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2 OCTOBER - 8 OCTOBER 2026 Kiama Minnamurra Kiama Downs Jamberoo Gerringong Gerroa

Bogongs by the billions Maria Lewis It started on Friday night. The flutter of wings here, an errant moth there. By Saturday morning, there were hundreds. By Sunday, thousands.

Nearly one week later, experts estimate that “billions” of Bogong Moths descended on the South Coast in a mass migration event that hasn’t been seen in a decade. “This is an incredible biological phenomenon actually,” University of Wollongong’s Dr Megan Reich

told The Bugle. “What we’re seeing is a mass migration of the Bogong Moth, which is a really special species in Australia.” Technically listed as an Endangered Species by the IUCN, the Bogong Moth nearly went extinct in 2017 in what Dr Reich called “a population

South Coast studio bid

crash” – one that many experts didn’t expect the insect to come back from. They returned with a vengeance over the past week, outnumbering the influx of tourists who had arrived on the South Coast in time for the school holidays.

Surf season starts

“ W e had guests staying on the weekend who just packed up and left on

Saturday night when they got swarmed,” a Gerroa resident told The Bugle. “We thought ‘how bad could it be?’ Then we walked into the house and there were 400 moths. Continued on page 5

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PROPERTY SPECIAL MAKE A DAY OF IT! → Over fifty stallholders incl. ceramics, jewellery, & sustainable design → Drop-in creative workshop for all ages → Explore the exhibition in the Art Museum → Live music by Jamal Salem & Rita B → Food by Ramox Cafe and Blue Nami Japanese

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2 October - 8 October 2026

Welcome to The Bugle If you felt like you were in a scene from Silence Of The Lambs this week as BILLIONS OF MOTHS descended, you weren’t alone. And tragically the lambs did not stop screaming, Clarice, as they found their way into every nook, cranny or mouth unlucky enough to open while outdoors. Look, happy for the Bogong moth and their population resurgence. Less happy for their creepy little bodies and wings fluttering everywhere. We spoke to an expert from the University Of Wollongong about what the swarm means for the endangered species and our beloved ecosystem. Plus, our new, weekly history column – Vee’s Vault by bygone baddie Veronica Bardsley – burrowed even deeper, looking into past moth swarms and traditional uses for the Bogong by local Indigenous tribes. It’s school holidays, so there’s a condensed version of kids news for the wee ones and a bumper Property Special touching on everything from servos converted into bustling night spots to the secret to getting your home ready for sale. Quick tip: check it’s not full of moths.

Significant restoration works begin on Old Nowra Bridge

M xx @maria___lewis

Myah Garza

T The Bugle newspaper is brought to you by locals weekly and available free throughout the Kiama LGA. Get daily news updates and the digital edition anytime via The Bugle app or at thebuglenews.com.au Published by: The Bugle News

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he historic Nowra Bridge has entered one of the most significant phases of restoration, with crews to begin the same specialised repainting process used on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The 142-year-old bridge carried road traffic until 2023, when the new Nowra Bridge opened. It is now being restored for a new life as a dedicated walking and cycling link across the Shoalhaven River. From Monday, crews will begin removing the bridge’s existing paint before inspecting and repairing its steel structure. The work will be carried out

inside a sealed containment enclosure, which will wrap around one section of the bridge at a time. The controlled environment will allow crews to abrasive blast the steel and apply new protective coatings while capturing paint residue, blasting materials and dust to prevent contaminants entering the Shoalhaven River. Once the old paint has been removed, specialists will inspect the exposed steelwork and carry out repairs before applying a new primer and protective coating. Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said the works would help preserve the bridge as it enters its next chapter. “Removing the old coating system will allow specialists

to inspect every section of exposed steel, carry out critical repairs and apply a modern protective coating that will safeguard the bridge for decades to come as it reopened for public use.” Crews will also reinstall repaired steel elements affected by corrosion and replace rivets, bracing and lattice components that could not previously be accessed. One of the bridge’s central spans will remain unobstructed to maintain access for taller vessels travelling along the river. The restoration and repainting works are expected to take about 18 months. Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the project was an important milestone in the bridge’s

revitalisation. “It’s meticulous work, but it’s exactly what’s needed to preserve this iconic piece of local history,” she said. The restoration is expected to ensure the bridge remains structurally sound and protected as it transitions to use by pedestrians and cyclists. “Transforming the bridge into a dedicated walking and cycling link will give locals and visitors a wonderful new way to cross the Shoalhaven River while preserving an important piece of our history for generations to come,” State Member for South Coast Liza Butler said. Project updates are available through Transport for NSW’s Old Nowra Bridge project page.

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The Bugle News is bound by the standards of practice of the Australian Press Council. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human. Content does not necessarily represent The Bugle’s view.

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The Bugle acknowledges the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and tell stories, and pays respect to Elders past and present.

The Minns Labor Government is expanding Seven Mile Beach National Park 26.85 hectares are being added to the National Park to strengthen the protection of our beautiful environment here on the South Coast

KATELIN MCINERNEY MP MEMBER FOR KIAMA

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2 October - 8 October 2026

Flags raised as patrol season gets underway

Kiama SLSC nippers and cadets at training

Maria Lewis

Clock confusion as daylight saving returns Myah Garza

aylight saving returns to New South Wales this weekend, with clocks set to move forward by one hour on Sunday, October 4. At 2am, clocks will jump forward to 3am, adding an extra hour of evening daylight through the warmer months. The change also coincides with the Labour Day public holiday on Monday, October 5, giving most people a long weekend to adjust to the new time. Most smartphones and smart devices will update automatically, but

analogue clocks and some household appliances, including ovens and microwaves, may need to be changed manually. The NSW Government recommends changing clocks before going to bed on Saturday night to avoid confusion the following morning. Daylight saving is observed in NSW, along with the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving. Daylight saving will end on Sunday, April 4, 2027, when clocks move back one hour from 3am to 2am.

urf life savers are preparing for one of the busiest summer seasons yet, with the start of the school holidays giving volunteers a taste of what’s to come. The iconic red and yellow flags went up at beaches all across Australia over the weekend, commencing the official start of the surf life saving season. “Given the weather forecast and what we’ve seen the past few weekends, it’s going to be a busy season,” said David Griffin, President of Kiama Surf Life Saving Club. “It’s going to be hot and that’s going to bring a lot more people.” Even before the flags went up, Griffin said there were rescues being performed by off-duty lifeguards, lifesavers and members of the public “all across the Illawarra region”. It was just as eventful over the hill in Gerringong, with a Great White Shark spotted by members of the Werri Beach Boardriders Club on Saturday morning putting a temporary halt to not just their point score but the surf club’s first patrol of the season. It was the perfect opportunity to deploy their drone fleet, however, with a

buzzing over the shoreline making sure the coast was clear for swimmers, surfers and lifesavers alike. “It’s not just what we do on the beach, we’ve now got capabilities in the air with the drones,” said Gerringong SLSC President Gary George. “We’ve just started putting volunteers through that training now, in the next class we’ve got six people signed up, so that’s growing – which is great to see. “We’ve always had the beach capability with the patrols, surf skills, board, swim, first-aid response, and the (jet) skis. “But this is an additional capability now not just for marine animals, but for finding swimmers outside of the flags and people who have been swept out to sea. “The drones are kitted with not only really good cameras, but alarm technology that we can use to send a message and speak to people in the water that we wouldn’t be able to

reach from the beach with speakers attached to the ATV.” That training is a critical part for all surf clubs, with father of local Iron Man Ali Day – Ross Day – set to put the Kiama nippers and cadets through their paces at training sessions throughout the season. “It’s great having him back on the team,” said Griffin. “He brings that old school culture and it’s interesting seeing kids respond to that kind of coaching.” Having just been awarded a $100,760 grant by the NSW Government for rescue equipment and hospitality training, Griffin added that a big focus for the forthcoming season was “really wanting to engage more with the community”, including everything from new members to opening up their kiosk to the general public for coffees and takeaway treats. “We’re a community club to be proud of,” he said. Yet it’s not just the local

Gerringong SLSC get their first patrol of the season underway

community the lifesavers are so vital for, with the majority of rescues performed across the South Coast area on tourists and visitors who aren’t as familiar with basic beach safety or the hazards of local breaks. “If you asked people when the last time someone drowned at Werri, they’d say never,” said George. “No one had ever drowned here since we established the surf club in 1976, but in the last five years we’ve had five deaths, which is very telling. “We’re really vigilant, particularly around the tourists, the ones who come and look at Tasman Drive, wander down and jump in the nearest bit of water, which is a rip. “That really underpins what we’re here for. “It’s very sobering and people understand that a death can happen when you’re on patrol. “Usually it’s a lot of firstaid, people falling over and cutting themselves on rocks, but the deaths are relatively recent” Members of the public interested in joining their local surf club are encouraged to sign up, with the nipper season beginning at the start of October and the patrol season running until April, 2027.

Smooth settlement. One step at a time. Buying or selling a property can be complex and often stressful, so it’s important to have the right people on your side to clearly guide you through the process in a professional and caring manner. At Carter Ferguson, our licensed conveyancers not only have years of experience in buying and selling property but can also provide access to our exceptional solicitors for more technical property and planning legal matters. Jenny Miller is one of our most experienced conveyancers with over thirty years of local knowledge and community involvement in the area. She prides herself on tackling complex legal problems while ensuring her clients are fully informed and comfortable throughout the entire settlement process.

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2 October - 8 October 2026

Police target “anti-social behaviour” in school holiday safety blitz Maria Lewis

t has been the subject dominating community Facebook groups for months now, with New South Wales Police launching a school holiday safety blitz to target “anti-social behaviour”. Dubbed Operation Spoiler, it’s first strike happened on Saturday “targeting the use of illegal E-Bikes and Trail Bikes within the Wollongong and Lake Illawarra districts” a NSW Police spokesperson said. During the operation, officers conducted 37 E-bike interactions and issued four infringements notices and two cautions in addition to 15 youth warnings, 55 traffic infringement notices, including 18 speed infringements, 121 roadside breath tests and a variety of other fines for motor vehicle drivers. It’s just the first of several operations that will continue over the coming months after similar successful endeavours in the previous school holidays and Easter holidays.

“It’s specifically targeting anti-social behaviour,” said Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney. “Depending on where you are, they might be looking at E-bikes in Kiama or be out on Minnamurra River looking of anti-social behaviour there on the water as well, it’s a whole coverage area.” It comes as a welcome relief to locals who have long been complaining about the situation getting worse according to Councillor Yasmin Tatrai. “With the rise in youth crime, the catalyst has been the E-bikes,” she told The Bugle. “Anyone who has been out and about in Kiama after five o’clock knows how bad it is. And they’re getting away with it. “We need rules and we need to be able to confiscate those bikes and the government support us in that effort.” Under recently introduced New South Wales legislation, E-bikes can now be confiscated by police officers and impounded for up to

seven days before being destroyed if they don’t meet recommended guidelines. “The difference between the last school holidays and these ones is police now have the powers to confiscate the E-bikes,” said MP McInerney. “The legalisation I don’t think had come in during the last blitz and now it has. “So if you are caught riding a 500 watt – effectively an illegal motorbike - bike in the street, they have the power to take that bike straight off you right then and there.” Those who may have missed Operation Spoiler the first time around won’t be so lucky again, with McInerney saying to expect and increase police presence over the busier period. “They will be doing that blitz again over the school holidays, we’re not going to know when that blitz is going to happen, you’ll just see a heap of highway patrol officers and unmarked police cars in Kiama specifically looking for anti-social and concerning behaviour – like reckless riding on e-bikes.”

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2 October - 8 October 2026

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MOTH MANIA!

Brian Blair posted on Kiama Community Page

We can’t afford to waste resources on collections

“Billions” of Bogong Moths swarm the South Coast in record numbers

Continued from pg 1 “They’d gotten in through the vents, through the aircon unit, through gaps in the walls we didn’t know we had.” Moth Tracker – a Zoos Victoria tool for tracking Bogong Moth sightings – had so many uploads across the weekend, the entire South Coast geographical map eventually disappeared underneath the influx of reports. Even Jane Austen was no match for the resurgent population, with Roo Theatre in Shellharbour forced to shut off some of their stage lights during their Sunday evening performance of Sense & Sensibility due to the influx of moths. “I love it, I love that everyone is experiencing the

Bogong Moth this week,” said Dr Reich. “It’s wonderful, but it will only be for a short time. “What they’re doing is they’re moving from their breeding grounds towards the Australian Alps where they spend the summer pupating in these caves on the top of the mountains. “As they’re moving to these caves, they’re bringing food source for other animals, they’re bringing nutrients and biomass into these really delicate alpine ecosystems, and they’re a very important food source for the endangered Mountain Pygmy-Possum.” Originally from Canada, Dr Reich is a migration ecologist studying migratory insects and specialises in using isotope geolocation to track insect movement. She said species estimates put the moth migration over the past week “in the billions, the low billions – but it’s big”. “We won’t get a good idea of numbers until they’ve made their way to pupation sites in the Australian Alps and then we have researchers

who monitor them year-toyear that do a rough count. “It’s very exciting to see these numbers again. “Insect populations are known to be very bouncy, so just because we’re seeing a high number this year doesn’t mean that we will see them next year. “It’s demonstrating to us that the population can make a resurgence quickly when the conditions are good, but it’s not necessarily an indication the numbers will remain high in the future.” Facebook community groups were inundated with pictures and firsthand accounts of the moth migration throughout the week, with many recalling they hadn’t seen it this bad since spring seasons in the seventies and eighties - a sure sign the Bogong Moth is no longer bygone. With the bug activity said to be dying down as the last stragglers of the migration make their way towards the mountains, Dr Reich asked for the public to document their sightings on Moth Tracker and had some key reminders.

