The Bugle News 28 November 2025

High-rise casts doubt on Lions Cottage’s future

Paul Suttor

Kiama’s Lions Cottage faces an uncertain future due to the prospect of the Shoalhaven Street Precinct high-rise development.

The Cottage is within the northern border of the two-hectare NSW Government-led rezoning proposal for the Kiama Council-owned Precinct. It has been leased to the Lions Club since members rejuvenated the derelict cottage in 2017 and after opening in December the following year, it has operated as a respite service for carers, offering short-term accommodation.

A new four-year lease for the Cottage kicked in earlier this month and runs until the end of 2029, however the facility could be under threat if plans to turn the area into a 450-home development come to fruition.

The Lions Club has entered a detailed submission to the NSW Planning Department’s online feedback portal on the Precinct, which has been declared a State Significant Development, outlining why it is such a valuable community asset and that “any rezoning decisions ensure the protection of the facilities ongoing use as a respite centre”.

A Council spokesperson said “the Cottage and its property are wholly owned by Kiama Municipal Council and leased to the Lions Club, which rents the cottage to respite carers or on the open

market. “Currently, the land is zoned E4 General Industrial under the Kiama Local Environmental Plan consistent with the rest of the precinct. This is not appropriate zoning for a residential building.”

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has reiterated no development can occur until rezoning is complete, no Development Application has been lodged and the images of a 450-home development during the NSW Government’s exhibition are illustrative only.

Lions Club members from Kiama, Gerringong and Minnamurra, transformed the abandoned cottage eight years ago with help from local businesses and community groups, and volunteer work by tradespeople and residents.

It is used by families throughout the Illawarra for respite and for no more than 52 days annually, it is booked out as an Airbnb to help fund its running costs.

Lions Cottage manager Cheryl Moses said the building’s restoration was pretty much all done by volunteer labour and donations.

“It provides respite for carers. That's the ultimate aim of this cottage,” she said.

“Sometimes the carers themselves come if they can arrange care for the person they're looking after at their own place. Other times they bring the person with them and have a lovely holiday here.

“The carers pay a very nominal amount. It's not a money-making venture at all. It's all about providing care. The holiday bookings help pay for maintenance. Without that, we definitely would make a loss.”

Moses hopes when Council and the State Government finalise their plans for the Precinct that the Cottage is spared from the wrecking ball.

“It would be a shame to see this demolished. I would love to see it stay as it is,” she said.

“If that's not possible, I would hope that Council could compensate us somehow with one or two of the units that are going up in the new place.”

Fellow Kiama Lions Club member, Deirdre Backhouse, is also the co-ordinator of the Illawarra ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long COVID Support Group and she said the feedback from carers who use the Cottage was universally appreciative.

“For a lot of people in our group, we really, really, really want to be looking after the carers. And if they can access things like the carers' cottage, it's life-saving for some of them,” she said.

“Carers are desperate to find anything that they possibly can to have respite. They're literally crying to me.”

She added that due to Kiama’s population having a median age of 48 in the 2021 Census, nearly a decade higher

CONTINUED - PAGE 2

Cheryl Moses and Deirdre Backhouse at Lions Cottage.

Photo: The Bugle

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Neighbours lifting neighbours at Everyday Table

People from all walks of life — chatting, smiling and sharing a meal — have been gathering each Wednesday at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre, turning strangers into familiar faces. What began as a simple idea to bring people together had quickly grown into one of Kiama’s most welcoming weekly traditions.

The Everyday Table opened eight weeks ago, created by Esther and Nathan Keenan as a place where anyone could walk in, pick up affordable groceries, sit down for lunch and feel a sense of belonging.

“We’ve always had a heart to just bring people together, so people feel like they belong to something,” Esther Keenan said.

The couple’s instinct for community support dates back to COVID, where they cooked free sausages and poured coffees at the lighthouse for locals on their daily walks. When restrictions eased, the Keenans continued to look for a meaningful way to bring people together — The Everyday Table became their answer.

By last week, the pantry had doubled in size and the long lunch table had become a reliable meeting point for newcomers and long-time locals alike.

The pantry operated on a simple principle: every visit helped someone else. Shoppers could buy low-cost groceries, fresh

produce and complimentary items sourced through Good360, including toys and household supplies.

“Even a $10 donation goes towards the complementary items we purchase, because we don’t charge for those,” Keenan said. “It means families who can’t afford a present for a birthday party can pick one up, or parents can get something for their own child’s celebration.”

Local businesses have played a role in helping keep the shelves stocked. Cafés donated meals, while Jamberoo Valley Seedlings and The Passion Project supplied fresh produce. Some of the seedlings had already been planted in the new garden outside the centre — a project proudly overseen by the Keenans’ 10-year-old son and his grandfather.

“The idea with this was that we could use it for our free lunches, and people could take home the excess,” Keenan said.

Inside, the pantry expanded almost as quickly as the garden. “We started with two shelves and by week seven we’d got four shelves plus a table of fresh produce,” she said.

But despite the warm atmosphere, Keenan said some visitors were hesitant to step inside, unsure if they “qualified” for lower-cost food or worried they might be taking from someone else.

“Everyone’s welcome. That’s been the conversation with so many people,” she said. “It’s not just for people

who look homeless or like they’re struggling. The reality is everybody needs a little bit of help at times.”

The location at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre was chosen for its accessibility, with convenient parking making it easier for new visitors to drop in. Kiama Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, who helped secure the venue and storage space, said the real magic happens around the tables.

“It’s as simple as having a chat,” Tatrai said. “The stories you hear — they’re amazing.”

She recalled one man who had worked as a plumber in Kenya and continued to sponsor a girl there, ensuring she could stay in school and attend activities she otherwise couldn’t afford.

“That came from just having a chat over the table,” she said. With December approaching, the program has shifted into festive mode. Starting next week, volunteers will begin preparing Christmas hampers for 30 families across Minnamurra Public, Kiama Public and Kiama High, guided by student support staff who identified those with the greatest need. New Lego sets and age-appropriate toys are also available for parents who need help with gifts.

“We think it’s really important that we don’t just ask for help — we give it to our community as well,” Keenan said.

The Keenans also supported the Leagues Club’s Christmas Toy Drive

alongside Waminda, with fairy lights and Christmas carols planned to add some festive warmth to the neighbourhood centre as volunteers helped wrap Christmas presents.

Free lunch is served each Wednesday from 11.30am to 1.30pm, though many linger long after the food is finished.

“People have said, ‘I don’t know anyone in town, so we came to meet people,’” Keenan said. “Then in that first week I saw them four times in town and said, ‘You obviously now know somebody.’”

Small moments stand out — like a parent who told Keenan they couldn’t afford a bag of potatoes for their kids after doing the rest of their supermarket shop.

“If we can just help in tiny little ways — a bag of potatoes here is $2 — that makes a difference,” she said.

Donations to the nonprofit are tax-deductible. Tatrai said word of mouth is just as important as financial support.

“The more people who know this is available, the more people find belonging somewhere,” she said. “And just because you’re not hands-on doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to help,” Keenan added.

For the Keenans, The Everyday Table proves community doesn’t have to be complicated. Come as you are, share a meal, pick up what you need, and help make someone’s day a little easier — including your own.

Lions Cottage under threat

FROM PAGE 1 than the state average, there is huge demand for facilities such as Lions Cottage.

Deirdre’s husband, Ian, is also a Lions Club member and the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club boat captain.

He said the land where the Cottage is situated was also used for Lions Club’s Return and Earn recycling program, which nets up to $10,000 a year to fund local projects, and a shipping container is also kept on site which houses a lot of the equipment they need for its work in the community.

“That money is channelled back into community assistance or assisting other needy groups,” he explained.

“So the depot is a really important part of our operation.”

The NSW Government is \ increasing the housing supply statewide and the plans for infill development at Shoalhaven Street and three multi-storey proposals for Akuna Street are causing angst in the Kiama community. Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the recent planning reforms would not disregard the opinions of councils.

“Local voices will always be included in decision making for planning but the Minns Labor Government has made housing, housing access and affordability our priority,” she said. “People need to be able to access affordable rental properties, they need to be able to access affordable properties to buy, particularly in regional communities which are also bearing the brunt of the housing crisis that we face across NSW.

“As a state government we are using every possible option at our disposal to make sure housing is available to everybody in NSW and that everybody has a chance to live affordably close to where they work and to where their families are.”

Kiama Council advises that detailed planning, including building heights, design, traffic, parking, and public consultation, will occur later through the normal DA and Development Control Plan processes.

If and when the land is rezoned, Council will consult with the community on designs and outcomes and future provisions for charity clients.

Myah Garza

Truck driver tests positive to cocaine after crashing into bridge barrier

Dylan Penrose

A22-year-old has been handed an infringement notice following a road incident on Saturday morning, in which an excavator he was transporting made contact with Terralong Street’s new overhead rail bridge barrier.

The bright yellow structure was installed just last month in an attempt to reduce the damage of overheight vehicles on the trainline above, with a maximum height allowance of 3.4m. With the assistance of

passersby, the driver was able to reverse out before the earthmoving equipment could cause further damage.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 11:10am, but the driver had left by the time Lake Illawarra Police District officers arrived.

He was spotted driving on South Kiama Drive a short time later, where he was subjected to a roadside drug and alcohol test. Although test results for alcohol were negative, the driver allegedly returned a positive reading for cocaine. The sample has been sent away for further analysis.

He was issued with an infringement notice for disobeying a low clearance sign, which carries a fine of $4783 and 12 demerit points. He was also banned from driving for 24 hours.

The new steel structure has been designed to move upon impact, absorbing contact.

The bright yellow barrier plus the signs saying “LOW CLEARANCE 3.4m” and “DETOUR FOR HIGH VEHICLES >” should have been enough of a warning for the driver.

The protective beams were repaired on Monday morning.

Melbourne artist turns Terralong underbridge into super work of art

Kiama’s Terralong Street underbridge has undergone a vibrant transformation courtesy of the artistic stylings of acclaimed Melbourne muralist Jimmy Dvate.

During his two-week stay in Kiama, the visionary completed two ornate and colourful pieces, the second of which can be found on the wall beside Diggies Café.

Since he began street art in 1999, Dvante’s brushstrokes have been responsible for hundreds of eye-catching artworks, bringing his detailed depictions of Australian nature and rural wildlife to silos, water tanks, and walls across the country.

To inform his work, Dvate undertakes environmental research, and often collaborates with conservation groups and local photographers. He says that this is almost as fun and rewarding as creating the painting itself.

“I really enjoy delving into the local area and finding out

what's unique to that area, and trying to highlight stuff that people might not know about,” Dvate told The Bugle.

