MP Gareth Ward was handcuffed and taken to Silverwater Jail after his bail was revoked on Wednesday following last Friday’s guilty verdict on four sexual assault charges.
Ward returned to the NSW District Court on Wednesday afternoon where Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles requested the disgraced 44-year-old politician should be detained after he was found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault at the conclusion of his nine-week trial.
His defence counsel, Edward Anderson, opposed
‘We are not dealing with hypotheticals any more. He has been convicted.’
NSW Premier Chris Minns
Jailed Ward set to be expelled from Parliament
the request to revoke his bail due to the nature of his crimes and that he was nearly legally blind due to his oculocutaneous albinism.
Anderson told the Darlinghurst Courthouse that Ward would be vulnerable to physical violence from other inmates due to his public profile. The Prosecutor argued the former NSW Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister’s situation did not constitute the “special or exceptional circumstances” required to continue bail.
Judge Kara Shead agreed that Ward should be sent to jail and provisions would be made so that electronic devices that he requires to communicate would be
accessible so that he could prepare for a possible appeal against his convictions.
Ward was escorted from the dock by court officers and taken into custody.
He will face Court again on 19 September for sentencing.
Ward’s fall from grace has led to NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman calling on him to resign from Parliament.
They have indicated that they will make moves to not just suspend him but expel him when Parliament resumes on Tuesday.
This would trigger a byelection for the Kiama state electorate in the coming months and almost certainly bring an end to Ward’s
political career after more than 20 years in public office as a Shoalhaven councillor and then NSW Member of Parliament. He was charged by police three years ago after complaints against Ward from a man, aged 24 at the time, over an incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago.
Ward was also accused of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.
Parliament has the power to expel Ward under the NSW Consitution which allows for an MP's seat to be declared vacant if convicted of a crime which carries a jail term of five years or more.
Ward was accused of
digitally penetrating a political staffer in the Potts Point incident and performing a sex act without the other man's consent.
He was also accused of mounting an 18-year-old in the Shoalhaven incident as he lay face down on a bed to perform a massage and also of touching him on the genitals without consent while the teenager was lying on the lawn.
He retained the seat of Kiama at the most recent election in 2023 as an independent, after he left the Liberal Party when it emerged that he was the subject of a criminal investigation.
The Premier said it was "ridiculous" that the NSW Constiution enabled Ward
to retain his seat even after he had been convicted of such serious offences. “You name me one workplace in the world where that person would continue to be an employee facing that kind of jail time,” he said.
"We are not dealing with hypotheticals any more. He has been convicted."
Minns has indicated the NSW Government will take steps to protect the Legislative Assembly’s integrity because Ward's position is "no longer tenable".
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has written to the NSW Government to emphasise the importance of local representation and request clarity on what Parliament will do next.
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Paul Suttor
The six-storey development of the Shoalhaven Street Precinct will be a major step forward in making Kiama Council’s recently endorsed Housing Strategy a reality.
Last Friday, the the NSW Government announced the Precinct as a State Significant Rezoning Project, giving Council the green light to get started on plans to turn the site into a much-needed new residential development in the heart of Kiama.
The two-hectare area, which is a short walk from the town centre and railway station, which encompasses the Council Works Depot and the adjoining Big River site, which was purchased by Council last year for $6.3 million. Council is relocating its Works Depot to Minnamurra as part of its strategic planning.
Council’s Director of strategies & communities Ed Paterson said throughout the Housing Strategy exhibition period earlier this year, there was a raft of feedback from the community about doing more with Council land holdings.
“It’s a really good news story for the community that Council are able to redevelop and do all the planning work for a significant site that has the opportunity to provide quite a few homes at a time where they’re really needed,” he said.
“It provides opportunities for affordable and social homes in a really awesome location, close to train station, close to the town centre, close to the beach.
“The big win for us is it’s not at the expense of the
Housing precinct gets green light
ratepayers. So the state government are paying for everything. All the consultants are paid through the state government process.
“Council is still a major stakeholder in the process.”
Paterson said Council is working through the designs for what could go on the site with the NSW Government and Councillors will be briefed before a community engagement period occurs later in the year. “Adopting the Housing Strategy was step one and now all the exciting stuff can start to come out of the woodwork,” he added.
“The State Government have got that guarantee from Council that we’re committed and we’re moving forward on providing homes in the LGA and this is just the first cab off the rank.”
Mayor Cameron McDonald said the announcement was a significant milestone in both Council’s Local Housing Strategy and long-term financial recovery plan.
“This precinct represents a unique opportunity to deliver thoughtfully designed housing close to essential services and transport,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Being identified as a State Significant project means
the NSW Government will fund the technical and environmental studies needed to progress the rezoning, removing the cost burden from our ratepayers.”
Given the State Government’s low/midrise housing reforms that were finalised a few months ago, this project lends itself perfectly to some sort of midrise development.
“Automatically, if the site becomes residential, given how close it is to the train station, under the state government’s reform processes. We’re looking at about six storeys,” Paterson explained.
“Then we’ve got to work through exactly how that looks. It sits in quite a dip in the valley with a natural drainage channel through it.
“There’s been no decision around Council developing or selling or whatever it might look like, but whoever retains ownership of the site and develops it, there’s a clear guideline for what should go there. We need a really clear master plan for the site.”
Paterson said he would love to see a cornershop, green space and employment elements incorporated into the final design.
“The site sits low in the landscape so you could get some built form in the middle there that wouldn’t take away views and you’d try and push a lot of the bulk closer to Noorinan Street so it doesn’t overshadow the properties on Barney Street,” he said.
“And then that’s where the natural drainage line is. So it’s sort of shaping itself up just naturally to getting some good built forms on there that aren’t going to detract upon people’s views and sunlight access and stuff like that.
Council needs to go down the pathway of deciding whether it wants to rezone and remediate the site and sell it, or does it want to retain some ownership and do some sort of joint venture.
“There’s some really fantastic opportunities for a significant portion of affordable housing to be provided and for Council to hopefully partner with a community housing provider for those homes to be provided to those that most need it,” Paterson said.
“That’s been the strong and loud voice coming out of the community that it’s not just about supply, but it’s also about locking in affordable homes so that you start tapping away at the bottom end of the market and it helps overall.”
Paterson said residents could start seeing homes delivered in the next three years on the precinct.
“We know that as the former gasworks site, it’s got a heavy level of contamination,” he said.
“Redeveloping it can have some really positive environmental outcomes.”
Bugle Bulletin is on the move to Monday
Lleyton Hughes
The Bugle Bulletin, our new weekly news and sports program, launched just a few weeks ago on our YouTube channel, is now moving to Mondays.
Originally released on Thursdays, the program is shifting to Mondays, allowing us to bring you the latest local news and weekend highlights sooner.
This change means the community can catch up on the most current stories - from weekend events to standout moments from our picturesque area - all in one engaging episode.
The Bugle team is committed to capturing the best footage and pairing it with the most important stories to deliver an informative, entertaining and immersive local news experience.
There is always plenty happening in our local government area and it is our pleasure to help keep the local residents of this wonderful part of the world up to date with all they need to know. Also coming up this Friday is another edition of our weekly Gardening Tips series, with local garden guru John Gabriele. This week he shares his top tips for creating stunning container gardens using the “thrillers, spillers and fillers” methodplus expert advice on understanding Kiama’s soils and getting the most out of your patch.
The Bugle Bulletin is proudly produced by locals, for locals - and we’re just getting started. Subscribe now to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube and never miss an episode.
Lleyton Hughes
At the conclusion of her speech during the unveiling of the NSW Blue Plaque commemorating Orry-Kelly, Australian director Gillian Armstrong turned to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and said with a smile, “And Mr Mayor,
Orry-Kelly Boulevard has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”
The mood at The Sebel’s Assembly Room last Saturday morning was one of celebration and long-overdue recognition.
Armstrong was joined by Sarah Kaine, Labor MP for Kiama, along with Kiama Historical Society President
Orry-Kelly Blue Plaque unveiling ushers in long overdue recognition
Sue Eggins, to unveil the plaque honouring one of Australia’s most accomplished yet often overlooked talents.
The ceremony began with a Welcome to Country delivered by Councillor Stuart Larkins. Kaine then addressed the audience, offering insight into the NSW Government’s Blue Plaque program.
“First of all, I don’t know what’s happening in Kiama, but this is the second Blue Plaque we’ve unveiled in two years,” Kaine said.
“I think there’s something special going on hereKiama punches above its weight. And of course, there’s a fabulous and very active historical society.”
“The Blue Plaque program recognises people, events and
stories of significance that have had an impact on NSW.
“That’s why we’ve already acknowledged Charmian Clift, and today, it’s only fitting we honour Orry-Kelly.”
Kaine then had the honour of welcoming the one and only Gillian Armstrong to say a few words.
A film icon in her own right, Armstrong directed My Brilliant Career, Little Women, and the documentary on Orry-Kelly titled Women He’s Undressed.
“When he died, Jack
Warner of Warner Bros. read the eulogy at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beverly Hills,” Armstrong recalled. “The funeral was attended by Hollywood stars like Cary Grant, Tony Curtis and George Cukor. In the U.S., his death matteredcovered by the LA Times, New York Times, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter.”
“But in Australia, when we went searching, we found just a couple of lines - one in one paper, one in anotherunder the headline, ‘Costume Designer Dies of Cancer.’
“So why has it taken so long for his home country to recognise his talent and achievements?
“Perhaps it’s because we celebrate fast runners, golfers, tennis players... but not costume designers?”
Armstrong closed her speech by referencing the final lines in Orry-Kelly’s memoir, where he imagines skipping a stone across the water all the way back to his beloved home town of Kiama.
It feels especially poetic, then, that Kiama has finally honoured one of its own - with a Blue Plaque placed outside his former school, which could aptly be described as being “round as a stone.”
Tough new laws for sale of illegal tobacco and vapes
Beadman
For the residents of the Kiama local government area who are concerned with the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, the NSW Government is introducing greater legislation with tough new measures for tobacconists and businesses caught selling illegal products.
With greater power for law enforcers and inspectors, the amendments appear to be on track to provide the community with the assurances they need.
“These will be among the toughest penalties in the country and will send a clear message to bad actors that illegal tobacco and vaping goods will not be tolerated in NSW,” Minster for Health Ryan Park said in a government statement.
This announcement from the government comes on the back of a suspected arson attack on a tobacconist in nearby Corrimal on Sunday evening, which authorities are treating as suspicious.
Speaking to ABC Illawarra on Monday morning, Park conceded the issue of illegal tobacco sales was a growing concern.
“We need to make sure that we’re continually looking at the fines and prison sentences and increasing those and what the government’s proposed to do,” he said.
“It has got ahead of the community; it has got ahead of politicians. We need to pull it back.
“I know local residents in my own neck of the woods down there are sick and tired of these shops popping up and this is a big concern.
“When there is an element
over 700 retailer inspections, seizing over 90,000 vapes, 6 million cigarettes and 1100 kg of other illicit tobacco products with a combined estimated street value of around $10 million.
“We are disrupting the business model of the largescale criminals who profit from addiction, tax evasion, and putting young people at risk,” Park added.
(up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence.
Within the Kiama region there are approximately six shops that are solely tobacconists. This does not include shops like convenience stores that sell tobacco
of criminality involved with them, that increases the risk to law abiding citizens who are simply going about their business.”
The NSW Government has also established a crossagency NSW Illicit Tobacco Taskforce with the agency drawing on the expertise of various departments senior representatives
to develop options and recommendations.
These departments include NSW Health, NSW Police, the Department of Customer Service, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, and the Department of Communities and Justice.
In the first six months of 2025, NSW Health conducted
“We understand the community’s frustration at the growth of the illicit tobacco market.”
Part of the legislation amendments is the implementation of a new offence for the commercial possession and sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and a seven-year jail term for each.
There is also the introduction of short-term
A Kiama Council spokesperson told The Bugle “the policing of illegal tobacco and vaping is the responsibility of the NSW Government”.
“Council does not have a role, or the relevant powers, when it comes to policing illegal trading of tobacco and vaping products.”
