Iconic shaper surfs into the South Coast
Maria Lewis
When Lou Aitken made her first surfboard, she was just 17 years old.
The idea of a female board maker was basically sciencefiction, especially for a teenager coming from a small,
coastal town in New Zealand.
Fast forward over a decade later, now the Kiwi shredder and artist has orders for more boards than she can make, an international fanbase, two successful board companies of her own and has made a custom surfboard for the GOAT himself: Kelly Slater.
The phrase ‘pinch me’ doesn’t quite cover it, but the secret to her success is being the exact thing she never saw in the industry herself – a woman.
“I have an advantage dealing with women, obviously because I am one,” she told The Bugle.
“We surf differently, whether it’s a pop up or generating speed, I think equipment has a lot to do with that.
“You have those days where you’re on top of the world, you’re ovulating, you have an epic week, and then you have those days in the surf when
you’re just not feeling it.
“I think guys have those days to some degree, but women struggle with it a lot more, so tying it all together with my knowledge of a) being female and b) making the equipment has really paid off.”
Straight out of high school, Aitken started out her career with an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker before ultimately giving into the thing she had always been most passionate about: surfing.
Continued page 8
Kiama
Neil Morrison arrives at Campbelltown District Court, in Sydney, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. (AAP Image Steven Markham)
Welcome to The Bugle
Some weeks, our newspaper is more light-hearted than others. Although we love celebrating the best of our community, it’s also important to highlight our challenges and our worries.
With that in mind, this week’s news includes a fatal fire in Kiama, charges laid against a local holiday park figure, and the former Minnamurra Public School assistant principal on trial for historic sexual assault offences.
We’ve included the details of support services for anyone impacted by these topics. So, please take care of yourself as you’re scrolling our pages.
Of course, there is no darkness without light. So, this issue also has plenty of reasons to celebrate, including the Kiama Business Network award winners, the amazing Man Walk movement, our little sporting champions, and the people and places creating unity and togetherness.
Pick up the paper next week for our “property special” – bumper pages of buying, selling, building, renovating and, yes, the debate around developing.
As always, thanks for being part of our story.
Kiama's best in business celebrated at KBN Awards
Last Thursday night, The Pavilion was filled with familiar faces, plenty of applause and a shared celebration of the businesses that help make Kiama such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
Business of the year: Bee Inspired. Finalists: Marketing Movement, Cin Cin Wine bar
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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.
More than 130 people gathered for the second annual Kiama Business Network Awards on 23 July, recognising the local entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators who continue to shape the region's bustling business community.
Proudly supported by Kiama Municipal Council (and The Bugle!), the awards celebrated excellence across a range of industries, with winners from each category now progressing as finalists in the Illawarra Business Awards at the University of Wollongong on 11 September.
Amongst the night's biggest success stories was Bee Inspired, which claimed both Business of the Year and Excellence in Micro Business, capping off an exceptional year for the local business.
Owner Rachael Peedom said she was genuinely shocked by the recognition, having only joined the Kiama Business Network within the past year and not expecting to win in a category packed with such strong local businesses.
"I was totally shocked," she said. "I didn't even realise that if you won the micro business category, you went into the running for Business of the Year!"
For Peedom, the awards were an opportunity to reflect on a remarkable 12 months of growth. What began with a single backyard hive has evolved into a fullservice business offering hive management, education programs, mentoring, excursions, honey production and equipment sales.
The expansion has come alongside one of the biggest
challenges the industry has faced, with the destructive Varroa mite placing enormous pressure on beekeepers across Australia.
Through workshops, school visits and community programs, the business introduces children and adults alike to the world of bees, sustainability and environmental stewardship.
"It's just really exciting to see how it has an impact on people's lives in a positive way," Peedom said. "It feels like we can make a difference."
Peedom said that sense of purpose is what drew her away from a successful international career in aviation, luxury travel and corporate events to build a life centred on beekeeping on the South Coast.
