dancing from the first note.
Of course, no disco experience is complete without a horn section, and saxophonist Mariela Mulder delivered. Her groovy tone and smooth solos added the perfect pinch of disco spice.
The band is a tight, wellrehearsed unit that clearly knows how to work together to deliver an unforgettable night.
The Bugle spoke to fans who had travelled from as far afield as the Southern Highlands, Wollongong and Shellharbour, all drawn by the chance to relive disco’s golden era in style.
"What an incredible vibe, colourful, fun and a great atmosphere,” Co-Op event manager Erica Warren said.
“Disco Revolution was yet another extremely successful event at The CoOp Gerringong.
“After a string of great events in 2025, we are planning our 2026 lineup. With just three events left for 2025, Thirsty Merc which is nearly sold out on
November 16th, a great day of local music on November 8th and join us for the best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show on December 6th - a great event to do your Christmas Parties and get together."
So next up at the Co-Op is Live & Local on Friday 8 November, a free community showcase that promises another big turnout.
“From smooth soul to funky grooves, the line-up has something for everyone: Tayah Larsen: soulful and captivating.
Emma & Ron Davison: harmony-rich acoustic originals and classics.
Night & Day Duo: highenergy, genre-hopping fun. Boyznberry: upbeat, funky and guaranteed to get you dancing.
Food and drinks will be available all day. Bring your mates, grab a drink, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon that rolls into a lively evening.
Best of all, entry is freejust come as you are.
Belle Wood
Terning the tide on endangered shorebird colonies
Danielle Woolage
From whales riding the humpback highway, octopus friends in Kiama’s rockpools to seals on guard at Werri Beach, the region is a hive of activity for sea life great and small and citizen scientists are often on the frontline of species protection.
However, beach-nesting birds like the Little tern are so small they can often be overlooked, landing them a spot on the endangered species list.
The tiny birds lay their eggs directly on the sand, and eggs and chicks can be so well camouflaged they are almost invisible to the naked eye, leaving them vulnerable to being unwittingly trampled.
A collaborative effort between BirdLife Australia, community volunteers, Kiama Council and the NPWS is “terning the tide” on the endangered colonies.
Coastal areas in Kiama and surrounds are home to six rare and endangered shorebirds including the Little tern, Pied oystercatcher, Beach stonecurlew, Sooty oystercatcher, Hooded plover and Red-capped plover.
Awareness campaigns by councils and stakeholders have boosted shorebird breeding populations of threatened species like the Little tern, with more than 900 nests counted across the state in the 20242025 season.
During the most recent
breeding period, Little tern nests were spotted at 24 sites along the NSW coast, including Kiama, according to NPWS deputy secretary Trish Harrup.
Citizen scientist counts of active nests during the October to February season found at least 485 breeding pairs of little terns in NSW, a jump from last year’s number of around 430, with standout colonies in Shoalhaven Heads and Lake Conjola.
“This incredible number of breeding pairs resulted in an estimated 510 fledglings, making it the highest count of fledglings recorded and a substantial jump from last year’s figure of around 370,” says Harrup.
“That’s the second-highest number in 24 years, to see an increase in numbers of a threatened species for two consecutive years is an incredible achievement. But it’s not possible without a cast of hundreds to lend their time to this important cause.”
While there has been an increase in Little tern breeding pairs in NSW, there are less than 200 breeding pairs of the endangered Pied oystercatcher.
A NPWS Pied oystercatcher conservation project, in collaboration with Kiama and Shoalhaven councils, has installed signage at major nesting sights including Lake Conjola, Murramarang National park and Comerong Island, while predators like foxes are kept at bay to protect habitats.
Kiama Council has called on beach-goers to help protect Pied Oystercatcher populations in the region by being aware of their feeding patterns - they can often be seen on the beach at low tide hunting for oyster shells - and breeding habitats.
“Please make sure you help by avoiding damage to the coastal vegetation and sand dunes they call home,” says a Kiama Council spokesperson.
“Many of these are themselves fragile ecosystems, with plants easily trampled by unwary feet. This includes our four-legged friends.”
Beach-goers have been urged to make sure dogs are only walked on an approved dogbeach and always kept on a leash.
“You can also reduce your chances of stepping on an egg or chick by walking to the water line and keeping an eye out for bird nesting signs and fencedoff nesting areas on the beach,” says Ms Harrup.
“Despite these promising numbers, these birds remain on the edge, and continued efforts are vital to protect them along our coast, and every person can play a role in making a difference.”
Bird lovers can also sign up to become volunteer citizen scientists, joining NPWS staff, councils and land managers across the state who last year counted 5000 observations of shorebird nest sites across the five-month nesting season, which is set to begin again in October.
Rare Crested Bandfish washes up on Werri Beach
Mitchell Beadman
On a recent spring getaway to Werri Beach in Gerringong, Sydney resident Karen Holahan went for a leisurely walk along the sand with her brother Ken and daughter Stephanie and struck “silver” in terms of a fish species.
“I just turned, and I saw this thing flapping on the sand, like as if it was trying to flap itself back in the water,” Holahan said.
Upon closer inspection and with the advancements of technology, Holahan was able to unofficially identify the species as a Crested Bandfish or Lophotus Guentheri, by submitting the image to an internet search engine.
Holahan told The Bugle that she was told that if that specific fish washes up on the beach that it means a tsunami or tornado is imminent.
“I tell you, no word of a lie, it started getting windier, because when we went down there on the Wednesday it was a totally different day [on] Sunday morning,” Holahan said.
“Especially Saturday night, like it was windy.”
When Holahan and her
family examined the Crested Bandfish, they were startled.
“He [my brother] said it looked like it had been attacked by a shark, and the ribbon part and the tail was bitten off,” she said.
“It was actually leaking, like the ink octopuses do.
“[After touching it] Ken’s hands were all silver and it was hard to get off and he had to use some soap to wash it off. I rang the fisheries, hoping they’d come out, but no one showed up, so by the next morning it had ants all over it.”
Holahan, who lives in the south-western Sydney suburb of Bradbury, is an avid animal lover, who has no less than six dogs, a horse and some cows on her property.
A NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson told The Bugle that Fisheries officers focus their resources on managing illegal fishing reports.
“The department did receive one report regarding a washed-up fish at Werri Beach (Illawarra district) to its Fishers Watch (report illegal fishing service) on Saturday 6 September,” the spokesperson said.
“The report photograph appears to show a Crested
Bandfish – an oceanic species that is not a threatened or protected species under NSW Fisheries legislation.
“Fisheries officers manage illegal fishing reports to help focus their resources as part of a risk-based approach to compliance and there is no evidence provided by the informant of any illegal/ unlawful activity.”
According to the Atlas of Living Australia, the first Crested Bandfish was officially named by ScottishAustralian scientist Robert Mackenzie Johnston in 1883, with its scientific name honouring German-born British zoologist Albert Karl Ludwig Gotthilf Günther.
The last official reporting of an occurrence of the Crested Bandfish was in June 2020 at Murray’s boat ramp in Jervis Bay – there have only been 30 recorded since record keeping began.
According to the Shellharbour Council website, the Dharawal language’s word for fish is ‘dhanj’ and for the Dhurga language of the Yuin country, the State Library of NSW stipulates that it is ‘marrah’.
Dharawal and Dhurga languages do not have a recorded or official name for this fish species.