To report criminal information, call 1800 333 000 or log on to https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au
Mitchell
Ryan Park.
Sarah Kaine and Gillian Armstrong unveil Orry-Kelly Blue Plaque
Kiama
community stepping up to help meet basic needs of those doing it tough
Danielle Woolage
Monday is the start of Homelessness Week and this year more people than ever before are struggling to find safe, secure housing.
On any given night in the Kiama Local Government Area almost 150 people are experiencing homelessness, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics census. That number is likely higher given the last census was in 2021 and the nation is now in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis.
Rental data figures shows almost 40 per cent of households across the Kiama and Shoalhaven LGAs are in rental stress and more than 1000 households are on a waiting list for social housing. With the cost of affordable housing out of reach for many Australians, the nation’s peak homeless body Homeless Australia is calling for increased funding for service providers to meet an increasing demand.
The campaign “No-one turned away” is calling for more money to be injected into the sector, with Homelessness Australia saying service providers have to make “excruciating decisions every day” around who to help and who to turn away. Homelessness Australia says more than 45 per cent of women and girls seeking homelessness support have experienced domestic and family violence. The peak body also
reported an alarming spike in the number of homeless females, up 20 per cent from 24, 517 in May 2022 to 29,449 in March.
Overall, the number of Australians at risk of homelessness has increased 63 per cent between 2016 and
2022. Shoalhaven LGA is one of the hardest-hit with a NSW Regional Housing Needs Report, released by Shelter NSW in 2023, showing the area scored 9/10 for people experiencing financial stress associated with housing.
While rental stress
primarily affected low income earners, with many paying more than 30 per cent of their income to cover their mortgage or rent, many middle-income earners are now having to choose between paying for rent, food, electricity or heating.
Kiama, Gerringong and Berry community members have stepped up to fill service gaps by providing warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, toiletries and food to those in need.
Local businesswoman Kerry Fahey and Care
Bombo pursuit arrest
Lake Illawarra Police arrested a 29-year-old man after a highspeed pursuit on the Princes Highway on Sunday between Gerroa and Dunmore.
Essentials founder Margie Tweedie, along with an army of dedicated volunteers, have collected, sorted, packed and handed out donated clothing, toiletries, food, blankets and sleeping bags to vulnerable community members for the past two winters.
Every week Kerry, the owner of Kerry’s Klothes in Kiama, and a group of volunteers hand out donations alongside the Nanak Community Kitchen, a charity providing homecooked food to those in need in the Shoalhaven.
“Kerry and her team front up every Sunday rain, hail or shine with community donations of clothing and food and every week it all goes,” says Margie.
“Together we’ve probably handed out over 600 blankets this winter and easily that amount of scarves, beanies, socks and gloves.
“We’ve also donated more that 200 sleeping bags and over 400 care packs. Syd from Bakers Delight Kiama also generously provides bread every week.”
Margie has made up 60 care packs with travel-size toiletries for Kerry and her team to distribute on Sunday. She will also deliver another 80 care packs of full-size toiletries to the Shoalhaven Homeless Hub on Wednesday when staff host a lunch for Homelessness Week.
The care packs will also include scarves, beanies and socks.
“People from across the Kiama LGA, along with some amazing contacts from Sydney who donate regularly, have really taken this on board and are helping to fill some of the gaps left by homelessness services struggling to meet demands,” says Margie.
Volunteer groups across the region, including Creating for Charity make the drawstring bags which Margie packs full of donated toiletries. The craft group also sews tote bags, library bags and sanitary pouches to add to Margie’s care packs.
After highway patrol officers attempted to stop the man driving a gold Nissan Patrol for an alleged speeding offence on the highway at Bombo about 2.45pm on Sunday, he allegedly drove away despite police turning on their warning lights for him to pull over. He drove north to Dunmore before turning the vehicle around to head south to Gerroa.Police deployed road spikes at Gerroa which brought the pursuit to an abrupt end. The driver was arrested and transported to Lake Illawarra Police Station before being then taken to Wollongong Hospital. There was heavy traffic in the area during and immediately after the incident from South Kiama to Bombo. Police are continuing their investigations into the incident.
Post Office to close
Australia Post has advised the Shoalhaven Heads Licensed Post Office, will close on 15 August. The closure is a result of the licensee handing back their license and Australia Post has been unable to secure a new site. Australia Post is investigating options for the provision of postal services to the Shoalhaven Heads community and Expressions Of Interest are invited from suitable local businesses. The closest available Post Offices are Bomaderry and Berry.
New Council CEO
Shoalhaven Council has appointed local government executive Brian Barrett as acting CEO on Thursday after James Ruprai resigned earlier this month. He will temporarily fill the role until the appointment of a new CEO.
“Mr Barrett has served as a respected leader in local government, bringing decades of experience and stability to councils across NSW and will provide a steady hand during this transition phase to the staff and the Council,” said Mayor Patricia White. His 30-year career in local government spans pivotal roles including Director of Corporate Services, General Manager of Marrickville Council, and Acting General Manager of Inner West Council.
Police appeal for info over bashing Police have released CCTV footage as they reappeal for information following an assault and robbery in the Illawarra earlier this year.
About 11pm on Friday, 28 March, a man was walking at the intersection of Queen Street and Shellharbour Road at Warilla, when he was allegedly approached by two people and knocked to the ground, before they stole a mobile phone and fled the scene. A member of the public stopped to assist the man. The 61-year-old man returned to his home nearby and contacted Lake Illawarra Police.
Banter Bugle
Understanding the fall-out: Locals reel after Ward verdict
Kiama has been grappling with shock and division following the guilty verdict delivered last Friday against the local state MP, Gareth James Ward.
The independent Kiama MP was convicted of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault, stemming from incidents involving an 18-year-old in 2013 and a 24-year-old political staffer in 2015.
Residents are torn between his legacy as a dedicated local representative and the gravity of his convictions. The verdict has left many in the community reeling. The charges, involving serious allegations of sexual violence, have sparked heated discussions at cafes and in offices.
Many are struggling to reconcile Ward’s public persona with the court’s findings, which detailed power imbalances and the courage of victims who came forward years later.
“The court has made its decision and proven that he’s guilty,” a local retiree told The Sydney Morning Herald, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. “He absolutely should resign. Anyone with a sketchy idea of right and wrong shouldn’t be a member of parliament.”
Ward, 44, has been a familiar and energetic presence in Kiama since his election as a Liberal MP in 2011, later serving as an independent after leaving the party in 2021 after it emerged that he was the subject of a police investigation. Known for his tireless engagement, Ward has attended virtually every community event, from school fetes to surf club fundraisers, earning praise for his accessibility.
Locals describe him as someone who “never missed a beat,” responding promptly to every email, letter and text, and publicly celebrating constituents’ achievements.
His visibility and dedication made him a popular figure, reflected in the hundreds of supportive letters he has received since the charges emerged in 2022.
“He’s been there for us, always,” say long-time Kiama residents and Ward supporters. Their sentiments echo those of many who voted for Ward in 2023, re-electing him as an independent despite a 10.7% swing against him and the looming trial.
For these supporters, Ward’s convictions feel like a betrayal of the approachable MP. Ward’s popularity
in Kiama is rooted in tangible contributions. These efforts, alongside his advocacy for infrastructure like the Shellharbour Hospital plan, have left a lasting impact, making it challenging for some to reconcile his crimes with his achievements.
Despite the gravity of his convictions, a segment of Kiama’s community remains steadfast in their support for Ward. This loyalty mirrors broader societal patterns, such as the support for US President Donald Trump, where followers prioritise policy wins or perceived strength over personal scandals.
In Kiama, some residents, particularly business leaders, value Ward’s ability to deliver funding, with one social media post noting that “upstanding businesspeople” supported him for “delivering barrels of pork”.
Psychologically, this can be explained by cognitive biases: once trust is invested in a leader, withdrawing support feels like admitting personal error, a difficult step for many.
Ward’s extensive history in the area - born in Gerringong, educated locally, and involved in politics since his teens - foster a sense of familiarity that is hard to shake. This connection may explain why some Kiama’s support persists, unlike the broader Australian public’s condemnation.
In 2017, he faced an alleged blackmail attempt in New York City after arranging a massage.
In 2018, Liberal MP Ann Sudmalis accused him of bullying and branch stacking. In July 2024, he made headlines for arriving at Parliament House in his underwear to retrieve a spare key after locking himself out, an incident he claimed was exaggerated. These non-criminal incidents were largely overlooked by supporters, highlighting a pattern where Ward’s charisma and local impact overshadow his missteps, unlike how similar behaviour might be judged elsewhere.
Ward faces mounting pressure to resign. NSW Parliament is expected to approve an expulsion motion on Tuesday, which would trigger a by-election in Kiama within 60 days.
As Ward considers an appeal within the 28-day window, Kiama faces a defining moment. An expulsion motion, backed by both major parties, could reshape the electorate’s future, but legal challenges may delay resolution.
- Belle Wood
Celebrating Orry-Kelly:
A glamorous night of legacy and local talent
Lleyton Hughes
In October, I was approached by Linda Birchall from the Kiama Icons and Artists group to assist with planning an event honouring costume designer Orry-Kelly.
Fast-forward nine months to 26 July, and the Orry-Kelly: Dressing Hollywood Gala and Exhibition came to life at The Sebel in Kiama, with around 480 people attending one or both parts of the event.
My role was relatively minimal - mainly contributing articles to The Bugle and drafting a few media releases. Expecting a wonderful evening and an engaging exhibition, I was unprepared for how spectacular it would be.
The exhibition was only on display for a day. Painstakingly curated and assembled by the Kiama Icons and Artists team, it was set up and
packed down within 24 hours. But you’d never have guessed that from the presentation.
It felt as though the exhibition belonged there permanently. It was seamless, as if the space had been designed specifically to house this tribute to Orry-Kelly, rather than the exhibition tailored to fit the room.
There were stunning dress recreations lifesized cardboard cutouts, famous quotes, informative plaques, and even a film on a projector.
And then, there was the Gala. Guests walked a red carpet into a space lit with the grandeur of a classic Hollywood premiere. Two towering Oscar statues guarded a stage backed by oversized film strips.
But it was the people who made the night unforgettable. Attendees brought the glamour in every form imaginable - some dug deep into their closets, others
opted for high or low fashion, and several even created their own outfits.
Among the most creative were a dress made from newspapers and another fashioned from Kodak film cartridges.
The energy spiked with a surprise performance from the Brent Street Dancers, weaving through the guests with the energy and polish of a Broadway number. The event also welcomed an impressive list of special guests, including the team behind Women He's Undressed - producer Damien Parer, writer Katherine Thompson and director Gillian Armstrong - as well as acclaimed Australian costume designer Wendy Cork (Predestination) and a video appearance by the Aussie with the most Oscars (surpassing Orry in 2013), costume designer Catherine Martin. They spoke candidly about the process of making the
film, Orry-Kelly’s legacy, and the shared experiences that shaped their creative livesfrom dressing up dolls as children to staging backyard plays.
The entire evening was a deeply fitting tribute to Orry-Kelly, more than 50 years after his passing. And it was also something more: a vivid reminder of how the arts can unite and inspire a community.
In her talk, Armstrong shared a pointed reflection: “We remember our best batsman, yet we forget our artists.”
It’s a sentiment that lingers. Ask any young person today who Gillian Armstrong is, and chances are, they wouldn’t know.
Events like this Gala are a chance to change that. They give our artists - and the important Australian stories they tell - the recognition they deserve.
Kiwi solution ideal for political signage problem
The simplest solutions are often the best.
When it comes to the widespread problem of political signage everywhere you look at polling booths, most voters are fed up with the eyesore of endless corflues and bunting as well as being inundated with volunteers bombarding them with how to vote cards as they walk into their local voting centre.
Kiama Councillor Stuart Larkins is proposing electoral reform to fix this mess and he raised his concerns at the recent Council meeting.
Cr Larkins said the community was concerned by the increasing use of soft plastics and bunting used at polling locations at Federal, State and Local elections.
After he received unanimous support, a motion will be lodged with Local Government NSW as
part of the LGNSW Annual Conference later this year.