"It just ticked so many boxes," she said. "Being outside, connecting with nature and knowing it's good for the environment—it feels like this was the missing piece."
Another standout was Teresa Vi Nguyen, named Outstanding Young Business Leader for her passion, leadership and contribution to Specsavers Kiama community at an early stage in her career.
Nguyen said she was honoured by the recognition, particularly because it acknowledged the leadership behind the success of Specsavers Kiama.
"This award feels really special because it's recognition for leadership, and I'm so grateful to share it with Joe, my team and the Kiama community," she said.
For Nguyen, the award reflects the culture her team has worked hard to build.
"Watching my team grow in experience and knowledge has definitely been the biggest highlight," she said. "Seeing them become more confident reminded me that when you invest in your people, good things happen."
Just over a year after opening its doors, The Sea & Beau was recognised as Outstanding New Business, with owner Kel Swan saying the award was a reflection of the community that has embraced the boutique from the beginning.
"We were shocked to win it," Swan said. "It's really special since we've only been in business just over a year. It's really nice to get the recognition that we are doing a good job, and the community's behind us."
Swan credits the business's early success to staying true to its values, putting customers first and creating more than just a retail store.
"For us, it's always been about staying authentic and genuine to who we are," she said. "Every decision we make, we think about the customers and the community first."
During Kiama's Winter Street Festival, Swan said many visitors ducked into the boutique simply to escape the chaos outside.
"We want it to feel like your local store. You know the people behind the counter, we know the products you love, and when you need a gift, it feels like a nice experience rather than a chore."
Leadership was also celebrated, with Gulcin Topel of Saltwater receiving the Outstanding Business Leader award.
Each winner represented a different corner of Kiama's business community – from education and sustainability to retail, hospitality and leadership.
With local winners now heading to the Illawarra Business Awards in September, the celebration was more than a night of trophies. It was a reminder that some of Kiama's biggest strengths aren't just its beaches or scenery, but the passionate locals building businesses that enrich the community every day.
Outstanding Business Leader: Gulcin Topel - Saltwater. Finalists: Meg Storey –Marketing Movement, Esther KeenanKnown Designs & Print, Sheree BaileyThe Collective Beat
Outstanding Community Organisation: Kiama Sevens. Finalists: Kiama Community Radio, Zonta Club of KiamaShellharbour.
Employer of Choice: Marketing Movement. Finalist: Culleton Lawyers
Excellence in Micro Business: Bee Inspired.
Finalists: This Old House Studio, Miss Zoe's School of Dance, Known Designs & Print, Luckies Knickers, Micro Ear Care, Resolve Business Coaching
Outstanding New Business: The Sea & Beau. Finalists: Seth Dental Gerringong, Lane, Havenwood Pottery Studio, That Bike Guy
Outstanding Employee: Jes Cochrane - Marketing Movement. Finalists: Erin Egan, Lily HoytBull, Veronica Bardsley, Cantekin Baysal, Britt Flecknoe
Excellence in Small Business: Cin Cin Wine Bar. Finalists: Slow Dough, Marketing Movement, Travel Focus, The Collective Beat, Saltwater
Visitor Experience: The Collective Beat. Finalist: Saltwater
Outstanding Young Business Leader: Teresa Vi Nguyen. Finalist: Georgie DaveySerious About Socials.
Myah Garza
The full list of Kiama Business Network Award winners and finalists is below:
Photos: Peter Izzard from South Coast Photographic Izzard (@ southcoast_photographic)
Charges laid against local
Maria Lewis & Myah Garza
For over a decade, Gordon Tolman has been a familiar face at, in his own words, “councilcontracted coastal holiday parks in the Kiama and Gerroa area”.
Now questions are being raised about the safety of park visitors following a series of charges laid against the park manager.