“It means I get to see places that I've never been before, and different environments and different types of habitats. And it drives viewers to those locations, which is really great for communities.”

For Kiama, Dvate chose to illustrate an Eastern Ground Parrot (photographed at Butteroo National Park by Ellie Summerhayes), an Eastern Bristlebird (photographed at Barren Grounds Nature Reserve by Brett Mezen), and an Illawarra Zieria plant, all of which are endangered species found in the area. The second mural is of a Variegated Fairy Wren.

Plenty of behind-thescenes work goes into Dvate’s designs before he even shakes the paint can.

He sometimes spends days trying to source the materials and reference imagery that best aligns with the canvas’ composition and the environment's surroundings.

He presented Kiama Council with a number of options, working with them closely to conclude which one best conveys a local connection.

“It's a bit different than painting in a studio, where you're just painting exactly what you want. It's working with the community to come up with something that's going to work for everyone,” Dvate said.

“I feel it's my duty to come up with something that's appropriate and that has some connection to the local area.

“I paint this mural, and then I leave. But everyone else lives there, they see that mural every day.”

Dvate says he is thankful for the positive interactions and overwhelming support from the Kiama community, and is likely to return in the near future.

In the meantime, he is looking forward to painting more murals on private water tanks, and an upcoming project with the Victoria Fisheries Authority.

Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice

Dylan Penrose

Keeping Kiama Kiama: building heights and the future of our town

Net gains for South Coast seafood industry

The NSW Government wants to hear from South Coast aquaculture businesses after launching a $20 million program to strengthen the state’s seafood industry.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty and Kiama MP Katelin McInerney at Lake Illawarra announced the Aquaculture Industry Development Program, designed to boost productivity and sustainability across farming operations for oysters, mussels, kelp and algae, plus freshwater and marine fish hatcheries and bioproducts.

This grant program builds on the government’s Aquaculture Vision Statement released last year to deliver a strategic pathway to achieve the goal of doubling the state’s aquacultural farmgate production to $300 million by 2030.

Aquaculture and commercial fishing industries will have

access to two targeted funding streams, offering grants from $500,000 to $2m for projects focused on infrastructure upgrades to support growth and productivity, such as equipment, and businesses aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote reuse and regeneration of materials, such as processing of oyster shells.

“There's significant aquaculture businesses here in this part of NSW, and we want them to have every chance of success and growth into the future,” Moriarty said.

“We want people to apply for support to grow their opportunities for bigger businesses, to grow jobs, to produce more produce here in NSW, and we also want the industry to be even more sustainable.”

Moriarty also dropped by Shellharbour Airport to confirm a $1.7m investment for Performance Aviation to expand its operations.

Kiama is at its best when we come together on the things that matter, and over recent weeks, you’ve made it clear just how much the future of Kiama’s town centre means to you.

I met this week with our local MP, Katelin McInerney, to talk through two planning matters currently in front of us, and we’re united in wanting the same thing: a future for Kiama that respects our character and keeps the community involved.

My position is I do not support the proposal for a 14-storey building in Akuna Street. It’s out of character for our town and raises significant concerns we cannot ignore.

I understand the confusion about these two very separate NSW Government planning processes affecting central Kiama, one being Shoalhaven Street Precinct and the other being Akuna Street.

It’s important to

acknowledge that they are very different matters.

Shoalhaven Street

Precinct

Council has resolved to rezone the Shoalhaven Street Precinct, including the Works Depot, from industrial to residential under our Local Housing Strategy.

The NSW Government has declared this rezoning process State Significant.

Right now, this proposal is only about rezoning – no development can occur until that process is complete.

There is no Development Application (DA).

The images you may have seen are concepts from the NSW Planning Department, not approved designs, heights, or plans.

Detailed planning –including building heights, design, traffic, parking and infrastructure – will happen later through the normal DCP and DA process, with full community consultation.

Why this site? It’s in the

heart of Kiama, close to transport, shops and schools – an ideal location for housing rather than industry.

This was identified in our Housing Strategy, which was shaped with strong community input.

Your voice matters. I have been out and about listening to the community and your concerns and I can assure you that, when we reach the DCP and DA stages, you’ll help shape key details like height, density, and character.

For now, the first step is rezoning.

You can have your say on the NSW Government’s Planning Portal until 3 December.

Akuna Street

This land is privately owned by Level 33. Council is defending its planning controls in the Land and Environment Court because the Development Application was simply too much: too high, too bulky, and with major traffic impacts.

We didn’t choose to go to court - we were summonsed and are legally required to defend our position.

Separately, Level 33 has

asked the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority to declare the site State Significant and allow a 14-storey building. That is not a Council decision. I’ve written to Minister Paul Scully outlining community concerns. The letter was tabled publicly at the November Council meeting. I also note that our State Member has expressed her concerns. I will continue to meet with our NSW and Federal MPs and Ministers to advocate on behalf of our community.

Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal

As we look ahead to Christmas, I’m also inviting everyone to help brighten the season for local families through the Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal.

You can drop new, unwrapped gifts for children up to 14 years at Council’s Admin Building, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library or The Pavilion until 12 December.

Your generosity makes a real difference ... and it reflects the very best of Kiama.

Tara Moriarty, Katelin McInerney and representatives from the aquaculture and aviation industries. Photo: Ella Gunning

The gift of giving

Zoning, Local Housing Strategy, State Significant Development, State Significant Rezoning, Housing Delivery Authority … Over the past couple of weeks it has felt like ABC’s hit show Utopia has come to Kiama and we are doing enough planning and development for the entire nation.

It’s clear the face, shape and feel of our towns will change.

It would be impossible for the thousands of homes that Kiama Council is planning to not change something.

Now that the Local Housing Strategy has been endorsed by the NSW Government, the growth agenda has been formally adopted.

Council is still in the rezoning stage and no designs, DCP or DA has been lodged yet for a proposed eight storeys at the Kiama Depot Shoalhaven Street Precinct, and Mayor Cameron McDonald has been unequivocal that he does not support 14-storey buildings anywhere in Kiama.

Whether it’s three, six, eight, 14 storeys, or 40 hectares, as is the case for the South Kiama precinct – there will be change to our landscapes, rolling hills and main streets.

This has and will continue to be derided as change nobody wants.

But whether a town has some high-rise buildings, or whether it extends beyond existing boundaries does not fundamentally change what makes our town special – the community.

The Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal has kicked off and is a reminder to us all that even the smallest gift can

make the biggest impact on those who are less fortunate.

“With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on households, many families will struggle to afford gifts this year. Every donation, no matter how small, helps bring joy to a child and reminds them that their community cares,” he said.

With significant levels of rental and housing stress in the area, many in our community will not be able to give a gift to their little ones, so The Bugle is calling on the community to give, give, give. No matter how big or small, new (unwrapped) gifts for children up to 14 can be left at Kiama Council’s Giving Trees located at the Administration Building in Manning Street, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library and The Pavilion.

As we roll into December and the festive season officially kicks off, spare a thought for those less fortunate and will have to go with a little less over Christmas.

It is this demonstration of love, generosity and kindness that makes our community special.

Traditionally, our community has embraced this initiative with a plethora of gifts and goodies, and this year should be no different.

So among all the rage of population growth, high-rise buildings, car parking and boomgates, congestion and overdevelopment, the Bugle’s View is let’s take some time over the next couple of weeks to shift our focus to the gift of giving. Donations can be made until Friday 12 December 2025.

Sweet partnership so students can bee ready to reap rewards

Danielle Woolage

With HSC results looming, many students are anxiously waiting for a magic number - the ATAR - to determine their career path.

But educators have reminded students that, much like consulting a magic eightball for life advice, HSC results do not predict the future.

Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) project officer Jenny Watts knows this only too well. As the Illawarra’s Senior project Officer for the NSW Education Department RIEP program she helps students to explore career pathways, gain workplace skills and connect with employers as an alternative option to an ATAR.

A single number does not determine a person’s worth and HSC results, while they might hold weight in a short moment in time, they are not markers of future success. Exams are simply an opportunity for students to share the voluminous amount of knowledge they have gained over many years of education.

“There are many different pathways to success across a student’s high school journey,” says Ms Watts. “Some students are better at showing their knowledge theoretically, through written exams; others

practically, through hands-on experience.

“But at the end of the day how can a 16, 17 or even 18-year-old know for sure what they want to do with their life?” asks Ms Watts. “The RIEP program gives students all the tools and skills they need to find out what their passion is and if that’s what they really want to do.

“It’s a chance for students to do work experience with employers, with the possibility of school based traineeships or apprenticeships attached to the program. It’s essentially a trybefore-you-buy for students and employers. And no matter the pathway students choose, the RIEP program opens a range of opportunities, including casual or even fulltime employment, through positive networking.

“We engage every industry that you could possibly imagine, from hairdressing to plumbing to IT and bees, to agriculture and renewable energies, we cover it all.”

Recently Ms Watts teamed up with Burnett’s on Barney’s resident beekeeper Rachael Peedom to run a RIEP program for more than a dozen Kiama High School students.

“Students learned all about the amazing world of bees, from their life cycle and hive roles to how they make honey and play a vital part in keeping our planet healthy through

pollination,” explains Ms Watts.

Rachael, a master at engaging students through banter and hands-on learning, had the 17 students enthralled from the moment they stepped into their beekeeping suits.

“I always ask students ‘who wants to taste bee vomit?’ because essentially that’s what honey is,” laughs the Bee Inspired business owner, who - along with producing hundreds of kilos of honey each season - runs education programs for schools and homeschools across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

Rachael is one of dozens of small business owners partnering with the RIEP program to help students who may not want to go to uni, or pursue a traditional 9-5pm desk job, explore career options with the support of their teachers.

Dressed in full bee suits, students learned how to open active hives to spot the Queen Bee among the 40,000-strong population of honey producers. They also tested for the varroa mite and discovered the important steps taken to protect Australia’s bee populations from the devastating pest which, along with unseasonably wet weather, severely impacted last year’s honey production and yield. Kiama High School Year 10 student Aleita Dummett

joined the RIEP bee keeping program to “learn more about the industry”.

“I find bees and pollen really interesting and I learned a lot about the different roles of the bees in the hive, it would be cool to get some bee hives at school,” says Aleita.

Kiama High School careers adviser Greg Miller, himself an amateur bee keeper, jumped at the opportunity to “get students out of the classroom and into a real-world environment to learn about the magic of bees.”

“Our students have learned all about pollination and the importance of bees in the food cycle. One third of the food that goes on our plate is pollinated by bees so without them we wouldn’t have that food.”

Mr Miller said Kiama High School would look at expanding its agriculture program to include bee hives.