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice
The rare crested bandfish that washed up on Werri Beach. Photo Karen Holahan Karen Holahan.
The Little Tern and (inset) the Pied Oystercatcher. Photos: Andrew Silcocks, Kiam Council
Kiama makes presence felt at Business Awards
Kiama may not have claimed a trophy at this year’s IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards, but the town certainly made its presence felt, with a record three tables of councillors, local award entrants and Kiama Business Network members joining more than 600 of the region’s business leaders at WIN Entertainment Centre last Friday night.
The Illawarra’s premier business celebration recognised excellence across 18 categories, with Sicona Battery Technologies named Business of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame for its third consecutive win in International Business.
Symbio Wildlife Park, now celebrating its half-century, also pulled off a hat trick, taking home three awards
including Outstanding Business Leader for CEO Matthew Radnidge. For Kiama, the evening was about visibility and connection.
The inaugural Kiama Business Awards, held earlier this year at The Pavilion, gave local winners the chance to progress as finalists at the regional level. Burnetts on Barney, Slow Dough, This Old House Studio, Ozeano Eyewear, WorkLife, and Kiama Leagues Club’s Sarah Rebbeck proudly represented the diversity and strength of the local economy.
While none of Kiama’s finalists took home Illawarra titles this time, Mayor Cameron McDonald said the strong turnout underlined the town’s growing confidence and ambition. “The majority
of our local enterprises are small businesses: familyrun, owner-operated and community-connected. To see them stepping up on a regional stage is a success in itself,” he said.
“These awards are about more than trophies - they are about recognition, collaboration and inspiration. Kiama’s strong showing is proof of the talent and innovation thriving in our community.”
KBN was equally proud of the representation, with president Cathy Lyall noting that building connections across the region helps open opportunities for local enterprises.
Shoalhaven Business Chamber took home the Outstanding Local Chamber gong.
Double delight for Lime at NSW MBA Awards
Lime Building Group is celebrating after winning two awards at the recent NSW Master Builders Association Excellence in Housing presentation night.
The Gerringong custom home builders were named the winners for Best Contract House ($8-$9million) and Best Use of Bricks.
Lime was thrilled to get the nod for the prestigious awards.
“We are beyond honoured to have our work recognised at this level. These awards are a true reflection of the collaboration, skill, and dedication that go into every project.
“To our clients, thank you for trusting us to bring your vision to life. To our incredible trades and suppliers, your craftsmanship, reliability, and attention to detail make all the difference. And to our own team, your hard work, precision, and passion are what keep lifting the bar higher every year.
“None of this happens alone. These wins belong to everyone who played a part in turning drawings and dreams into homes that will stand the test of time.”
Earlier this year, Lime won an unprecedented nine times at the 2025 Master Builders Association Regional Excellence in Building Awards, the most successful night in the company’s 15year history.
The business is led by local builder Joel Stewart and specialises in custom luxury home construction across the South Coast and Southern Highlands, with projects ranging from Wollongong to Mollymook.
Kiama Council’s Ed Paterson, Mel Scarr (Kiama Business Network), Council CEO Jane Stroud and Anne-Marie Esler (KBN). Photo: The Bugle
KIAMA CARES
Supporting Locals Doing It Tough
OCTOBER LAUNCH PARTNER
Walk in the Park returns to raise money for Parkinson’s
The community is invited to help raise awareness and funds for people living with Parkinson's disease at the annual 'Walk in the Park' at Black Beach on Sunday 28 September.
The fundraiser is hosted by Parkinson’s Support Kiama, and will help to raise vital funds through a fun afternoon that accommodates all ability levels.
Parkinson’s is a movement and mood disorder that progressively worsens over time, and affects thousands of Australians.
Parkinson’s Support
Kiama committee member Carmel Mahoney explains that Parkinson’s is different for each person, no two Parkinson’s patients are exactly the same in the way they present.
Parkison’s Support Kiama provides assistance to locals with Parkinson’s as well as their families and carers, and holds regular monthly meetings.
The Walk in the Park fundraiser is a scenic coastal walk that offers something for everyone and raises awareness of Parkinson’s and promotes the importance of exercise for managing the disease.
“It's not the sort of walk where…you're doing 10
kilometres, it's people with Parkinson's who are participating as well as their family and friends,” Carmel said.
“Some of them are on walkers, some are in wheelchairs, some are very able”.
The day will feature a warm-up exercise session led by a physiotherapist from BaiMed Kiama, followed by the gentle walk along the harbour. Rotary Club Kiama will provide a sausage sizzle and drinks, with proceeds going to the local Parkinson’s support group.
There will also be a raffle with impressive prizes including an Ultimate Jamberoo Escape valued at $1000, a basket of Beauty & Bubbly worth $500, and a $100 Bunnings gift voucher. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10, with the raffle being drawn at 2:30pm.
“The main thing is to get an awareness of Parkinson's out there and to have a nice social time together,” said Carmel.
Registration and donations can be made on the day.
For more information visit Parkinson’s Support Kiama’s Facebook page or Parkinson’s NSW.
Unhurried: The gentle art of slow stitching
An old movie suddenly came to me the other day. Stop the World I Want to Get Off was a successful musical, created by Leslie Bricuss and Anthony Newley was later made into an Academy Award-winning film in 1966.
Given the rapid acceleration of the pace of life since then, I would suspect there are many people these days who would agree with this sentiment.
Many, I also suspect, have been tuning in to the tenets of the underground Slow Movement.
Those who are uncomfortably tied up in the pressures of our fastpaced digital world might be
interested in exploring the Gentle Art of Slow Stitching Sandi Foley from The Creative Wild Child describes it better than me: “Often created from vintage fabrics and haberdashery, colourful threads, old lace, grandma's doilies or repurposed trinkets, slow stitching allows us to breathe new life into forgotten treasures.
“A stitched panel may become the cover of a junk journal, a wall hanging or simply a memorable piece to hold and reflect on, or to be passed down through the generations - but the real beauty lies in the process itself.
“Much like meditation, slow stitching offers a space for calm.
“The steady movement of needle and thread helps
ease stress, ground scattered thoughts and open a flow of creativity with no embroidery or sewing experience required.
“It is all in the journey of the stitch rather than the destination. The more imperfect the better.
“In its essence, slow stitching is celebrating resourcefulness, an homage to pioneering women where they would sit quietly mending by candlelight, each piece has a story to tell one stitch at a time.”
Sandi holds classes locally on slow stitching and journal making as well as other creative classes. You can keep up with her events by subscribing to her newsletter via www. thecreativewildchild.com.au or phoning 0428 126044.
Shelby Gilbert
Jenny England
Belle Wood
Papua New Guinea is celebrating 50 years of independence in September across the country.
Port Moresby is alive with parades, cultural performances, dancing, and fireworks over Ela Beach.
From Kiama I’ve been watching the celebrations unfold online, seeing crowds gather, just like they did 50 years ago.
But for me, these events aren’t just headlines - they’re a vivid journey back to 1975, when I was an 11-year-old schoolgirl in Port Moresby, swept up in the excitement of a new nation’s birth.
Life in PNG back then was an adventure. I remember weekend drives to Brown River in our lime-green Holden. From the car we’d spot what looked like floating logs in the water, only to realise they were crocodiles.