“We're asking people, please don't spray them. You can minimise your outdoor lights so they're not attracted to your home. “If people are interested in the conservation of the Bogong Moth, you can support their migration by planting native flowers, they seem to be really attracted to bottle brushes. “All climate action is conservation action, these moths are important to ecosystems and they’re also just really cool. “They can navigate using the stars, they have a magnetic compass, and they come to the same caves in the in the Alps year after year. “We figure they've been coming to some of these caves for thousands of years, which is really neat.” Important links: Bogong Watch: https://www. bogong.org/ Moth Tracker: https:// mothtracker.swifft.net.au/

Waste not, want not is the approach we at Kiama Municipal Council are taking when it comes to the future of the Household Bulky Waste system and the switch to fortnightly yellow-lid recycling bin collection. We currently have our Household Bulky Waste business case out to the community for public consultation until 26 October because we want local residents to help us shape the future of this service. Option 1 is to cease the dropoff events and maintain the user pays kerbside service. All residents would receive a rebate on the Domestic Waste Management Charge based on the three-year average annual cost of the current service. Option 2 is to issue vouchers for anyone who wants to drop off bulky waste while also providing the rebate to all residents. Option 3 is to retain the status quo of two annual events. There are positives and negatives to each option - I know some people find it inconvenient that there are only two occasions a year when they can drop off their bulky waste and they’d prefer to be able to do so any time, so for them the voucher discount would be the ideal outcome. What’s driving this potential need for change is first and foremost workplace safety - we have had too many safety incidents and the facility is not fit for purpose. You can read all of the rationale and background, and learn about what other councils do in the business case. The important thing is it’s not for me as the Mayor or my fellow Councillors to say what we think should happen. It’s what the community wants that comes first, so I encourage everyone to jump onto Council’s YourSay page or attend our next

community pop-up session at Kiama Shopping Village on 13 October to let us know your preference out of the three options. I’ve also been asked several questions from community members about the switch to fortnightly yellow-bin recycling pick-ups. Council’s waste services team has analysed the data since the change at the start of July and the overall results have been positive. When you look at the bin collection rates for the month of August, this year compared to 2025, there has been an overall increase in the presentation of yellowlid recycling bins at the kerb from 66% to 76%. But that means that around a quarter of households are still not putting these bins out even though we now collect them on a fortnightly basis instead of weekly. The data also reveals that the average weight of material in each bin has increased from 6kg to 8kg, which shows that residents are now filling their recycling bin more than the previous weekly system, which is to be expected. It’s important to remember the Minnamurra Waste Facility is basically a transfer station - we collect the recycling and waste matter before transporting it out of the area. Because we now have a more efficient fortnightly system, we have reduced from 14 return trips weighing a total of 188 tonnes in August 2025 to 10 return trips weighing a total of 131 tonnes in August 2026. This translates to lower fuel costs, reduced wear and tear on Council vehicles, and less fatigue for staff members while also enabling them to contribute to other operational requirements. We will continue to review the data but the change to fortnightly collections is proving to be a positive step.

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2 October - 8 October 2026

Sydney’s second studio

Nick Bolton of Screen Illawarra at Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival

Maria Lewis

undreds of millions of dollars. Thousands of jobs. And a new pathway for the next generation of South Coast filmmakers. The entire future of the

region could be changed thanks to an ambitious pitch for New South Wales second major film studio to be based right here on the South Coast. That’s the dream for the team at Screen Illawarra, the not-for-profit organisation staffed largely by volunteers who successfully lobbied to get the South Coast on the list of prospective locations

to become a major Australian film hub. “When the criteria came out for what the NSW Government was looking for in a second film studio, it had to be within 30 kilometres of Sydney CBD,” Screen Illawarra Chair Nick Bolton told The Bugle. “And yet, the four sites that had already gone live in their desire to be the second studio were on the Central Coast, Oran Park, and two in Western Sydney, so none of them would qualify. “The other thing was good luck finding a space big enough within 30 kilometres of Sydney that is also a good enough price and is owned by one landowner. “It’s just really, really hard.” Disney Studios – previously known as Fox Studios – in Moore Park is the state’s premier film hub, with blockbusters such as The Matrix trilogy, Mad Max: Fury Road and Furiosa, The Great Gatsby, Thor: Love & Thunder and dozens of others having filmed there over the decades. Which, in part, is the problem: it’s an incredibly busy space, with the stateof-the-art film stages booked out years in an advance by major global productions and only a handful of local ones. Earlier this year, the NSW government acknowledged it was time to expand with $100 million put on the table to build a second film studio in Sydney. However, Screen Illawarra took a business case to the government and successfully lobbied to get the criteria updated so that a site in Port Kembla could be officially included in the Expressions Of Interest before the deadline closed in May. It was a whirlwind working bee for the organisation alongside several of the industry guilds, with the analysis and overall presentation having the

potential to “change the future of the region” indefinitely – growth they were able to witness firsthand during a December visit to Disney Studios. “We were in the boardroom at Industrial Light & Magic, George Lucas’ animation company, who has 500 staff at Disney Studios here which is quite incredible,” Bolton said. “And the CEO was saying that for every dollar spent on a film, there’s a dollar multiplying factor of five dollars. “There’s not many industries that have that return on investment, it’s pretty impressive, so there’s the economic argument. “Then there’s the job creation argument: Disney (Studios) has on average three to four thousand people working on that site at any one time, so a studio would be wonderful for job creation. “I also think there’s such a powerful story to talk about in terms of pathways for the next generation. “University Of Wollongong and especially TAFE have great screen media courses here and at the moment our students are having to move to Sydney or Melbourne, wherever the work is, when they would much rather stay in Illawarra.” While there’s no guarantee any of the candidates will be successful in receiving the tender, just being in the fight is a huge achievement for Screen Illawarra, which was founded in 2020 just before the global pandemic hit. “When we started, it might have been zero or one major production a year coming down this way,” Bolton said. “Now there’s at least two or three a year now, which doesn’t sound like a big shift, but it’s the difference between $10M and $100M coming into the local economy… “Just look at the credits of a feature film. My dad, bless him, he doesn’t understand the arts at all, and he always goes ‘why are there so many

people in the credits of a film?’ “He doesn’t get it. But it does take an army to make a feature film.” In recent months, locals have seen a snapshot of what that army looks like with the latest instalment of Netflix blockbuster Extraction shooting across the South Coast and celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Idris Elba familiar faces out and about. Bolton used it as an example of what can happen when there’s “a unified desire for filmmaking to happen here” at a Federal, State and local governmental level. “With Extraction 3, which has been filming here, there was literally a helicopter gun fight going on in the harbour. “That’s a very difficult logistical exercise to pull off in a working port. There’s a lot of local permits and permissions and organisational work that only gets done if people are working together.” Having hosted several junket trips for the heads of local and international studios in and around the South Coast region spotlighting the versatility as a location, Screen Illawarra and Wollongong City Council are confident the growing awareness might help solidify Port Kembla as an undeniable prospect for NSW’s second major film studio. “There’s a global precedent too,” Bolton said. “Netflix have just spent a billion dollars on ten stages an hour and a half out of Madrid and they’ve just done the same thing an hour and half out of New Jersey. “These big studio complexes don’t want to be in the city centre, they want to be on the outskirts of the cities where the land is cheaper and they’re closer to the best locations. “Everyone has our analysis as to why we think Port Kembla is the best place for Sydney’s second studio, so now it’s just fingers crossed.”

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2 October - 8 October 2026

How Gerringong artist Kay A brings family, Country and nature into her work Emily Crisp

s a child, Kay Andonopoulos would sit on the floor with the other children while the adults watched cartoons from the lounges. She kept a pencil and paper in her hands, drawing the characters on screen. When visitors filled the house, she retreated to her bedroom to draw. “I think it’s been in me always,” she says. Kay is a Wiradjuri woman of the Cowra Mob and Galari Clan, but she did not grow up on Wiradjuri Country. Her family was part of the Stolen Generations, and her father spent years on Erambie Mission, where speaking language and practising culture were forbidden. He later left Country to serve in the Second World War. Growing up with her parents and relatives in Sydney, Kay heard some words spoken at home, but much of the cultural knowledge she might otherwise have learned remained out of reach. Her father’s Aboriginal identity was kept largely private after the war. As an adult, Kay learned more about her family’s history and began telling some of those stories through art. “I think because his voice was silenced for such a long time, we’ve come into a period where it’s okay to speak,” she says. “And so, I do that for him.” Kay studied art for five years, worked as a printmaking technician and became a visual arts teacher. For a long time, she drew portraits, interested in people and how to bring out something of their personality. After moving to Gerringong, her attention turned increasingly to

Country, and to ways of bringing her family’s language and stories into her work. Kay lives here as a Wiradjuri woman and a guest on Dharawal Country. The rocks, water and changing seasons shape her work. She returns to them when a busy spell of painting ends and the ideas stop. Kay might walk around the rocks, sit by the water or go fishing. Never setting out looking for the next spark of inspiration instead sometimes an idea comes to her whilst she is there or arrives later, often at two in the morning. “Most of the process is getting out on Country. Being quiet. And listening,” she says. Once the ideas begin to come, she follows them, often working on five or six paintings at once. She meditates before starting and uses plenty of water, sometimes with salt, to move colour across the canvas. She chooses the colours but lets them settle, sometimes overnight, before working out how to tell the painting’s story. “I can’t rush it, I can’t force it, because then it’s not true,” she says. Some details require hours of close attention. Kay paints dots with an echidna quill collected from an animal she has found dead on the roadside. She finds it distressing to see animals left there and approaches them with care. Holding the quill connects her, she says, to ancestors, family and community. If she becomes tired or loses concentration, she stops and returns to the painting later to give both the animal and her process respect. She once timed a large

work and found that about 13 of its 18 hours were spent on dots. People ask whether she gets bored, but she says she is listening throughout. With age, she has learned to let paintings develop at their own pace. Occasionally, a painting although intended for an exhibition or the world instead stays with Kay. The background of a work showing two stingrays came out just as she remembered seeing the water one day. She smiled as she painted the rays and knew as soon as it was finished that she would not sell it. “That was for me, I needed that” she says. Stingrays continue to fascinate her. She notices their different markings and scars and sees them as gentle creatures that survive in an ocean full of predators. Kay is now thinking about painting more animals, including echidnas, dingoes and wombats, and imagining what dolphins might look like from the ocean floor. First, she has an exhibition at Gerringong Library and Museum from the 2nd to the 8th of October 10am – 3pm daily. Its new works reflect the end of winter and the beginning of spring: the cooler light of the season in which they were made, alongside the warmer air and longer days that are beginning Another exhibition is planned for January. Kay says she has always found it difficult to put herself forward, though teaching helped her become more comfortable speaking to people. The paintings give her another way to share the stories she carries and the things she notices on Country. “My voice is through the artworks,” she says.

Year 12 students final steps towards HSC

Myah Garza

ear 12 students across the Illawarra and South Coast have celebrated their final days of school, with the HSC exams now just weeks away. Schools including Bomaderry, Bulli, Warilla, Woonona and Oak Flats marked the occasion with final assemblies, clap-outs, cap throwing and plenty of celebrations. For many students, the fi-

nal walk through the school gates marked the end of years of schooling, with classmates and teachers gathering to recognise the journey. Bulli High School described its final lesson and clap-out as a day of “smiles, excitement, a few happy tears and a whole lot of noise”, while Woonona High School brought its students together for a final walk through the school. The celebrations come ahead of the 2026 HSC written

exams, which begin on Tuesday, October 13 with English Paper 1. About 80,000 students across NSW are expected to sit the HSC this year, with 123 written exams scheduled across the 18-day exam period. The final written exam, Physics, will be held on Thursday, November 5. For the Class of 2026, the school chapter may be coming to an end, but the next one is about to begin.

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kidz

Amy Molloy

HeyDad,putyour phone down!

If you’ve ever tried talking to a parent while they’re staring at their phone, you might find this new advice from Sweden pretty interesting. Sweden’s public health agency has asked parents to put their phones away when they’re spending time with their children. It’s not saying parents can never use their phones. Instead, it suggests creating phonefree spaces, such as around the dinner table or in bedrooms. And it’s not just a Swedish idea. Here in Kiama, Kiama Unplugged is encouraging people to put down their phones and spend more time connecting with each other and the world around them. The local community group runs events designed to get people away from their screens and enjoying time together. Australian parenting experts also say parents can be role models for healthy screen habits. They recommend putting phones away when talking or playing with children, having regular screen-free family time and keeping devices out of bedrooms at night. So, next time a grown-up tells you to get off your screen, you can politely tell them to take their own advice.

News you need to know

KIDZ NEWS

2 October - 8 October 2026

How to be shark smart “Shark!” Just hearing that word can make your stomach do a flip. But before you panic and run screaming from the water, there are clever ways to find out when sharks are nearby and help keep swimmers and surfers safer. Shark attacks are still rare, but a recent attack in Perth has got people talking about shark safety and how we can enjoy the ocean while staying alert. The NSW Government’s SharkSmart website has tips for staying safer at the beach. These include avoiding swimming or surfing at dawn and dusk, staying away from areas where there is fishing activity and avoiding murky water. It also recommends avoiding canals and river and harbour mouths, and not taking pets into the water with you. Did you know Kiama has a shark listening station at Surf Beach? It can detect a tagged shark swimming nearby and send an alert to the SharkSmart app. If you have a smart watch, which allows your mum to track where you are, this is similar – except you probably get hangrier than our shark companions. And, let’s not forget, sharks are amazing creatures. They are an essential part of our ocean ecosystem, and the risk of drowning is much higher than a shark bite – so get ripsmart as well as shark-smart this summer season.