“Judging by the feedback from the kids, they really want to see some hives with a garden where we can contribute to the things that bees do in our community.”

And the cherry on top of the bee keeping session; students got to enjoy the fruits of some of their labour - honey from the Burnett’s apiary.

Any employers interested in getting involved in the innovative skills training program can email riep@det. nsw.edu.au.

EV rollout supercharges the Shoalhaven

Myah Garza

Thinking about a road trip? Driving across NSW in an electric vehicle is about to get easier, particularly on the South Coast, with the State Government announcing a $5.9 million boost to regional charging infrastructure.

There will be 159 new chargers in 48 locations across the state, with the biggest expansion in the Shoalhaven.

The latest round of the EV Destination Charging Grants will be supported by an additional $3.2 million in private investment.

The chargers, all powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, will be installed over the next year at popular rest stops, supermarkets, visitor hubs and key tourism destinations.

Shoalhaven will receive

19 new charging ports, addressing what South Coast MP Liza Butler says has long been a barrier for residents and visitors.

“Sydney is obviously the No.1 destination for tourists in NSW and No.2 is the Shoalhaven – people would not come if they can’t charge their vehicles, and we were a bit of an EV charging wasteland,” Butler said.

The region has one of the highest uptakes of EV ownership in the state, a trend Butler said is driven by falling prices and greater choice in the market. “With different brands on the market, more people are investing,” she said. “The Shoalhaven has one of the largest uptakes of EV vehicle purchases and then you combine that with people travelling here – we really needed to invest in that infrastructure.”

Local tourism operators have been feeling that demand too.

“I have a friend who owns holiday cabins in Bawley Point,” Butler said. “They used to book online, but now people ring up asking ‘where do I charge my EV?’ before they book.”

Until recently, charging options in many parts of the region were limited to slow “trickle charging”, often nothing more than an extension cord from a motel or cabin.

The new chargers now installed in Ulladulla and Nowra are super-fast models capable of topping up a battery in around 20 minutes. “By the time you go and walk or buy a coffee and come back, your car is charged,” Butler said.

More chargers are planned for Callala Bay, Vincentia and Huskisson. Shoalhaven

Council and installers are working through site options, with grid capacity a key consideration.

Council has also streamlined the development application process after the first Ulladulla charger took two years to gain approval. Butler said she pushed for the change.

“It’s only a charging station,” she said. “That process has now been streamlined– it shouldn’t take as long from now on.”

Sites are generally located near shops or town centres so drivers can make use of local businesses while they charge.

“It’s great because Council then gets rental money from the sites, and businesses benefit from the foot traffic,” Butler said.

“I’ve never seen traffic congestion anywhere, and I’m probably one of the most frequent users of EV chargers.”

Holiday periods show how vital the infrastructure has become. “At Christmas the number of electric vehicles on the coast is incredible because all the people from Sydney and Canberra come down,” she said. “They need somewhere to charge their cars – our area relies on tourism.”

Butler said the benefits will be felt environmentally and economically.

“By having charging stations that are easily accessible, it encourages more people to buy EVs. If you don’t have the facilities, you get range anxiety,” she said. “It’s important that we get to net zero, and if everyone does their little part in it we will get there.

“I like to see a vehicle that isn’t putting any emissions out, it’s better for the environment, better for people’s pockets … but we need that to attract tourism to get a visitor economy here which we really rely on.”

Kiama tobacconist shut down under tough new laws

Mitchell Beadman

Atobacconist in Kiama has felt the wrath of the NSW government’s new laws after being found to have breached the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 for the sale of illicit tobacco.

Located at the western end of Terralong Street, the tobacconist is one of 10 stores across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Riverina regions which have been shut down for 90 days and a bright yellow sticker affixed to their shopfront after being found in breach of NSW Health guidelines.

Health Minister Ryan Park said this action was part of the government’s efforts to “disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and illicit vaping goods to protect public health across NSW”.

“My message to retailers selling illicit tobacco or vapes is stop it now. If you’re doing the wrong thing, sooner or later we will come for you,” he said.

“This will take some time as we ramp up our closure activities, but this is just the beginning, and we want to reassure the community that we are targeting those retailers doing the wrong thing.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant believes the new measures are a step in the right direction.

“The new penalties and closure powers are an important step forward in reducing the appeal and availability of these products,” Dr Chant said.

“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in our community.

“The new closure powers

are another key tool to ensure we act swiftly and gain stronger oversight of the illicit tobacco and illegal trade to help protect public health.”

The new closure order powers in NSW started on 3 November which allows NSW Health to issue a shortterm (up to 90 days) closure order for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods or selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a valid licence.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in NSW Health has a statewide team with the equivalent of 48 full-time staff which has conducted more than 1260 retailer inspections this year. During this period, NSW Health has also seized more than 11.8 million cigarettes and 2000 kg of other illicit tobacco products, along with 170,000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $18.9 million.

With under-age vape use on the rise, research from the 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey suggests that the reasoning from teenagers is different to older age groups.

“Curiosity was the most common reason for vaping among people aged 14-17 (74%) and 18-24 (68%),” a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare said.

The store located at 140 Terralong Street has been closed for 90 days and can reopen on 17 February.

For concerned members of the community, NSW Health encourages the reporting of suspected breaches of tobacco retailing laws and the illegal sale of vaping on the NSW Health website.

A month of connection, achievement and community

November has been a busy month for Kiama Business Network, filled with events, community initiatives and achievements that highlight the strength and spirit of our local business community.

From networking opportunities to major fundraising efforts, November has set a strong tone as we head toward the end of the year.

Business Connect at The Collective Beat

We wrapped up October with our Business Connect evening at The Collective Beat Kiama, where KBN members gathered to share updates, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.

These evenings play an important role in

strengthening our business community, giving members dedicated time to promote their services and build relationships.

The atmosphere was warm and engaging, and we extend our thanks to Sheree Bailey and her team for providing such a welcoming venue and delicious feast.

Coffee Connect at Slow Dough

The ever-popular Coffee Connect was this month hosted by KBN members Lucy and Richard King from Slow Dough.

It was worth the early morning start. They provide just the right mix of a relaxed outdoor setting with delicious treats, creating the perfect environment for members to meet, chat and share ideas.

Conversations ranged

from upcoming events to shared challenges and new collaborations, making it another successful morning of community building.

KBN takes on the Kiama Ultra Challenge

Mid-month, KBN proudly supported and took part in the Kiama Ultra Challenge, a charity fundraiser based around ultra-endurance indoor rowing and cycling at the local surf club.

Our KBN team was a wonderfully mixed group of members with all levels of fitness, but everyone embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and plenty of encouragement.

The standout moment of the day was watching KBN member Nardia Guillaumier complete her incredible 100km rowing

Kiama Business Network:

challenge, contributing to an extraordinary $64,847 raised for charity.

It was a fantastic event to be part of, and the spirit displayed by the community was truly inspiring.

Local Retail & Food Map released

November also saw the soft launch of the KBN Local Retail & Food Map, a project designed to shine a spotlight on how many exceptional businesses Kiama has packed into its town centre.

In just a small cluster of surrounding streets, we identified over 100 retailers, cafés, restaurants and services, demonstrating the strength and diversity of our local offering.

This initial map release is just the beginning.

A larger, more detailed

version will be unveiled in late December, expanding across more areas and providing visitors and locals with an easy way to discover and support local businesses during the busy holiday season and beyond.

The project has already received excellent feedback and is set to become an ongoing fixture in our “shop local” efforts.

We’re excited to be working with local illustrator Felicity Gardner, whose talent will help bring this initiative to life.

Celebrating excellence: Saltwater’s national award

KBN recently celebrated the national success of one of its members, Saltwater café.

They were awarded the Australian Small Business Champion Award in the café category, a prestigious

achievement, triumphing over cafés from right across Australia.

This recognition is a testament to their hard work, exceptional service and commitment to quality.

KBN congratulates Gulcin Topel and her Saltwater team on an incredible and welldeserved win.

Looking ahead November has been a month full of connection, energy and impressive achievements within the Kiama business community.

As we prepare for the festive season and welcome the year ahead, KBN remains committed to supporting and promoting local businesses through collaboration, advocacy and communitybuilding initiatives. Please note - this is paid content

Gerringong Gazette

Combined

One of the club members, Noela, kindly made the wreath and vice-president Roger laid the wreath on behalf of the club.

Mark Emery

My sister, Merelyn Pearce, was born in Gerringong in 1951 and has lived almost all her life in the district.

She attended Gerringong PS, Kiama HS and spent a couple of years at MLC Burwood. I have fond memories of reading her collection of Phantom magazines and listening to ‘Abigail Beecher, my history teacher’, a great hit by Freddy Canon. Her greatest early-life achievement was being awarded a Queen’s Guide badge with other girls such as Lynn Prosser and Astrid

Medenis from the Gerringong Girl Guides.

Merelyn showed early on that she was a gifted artist. After high school she went to Sydney University to study English and Fine Arts.

She completed a Dip. Ed. the following year and became an art teacher. During this time, she met Bob Pearce, an Industrial Arts teacher. They married, moved to Gerroa where they still reside.

They raised three children, Emma, Cassie and Ben while Bob set up a business designing homes.

Merelyn gave up teaching to concentrate on her art full time. For many years she

created outstanding pieces from pottery.

In 1989 she changed tack and took up quilting. She never imagined her work could become part of a national collection.

Recently she was approached by "The Australian Quilt and Textile Collection" to acquire one of her works for conservation.

The Collection is focused on preserving the diversity of Australian quilts and their stories, as well as digitally and visually recording the quilt artists and makers.

It describes Australia's quilt history and provenance, as well as introducing unique

Merelyn’s quilt gains national recognition out &about Gerringong Rotary

A journey through science, policy, strategy and investment in pursuit of fairness

Dr Zara Fulton’s varied career has taken her through a BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, a master’s degree in public policy and a PhD in Structural Biology to a varied career working in science and consulting and her current position as Head of Investment at Remarkable, the start-up accelerator run by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Her desire to make a difference was formed at a very early age when one of her primary school friends died of leukaemia.

Her choice to study molecular biology was driven by a desire to understand disease.

From there, she became interested in the policy behind the research and worked in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources in Canberra.

Her next move was back to academia to research drug-resistant TB at Monash University, looking at the structure of proteins with a view to designing molecules to block disease-causing proteins.

Next, she moved to the Schipps Research Institute in

San Diego to do research into a possible HIV vaccine and to Johnson and Johnson to work on a universal flu vaccine and a vaccine against Alzheimer’s disease. Working on a project to discover a vaccine against an illness (Alzheimer’s) - the causes of which are not yet understood - led Zara to question how decisions are made as to what research to fund, who makes those decisions and why?