Tolman was first due to appear in Nowra Local Court on Wednesday, May 13 facing four charges of aggravated indecent assault on a victim under the age of 16, with an additional fifth charge of inciting aggravated indecency on a victim over the age of 16 –under authority.
The matter was adjourned to last week - Friday, July 24where Tolman didn’t appear in person but was represented by his solicitor Mr Cameron Meaney from Morrisons in Wollongong, a firm that attribute themselves as “leading criminal and traffic law experts”.
The matter was mentioned before Local Court Judge Michael Love, with the court hearing that Tolman had been granted bail for breaking an Apprehended Violence Order with his presence “excused”.
When contacted by The
Bugle for comment, a council spokesperson said they were aware of the matter and that he was no longer an employee.
“Kiama Municipal Council is aware of this,” they said.
“The relevant person was stood down and subsequently their employment was terminated in May.
“As this is a NSW Police matter, Council will not make any further comment.”
Tolman’s ongoing legal troubles and safety concerns from the general public were first flagged in information sent to The Bugle earlier this year.
The tip-off sent to staff pointed to Tolman’s initial court appearance – a matter that was not, at that point, public knowledge – amongst other accusations.
Although Kiama Council has said his employment was terminated in May, Tolman is still listed as “currently managing” Surf Beach Holiday Park Kiama on his LinkedIn profile – a position it says he has held for 5 years and 9 months.
His company - Gordlees Pty Ltd - is also listed as a Kiama Council contractor, with the company profile stating “Manages council-contracted coastal holiday parks in the Kiama and Gerroa area” and the business address still that of Seven Mile Beach Holiday
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Park in Gerroa.
“Council can confirm that his employment was terminated in May,” a spokesperson reiterated to The Bugle.
“The individual was employed via contract between Kiama Municipal Council and Gordlees Pty Limited.
“The individual’s employment under that contract was ceased on 7 May 2026.”
Following Tolman’s initial Wednesday, May 13 court appearance, The Bugle contacted Surf Beach Holiday Park directly to enquire if he was still the current general manager on Friday, May 15, which they confirmed but added that he was “unable to come to the phone right now”.
Tolman’s case is next scheduled to appear before Nowra Court on Friday, August 7.
The Bugle will continue to cover this emerging story.
For those who made need to seek assistance, the following services can be found at:
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028[1
Former Minnamurra Public School assistant principal on trial for historic sexual assault offences
Aformer Minnamurra Public School assistant principal has pleaded not guilty to multiple child sexual offences, appearing in Campbelltown District Court last Tuesday, July 21 for the first day of his ongoing trial.
Neil Morrison, 69, pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 under his authority and an additional count of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child aged between 10 and 14.
Prosecutor Tony McCarthy detailed some of the allegations in his opening address before court last week, with the assaults said to have occurred when Morrison — who formally retired in 2016, but still fulfilled contracts at various schools after that date — was a Year 3 teacher.
The 10-year-old female student alleges that she was repeatedly assaulted in a class storeroom, then again a year later during an overnight school camp while fellow students slept nearby. Further details were mentioned in the opening address, which The Bugle is choosing not to publish due to their sensitive nature.
As well as her testimony, the court is expected to hear evidence from another
former student who claims she too was assaulted by Morrison when she was a Year 4 student.
Morrison has not been charged over those allegations, which are being referred to by the prosecution to establish a pattern of inappropriate behaviour towards his students.
In a supportive letter sent out to parents on Wednesday, July 22, Minnamurra Public School acknowledged the ongoing coverage of the case may be distressing to those within the school community and offered counselling services to any child who may need it.
The allegations against Morrison were first made public when he was arrested back in 2023.
Due to serve as HSC presiding officer at St Joseph's High School later that year, Magistrate Claire Girotto deemed that he would be unable to continue in that role due to strict bail conditions that were handed out at Wollongong Local Court.
The student at the centre of the case is said to have informed a family friend about what happened to her around 2020, with the matter then being investigated by the Wollongong Child Abuse Squad over several years.