Illegal reptiles get man in trouble A New South Wales man has been charged with possessing 44 illegally imported exotic reptiles. Police and wildlife authorities searching a home in New South Wales made a surprising discovery: dozens of exotic reptiles were being kept as pets in tanks and terrariums. The collection included snakes, turtles, tortoises and iguanas – including Burmese pythons, boa constrictors, ball pythons and green iguanas. Some of the snakes were venomous, too. Yikes! But there was a big problem: the animals were being kept illegally. In Australia, you need the right permits to keep many exotic reptiles. Some species can’t be imported or kept here at all. People convicted of these offences can face up to five years in prison, fines of up to $364,000, or both. That’s because exotic animals can cause trouble if they escape into the Australian bush. They might eat native animals, compete with them for food or homes, or damage local ecosystems. Some of the reptiles found in the house, including red-eared slider turtles and Californian kingsnakes, are considered invasive species in different parts of the world. Wildlife authorities say the case is a reminder that keeping exotic animals isn’t as simple as putting them in a tank and calling them a pet.

THE BUGLE NEWS

2 October - 8 October 2026

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NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

into the school holidays Amy Molloy

n adventure-loving army of kids gathered at Shellharbour Skatepark on September 28 for a community day run by Shellharbour City Council from 11am - 2pm. From thrill-seeking skaters to little scooterers, kids carved up the park, joined by expert skaters who put on a display. There was also a free barbecue, face painting, giveaways, i98 Street Fleet and local community groups, including Headspace, NSW Surf Life Saving and Lake Illawarra District Police. The St George’s Illawarra Dragons also set up an inflatable goalpost for kids to test their skills. In a sporty town like Kiama, where team sports are often in the spotlight, skateparks are important community spaces where kids can test their boundaries, nerves and patience as they build their skills. “My little boy has no interest in team sports, but loves meeting other kids at the skate park,” said a Kiama mum of two. “I actually wish primary schools would start to value it more as a sport

and offer it as part of the PE curriculum.” Some early education providers, such as PEAK in Minnamurra, have previously offered skateboarding workshops, with qualified providers, as part of their school holidays programs. Meanwhile, Gerringong Surf School’s “surf, skate, meditate” school holiday program is always popular — offering the perfect trifecta of activities for your mind and body. The South Coast also has a growing gang of skateboarding mums (this writer being one of them) who would rather join their kids on the ramps than sit on the sidelines. Want to do a skatepark tour these school holidays? Our local area has no shortage of epic skate spots, from Kiama’s iconic ramps to Berkeley’s smooth, graze-free surfaces and the Shoalhaven Heads pump track for pushing your agility. There’s something for every age and ability. Just don’t forget your pads and always wear your helmet – and remind your skating parents to do the same.

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NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

faces Spice up ya life! Kiama $1.5 million hit

under proposed grants shake-up Belle Wood

K Gewurzhaus brings big flavours to Berry Myah Garza

or a business built around cooking, family recipes and bringing people together over food, Berry felt like a natural place for Gewürzhaus to make its next home. The Melbourne-founded spice company has opened its newest store on Queen Street, bringing its collection of spices, herbs, salts, peppers and blends to a town deeply enthusiastic about their food culture. Co-founder Eva Konecsny said the decision to open in Berry was about more than finding somewhere to put the next store. Since she and her sister Maria started Gewürzhaus 16 years ago, they’ve deliberately been looking beyond the central business districts, instead choosing local main streets and communities where they can build authentic relationships with customers. “We’ve always wanted to be a brand or a business that is also in local communities, not just shopping centres,” Eva said. “So when we expand and grow, it’s not just another Westfield or another cookie cutter, but that we grow into markets and communities and strip shops to really be connected with the local

community.” After looking at several locations across NSW, including Orange and Bowral, Eva visited Berry and quickly fell for the town. “Everyone was so friendly and helpful, and it seemed like a great mix of a really strong local community as well as the tourism element,” she said. The welcome continued even before the doors opened, with people regularly stopping during the fit-out to look inside and tell the team they were excited to see Gewürzhaus coming to town. “We’ve had a constant string of people poke their heads through the door just to say how excited they were, that they shopped with us in Sydney, that they can’t wait for us to open,” Eva said. She believes the local giddiness also confirmed something about Berry and the area itself. “I think we have reached an area where there’s many genuine cooks and people that love food,” Eva said. It’s a perfect match for a business whose roots go deep when it comes to quality time spent amongst family members clustered together in a kitchen. Eva and Maria grew up spending months in Germany with their paternal grandmother, greatgrandmother and two great-

aunts — four generations of women. “There were four matriarchs of the family who all cooked together and baked together for their whole lives.” The sisters would spend school holidays with them, sometimes travelling without their parents, and cooking became part of their family life from an early age. “We’ve always been around strong food lines and learnt from an early age, not so much specific to cooking with spices, but just formed a love of cooking in general,” Eva said. Those family memories are still present in the Gewürzhaus range. One of Eva’s favourite blends is Oma Roza’s Goulash, based on a recipe from her great-grandmother. “Many of the German spices actually link directly back into the cooking that we grew up with,” she said. Even the name tells part of the story, with “Gewürz” meaning spice and “Haus” meaning house in German. But while the store may be filled with hundreds of ingredients and blends, Eva said customers do not need to be accomplished cooks to make use of them. In fact, helping people become more confident in their own kitchens is a big part of what the business is about. “People often think there have to be really great cooks to

kind of cook with our spices, because there’s so many and it can feel overwhelming,” she said. “But actually, even if you’re just learning how to cook, it’s so simple to put a spice blend with some oil on a protein and just really create something magical with your meal.” Gewürzhaus even provides recipe cards neatly placed next to spices along with offering samples. The company has heard from customers who started using its blends earlier in their cooking journey and later got back in touch to share how much more confident they had become. “I really encourage everyone, no matter where they are in their cooking journey, we would welcome them to explore the store and help with guiding them on their cooking journey,” Eva said. The new store is a chance to become part of that local food scene — whether you just need somewhere to buy spices, a place to discover new flavours, or pick up recipe inspiration to take back to the kitchen. And with the store’s Christmas gifting range arriving from early October, Eva is hoping customers will have plenty of reasons to make Gewürzhaus part of their Berry visits in the months ahead.

iama Municipal Council could lose almost $1.5 million a year under proposed changes to the way federal financial assistance grants are distributed across NSW. Figures provided by Council show its total allocation would fall from $2.558 million in 2025-26 to $1.062 million under the new model - a reduction of about 59 per cent. Funding for local roads would also decline, from $790,761 to $451,804. The NSW Local Government Grants Commission, an independent body responsible for recommending how Commonwealth funding is distributed among the state’s councils, is reviewing the formula used to calculate the grants. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the proposed reduction had come at the worst possible time, with Council operating under a state-imposed Varied Performance Improvement Order and working to eliminate its budget deficit by 2026-27. “We simply can’t afford to go further backwards and lose more than 50 per cent of our funding,” Cr McDonald said. “Kiama needs that money to maintain the services our communities expect. Ratepayers can’t just be expected to financially absorb shocks like this quietly.”

Cr McDonald said Council had welcomed the prospect of increased federal support when the Federation Compact with Local Government was considered in August, but had remained cautious until the distribution details became clear. He said Kiama was not alone in facing a reduction, with Wollongong, Wingecarribee and Shoalhaven councils also expected to receive less under the proposed methodology. Cr McDonald questioned whether the review had adequately considered other changes affecting council finances, including federal disaster funding arrangements and the implementation of the Federation Compact. “We have 1.5 million questions for the Local Government Grants Commission over this proposal,” he said. Council has also raised concerns about the consultation process and the limited information released about the data used to produce the new allocations. “There has been a total lack of detail and justification for such significant cuts,” Cr McDonald said. “Our residents deserve to know why their funding has been slashed to half of what it was previously.” Kiama Council will prepare a formal submission to the Grants Commission outlining its concerns, with staff also due to present a report to councillors.

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The Servo fuelling South Coast night life Myah Garza

any moons ago, it sat as just a service station. In 2018, it reinvented itself as The Servo: an arts collective, BYO performance space and community hub in Port Kembla. The site had previously operated as a Mobil servo until the mid-nineties, then became a mechanics space before taking on an assortment of shorter-lived uses. Nearly nine years later, the old property on Wentworth St has become a home for live music, film screenings, food pop-ups, markets, workshops and art – with an adjoining gallery and studio space added along the way. General manager and curator James Spink said its evolution had been gradual rather than part of one big plan. “It was originally predomi-

nantly live music,” he said. “It crept into having community events, people coming to host little talks or workshops.” Cinema nights and surf film premieres followed, along with markets, beginning with a vintage vinyl market before expanding into makers’ markets, Indigenous markets and as of two years ago - an adjoining property that previously housed a CrossFit-style gym. That space became N.A.S.A Gallery and Studios, adding exhibitions, workshops and occasional live music to the mix. For Spink, the appeal is in bringing different people together and seeing what comes of it. “I love to just collaborate with other people, with the creatives to make ideas happen,” he said. “Weird and wonderful ideas” are part of what keeps the

job interesting, whether it’s someone approaching him with a “wild idea” or different artists and collaborators being brought together to make something happen. That approach has also opened the doors to artists from further afield, with booking agents and managers organising Australian and international tours through the small Port Kembla venue. “We’ve had artists that have toured the world,” Spink said, adding that locals have appreciated being able to see bigstage artists playing in their town. “I have to kind of pinch myself and be like, wow, how the heck did that even happen?” Food gradually became another part of the mix. The Servo regularly hosts food trucks and occasional residencies, drawing vendors from the South Coast, Sydney and Western Sydney, as well as

pop-ups i nv o lv ing larger restau- rants and food businesses. A recent event saw young Kiama business Tastees - run by Tom Daibarra - bring their viral taco truck to the venue for a Wednesday pop-up. The food program has also attracted attention beyond Port Kembla, with Spink receiving mentions in the Good Food Guide for the venue’s food curation. The old servo’s revamp has come alongside a broader shift in Port Kembla. Spink said the suburb had once been a thriving shopping, hospitality and cultural district, with the steelworks playing an economic role, before experiencing a major decline in the eighties. Now, he said, some of the town’s older buildings were finding new lives. The former bank that became The Vault is now a live

music and cabaret venue, while another former bank has become a wedding chapel and event space after previously operating as an artist residency. He said Port Kembla itself was also becoming somewhere people were choosing to visit, rather than just passing through. “People are kind of discovering the whole town of Port Kembla,” he said. “Historically, or kind of 10 years ago, people probably wouldn’t have gone to Port Kembla. They might’ve driven down from Sydney … and gone to Kiama or Berry, but they would’ve skipped Port Kembla.” Now, Spink said, people were beginning to see the area’s beaches, landscape, food and creative offerings as reasons to stop. That shift is something he’s also seen among younger fam-

ilies and creative businesses moving into the area, with Port Kembla increasingly becoming a destination in its own right. Spink nodded to other independent creative venues along the coast, including Kiama’s Fillmore’s, with Spink describing a network of “nice support and goodwill” between like-minded spaces. For all the excitement around what The Servo has become, keeping an independent venue operating is not without its challenges. Spink said one of the biggest goals was simply to keep the doors open. “We want to be here in 10 years or 15 years,” he said. “We want to be still innovating and still bringing new and exciting ideas to life.” For a former service station that has already had several lives, there is no shortage of possibilities for the next one.

12 PROPERTY SPECIAL

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

Team Dajcic

Daniel Dajcic Property Partner 0432 660 440 With over 16 years of local real estate experience, Daniel was born and raised in Kiama Downs and has built a reputation as a consistent market leader, known for his energy, negotiation skill and results-driven mindset. His background as a business

Brooke Hughes Sales Associate

Taleicha Procter Operations Manager

Claudia Apps Executive Assistant

owner brings a strategic, disciplined approach to every campaign, combining strong leadership with hands-on client service.

Team Dajcic Results.

13 sales

$18.5M+

#1 Agent in Kiama

this quarter.

total property value sold.

for the past four years by number and value of sales.

“While others are talking about the market, Team Dajcic are getting HOMES SOLD!” The market has changed... our RESULTS have not.