Often the answer came down to what could be profitably marketed.

Her interest in the financial decision-making side took her into strategy consulting and ultimately to where she is now, back in Australia with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA), formerly the Spastics Centre, as Head of Investment at Remarkable, CPA’s startup accelerator.

CPA is the oldest cerebral palsy centre in the world, started in 1945 by a group of families who believed that there was a future for their children with cerebral palsy.

CP is caused by a stroke in a baby and early intervention and therapy can make a huge

difference to outcomes.

CPA provides medical support, schooling and other therapies such as speech therapy.

CPA has set up the Remarkable Impact Fund that raises money and invests its funds in early-stage startups that have the capacity to make a difference to the lives of people living with disability.

Many of the inventions we now take for granted in everyday life started as aids to make life easier for those with disability, for example, the touch screen and SMS messaging.

Innovations that CPA is exploring include a self-driving ramp to help people in wheelchairs get on and off public transport and wearable head computers that can turn thought into action.

Inventions initially directed at disability make life better for everyone and Rotarians were spellbound listening to Zara’s tale of her journey through science and academia to consulting and now investing for impact.

New members and friends always welcome - see www. gerringongrotary.com.au.

Australian quilt artists.

It also enables the experience of viewing these works through exhibitions and study groups.

Quilts are housed in a specially designed container which has a humidifier and air conditioner to keep them in gallery standard condition.

Merelyn agreed to relinquish her favourite quilt to the collection.

This work, entitled "Wheelflower Medallion" is part of her celebration of the woodblock prints of Australian artist Margaret Preston.

It measures 245cm2 and is hand appliqued (hand stitched) and embroidered

with a massive display of Australian flora and fauna. It won Best of Show and the Hangers' prize at Sydney Quilt Show 2008 and went on to be awarded Best of Australia in 2008.

Merelyn said it was gratifying to know her work would go on for future generations to enjoy.

One of Merelyn's wall hangings is being raffled by the Gerringong Historical Society to raise funds for this outstanding organisation, similarly dedicated to the preservation of our past. Raffle tickets are available through the Society’s website.

Not a trivial matter$3000 raised for ROMAC

Gerringong Rotary’s recent Rotary Trivia Night was a huge success, raising $3000 for ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children).

All the money raised goes to bringing kids in the Pacific region who really need medical help to Australia for treatment.

In 1988 a Rotarian in Fiji realised that the Pacific nation had about a 25% child mortality rate because it lacked medical facilities, a situation that was repeated throughout Oceania.

ROMAC was formed and now about 40 children each year come to Australia for

medical treatment at no cost.

Medical services are donated, airlines sponsor their travel and billets house the family while the patient is in Australia.

ROMAC addresses issues like birth malformations, tumours and burns that would otherwise result in the child being hidden away, unable to live a full life with dignity.

Quizmaster Andrejs Medenis put together the questions and led the night. He put almost 70 participants through their paces including conducting them in singing some of the music questions. A terrific night was had by all.

Massive thanks to everyone who came along, to the Rotarians that worked so hard in the background planning and bringing the night together, to all the generous local businesses who supported the night with prizes (34 Degrees South, Daily Grind Coffee Roasters, Siang the Bali Shop, Natural Necessity Surf Shop, Khan’s IGA, Gerringong Bowling Club, Beyond the Beach Lifestyle, The Core Store and Belinda Doyle) and especially to Gerroa Fishermens Club, who hosted the event. Together they have helped change lives across the Pacific.

Gerroa

Probus Club attended Gerringong headland for Remembrance Day services.

Music Trivia and Much More for CMRI Gerringong

What a great night enjoyed by 230 music lovers at Gerringong Town Hall on Saturday 15 th November in support of Children’s Medical Research Institute Gerringong Committee. The hall was awash with colour and movement, light and sound as people turned the music trivia into a performance. Quiz master, Glenn Isemonger with DJ, Bruce Wallace (The Boys) kept the music, the questions and the action going while Mr Music, Chris Cutting, brought Elvis back to the building.

A fundraiser for CMRI Gerringong , it was hugely successful thanks to the generosity and support of the community as well as local businesses.

Many thanks to the following sponsors: Ray White Gerringong, Cronin’s Liquor, Coastal Flow Body Therapies,

Natural Necessity, Foxground Engineering, Gerringong Golf Club, Travel Managers, Kiama Toyworld, South Coast Hair, Gerringong Lions, Pete Matthes and Merelyn Porter. There was a multi draw raffle, dance competition , air guitar and trivia prizes.

Ellen Mystegniotis won the $500 voucher for Harbour Rock Hotel donated by Neil Campbell of Ray White Gerringong. Ellen was also a member of the winning team and she was happy to accept a bottle of wine along with other team representatives Rob Mitchell, Jody Lindsay and Warwick Lindsay. All ten team members won wine donated by Cronin’s Liquor. Competition in the air guitar, best YMCA team, twist and nutbush dance competitions was fierce .

Music from the 50’s through to the 2000’s challenged all the players to sing along, identify the bands, the singers and complete lyrics. Music lovers of all ages rose to the challenge and kept the excitement levels high.

CMRI Gerringong Committee is very grateful for this amazing opportunity to raise funds that will ensure the scientists can continue their work that will

improve health outcomes for all children. Don’t miss the CMRI Christmas cake stall on Saturday 6th December outside the Gerringong Pharmacy, Fern St from 8.30 until sold out.The cakes are home made and always very popular.

On Sunday 7th December there will be sausage sandwiches and a cake stall at Bunnings Albion Park ---the last fundraiser for 2025!

Beyond the ordinary:

True essence of expedition cruising

What makes an expedition cruise so different from a standard holiday at sea?

At its core, it is a style of travel that shifts your focus from the ship itself to the world around you. It’s about curiosity, discovery, and stepping into landscapes few travellers will ever see. While traditional cruises move from port to port on a fixed timetable, expedition cruising lets the environment set the rhythm. The result is a journey that feels alive, responsive, flexible, and filled with genuine moments of wonder.

One of the defining features of expedition cruising is its spontaneity. Plans can, and often do, change at a moment’s

notice. If your captain receives word that whales are feeding nearby, the day’s itinerary may be adjusted so you can witness the action from the deck or even a Zodiac. If the weather clears over a rarely accessible landing site, you might find yourself pulling on boots and stepping ashore somewhere few people have stood. These diversions are the essence of the experience. Every day brings the possibility of something extraordinary.

This style of travel also offers a depth of learning that most holidays simply can’t match. Expedition ships carry teams of specialists, such as naturalists, biologists, geologists, photographers, historians, and more. All eager to share their passion. You could be

listening to a glaciologist break down the life cycle of an iceberg, joining a nature photographer for a practical workshop, or stargazing with an astronomer. Wit these specialists you gain insights that change how you see the world. These experts are your lecturers, and your guides, and they help you interpret the landscapes and wildlife around you.

If your ideal holiday is less about following a script and more about embracing the magic of the unexpected, an expedition cruise offers that freedom. It invites you to step into nature’s classroom, travel with purpose, and return home with a deeper connection to the world.

When you’re ready to plan an expedition that goes beyond the ordinary, Travel Focus Group can guide you to the perfect voyage. Call us on 02 4209 2044 to start your adventure.

A common misconception is that expedition cruising is limited to Antarctica and the Arctic. While the polar regions are iconic destinations, the scope is far broader. You can explore the volcanic coastlines of Japan, kayak through Norwegian fjords, drift above coral gardens in Raja Ampat, or delve into the cultural history of remote Pacific islands. Every region has its own ecosystem, traditions, and stories, and expedition cruising gives you the chance to experience them up close, not from afar.

Uniting for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence

Carol Goddard

On a clear, blue Tuesday spring morning, men and women gathered for a most meaningful, sometimes harrowing, twohour community event.

Under the auspices of Shellharbour City Council and Zonta Club of KiamaShellharbour, community members launched of 16 Days Of Activism, an international campaign by Zonta to raise awareness of gender-based violence. It began in a sombre way on the lawns outside Shellharbour Civic Centre.

As I walked in, people were gathered in small, silent groups, listening to calming sound bowls so exquisitely

played by Barbara Jackson.

It was an atmosphere of quiet introspection, almost meditation.

On display on the lawn were three exhibits, full-length mirrors with shoes in front of each, artistically depicting three very sad statistics.

The first mirror told us three in four domestic assault offenders are men; the second, that one in four women are impacted by domestic violence in their lifetime, and the last, that one in 10 violent assault victims are young people.

A confronting display. Appalling statistics.

The ceremony started.

Master of Ceremonies

Bernie Hems of Kiama Community Radio welcomed

those gathered. Auntie Jodie Edwards, called upon to welcome us to Country, spoke powerfully of the history of violence in her own culture, and celebrated the strength of all women, and their nurturing and protection of children.

Guitarist Jessica Allen sang

The Beatles classic "Let It Be" and later, "Hero", made famous by Mariah Carey. These were the perfect songs, the lyrics so appropriate.

A moment's silence ensued as Bernie read names from a list. The names and ages of 45 women who have been killed by domestic violence since January. And then the list of unknown names killed. And then the list of child victims killed. This reading was done

as a mark of honour, and respect. As you can imagine, it was an impossibly sad and distressing few minutes.

The event continued inside the Civic Centre hall, and victims advocate Lisa Cotton was called upon to share with us her lived experience.

Her courage, bravery and absolute strength shone.

Suffering the most horrendous treatment over two decades, and with a child also being abused, she fought the system which she said had failed her.

She has over time courageously forged ahead to form Torchlight Foundation, and has helped many victims of domestic violence through her work in family crisis

From in-flight film to 1408km ride:

The GP taking on Tour de Cure for a better future

Lleyton Hughes

Jacqueline Sloan was on a flight from Sydney to Perth when she decided to put on a documentary to help pass the five-hour journey.

Little did she know that the film - about Tour de Cure, a group that raises money for cancer research through cycling and other eventswould set her on a path toward joining their signature ride.

That ride is a 1,408km journey with 20,663 metres of climbing from Canberra to Hobart. This year’s event marks 20 years of Tour de Cure - and, in a powerful coincidence, 20 years since Sloan was first diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I was flying to WA in July this year and watched the Tour de Cure documentary on the plane. It was so inspiring and I immediately wanted to be a part of it,” Sloan said.

“As soon as I knew it was TDC’s 20th year I felt I was meant to be involved. I was

already a keen road cyclist, and it was also 20 years since my breast cancer diagnosis - it just felt right.”