He is calling for “local government advocacy to Federal and State Governments for appropriate electoral reforms to reduce and manage the level of signage and election materials during election periods at all levels of government”.
When contacted by The Bugle, he pointed to a simple solution which has been introduced in New Zealand which could work equally as well in Australia.
Individual polling booths are adorned with how to vote cards for the candidates at any given election, which negates the need for volunteers to hand them out to voters as they enter the voting centre.
Cr Larkins said there was a feeling in the community during the lead-up to the May 3 federal election that political signage was becoming invasive.
“I’ve been involved in elections - federal, state and local - for the past 10 years as a member of the Labor Party and I’ve noticed a significant increase in the amount of signage that is up at polling booths, in the most recent federal election in particular, but I think even council and state as well,” he added, airing his views as a Councillor, not on behalf of Council.
“A number of community members have raised concerns around the increased use in bunting primarily, in singleuse plastics and just the overload of signage at polling booths. The reality is that these signs and this particular material is only single-use so it all ends up in Council’s waste facilities.”
Cr Larkins is hopeful that other Councils from throughout NSW will support his motion when it goes to the Local Government NSW Conference in November.
From there it is hoped that it will be considered by parliamentary committees at the state and federal level, to come up with appropriate recommendations and whether law reform is needed or a policy change with the electoral commissions.
Cr Larkins is not proposing a blanket ban on signage but he is adamant that electoral reform is needed because the problem is getting way out of control every election period.
“If you’re a voter and you go in to a polling booth, you’ll see all of the how-to-vote cards available in front of you and you can follow a how-to-vote card from that angle rather than having people stand out in front of a polling booth having to give them out.
“Thankfully those particular cards are recyclable paper but it’s obviously a lot of recyclability that happens from that “I do see the importance
of having a how-to-vote card because there’s some people that, unfortunately, don’t really understand how to vote, so it’s important that the material information is available.
“But the amount of materials that need to be printed is normally about 10,000 to 20,000 how-to-vote cards for some elections, so it’s quite extraordinary.”
Signage at residential houses, in public spaces and at polling stations is another sore point with voters and because there are differing rules about when and where they can be placed depending on the level of government during an election campaign, voters are confused about their widespread proliferation.
“I can see the benefit of corflutes,” Cr Larkins added.
“Having a face and a name on a corflute is very beneficial to get elected but at the same time, do we need 20 for one person at a time?
“There’s a broader question about when people should start promoting themselves for election periods.
“It’s not just the recycling and waste but I think a few people found it quite intimidating as well when they went into the polling booths to see that number of signs up and it basically felt like a lot of people said they were running the gauntlet essentially.”
One of the main problems is that there has been a snowballing effect when it comes to election campaigns - if one politician puts up many signs, then their rivals do the same and as they try to outdo each other, the visual pollution increases.
“That’s where the difficulties have arisen is that you have one campaign that absolutely goes all out on signs and, unfortunately, it has caused other candidates to say we need to match this signage,” Cr Larkins said.
Paul Suttor
Havilah Place eyesore vanishing
Paul Suttor
One of the Kiama’s most complained-about eyesores will be gone within a couple of months with Council demolishing the abandoned nursing home at Havilah Place which has been vacant since 2019.
Demolition is due to start later this month and is expected to take around 10 weeks. “Let's actually move forward and see what opportunities are available, this building has been vacant for a long time and now we’re seeing progress.” Council’s director of strategies & Communities director of planning, environment and communities Ed Paterson.told The Bugle. “It's causing more problems than good.”
Council has received feedback from the community over the years that the disused building should be turned into temporary refuge for people affected by natural disasters or that it should become social housing accommodation but the building is basically condemned.
The cost of bringing it back up to operational standards would be a significant expense. Council has been forced to bear the cost of maintaining security of the site while it sits in a state of disrepair with squatters and people stripping out copper wiring frequently setting off the fire alarms, much to the chagrin of the local emergency services crews.
Council, as part of adopting its Strategic Finance &
Governance Improvement Plan in June 2024, resolved to progress the subdivision of the disused residential aged care home facility from the remainder of the Blue Haven Terralong site.
The subdivision plans will also ensure that the Kiama Community Garden is situated on community land rather than Blue Haven Terralong operational land.
“The subdivision designs are in limbo because when you're putting in a new boundary line, the Building Code of Australia comes into play,” Paterson explained.
“Boundary lines need to be set back certain distances from buildings to ensure fire compliance.
“If the building's not there, it's a bit more flexible for where
we can put the boundary line between the old nursing home that's going to be demolished and the stage five building (of the Blue Haven Terralong retirement village).
“So having the nursing home gone means we'll be able to progress forward with the subdivision.”
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said it was important for Council to be able to provide certainty to the community members that use the garden. “We’re committed to preserving the Kiama Community Garden and to making this area the best it can be for our Blue Haven residents and the local community.”
Paterson added: “Adjusting the boundary there so it sits on the broader sports precinct
community land is really a positive outcome.
“Once the retirement village site is subdivided, then we can have conversations around how do we want to use the land where the old nursing home now sits? Do we sell it?
Do we redevelop it ourselves?
Because the site has some specific planning controls already on it that we did as part of the town centre study.”
Mayor McDonald said Council was working closely with residents of Blue Haven Terralong and will keep them informed every step of the way. “Their wellbeing and peace of mind are incredibly important to us,” he said.
“As newly elected councillors, many of us are pleased about the progress which is being made because
we want to be a progressive council and it shows we’re moving forward.”
Once the demolition has occurred, Council can proceed to subdivide the site from the remainder of the Blue Haven Terralong lot, which will help fulfil part of its NSW Government-imposed Performance Improvement Order. The subdivision plans will also ensure that the land on which the Kiama Community Garden sits can be rezoned and be preserved for community use.
“If it's subdivided, then we can start realising some of those positive outcomes for the community. It's residentially zoned. It's got similar heights to Blue Haven Terralong Stage five,” said Paterson.
Pay your way for fireworks
Paul Suttor
Kiama is not the only local government Council struggling to meet the costs of staging fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
North Sydney Council voted earlier this week to bring in “ticketed access” for revellers who want to sit at Blues Point this year to watch Sydney’s fireworks.
That means they will be charged $50 for the privilege of sitting at the popular vantage point to watch the fireworks that light up Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city’s skyline.
The area attracts thousands of people every year and North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said by introducing paid ticketing, the Council is aiming to “partially recover event costs while managing crowd safety and logistics”.
North Sydney Council is seeking NSW Government support and may reconsider going ahead with the ticketing if funding is provided from the Minns Government.
They estimate that they could raise a profit of $305,000 by selling 8000 tickets once operating costs are factored into the equation.
“It is with an exceptionally heavy heart that I find myself supporting the motion for one year only.
“We have inherited a really precarious financial position that has not been relieved by our seeking a special rate
variation,” Mayor Baker said.
“If you cannot afford a ticket for Blues Point, then I’d urge you to go to Bradfield Park, to Mary Booth Lookout, to Kurraba Point, to Cremorne Point, to Waverton, to Carradah Park and every other vantage point to see the fireworks on public land for free.”
News of North Sydney’s decision reached Kiama Council and it is understood that selling tickets to the Black Beach Old School Flat area is one of the many options that staff have been considering in trying to keep the Kiama fireworks display from going up in smoke.
The cost of fencing off the area could be prohibitive though and it would be unlikely that it could be arranged for this year’s fireworks if they go ahead.
There is also the problem of potential community backlash if Council opted to charge revellers to help solve a financial issue that has been brought about by the Performance Improvement Order that was issued due to the previous administration’s governance issues.
When the 2025-26 budget was passed at the June council meeting, Councillors unanimously voted for funding to be withdrawn for the fireworks.
The fireworks display costs Council around $90,000 to deliver but it reaps significant financial benefits to local
businesses. Kiama Council recently put the call out to the private sector in the hope of securing sufficient sponsorship, with the help of Kiama Business Network, so that the New Year’s Eve Sky Show could go ahead.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council had received several expressions of interest from potential sponsors.
Time is running out for Council to make a call on whether the fireworks will go ahead and after a series of talks with Destination Kiama, a final decision is expected to be made at this month’s Council meeting on 12 August.
Councillor Melinda Lawton recently told The Bugle that there was divided opinion in the community over the
fireworks funding issue.
“There are people who don’t want them because they scare their animals, there’s people who think the money could be spent on other things that are of more lasting value and then there’s people who love getting together and celebrating out with the old and in with the new and it’s a significant time in people’s lives,” she said.
“I’m hopeful that we can find a sponsor. I think we’ll find that we’ll actually get there.”
Destination Kiama chair, Councillor Matt Brown said if they had been given more time to arrange alternative financial arrangements it would have made it much easier to ensure the fireworks display would go ahead.
Gumbaynggirr, Punthamara and Kalkadoon countries.
Gerringong’s Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan Jarrett were awarded Elders of the Year at the recent 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards in Shellharbour on Saturday.
The awards night is supported by the four Illawarra councils: Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven, and recognises the talents, achievements and outstanding contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made to their communities and beyond. Aunty Gwenda is a proud Dharawal, Yuin and Wodi Wodi woman and when asked by The Bugle about the significance of this award, she gave a humble response.
“I am not into accolades and awards. I have been an unsung hero for many years,”
Aunty Gwenda said.
“It [the award] is a reflection of what me and Stan do and what we have put into our lifestyles to make change for Aboriginal people of the east coast of Australia on all levels.”
Uncle Stan is a proud Darumbal man, which is a part of what is now known as Central Queensland. He was also overwhelmed with the honour and has ancestry connections to
Uncle Stan said.“We don’t expect accolades or honours and stuff like that. We just go about our business and keep working for community and trying to help our communities move forward.”
Aunty Gwenda confesses that she prefers being known as an Aunty rather than an Elder. “I didn’t want any nominations and I don’t consider myself an Elder,”
Aunty Gwenda said.
“I [just] love the terminology ‘Aunty’. We put a lot of time and effort and voluntary hours into capacity and strength building for our community of Gerringong, because it has taken a long time.”
When talking to Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan about the projects they are across, it is evident the scope of their influence within communities and that starts in their home.
“That’s the one thing that myself and Stan’s portfolio has always been. We’ve always had an open house 24-7,” Aunty Gwenda said.
“Anyone with an issue or crisis, whether it’s the police, whether it’s hospital, we will always make ourselves available.
“And we speak for the people we’ve had many
Gerringong ‘down to earth’ Elders receive well-deserved NAIDOC gongs
positive outcomes and there is just so much to talk about, especially with racism, you know, how many times we’ve had to intervene.
“So we do a whole range of things and that is just what we do every day because we have been doing it for so long now. It has become part of our life.”
Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan have been instrumental in building and fostering relationships between the local Indigenous community and the Kiama LGA.
“We have a good relationship with them [Kiama Municipal Council]. I’ve endorsed and established our up and running advisory council,” Aunty Gwenda said.
“We’re very fortunate that we’ve made history and being able to talk direct to councillors and mayors. We have first had access and we have a good relationship. But you know what, it takes years and years to build those relationships. And now it’s finally coming to fruition.”
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald was full of praise for Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan being bestowed the honour and their contribution to the region’s community.
“As Mayor, I’ve had the privilege of working with Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan across a range of local government events and
initiatives, and they’ve brought an amazing downto-earth everyday approach to sharing the history, culture, and practices of the Traditional Owners of this amazing place we all call home,” Cr McDonald said.
“Happily, thanks to the leadership of Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan, and through the Aboriginal Advisory Group, we have a strong vehicle for delivering not just the RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan), but for fostering mutual understanding, acknowledging shared histories, and celebrating the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Kiama.”
The ways in which Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan share the history, culture and practices begins with young playgroups and extends right up to the executive levels of council.
“I’ve just taken the Kiama Council on tour, the executive level team we had in the chambers and I talked to them about culture and about native title within all of this area,” Aunty Gwenda said.
“We took them on country and they had a better understanding about culture and working with plans and why it’s important to be inclusive of the local traditional owners when talking about any significance of land.”
Vandals run amok at vacant Kiama site
Kiama’s central business district is grappling with escalating vandalism, illegal dumping and antisocial behaviour, particularly around the Akuna Street car park adjacent to the vacant Kiama Independent building and old Mitre 10 site.