Property Management Aimee Longbottom Property Partner 0414 615 400 Aimee has a genuine connection to the local community and a true appreciation for the lifestyle it offers. She understands that buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest decisions, and is passionate about making the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Donna Yeaman Head of Property Management 02 4232 1322 Donna understands that behind every investment property is a bigger goal, and she takes that responsibility seriously. She works closely with her landlords to help protect and grow the value of their assets, while creating positive, well-managed tenancies for everyone involved. Looking for property management you can trust? Speak with our local team. E N Q U I R E T O D AY

For everything real estate across Kiama/Gerringong, contact your local market leaders. 19/106 Terralong Street, Kiama NSW 2533

theagency.com.au

Scan QR to get in-touch

2 October - 8 October 2026

PROPERTY SPECIAL | 13

thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE

Quarterly Sales

Sold

8/128-132 Charles Ave, Minnamurra 3 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Sold for $3.050M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

26 Alexander Ave, Kiama Downs 4 bed | 3 bath | 2 car Sold for $1.35M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

5A Love St, Kiama 3 bed | 2 bath | 1 car Sold for $1.2M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

13 Kalang Rd, Kiama Heights 4 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Sold for $1.5M by Aimee Longbottom & Daniel Dajcic

34 Kelly St, Berkeley 3 bed | 1 bath | 1 car Sold for $905K by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

16 Riversdale Ave, Kiama Downs 3 bed | 1 bath | 1 car Sold for $1.260M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

Sold

5 Paperbark St, Albion Park Rail 3 bed | 1 bath | 2 car Sold for $809K by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

3 Sommerville Cl, Kiama 4 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Sold for $2.6M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

15a South Kiama Dr, Kiama Heights 3 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Sold for $1.34M by Daniel Dajcic & Aimee Longbottom

18/41 Banksia Dr, Kiama 2 bed | 2 bath | 1 car Sold for $820K by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

9 Conjola Close, Flinders 6 bed | 3 bath | 2 car Sold for $1.340M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

99 Hillview Cct, Kiama 3 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Sold for $1.180M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

Sold

2/42 Loftus Dr, Barrack Heights 2 bed | 1 bath | 1 car Sold for $630K by Aimee Longbottom

60 Barney St, Kiama 3 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Sold for $1.165M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

6/70-72 Darley St, Shellharbour 2 bed | 1 bath | 2 car Sold for $880K by Aimee Longbottom

6 Austin Ave, Minnamurra 4 bed | 2 bath | 3 car $2.35M – Auction 11 Oct by Daniel Dajcic & Aimee Longbottom

Sold

Under Offer

10 Parkes St, Gerringong 4 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Sold for $1.815M by Aimee Longbottom

43 Cathedral Rocks Ave, Kiama Downs 3 bed | 1 bath | 1 car Under Offer by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

3 Hanrahan Pl, Kiama 3 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Under Offer by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

84 Attunga Ave, Kiama Heights 4 bed | 2 bath | 1 car For Sale $1.839M - $1.879M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

18 Riversdale Ave, Kiama Downs 3 bed | 1 bath | 1 car For Sale $1.359M - $1.379M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

55 Eureka Ave, Kiama Downs 3 bed | 2 bath | 2 car Contact Agent by Aimee Longbottom & Daniel Dajcic

Current Listings

43/134 Shoalhaven St, Kiama 3 bed | 2 bath | 2 car For Sale $949K - $1.040M by Daniel Dajcic & Aimee Longbottom

467 Jamberoo Rd, Jamberoo 5 bed | 6 bath | 4 car Contact Agent by Daniel Dajcic & Aimee Longbottom

Coming Soon 26 Beattie St, Jamberoo 16 & 16A Allerton Ave, Culburra Beach 156B Marina Ln, Culburra Beach

23 Danube St, Kiama 5 bed | 3 bath | 2 car For Sale $1.69M - $1.77M by Aimee Longbottom

8 Garden Ave, Kiama 3 bed | 1 bath | 2 car New To Market by Aimee Longbottom

The Agency Kiama/Gerringong 19/106 Terralong Street, Kiama NSW 2533

112 Riverside Dr, Kiama Downs 3 bed | 2 bath | 1 car For Sale $1.29M - $1.37M by Aimee Longbottom

35 McBrien Dr, Kiama Downs 3 bed | 2 bath | 2 car For Sale $1.185M - $1.215M by Daniel Dajcic & Brooke Hughes

4 McBrien Dr, Kiama Downs 5 bed | 3 bath | 2 car Offers Invited by Daniel Dajcic & Aimee Longbottom

11 Noorinan St, Kiama 29 Riversdale Ave, Kiama Downs 2 Nebula Way, Dunmore 9 Universal Ave, Dunmore

Australia’s real estate.

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PROPERTY SPECIAL www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Shellharbour finds tiny home solution to big housing issue Myah Garza

backyard tiny home could soon become a new rental option for homeowners, with Shellharbour Council giving the green light to a twoyear trial aimed at easing pressure on the local housing market. The NSW-first Tiny Homes Pilot Program allows eligible mobile homes to be placed on residential properties and rented out long term without the need for a development application. The program is now officially underway after changes to the Shellharbour Local Environmental Plan 2013 were approved, moving the idea from planning into practice. The trial is designed to test whether mobile tiny homes can provide a more affordable and flexible rental option while helping address the city’s housing shortage. The pilot applies to portable dwellings built on trailers that can be registered as

vehicles under the Road Transport Act 2013. Eligible homes can be approved through council’s Local Approvals Policy, avoiding the need for a development application and associated fees. Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the program would allow council to test the concept in a real-world setting. “We know housing affordability and rental availability are putting real pressure on many people in our community,” Cr Homer said. The initiative was developed through

Interest rates, market volatility and uncertainty can make it seem as though buyers have disappeared. Yet what we’re seeing tells a different story. As spring has progressed, more properties have come to market. With greater choice, buyers have become noticeably more active. When stock is limited, buyers can disengage. New listings give them a reason to return.

a planning process that included community consultation and public exhibition, with council adopting the required planning changes in June. “While there’s no single answer, we need to be open to exploring new ideas that can help provide more housing options for local residents. “This is an important step because we’re now moving from planning into action.” The homes can often be built within four months, with the trailer-based construction also avoiding some of the costs and delays associated with traditional building methods. Council will monitor the program throughout the two-year trial, with the results to inform future planning decisions and assess whether mobile tiny homes could have a wider role in Shellharbour’s housing options. Residents interested in taking part can find eligibility requirements, application information and supporting documents on Shellharbour City Council’s website. “ONE OF THE FINEST MID CENTURY BEACH HOUSES IN THE COUNTRY” COMES TO MARKET IN KIAMA

IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO BUY OR SELL?

There’s been no shortage of reasons to question whether now is the right time to make a move.

2 October - 8 October 2026

People’s situations still change. Life keeps moving — and so does property. So it’s not a matter of “Is now a good market to buy or sell?” it’s “Is now the right time for you to move?” If you’re considering buying, selling or doing both, talk to us before deciding to wait. We can help you understand what your property may realistically be worth and what your changeover position could look like.

More stock creates choice. Choice creates activity. And activity creates transactions. Properties are attracting genuine interest, negotiations are taking place and sales are coming together despite challenging conditions. The market doesn’t have to be perfect One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that you need to wait for the “perfect market”. The problem is, we usually recognise it only after it has passed. The more important consideration is what you’re doing on the other side of the transaction. If you’re selling and buying in the same market, movements may matter less than you think. If prices have softened, you may achieve less for your home — but the property you’re buying has been affected by the same conditions. That’s why the changeover figure - the difference between what you sell for and what you spend next, can matter more than your sale price alone. When property is booming, momentum does much of the work. A more considered market requires agents to actively find buyers, connect them with the right properties and negotiate between different expectations. That’s why you’ll hear very different descriptions of the same market.

MARNIE BEAUCHAMP 0438 289 341

INDI BEAUCHAMP 0422 160 571

Some will focus on how difficult it is. We prefer to focus on what buyers are responding to and how we can use that information to create results. Interest rates, affordability and buyer confidence matter. But they don’t stop life from happening.

47 MANNING STREET KIAMA NSW 2533

02 4208 0161 2/35 KENNY STREET WOLLONGONG NSW 2500

A remarkable 1961 beach house occupying one of very few quarter-acre beachfront reserve holdings above Kiama's Easts Beach has come to market, offering ocean views from every room and a coastal position that would be almost impossible to recreate today. 30 Kaleula Crescent, Kiama was one of the first homes to take its place above Easts Beach more than 60 years ago and today remains an exceptional example of Australian mid-century coastal living. Private, peaceful and wonderfully connected to its setting, the home enjoys uninterrupted views across the ocean, beach and reserve, with the coastline providing an ever-changing backdrop from virtually every aspect of the residence. The property has undergone an awardrecognised restoration with Graeme Bell, founder of Trace Architects, carefully retaining the character of the original 1961 home while creating a relaxed contemporary beach house designed for living and entertaining. Landscaped gardens, a striking mosaic-tiled swimming pool and separate entertaining pavilion complement the original residence and its rare quarter-acre coastal setting. The project received a High Commendation at the 2023 SPASA swimming pool awards and a 2024 Master Builders Association Housing Alterations and Additions Award. TIM ROSS: “ONE OF THE FINEST” The property has also captured the attention of one of Australia's best-known advocates for Modernist architecture, broadcaster and performer Tim Ross, who

selected the home as a venue for his MOTEL performance. Ross said: “This is one of the finest mid century beach houses in the country. Its been expertly renovated and restored by the owners with exceptional design from Architect Graeme Bell.” Selling agent Michele Lay of Ray White Kiama said it was the combination of architecture, stunning views, beach access and position that made 30 Kaleula Crescent particularly unusual. “Beautiful homes can be renovated and even rebuilt, but you simply cannot recreate this position,” Ms Lay said. “To have an authentic 1961 mid-century beach house sitting on approximately a quarter of an acre of beachfront reserve land, with ocean views from every room, is incredibly rare. “But perhaps what strikes you most when you're there is that, despite all of its architectural credentials, it's simply a wonderful place to live. “It feels private and relaxed, you're constantly connected to the ocean, and the house has been designed to be enjoyed. That is ultimately the story we want to tell.” A RARE PIECE OF THE KIAMA COASTLINE More than six decades after it was first built, 30 Kaleula Crescent combines the authenticity of an original mid-century beach house with the comfort of an awardrecognised contemporary restoration. Its quarter-acre beachfront reserve setting adds another level of rarity in a tightly held part of the Kiama coastline. Architecturally special, wonderfully private and occupying one of Kiama's most enviable coastal positions — this is simply an exceptional place to live. 30 Kaleula Crescent, Kiama is being offered for sale through Michele Lay and the team at Ray White Kiama.

15 $4.55 million in the former bank THE BUGLE NEWS

PROPERTY SPECIAL www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

Kiama growth plan enters next phase after consultation closes Belle Wood

P O

ne of Kiama’s most prominent c o m m e r c i a l properties is set for a new chapter after selling for $4.55 million. The former Commonwealth Bank building at 2 Manning Street has been purchased by Sydney-based buyers reportedly connected to an international fitness company. Selling agent Robert Moore, from Ray White Kiama, said the property attracted strong interest during its expressionsof-interest campaign due to its central location, harbour outlook and future development potential. The 430-square-metre freehold property occupies a highly visible position near the intersection of Manning and Terralong streets. It has about 521 square metres of internal floor space and

uninterrupted views towards Kiama Harbour and the coastline. While the building has most recently accommodated a financial and advisory business, Mr Moore said the buyers have indicated it could become home to a fitnessrelated operation. They are also understood to be considering future redevelopment of the property, potentially incorporating a residential component. No development application or detailed plans have been announced, and any redevelopment would require the relevant planning approvals. The site is zoned E1 Local Centre, which allows a range of uses with consent, including commercial premises, function centres, hotel or motel accommodation and shoptop housing. It currently has an 11-metre building height

limit. The property’s history is closely tied to the Commonwealth Bank, which sold the building in 1997 but continued operating from the Manning Street premises as a tenant until 2021. Property records indicate the site last changed hands in 2015 for $2.6 million. Its latest sale represents an increase of $1.95 million over approximately 11 years. The property had been held by local owners before its sale to the Sydney-based buyers. The transaction places renewed attention on the future of a well-known site occupying a key position between Kiama’s town centre, harbour and foreshore. For now, the exact identity of the proposed fitness operator and the buyers’ longer-term plans for the building have not been publicly confirmed.

ublic consultation has closed on a major 20-year planning document that will influence housing, jobs, transport and infrastructure across Kiama and the wider Illawarra Shoalhaven. Submissions on the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan closed at 5pm on Monday, 28 September, after almost two months of public exhibition. The NSW Planning Portal now lists the plan as under consideration, with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure reviewing feedback before finalising the document later this year. The plan covers the

Kiama, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee local government areas and is intended to guide growth through to 2046. The NSW Government says the broader region is expected to accommodate an additional 161,000 people during that period. Its draft goals include another 117,000 homes and more than 101,000 jobs, together with planning for transport, roads, schools, health services and other infrastructure. Those figures apply to the entire Illawarra Shoalhaven planning region and should not be interpreted as housing or population targets for Kiama alone.

The draft also identifies improved transport connections between Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven as a regional priority. Kiama Municipal Council considered its own submission on the draft plan at its Ordinary Meeting on 15 September, with “Submission: The Draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan” listed as item 15.3 on the meeting agenda. With the formal community consultation now finished, attention turns to which issues raised by Kiama Council and local residents will be reflected in the final document. The existing Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 remains in force until its replacement is finalised.

Credit: Darren Parlett

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NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

HOUSE LIKE PROPORTIONS

Artist impression

EASY LIVING BY THE SEA Just beyond the vibrant Kiama town centre, Elan offers a secluded yet highly connected coastal lifestyle. Designed by award-winning PBD Architects, this exclusive collection of residences is created for those ready to call Kiama home. Enjoy house-like proportions, premium Taj Mahal stone, Gaggenau appliances and cosy fireplaces, thoughtfully considered for effortless everyday living. Low-maintenance coastal living, without compromise.

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Sat 3rd & 10th October: 10 - 11am 2/134 Terralong Street, Kiama

2 October - 8 October 2026

PROPERTY SPECIAL | 17

thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE

Unsure about selling?