Swarms of brilliant blue emperor butterflies would cloud the air and before we could unpack, local villagers would surround us, selling hand-carved spears.
We bought so many that eventually we had to carry some in the car, just to show we
already owned enough.
At home, nature was never far away. Our garden was strung with colourful orb spiders on their stationary webs and during the wet season, the floods came like clockwork.
Our stilt house was safe, but the little house belonging to our “haus boi” would often be knee-deep in water.
I can still picture him laughing and swimming through a metre of floodwater. Life in PNG had a resilience and humour about it.
The markets were a feast for the senses - brightly coloured meri dresses – which my mother still wears to this day, bilum bags that were slung over women’s heads carrying everything from stores to babies, and betelnut-stained smiles.
Carpet snakes were even sold at the local markets. I remember desperately wanting one, and the parental pleading that followed. Dad, a blood specialist, was busy running the PNG Blood Transfusion Service and Red Cross, but to me he was also the man who once tried to help a stranded Toyota ute in the Highlands.
Mechanical skills were not
his forte - but it turned out to be the fuel gauge.
“E” for “enough”, and F for “finish”. Once on a flight in a Fokker friendship plane to the highlands, he could not disembark as there was a crocodile on the runway impeding a safe exit. Such were the stories in our dayto-day life in a developing country.
We spent time at Ela Beach, diving for sea slugs off the pontoon and learning Pidgin English. “Yu wantem katim gras?” was one of the first phrases I mastered.
Picking giant snails off our foliage before school in the mornings, hibiscus bushes in proliferation and fabulous flora and fauna.
Other memories are bittersweet - crying at the annual pig slaughters,trips to the annual ‘Sing-sing’ festivals or engaged as we watched the local women’s cricket matches played on the rugby fields behind our house.
The heavy hitters had their children – pikininis - running the pitches for them. Everyday life was colourful, lively, and deeply connected to the uniqueness of PNG.
Even our newspaper was part of that rhythm. The Post-
A Girl Guide’s memories from the dawn of independence:
ThestoryofDog
This is the true story of a unique animal. Dog came into my life in the 1970s.
He wasn't much to look at - a street dog, black, lean, probably a cross between a Kelpie and a Doberman. Very smart, and if he decided he didn't like you, then you found out quickly.
A handbag dog he was not. Neither was he an extrovert, or a seeker of pats. He was a loner, but he chose me and my hubby to spend his life with. So that made the relationship special.
It was 1971 and I was in my first year at the UNSW, fresh out of high school. Naive and filled with excitement and optimism. The times worldwide were shifting and changing.
The Vietnam War was still on, and students like myself were voicing opinions and spasmodically demonstrating against just about everything. UNSW was an exciting place to be, and to my youthful self, every day presented something new and interesting - more often
than not totally unrelated to the pursuit of academic excellence.
Including a scrawny black dog that I saw wandering around the campus regularly.
This dog appeared to have freedom to roam the uni grounds. There were security guards, colloquially known as Grey Men - due to the colour of their uniforms. They were stationed everywhere on campus but collectively turned a blind eye to this animal, who was a regular, curled up outside lecture halls, waiting patiently for his owner. Or following said hippylooking owner around the campus. I was enthralled, then captivated. Nature took its course, and the dog owner became my boyfriend. Meeting this dog up close for the very first time was something I'll never forget. I attempted to get into my new boyfriend's car, where Dog was relaxing, languidly stretched out on the back seat.
I had no idea he was in the car.
Boyfriend knew what was about to happen, he'd seen it before and was chortling inwardly. It was a baptism of
fire for our infant relationship. Boyfriend knew Dog was harmless, and I was safe. I, however, did not.
I was greeted by the dog's red gummed, bared fangs at the car window, accompanied soon after by a bloodcurdling growl. Followed by a full-on, theatrical display of canine savagery for my benefit. How dare I try and enter that car! Thankfully, it proved to be all show, because after my initial shock, and full-bellied laughter from Boyfriend, along with pats and an ear scratch for the perpetrator, all was well. I was accepted. I had permission to be the girlfriend, and share the car.
Dog had actually come into Boyfriend's life a few months before, by arriving at the front gate of the family home, then staying overnight. No such thing as microchips in those days, and the animal wasn't wearing a tag or collar.
Boyfriend saw he was a bit scrawny, gave him some food and water, and then went off to Uni for the day. Dog stayed, was still there that night, which was a problem as boyfriend already had a Labrador living in the backyard. The two
dogs had eyed each other off at a gate down the side of the house, and took an instant, hostile and hair-raisingly noisy dislike to one another. It was an irreconcilable situation.
And so there was only one thing to do. Dog had to go.
Boyfriend, nagged by his now unhappy parents, drove Dog to another suburb, gave him a last feed, and regretfully drove off.
A day later, this intrepid animal was back at the front gate. Fate had intervened. It was obvious the hound, now named Dog, was in need of a family to love him. And he'd chosen Boyfriend. Dog had won.
Boyfriend kept him in the frontyard and Whiskers the fat Lab still resided in the backyard, and the parents conceded. Dog could stay. There was one condition though: he had to go with Boyfriend in the daylight hours. Which meant taking him to Uni.
And this is how we three became an item.
Dog lived with us for 10 years and we had many adventures together. He loved us unconditionally, and went to great lengths to protect us from the world. In his doggy mind everyone was a prospective enemy, and his shows of fake savagery were enigmatic.
Boyfriend became Hubby, and Dog slept in our garage of an evening, and in the car with Hubby during the day. Woe betide anyone walking past the garage or the car.
Dog was responsible for us getting our first house, because a neighbour in our apartment building complained of the savage dog being kept in the garage. The RSPCA paid us a courtesy visit, and discovered we were model dog lovers. But
we had to get a backyard for Dog, and so we did.
I was still a student, and Dog went to work with Hubby, who in those days had a fruit juice delivery job.
On one memorable occasion, Hubby left his van with Dog inside, while in a queue at factory juice pick-up. One of the other drivers went to move the van, as Hubby was holding the line up. Dog did his thing. That poor driver went white as a sheet. It was the stuff of legend and laughter for many a long day.
And then there were the camping holidays.
Still owning our van, we would take Dog everywhere. Three incidents remain etched in my memory.
Potato Point camping area on the NSW South Coast was pretty isolated and rough in those days, with the only facility a drop toilet, and cold showers. We slept in the van, used a canvas lean-to for shade, and when we went off fishing or surfing, Gog would stay at the tent, chained by a long lead to a spare tyre.
Imagine our dismay when we turned to see him dragging the tyre behind him down the beach towards us. With a southerly change about to hit, we scurried back to the camp to discover he'd also chewed through three of the four ropes and the tent was flapping wildly by one flimsy rope in the increasing wind.
On that same trip, when we'd left him a little too long in the van, he'd chewed through a seatbelt. That'd teach us not to leave him.
A trip to Burrowa to visit country relatives, this time in the parents’ station wagon, saw Dog run off into the night when we let him out for a comfort stop. He was investigating the howling of
possums. That one took a while to resolve. Hours in fact. But he finally returned, I'm sure much to the disappointment of the parents.
Visiting the Snow Country in winter was also challenging. Dog found himself enjoying this wet white stuff he'd never seen before. Returning soaked to the back of our vehicle which we were all sleeping in didn't endear him to us that night, and oh, the wet dog smell!