The ride is personal for Sloan, who has been diagnosed with cancer twice, has lost her father and aunt to the disease, and has spent the past 14 years as a GP in Gerringong supporting patients through their diagnoses. “I know the huge impact cancer has not only on the individual, but on their family and loved ones. I've lost many close relatives to cancer,

so I'm passionate about spreading knowledge and awareness around prevention and early detection,” she said.

“And raising money for research to find a cure and develop as many medical breakthroughs as possible. The possibility of discovering cures for more cancers is so exciting. I'm also driven to help so the next generation don't have to experience a cancer diagnosis or losing a loved one - and at least have more effective treatments.”

The Tour de Cure Signature

Tour she’ll be riding begins in Canberra, travels across the Snowy Mountains, through Victoria, across Bass Strait by ferry, and then down through Tasmania to finish in Hobart. It will be the longest and most challenging ride she has ever attempted.“There are some tough climbing days, and about 150–200km per day over the nine days of riding. It will definitely be physically challenging for me.”

Although the ride isn’t until March, Sloan is already getting excited. “I'm most excited to achieve the distance on the bike and to ride in the peloton with the wonderful TDC riders. I've been on training rides in Sydney and met a few of them already, and I can't wait to do the ride.

“People can visit my fundraising page: https:// signaturetour.tourdecure. You can also pop into Gerringong Medical Practice to buy tickets and I’ll be at the Kiama Farmers’ Market on 3 December, so come say hello.”

support. Her story, and her utter courage in telling it, was heartbreaking and admirable.

A panel discussion followed, with four experts answering questions posed by Bernie.

Becky Garrett of Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services

Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI), Dr Jodie Park, social work practitioner and podcaster from FamilyPathway Solutions, Legal Aid lawyer Alira Morey and James Mulholland, mentor and teacher of young Aboriginal men, were insightful, caring, helpful and informative.

The overriding message was how to recognise coercive control, the importance of

reaching out for help and that there are many avenues of help, with Legal Aid being the first step.

Tables set up at the rear of the hall by community organisations and help centres provided an array of leaflets and information.

The time, expertise and commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence given by all speakers was applauded by Rita Sullivan, president of Zonta Shellharbour-Kiama, in her closing remarks.

For all who attended, the message was made clear. This scourge of domestic violence is happening everywhere, every day. It can happen to anyone. Zonta says No.

Kiama’s history keepers celebrate 50 years of influence

Myah Garza

Kiama’s District and Historical Society isn’t just celebrating 50 years of survival, it’s celebrating 50 years of momentum.

The society marked its anniversary last Saturday (22 November) with a full house, cake cutting and appearances from Mayor Cameron McDonald, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips and Aboriginal patron Dr Aunty Joyce Donovan.

Vice President and Treasurer Tony Gilmour said the milestone reflects the society’s longevity and its growing influence.

“Plenty of organisations survive for 50 years, but not many are growing, expanding and increasing their influence,” Dr Gilmore said. “Survival is one thing, but prospering is something else.”

The society formed in early 1975 after then-Mayor Neville Fredericks called a public meeting to gauge community

interest in establishing a local history group. The answer was a clear yes, and within months, the society was up and running. Fredericks was also in attendance at Saturday’s celebration - exactly 50 years on.

What began as a small group - often just 10 people in a room - now regularly attracts standing-room only crowds.

Dr Gilmour said the society’s influence has grown just as quickly, becoming a central voice in discussions about Kiama’s heritage.

“If there’s a heritage issue in Kiama, the historical society is front and centre,” he said.

Jackie Sloan (Far right) with the 'Friday Flaps’ cycling group that she rides with. Photo Jacqueline Sloan

Tony and historical society Sue Eggins cutting the cake

Zonta President Rita Sullivan and Lisa Cotton

Zonta President Rita Sullivan and Lisa Cotton

Zonta Club of Kiama

Comforting each other during the ceremony

A Night of Music with Daniel Röhn

Christmas came early this year at Kiama Anglican Church with the gift of music.

On Sunday night, locals were welcomed once again to Santa Mental, a performance by world-class violinist Daniel Röhn.

Röhn comes from a long family line of violinists, with both his grandfather Erich Röhn and his father Andreas Röhn passing on their talent. He is widely regarded as one of today’s outstanding violinists, and Kiama is fortunate that he continues

to return for his classical concerts.

The performance featured works by Bach, Chopin, Debussy and more, with Röhn showcasing his skills on violin, piano, and even adding in moments of standup comedy.

A standout piece was the modern composition Cadeza by Penderecki. While the piece isn’t the softest, Röhn demonstrated impressive precision and complete control of the violin.

Audience members were heard sniffling during his rendition of Partita No. 3 in E, BWV 1006 by Bach, and he

closed the night with White Christmas by Berlin.

Encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves, Röhn said: “it's a moment for us all to just sit and see what the music does to us.”

In true Röhn style, the music continued longer than expected, but attendees were more than happy to enjoy the extra time. Röhn draws returning audiences year after year, and his Kiama supporters remain strong.

While another concert hasn’t been announced yet, Röhn told us to “watch this space!” so if you missed out, there may be another chance.

How to keep the bloom on the roses

What do we need to do to maintain our roses during late spring and into summer?

For hybrid teas, it is common for some of those blooms to become spent and gather botrytis due to excessive moisture.

We need to do a little bit of pruning, and that can be undertaken when you're actually cutting roses as a cut flower as well.

If you go back from where the stem emerges and count five nodes up, make a cut at 45 degrees, just above the node, and you can remove that flower.

That will then leave you

with ample foliage for the rose to photosynthesise by and produce another flush of flowers over summer.

So if you do that to the entire bush, you will end up with a rose that's been slightly pruned and well maintained, encouraging good, strong and new growth.

To get that new growth going, I would use either of these:

Sudden Impact for Roses:

This is a granular fertiliser and rose growers swear by it. You can also get it in a liquid form.

As you’re pruning, just keep your eyes peeled and look across your roses to see if there are any signs on the

new growth or the old foliage of things such as these little sap-sucking insects here, the aphids.

We could use a soapy water spray just to control those, but it's not a big population. You could just remove them by squashing them with your fingers if you're inclined.

So for rose maintenance, regular tip pruning or deadheading, keep them fertilised over late spring and into summer.

Make sure you have ample moisture and if you watch out for fungal diseases and insect pests, your roses are going to look just as stunning as all of the ones in Peace Park.

Veronica Bardsley

What’s On?

The Pavilion

Twilight Market

Fri 28 Nov, 1pm-7pm

Kiama Pavilion

The much-loved Annual

Pavilion Kiama Market is back - with a fresh new twist!

Shop local, discover unique gifts, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the festivities.

Sticks and Stones

Exhibition Fri 28 Nov - Thu 4 Dec

9:30am - 4:30pm

GLAM gallery, Gerringong

An exhibition and sale of Ceramics and Woodcraft by 2 Kiama Artisans.

Kiama Men’s Shed

– Open Day!

Sat 29 Nov, 9:00am–2:00pm

20 Eddy Street, Kiama

Kiama Mens Shed is opening its doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes look at their work supporting the wellbeing of local men.

Art and Craft Destash and Handmade Market

Sat 29 Nov

Masonic Hall, Kiama

Will provide to the public with 2nd hand art and craft supplies to purchase in addition to quality handmade products.

Pipes and Drums by the Sea

29 Nov, 11am-2pm

Saint Peter and Paul Church Hall, Manning St

Session 1 from 11am to 12:30

Session 2 - 12:45 to 2pm

A free lunch will be served between 12 noon and 1pm

Children’s Book Launch

1 Dec, 6:00pm Gerringong Library

‘Meg’s Farm, Alice Learns to Ride Her Pony’ by Margaret Lester

The Angels

Fri 5 Dec, from 7:30pm Kiama Pavilion

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

Starshine - Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac

6 Dec, 4:00pm Gerringong Co-op

World-class tribute to the music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, delivering the magic, energy, and iconic sound of one of the greatest bands of all time.

Kiama Craft Group

– Show & Tell 8th December, 10:00–11:30am

Kiama Uniting Church

Come along and see what we’ve been creating this year, and find out how to join our friendly group. All experience levels and all crafts are warmly welcome!

Lifeblood Donation

Pop Up

Tue 9 Dec - Sat 13 Dec

Kiama Anglican Church

This is a visit to give the locals a chance to give blood and save lives. Book in a donation today

Grand Christmas Street Parade Sat 13 Dec, 11:30am 13 Dec, 11:30am Queen Street, Berry

Including colourful floats, fire engines, vintage cars, community groups and a visit from Santa New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular & Family Fun Night ? Where?

31 Dec, 5pm Fireworks at 9pm, with carnival rides, other entertaining activities and food stalls

Neon Bushland with Rosie Deacon

Sat 3 Jan, 10am-2pm Bundanon, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo

A sensory delight for families and the young at heart. The installation is predominantly made from recycled and reused materials.

swings back into Kiama for cafe performance

Joe Mungovan is back with his new indie-rock single ‘Hurts’, released after a year of touring and creative growth.

From his childhood beginnings on the drums to the life-changing accident that led him to the guitar, Mungovan has built a career around his signature “groove-based indie rock” sound.

At nine years old, he had only one wish for Christmas: a drum kit.

“I was always drumming and hitting pots and pans in Mum’s kitchen until I begged them to buy me a drum kit.”

That first drum kit led him into the school band and countless afternoons making music with friends.

At 13, while skateboarding down one of Kiama’s steepest hills, Mungovan suffered a near-fatal crash, fracturing both femurs and spending months confined to a wheelchair.

Suddenly unable to drum, he picked up the guitar and unknowingly stepped into the next chapter of his artistic career.

Now a multiinstrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Mungovan blends catchy hooks with emotional depth, touring around Australia and

Pipes and Drums by the Sea

Europe. His music has earned airplay on Triple J, Double J, Rage and MTV, alongside nominations for an APRA Award, Golden Guitar Award, and APRA PDA, as well as an International Songwriting Competition finalist nod, and the title of Songsalive Australia’s 2014 Folk Singer/ Songwriter of the Year.

He has performed at major festivals, including the Queenscliff Music Festival, Caloundra Music Festival, Nannup, and Vivid, and shared stages with artists such as Lime Cordiale, The Vanns, Brad Cox, Gang of Youths, and more.

After COVID disrupted the tour for his 2020 album, he launched a ‘breakfast tour,’ performing morning shows in cafés up and down the East Coast.

Mungovan’s latest single ‘Hurts’ is his third release of the year.

With its music video filmed at the Kiama tennis courts, the track leads into his upcoming Hurts ‘breakfast tour’.

He performed last weekend at Milton and will be in his home town on Saturday morning at Becks Cafe in South Kiama, before concerts in Newcastle and Freshwater.

t was late 1965 when Mike McClellan first took to the stage at the Troubadour.