Many local properties holding value amid national downturn Bellinda Dunn

hether listening to the news or speaking to homeowners across the board, you'll hear plenty of firsthand accounts of the effects of Australia's property downturn - from rising mortgage pressure to falling property values. According to Daniel Watt of Christie’s Gerringong, it’s vital in the current climate to shut out the noise and stay informed, as the latest doom and gloom headlines may be misleading with reference to your specific property situation. “More pronounced than ever, there are ‘markets within markets’. The ‘downturn’ is by no means spread equally across: the country; or major cities as compared with regional towns (with coastal regional areas generally outperforming other regions); or even across different property price levels

and types.” According to Realestate. com.au’s Home Price Report for August, PropTrack market data shows Sydney home values were down -3.6% over the year, while regional NSW values were up 4.8%. The Kiama and Gerringong property markets continue to fare relatively well, underpinned by a longstanding seachange lifestyle appeal and easy drive to Sydney, a constrained housing supply, limited opportunities for new land release, and a majority purchaser base less reliant on significant debt financing. Generally speaking, not unlike in Sydney, higher priced and more aspirational local properties have felt the blunt end of the nationwide slowdown - with those buyers not in a hurry moving to the sidelines to watch and wait. This buyer uncertainty stems from a combination of rising interest rates, geo-political

unrest and other factors specific to higher-priced properties - including higher relative borrowing costs, fewer people qualifying for loans, and widespread investor hesitation in the wake of the May budget and sweeping property tax reforms. The medium to lowerpriced end of the local market however remains active and is doing relatively well - and this trend is expected to continue throughout Spring (which along with Autumn is held to be the best time to sell). Spring is a time of new beginnings, growth and buoyant optimism, which with gardens blooming, warmer weather and extended daylight hours all lead to greater buyer interest, which drives up property values, particularly in popular coastal areas in the lead up to summer. Homes under $1.5 million also have a strong matching buyer pool in the LGA, whereby eligible first-home

buyers may receive stamp duty relief under the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme on existing properties up to $1.5 million. First home buyers too are often young and energetic, and so can be drawn to homes with opportunities to add value through their own sweat equity. Selecting the right agent and deciding upon necessary improvements pre sale is key One of The Bugle’s journalists, Bellinda Dunn, and her two sisters, recently inherited and are selling a three bedroom mid-tier home in Gerringong, to be listed for the first time since 1999 this weekend. Bellinda remembers viewing the home (49 Blackwood Street) in 1999 with her late mother, and knew straight away it was the one. The estate agent had warned them ‘When the owner opens the door, don’t scream!’ The door opened and they were face-to-face

with local Illawarra rugby league legend Rod Wishart (for whom it must indeed have been a memorable year - moving house, retiring from football, and the birth of his son Tyran (now himself a wellknown footballer). The sisters researched and met with a range of local agents, and after weighing up the many different positive qualities and results each exhibited, selected Daniel and Bronwen from Christie’s. The family felt comfortable and confident with the team’s sales history, experience and local knowledge, as well as the attention, interest, positivity and professionalism demonstrated at the meeting. They also had a sense that the team would stand firm to achieve the best outcome. Bellinda elaborated, “We particularly liked Daniel and Bronwen’s observations of the house we loved’s not so obvious features, such as its open views of the rolling hills,

equidistance to the station and Fern Street shops, open spaciousness, flow, good light, general pleasant liveability, large healthy garden and room conversion possibilities.” Whether to make expensive, minimal or no improvements to a property prior to selling requires weighing up its style, age, overall condition and expected target market – and to this end, the input and advice of an experienced estate agent is vital. Daniel says “It’s a fine balance, with a misjudgment meaning you could fork out for a costly improvement, only to have it immediately removed by the new owner, or risk putting off a buyer by not addressing an old or unattractive element in an otherwise desirable residence.” 49 Blackwood Street, Gerringong will be open on Saturday 3 October at 10am, with a price guide of $1,250,000.

THE BUGLE NEWS

PROPERTY SPECIAL www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

Veronica Bardsley

ogong Moths have been swarming Australia home for far longer than any of us have been alive, yet lately it feels as though we’re being reintroduced. While we might complain about the masses fluttering around our homes, seeing Bogongs return in such large numbers is pretty remarkable – particularly considering just how important these little moths have been throughout Australian history. Bogongs have been a special part of life in Australia for at least 2,000 years. A study led by Monash University and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) found microscopic remains of ground and cooked Bogong moths on a grindstone excavated from Cloggs Cave, in the foothills of the Australian Alps in Victoria. The remains dated back around 1,600 to 2,100 years. With their high fat content, enormous numbers (and the extra crunch), Bogong Moths became an important seasonal food source for Aboriginal peoples. But the annual arrival of the moths meant much more than dinner. Aboriginal groups travelled considerable distances to gather in the Australian Alps during the Bogong season. These gatherings provided opportunities to feast, trade, hold ceremonies, settle disputes and strengthen relationships between different groups. A 1931 article in the Tumut & Adelong Times & Tumut Advocate, looking back at the region’s First Peoples, described a diet that changed with the seasons. During early spring, it reported, Bogong Moths could become

an important food source. The moths were collected when they gathered in huge numbers and were cooked either whole or m a d e into a paste. “Referring to the practice of eating the Bogong moth, Mr Brownowski pointed out that the custom had been to collect the insect when the moths congregated in Spring in thick clusters on the ranges. The bodies of the moths had been cooked either whole or in paste form.” It was a tradition that existed long before newspapers began reporting on the moths as a “plague”. It has been tricky tracking down historic archives about our little visitors, but check these out… The Nowra Leader Friday October 29 1926

“A plague of moths known by the name of Bogong has been raging along the South Coast. During the visitation of the Great White Train swarms of them darted round the electric light at the entrance. A wag queried if they were Australian made? The “S. C. Times” reports:— “A plague of Bogong moths is raging in Wollongong and district. Their presence is said to be due to the mild winter, there being no frosts to destroy the caterpillars from which the moths spring. On Wednesday last week a resident asked: Has somebody let the Gippsland down on a moth farm?” The Barrier Miner Tuesday Dec 30th 1952 CATERPILLAR PLAGUE Melbourne.— Caterpillars are invading western Victoria. The Director of Agriculture,

Mr. R. A. Mullett, said that experts are watching the progress of the horde. The caterpillars are from the bogong moth, which was in near-plague proportions in Melbourne a month ago. The moths migrated to Gippsland and the western district and the caterpillars are now causing serious damage to pasture lands, said Mr. Mullett. The caterpillars could be killed off by bait or actual ground spraying. And if you think the moths are making their presence known now, spare a thought for Sydney in 2000. During the Olympic Games, hundreds of thousands of Bogong moths were drawn off course by the bright lights of Stadium Australia, swarming around the floodlights, spectators and even athletes. But their most memorable appearance came during the closing ceremony. Meteorologists had forecast clear conditions, yet weather radar appeared to show a large rain cloud creeping towards the stadium. With one of the biggest events in the world unfolding below, forecasters scrambled to work out where the unexpected weather had come from. There was just one problem. It wasn’t a rain cloud. It was millions of moths. The swarm had been picked up by the weather radar as it approached the brightly lit stadium – and the moths soon made their grand Olympic entrance. So, before you swat them away, spare a thought for the thousands of years of history these little guys carry with them. And with their numbers on the rise again, hopefully their story will continue for generations to come! And one final question: has anyone ever tried a traditionally prepared Bogong Moth? If you have, I’d love to hear about it! XO Veronica

Vee’s Vault

Don't be gone, Bogong!

P.S I make every effort to get the history right, but there’s always someone who knows more! If there’s something I’ve missed, or a piece of the story you can add, please let me know at veronica@thebuglenews. com.au.

Another rate rise puts squeeze on Kiama households

iama mortgage holders face another increase in repayments after the Reserve Bank lifted the official cash rate to 4.60 per cent. The RBA's Monetary Policy Board announced a 25-basispoint increase on Tuesday, with the new rate taking effect from Wednesday, 30 September. It is the fourth cash-rate increase this year. The rate began 2026 at 3.60 per cent before increasing to 3.85 per cent in February, 4.10 per cent in March and 4.35 per cent in May. Tuesday's decision takes the cumulative increase during 2026 to a full percentage point. That is particularly relevant in high-value housing markets such as Kiama, where larger mortgages can magnify the dollar impact of relatively small movements in interest rates. ncy in Kiama said that rate rises haven’t stopped great results. “Our quarterly results show that when a property is presented well, priced in line with market feedback and backed by maximum marketing exposure, buyers are still responding strongly. Experience, consistency and never becoming complacent continue to make the difference. “

The RBA said inflation remained elevated and some of the risks it identified earlier this year were now materialising. Higher global energy prices were adding to inflationary pressure, while businesses were also reporting increasing costs and either lifting prices or considering doing so. Recent Australian inflation figures had also been stronger than the RBA expected at its previous meeting. At the same time, the central bank acknowledged signs that higher interest rates are slowing parts of the economy. Housing prices have fallen in most capital cities, new housing lending has declined and growth in consumer spending is easing. For Kiama households, the latest decision will now depend partly on how individual lenders respond and whether they pass the full increase through to variable mortgage rates. The Bugle is seeking local mortgage brokers and financial advisers to calculate what the latest increase - and the four increases collectively - mean for typical mortgages held by Kiama households. The next RBA monetary policy decision is scheduled for 3 November.

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THE BUGLE NEWS

NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

Matthew Lay Ray White Kiama 0448 440 609

matthew.lay@raywhite.com

A rare find in 2533! Single level, low-maintenance, in a quiet locale This light-filled single-level duplex offers open-plan living, a practical modern kitchen, three bedrooms, and a spacious north-facing yard with entertaining deck. Complete with split-system air conditioning, single garage and NBN, it’s just 600m from Gainsborough Shopping Centre and minutes from Jones Beach.

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The ultimate family home set on over a quarter-acre Privately positioned on an expansive 1,073sqm block, this singlelevel home defines contemporary luxury. Soaring ceilings, refined finishes and sophisticated technology complement four bedrooms, including an indulgent master retreat. Entertain with ease across the designer kitchen, open-plan interiors and landscaped alfresco, complete with heated pool, cedar steam sauna, fire pit and wrap-around entertaining deck. 12 Stewart Place Kiama $2,000,000 - $2,200,000

A truly exceptional home, an inspection is essential. Matthew Lay | 0448 440 609

Kate Cummins Ray White Kiama 0423 599 909

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With over 25 years of real estate experience, Kate Cummins combines local knowledge and proven results to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Thinking of selling? Contact Kate Cummins today for a confidential, no-obligation appraisal. 'We can’t speak highly enough of Kate. She is an exceptionally experienced real estate agent and an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish' - Liz and Dave

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NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

Jayden Bennett Ray White Kiama 0435 715 829

10/20 Dido Street Kiama $920,000 - $990,000

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13 Belvedere Street Kiama Timed Sale - 22 Oct 2026

19 Caliope Street Kiama $1,480,000 - $1,550,000

THE BUGLE NEWS

NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

Michele Lay Ray White Kiama 0409 461 756 michele.lay@raywhite.com

18/81-83 Manning Street Kiama Just Listed

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Shell Cove captures the art of waterfront living, where everyday convenience meets coastal tranquillity. This refined three-bedroom residence offers a front-row seat to marina life, with harbour views, resort-style amenities and essential services just moments away.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Kiama, with the beach, cafés, coastal walks, markets and village amenities moments away, this is coastal living elevated to its finest. Throw away the keys - Call now!

From morning walks along the boardwalk to sunset dining by the water, this is waterfront living at its most effortless, where every day flows with ease - beautifully connected, wonderfully relaxed and always framed by the harbour.

Sam Scobie Ray White Kiama 0451 523 680 sam.scobie@raywhite.com You’ve probably seen a headline or two about the property market cooling off sharply. Read past it, though, and almost all of that coverage is about Sydney, sometimes Melbourne, cities with a completely different market to our seaside town. Kiama isn’t immune to some softening either. Our own numbers (sourced by Ray White Now Kiama) show median house prices down 6.3 per cent on last year, to $1.57 million, and units down 2.5 per cent, to $940,000. But it’s worth being clear which market those headlines are actually describing, because mostly, it isn’t this one. Here’s the part worth sitting with. That $1.57 million isn’t some multi-year low, it’s sitting just under the peak reached in the 2021-2022 run-up. Zoom out further and house prices here are still up 75 per cent over the decade, units up 60 per cent. A one-year pullback from a record high looks nothing like the correction being reported in parts of Sydney, even when a headline lumps every market together.

And properties are still moving. In the 12 months to June, Kiama recorded 133 house sales and 78 unit sales, across every price bracket, right up to two above $5 million. That’s not a market waiting for buyers to show up, it’s one where they already are, every month, at every price point. If you’re a buyer holding off in hope the market grinds to a halt, the sales figures say that’s not what’s happening here. When “it’s a tough market” becomes a reason to sit on your hands, it’s worth asking what the numbers in this town actually say. Kiama isn’t broken, or standing still. The properties changing hands each month are proof, and buyers waiting on a moment the local data doesn’t support are the ones most likely to miss out. Sam Scobie Ray White Kiama

THE BUGLE NEWS

COMMUNITY www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

KCR secures five-year home in Kiama

iama Community Radio (KCR) will expand its local programming after securing a five-year licence to remain at its Terralong Street studio. The volunteer-run station currently broadcasts around 30 hours of live programming each week, including specialist local content. The new agreement will allow KCR to establish a second broadcast studio at 61 Terralong Street, creating more capacity for live programs, volunteer training and new programming. KCR public officer Madeleine Scarfe said the second studio was now badly needed as the station continued to grow. “We can now start building the second studio which we desperately need now that we are up to 30 hours a week of live presenters with specialist local content,” she said. The station will also create dedicated administrative and meeting areas as part of internal modifications to the

premises. KCR president Glenn Shepherd said the five-year licence provided the station with greater stability as it continued developing its operations. The organisation has been based at the Terralong Street premises since launching six years ago and will continue working alongside the Kiama Business Network, which also operates from the building. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the volunteer-run station had become an important source of information and entertainment for local residents. “KCR has only been around for six years, but it’s become a special part of our community, providing plenty of information and entertainment for local residents,” he said. The licence was signed by KCR representatives and Kiama Council, which owns the property.