Following his arrest, police prosecutor Sergeant
David Weaver had opposed Morrison's release due to the gravity of the claims against him, with Magistrate Girotto ultimately deciding to grant $30,000 bail due to the historic nature of the allegations.
Under home detention, the Kiama Downs resident was initially required to report to police daily, however that was reduced to five times per week in early 2024 due to ailing health.
He was also banned from being in the company of anyone under the age of 18, was ordered to hand over his passport and not go within 500 metres of an international departure point.
The NSW Education Department also suspended him from working for the organisation. Morrison has denied the allegations against him throughout, with his trial continuing at Campbelltown District Court.
For those who made need to seek assistance, the following services can be found at: Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Gordon Tolman at Surf Beach Holiday Park
Maria Lewis
Neil Morrison arrives at Campbelltown District Court, in Sydney, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. (AAP Image Steven Markham)
Sky Show sponsorship tracker
$58,000 / $100,000
Kiama’s New Year’s Eve fireworks campaign has reached $58,000 – almost two-thirds of the way towards the $100,000 needed to bring the muchloved event back this December. Major supporters include Kiama Council ($20,000), Kiama Business Network ($10,000), Cedar on Collins ($10,000), One Fitness ($5,000), The Sebel Kiama ($5,000), South Break Media ($5,000), Saltwater Café ($2,000), Tiny Tins ($1,000).
Are fireworks worth the bang? Search data says yes
Search data shows Kiama's New Year's fireworks are a hot topic –but Wollongong is a top contender
Amy Molloy
As Kiama Municipal Council works to raise funds to make Kiama's New Year's Eve Sky Show a reality, online search data offers insight into the value of fireworks – and the contenders to Kiama's New Year's Eve sky show crown.
Unsurprisingly, over the past 12 months, Google Trends data for the search term "Kiama fireworks" peaked on 28 December 2025, with search interest beginning to rise on 21 December.
Interestingly, search interest remained higher than average until 11 January, suggesting people aren't just interested in finding out about the event beforehand – they're also searching for information and coverage afterwards.
However, Kiama isn't the only location south of Sydney to draw attention.
Over the past 12 months, the search term "Wollongong fireworks" attracted more search interest than "Kiama fireworks". Meanwhile, "Shellharbour fireworks" is flagged as a "Breakout" search term by Google Trends, indicating an exceptionally large increase in search interest – typically more than 5,000 per cent – compared with the previous period.
The search trends come at a timely moment, with Kiama Council beginning its campaign to secure sponsors for the event's return.
On 23rd July, Council announced that Kiama Business Network and Cedar on Collins have stepped forward as the first major sponsors supporting the return of the Kiama New Year's Eve Sky Show.
KBN and Cedar on Collins have each committed $10,000 as Major Sponsors, providing an important early boost to the campaign to bring fireworks celebrations back to their iconic Kiama Harbour location.
"This is exactly the kind
of local leadership needed to make the event possible," said Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald.
"More than just fireworks, the Sky Show is a celebration of our community. It's a drawcard that brings our community together, attracts thousands of visitors and provides an important boost for local tourism, hospitality and retail businesses."
KBN president Cathryn Lyall said the organisation was delighted to be a founding sponsor.
"Kiama Business Network is proud to become the first major sponsor of the 2026 New Year's Eve Sky Show," she said.
"It's a much-loved community event and an important night for local businesses that draws both local families and visitors to our town centre. We're proud to play a part in helping bring it back for 2026."
Chair of the Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee, Councillor Matt Brown, hoped the two commitments would
encourage other potential sponsors to contribute as organisers work towards the $100,000 fundraising goal.
"A huge thank you to Kiama Business Network, Cedar on Collins and their teams for backing our community and helping build momentum behind the return of one of Kiama's cherished traditions," he said.
"These two $10,000 partnerships give the campaign a fantastic start. It's great to see momentum building already, and we look forward to welcoming more businesses and organisations on board as the community comes together to bring back this iconic event."