By far the best punishment Dog ever meted out to us as wayward dog owners was after we had taken him with us on a trip to Canberra, and I unwittingly chose the wrong road from Braidwood, miles of dirt, winding and bumping mercilessly in our little van. By the time we got to Canberra we needed to eat, so we gave Dog a break in a carpark, then left him in the vehicle while we quickly found a pizza. On returning I opened the passenger door to an odour like no other. Poor Dog had been momentously, gloriously carsick. And rolled in it, all over the floor and front seat. Oh joy.
Fortunately, we had a bucket with us, found a tap, then started the very unpleasant, long, tiring clean-up.
Writing this story, the memories of this amazing animal, and how much he meant to us, has been joyous. Our life together was immensely rewarding. Dog was the smartest, most affectionate, most interesting of all my life pets, a streetwise mutt who chose his own humans, and guarded us with his life.
In return he got our total love, care and companionship, and to this day, he is remembered by us with reverence, and also a lot of laughter.
Carol Goddard
Boroko East class celebrations
PM James Marape and Hon. Anthony Albanese signing the Pukpuk Treaty photo : PNG business news
Reflections on PNG's Golden Jubilee
Charles Somare 1975
Ihave previously written that one of the reasons why we loved going to the Gerringong Town Hall to watch pictures was because the films were in colour.
Films like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang had stunning images in Technicolor.
At home on the old TV, it was very different. We had to watch a screen with black and white images.
I used to watch football on a Sunday night. In my child’s mind, I thought South Sydney were two tones of gray.
In the Samurai TV program, Shintaro’s helpers, like Tombei the Mist and the Iga Ninja
wore light-coloured costumes. I often wondered what colour they were. Like thousands of kids everywhere, we could not, try as we might, make ‘star knives’, stick in posts and jump backwards into trees. And who could forget the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. It had a lot of psychedelic colour sequences. Most notable in the song, I am the Walrus. Unfortunately for them, the film was a flop as it was shown in black and white. Mind you, we really did not care. I was an avid TV watcher. One of my other favourites was Combat, with Vic Morrow. I could never work out how the German soldiers could fire 1000 bullets and only scratch
Courier carried serialised The Phantom comic strips, and the whole town seemed to wait eagerly for the next instalment.
The masked jungle hero was relatable to many Papua New Guineans, and soon advertising agencies had the Phantom promoting everything from toothpaste to beer.
“The Phantom drinks DB Beer” read one billboard slogan.
In hindsight, that kind of marketing was not particularly helpful in a country already facing challenges with alcohol. But at the time, it added to the surreal sense of living in a storybook.
Boroko East Primary was the heart of my world, and in the early 1970s it became a hub of national imagination as we celebrated self government, followed by independence.
We brainstormed designs for a new flag, filling pages with bold colours and birds of paradise. The final design was created by Susan Karike Huhume, another student like us, but our efforts made us feel part of history.
We also debated what the new currency should look like. The kina and toea coins were finally introduced, inspired by
traditional shell money, and were a source of cultural pride.
Independence itself came to life on September 16, 1975, at Independence Hill. I was one of the lucky few chosen as a Girl Guide for the honour lineup at the main celebrations.
Dressed in our guide uniforms and badges, we lined up in the tropical heat as Prince Charles, representing Queen Elizabeth II, shook hands along the rows.
The Australian flag was then lowered respectfully and our new flag rose for the first time.
The crowd erupted with cheers, kundu drums rolled like thunder, dancing erupted and in that moment, I felt I was standing inside history itself.
Our school celebrated every milestone on the way to that day - mock parliaments, skits about unity across 800 languages, and class performances. We learned the names of our new leaders, and in my own neighbourhood in Boroko, Grand Chief Michael Somare himself lived just a street away.
For us children, independence wasn’t abstract. It was real, tangible and ours. Many of us are still in touch 50 years later.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the
Golden Jubilee celebrations have presented a rich blend of tradition and progress.
In Port Moresby, the flag has been raised again in reenactments, leaders have reflected on how far the country has come and schoolchildren are once again learning the meaning of self-government and independence.
PNG has faced challenges in those 50 years - balancing economic growth, environmental care, and cultural preservation - but the spirit of 1975 still endures.
For me, those early days instilled a deep pride in a Melanesian heritage, and the conviction that young voices can matter.
To all the Papua New Guineans and expats who are celebrating this month in PNG and through Australia and New Zealand: we cherish these moments.
Independence isn’t just a date in the calendar. It is a legacy, woven from all the colour and vibrancy of Papua New Guinea.
Here’s to another 50 years of unity, colour, and the unshakeable PNG spirit.
Wanpela kantri, wanpela pipol!
How colour TV made a splash 50 years ago
him on the arm whereas Morrow could kill 10 of them with one burst from his submachine gun.
I also fondly remember Phantom Agents (we only use guns as a last resort), Gigantor, Astro Boy, Dad’s Army, Steptoe and Son, and Man about the House.
Some other US shows were great such as Gomer Pyle, McHale’s Navy, Green Acres, Petticoat Junction, The Beverly Hillbillies, Gilligan's Island, The Man from Uncle and, of course, The Monkees. “Here we come, walking down the street, getting the funniest look from, everyone we meet …”
My sister, Merelyn, who is seven years older, remembers with affection such shows as Shirley Temple’s Storybook, Annie Oakley, Disneyland, Mr Ed, Mr Magoo, Rocky and Bulwinkle, The Lone Ranger, The Avengers and everybody's favourite, Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
The list could go on. I am sure you can think of scores of others.
And who could forget that you could go to the shop to buy a packet of Scanlens Bubble Gum, throw away the gum, and collect the cards to keep or swap with your friends at school.
There were many adult programs that the oldies enjoyed that I did not, like Twilight Zone.
But the one I remember the most for not watching, if that makes sense, was “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”. This funny music would come on and Hitchcock would say “good eeeeeeeeeeeeeeevening”.
At that moment I was ordered to bed and the rest of the family sat down to watch it. I managed to see some programs on YouTube years later.
In 1975, the TV landscape changed.
To be able to see your favourite show in bright living colour was brilliant. Suddenly any person producing TV programs had to think of the way it would look. I know a lot of teams in the rugby league changed their uniforms to make them brighter.
Pop stars had to spruce up their costumes to make them look big and spectacular to help them get the chance to perform on Countdown with Molly Meldrum.
It was not all beer and skittles to begin with. Buying a new colour TV was not exactly cheap.
There were scam artists who said all you had to buy was a piece of coloured plastic and place it on the screen but, alas, this did not work.
Filming in colour for those who made TV programs, films and commercials was much more expensive.
Eventually, TV producers realised that if they did not
change to colour then nobody would watch their programs.
Viewers also eventually had to make the switch.
That did not, however, mean that all black and white TVs disappeared.
Second-hand ones could be quite cheap and poor uni students living in caravans could afford to have a small beat-up black and white TV which you could watch if you manipulated the rabbit ears
just so by holding onto one with one hand and have the other out the window or doing some other contortion. It was better than nothing.
Nowadays there are techniques where black and white film can be changed into colour.
But sometimes I do miss the old days. Old black and white TV shows and movies looked quite quaint and I swear the horror films looked scarier.
Mark Emery
Haus-boi Koko, My sisters and I - log the long socks!