Kiama scores $1 million sporting boost

iama’s sporting community has kicked a major goal, with more than $1 million in NSW Government funding announced for three local facilities. The biggest win is a $926,316 upgrade to LED sports field lighting at Kiama Sports Complex. Kiama Surf Life Saving Club will receive $100,760 for rescue equipment and hospitality training, while Kiama Rugby Club has secured $30,705 for clubhouse improvements. The three grants, totalling $1,057,781, are being delivered through the Active Regional Communities Package for the South Coast. Kiama Junior Football Club president Ben Morgan said the lighting announcement was “awesome” news after a long wait. “It’s going to mean so much for not just our club, but all the users of the quarry fields,” he said. “That includes the senior football club, Oztag, Little Athletics and cricket. It’s a great win for a large part of

our sporting community.” Mr Morgan said the new lighting would give the junior football club access to four illuminated training fields instead of three, significantly increasing its capacity. “We currently don’t have lights on field one,” he said. “We’ve got teams training at Bombo Hill and Gainsborough, and we’re still chock-a-block trying to fit all our teams in. “This will allow the club to grow, which we are doing year on year. It automatically unlocks that other field for us once the lights go up.” Mr Morgan said Kiama Junior Football Club had helped drive the grant application, working closely with Council’s grants coordinator and securing letters of support from other sporting groups that use the precinct. While welcoming the funding, he said the wider Sports Complex still needed considerable attention. “For what is supposed to be the premier sporting facility in the LGA, it’s pretty

decrepit,” he said. “This is a great start in kicking off parts of the masterplan that has now been adopted.” Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said improved lighting was increasingly important for training and matches, particularly as female participation continued to grow. “Anyone who has ever been here on a Saturday morning where there are kids and parents all over the precinct will know that this is a very important part of our local government area,” Cr McDonald said. Newly elected Councillor Stanley Jarrett is already actively ‘on the job’ also and attended the funding announcement as newly elected council representative for Kiama and District Sports Association. Mr Morgan said Cr Jarrett had shown enthusiasm for moving the project forward and supporting the sporting community. “It was good to see him there,” Mr Morgan said. “He

left me with the impression that if things slowed down, he would step in and help keep them moving.” The complex is used by cricketers, footballers, netballers, athletes and skateboarders, as well as swimmers, basketballers and fitness enthusiasts at Kiama Leisure Centre. It also hosts school sporting carnivals, where the Mayor said Kiama’s “champions of tomorrow” learn their skills. Council has developed a masterplan for the precinct, but completing its wider vision will require significant additional state and federal funding. Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said the grants would make a meaningful difference at the grassroots level and support the passionate volunteers behind local sporting and lifesaving clubs. The lighting upgrade puts valuable runs on the board, but for Kiama’s sporting community, the campaign for a complete overhaul is far from the final siren.

Show’s a go for 2027: Time to renew your membership Carol Goddard

he Kiama Show is returning in January 2027 and we’d love to welcome our valued members back for another fantastic Show. The 179th Kiama Show will be held on 22 & 23 January 2027 and now is the time to renew your membership. Your 2027 Kiama Show Membership must be renewed by 31 December 2026. Membership is the only way to receive your two-

day pass to the Show, so don’t miss out! Renewing is easy! Just visit www.kiamashow.com. au and follow the link to Showday Online. Simply log in, check that your details are correct and select your 2027 membership. If you don’t already have a Showday Online account, you’ll need to create one. Please check your postal address carefully. Membership armbands will be posted in late December or early January

Every life is different every farewell is too Plan ahead. Give your family the gift of knowing your wishes Call us 24/7 on (02) 4228 9622 | info@hparsons.com.au | hparsons.com.au H.Parsons Kiama, formally Stann Crap Funerals

to the address listed on your Showday Online profile. For Family Memberships, only one person needs a Showday Online profile and they will receive the membership armbands. Each adult purchasing an Adult or Concession membership will need their own profile. Need a hand? A stepby-step renewal video is available to help guide you through the process. For questions or further help, email membership@ kiamashow.com.au. Please allow up to five days for a

response. Don’t leave it until the last minute! Membership cannot be purchased in the week before the Show or at the Show gate. Visit www.kiamashow. com.au today to renew and secure your membership for the 2027 Kiama Show. We look forward to seeing you on 22 & 23 January 2027!

THE BUGLE NEWS

A bucketlist girls getaway to Uluru

Trish Fallon

NEWS www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

few days exploring the breathtaking scenery of Uluru with Belle was certainly a holiday to remember. This three-night getaway had been on my bucket-list for some time. And thanks to Kelly from the Travel Focus Group in Gerringong, everything was organised perfectly from start to finish. Our first morning started early with the Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge tour. Although the sunrise over Uluru was hidden behind the clouds, it was still spectacular watching this enormous red rock slowly appear as daylight arrived. We then boarded the bus and headed to Kata Tjuta, previously known as The Olgas, where we walked through the magnificent Walpa Gorge. It was windy and certainly chilly, but the dramatic rock formations and sheer scale of the landscape made it a breathtaking experience. Unfortunately, our Wintjiri Wiru Twilight experience booked for Saturday night was cancelled due to wet weather. While we were disappointed,

the cancellation turned into a lovely evening when we caught up with friends we had made while waiting in line at the airport. We enjoyed drinks and dinner together and shared stories of our travels. Sunday morning brought one of the highlights of the trip, cycling around Uluru. Being able to get up close to the rock and experience its incredible colours, textures and formations from the bike was spectacular. It was a completely different way to appreciate Uluru and one I would highly recommend. That evening we enjoyed the Sounds of Silence dinner, which was another truly spectacular experience. Delicious food, wonderful company and an unforgettable outback setting created a very special evening. Sitting beneath the vast outback sky and taking in the scenery was something I will remember for a long time. Monday was departure day, but I managed to squeeze in one final adventure — a helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Seeing these magnificent landmarks from the air was another highlight

and gave a completely different perspective of their size, shape and incredible surrounding landscape. Our accommodation at the Outback Hotel within Ayers Rock Resort was great, and the staff throughout the resort and tours were exceptional, friendly, helpful and incredibly knowledgeable about the area. A huge thank you to Kelly from Travel Focus Group in Gerringong for arranging such a seamless getaway. All of our transfers with AAT Kings were organised, everything ran smoothly and we were able to simply relax and enjoy the experience. I would highly recommend putting a three-night Uluru getaway on your bucket list. It is an extraordinary part of Australia, with spectacular scenery, fascinating culture and experiences you won't forget. If Uluru is on your travel wish list, get in touch with the Travel Focus Group in Gerringong and let Kelly arrange your next adventure.

A taste of Glenrowan as we explore the Victorian High Country Carol Goddard

aking the decision not to go north this last winter, instead towing our caravan to the frosty regions of southwestern NSW, and then into the Victorian High Country, turned out to be a very good decision for us. Not only did we experience relatively traffic-free driving compared to the usual grey nomad conga line heading to warmer climes up north, but the van parks were decidedly less crowded, and therefore more inviting. We've never been snow bunnies, have always followed the sun, and so going south in winter was going to be a completely new venture. Spending time in Tumut, Adelong, Corryong, and Beechworth taught us so much about our rich colonial past, each town having its own distinct story to tell. By way of character-filled town centres often dotted with heritage architecture, excellent information signage, museums chockfull of history, and delightful cafes, pubs, and eateries, we were not only entertained, but also educated. Glenrowan was our next stay, a town that could well be renamed Kellytown for every nuance of the Ned Kelly saga was on display here. The bakery sold Ned Kelly pies, the exceptional Kate’s Cottage Museum, featuring a replica of Ellen Kelly’s homestead, was brimming with Ned Kelly souvenirs, a six-metre-tall Ned Kelly statue adorned one corner of the Main Street, and if you're into animatronics and special effects, you bought your ticket and became part of the Kelly

gang’s last stand at Kellyland Glenrowan. Undoubtedly and unashamedly a very enticing tourist attraction, it nevertheless cleverly immerses you in the reenactment of that fateful day in 1880, from being held captive in the Glenrowan Inn, to experiencing the heat and smoke of the ensuing fire, to Australia's most famous gunfight. The Victorian government has funded an exceptional construction in Lion's Park, the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, a must-visit. A modern state-of-the-art building in the round, it is a cultural and historical centre housing a complete timeline from first Aboriginal owners onwards, displays, photographs, and video presentations of life in this town, culminating in the Ned Kelly Siege story. Digital displays and storytelling bring the siege to life, and upstairs the rooftop viewing platform allows visitors to look out over the actual siege site, now known as the Glenrowan Heritage Precinct. It's an easy selfguided tour, taking less than an hour to walk past the key locations: the site of Anne Jone's Glenrowan Inn, the spot where Ned was captured, and a segment of the original railway platform, as well as a well-preserved old blacksmith shop. Post-walk, we needed a coffee, and mercifully, coffee and the Best Scones in Victoria (as advertised on the café billboard), gave us welcome sustenance, before heading off to our next port of call, Baileys of Glenrowan, a superb vineyard dating from 1870, certified organic and specialising in luscious gutsy

Shiraz , Durif , and fortified wines. Driving into the property was a treat, lots of stone buildings and heritage farm equipment dotted here and there in the ample paddocks. Wandering the gardens leading onto the function and tasting rooms was a delight, but the best was yet to come when we turned a corner to discover a complete kitchen garden grown in large, gleaming corrugated iron tubs. In the background, as far as the eye could see, were the vines, many of them dating back over 100 years. Stunning. As was our tasting. We were lucky enough to be the lone tasters on this particular chilly afternoon, and so it was relaxed, chatty, convivial, talking about wine and the remarkable history of Baileys with the staff. It is a wonderful story of drive, ambition, and the ability to work the land to produce a quality, heroic product. Glenrowan certainly provided the perfect growing conditions, the Bailey family saw to the rest. There are of course other vineyards, distilleries and brewers in the surrounding area, but unfortunately none were open on this particular day. Which gives us another reason to return here to Glenrowan, quaint, pretty, and brimming with history if you want to seek it out.

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Free and low-cost school what’s on? holiday activities for the Share your news second week 2 October - 8 October 2026

Do you have an update from a community group or coverage of a local event? List your event on our What’s On page on our App. (Deadline: EOD Tuesday for the Friday print edition.)

Emily Crisp

y the second week of the school holidays, finding something that keeps the kids busy, gets them away from screens and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg can feel like a challenge. Here are some activities to put on the calendar for week 2 of the school holidays. Tuesday 6 October • Special Storytime Nowra Library | 11am - noon | Ages 5 - 8 | Booking required. Enjoy stories, songs and a take-home craft. • Kids’ bingo - Berry Hotel | 11am - 12.30pm | Age range not specified | Book a table for lunch. Kids can join in a game of bingo. Camping family • L E G O challenge - Kiama Library

| 5pm - 6.30pm | All ages | Bookings available. Build a campsite using LEGO supplied by the library. Children under 10 must attend with an adult. Wednesday 7 October Author Storytime, • Book Launch and Meditation Session - Shellharbour City Library | 11am - 11.45am | Ages 6–8 | Free | Bookings required. Enjoy a Storytime and book launch followed by a meditation session. Flower Flag Bunting • - Warilla Library | 2pm | Ages 8 -12 | Booking required Make colourful bunting to take home. Thursday 8 October Green screen movie• making - Gerringong Library | 10am - 11am or 11.30am 12.30pm | Ages 10+ | Booking required. Script and shoot a short film, then add green screen effects. Bring a charged phone or tablet with the free

Filmora HD Video Creator app installed. Amazing Animals • and Their Environments Nowra Library | 10.30am 11.30am | Ages 5–12 | Bookings required. Learn about Shoalhaven’s native animals, where they live and ways to help wildlife in your backyard. Reptile zoo and • dragon-training mobile zoo - Berry Hotel | 11am - 1pm | Age range not specified | Book a table for lunch. Kids are welcome to join in the activities. Pipe-cleaner • Flowers - Oak Flats Library | 2pm | Ages 12 - 18 | Booking details not confirmed. Make flowers from pipe cleaners. Friday 9 October B u d d i n g • Bookworms - Wollongong Botanic Garden | 10am - 10.45am | Ages 3 - 5 |

No booking required. Enjoy stories, songs, movement and craft near the Japanese Tea House. Claymation - Nowra • Library | 10.30am - noon | Ages 8 - 12 | Bookings required. Make a short-animated film. • UOW Early Start Nature Explorers Shellharbour City Library | 11am – 12pm | Ages 6 - 10 | Bookings required. Join UOW Early Start for hands-on activities inspired by nature. Any day this week • Make a cuddly toy - Wollongong Central, Level 1 outside David Jones | 11am, noon or 1pm daily until Sunday 11 October | Age range not specified | Tickets required. For $5 plus a booking fee, kids can make a lamb plush toy to take home and receive a junior Boost Juice.