In previous Council meetings, the value of Kiama's fireworks to the local community has been hotly debated, with some councillors arguing the event encourages day-trippers to stay overnight, while others say many visitors simply come for the evening.
Google Trends data offers some insight into that discussion.
AccomodationKiama HotelsKiama Caravan ParkKiama Camping
Across accommodationrelated searches in Kiama, search interest peaked on 28 December 2025 before dropping significantly during winter.
Despite the rising cost of living, search interest for
"Kiama hotels" significantly exceeded searches for "Kiama caravan parks" and "Kiama camping".
People searching for "Kiama hotel" also commonly searched for terms including "Grand Hotel Kiama", "Kiama Inn Hotel", "The Sebel Kiama", "Weather Kiama" and "Huskisson Hotel".
This content is part of a paid partnership with Google to promote Google Trends.
Kiama Fireworks Shell Harbour FireworksWollongong Fireworks
Investigation underway after fatal house fire in Kiama
An investigation is underway after a person died following a house fire in Kiama yesterday.
Just after 9.30pm on Saturday 25 July 2026, emergency services were called to a home on Manning Street, near Bonaira Street, Kiama, following reports of a house fire.
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District arrived to find the house well alight.
Just before 9.30pm, Fire and Rescue NSW received a number of Triple Zero (000) calls reporting the fire. Fire and Rescue NSW responded with eight fire trucks and around 28 firefighters. The NSW Rural Fire Service also assisted.
On arrival, firefighters found the single-level home
well alight. Crews worked to extinguish the blaze and contain it to the property; however, the home was extensively damaged.
Firefighters then worked to make the site safe before handing the scene over to NSW Police.
Police have confirmed a person was found deceased at the scene following the fire. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze.
A crime scene has been established, and police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire and the person's death.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
The Bugle will continue to cover this developing story.
Celebrating our local businesses
Kiama’s 2026 Business Awards were more than a showcase of commercial success; they were a celebration of the town’s breadth, resilience, and entrepreneurial energy. Held at The Pavilion and drawing a strong local turnout, the awards reflected a business community that is inventive, communityminded, and distinctly Kiama in character.
At the centre of the night was Bee Inspired, named Business of the Year, and also recognised for Excellence in Micro Business. That double win is fitting for a business built on passion, education and local connection, and it captures something essential about Kiama’s economy: big ideas often take root in small operations, where dedication and authenticity matter just as much as scale.
The awards also highlighted the strength of leadership across the town. Gulcin Topel of Saltwater was named Outstanding Business
Leader, while Marketing Movement was recognised as Employer of Choice. Jes Cochrane, also from Marketing Movement, took out Outstanding Employee, reinforcing the value of workplaces that invest in people as well as performance.
Diversity was another defining theme. The winners ranged across hospitality, retail, professional services, community organisations and visitor experiences, showing that Kiama’s economy is not reliant
on a single sector but strengthened by many. Cin Cin Wine Bar (owned by election candidate, Michael Bowden) won Excellence in Small Business, The Sea & Beau was named Outstanding New Business, The Collective Beat claimed Visitor Experience, and Kiama Sevens was recognised as Outstanding Community Organisation
The awards also affirmed the role of emerging talent in shaping the town’s future. Teresa Vi Nguyen was named Outstanding Young Business Leader,
a reminder that the next generation of local entrepreneurs is already making its mark. That is good news not just for business, but for our broader community. For Kiama, innovation, service and local pride continue to reinforce one another as steadfast building blocks for the future of our town.
The Bugle team were also out in force, with our production manager and creative director Veronica shortlisted for best employee. We might not have won the award, but won for loudest team cheer.
In an era when many communities are grappling with economic pressure and change, Kiama’s business winners offer something encouraging: a model of enterprise grounded in place, people and purpose.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Their achievements tell a larger story about our town. We value hard work, creativity and the confidence to build something long lasting that is meaningful and authentic, now and into the future.