Local business owners and residents are urging authorities to bolster security measures and increase police presence to curb the growing trend. The Akuna Street area has become a magnet for youth loitering outside of business hours.
Two abandoned vehicles at the site have been heavily vandalised, with smashed windows and significant damage. Piles of rubbish, including furniture and household items, continue to accumulate, exacerbating the problem.
A store employee from Edessa Arcade witnessed a group of teenagers, estimated to be around 15 years old, using bats to smash car windows at approximately 4 pm in the afternoon earlier this month.
She attempted to report
the incident at the Kiama police station but found it unattended.
“It’s incredibly frustrating,” she said. “We need a consistent police presence in this area - it’s becoming a serious concern for everyone.”
Last Thursday, (24 July), a fire extinguisher was discharged inside Edessa Mall, leaving a mess that real estate staff and business owners cleaned up the next morning.
“This senseless behaviour disrupts our businesses and affects our livelihoods,” a shopkeeper remarked. “It’s a growing worry for the entire community.”
Residents near the Akuna Street car park report frequent gatherings of young people lighting small fires and congregating around e-bikes in the vicinity.
In response, police visited the site on Monday to assess the damage and recommended installing CCTV cameras as a deterrent.
They also revealed that the existing CCTV system
on Terralong Street has been inoperative since recent thunderstorms, a matter now under review.
The importance of functional surveillance was underscored last November when CCTV footage helped apprehend culprits behind a robbery at Trinity Jewellery Store in Centrepoint Arcade.
Police have committed to increasing patrols in the Akuna Street precinct during afternoons and weekends to address the ongoing issues.
Treena Allen, a representative from First National Coast & Country - the managing real estate agency for Edessa Arcade, welcomed the increased patrols but stressed the need for broader solutions.
“The police response is a positive step, but more action is needed,” she said.
“We’re deeply concerned about the damage and disruption.
“We support any measures - whether it’s working CCTV, security patrols, or improved police reporting access - that will enhance safety and deter further incidents.”
Kiama Council clarified that the Akuna Street site, including the buildings and car park, is privately owned by Level 33.
Complaints about vandalism, rubbish, water leaks, or the site’s condition should be directed to the property owners. However, the Council has raised its own concerns with the owners following numerous community complaints. It is also seeking funding to replace the Terralong Street CCTV system, installed in 2015 and damaged in recent storms, with a full upgrade planned.
Council advises reporting illegal dumping to the NSW Environment Protection Authority at 131 555 or via ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au and criminal activity directly to NSW Police.
Local businesses and residents hope this renewed focus will lead to coordinated action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Mitchell Beadman
Uncle Stan Jarrett (left) Councillor Stuart Larkins (middle), Aunty Gwenda Jarrett (right)
Edessa Arcade canrnage
Akuna Street cars vandalised
Danielle Woolage
ASouth Coast teenager is making people’s days a little brighter in a world that can often seem bleak, even heartless, especially if you follow the sordid arena of global politics.
If you are lucky enough to have recently received a heart-shaped note decorated with a spray of flowers and a motivational message, then you can thank local shoolgirl Zyra Middonte.
The 17-year-old began leaving the notes in random locations across Berry, Gerringong and Kiama after witnessing the impact simple acts of kindness can have on people.
“You really never know what anyone is going through, everyone faces their own challenges and spreading a little bit of positivity can go a long way,” said the Year 12 student.
“Everyone faces their own challenges and a simple compliment such as ‘your hair looks beautiful today’ or ‘I love your outfit’ can stick in someone’s mind and you are rewarded by seeing their face light up.
“It costs absolutely nothing to spread kindness and it can have a huge impact on a person’s mindset.”
Zyra first began leaving the notes at the David Berry Hospital palliative care unit “because people there are dealing with hardships so I
Local teen’s small acts of kindness make big impact
thought spreading love could have a positive impact on someone”.
The random acts of kindness soon spread to strangers in Gerringong and Kiama and she has left more than 50 notes with inspirational quotes and flowers.
Her mum Leesa only found out about her daughter’s beautiful gesture when Zyra showed her a post on a community Facebook page responding to a note she had left on a car windscreen in Gerringong which read: “Dear Stranger, celebrate your progress so far this week no matter how small, every step matters.”
“Zyra was beaming when she read that she had made someone’s day,” said Leesa.
“I am so proud of her. She has so much empathy and emotional intelligence.”
The Facebook post responding to Zyra’s note said the “kind and thoughtful gesture made mine and my daughter’s day that bit sweeter”. It was the first time Zyra has seen the positive impact of her messages.
“I haven't witnessed anyone’s reaction yet,” says Zyra. “I think this is what makes it extra special because I place the note and go on my way.
“There was one time I saw the reaction of two young girls looking at the flower I attached and reading the note I left on a sign near Surf Beach in Kiama which was sweet to encounter.”
Zara adds flowers to her notes because they bring her “so much happiness”.
“I am always buying the most beautiful flowers from the Kiama Farmers Markets and my parents often joke that my bedroom looks like a florist,” she said.
“But it’s scientifically proven flowers have the ability to increase serotonin and I hoped the bright colours would make someone smile and remind them they aren’t alone.”
Gerringong author Juliet Madison knows well the impact of a simple act of kindness. She started the Secret Letters & Kindness Community on social media after releasing her book The Secret Letters Project in 2017.
“Thousands of people around the world have taken part in the project, writing letters to strangers to leave in public as anonymous acts of kindness,” Juliet said.
Juliet recommends writing “from the heart”.
“Say something that you’d like to hear yourself, that would give you a boost.”
Those involved in the project have left letters in bookstores, libraries, on a park bench, in movie theatres, cafes and like Zyra in hospitals or car windscreens.
“Kindness is truly like a wave, all it takes is one person to begin it,” Zyra added.
“I strive to be a kind person because I know the immense impact other people's kindness has had on me.”
30 years of rubber on the road for Brian Muller in Variety Bash
The Variety Bomaderry to Blacktown Bash sets off from underneath the ‘Start Arch’ at Bomaderry Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre on Sunday (August 3), in what has become a tradition for the many participants.
Preparing for his 30th year in the event, Shoalhaven local Brian Muller is looking forward to the rubber hitting the road and the fanfare beginning.
“There is a lot of fun out on the road, we will stop and have a bit of chat and party and move on,” Muller said.
The B to B Bash is what has been described as the “ultimate road trip”, with the meaning of the name simply with the bash beginning at a suburb or town with B and completed at B.
This year the NSW and ACT component will be beginning from Bomaderry, heading to Adelaide, where there will be a major event celebrating the milestone of the B 2 B Bash with all states, and then heading back to Sydney, finishing at Blacktown.
“We know the destination, we know the lunchtime destination, and we know the town we are going to for the night,” Muller said.
“But we get given the route instructions at breakfast. That will tell us to through the start and then turn left.”
Part of the novelty component for the Bash is the great lengths the teams go to
Neil Reilly
Suppose for a moment that in your working life, everything you do is recorded.
Every email kept. Every decision reviewed. Every offhand comment, whether made in your workplace or at your local café, open to public comment, critique, or condemnation by people who may have no training or insight into your field.
Welcome to local government!
When I served as Mayor, I found this reality came with the territory.
Whether I was shopping, scrolling Facebook, grabbing a coffee or answering an unfamiliar number on my mobile, I could expect a performance review at any moment.
And truly, I didn’t mind. Oscar Wilde said it best: “There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”
But lately, I’ve ve found myself worrying, oddly not for myself, but for others.
True understanding of Council in short supply among online critics
I worry for the new councillors, who face a wall of online criticism before they’ve had time to find the kitchen kettle.
I worry for the staff and volunteers; highly qualified, deeply experienced professionals who quietly keep the lights on, the bins collected, the pools open and the development proposals assessed.
I worry because while criticism is easy, understanding is hard. And at the local level, understanding is in very short supply.
Recent research shows that across Australia, local government is one of the most misunderstood levels of government, yet it is also the most visible and criticised.
One major survey found only one in 10 people felt they clearly understood how their council allocates funding.
Another found that a third of people didn’t know who their local councillors were.
Yet these same councils are expected to deliver everything from assisted living to animal control, libraries to lifeguards, toilets to town planning and
often, to do it with less staff and less budget than people realise.
We talk a lot about fairness, but fairness is an abstract concept. It is not even always possible.
What is possible (and what I hope to offer) is greater understanding. Not to silence the critics, but to help them see the full picture.
A better-informed community doesn’t always agree with its council.
But it does know where its roads lead, where its responsibilities lie, and where to direct its passion and protest.
So, next time you post a comment or pass a judgment, pause for a moment and ask: do I really understand what they do? If not, let’s explore it together.
Let’s take just one example: town planners.
These are not clipboardwielding bureaucrats making arbitrary decisions from behindclosed doors.
To become a certified planner, you’ll typically need a university degree in urban or regional planning, often
with honours or postgraduate qualifications.
Many have additional training in environmental law, architecture, heritage management, orcommunity consultation.
They navigate a labyrinth of legislation, state policies, zoning laws, and community expectations.
Their role isn’t to “approve or reject” development; they assess risk, balance competing interests, interpret shifting regulations, and guide change in ways that serve the whole community, not just the loudest voice. They do this work not in isolation, but amid public hearings, political pressure, shifting policies, and yes, Facebook comments.
This is just one profession among many inside your local council.
And as this series of articles continues, I hope to offer a closer look at the people behind the roles.
Because the more we understand what councils really do, the more confident (and fair) we can be in holding them to account.
with the kid-inspired themes for their cars, along with their drivers’ own outfits.
“We were just throwing it around the table, and we talked about [the name] skittles and then someone said, ‘oh M&Ms’ and that is how it started,” Muller said.
“So, I am the blue one [M&M], my wife Joanne is the green one, and Gary and his wife are red and orange ones.
“It is always great to see the kids there and they get really excited when they see the bash cars and the bashers dressed up in all their theme. So, it is wonderful.”
The B to B Bash allows the remote townships, that might not get the necessary awareness from other kind of charitable organisations the chance to be seen and apply for grants through the parent charity Variety Children’s Charity.
“We do a lot of lunches and breakfasts at schools, and Variety donates things that [the] school might need,” Muller said.
Unfortunately, for those who have transferred over to electric vehicles, they are not eligible to partake with the conditions of entry being 30 years old for eligibility.
“We’ve got a 1969 ZB Ford Fairlane, fully optioned up with power steering, air conditioning and heating for this one,” he said.
Having raised over $500,000 for the Variety charity in the 30 years of partaking, Muller is
humble when talking about the fundraising process explaining that it is yearround.
“The bash is hard work and [goes] all year round,” Muller said.
“As soon as you get back from one year into fundraising, you’re onto the next one.
“The bash is actually a celebration of the fundraising you do; it is all about raising money for the kids.”
This year the Bash runs from 3-13 August, has 264 participants registered and has raised a whopping $1,190,061 so far.
Aussie entrepreneur and philanthropist Dick Smith began the B to B Bash back in 1985 and raised $250,000 in the maiden event which was donated to Variety Children’s Charity.
Since then, over $250 million has been raised with over 189,000 kms covered in the 40 years of its running.
On Saturday, August 2 at Nowra Showground, the celebrations begin with a fun and inclusive event for families where the Bash cars will be on show with activities for kids.
For more information on the event head to https://www. variety.org.au/nsw/event/ variety-family-fun-day-25/.
To help Brian Muller reach his goal of $30,000 head to https://fundraise. varietynswact.org.au/ fundraisers/brianmuller/ btobbash25.
Mitchell Beadman
Free concert a taste of Festival fare
Folk By The Sea organisers have added a charity preview concert at Kiama Leagues Club auditorium on September 11 to launch this year’s festival.
Folk By The Sea officially kicks off on Friday, September 12 at Kiama Showground Pavilion with a line-up including some of Australia’s leading Folk, Country, Celtic and Bluegrass artists.