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Drop in art with Expressive Art Experience Thu 1 Oct-Tue 6 Oct Joyce Wheatley Building, Kiama Buy a canvas, stay for a while and paint Horizontal Festival Fri 2-4 Oct Bowral wine makers, tasting bars, live music and new free precincts Kiama Trading Card Expo Sat 3 Oct, 10am-4pm Kiama Leagues Club Up to 28 vendor tables featuring collectibles to buy,sell or trade Bundanon Artists and Makers Market Sat 3 Oct, 9am Bundanon Art Museum Variety of art stalls selling homemade goods Daisy Spring Festival Sat 3 Oct-Sun 4 Oct Old Fire Station, Kiama Live music, workshops, interactive art Kiama Vintage Fair Sat 3 Oct- Sun 4 Oct, 9:30am-3:30pm Masonic Hall, Kiama Vintage treasures, free entry and live music Monsters and Myths Children’s Writing Workshop Thu 8 Oct, 10am Bundanon Art Museum Creative writing workshop with Sue Whiting Parkour Workshop with Dauntless Movement Crew Thu 8 Oct, 1pm-3pm Bundanon Art Museum Hands-on coaching for all abilities October breast cancer awareness Fri 9 Oct, 10am-2pm Edessa Arcade Kiama Shop local and donate for breast cancer Nature Walk by Crooked River Estate Sat 10 Oct, 8:30am Crooked River Estate, Gerringong Nature walk with insight of the Estate Kiama Culture Festival Sat 10 Oct, 11am-5pm Hindmarsh Park, Kiama Live dance, music, hands-

on activities, family-friendly fun Fair Trade Fair Sat 10 Oct, 10am-2pm Uniting Church, Kiama Various hand-made products for sale Art Vision Exhibition Thu 15 Oct-Wed 21 Oct Old Fire Station, Kiama 7 Local Artists, multi-style art, ceramics and jewellery. Author Michael Robotham talk Thu 15 Oct, 6pm-8pm Shellharbour City Library Hear Robotham about his latest books and writing journeys Gerringong Rotary Markets Sat 17 Oct, 8:30am-1:30pm Gerringong Town Hall Kiama Seaside Markets Sun 18 Oct, 9am-3pm Black Beach, Kiama Golf and Family fun day Fri 23 Oct, 7:30am Jamberoo Golf Club Raising money for Kiama and Jamberoo preschools Author Fiona McIntosh talk Sat 24 Oct, 6pm-5pm Shellharbour City Library Hear McIntosh about her latest books and writing journeys Kiama Picnic Train Sat 24 Oct-Sun 25 Oct Kiama Journey from Sydney to Kiama and return. Jamberoo Village Markets Sun 25 Oct, 9am-1pm Reid Park, Jamberoo Berry Village Market Sun 25 Oct, 10am-3pm Berry Bowling Club Kid’s Halloween Disco Thu 29 Oct, 6pm-7:30pm Kiama Leagues Club Dress up and dance, free entry Halloween Party Sat 31 Oct, 8:30pm-12am Kiama Leagues Club Spooky cocktails, dance floor, costumes and DJ Berry Writers’ Festival Fri 6 Nov-Sun 8 Nov Berry Weekend Twilight Market Fri 27 Nov, 1pm-7pm The Pavilion Kiama Variety of stalls selling homemade goods

THE BUGLE NEWS

PUZZLES www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

PUZZLES 4

26 Collapse inwards (7) 27 Cupidity (7) 28 Respiratory organs (5) 29 Nelson’s victory (9)

DOWN 12

18 19

7 8 12 14 15 16 17

22 23 24 25 27

ACROSS

Nature (9) Belonging to the nose (5) Crying (as a cat) (7) Sitting room (7)

1 6 9

11 13 14 16

Position counting as a draw (9) Walkway (5) Mythological Greek monster (7) US city known as ‘The Windy City’ (7)

9-LETTER

18 19 20 21 23

Expert (3) Furthest (7) Fly larvae (7) Spear handle (5) Slaughterhouses (9)

No. 353

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in ‘s’.

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good 22 words: Very good

30 words: Excellent

CODEWORD No. 343

Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?

25 22

Z U Q A D R N X H Y

21 20 19

F G L

17 16 15

5 4 3 2

6 5 9 2 8 1 7 4 3 4 3 1 7 6 9 2 8 5 8 7 2 3 4 5 6 9 1 5 1 7 4 9 3 8 2 6 2 6 4 8 5 7 3 1 9 9 8 3 1 2 6 4 5 7 7 9 8 5 3 2 1 6 4 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 2 3 2 6 9 1 4 5 7 8

S V W O E K T

1 2 9 4 7 6 5 8 3 5 7 4 8 3 9 6 2 1 6 3 8 1 2 5 9 7 4 2 4 1 3 5 7 8 9 6 7 5 6 9 8 4 1 3 2 9 8 3 2 6 1 7 4 5 8 6 7 5 4 3 2 1 9 4 9 5 7 1 2 3 6 8 3 1 2 6 9 8 4 5 7

B M P C

19 25

16 10

EASY

MEDIUM

SOLUTIONS

15 22

H 5

A Y 9

2. Swamp rock is a genre of music primarily associated with which US city? 3. What nationality is human rights activist Malala Yousafzai?

1 7 3 5 7 8 9 3 8 4 2 4 7 8 5 6 1 3 4 5 3 2 8 2 1 7 2 6 8 3 9 7

6. What colour is citrine? 7. In what year was the Amazon company founded? 8. I Like Me is a 2025 documentary about the life of which late actor? 9. Which nation occupied India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands during World War II?

5. Route 20 is the longest road in which country?

10. What does the acronym GIF stand for?

10 LETTERS EARBASHERS SWEETENING

MEDIUM

9 2 8 7 5 7 1

6 8

3 8

5 1 7

8 1 4 5

0210 | PUZZLES AND PAGINATION ©

WORD SEARCH

4. The Adventures of Cliff Booth is a 2026 sequel to which 2019 film?

7 LETTERS ACRYLIC DIALLED INVENTS SISTERS STREETS TUMBLES

H Y

QUICK QUIZ 1. Who or what is Bindi Irwin (pictured) named after?

8 LETTERS DECREASE DEMUREST INACTION PARTISAN

6 LETTERS ASSERT CIDERS COSTLY EDITED ERASER STUDIO

EASY

10 6

SPIED SPLAT STAIN STEER STIRS SUAVE SWAMP TABOO TANGO TASTE UNITS VISTA VOTES

No. 352

23 9

V O T E S

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

8 5

4 LETTERS ANEW DOSE GREW HIGH PETS SALE SMUG STEP WAGS WIGS

5 LETTERS ABIDE ACHED ADOBE ARVOS ATLAS BASES BRUSH CASED DETER ELECT ELITE ENDOW ENROL ENSUE ERODE EVADE FEARS FEELS GEESE GUEST GUSTS HALOS HOSTS IDLES ISSUE LADED LEAPT MOTOR ONION POSES REUSE ROUSE SADES SLEET SNEER

SUDOKU

16 7

10 6

23 20

SOLUTION

chit, chitin, citing, gist, hint, hints, hits, hitting, insight, itch, itching, night, sight, siting, sitting, snitch, sting, stint, stitch, STITCHING, thin, thing, thins, this, tight, tinct, tincts, tint, tints, tithing

French philosopher (5) Worship (9) Nimble (5) Moniker (3) Indian currency unit (5) Giving a spoken account (9) Footwear (5) Pertaining to theft (9) Make suitable (5) Heavenly (9) Sub-atomic particles (9) Punctuation mark (5) Undergoing mental anguish (9) Trembling poplar (5) Skilled (5) Coronet (5) Rub with oil (5) Exclamation of realisation (3)

1 2 3 4 5 6

C H A R A C T E R N A S A L D G A U A H A A P A R L O U R M E O W I N G R L E R E C U A I S L E S T A L E M A T E T D T N C H I C A G O C H I M E R A O L P R O N G U E M A G G O T S L O N G E S T C M N E S H A F T A B A T T O I R S S R D I S M T A V A R I C E I M P L O D E E N P H R N A A T R A F A L G A R L U N G S

3 LETTERS ASH CUP DEW DOE DUO EGO EWE GUM IRE LEG LOB NET ODE PAP ROD ROE SON TEA TOT WAD WAN WEE

SOLUTION

No. 262

SOLUTION

WORDFIT

No. 263

Can you find all the words listed? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message. ACTOR

L D T C L A P P E R B O A R D ANIMATION O U S A F S A N I M A T I O N BLOCKING C B T H K R B L O C K I N G O BOOM A B E P O E A A C R A N E R O BUDGET T I X L B O O M C S Z S E R Y CALL I N T O P T T W E T O H T E L CAST O G R T L R E E L O O U I B N CLAPPERBOARD N W A R D R O B E R M R N U G CRAFT S S G E C T S P N Y H R O D R CRANE T C U V G G H E S B S T A G E CREW U E C I M R O V T O F I N E E CUT N N A E D I T S L A T E G T N DOLLY T E L W P P I C R R S C O R E DUBBING F I L M I N G C T D O L L Y U T A L E N T R E S L I G H T S

EDIT

SCENE

EXTRA

SCORE

FILMING

SET

FRAME

SHOOT

GREEN

SLATE

GRIP

SOUND

HERO

STAGE

LENS

STORYBOARD

LIGHTS

STUNT

LOCATION

TAKE

PLOT

TALENT

PROPS

WARDROBE

REEL

ZOOM

REVIEW

SECRET MESSAGE: Storytelling through moving pictures

No. 353

F E E L S S P I E D A C H E D T A N G O S U A V E E N R O L A R V O S S P L A T A D O B E R O D E L I T E E W E O D E E R A S E R S W E E T E N I N G L G S T R E E T S V O T E S C A S E D H I G H I N A C T I O N W I G S D U O T U M B L E S S I S T E R S T O T P E T S D E M U R E S T L A D E D G U S T S A N E W A C R Y L I C P S S T U D I O E A R B A S H E R S D E W L E A P T N E T W A N A T L A S I S S U E A B I D E M O T O R G E E S E R O U S E S A D E S S N E E R P O S E S

CROSSWORD

ANSWERS: 1. Steve Irwin’s favourite crocodile 2. New Orleans 3. Pakistani 4. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood 5. USA 6. Yellow 7. 1994 8. John Candy 9. Japan 10. Graphics Interchange Format

THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER 2 October - 8 October 2026

Bring the bling for a good cause!

out & about

little bit of denim and a lot of bling are what’s in order to raise funds for Children’s Medical Research Institute on Friday, October 16. Gerringong: A Big Night Out will be kicking off from 7pm at Gerringong Surf Club with BYO drinks and food, with local act Boyznberry providing the live music. The denim and bling theme is a fun way to sparkle up a very serious story, like that of three-year-old Colton

who was one of the children featured in the August’s Jeans for Gene’s campaign “I think it's important for people to support research because Colton had a bone marrow transplant, but I hope for a better cure for children in the future because watching him go through that was the worst thing I've ever seen,” said Colton’s mother Hope, who became an advocate for the Children’s Medical Research Institute and Jeans for Genes.

“And if there is possibly a chance for a cure that's easier then I think that supporting genetic research is very important.” All funds raised at the Big Night Out go to ensure that groundbreaking research will continue and more cures discovered to improve health outcomes for all children. Tickets for the Gerringong: A Big Night Out are on sale now at https://www. trybooking.com/events/ landing/1648982

Opera in the Valley returns to Jamberoo Donna Portland

amberoo CWA’s muchloved Opera in the Valley is back, so time to dust off the frock and tuxedo for another memorable evening of music and entertainment. The annual event returns on Saturday, November 7 at the Jamberoo School of Arts, with the performance beginning at 8pm. Maestro Glenn Amer will once again work his magic at

the piano, bringing together an impressive line-up of professional opera singers. A highlight of this year’s program will be Helpmann Award-winning Australian baritone Warwick Fyfe, an internationally experienced performer particularly renowned for his Wagnerian roles. A distinguished concert soloist, his repertoire spans both lyric and dramatic baritone roles. “We are very fortunate to

SHEPHERD Neil of Kiama Passed away. Beloved husband of the late Julie. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Nicolle, Andrew and Sarah. Cherished Pop of Lily, Will and Leah. Loved brother of Ian and Alan. Neil will be sadly missed by his loving family, many dear friends and work colleges. Aged 73 years Always with us forever Relatives and friends are invited to attend Neil’s funeral service to be held at The Pavilion, Kiama Showground, Bong Bong Street Kiama on Thursday 8th October 2026 at 11:00 am.

Kiama 42322371

have a singer of Warwick’s calibre performing in Jamberoo,” says lead CWA coordinator Cathy Delhaas. Also making her Jamberoo debut is Tasmanian-born soprano Anastasia Star Gall, who holds a Master of Music in Opera Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Her performances have taken her across Australia and to Vienna, where she appeared as Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro and Saturn

PUBLIC NOTICE. Know All Earthlings By These Presents, Greetings Notice To Agent Is Notice To Principal, Notice To Principal Is Notice To Agent that i, john robert lamont©, not presumed dead or lost at sea, who was born a free permanent living soul, and a Pre-1973 private inhabitant, NonAustralian Citizen/NonResident, with Hague Apostille Treaty Number 2025/4935, has exercised his right of nationality pursuant to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has elected to divorce and separate himself from the presumption of Australian citizenship on the 6th day of the 1st moon/month in the Adamic year 5,998, and has opted out of the provincial territorial jurisdiction of Australia as a citizen as expressed in the document entitled “Notice of Repatriation and Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Relations”, Registered Mail number: RR161046836AU, ISBN: 978-1-7638450-0-8

in the world premiere of the contemporary opera Pluto at the Vienna Summer Music Festival. Also returning to Jamberoo are popular tenor Matthew Reardon and acclaimed countertenor Russell Harcourt.

He appeared in The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour earlier this year and continues to tour nationally with The Australian Tenors, taking

classical music to audiences around the country, including regional and remote communities. Russell has also enjoyed a busy performance schedule, appearing in productions including Gluck’s Orfeo, Handel’s Messiah and Samson, and Haydn’s Nelson Mass, as well as performing with Bach Akademie Australia, the Blackheath Chamber Music Festival and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

With Glenn Amer at the piano and such an accomplished group of singers taking the stage, Opera in the Valley promises another special night in Jamberoo. Mark your diary, as tickets go on sale on Tuesday, October 6 from Tara at The Gallery at 19 Allowrie St, Jamberoo. Early bookings are recommended as this popular event has a habit of selling out and can also be made by phone at (02) 4202 4297.