Cedar on Collins welcomes community at Spring Open Day
Cedar on Collins residents and staff
warmly welcomed the community to tour Kiama’s premium coastal retirement community last Friday.
Visitors were invited to stroll through the beautifully designed residences and manicured gardens, while also viewing the development’s state-of-the-art amenities.
Staff were on hand to answer questions and showcase the open living spaces and well-
appointed apartments. One of the highlights of the day was meeting some of the residents who make Cedar on Collins such a lively place to live.
Graham, who helps coordinate the rooftop gardens, could not speak highly enough of the atmosphere at Cedar on Collins. “I’ve lived here for two years now. It’s a fantastic place to live,” he said.
“Wonderful amenities, lovely excursions and the staff are brilliant.”
The rooftop is not just a garden but a place where residents grow fruit and vegetables and share their harvest with friends and neighbours.
Vida, the Cedar on Collins concierge, helps curate the program of events, including:
- Weekly programs including film appreciation, cooking, art, and fitness classes such as chair yoga and gym sessions.
- Bi-weekly and monthly
outings. Residents recently enjoyed a trip to Bundanon Trust for a homestead tour, lunch, and an exhibition visit, thanks to a collaboration with Kiama Leagues Club for transport.
- Cultural and social experiences: from creative workshops in the art studio to regular wine tastings and guest presentations.
“It’s a very lively program,” Vida said. “We also collaborate with other Kiama-based
organisations to enhance the experience for our residents. They love to learn and share their skills - it’s almost like being part of U3A.”
One of the big drawcards is the wine cellar where residents have regular Friday drinks.
There are some upcoming sessions planned with Dave from Manning Cellars where he will impart some sommelier knowledge.
The atmosphere at Cedar on Collins reflects this ethos
of community, learning, and enjoyment - whether it’s the Friday night drinks, a trip to a winery or sharing produce from the rooftop garden.
The residents all get on famously and a real community has developed.
Cedar on Collins is offering an incentive of free levies for 12 months when you settle by 31 December.
Visitors on the open day also enjoyed the chance to win lucky door prizes.
Kiama High: Kiama Out and about
Jindabyne jaunt
Atotal of 52 students from Year 7-11 and five teachers enjoyed an unforgettable experience on the snow.
Accommodation was at the Alpine Village in Jindabyne, where students were well looked after with comfortable rooms and hearty threecourse meals.
Each day, they had a lesson to learn the fundamental skills of skiing or snowboarding or further develop their skills with two hours of expert instruction from professional instructors.
The weather delivered perfect bluebird conditions and a full day of snowfall, giving students the chance to experience the very best of the mountain.
All students showed remarkable improvement, resilience and mateship on the slopes.
Plans are already underway for the 2026 trip.
Deadly graduates
iama High School principal Catherine Glover and Year 12 advisor Alex McNeil recently attended the Deadly Graduation Ceremony, hosted by Dapto High School to support the achievements of local Indigenous students. It was a beautiful ceremony, rich with cultural celebrations, dance, music and bush tucker.
Congratulations to our Kiama's Deadly Graduates: Hilton Brown, Trelise Cooper, Savanah Detheridge, Maximus Holz, Bowie Longbottom and Lachlan Taylor.
RU OK Day?
Kiama High School came together recently to recognise R U OK Day, a national initiative that reminds everyone that a simple conversation can change a life.
This year’s theme, “Ask R U OK? Any Day”, highlighted the importance of checking in with our mates not just on R U OK Day, but every day.
Although wet weather meant the school had to adjust its "Walk and Talk" plans, the spirit of the day remained strong.
Students attended their usual classes where teachers shared a RUOK Day message and video, and facilitated a range of activities to promote connection and care among peers.
During Period 4, every student received a lollipop, which became the starting point for meaningful classroom conversations about how to support one another.
Headspace Kiama staff members visited classrooms and set up activities at recess to encourage students to check in with their mates and to provide information about local supports.
What’s On?
Going to the Southeast Saltwater - exhibition
Sat 6 Sep to Sat 11 Oct
Sevenmarks Gallery
This is a rare opportunity for audiences on the South Coast to engage directly with the unwavering creative vision of Yolŋu artists from Ramingining, Arnhem Land.
Daisy Spring Festival
Thurs 25 Sep to Wed 1 Oct, 8:30am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something special.
See the Old Fire Station filled with amazing artworks and vote for your favourite. This year’s theme is chicken and ducks!
Parkinson’s Support
Kiama - Walk in the Park
Sun 28 Sep, from 12pm Black Beach Kiama
Join the annual Walk in the Park fundraiser - All money raised goes to support people impacted by Parkinson’s
Disease
Sunday Sips
Sun 28 Sep, 3pm-6pm
Kiama Surf Life Saving Club
Enjoy live tunes by Ben Gunn and mouthwatering eats from Pho King Delicious. Kids Bingo
Tues 30 Sep, 11am-12:30pm Kiama Leagues Club
Beat the school holiday
boredom with FREE Kids
Bingo! Join the fun with prizes and games
Special Meeting of Members of CWA Kiama Branch
Wed 1 Oct, 2pm
70 Shoalhaven Street
Notice of a Special Meeting of Members of Country Women’s Association of NSW Kiama Branch to discuss selling the property. BRANCH MEMBERS ONLY.
Book Hour
Thurs 2 Oct, 4pm-5pm
Cin Cin Wine Bar
Bring a book and enjoy a drink and some quiet time every Thursday afternoon.
Disconnect from your phone and reconnect with a book.
Creativity meets community in nature-based art workshops
KSuperhero Disco
Thurs 2 Oct, 5pm-6:30pm Kiama Leagues Club
Calling all little caped crusaders, masked marvels & pint-sized protectors of the universe… it’s time to bust a move! Free entry! No bookings required.
Dementia Inclusive
Dancing
Fri 3 Oct, 10am to noon
Community Hall - Uniting Mayflower Gerringong Meeting on the first Friday of every month, everyone is welcome to join in at Dementia Inclusive Dancing with a fully qualified dance teacher.
Bundanon Artists & Makers Market
Sat 4 Oct
Join us for our biggest market yet! Set alongside the shores of Bangli/the Shoalhaven River, discover ceramics, textiles, jewellery, weaving, and more.
Kiama Unplugged at Fillmore’s
Sun 5 Oct, from 3:30pm Fillmore’s
Kiama Unplugged wish to encourage the community to take a step back from smart phones and social media and reconnect with their community, friends and family.
Kids Karaoke Night
Tues 7 Oct, 5pm-6:30pm Kiama Leagues Club
iama’s Joyce Wheatley Centre will soon host a unique fiveweek program that blends art, nature, and wellbeingoffering locals a chance to reconnect with creativity, community and the calming power of the natural world.
Art and Wellbeing in Nature is a series of plainair workshops designed to promote mental health, social connection and creative expression through natureinspired art-making.
Running each Friday morning from 10am to 12pm, starting 3 October and continuing through
until the end of the month, the workshops will be led by award-winning artist, illustrator and art therapist Sally Ann Conwell. Participants will be guided through a series of handson art activities outdoors, with the beautiful Kiama surrounds as both inspiration and setting. The sessions will explore how creating art in nature can help build resilience, foster mindfulness, and bring people together in shared creative experience.