But music fans will be able to get a taste of what’s to come over the weekend at the Thursday night charity preview show featuring Bluegrass bands Charley Castles and The Boys in the Well, Kiama’s own The Water Runners, local folk duo Square Pegs and South Coast Indie-Folk artist Kane Calcite, as well as a performance from Kiama High School students to start the night at 7pm.
Entry is by donation, with all proceeds going to Lifeline South Coast.
Festival director Neil McCann said the preview show was a chance for people who hadn’t attended Folk By The Sea in previous years to come along to a free night of music and get an idea of what Folk By The Sea is all about.
“We’re hoping this show will really ‘sell’ the festival to people who may not have been to a folk festival before,” he said.
“They’ll see three of the festival’s main acts, as well as a performance from Kiama High School students, and hopefully they will want to come along to the main festival over the weekend.”
The Folk By The Sea program has been finalised, with 40 acts and 100 concerts over the weekend.
The main festival program gets underway at 5pm on Friday with the Kiama Sea Shanty Club performing on the Pavilion verandah, then at 6pm The Humbuckin’ Pickups take to the main stage in The Pavilion.
Things really start to warm up after the official opening and Welcome to Country, with Victorian multi-Golden Guitarwinning Americana duo The Weeping Willows taking to the stage at 7.30pm.
They will be followed by celebrated Indigenous
performer Jessie Lloyd at 8.25pm and Solomon Islands singer Charles Maimarosia at 9.20pm. Charley Castles and her Boys In The Well will round out the night with some foot-stomping Bluegrass from 10.20pm.
There will be two other venues operating with multiple performances at the Showground Pavilion throughout Friday night, while the nearby Kiama Uniting Church Hall will feature a Bush Dance at 8pm with the Southern Cross Bush Band.
Saturday’s packed program kicks off at 9am, with headliner Darren Coggan sure to attract a big crowd at his only show at 9pm, which will wind up the day on the main stage.
A multiple Golden Guitar winner from Tamworth’s Country Music Festival with a large catalogue of original songs, Coggan has also famously toured shows in which he performs the songs of some of the late 20th century’s most popular singersongwriters, including John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Glen Campbell and John Denver.
A popular Folk By The Sea tradition, Sirens of the Sea which features acoustic performances by many of the festival’s main female acts, will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2.45pm at the Anglican Hall. This year’s Sirens concert will feature Ally Row, Charley Castles, Chloe Roweth, Fly Little Sparrow, Jessie Lloyd, Karen Law, Oceanique and The Weeping Willows.
Sunday’s program again gets underway early, featuring acts like The Weeping Willows (9.30am), The Water Runners (12.05pm) and Jessie Lloyd (1pm).
The festival will wrap with another free concert on Sunday night at Kiama Bowling Club from 5.30pm featuring the Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Graeme “The Scotsman” McColgan, Marco and Rusty, Rhys Crimmin and Slippery John Sausage and The Swamper Domper Bayou Boys.
The full program and ticket information is available on the festival website folkbythesea. com.au.
Alchemy Chorus South Coast set for first solo concert
Music weaves its way through the heart of humanity, transcending barriers of age, memory, and language.
For many, it is a source of joy, solace, and connection. Nowhere is this more evident than in the first solo concert performed by our dementia choir, a transformative event that not only celebrates music but champions the resilience and vibrancy of those living with dementia and their families and care partners.
The Alchemy Chorus was founded in 2022 by Dr Christa Wood, with the help of the Rotary Club of Gerringong, and community volunteers.
Since early 2025 a new charity, Active Ageing NSW Inc, is looking after this choir, bringing together people living with and alongside dementia and community volunteers, who share the joy of music, and the power of connections through song.
The success of the choir lies in a belief that music possesses the unique power to unlock memories, foster emotional connections and bring light to even the most challenging moments of cognitive decline.
After months of practice and several performances at care homes and community centres, the choir set its sights on an ambitious goal: to headline its very own solo concert.
An event solely dedicated to showcasing the talents of our singers and musicians and to connect with our local community.
Musical director Jenny Ferguson has worked hard to adapt arrangements to suit
the choristers, using vocal exercises and including choreography to provide a professional experience for our audience.
The concert serves as a showcase for our choir while making a powerful statement against the stigma that often surrounds dementia, challenging assumptions about what those living with the condition can achieve.
By taking centrestage, the choir members assert their presence, their voices, and their stories, refusing to be defined solely by diagnosis.
Participation in musicmaking has been shown to ease anxiety, improve mood and enhance quality of life for people with cognitive challenges.
For this ensemble, the concert will be a reaffirmation of self-worth and capability. Research in the field of music therapy supports these observations, revealing that familiar melodies can stimulate brain regions associated with memory and emotion, even when other cognitive functions decline.
Singing in a group also nurtures social bonds, reducing isolation and reinforcing a sense of belonging.
The name ‘Alchemy’ represent the blending of various elements – our voices – to make something valuable. And we do! Join us to share our first Solo Concert experience on Sunday (3 August), from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Gerringong Town Hall, 106 Fern Street.
Email Christa for more information via christa. wood@gmail.com.
Kane Calcite
The Weeping Willows
Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well
Trippin’ with Ron music to my ears
Carol Goddard
Ivery much enjoy taking an impromptu road trip with friends. The excitement of the planning, the anticipation of spending a few carefree days with besties, enjoying spur of the moment adventures has always appealed.
The over 60s were given a travel gift a few years ago, when a new fare of $2.50 a day enabled us to explore NSW by public transport. This put joy into the hearts of many a frugal senior, including one of my best mates Ron.
He is a chook farmer, an egg producer, extremely entrepreneurial and very talented musically. Music, particularly rock, is Ron's passion. Not only is he self taught on guitar and harmonica, but he is also a gifted songwriter. He can belt out a tune with a raspy rock voice which usually brings the house down, wherever he's performing with his band, which is quite awesome considering he only discovered very late in life that he could sing.
I recall one day commenting to him that some of the establishments he played at seemed a little rough. Ron's response? "Ahh, the seedier the better, Carol.”
This reminded me of that pub scene in The Blues Brothers movie where the band had to play behind netting for fear of being hit by the odd flying beer bottle from a rowdy crowd. We had a good old laugh. A few years ago, a bunch of Ron's friends, including hubby and I, decided to take advantage of the $2.50 a day travel. Ron was our designated leader and took on the responsibility of organising a two-day escape to Lithgow and Katoomba.
Not only did Ron choose the destination. He also put himself in charge of finding accommodation.
Most of the couples lived in the Newcastle area, while hubby and I lived in Cronulla. So we met at Sydney's Central Station and caught a train together to Lithgow. This was like a school excursion with naughty children, except that we were naughty 60-plus.
As station by station flew by, we laughed all the way, encouraged by the antics of one very funny lady. Though we had not met most of the group before, and there were 10 of us, we almost immediately became mates. This was shaping up to be a fun two days.
We arrived in Lithgow and set off to tour a pottery factory
which Ron had researched, and organised as our first point of interest. According to Google Maps, it was within walking distance of the station.
When we arrived at the site we found a derelict building, looking forlorn, ancient paint peeling, weeds escaping from rusted downpipes, windows shattered as if a bomb had hit.
This was the pottery factory. No sign of life, except for the sounds and the prints of our footsteps on the uneven gravel. With much ribbing and guffawing, poor Ron immediately became the butt of many a joke. The factory had obviously not produced pottery for a long time.
Back to the station we strolled, our funny lady being pushed all the way in a discarded shopping trolley we'd discovered in the long grass. The spontaneity and the silliness was going to continue. We'd definitely started well.
Arriving in Katoomba, we made our way to our accommodation, which quite coincidentally happened to be a pub, advertising an open mic night that night. But it wasn't a coincidence. Ron loves performing. Ron loves an open mic night. So he booked our trip, and our place to stay, accordingly. He figured he'd
at least have an audience of nine. The tariff was very low, in keeping with our $2.50 per day travel budget. It was a win all round.
Now this pub from first appearance couldn't be described as five-star. In fact, it gave the impression of an old, rundown watering hole. There was a smell of stale beer lingering in the entrance way, history in that smell, with the inside gloom adding to the atmosphere. The formidable bar person, who was completely lacking in the art of welcoming, gave us our old-fashioned room keys, and off up the very worn carpeted staircase we climbed, to our rooms.
Imagine our dismay. Struggling with the door key, hubby and I finally manage to break into our room to discover double bunks, and in one corner a vintage sink complete with dripping tap and a greenish stain decorating the basin.
Added to this was the joy of shared bathroom facilities, situated a veritable kilometre down the draughty, cold and exceedingly drab hallway. History notwithstanding, the place needed a makeover. Hubby grimaced. A change of room was needed. We tossed up to see who was to confront the formidable bar person, and I lost. Back down to reception, and with the utmost diplomacy, I successfully negotiated another room, complete with a double bed, no sink, and an open window , which unfortunately was stuck open. In Katoomba, in winter.
Worse still, this window was over the pub carpark. Fabulous. But I wasn't going back down those stairs to change our room again - this was our room for the night. Unfortunately, we were still sharing that uninviting and draughty bathroom.
At last it was Ron's turn. He got up and took the mic with ease, his face a picture of concentration.
And then he launched into his first cover and it was immediately obvious he was in a league of his own.
The first chords brought an end to audience chatter, the atmosphere in the room became electric, heads turned towards him, drinks to lips momentarily paused.
Ron's gravelly voice had the audience rocking, they were spellbound, they weren't used to someone so talented just walking into that pub, signing up, playing and seizing the night.
Everyone was with Ron, everyone was in the band.
The applause, the happiness, the shared enjoyment was at fever pitch. Ron had once again brought the house down.
drunken patron were rising loudly and incoherently from the carpark and through our window.
The prospect of a good night's sleep seemed somewhat far off, but mercifully the carpark cleared relatively quickly, the bed was very snug, and we were a little the worse for wear.
After indulging in a hearty breakfast the next morning, and fossicking through the shops of Katoomba Street in search of a treasure or souvenir of our two-day getaway, it was time to head for the station, and home.
We all settled back to enjoy the train trip back to Sydney, having had an eventful, exhilarating, and relatively cheap two-day romp.
We were content, the contentment that comes from a full heart.
Meeting up with our mates, drinks, pub grub and more drinks were the order of the night. The dining area had the aroma of beers, burgers and deep fry. The tables sticky from years of patronage, and as the glasses clinked and the cutlery scraped, we took part in that noisy revelry that temporarily brought us back our youth.
The best was yet to come, the open mic competition. Ron had strategically signed up as late as possible, and so was 11th on the runsheet. It was going to be a long and boozy night.
The calibre of performers that night ranged from the very, very good, to the not so good, to the downright awful. There were poets, singers, musos all having a go, and the audience was large, sympathetic, noisy and merrily inebriated.
Too soon, the entertainment was over. We slowly staggered to our room, having had a few drinks too many, and upon opening the door, were greeted with not only the acrid fumes of cigarette smoke, but the chill of winter Katoomba air.
The voices of many a
We'd had a lot of fun with good mates, slept in a dubious space, drunk far too much, enjoyed some great music and laughed constantly.
I still have vivid memories of that Katoomba pub room.
I do wonder if the window ever got repaired.
I'll tell you one thing: I won't be going back to check.
What’s On?
Where Thought Settles
Sat 12 July to Sun 24 Aug
SevenMarks Gallery
‘Where Thought Settles’ is an exhibition by Chick Butcher.
Art Vision exhibition
Thu 31 July to Wed 6 Aug, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
The exhibition will feature artworks from a range of media encompassing different styles and subjects.
The Alchemy Choir South Coast
Sun 3 Aug, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Gerringong Town Hall
The Alchemy Choir South Coast - a choir for people impacted by dementia, has their first Solo Concert. This is a free event - donations welcome.
Quakers meeting
Sun 3 Aug, 2pm-3pm 12/2 Brereton Street, Nowra
Meeting on the first Sunday of every month, they meet in “spirit-filled, worshipful silence”.
Land, Ocean & Home exhibition
Thu 7 Aug to Wed 13 Aug, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
This exhibition features the work of three local artists and friends who draw inspiration from the natural world.
James Burton at Crooked River Estate
Sat 9 Aug, 2pm-5pm Crooked River Estate
This free outdoor event is the perfect way to relax and soak up the stunning views of the vineyard.