Spring has sprung for local surf life savers

erringong Surf Life Saving Club was pumping on Saturday as the community celebrated the start of the patrol season. With a sausage sizzle and live music downstairs, the clubhouse upstairs was packed as volunteers learned about the surf club’s new drone technology and upcoming courses. “We’re really looking forward to the this season,” said President Gary George. “We’ve got eight patrols that patrol over the period

and each patrol has between 10 and 12 people on it. “We’ve got about 120 patrolling members and we will spend in excess of eight to ten thousand hours patrolling the beach.” With a total membership base of around 500 people, George said even that number is growing with members signing up from as far as Berry. “A lot of people want to be part of surf life saving,” he said. “It’s one of the most highly

rated in terms of volunteer organisations. “And lot of people want to be part of our surf club, we’ve got about 250 nippers and families, then the rest are social members who help out in the bar, kiosk, community relations, fundraising, all those kind of things.” For surf clubs in the local area, preparations for the patrol season start two months in advance as they ready their equipment, get members proficient, and update their gear.

THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER 2 October - 8 October 2026

Gerringong travel agency marks 50 years

out & about Kiama bowlo turns up and turns out for Hard Quiz

ong before Gerringong locals could book an overseas holiday on their phones, Bob and Pam Daniel bought a bus run. It became the starting point for a travel business that has now served the town for 50 years. Celebrating this milestone in Travel Focus Gerringong’s new Fern Street offices this week, Bob recalled how the business grew from school bus services into tours that brought visiting school groups to the South Coast. Guidepost Travel, as it was then known, was established in 1976. “I guess the first thing we did was buy a bus run,” Bob told the gathering. By 1984, he and Pam had opened a shop. As the business grew, they found another group of travellers who wanted to see more of the world but were reluctant to go alone. Bob recalled organising group trips for Mayflower residents, including women whose husbands had died, and

accompanying some of the tours himself. “There were a lot of single people down there that weren’t going travelling,” he said. Bob and Pam sold the business in 2007 to Greg and Rachel McCarthy, who moved it to Belinda Street. Greg recalled inheriting an established local business and expanding its reach beyond the South Coast. The agency operated under several names during their ownership, including South Coast Travel Management and Platinum Travel to embrace business outside of the South Coast. Greg also recalled hiring Peta Godfrey, now director of Travel Focus Gerringong, after an interview at a local deli. She was his first employee. The anniversary celebration marked another change of address. Peta said a great deal of work had gone into fitting out the new Fern Street office, which finally has room for the whole team. The main street location also serves a practical purpose.

After the pandemic, she said, some locals believed the agency had closed, while newer residents did not know Gerringong had one. “We’re already seeing new faces walk through the door and having more conversations with locals who didn’t know we were here before,” Peta said. The pandemic had left the business’s future uncertain. Peta said clients’ loyalty gave her the confidence to rebuild with the help of her business partner Monica Godfrey. She still remembers one of the first customers to walk in when travel reopened, ready to book a Kimberley cruise. “After almost three years out of the game, my team and I looked at each other a little dumbfounded – we’d almost forgotten what to do!” she said. The customer returned from the cruise and booked another holiday. The trips have changed considerably since Bob and Pam’s first coach runs. Peta’s team has arranged travel as

varied as an Afghanistan journey requiring armed security guards and flights from London to Sydney for Princess Anne. Today, she is seeing more grandparents book holidays with their children and grandchildren, while travellers heading to popular destinations such as Japan increasingly ask to explore beyond the usual tourist stops. For Peta, the work still starts with finding out what kind of experience each person wants. Asked where she would send someone who had lost their sense of adventure, she resisted choosing a single destination for everyone. But she had one personal recommendation. “I think everyone should experience an African safari at least once – seeing your first lion in the wild is a feeling like nothing else!” Congratulations to the team at Gerringong Travel Focus from The Bugle – thank you for partnering with us over the last few years!

Kiama leaders look ahead

Kiama business network members attended a breakfast at the sebel 24 September to hear how Kiama’s mayoral team has set out its priorities for the next two years, including financial recovery, housing, business growth and stronger advocacy ahead of the March state election. Read what Mayor Cameron McDonald, Deputy Mayor Stuart Larkins and Cr Melinda Matters had to say on The Bugle App.

ore than 50 people packed out Kiama Bowling Club on Wednesday to support local legend Andrew Anstey as he made his second appearance on Hard Quiz. The Kiama lawn bowler first appeared on the hit ABC show in 2025, but proved such a hit with his expert subject of lawn bowls that he was asked to return for the Fuddy Duds episode.

Between filming and the airing of his first episode, Anstey received a lifechanging diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease, so with his return he used the opportunity to speak about the importance of MND research and raise funds at the bowls club live screening. Both of Anstey’s episodes can be found on ABC iView for those who missed it.

THE BUGLE NEWS

TRADES www.thebuglenews.com.au

2 October - 8 October 2026

KIAMA LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE O

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wner / operator: Kevin Blacka Years in the trade: 25 years experience in the Gardening and Landscaping Services industry (all aspects lawn care, garden care and landscaping) self employed for all that time in business. This year I've only just got my Certificate 3 in Landscape Construction through RPL Training (Landscaper qualifications) - I prefer not too mention I only got my qualifications this year. What services do you provide? We have a point of difference. We do DIY project management, presale property presentation, compact landscaping, garden makeovers in large to small

areas, clean-up that includes everything in the yard and gardens, maintenance and repairs, ground maintenance for commercial and strata, lawn care, turfing, and artificial grass installation. No job is too small! How long have you been working in the Kiama area? I've lived in Kiama for nearly 10 years, for many years I've worked all over the Illawarra, but now I've decided to focus on the Kiama area and suburbs close by, that's why I've named my business Kiama Landscaping & Maintenance (my service areas are Wollongong City and southern suburbs and down to Berry). Tell readers about your connection to the local

community. I have two sons, one in primary school Ss Peter & Pauls Kiama and the other at Corpus Christi High School, they both currently play sport in Kiama for the Kiama Junior Soccer Club and they have played for Kiama Knights. What makes your business different? Experience, reliability, attention to detail, family business — whatever sets you apart. The 25 years experience and the knowledge I've gained working on 100's (could be in the 1000) of unique and many different types of projects large or small. I've found good communication and transparency with customers, reliable and quality of workmanship goes a long way

to be successful. What's one piece of advice for homeowners? One piece of advice would be to mulch your gardens regularly, fertilise and install a watering system for healthy plants (we can do this). Why do you choose to advertise in The Bugle? The Bugle is a local community paper with an online presence, I think local people will trust more using services advertising with The Bugle. Best way to contact you: Can contact us by phone 0438337777 - call, text messag or WhatsApp, website is www.kiamalandscaping. com.au and on our Facebook page Kiama Landscaping & Maintenance.

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2 October - 8 October 2026

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thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER

James Hoskins Minnamurra Bowl celebrates 25 years Lleyton Hughes

he James Hoskins Minnamurra Bowl celebrated a major milestone at Kiama Golf Club last weekend, with the annual mixed tournament marking its 25th anniversary. The event, which was originally known as the Kiama Golf Club Minnamurra Bowl, has been running since 2001 and was renamed the James Hoskins Minnamurra Bowl three years ago in honour of long-time Kiama Golf Club member James Hoskins. Annette Worth, coordinator of the James Hoskins

Minnamurra Bowl, said Hoskins had been a passionate member of the club from a young age. “James was a wonderful member of Kiama Golf Club from the age of 12,” Worth said. “He was a director, he played club pennants and lots of things he did for the club, and he absolutely loved mixed golf.” Following Hoskins’ passing around five years ago, the club changed the name of the tournament. The tournament itself has its roots in a group of Kiama golfers who would travel to Blackheath Golf Club each

year to play, with the format eventually being introduced at Kiama. The event is now a 36-hole mixed four-person aggregate Stableford competition, with each team made up of two men and two women. While the tournament offers plenty of competitive golf, Worth said the event was about much more than simply winning. “It’s really about the friendships and the times you have on the golf course,” she said. The mixed format also provides another attraction for the tournament, particularly

given Kiama Golf Club’s strong number of female players. The format sees teams separated into male and female pairings, with each male and female golfer partnered with another male and female player from a different team. The James Hoskins Minnamurra Bowl is awarded to the team with the best 36hole aggregate net score, with prizes also awarded for team gross, individual gross and net results, as well as daily prizes. T h i s y e a r ’s winners w e r e P e t e r

T O H S E H T OF K E E W MINNAMURRA PRIMARY'S KNOX CAIRNCROSS LAUNCHES ANOTHER QUICK BALL DURING MINNAMURRA'S WINNING RUN IN THE PSSA CRICKET KNOCKOUT LAST WEEK. CHECK OUT THE BUGLE ONLINEFOR EXTRA SPORTS PHOTOS EVERY WEEK!

Gassman, Beth Roddy, Jane Shirlow and David Shirlow, who combined for an impressive 282 Stableford points. The weekend also included a golf hole raffle, with Russell Hill, Di Morosin, Sharon Norton and John Norton taking out first prize, Chris Herbert winning second prize and Bill and Glenda Dwyer claiming third. Margaret Cooper won the Numbers Board raffle. Worth said the reception to this year’s tournament was extremely

positive, with golfers enjoying not only the competition but the social side of the weekend. With 25 years now behind it, the James Hoskins Minnamurra Bowl has become an important fixture on the Kiama Golf Club calendar, bringing golfers together for a weekend of competition, friendship and plenty of laughs. The tournament was supported by sponsors Janelle Hoskins, Kathleen and Anthony Bowen, Chris Herbert, David Fayn, Esencial Wealth and Crooked River Winery.

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2 October - 8 October 2026

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

GERRINGONG LIONS 16-1 BT GRAND FINAL

WHAT’S ON WEEKLY www.kiamabowling.com.au

Monday

Tuesday

MAHJONG 1pm-4pm

Eureka Euchre 2pm

Happy Hour 4pm-5pm

Happy Hour 4pm-5pm Bowls Coaching 4pm

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Meat raffle 6:45pm Happy Hour 4pm-5pm

Sunday FREE Pool 1pm-6pm

Seafood raffle 6:30pm Tez’s Trivia 7pm

Karaoke 7pm

Live Music

Meat raffle 5:30pm

2 October - 8 October 2026

thebuglenews.com.au • THE BUGLE NEWSPAPER

31 |

JAMBEROO SUPEROOS LLT1

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2 October - 8 October 2026

THE BUGLE • thebuglenews.com.au

KNIGHTS MAKE HISTORY WITH BACK TO BACK PREMIERSHIPS

Lleyton Hughes

t one point during the 2026 season, the Kiama Knights had fallen to fifth on the Group 7 ladder and it looked as though their dreams of successfully defending their title were over. But after ten straight wins in the back end of the season, including an incredible 4010 grand final victory over minor premiers Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles, the Knights pulled off something the club hadn’t done since the 1940s: win back-to-back first grade competitions. Played at Centenary Field on Saturday, the two grand final teams looked evenly matched

for the opening 15 minutes. But in the 18th minute, a simple short ball from Knights lock and veteran Kieran Poole to reserve forward Ryan Hodgson gave the Knights the first points of the grand final and they never looked back. Just five minutes later, off the back of an Albion Park error, the Knights found themselves attacking the line again. Knights five-eighth Sam Hooper, showing spectacular vision, put up a perfect cross-field kick that winger Tom Atkins miraculously grubbered forward before regathering, extending the Knights’ lead to 12-0. It was Hooper again five minutes later who displayed

some impressive footwork to break the line and run almost half the field to score the Knights’ third try. The rest of the half was all Kiama. The Albion Park side, which had lost only two games all regular season, looked flat and lost as the Knights’ attack continued to threaten to extend their lead. And right before half-time, Hodgson struck for his second of the day. Halfback Cameron Vazzoler passed the ball back inside to hooker Daniel Martin, who then found Hodgson. He looked up to see an empty space in front of him and raced through to make it 24-0 at half-time. After the break, the Knights

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continued their domination, with Hodgson completing his hat-trick from their first set after a great short ball from Hooper. It was then captain Tom Angel who added to his team’s spoils, breaking through about five tackles on his way over the line in the 56th minute. With only 20 minutes to play and the score at 36-0, the Eagles finally started to show some attacking flair. A great ball from former NRL player Drew Hutchinson led to a try for Eagles fullback Jack Talbott. Ten minutes later, Eagles centre Billy Hayburn scooted over from dummy-half to bring the score to 36-10. But the Knights - and Ryan

Hodgson - weren’t about to let Albion Park have the last laugh. Hodgson miraculously went in for his fourth try of the day, barging over himself in the final seconds to bring the score to 40-10 and complete a back-to-back, history-defining moment for the Knights. Prior to the match, Hodgson had scored only two tries all season, and he said scoring four in a grand final was unimaginable. “I’m lucky to get one in a game,” he said. “I’ve never had four and to get it in a grand final is amazing. “It’s pretty surreal to go back-to-back with the boys, but I couldn’t have done any of that if it weren’t for the

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middles and Sam Hooper giving me those balls.” Hooper was named the Group 7 player of the match and was also in disbelief after the match. “We’re so proud of ourselves with the season we had. We were sitting at fourth or fifth at some point and somehow found the motivation to finish it off. It’s completely unreal. And hats off to our leaders Matt O’Brien and Steve Ross,” said Hooper. The win makes it the first back-to-back premiership for a Kiama Knights first grade side since 1948 and one of the biggest winning margins in a first grade grand final in the club’s history.

2 October - 8 October 2026

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KIAMA JFC - UNDER 10 GIRLS WHITE

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KIAMA KNIGHTS 16-1 BT GRAND FINAL

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KIAMA QUARRIERS OVER 30 WOMEN

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GERRINGONG LIONS RESERVE GRADE

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KIAMA KNIGHTS 14-2 BT GRAND FINAL

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MINNAMURRA PRIMARY SCHOOL CRICKET KNOCKOUT

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SHOT OF THE WEEK

Minnamurra Primary’s Knox Cairncross launches another quick ball during Minnamurra’s winning run in the PSSA Cricket Knockout last week.