The Bugle team
Photo: Peter Izzard
"Our homes are shaking" Blue Haven residents' latest woes
Residents of Blue Haven Terralong Street have contacted The Bugle to share how their mental health is "suffering" due to the latest building work at the aged care facility.
During an early morning phone call, a resident – who asked not to be named –said her "mental health was terrible" due to the ongoing building work.
"They're refurbishing four units simultaneously," she said. "The noise is non-stop. Our unit shakes. We feel trapped because we can't afford to move out while it's happening."
She claimed that, after complaining to Blue Haven management, foam earplugs were provided – the kind that cost $20 for a bulk pack at Bunnings. Since then, residents have started buying their own industrial earmuffs, which they now wear in their homes when noise peaks.
They believe Blue Haven Terralong Street should pause its monthly fees while the
building work continues or, at the very least, reimburse residents for the cost of the industrial hearing protection they now feel forced to wear.
In April 2026, an Asset Condition Report indicated that funding of $51.2 million is needed for maintenance works over the next 10 years to bring the Blue Haven Terralong Street facility from a standard of "poor" to "average".
Bridging the funding gap is likely to require support from other levels of government or innovative ways of managing and/or delivering the retirement village service.
In the meantime, more minor work is being carried out, which residents say is still having a dramatic impact on their lives.
It's not the first time noise has disrupted life in the retirement village. Earlier this year, residents spoke out about the noise impact of the demolition of neighbouring Havilah Place.
"Over the last 18 months, we've actually left this village six times because we've been
overwhelmed by noise and disruption," a resident told The Bugle earlier this year.
The issue was raised at a recent meeting with council representatives, where CEO Jane Stroud was asked what psychological support could be offered to residents affected by the works.
At the time, residents were assured this option would be explored, but they say the offer has not materialised.
When The Bugle approached Council for clarification, a spokesperson said:
"The renovation works were conducted at six units over six business days, from Thursday 9 July to Thursday 16 July.
"Further renovations, which will be far less noisy, are likely to continue until the end of next month.
Council is planning to begin additional refurbishment works later this year and will keep residents informed throughout the process."
The Council spokesperson confirmed: "Residents were provided, free of charge, with
disposable earplugs."
Regarding the promise of psychological support promised earlier this year, the spokesperson said: "Council has been exploring options, and a member of our Community Services team has met with the residents committee to discuss this topic.
"We are planning to meet with them again in the coming weeks to talk through the options so that we can provide their preferred way of accessing this kind of support."
In the statement, Council apologised for any inconvenience caused by the necessary building works, adding:
"Building renewal and maintenance are a routine part of managing the complex.
“Council encourages anyone impacted to go through the appropriate channels and use the on-site manager and the complaints process so that their concerns can be properly addressed."
Blue Haven angels: A letter of thanks
Carol Goddard
This story is written with gratitude, with sincere thanks to those in our midst who choose to devote their working life to caring for the aged in our community.
I am in awe of what you do, each and every day. You are so valued.
In January 2025, my elderly mother became a resident of the aged care section of Kiama's Blue Haven Bonaira.
Having lived her entire life in Sydney's inner city, and then Eastern Suburbs, she wanted to stay local, to leave her Maroubra retirement village and enter aged care, but in a local facility. She dug in her heels when the idea of a move south was proffered.
I was her only surviving child, and her Power of Attorney. Her life and wellbeing were now my responsibility. I was thrust headfirst into the vagaries of aged care, which at first glance seemed a veritable minefield, and of which I knew very little.
In fact, I was clueless. So many rules, regulations, facts and figures. Where to start?
It was my absolute duty to make the right decisions on her behalf, to ensure her final months or years were as comfortable, as joyful for her as possible. She had lived successfully on her own for many years, was of sound mind, but now too frail to live safely on her own. Independent living for her was no longer possible. What I knew above all was that I wanted my mother close to me.