The Creative Business
Summit 2025 Thurs 14 Aug, 9am-5pm
The Pavilion
No1 creative business conference on the NSW South Coast. Tickets can be purchased online.
Leonie Simmons exhibition
Thurs 14 Aug to Wed 20 Aug, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Leonie creates abstract relief collages that challenge normal painting traditions.
SONIDO - interactive kids concert
Sun 17 Aug, 2pm & 3pm
Gerringong Town Hall
Gerringong Music Club presents SONIDO, with sessions at 2pm (for children aged 5-9 years) and at 3pm (for children aged 9 and up).
Bookings are essential, buy tickets online.
South Coast
Ceramics Market
Sun 17 Aug
The Co-Op Gerringong
The market celebrates the artistry, heritage and beauty of handmade ceramics on the South Coast, with over 30 local potters, sculptors and makers attending.
Inquisitive Imaginings exhibition
Thurs 21 Aug to Wed 27 Aug, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
This exhibition has been created by two local women who have produced a harmonious yet variable body of work.
Woven Baskets
Sat 23 Aug, 9am-2pm
Joyce Wheatley Community Centre
Weave your own woven basket with step by step instructions. $140 per person, book online.
Home Composting
Workshop
Sat 23 Aug, 1pm-4pm
Kiama Community Garden
Learn the basics of successful composting in your own home, with a method to suit every situation.
Soul Clay Studios exhibition
Thurs 28 Aug to Wed 3 Sep, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Soul Clay Studios resident artists come together each year to exhibit their finest ceramic works for the community.
A place in the Sultan’s Kitchen
Fri 29 Aug, 8-10pm
Shoalhaven Entertainment
Centre
Purchase tickets online. Second hand book sale
Fri 29 to Sun 31 August, 9am4pm
Ss Peter & Paul Parish Hall
Books, games, jigsaws, CDs, DVDs and bric a brac all cheap. Supporting the Kiama High School SRE teacher.
Between Dreams and Truth exhibition
Thurs 4 Sep to Wed 10 Sep, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Featuring works by Jenny Albanis and Christine Murphy, this exhibition celebrates both realism and imagination through the eyes of two talented local artists.
Kiama Art Society
Group exhibition
Thurs 11 Sep to Wed 17 Sep, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
The Kiama Art Society will be showcasing a variety of work including painting, drawing, and printmaking.
Folk by the Sea
Fri 12 to Sun 14 Sept
Kiama Showground Pavilion
Folk by the Sea is a music festival that showcases a rich blend of folk, world, roots, Celtic, bluegrass, and gypsy music. Early Bird tickets are available on their website.
Illawarra Shoalhaven
Dementia Public Forum
Wed 17 Sep, 9:30am-3pm
The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow
Registration essential, contact Val 0488 114 555.
Kiama Triathlon
Sat 27 Sep, from 9am
The Kiama Triathlon is back in September! Get ready to swim, bike and run the shores of Kiama.
Horizontal Festival
Sat 4 to Sun 5 , 12pm-9:30pm
Centennial Vineyards
More than just a food and wine celebration - its part concert, part degustation menu, part art show and part wine, craft beer and distillery tasting. Tickets can be purchased online.
F.O.C.K. rocks
Paddling event set to make another splash at Kangaroo Valley
Lleyton Hughes
Australia’s premier recreational paddling event, the Festival of Canoe and Kayak (F.O.C.K.), will return to Kangaroo Valley for the third consecutive year.
Taking place on 8-10 August, the festival welcomes all forms of unpowered watercraft - from canoes, kayaks and SUPs to pack rafts, dragon boats, and beyond.
The F.O.C.K. has become a cornerstone celebration of Australia’s vibrant paddling culture.
“We’re thrilled to welcome paddlers of all backgrounds back to the valley, each bringing their own unique craft and energy to the water,” said festival director Dylan Jones. “It’s equally exciting to see so many people enjoying their very first paddling experience in such a breathtaking setting.”
The festival will feature live music, hands-on workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, and a range of exclusive tours and paddling experiences, a boat-based scavenger hunt, novelty paddle events and
the elegant Black Tie Sunset Paddle.
A highlight of the festival will be a world record attempt on Sunday at midday, where paddlers will gather at Bendeela Recreation Area to attempt the official world record for the longest line of peoplepowered, paddle-propelled watercraft.
Anyone with a paddle and a human powered craft is welcome to join.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Kangaroo Valley, the event promises a memorable experience on one of Australia’s most scenic flatwater paddling venues.
“Kangaroo Valley truly is the canoeing capital of Australia,” Jones said.
“Where else will you find a festival devoted to recreational paddling, backed by a community so passionate and welcoming? We’re incredibly proud to showcase the diversity of paddling in Australia through this event.”
Cultural programming will again be led by Gadhungal Marring, a locally owned Indigenous company, offering a range of Aboriginal cultural experiences and activities throughout the weekendcelebrating the deep heritage and significance of the land. Since its launch in 2022, the F.O.C.K. has rapidly become a much-anticipated fixture in the region’s event calendar.
“The F.O.C.K. is a fantastic addition to our community events,” said Natalie Harker from the Kangaroo Valley Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
“We can’t wait to welcome the F.O.C.K.ers back to Kangaroo Valley.”
Event Details: What: Festival of Canoe and Kayak (F.O.C.K.)
When: August 8–10, 2025
Where: Bendeela Recreation Area, Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Cost: Free entry; most activities are free
The festival is a popular event at Kangaroo Valley.
Photo: Tim Clark
Festival Director Dylan Jones at the Black Tie Sunset Paddle. Photo: F.O.C.K.
A Calypso summer to savour
John Dawson
As a baby boomer, I grew up watching the great West Indies cricket teams of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, so I’d always wanted to visit the Caribbean.
Watching Wes Hall and Charlie Griffiths bowl while sitting on the SCG hill with my father is a very fond memory.
Then to watch the likes of contemporaries like Viv Richards and Joel Garner, who were also born in 1952, continued my fascination with Windies cricket. When I realised the Australian men’s team would be playing a series of limited-overs games in the Caribbean in 2021, I started planning a trip.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to that adventure. So when I checked the schedule and saw the 2025 series, I restarted my planning.
Details of matches were not released until just before Christmas and only a few months before the first match. Once I knew roughly when the Tests would be, around July last year I started booking flights and accommodation.
My wife and I flew to Houston via Auckland on Air New Zealand for a couple of nights so we could visit the Space Centre. This was another tick off the wish list and extremely interesting, but be warned if you are planning a similar visit.
Get there early if travelling independently and book separate tours of Mission Control and the Astronaut Training Facility before arrival, even if on a tour.
Then it was on to Miami to stay at the small Ocean Hotel, which is located across the road from the famous South Beach. We were in the middle of the Art Deco area, right where all the “beautiful” people hang out to be seen.
Because of the late release of details of the Tests, I decided to fill in some time before joining our cricket tour by seeing some other parts of the Caribbean.
This involved doing backto-back celebrity cruises of the Western and Eastern Caribbean. We visited Coco Cay (Bahamas), Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Islands) and Falmouth (Jamaica) on the first cruise.
After returning to Miami, we visited San Juan (Puerto Rico), St Maarten (both French and Dutch parts) and Coco Cay before disembarking back in Miami. All of these ports were different, with their own charm and characteristics.
Our favourite would be Grand Cayman, while the most unique would be Coco Cay (Perfect Day).
After returning to Miami we stayed at The Tony Hotel on Charles Avenue. Again located in the beautiful Art Deco area, we often thought we’d see Frank Sinatra or Marilyn Monroe walk into the hotel.
We had five nights there so it was time to explore the city that I first visited nearly 50 years previously.
We did a day trip to Key West, known as the most southerly point of continental USA, but also where Ernest Hemingway spent most of his life. Well worth the visit, even though it was a 14-hour day.
On our last pre-tour day we travelled to the famous Florida Everglades to “hunt” for alligators on an airboat. While the gators were not in great numbers, the airboat ride was a thrilling way to explore the glades.
Now it was time to join our cricket tour which would take us to St Lucia, Barbados (First Test), Grenada (Second Test), Trinidad and Jamaica (Third Test). I did a fair bit
research when deciding whether to take this trip as part of a tour group or to travel independently.
I eventually selected Australian Sport Tours (AST) which would be hosted by former Australian cricketers Merv Hughes and Geoff Marsh. My wife and I have visited all seven continents and over 50 countries, but this would be our first time to the Caribbean.
I had attended the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup in Brazil as part of a Fanatics tour with my son, but this would be my wife’s first sport-based trip. Our first experience with flying in the Caribbean was to St Lucia and our first introduction to rum punches. Our main activity here was a catamaran cruise that took us to the famous piton volcanic peaks, Toraille waterfall, sulphur springs and mud baths, Soufrière village and Marigot Bay. The cruise finished off with lunch, more rum punches and swimming or snorkelling in the beautiful clear blue Caribbean water.
Then it was onto Barbados, home to childhood cricket heroes Sobers, Worrell, Hall, Greenidge, Haynes and Marshall and the First Test at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown.
After a couple of days relaxing we started our pre-test preparation with a special group dinner and visit from Windies legend, Joel “Big Bird” Garner. Australia won in three days by 159 runs and Travis Head was Player of the Match.
Each day we had a “briefing” from Merv and Geoff (Swampy) about the day’s play before heading to the ground. We all loved their extremely detailed and insightful knowledge, but delivered with the passion with which they played. When the game finished early we had an opportunity to tour the island, but also enjoy some of the great Caribbean beaches.
Bay where you could hire deck chairs and an umbrella, buy a beer or cocktail and swim in the refreshing clear water.
The Second Test was in Grenada at the National Stadium. Dubbed the Spice Isle, it is very hilly and home to numerous nutmeg plantations.
Australia won on the fourth day by 133 runs and Alex Carey was Player of the Match.
So we filled in our spare day with a tour of the island visiting Swan Street in downtown St George’s, Fort George, St Nicholas Abbey and rum distillery and upmarket Holetown and Speightstown.
We spent a lot of our time in Grenada visiting a local bar near our hotel, the Old Skool Pub. Great food and drink that was made very special when Swampy presented me visit an Australian playing vest, worn by his son Mitchell. Straight to the pool room!
Before the Third Test in Jamaica our tour took us for a short stop to Trinidad (and Tobago) the home of cricket legend, Brian Lara.
Although there was no Test scheduled for Trinidad, we toured the island before we got treated to a personal tour of Queens Park Cricket Stadium by the club president. We walked on the field, visited the club museum that included many prices of cricket memorabilia and had a beer in the clubhouse.
Our last stop was in Kingston, Jamaica and the Third Test at Sabina Park. Jamaica has a rich cricket history, having produced champions like Courtney Walsh and Michael Holding.
The first two days were very interesting, especially as it was a day-night Test and the series trend of “ball triumphing over bat” continued.
The best part was me winning the tour
sweep to predict the score at the end of Day 2, which was 6-99 compared to my prediction of 2-100. That helped pay for some of this fantastic adventure!
What a last day of cricket on tour - the Aussies were bowled out for 121 which left the Windies needing 203 to win. However, they were decimated by Mitch Starc taking 6-9, including his 400th Test wicket, and Scott Boland claiming a hat-trick as they were bowled out for 27 in the lowest number of balls ever. Starc was Player of the Match and Series. What a 100th Test match he had.
Australia won the series 3-0 to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, whose grave we visited in Barbados. It’s a pity, from a cricket perspective, that all three Tests finished early, but this gave us more time to discover the Caribbean islands. West Indies cricket has some big issues to confront, especially their batting weaknesses and lack of local crowds.
If the Aussies, both those on tour and travelling independently, were not there then very few people would’ve attended. When they did turn up, on Day 1 and 2 in Jamaica, the atmosphere was fantastic, with music, dancing, food, drink and friendly acceptance, especially in the Kingston Cricket Club Members Stand.
After a night of celebrations in Kingston we did a bit of Jamaican sightseeing, by driving around new and old Kingston and visiting the National Heroes Park, Camp Royal, the waterfront and Trench Town.