It was Sydney’s premier folk venue. Few among the audience that night would have been aware that they were witnessing the beginning of a career that would see the young man with the engaging tenor voice and remarkable guitar technique go on to become one of the most acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarists of his generation.

And it is even less likely that they would have conceived of him still enchanting audiences in 2025.

The depth and artistry of his writing, singing and playing has never waned across his long career.

Not long before he recently retired from radio, ABC broadcaster Richard Glover remarked, “Mike McClellan just gets better and better.”

Though seemingly ageless,

and with no desire to stop performing, Mike has suggested this tour will be the last long one he will undertake.

The concerts will feature songs from his entire career: his classic 1974 hit Song and Dance Man, his second hit, The One I Love, produced by Vanda and Young, his I Wonder Who You’re Waiting For, a new song from a wonderful series of late career albums, to his powerful Letter To America from his 12th album for which Bob Dylan gave him permission to use one of his lines.

Steve Britt recently wrote, “McClellan is still the consummate performer – a wonderful singer, guitar player and songwriter who keeps the audience in the palm of his hand”.

The Last Song & Dance? Saturday, 29 November from 7.30pm-10pm at Kiama Leagues Club.

Joe

Double triumph: Kiama helps deliver two national Oztag titles for Illawarra

Lleyton Hughes

Twenty Kiama Oztag players featured across the two Illawarra sides that claimed national titles at the Australian Championships in Coffs Harbour.

Held from 7-9 November, the tournament saw more than 75 Kiama players take part, with both the Men’s 35s and Men’s 60s teams advancing all the way to their grand finals - and taking home the titles.

“It was massive. Illawarra hasn’t had an over-35s team since the name changed from the Vipers to the Steelers a few years ago,” said Kiama Oztag Coordinator Keiron Duncan.

“So to go up there and win it is a massive achievement. We had nine Kiama Phantoms in that side, plus they were coached by Kiama’s Ben Cairncross.”

The Men’s 60s victory was also heavily influenced by Kiama talent, with 11 local players in the squad. The team was captain-coached by Kiama’s Ross Thomas.

Thomas said he was thrilled with the win when interviewed by Duncan following the final.

“I’m pretty tired after seven or eight games to get to the grand final, but winning eases every bit of pain in your body, that’s for sure,” Thomas said.

“It’s good to see all those 60s guys getting up and having a go - I really admire it. And for our guys, we were probably not the prettiest team, but we worked the hardest in defence, and at the end of the day that’s what matters.”

Thomas said the Over 60s competition was incredibly tight, with no easy games throughout the tournament.

“All the games were really tight - we had a couple of draws, then a 2-1 win, 3-1 win, 4-2 win - so all these teams were really competitive. I just admire all these older blokes and ladies who keep playing the game,” he said.

All but three Illawarra Steelers sides made the finals over the weekend, including the Women’s Opens team,

who fell agonisingly short in their grand final.

Duncan praised not only the Kiama players and officials but also the support across the broader region.

“It’s a collective effort where all our associations come together to show how strong we are as a region. Playing under that banner is a credit to all the committee members and to the level of talent in the area,” Duncan said.

‘Lifeblood of our club’: Cavettes weather the storm to revive finals hopes

Jamberoo pays tribute to cricket ‘legend’ Greg Harris

Eleeya Kahale

Jamberoo Cricket Club is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and respected figures, Greg “Chook” Harris, whose dedication to the sport and the wider community spanned more than five decades.

Club president Kyle Ferguson, who has known Harris for around 22 years, said Greg’s impact was felt across every part of the club.

“He held various positions including president, secretary and curator,” Ferguson said. “He’s a life member of our club and even up until last season he would still fill in and play in second

and fourth grade.”

Harris’ commitment to cricket was recognised nationally three years ago when he received the prestigious Cricket Australia 50-Year Service Award.

Over his lifetime, he played more than 500 games, a milestone few in South Coast cricket have ever reached.

“There wouldn’t be many players who’ve played that many games,” Ferguson said. “He was the lifeblood of our club.”

Beyond the field, Harris held a deep passion for developing young players.

His push to rebuild the junior program resulted in the club fielding two junior teams this season, which

Ferguson credits almost entirely to Greg’s influence.

“His main thing was getting people playing cricket and loving the sport,” he said.

Harris was also heavily involved in the Jamberoo community through organisations such as the Jamberoo Combined Sports Association.

His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief across Jamberoo, Kiama and the South Coast cricket community. “It’s been a massive loss,” Ferguson said. “He was known everywhere.”

When asked to describe him in three words, Ferguson said just one was enough: “Legend.”

Lleyton Hughes

In a weekend of abandoned matches due to wet weather, Kiama Cavettes returned to the winners’ circle for the first time since round one.

Playing Lake Illawarra at Bonaira Oval, Kiama sent the visitors in to bat. The openers started slowly and just as they looked to be settling, Annette Thornton struck in the sixth over to break the partnership at 22.

Farrah Cody worked her way to 24 before being run out by captain Brooklyn Brown - a moment that triggered a Lake collapse.

They tumbled to 2-45, 3-46 and then 4-58. With seven overs left, they managed to steady only slightly, finishing at 6-88.

Ava Sloan, Naomi Poole, Emma Ford and Brown each claimed a wicket.

Kiama’s chase started shakily, with Sloan caught for four at the end of the third over. Brown fell in the fifth, leaving Kiama at 2-24.

But a brilliant 71-run unbeaten stand between Carolyn Perry (47*) and Emma Ford (24*) powered

the Cavettes to a convincing victory on the first ball of the 13th over.

The win lifts them to fifth on the ladder and back into finals contention. They face the undefeated Kookas this Friday at home.

In the men’s competitions, Kiama’s third and fourth grade teams were among the few able to complete their fixtures.

Third grade made it two wins in a row, while fourth grade suffered only their third loss of the season.

Third grade met Shellharbour at Keith Hockey Oval, and before play, Kiama Cavaliers president Bernie Brown predicted: “Sheldon Hall has looked fantastic this season, and Saturday may prove to be his day with the bat.”

He wasn’t wrong. Kiama batted first, with Hall scoring a strong 43 off 51. But it was middle-order batter Daniel Reilly who stole the show with a superb 58 off 43.

Kiama compiled a commanding 8-240 from their 40 overs. Reilly then took 3-29 from eight overs to seal a clear player-of-the-match performance.

Shellharbour finished

at 6-163, with Hall also contributing 1-20 from five overs.

Fourth grade weren’t as fortunate, taking on undefeated Jamberoo in the western conference local derby.

Kiama batted well for 3-191 from their 35 overs, highlighted by Colin Bayley (50 retired not out), William Coghlan (39 retired not out) and Zach Gervaise (30*).

But Jamberoo’s batters dominated the chase, blasting 196 in just 24 overs at a run rate of 8.17. Heath Marsh and Bayley claimed two wickets each, but it wasn’t enough to slow Jamberoo’s momentum.

Fourth grade will travel to Albion Park this Saturday, while third grade heads to Oak Flats.

First grade didn’t bowl a ball in their washed-out home match against Bomaderry and will now prepare to meet topplaced Lake Illawarra.

Second grade were likely grateful for their abandoned match, having struggled to 8-88 from their 40 overs against Gerringong before play was halted at 1-24 after 4.3 overs. They meet Shellharbour away this weekend.

UNDER 14 GIRLS OZTAG

KIAMA SENIOR MINI-BALL

Urn-ing the best wave:

Kiama surfer joins Australian bodyboarding squad

Lleyton Hughes

Kiama dropknee surfer Juan Castilla represented NSW earlier this year at the 2025 Australian Bodyboarding Titles, and now he’s set to represent Australia in the firstever Bodyboarding Ashes.

The Bodyboarding Ashes 2025 pits Australia - featuring riders from Victoria and Sydney - against England, which is represented by bodyboarders from Bristol. The showdown takes place across three wave pools: The Wave in Bristol and URBNSURF in Melbourne and Sydney.

The competition, which began on 1 November, is being run entirely through FlowState, an AI-powered video and performance

analytics platform that automatically films and tracks the bodyboarders on each wave. “We’re running the Ashes entirely through FlowState with wave-pool clips only,” said Castilla. “Because it’s the first edition, there are no divisions this year. Each rider gets up to three submissions across the two-month window.”

The event is open to bodyboarders as well as dropknee and prone surfers, with competitors able to choose their best waves from any session during the two months. “You just submit your three best waves and your scores go into your country’s cumulative total. Those combined scores decide which country wins the Ashes. It keeps things open to all styles, from big airs to heavy pits, and

makes it feel like one big team effort rather than a bunch of separate heats,” Castilla said.

He added that the format is a major shift from traditional beach contests.

“There’s no luck around conditions or heat times, so it becomes more about pure performance and progression. You can surf different sessions, review your clips, then decide which three waves really show your best surfing.”

FlowState has become an invaluable tool for riders like the 45-year-old, allowing them to analyse and refine every detail of their technique - one reason Castilla is particularly excited to be part of Australia’s inaugural Ashes squad.

“Being part of the first ever Bodyboarding Ashes feels like we’re building something

from the ground up, and that’s exciting. For me it’s more of an opportunity for personal improvement. I'm focusing on the fundamentals: speed, style, power, and flow.”

He says wave-pool consistency has accelerated his progress. “I’ve been spending a lot of time at URBNSURF over the last year or so, and it’s pushed my surfing in ways that just aren’t possible in the ocean.

“The consistency means you can actually study every single wave and obsess over the details of your technique.”

Waves will be judged by four legends of the sport: Jay Reale, Jacob Romero, Ian Campbell, and Rob Barber.

“Knowing they are scoring your waves definitely lifts the standard and makes it feel like a proper international

showdown, even though it’s all happening online,”

Castilla said. Castilla has had a look at what the Bristol riders are producing and acknowledges the depth of talent on the English side, but he’s confident in his own progression - and says he may have discovered a subtle edge.

“There are some really good riders on the Bristol side, so the competition is legitimate, but I’m feeling pretty calm about it all.”

“One thing I’ve noticed is that the Advanced Turns and Advanced settings actually offer the best waves for dropknee, which is a bit strange since most competitors just focus on Expert mode.

“Expert gets all the attention because it’s the gnarliest setting, but for

dropknee the Advanced waves have this perfect combination of speed and wall that lets you really open up your turns and generate power. It’s a bit of a hidden gem.”

With the submission window running until the end of December, some competitors have already lodged their waves, while others - including Castillaare strategising. “We’re only in the early stages but there are already some solid waves on the board. A few of the boys have banked clips they’re pretty happy with, and others are playing the long game and waiting for the right session to push something bigger,” he said. Castilla has until 31 December to submit his three waves and complete his 2025 representation of both state and country.