“Be Our Guest” and let your little stars “Let It Go” on stage at our magical Disney Karaoke Night. Free entry. Defining Symbols of Australia
Tues 7 to Fri 24 Oct
GLaM Gallery, Gerringong Gerringong Historical Society is hosting an exhibition of objects that define Australian culture.
Natura Viva Art
Exhibition
Thurs 9 to Wed 15 Oct
Old Fire Station Gallery
“Natura Viva: A Latin American Celebration of the Natural World”
Jamberoo Croquet Club
Come & Try Twilight Croquet
“This program is about more than just making art,” said Conwell. “It’s about slowing down, connecting to the environment around us,
and rediscovering the joy of creating - together.
“Nature has an incredible ability to ground us, and art helps us express what we often can’t put into words.” The artworks created throughout the program will be transformed into large-scale decals, which will be installed on public bin enclosures around the community - turning everyday public spaces into canvases for local expression and shared stories.
Workshops are sold out, but if you are interested you can apply to be on the waitlist here: https://www. trybooking.com/events/ landing/1461181.
Lleyton Hughes
The lure of local libraries
Jenny England
Libraries today are nothing like they used to be. They are truly a trove of treasures.
No one is shushing us as we talk but the atmosphere is still relaxed and a pleasant place to spend some time.
The late author Ray Bradbury was once quoted as saying: “Libraries raised me … when I graduated from high school, it was during the Depression and we had no money. I couldn’t go to College so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years.”
I often think libraries raised me too. I can’t estimate the number of hours I have spent in libraries.
Our local libraries now offer internet, free WiFi and e-reader workshops, access to digital magazines and digital audio books.
I think the best digital innovation is being able to access the library catalogue from home, reserving it with a click and picking it up knowing it is waiting for you.
And, if you enjoy researching online, with a few more clicks you can access the State Library or National Library’s digital collection of books, magazines and newspapers.
Although there is still something delightful in browsing the shelves and randomly selecting titles
that capture your attention in the moment.
Local libraries are fast becoming acknowledged for their active role in community building.
Kiama Council’s two local libraries host free reading groups, knitting groups, school holiday craft workshops, study sessions, author talks and movie nights.
They even have a huge stash of jigsaw puzzles and offer a home library service.
So, if you are not already a member, join up now and subscribe to their newsletters to keep up-todate with all that happens there.
Then there are the local street libraries where dedicated volunteers keep them well stocked for people to borrow and return books in their own time.
Kiama Unplugged recently put together a list and took some great photos of our local ones.
They were found in Newling Circuit, Cunningham Street, Duguid Way, Meehan Drive, Charles Ave, near the IGA in Jamberoo, Dido Street, Brighton Street, Girraween Ave, Elimatta Place and at Bluehaven.
We even have one in the basement of our unit block.
Kiama Unplugged address for online version … (https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61560877328812)
grantsCommunity to lend a helping hand
Kiama Council wants to hear from local community groups who need a financial helping hand.
Council has opened of Round 1 of its Community Grants and Donations Program which provides financial support to local events, activities, and initiatives that enhance the economic, environmental, social, and cultural wellbeing of the community.
Round 1 is open until 12 October.
Grants of up to $7000 are available for programs or events that provide significant community benefits that facilitate community participation, and enhance the social, cultural, or sustainable outcomes for the Kiama LGA.
Grants of up to $2500 to support artists, community organisations, and arts-based businesses
delivering arts and cultural initiatives.
There are also grants of up to $2000 to notfor-profit community organisations, sporting clubs, and school groups for projects that enhance health and environmental sustainability.
The Small Community Grants and Donations program is open all year round.
This program provides up to $500 to community groups for activities that provide social, cultural and sustainable outcomes for our community.
Kiama Council is encouraging local groups to review its Grants and Donations Guidelines in detail to see how your good work in the community can be supported. Email grantdonations@ kiama.nsw.gov.au for further information.
VINCE JONES
THE VAMPIRES
support local
Girls Run Club leads Kiama's environmental sporting mission
Shelby Gilbert
Kiama will be represented in one of Australia’s most unique sporting events, Pledge for the Planet’s 48 Hour Mission, where sports achievement crosses paths with environmental action.
Instead of paying entry fees, this virtual competition has participants across Australia pledge to make environmental changes in their daily lives, then they run, ride, swim, or walk from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September to climb the leaderboard.
Local resident Amy Kline leads The Girls Run Club in both Gerringong and Berry, and is among over 30 teams signed up from NSW for
the event trying to make a positive impact.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for the girls to see that their running could be part of something bigger and make an impact beyond our little community as well,” she said.
The 48 Hour Mission is now in its fifth year and it challenges participants to commit to environmental pledges such as reducing plastic consumption, ditching the takeaway cup, eating less meat, or using public transport more often.
Rather than individual pledges, Amy chose a collective approach for the club, their pledge focuses on recycling running shoes through a partnership with Shoes for Planet Earth, an
organisation that distributes recycled shoes to local organisations.
“Any running shoes that they're no longer using that are in good condition, they've brought to the session,” said Amy.
“We've also had some members of the Kiama Run Club get on board with this as well, so they've donated some shoes too”.
The Girls Run Club runs weekly morning sessions before school in Gerringong on Tuesdays and Berry on Thursdays for girls aged between 10 to 18, and was established by Amy who is a qualified run coach. Amy started the club as a way to give back to the community and to help adolescent girls stay engaged with movement.
“I really want to provide a space where girls felt supported and encouraged to find a love of movement for how it feels in themselves rather than the results or the competition,” she said. Amy encourages Kiama to get involved in the 48 Hour Mission and looks forward to seeing the event on a “bigger community scale”, people can join The Girls Run Club pledge or make their own pledge.
The 48 Hour Mission runs from 4pm 26 September to 4pm 28 September, more information about Pledge for the Planet can be found at their website https://www. pledgefortheplanet.org/ The Girls Run Club welcomes new members of any ability or pace level.
Girls Run Club. Photo credit Andrea Christie-David
Drop in and Create some Art and
FESTiVAL Daisy Spring The VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ARTWORK
The Daisy Spring Festival is ON now!
The Old Fire Station in Kiama has come alive with colour, creativity, and a whole lot of feathers as the Daisy Spring Festival officially opens its doors. This year’s theme of Chickens & Ducks has inspired artists of all ages to let their imaginations soar, filling the walls of the Old Fire Station with playful, vibrant, and sometimes surprising creations.
From tiny hands proudly displaying their very first chicken masterpiece, to seasoned artists experimenting with bold duck-inspired designs, the festival is already buzzing with
excitement as families, locals, and visitors are admiring the artwork, casting their votes for the People’s Choice Award, and taking home a piece of Art.
A creation of Michelle Springett of Expressive Art Experience, the Daisy Spring Festival offers an opportunity for the community to come together in a fun Art event offering a competitive spirit as everyone paints their favourite duck/chicken in a style they enjoy.
The Festival is for all ages to drop in and create some Art each day of the Festival. Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday we are painting Watercolours which is free to
have a go and Acrylic paints on Friday, Sunday and Monday - simply buy a canvas and get expressive!
This is the first year the Illawarra Cancer Patient Support Group is exhibiting and all proceeds of sales going to purchase Art supplies for their weekly Art Therapy group.
Now in it’s second year - the Festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.
Entry is free - we’d love you to pop in and participate! On until 1st October.