On my first inspection, Blue Haven Bonaira presented like a five-star hotel. It was love at first sight for me.
The surrounding gardens, the entranceway, the onsite Barroul House Café, with its heritage charm, all wove their magic to make me say a silent prayer to myself: Please, please let there be availability!
My initial impression was further enhanced by entering the main entrance foyer, with its lightness, brightness and stylish décor, and the genuine, friendly welcome given to me by both reception and administrative staff.
What transpired in the next weeks was so seamless, so lucky for my mother and for her family, that I'm sure
fate did intervene. A room became available.
Mother was easily convinced to move south when I showed her photographs of Blue Haven. I also promised I'd be a daily visitor. It was so easy when I now lived five minutes, rather than the former two hours, away from her.
In January 2025, at the age of 96, she was welcomed to her new home by the RN and nursing staff, and her next life chapter began.
Over the next eighteen months, she was given the most constant, respectful and loving care by all staff who worked with her. And because of my visits, I met so many admirable, hardworking, committed people, doing their very specialised jobs with diligence and compassion. I often walked in unannounced, to find her being gently treated, or being cuddled by a nurse, or having her hair brushed, or her table rearranged. Little acts of kindness that meant so much.
Early one morning in July 2026, my mother passed away.
Both management and staff honoured her with the most simple, and yet exquisite, gesture. As she was taken into care by the funeral directors, Parsons, leaving her room for the last time, her family and Blue Haven staff, those who had tended to her, formed a simple and respectful guard of honour, each person with fresh sprigs of lavender in hand to honour her.
I have spent a lot of time visiting Blue Haven Bonaira over the last year and a half. I have seen a change of ownership, I have seen renovations, new lifestyle activities, celebrations, the comings and goings of residents and staff. I have seen continued excellence. Despite the beauty, the look and quality of the actual buildings and surroundings, it is the dedicated people who work there who make it so special.
As my mother's health deteriorated and she was in her final days, the compassion, the absolute devotion by staff to her, and kindness to me were palpable. They cared deeply. She knew this, and so did I.
Amy Molloy
Why I'm standing for Kiama Council
Michael Bowden
Standing for the Kiama Council by-election wasn't a decision I made lightly. It came from years watching this community up close — as a business owner, a TAFE teacher, a father, and someone who has sat on council committees.
Here's more on why I'm running and what I'll focus on if elected on 22 August.
Financial responsibility comes first Kiama Council is currently working through a Performance Improvement Order. Ratepayers deserve a council that manages money carefully and makes decisions the community can sustain. Between my work with council through advisory groups and committees, and my own business experience, I believe my skills and entrepreneurial background will help council navigate its way out of the current financial situation.
Mental health and wellbeing for the whole community
Running two local businesses has shown me how much strain people carry — financial pressure, isolation, the everyday grind — often
without anywhere close to home to turn to.
I've been a strong advocate for youth mental health, lobbying the Federal Government through Fiona Phillips MP to establish a Headspace service in Kiama, open since October 2024. I've also served as Secretary of The Man Walk Australia and led The Fathering Project Dads' group at Kiama Public School — work that's shown me wellbeing spans young people, parents and workers alike.
Standing up for the arts
The arts get pushed to the bottom of the priority list too often, and I want to be a voice on council that changes that. It's an honour to be part of the newly formed Artists and Creatives group, and I want to help everyone involved achieve real outcomes for the arts here.
It's great to see the Filmores DA has finally been approved — our town needs a live music space like this. It ties into work I've already done on the Kiama Night-Time Economy Working Group, helping establish a vibrant, flourishing nighttime economy that supports musicians, hospitality workers and small businesses alike.
Backing our youth, especially those who get left behind
Our youth are our future, and they're often not asked what they want to see in our community. There's so little for young people to do around Kiama if they're not into sport or surfing. I want to listen to them and deliver what they need.