UNDER 16 MIXED OZTAG

KIAMA DOWNS DOLPHINS

DOWNS DOLPHINS

Hawks frustrated after last-ditch miracle goes unanswered

Illawarra Hawks are looking to rebound from their agonising defeat to Melbourne United when they were denied a shot at overtime against the NBL competition leaders by a fraction of a second.

Hawks import JaVale McGee landed a Hail Mary from his own half as the buzzer sounded last Friday night at WIN Entertainment Centre.

But officials checked the replay and the ball left his fingertips 0.1 seconds after time expired.

The game-tying three was waved off and Melbourne United secured their heartstopping 105-102 win over the champions.

McGee did all he could to get the Hawks the victory after tallying 28 points and 11 rebounds in an inspirational performance from the threetime NBA championship winner.

The Hawks had led by a point with 29 seconds left after a Will Hickey tip-in but Finn Delany drained a three to put the visitors back in front.

After Tyler Harvey missed a go-ahead three, United extended their lead with a foul shot before McGee’s lastditch heaved swished into the basket just a moment too late.

United coach Dean Vickerman said he knew the shot “was pretty close to the siren. But I'm pretty pleased to be sitting here not going into overtime right now."

The Hawks trailed 38-33

after a high-scoring opening quarter, took the lead early in the second term but ended up trailing 58-52 at the main break with Melbourne veteran Chris Goulding heating up from outside the arc.

Melbourne were clinging to a slender 86-83 advantage heading into the final term and just did enough to hold on for the triumph. It was Illawarra’s third straight defeat, leaving them with a 4-9 record, and coach Justin Tatum was fuming.

"How do I describe my feelings and emotions? Disturbing, frustrated. We gave seven offensive boards in the fourth quarter. It's pretty tough to win games like that.

"I never get too high or too low.

"I don’t really get excited about anything until the final say-so. If it went into overtime, if it didn’t, we’re sitting right here. Obviously it was a loss, but it was a close loss to a really good team.

"I felt that my guys gave great effort, really trying to accomplish finishing the game.

“You want to find a way to finish the game, but we just have to finish up rebounding.

"We gave up seven offensive boards in the fourth quarter, so it’s pretty tough to win games like that."

Illawarra have a gap before they next hit the court, up against South East Melbourne Phoenix in Wollongong next Friday (4 December).

Pattison’s ton for Harbour washed away

Rain put a dampener on round seven of the South Coast cricket season on the weekend.

Three matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled - Ex Servos v Bay Basin at Hayden Drexel Oval, North Nowra Cambewarra v Lake Illawarra at Bernie Regan Sportsground and Kiama v Bomaderry at Kiama Sporting Complex.

Shellharbour were in the box seat against Albion Park due to an unbeaten Oran Pattison century at Scout Willoughby Oval. Pattison belted eight boundaries and three sixes in making 113 from 110 deliveries before the wet weather intervened.

Daniel Smith added 78 as the Harbour advanced to 4-240 from a tick under 40 overs.

The Kookas were in strife after being bowled out by Oak Flats for 120 at Oakleigh Park.

Opener Luke Bramble held the innings together with 54 with tailender Joshua Cuthbert’s 27 ensuring they avoided a

double-figure total. Rats seamer Nathan Morrow led the way with 4-15 with debutant Jarrod Ellmer bagging 3-38 and left-armer Keaton Ridley 2-17.

In this Saturday’s matches, Kookas are at home to Albion Park, North Nowra host the Rats, Lake head south to Kiama, Bomaderry and Ex Servos battle it out at Artie Smith Oval and Shellharbour travel to Sanctuary Point to face Bay and Basin.

Ladder: Lake 44, Shellharbour 40, Kiama 38, Bay and Basin 36, North Nowra 31, Bomaderry 27, Albion Park 19, Oak Flats 17, Kookas 15, Ex Servos 9. In the women's competition, the Kookas maintained their grip on top spot with a ninewicket win over Albion Park at Albion Oval.

Kiara Shelton topscored with 26 at the Park made 5-97 from their 20 overs with Christine Dragovic taking 3-18. The Kookas reached their target with 7.5 overs to spare with Jaime Bowmaker unbeaten on 35

after April Wells smased 45 before retiring.

Oak Flats enjoyed dual victories with the Ratettes (4-144) downing Ex Servos (4-76) and the Ratatouilles (4-168) accounting for Shellharbour (4-120).

Anne Boatswain smashed 66 against Ex Servos while Jessica Bramble (82 and 2-9) was the star of the win over the Harbour.

In the other game, Kiama chased down Lake Illawarra's 6-88 for the loss of just two wickets at Bonaira Oval.

Carolyn Perry (47) and Emma Ford (24) combined for a 65-run partnership after the Cavettes were in a spot of bother at 2-24.

This Friday's games feature Shellharbour v Ex Servos and the Ratatouilles v Lake at Myimbarr, Albion Park hosting the Ratettes at Albion Oval and the Kookas flying south to Kiama.

Ladder: Kookas 20, Ratatouilles 18, Lake, Ratettes 14, Kiama, Albion Park 10, Ex Servos 8, Shellharbour 2.

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Kiama High: Kiama Out and about

The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.

Immersion Day

Lights, camera … surprise!

Step into the spotlight and spin the wheel of creativity in Theatre Roulette - the most unpredictable, high-energy theatre sport group around.

Each week, we’ll draw a new genre or theme at randomfrom musical theatre magic to dramatic monologues, improv comedy to flash mob choreography.

One moment you might be belting out a Broadway number, the next you’re crafting a quick-fire skit or inventing dance moves that would make a pop star proud!

This is a space for bold voices, big imaginations, and fearless performers.

Whether you love acting, dancing, singing, or just diving into the unexpected, Theatre Roulette will keep you on your toes and in the spotlight.

Duo dazzle at Folk By The Sea

Congratulations to Bowie Egan and Aurora Badami, who proudly represented Kiama High School at the Folk by the Sea Festival.

Both students performed two solo songs, showcasing impressive vocal talent and musical maturity.

They opened the evening program alongside professional musicians, showcasing their dedication, confidence, and outstanding performances.

Scoping out BlueScope

A number of Kiama High students visited BlueScope at Port Kembla to explore the wide range of pathways and opportunities available in one of the Illawarra’s largest industries.

Students were amazed by the scale of the steelmaking operations and heard firsthand about the company’s push towards sustainable energy and greener processes.

Kiama High shines at Zone Beach Volleyball Day

Kiama High had a fantastic day at the Shoalhaven Zone Beach Volleyball competition held at the picturesque North Narrawallee.

With four boys’ teams and four girls’ teams representing the school, the day was filled with exciting matches, great sportsmanship and lots of fun.

The stunning beach location set the perfect scene for a spectacular day of volleyball.

Three of Kiama’s girls teams and one boys team qualified to advance to the championship day.

It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the importance of local industry in our region.

Asher picked for junior Wallabies

Kiama High is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Asher Chapman, who has been selected in the Under 16 Australian Wallabies rugby union team.

This is an exceptional honour and reflects Asher’s dedication, work ethic, and remarkable talent on the field.

Asher has enjoyed an impressive season with the NSW Waratahs U16s, where he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the competition.

His speed, impact in attack, and natural ability to create scoring opportunities saw him

Students make a splash at Swimming Carnival

Kiama High recently held its annual Swimming Carnival at the Kiama Leisure Centre.

It was a well-attended and energetic day, with excellent participation across all year groups.

Year 11 students once again helped set the tone for the event, arriving in creative fancy dress and contributing to a fun, inclusive atmosphere throughout the carnival.

Congratulations to Age Champions:

Girls

13 Years – India Binks

14 Years – Mila Ward

15 Years – Addison Diamond

16 Years – Lacey Pearson

17+ Years – Zoe Cox

Boys

14 Years – Owen Oswald

15 Years – Mason Ring

16 Years – Xavier O’Connor

17+ Years – Riley O’Connor

catch the attention of coaches and selectors at the highest level.

Throughout the Super Rugby U16s season, Asher consistently performed at an elite standard. He finished the competition ranked as the leader in four major statistical categories, highlighting his influence and reliability as an offensive weapon.

Asher’s selection in the national side will see him represent Australia in the upcoming fixture against the Queensland U17s, a significant step in the pathway toward higher-level rugby opportunities.

AUSTSWIM – Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Course

A motivated group of students are undertaking their Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualification at Kiama Leagues Club and Kiama Leisure Centre.

This course provides students with practical skills, industry-recognised training, and genuine employment opportunities in aquatic centres across the state.

Regional publishers call on politicians to unite behind News Bargaining Incentive

Country Press Australia has praised the Albanese Government for taking the first critical step toward making the News Bargaining Incentive law in Australia and has called on politicians from all parties to support this vital reform.

CPA president Damian Morgan said the Incentive is “a strong and necessary step toward securing the future of public interest journalism across regional Australia”.

The News Bargaining Incentive is a world-first policy, building on the success of the News Media Bargaining Code, which established ongoing payments from Google and Meta to news producers for the use of their content.

While Google has continued to make payments, Meta walked away. Now, with the draft legislation released for public consultation, CPA

is urging parliamentarians across the political divide to unite behind this next step in strengthening Australia’s independent media sector by securing payments from global social media companies, including Meta and TikTok.

“For too long, much of the advertising revenue that once funded local journalism has been captured by global technology platforms with monopolistic power,” Morgan said.

“These global social media corporations dominate the digital advertising market but invest nothing back into the communities from which they profit.

“Their business models depend on the work of journalists yet contribute nothing to sustaining the local reporting that keeps communities connected and

holds institutions to account.”

The impact of this imbalance has been severe. In some local government areas, there are now no independent journalists left to report on council meetings, scrutinise public decisions, celebrate local achievements and connect local communities.

“When local journalism disappears, transparency and trust in local democracy disappear with it,” Morgan said.

“The News Bargaining Incentive is a practical, bipartisan opportunity to help rebalance this inequity, to recognise the public value of journalism, and to sustain the people and businesses who produce it.”

Country Press Australia is calling for all members of Parliament to advocate for the swift passage of the legislation once consultation concludes.

Kiama High’s recent Immersion Day was a wonderful success, with over 140 primary school students coming onto campus for a day of culture, connection, and learning.

Students had the opportunity to meet and engage with the school;s Elders, participate in handson cultural activities, explore different learning spaces and experience life as a high school student.

The sense of community and respect shown by all students was outstanding and these opportunities strengthen relationships between the high school and local primary partners.

Year 7 are focusing on responsibility, including keeping hands to themselves, showing respect toward peers, and building positive and responsible connections within their year group.