Presented by :
September 25th to 1st October
OLD FIRE STATION
Sally leads Aussie team to break 14-year drought
Lleyton Hughes
Australia’s national surf team, The Irukandjis, broke a 14-year drought last week when they were crowned world champions at the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games.
Captained by Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons, the team topped the overall pointscore thanks to a gold medal from 19-yearold Dane Henry in the men’s division, and bronze medals from Morgan Cibilic and Fitzgibbons herself.
Fitzgibbons said she was incredibly proud of the result.
“I’ve ridden the highs and lows of every opportunity chasing the team gold over the past 14 years, so to be able to stand on the podium in the green and gold with my teammates, knowing we’ve broken that drought, is something super memorable,” she said.
“Surfing can be such an individual sport, but these moments where you come together as a team and win for your country are so deeply felt.”
As the most experienced member of the squad, Fitzgibbons also played a mentoring role for emerging stars like Henry and Milla Brown - something she described as an honour.
“I can reflect and relate to the chapter Milla and Dane are currently experiencing. To be there alongside them during this stage, helping them focus and celebrate what is happening now - before worrying about what comes next - was really fulfilling for me.”
Seeing Henry win gold at his first open ISA World Surfing Games was a highlight
for Fitzgibbons, who also praised the resilience shown by her fellow teammates.
“It was unreal watching Dane step up at his first open Worlds and claim gold - it was goosebumps stuff. And Morgan’s bronze showed so much grit, determination and experience. Every athlete’s result added fuel to the fire and inspired me in different ways.”
This victory marks Australia’s sixth team gold medal in ISA World Surfing Games history, and their 16th overall team medal, reaffirming Australia’s status as the most successful nation in the event’s history.
“It shows that Australia is right at the top again. This win proves we’ve got the depth, the talent, and the belief to compete with the best teams in the world.
“From the juniors all the way up to the experienced Tour surfers, the pipeline of talent is strong, and full of fire and inspiration to carry forward Australia’s long surfing legacy.”
Fitzgibbons also reflected on her own performance, which earned her a bronze medal. After a sluggish opening in the final, she changed her approach midheat and committed to chasing bigger scores on the other side of the bank - a move she said she was proud of.
“After a slow start on scores at the beginning of the heat, I knew the door was open for a big number on the other side of the bank, and the only way to put myself in contention was to roll the dice and go after it. It’s about staying composed, reading the ocean, and committing to your choices,” she said.
“Even though I didn’t come away with the gold, I’m proud of the way I kept pushing until the very end, working the problem and staying calm and aware as I weighed up the best percentage plays.”
The World Surfing Games was also a key step toward qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and Fitzgibbons said she would be all in if given another chance to represent Australia.
“The Olympics is such a pinnacle moment for any athlete, and I’d love nothing more than to have another crack at it. Competing in Tokyo was such an honour.
“Many stars have to align to get to another Games - all you can do is keep showing up, and you never know what the future might have in store.”
For now, Fitzgibbons is focused on competing in the Challenger Series, aiming to requalify for the 2026 Championship Tour - but her mindset is about embracing every moment.
“It’s all about savouring every opportunity and milestone. In sport, some things might lead to more success, or they might be your last big moment. Not knowing is hard, and creates challenging emotions, but I’ve come to discover that sitting in that ‘hard’ - that’s the real gold in all of this.”
“In light of that, if this was my last pinnacle moment, I could walk away with my heart full and lifelong memories. For the next generation, just know this: you’re part of an Australian surfing culture that’s alive and thriving.
“If you love it and commit to it, anything is possible.”
Kiama gears up for second triathlon as tune-up for worlds in Wollongong
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama has gone from having no triathlons in a decade to hosting two in a single year, with the second Elite Energy Kiama Triathlon on this Saturday.
Around 600 competitors are expected to take part in the event, which is being touted as the perfect leadup to the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong, running from 15-19 October.
“Elite Energy saw this as an ideal lead-in to Worlds. It’s become a firm favourite and will be a regular fixture on the calendar,” said Kiama Triathlon Club vice-
for the world titles in Wollongong, which Besnard says will attract around 5000 competitors from around the globe.
“It’s run by the International Triathlon Union and is their flagship world event. It’s also the grand final for elite athletes,” he said.
“On Sunday, there’ll be World Championship mixed relay races - with Australia up against Britain and other nations. Then we’ve got the elite women’s championship, and later in the day, the men’s pro event. It’s the absolute pinnacle of triathlon internationally. They’re expecting around
president Geoff Besnard.
“It won’t necessarily be twice a year every year - it depends on how it fits in. But Council is on board, and we’ve had very little negative feedback from locals.
“In fact, a lot of people said it was great to have something like this happening. We saw heaps of locals out in their frontyards, cheering and supporting the event.”
This year's event will follow a similar format to previous ones, with both sprint and standard distance triathlons. New this time is the addition of an aquabike category, which includes the swim and bike legs of the standard distance - but without the run.
“They’ve kept both standard and sprint distances, because the World Champs feature both.
The aquabike has been added too, since it will also be part of the Worlds,” Besnard explained.
The Kiama Triathlon is shaping up to be a teaser
20,000 spectators to fly in.”
As for local participation, Besnard said around 25 competitors from the Kiama Triathlon Club are expected to take part in the World Championships.
“To compete in age-group
events, athletes need to qualify for the national team. That means racing in pointsbased events throughout the country. The top scorers in each age group are selected,” he said.
“When the event is hosted in Australia, it becomes especially competitive because travel isn’t such a barrier. We’re expecting about 25 locals to qualify and race.”
Participation in this weekend’s Kiama Triathlon may be slightly lower than usual, with some athletes opting to rest ahead of the Worlds - while others will use it as a final warm-up.
“Local numbers will be down a little since it’s only two weeks out from the Worlds. Some are choosing to rest, but others see it as a great tune-up event,” Besnard added.
The Kiama Triathlon kicks off at 8:30am on Saturday, 27 September, at James Oates Reserve.
With its picturesque setting and passionate community support, it promises to be another memorable day of racingso head down to the river and soak up the action in stunning Kiama.
Check here for road closures on the day: https://www. google.com/maps/d/u/0/ viewer?mid=1F4CAo-41t2k-
‘This was a vision we had 10 years ago’:
Kiama Hockey Club wins two premierships
Lleyton Hughes
For the first time in its history, all four of Kiama Hockey Club’s women’s teams played in grand finals over the weekend - with two of them walking away as 2025 premiers.
Held at the Illawarra Hockey Centre in Unanderra, the day began bright and early with fifth grade hitting off at 8:50amand setting the tone for a strong showing.
“We had a big crowd turn up,” said Kiama Hockey Club committee member Emily Wright.
“The fifth grade women kicked off at 8.50 and that was a pretty tight game.”
“They came away with a 1–0 win, so that was a pretty good way to start the day.”
Next up was fourth grade, who were down 1-0 for most of their match. A short corner in the final moments gave them a last chance, but they were unable to convert and went down 1-0.
“We won the third grade game after that quite convincingly. That was a 5-0 win - a great result,” said Wright.
The final Kiama match of the day was second grade, and it was a thriller. Kiama jumped out to a 2-0 lead before their opponents clawed it back to 2-2.
A penalty stroke gave Kiama the lead again, but Uni hit back to level at 3-3.
the club in the future – and maybe attract more players.”