Trench Town is a public housing area where Bob Marley lived and is regarded as the birthplace of Reggae. We visited the Bob Marley
Museum, Devon House and the Craft Markets. The museum was extremely interesting and gave us a great insight into Bob’s life, music and untimely death.
We then left our Kingston hotel and took a local bus across the island to Montego Bay for our last two nights in the Caribbean. Our trip was delayed when our bus had a mechanical problem en route. Such is the joys of travelling in third-world countries - island time at its best.
We stayed at Toby’s Resort, just down the road from the world famous Doctors Cave Beach and the Hip Strip of bars and restaurants.
This also gave us a chance to visit the Secret Falls, Blue Hole and Dunn’s River Falls, made famous in the James Bond movie, Doctor No with Sean Connery and Ursula Andress.
On our last morning we had a swim with the locals at Sunset Beach just near Toby’s. A great way to start our last day in the Caribbean.
Our flights home involved returning to Miami for a night at the airport before flying to Sydney via Houston and Auckland, bringing an end to our eight-week Caribbean adventure following the Australian team. A truly wonderful experience, especially as it may be the last Australian tour here if the Windies are “relegated” to a future second tier of test nations.
It was great being part of a tour of like-minded passionate cricket enthusiasts and watching some great cricket played at iconic venues.
We visited 12 countries and took two cruises and 12 flights, to gain an in-depth perspective of this fascinating part of the world that I don’t think you can achieve travelling independently.
Support Local
Know Your Neighbour:
Young locals invited to share community stories
Young people in the Kiama local government area are invited to become digital storytellers through a new community project launching this spring.
The Bugle is partnering with the Community Media Training Organisation to offer two young locals aged 12 to 24 the chance to tell stories about the people who make our region unique.
No journalism experience is necessary - just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love for community.
The selected participants will receive free training and mentoring throughout spring, culminating in a series of digital stories to be published in The Bugle this December.
What’s involved
The program begins in September with a visit to The
Bugle newsroom to meet your mentor and see how a local paper runs.
In October, participants will take part in four online training sessions with journalist and media trainer Anita Anabel. These sessions cover the fundamentals of journalism, writing for news and social media, interview techniques, mobile journalism, and editing.
Sessions are held Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 6pm on:
October 1 – What is journalism?
October 8 – Writing for news and social media
October 15 – Interview skills and mobile journalism
October 22 – Editing and storytelling
Participants must be available for all four sessions.
In November, participants will work with their mentor
to create three short video stories about people in their own communities.
These stories will be finalised and published in The Bugle in December.
Each participant will receive a $150 payment upon publication of their three pieces.
Why it matters
The Know Your Neighbour project is funded by the NSW Premier’s Department and aims to strengthen social cohesion by amplifying diverse voices and highlighting the rich cultural makeup of our region.
“This is a chance for young people to explore the issues that matter to them, celebrate their neighbours, and develop real-world media skills,” says The Bugle’s editor. How to apply
Send an email to hello@
Lleyton Hughes “We fell in love.”
When Candace and Richard ScottMoore got together, they not only linked their lives - they also linked the Anishinaabe People of Canada with the Yuin Nation of the South Coast of Australia.
“Candace and I have been sharing each other’s cultures for many years, and that really sparked our passion for celebrating both,” said Richard.
“I’m from Nowra, and I’ve been sharing culture since I was young - and I haven’t stopped.”
Candace added: “I’m from the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation in Ontario.
“For the last 16 or 17 years, we’ve been living half the year in Australia and the other half in Canada. We’ve immersed ourselves in each other’s families, cultures, and communities. What’s been really beautiful is seeing how similar our cultures are.”
That connection has inspired the creation of something new: to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival has organised to showcase short films highlighting the Anishinaabe
People of the Great Lakes region at Huskisson Pictures.
Curated by Candace and Richard and with films directed by Marshall Leigh George, the festival will present five short films that explore the deep connection to land and water shared by Indigenous Peoples in Canada and Australia.
Candace and Richard were moved to curate films for the festival when they realised how much their cultures had in common.
“Seeing these similarities
thebuglenews.com.au by Thursday 22 August with the following details: Your name
Email and phone number
Age
Location (street and suburb/town)
Cultural background
Confirmation that you’re available for all four training dates in October
Successful applicants will be notified in early September.
All training and mentoring will take place online or in public settings Mentors have current Working with Children Checks. If you need help accessing a device or internet, support is available. This is a unique opportunity for young voices to be heard - while learning valuable skills and sharing the stories that matter in our community.
How a love story turned into a film festival honouring First Nations peoples
grounds us. It reminds us who we are as Indigenous people,” said Richard.
“When we see other Indigenous communities living strong, sharing and teaching, it reaffirms our purpose - to keep culture alive and pass it down. That’s why I do what I do.
“It’s about keeping our respectful, humble way of life alive. It’s all about connection: to the land, spirit each other.”
“We might come from small communities,” added Candace, “but we’re part of
something much bigger. We have so much in common, it’s important to recognise that.”
Film director Marshall Leigh George spoke about some of the films that will be screened and the deeper meaning behind them.
“Water Provides follows a local woman who’s studying to be a marine biologist,” said Leigh George. “She honours her fishing heritage by netting fish on the Great Lakes, preserving her family’s traditions.”
Another film focuses on wild rice. “It’s not just about food,” said Leigh George. “It’s about the ecosystem - the ducks, the replanting process - it’s all interconnected. It’s about balance, a central theme in all our films.”
There’s also a music video from a local band.
The festival will take place next Friday (9 August) at 2pm, aligning with World Indigenous Peoples Day, which commemorates the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.
The 2025 themeIndigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination: a pathway for food security and sovereignty - is strongly reflected in the films selected.
“These themes are central to us,” said Candace. “Food sovereignty means reclaiming traditional knowledge.”
Richard and Candace Scott-Moore, the curators of the Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival. Photo: Supplied.
a Weekend Trivia Trivia Weekend Weekend
Time for trivia!
Time for trivia!
What is the fluffiest type of cloud?
Which actor released the memoir Finding e in ?
What is the fluffiest type of cloud? Finding Me 2022?
How many points are there on the maple leaf on the Canadian flag?
How many points are there on the maple leaf on the Canadian flag?
Got your answers? Great, now it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Each week you can find a new and challenging trivia round right on The Bugle App! Ju st go to the bugle app and check out ‘The Weekend Quiz’ under the puzzle tab. Each Friday a new quiz will go live and the competition begins! En oy trivia fans!
Got your answers? Great, now it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Each week you can find a new and challenging trivia round right on The Bugle App! Just go to the bugle app and check out ‘The Weekend Quiz’ under the puzzle tab. Each Friday a new quiz will go live and the competition begins! Enjoy trivia fans!
WHAT IS THE FLUFFIEST TYPE OF CLOUD?
ANSWER : C
Cirrus
Stratus
Buzzer-beater loss for Jamberoo,
while Gerringong and Kiama pile on the points in round 14
Lleyton Hughes
Round 14 of the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League was a highscoring affair for local teams, but unfortunately for the Jamberoo Superoos, it wasn’t quite enough.
Sitting five points outside the top five heading into the match, the Superoos were desperate for a win against the last-placed Berry Magpies at home. But it was a horror start for the Superoos, with Berry crossing for three tries in the opening 10 minutes.
It wasn’t until the 13th minute that five-eighth James Asquith scored off a scrum to put Jamberoo on the board, making it 16-06.
Five minutes later, winger Nathan Gallastegui finished off a backline play in the corner to narrow the margin.
In the 30th minute, fullback Jack Talbott produced a moment of magic.
Fielding a midfield kick deep in his half, he beat several defenders, found open space, chipped over the fullback, grubbered ahead when the bounce didn’t favour him, and grounded the ball for a stunning solo try. That effort gave Jamberoo
the lead, but a late penalty goal from Berry levelled the scores at 18-18 heading into halftime.
Early in the second half, both teams scored again, bringing the score to 22–22, where it stayed until the 72nd minute.
Talbott put up a bomb that was dropped by the Berry fullback, and the ball bounced back into his hands before he offloaded to Cameron Brabender, who scored under the posts.
Jamberoo looked to have clinched it, leading 28-22 with just minutes remaining. But a break from the Berry lock in the 77th minute led to a try in the corner. The missed conversion meant Jamberoo still led by two points.
With less than two minutes on the clock, a clever kick forced Jamberoo to bat the ball over the sideline, gifting Berry one final opportunity.
In the dying seconds, a long ball from dummy half down the short side found winger Charlie Jefferies, who crossed in the corner to steal a dramatic 32-28 win.
At Kiama Showground, the Knights were in dominant form, piling on nine tries against the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs in a 46-6 victory.
Kiama ran in four tries in the opening 30 minutes, including a strong solo effort from captain Kieran Poole.
Milton-Ulladulla managed a try just before the break to bring some hope into the second half, but the Knights ran away with it.
Thistlewaite, Jennings, Andrews, Angel, and Killmore all scored in the second half, with Kiama’s defence holding strong to concede just one try for the game.
“It was a great win. It was nice to pile on some points,” said Killmore. “With the top five being so tight, it could come down to for-andagainst, so I was happy we not only scored well but also kept our defence solid.”
Gerringong also impressed at home, defeating Albion Park-Oak Flats 28-4.
The Eagles, fresh off a big win over top-of-the-table Shellharbour, opened the scoring and held a 4-0 lead until the 32nd minute.
Gerringong captain Nathan Ford crashed over from dummy half to equal the scores, sparking a late firsthalf surge with two more quick tries, including a chipand-chase effort just before the buzzer.
The Lions led 16-4 at the
break and extended their lead in the 54th minute with a breakaway try to Toby Gumley-Quine off a sharp inside ball. Then, just before full-time, Rixon Russell delivered a mesmerising pass to Jack Quine to seal the win.
“We really wanted to fix up our mistakes after losing to Albion Park back in round one,” said Ford. “We got off to a bad start, but defended really well in the first 20 minutes, only letting in one try. We worked hard to stay in the arm wrestle and scored three tries late in the first half which gave us a big boost.
“After the half, we just wanted to keep working hard for each other, and not conceding any points in the second half was a great effort as we build towards the most important part of the season.”
With only four games remaining, Gerringong now move into equal first place with the Stingrays of Shellharbour, while Kiama move to equal third alongside the Shellharbour Sharks.
This Saturday, Kiama will play Gerringong at Michael Cronin Oval in one of the biggest matches of the season, while Jamberoo will face the Stingrays at Flinders Field on Sunday.
Hayden’s close to NRL debut after surprise call-up
Hayden Buchanan is yet another Gerringong Lions junior who is close to making his NRL debut with St George Illawarra.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has included Buchanan in the 20-man squad for this Saturday's WIN Stadium match-up against Canberra.
Buchanan has been named among the reserves for the first time in his career after crafting an impressive Knock-On Effect NSW Cup campaign this year.
His former Gerringong teammate, rookie forward Hamish Stewart, has been named on the interchange bench.
Another Lions product, second-rower Dylan Egan, made his debut earlier this season before suffering a serious knee injury.
It has been a bumper year for Gerringong with young halfback Ashton Ward getting his first taste of NRL action for South Sydney last Saturday, playing the final 23 minutes of their narrow loss to Cronulla in Gosford.
Buchanan could be a late inclusion between now and game day if there is an injury or if Flanagan decides to tinker with his line-up.
The 19-year-old centre was signed by the Dragons four years ago and played up an age group in Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball before earning his first callup to the NRL training sqaud at 17.
He helped NSW win an Under 19s Origin match over Queensland despite also being a year younger than the cut-off mark.
Buchanan was given a glimpse of NRL intensity at the start of the year when he took part in the trial wins over South Sydney and the
Roosters before lining up in 14 NSW Cup matches for St George Illawarra leading into this week's NRL call-up.
With Maroons centre Valentine Holmes and winger Sione Finau out for the rest of the season due to shoulder injuries, there's a fair chance Buchanan will get to make his NRL debut at some stage in the final six rounds.
Flanagan has been forced to make changes to his pack for the rumble with the Raiders.