These expectations help support a safe and supportive environment as we approach the end of term.

Year 9 are deepening their understanding of health and safety, with vaping awareness continuing through PDHPE lessons.

Students are exploring the health impacts, the role of peer influence, and practical strategies for making safe and informed choices both at school and in the community. Year 11 are well into their HSC preparation for 2026, with their first set of assessment tasks beginning last week. Alongside their academic focus, they are also fundraising for their final year of school.

This includes a Christmas raffle, featuring five fantastic hampers generously prepared by the Year 11 team. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5, and all funds raised will support end-of-year events and celebrations.

Roll the dice on theatre roulette

Unseen Enemy:

New Aussie action thriller packs old-school punch

Lleyton Hughes

The new film from Australian directing pair Salvatore Samperi and Mathew John Pearson, Unseen Enemy, is an all-out action thriller featuring organised crime syndicates, the Japanese Yakuza, Tae Kwon Do, Silat, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Judo, a missing girl, a private investigator who can’t return home to his family, and even a mullet-wearing bogan pimp.

In short, it packs a serious punch (and many punches).

The project grew out of the directors’ shared love of classic action cinema.

“I grew up loving ’80s and ’90s martial arts and action movies and wanted to explore whether there was a way to modernise some of the cool themes used 30-40 years ago,” Samperi said.

“Blending old-school fight styles and classic antagonistslike the Yakuza - with modern choreography was an absolute blast.”

Samperi not only codirected the film with Pearson and wrote the film but also stars in the lead role. He says

this shared love of action films made the co-directing process surprisingly seamless.

“It’s funny, because we’re a similar age and grew up watching the exact same movies - even though we lived in different countries. When it came to creative decisions, it was like we spoke the same ‘action language’ and went to the same ‘action school’.

We were naturally very in sync, and each decision was understood immediately between us,” he said.

Samperi plays compromised private investigator Levi Meli, who is pulled out of hiding to search for a missing girl.

The film hints at a traumatic past encounter with Yakuza gangsters that forced Levi to abandon his family.

As the investigation deepens, he finds himself battling not only the crime group behind the girl’s disappearance but also the ghosts - and enemies - he tried to leave behind.

Unseen Enemy was filmed across Sydney, from the western suburbs to the Hawkesbury River, from underground crime dens to high-rise hotels. Samperi says

he couldn’t imagine setting it anywhere else.

“When writing Unseen Enemy, I imagined myself living inside that world, and a

lot of that world was in my own backyard and places I love. Sydney and its surrounds have countless amazing filming locations, so we picked places

that fit the mood of the scene or matched the characters’ intentions,” he said.

The film captures Sydney not just through location, but through culture.

“To make this a Sydneybased action film, we needed to be true to the city’s culture and represent what Sydney stands for. I think we got the mix pretty close, and I’m really happy with the diversity of Sydney-based talent we brought into the project,” Samperi said.

Of course, the highlight of any action film is the action - and here, the film truly commits. With actors performing their own stunts and drawing on their real martial arts backgrounds, the fight scenes carry an intensity that feels both raw and nostalgic.

“All our actors and performers had legit martial arts backgrounds - they weren’t just actors trained for a role. First, we looked at each performer’s strengths, then structured the ‘story’ of the fight around that and worked out how we wanted the audience to feel. After that, it’s practice, practice, practice,”

Samperi said. Pearson agrees. “Multiple people have told me how intense the fight scenes are. I think it feels more visceral when performers take real hits and put their bodies on the line. The camera captures that, and the audience feels it. That said, we always work within boundaries to avoid real injuries,” he said.

With its mix of martial arts styles, cultural influences, street-level grit and highrise gloss, Unseen Enemy constantly pairs opposites - old and new, real and heightened, disciplined and chaotic. These contrasts create a film that feels messy in the best possible way: energetic, eclectic, and unapologetically fun.

Unseen Enemy is an exciting example of low-budget Australian filmmaking driven by passion, resourcefulness, and a genuine love for the genre - and it shows on screen. The film will premiere at Ritz Cinemas in Randwick on Wednesday 26 November with a post-screening Q&A with the directors, before officially releasing on 30 November.

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

Carol Goddard

I am not young.

In fact, there is now more time in my life for me to look back on, than to look forward to.

This is not sad, or frightening to me. It’s just a reality.

But I’m ploughing on through my days with as much verve, energy, positivity, excitement and bravura as I did when I was 15.

Then, the world was my oyster, I was invincible, I could achieve anything if I tried hard enough.

My grandfather, my mentor and huge influence on my young life, impressed upon me that there was “no such word as can’t”.

Though clearly there

was, I’ve always lived by his maxim. And run my life accordingly.

When I think about my own ageing, I have to say it’s all in the head.

How I feel about myself, the people with whom I relate, the world at large is governed by my own mental strength.

I refuse to be manipulated by any force I consider unjust or wrong, I try to live by the moral codes of respect and love taught to me by my family, and I have complete confidence in myself.

To paraphrase John Candy, I Like Me.

And I also happen to like young people.

I am very aware of the tendency among some older people,the trap of looking down upon

youth, of thinking their generation is infinitely inferior, and almost inexplicable in their values, attitudes and mores.

I’m not That Old Person. Because in my mind I’m still that 15-year-old.

Though the physical body I inhabit is definitely showing and shouting at me the signs of old age, my outlook is definitely young.

I love a party, I love a prank, I love a laugh, I love a dance and I love to know just about everything. Or at least be interested enough to seek it out.

I’ve been fortunate enough to get to my age without too many bumps along the way. Yes, that’s the secret. Aim at being a kid at heart, or at least remember what it was like, always.

Kiama reaches out for Mayor’s giving tree appeal

Mitchell Beadman

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is encouraging the community to help provide some Christmas cheer for children in need, with the Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal now underway.

Supported by local businesses, including Kiama institution Toyworld, the appeal is urging residents to donate unwrapped gifts for children up to 14 years old to continue Kiama’s tradition of generosity.

Cr McDonald told The Bugle that this initiative is well supported and indicates there is awareness within Kiama’s community of those less fortunate.

“There are children in the community that aren’t as well off as some of the other children, so to be able to support them is a really critical part of our community,” he said.

“Many families will struggle to afford gifts this year.

“Every donation, no matter how small, helps bring joy to a child and reminds them that their community cares.”

In what can be a difficult time for those less fortunate, Cr McDonald encourages the community to link arms and stand together.

“When we give, we send a message of hope and support to families who need it most.”

The family-owned Toyworld on Terralong Street is celebrating its 40th year of operations and is lending a hand to the Appeal.

Owners Paul and Melissa Judd are already seeing those in the community putting their hands in pockets to donate to the cause.

“I’ve had Country Women’s Association Kiama and Probus groups come in with their money and asking us to help choose presents for the giving tree,” Melissa said.

“Some even just leave the money and I give them a receipt when we have placed them under the tree.”

Melissa shares that the buying of gifts around Christmas can be focused on the younger children and as a result, the older kids miss out – which Toyworld makes sure doesn’t happen.

“I try to choose a selection [of presents] for the older ones and by doing it in a big group,

I can sort it out a little better,” Melissa said.

“We get all the presents together and help make deliveries to the council giving trees around the Kiama region.”

The Australian Retailers Association predicts that there will be a 4.2% rise in pre-Christmas sales reaching a mindboggling $73.1 billion and close to $7 billion alone in the four-day weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday this weekend.

The Mayors Giving Trees can be found in the foyer of council’s administration building on Manning street, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library and The Pavilion.

New gifts are encouraged for children up to 14 years, with gifts not to be wrapped, as they need to be sorted by age before distribution.

Donations can be made until 10am on Friday 12 December to ensure gifts reach local children in time for Christmas.

For more information head to: https://www. kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/ News/Mayor’s-Giving-TreeAppeal-–-Share-the-Joy-ThisChristmas

Minnamurra residents urge joint government action

Mitchell Beadman

Minnamurra Progress Association has stepped up its campaign, calling for a federal strategic assessment of the Minnamurra River.

The Association is airing concerns of serious threats posed to the fragile ecosystem from the surrounding developments and activities.

In a two-pronged approach, MPA is asking for a Strategic Assessment Overview under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 which would require a referral to be submitted to the Australian Government Department of Environment under Matters of National Environmental Significance.

The guidelines of the Department of Environment state that a referral requires a greater than 50% chance of significant impact on the environment to be considered.

MPA president Cliff Mason has sent a letter to local and state government representatives to consider the collective threat posed to the river, which spans 200 hectares.

“We are asking the Shellharbour and Kiama local governments to work together to protect this river,” Mason told The Bugle.

“The simultaneous effect from the five developments and [primary sector] activity needs to be considered collectively.”

MPA member Jacqui Forst said that while environmental

laws are being debated and changing, there is great concern for the impact on the Minnamurra River.

“If the region is to be assessed in its entirety in a joint review, it needs to consider the cumulative impact on the river because the ecosystems are being hit from all sides,” Forst said.

MPA shared the letter with The Bugle which was addressed to new Shellharbour CEO Wayde Peterson, Kiama CEO Jane Stroud, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson.

Four of the five sites of development or activity which are of concern to MPA are within the Shellharbour Local Government Area.

“Individually, these projects present significant environmental risks; collectively they could devastate the Minnamurra River catchment, wetlands, and intertidal zones,” the letter said.

“The current process silos assessments only focus on reducing – not preventing –pollution and siltation, which is unacceptable given the cumulative impact.”

While the letter does not stipulate that there is a greater than 50% chance of significant impact to the Minnamurra River, it does imply that the piecemeal submissions of the developments and activity do not take this siloed approach into consideration, which could tip the scales.

“The MPA is deeply concerned about the lack of

coordinated action between Shellharbour and Kiama Councils, and the absence of proactive environmental protection from NSW government representatives, to safeguard the Minnamurra River,” the letter said.

“The Minnamurra River and its surrounding coastal ecosystem are irreplaceable assets for biodiversity, residents, and visitors alike. Coordinated, lawful action is essential to protect them.”

The Minnamurra River is listed on the Australian Governments Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia which has significant physical, hydrological, ecological features and has notable flora and fauna.

Under the past/presence disturbance or threat there are impacts listed from surrounding urban areas and from the Kiama Waste Disposal site which borders Rocklow Creek.

There are also multiple weed species recorded with other threats listed as sand mining, Dunmore Waste Disposal site, and Sydney Water.

For more information on the strategic assessment overview head to: https:// www.dcceew.gov.au/ environment/epbc/ approvals/strategicassessments

To access the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia head to: https:// www.dcceew.gov.au/ water/wetlands/australianwetlands-database/directoryimportant-wetlands

Cliff Mason