Wright said the success of 2025 is the result of years of planning and investment in local talent. “This was a vision we had probably ten years ago when we started to grow our juniors, knowing that one day they’d feed into our senior teams. Now we’ve got a really strong senior comp.”
Then, in the final three minutes, Uni scored again to take a dramatic 4-3 win in a cliffhanger.
Despite the close losses, Kiama walked away from the day proud - with two premierships and two tight matches.
“Everyone’s just really stoked,” said Wright. “It’s just rewards for all the effort that’s been put in throughout the year.”
“It also allows us to look at how we can continue to grow
“The girls celebrated with cartwheels at the end of that game - everyone was so pumped and excited.”
“Kiama is quite unique in that we’ve got a lot of girls coming through. Our junior girls and women’s teams are really strong across the association.”
Looking ahead, the club has its sights set on strengthening its men’s sides and finally fielding a first grade women’s team in 2026.
“We’ve always aimed to have a first grade team - that’s the pinnacle - and we’re getting close. Considering how well our second and third grade teams went this year, we’re hopeful we’ll be there soon.”
The teams wrapped up their big day with a celebration at Kiama Bowling Club, which Wright thanked for its ongoing support of the club.
Kiama Men’s Shed carves out plaque to honour rugby club’s premiership triumph
Lleyton Hughes
The Kiama Men’s Shed has honoured Kiama Rugby Club’s 2025 premiership win - their first in 22 years - with a specially made plaque commemorating the historic victory.
The presentation was held at the Men’s Shed on Tuesday, where committee member Steve Dalton presented the plaque to Rugby Club president Mark Redding. “This has been a collaboration by a number of people - and ‘collaboration’ is the key word for the Men’s Shed,” said Dalton.
“Sometimes we're at each other's throats, but generally it’s a good collaboration.”
Dalton thanked fellow members Ralph Steel, who designed the plaque, along with members Phil, Alan Chris, and himself for their work in bringing it to life.
The plaque features the Kiama Rugby Club coat of
arms, an inscription of their 2025 premiership win and a Latin phrase: "Cave tauros nigros et albos incurrentes" - which translates to: "Beware of the black and white bulls charging," in reference to the club’s colours and mascot. Crafted from Kiama red cedar using the club’s new BlueCarve CNC machine, it’s also the Men’s Shed’s first-ever 3D carving.
Dalton said he hopes this marks the beginning of a longlasting relationship between the Men’s Shed and the rugby club.
“We hope this is the start of a great connection between Kiama Rugby Union Club and the Kiama Men’s Shed.”
Redding was clearly moved by the gesture.
“That’s pretty spectacular,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve seen the finished productaside from a little prototype Ralph showed me a few weeks ago - but it’s really impressive.
“We’ll find a great spot for it in the clubhouse, probably next to the team photo celebrating not only the first grade premiership, but also the club championship.” The connection between the two clubs is already strong, with many Men’s Shed members being former Kiama rugby players. Redding joked he may soon be joining their ranks.
“I’m getting closer to Men’s Shed age myself,” he laughed. “I retired last year, so I might be seeing more of you fellas soon.”
The presentation concluded with Men’s Shed member Ian Yebbsley thanking Redding for his past support.
“When Mark retired, he donated all the hardware from his workshop to us - so we just want to thank you for that, Mark,” Yebbsley said.
The presentation was a fitting tribute to a historic season for Kiama Rugby Club.
KIAMA WOMEN'S 3RD GRADE
Kiama Pharmacy
Bowlo
Elders Real Estate IGA
Jamberoo Bowlo Post Office
NSW Services Sebel Hotel Blue Haven Bonaira
Burnetts On Barney Kiama Smash Repairs Kiama Library
IGA
Gerringong Bowlo Gerroa Fishermans Club Newsagent
From three wins to double glory? Knights
Lleyton Hughes
In 2024, the Kiama Knights won just three games all season. A year later, they’re on the verge of claiming their first Group 7 Rugby League grand final victory since 2019.
The turnaround has been driven by the return of key players such as fullback Brad Killmore and halfback Cameron Vazzoler, as well as the signing of five-eighth Sam Hooper. Their first grade ended the season equal first with grand final opponents Shellharbour Sharks.
The Knights have carried that momentum into the finals, defeating Albion ParkOak Flats 30-28, and then toppling the Sharks 22-16 a
week later to earn a valuable week off - something coach Matt O’Brien said was “a great reward”.
“We trained on the weekend and simulated some gametype stuff,” said O’Brien.
“But I reckon anyone who says a week off is bad is crazy. At this point in the season, any opportunity to freshen up the body is a good thing.”
Kiama have won two of their three clashes against Shellharbour this season, but O’Brien isn’t underestimating their opponents, who are heading into their third consecutive grand final.
“They’ve got class across the park - two strong frontrowers, a classy halfback, powerful centres, and mobile
eye full club turnaround
back-rowers,” he said. “It’s a very even match-up.
“You don’t make three grand finals in a row by luck. They’ve been building with a consistent squad for years. It’s going to be a great game.”
As for his own team’s mindset, O’Brien said the focus will be on treating the grand final like any other match - and not getting overwhelmed by the occasion.
“Grand finals usually go down to the wire, so we’ve got to be willing to play for 80 minutes and not get bored or frustrated,” he said.
“We’ve been improving every week. It’s great to have our reserve grade side in the big dance as well - we’re training together Wednesday
and Friday, and then it’s game day Sunday. We’re used to that. We’ve been playing on Sundays all year, so it honestly doesn’t feel that different.”
The Knights will field six players who were part of their 2019 premiership teamThistlewaite, Atkins, Vazzoler, Martin, Poole, and Angelbringing valuable big-game experience to the squad.
One of the most talkedabout comeback stories is half Cameron Vazzoler, who was diagnosed with GuillainBarré syndrome in 2022. The rare autoimmune disorder left him in a wheelchair, and he spent 18 months learning to walk again. Now, he’s back leading Kiama toward another title. “He’s
got a deep competitivenesshe’s a winner,” said O’Brien. “First and foremost, we’re just happy to see Cameron back playing well. And he and second-rower Tom Angel have formed a deadly combination down the left edge all year. It’s just so good to see him back playing great footy.”
O’Brien praised the broader club culture for bouncing back from a tough 2024 to now have both grades playing in grand finals. “The club has set everything up perfectly, and it’s a credit to them,” he said. “But it doesn’t work unless the players buy in.
“Everyone - from the fullback in first grade to player 20 in reserve grade -
has done that. It makes a huge difference when everyone’s supporting each other.”
O’Brien is hopeful a strong crowd of Kiama supporters will be there to cheer both sides on at Centenary Field, Albion Park, on Sunday (28 September), with reserve grade kicking off against the Stingrays of Shellharbour at 1.15pm and first grade against the Shellharbour Sharks at 3pm.
“We’ve had great support all year - even on some terrible, rainy days up at the Showground - and we’ve always had the crowd behind us,” said O’Brien. “We’ve got two teams in the grand finals, so I don’t expect anything different this weekend.”
The Kiama Knights first grade grand finalists. Photo @SticksPix_
The 2019 Kiama Knights premiership team. Photo Kiama Knights
The Kiama Knights reserve grade grand finalists.
Photo @SticksPix_