Former Queensland forward Jaydn Su’A (knee) is unlikely to play again this season after he was on the end of a hip-drop tackle during last week's loss to North Queensland.
Michael Molo will slot into the second row for Su'A with veteran forward Hame Sele added to the interchange.
Blake Lawrie has been relegated to the interchange with Emre Guler returning to the starting side at prop.
The Dragons have dropped to 12th on the ladder with a 6-12 record after their 38-32 loss to the Cowboys and are just two points ahead of lastplaced South Sydney in the race to avoid the wooden spoon. They face a daunting task trying to bring down the Green Machine who are riding high at the top of the ladder on the back of a ninegame winning streak.
In the NRLW, the Dragons will be without Teagan Berry (suspension) and Kasey Reh (head knock) when they take on the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium at Magic Round on Sunday. After thumping Canberra in Round 1, they have lost three on the trot, including a 30-6 defeat at the hands of Brisbane in Wollongong last Sunday.
The Berry Magpies scored a buzzer beater to defeat Jamberoo over the weekend. Photo @pdavo68
Kiama are in a great position leading into the final weeks of the competition. Photo @SticksPix_
Kiama score nine tries on the weekend against the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs. Photo SticksPix_
Empowering comebacks define thrilling Power day
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama Power’s Men’s Premier Division team came agonisingly close to pulling off a surprise victory against second-placed Northern District Tigers at Hollymount Park over the weekend.
It was the third time the two sides had faced off in 2025, with the Tigers taking the previous matches 7334 and 75-56. But this time, the Power nearly flipped the script.
Sitting fifth on the ladder before the game, Kiama started strong and led at every change, taking a 51–30 lead into the final quarter.
But the Tigers responded with a powerful final term, kicking 33 points to run out 63–57 winners.
“North probably set up a little bit differently in terms of their defence in the last quarter,” said Power committee member Anthony Grady.
“That really choked us in the end - it shut down our offence. I think we only managed one goal in the last quarter. With the wind behind them, they kept the ball, peppered our goals a few times, and managed to pull away for the win.”
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Grady said the match showed that Kiama could match it with one of the strongest teams in the competition, which should boost the team’s confidence heading into the final rounds of the season.
“The Tigers have only lost two games in the last 18 months. They went undefeated last year and only lost the grand final. This year, they’ve only lost to Figtree, who are top of the ladder,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we were just one goal short. But we
know we can match it with those top teams - we’ve seen glimpses of it throughout the year. The challenge now is sustaining that level for longer periods.”
With a bye this week, the Men’s Premier Division side will need to win their final two games and rely on other results to break into the top four.
There was better news for Kiama Power’s Women’s Premier Division team, who snapped a seven-game losing streak in style, claiming a 39–22 win over the Tigers.
In a reversal of the men’s game, the women trailed by two points heading into the final quarter before launching a dominant surge to secure the win.
“It was a good fightback from the girls, particularly in the last quarter, to pull away and get the win,” said Grady. “It was a much-needed result - they were sitting outside the top four and had to win to stay in the hunt for finals.”
Kiama Power’s Men’s Reserve Grade side also delivered a thrilling comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit at threequarter time to defeat a team that had thrashed them earlier in the season.
Trailing 47–28, the Reserves piled on a whopping 25 points in the final term to seal a memorable win.
“Last time we played them we lost by 50 or 60 points,” said Grady. “So, it was a great turnaround to kick off Saturday with a win. The Reserves can’t make the semifinals, but it’s always satisfying to shake up the teams still in contention.”
While the Men’s Premier Division team has a week off, both the Women’s and Reserve Grade sides will be back in action at home this Saturday, taking on Figtree and Port Kembla respectively.
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice
Quinntessential service
Gerringong honours six of the best as life members
Lleyton Hughes
Gerringong Surf Lifesaving Club honoured six of its members with life memberships on Sunday, recognising their outstanding service to both the club and the wider Gerringong community.
Andy Depree, Gary George, Mitchell Payne, Richard Payne, Shane Wicks, and Wendy Quinn were all selected by a committee chaired by fellow member Mark Booth.
“The reality is that a small number of our members carry an enormous load to ensure the safety of our beachgoers and the smooth and efficient
functioning of the club,” Booth said. “There could be no more worthy recipients of the club’s highest honour than these dedicated and selfless members.”
Wendy Quinn, the only female recipient, admitted she initially felt unworthy of the recognition - but came to see her contributions in a new light. “Realistically, I don't have the qualifications that they do. But I think a surf club should be harmonious and welcoming - a place where people belong. And I said, I can help you do that,” Wendy explained. “Then I looked at what they wrote and how they spoke about me in the meeting, and I thought, that’s
For the love of the horse: the meaning of
August 1
Mitchell Beadman
Up in the rolling hills of the Illawarra, there are many families who will be taking a moment to reflect on the significance of the horse's birthday.
August 1 to many is just another day, but to some, like standardbred and show horse breeders Trevor and Julie Swan of Jamberoo, it means so much more.
“In the racing industry it signifies the commencement of a fresh new season of excitement, hopes, and dreams,” Trevor said.
Trevor and Julie met at Menangle trots in 1974 and married in 1976.
“Julie had grown up with horses at pony club and competed at local shows and I was hooked on harness racing,” Trevor said. “I spent every spare moment training horses at Richard and Brian Hancock’s training property at Albion Park.
“Harness racing has been my passion and I have been fortunate to have experienced some highlight moments in the sport.”
The Swans’ farm in
actually everything I was trying to achieve. You don’t have to be the president or lead rescuer. You can do small things that quietly add up, and you don’t even realise it until someone points it out.”
That quiet dedication has marked Wendy’s 20year involvement with Gerringong SLSC - a journey that began with uncertainty but grew into a deeply valued contribution. “I was always involved with the surf club because my children were surfers, and we’re very beachoriented people,” she said.
“Our patrol captain, Mark Booth, is so encouraging. He made me realise that you didn’t need to be the fastest
swimmer or the best rescuer - that there was a role for everyone. That’s when the light went on: I can be good at this, and encourage others.”
Wendy is well known not only for her warmth and leadership but also for her record-breaking patrol hours - which earned her the title of Patrol Person of the Year for 2024. And of course, there’s her famous food.
“I've always been on patrols with lots of children - that’s why I started feeding them,” she laughed. “I’d make them really beautiful, big lunches, and they would say to their mums, ‘Oh, Wendy, let me go surfing at patrol and she also made my lunch.’” said Wendy.
Jamberoo was the birthplace of many champions.
“My family and I bred many winners, the best two being Australian Horse of the Year and Inter Dominion winner Weona Warrior and Australian 3YO Horse of the Year Sushi Sushi,” he said.
Trevor was also one of the first involved in Artificial Insemination (AI) in Australia which started in the early 1990s.
“I was sort of one of the early ones when that [AI] first kicked in,” Trevor said.
“I remember driving to Sydney and hopping on a plane and flying to Albury, driving to Shepparton, and then coming back home again and the vet was waiting at 6 o’clock at night to serve the mare. So that’s how it [AI] started. It all got easier and now it just goes out in a box in freight.
“Then frozen semen was allowed, and I was sort of at the front end of that too. I think I was the first to import semen from America.
“And then they decided you could do embryo transfer.”
Trevor occasionally got the gig when Brian Hancock was unavailable and jumped
into the sulky and has nearly 50 winners to his name.
“My highlights were two successive Newcastle Miles and a feature at Mooney Valley,” he said. These highlights were all behind his favourite horse Sabilize, which Trevor had a great affiliation with.
“Yeah, she pretty much consumed me for the years that she was racing,” Trevor said. “She was difficult at times, but good to drive in track work and that.
“But racing nights, as soon as the mobile would come out, she just wouldn’t relax.”
Julie explained that it was Trevor’s demeanour and approach solidified the relationship.
“Brian said she relaxed better for Trevor than him, for some reason,” Julie said.
“Trevor has a very quiet, gentle, way with horses.”
Not only is the love of horses clearly evident when talking to Trevor and Julie Swan, their humility also shines through.
Julie bred a Welsh pony and named him Bilbo Baggins, and little did the Swans know that this horse would provide the first of many significant
horse-related achievements for his new rider.
“In the late ‘70s I bred a liver chestnut pony which I subsequently leased to a young boy and his family who lived in Canberra and was moving to Moss Vale,” Julie said.
The young boy was Hall of Fame and champion jockey Darren Beadman, who happens to be my father.
Beadman won the Champion Boy Rider at the Royal Easter Show at the old Sydney Showground in Moore Park with Bilbo Baggins among a flurry of other ribbons on the show circuit.
He then began his apprenticeship with Theo Green who was considered the Wayne Bennett or Craig Bellamy of apprentice masters, joining greats Ron Quinton and Malcom Johnston and forged a successful career in and out of the saddle.
The significance of August 1 for those involved in the horse industry is fostered by the dedication and generosity to not only the horse and industry, but to others; just as the Swan family has shown.
Dr John Salmon is pleased to announce that he is practicing full time in Kiama.
Kiama Power's Women's Premier Division team. Photo Kiama Power
The Kiama Power Men’s Premier Division team. Photo Kiama Power
Julie and Trevor Swan with Weona Miss Miki.
(From left) Mitch Payne, Gary George, Shane Wicks, Wendy Quinn, Andy Depree, Richard Payne. Photo Gerringong SLSC.
GERRINGONG BREAKERS
GERRINGONG BREAKERS
Kiama make it two from two against Shoalhaven in grand final rematch
home empty-handed.
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama exacted revenge on Shoalhaven for the second time this Illawarra rugby season, securing a 29–26 win over the weekend.
Shoalhaven famously defeated Kiama in last year’s grand final, sending them
But earlier this year, Kiama ended Shoalhaven’s remarkable 43-game winning streak with a 33-27 victory - striking back at the premiers.
And last weekend, they did it again, though it was far from convincing.
“We started the first half pretty much the same way we did against Campbelltown a
couple of weeks ago,” said forward Dante Patrick. “They got out to two quick tries and we spent most of the half defending.
“Then straight after halftime, they scored another two. So it was like, ‘Come on boys, that first win couldn’t have just been a fluke.’”
Patrick said an inspirational half-time speech from coach
Chris Meizer turned things around. “Coach said, ‘Boys, even though we’re down, I don’t feel like we’re going to lose this game’.
“He just had so much confidence in us, and hearing that when you’re behind gives you hope.
“I think that belief is what got us through.”
And they did get through.
After conceding those two early second-half tries, Kiama kept Shoalhaven scoreless for the rest of the game and clawed their way back to take the lead.
“For us to chase down a lead like that shows how far we’ve come over the last few years,” said Patrick. “We’ve worked hard not to be a one-hit wonder.”
Not only did they come back, they held the lead through a tense final stretchsomething Patrick is especially proud of.
“That last 10 minutes was probably the longest 10 minutes we’ve ever experienced,” he said.
“Shoalhaven are a neversay-die team. Whether they’re winning or losing, they stay in the game. In tight matches like that, they’re always dangerous, so I’m proud of how we defended that lead.”
The match was played at Shoalhaven as part of the club’s annual Diggers Day, which included military displays, a Last Post ceremony, and an after-match function.
“Diggers Day is massive. Shoalhaven always host it, and it’s an unreal day,” Patrick
said. “We got to meet a few veterans, which is just breathtaking.
“You see their medals and hear about their achievements - it’s incredibly humbling.”
The Kiama players wore special jerseys to honour veterans, which added extra meaning to the match between the rival sides.
“We had jerseys made just for the occasion. I think it pushes the boys to lift that extra arm and leg to represent the veterans and make sure they’re not forgotten,” Patrick said.
“Shoalhaven always know how to turn it on - there was a helicopter, flags flying, both anthems sung.
“It was a real moment of pride. With so many cultures coming together, it was unreal to be part of something that meaningful.”
Kiama now move into second place on the ladder with just four matches left before finals.
They’ll be looking to carry this momentum forward, starting this Saturday when they host University at Kiama Showground.
Shoalhaven and Kiama have had a long standing rivalry in the Illawarra competition. Photo Kiama Rugby
Kiama move to second place while Shoalhaven drop to third. Photo: Kiama Rugby.