Above all, I don't think councillors should arrive with all the answers. I want to listen to residents throughout this campaign and let what I hear shape my priorities — building on the positive working relationships I already have with several sitting councillors.
Kiama is a genuinely special place to live, work and raise a family. I'm asking for your vote on 22 August so council can deliver practical, responsible outcomes that reflect what this community needs.
I'll be sharing more on specific issues in the weeks ahead — if there's something you'd like me to address, get in touch.
Authorised by Michael Bowden, Independent Candidate for Kiama Municipal Council.
Meet the candidates ahead of Kiama by-election
With the Kiama Council by-election fast approaching on 22 August, residents will have several opportunities to hear directly from the two candidates vying for a seat on Council.
Independent candidates Michael Bowden and Uncle Stanley Jarrett will take part in two public forums over the coming weeks, giving voters the chance to compare their priorities, ask questions and hear their vision for the municipality before heading to the polls.
The first forum will be hosted by the Minnamurra Progress Association on Tuesday, 4 August, at Progress Hall, Charles Avenue, Minnamurra.
The meeting will begin at 7.15pm, with each candidate
invited to deliver a fiveminute presentation before answering questions for a further three minutes. If time permits, the evening will conclude with a general question-and-answer session, allowing residents to raise issues of importance to the Minnamurra community.
A second forum, hosted by the Kiama Business Network (KBN), will take place on Wednesday, 12 August, at The Pavilion Kiama from 6pm to 7pm.
At the KBN event, each candidate will deliver a seven-minute opening address before responding to three questions submitted by members of the community.
Organisers say the forum is designed to help voters better understand each candidate's priorities and compare their approaches ahead of polling day.
Following the formal proceedings, attendees will be invited to stay for complimentary tea and coffee, providing an informal opportunity to meet the candidates and continue the conversation.
The KBN forum is free and open to the public, with registrations available via Eventbrite. Community members are also invited to submit questions in advance by emailing executive@ kiamabusinessnetwork. com.au.
The by-election follows a vacancy on Kiama Council and will determine who fills the councillor position for the remainder of the current term.
Bookings for the KBN forum are available via Eventbrite: https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/19956 25337104?aff=oddtdtcreator
Amy Molloy
Michael Bowden and Uncle Stan Jarret are both candidates for council
Iconic shaper surfs her way to South Coast
Maria Lewis
Continued from Page 1
Alifelong surfer, she realised board making allowed her to tap into a more creative side. Eventually, it also led to finding an international fanbase online obsessed with the radical colours and glittering designs that have become her signature.
“I did a few abstract colours when I first started out and I was just hooked from there,” Aitken said, having spent a year on the Gold Coast honing her skillset at one of the world’s surfing meccas.
“It’s equally as easy to get it right as it is to get it wrong.
“It’s a satisfying creative outlet for me, but when I came back to New Zealand no one was doing these swirls, these tints, these marbles, so I thought if I could bring my skills back here then it’s a part of the market that hasn’t been looked at yet.
“I started getting people messaging me saying ‘can you do this, can you do that?’
“I winged a few of them, said ‘yes I can’ without know-
ing if I could, but that also put me out of my comfort zone.
“Now, ten years on, I can say that if anyone has a crazy idea in terms of colours and swirls, I would be pretty confident I could say yes.”
That ambitious, psychedelic style was something she capitalised on with her first brand – Aitken Surfboards, which has a customer base that’s “probably 80 per cent men, 20 per cent women” –and then Lady Sliders, which is for women.
“I started building boards when I was really young, so I had a few interactions with other shapers when I was a customer and I think I draw inspiration from that,” she said.
“But as soon as I launched Lady Sliders it was just this big influx of women asking ‘where has this been my whole life?’
“It has generated a lot of stoke, because when chicks ride my boards they go ‘I’ve been missing this little aspect, which I haven’t been able to get in other boards and I’ve finally been able to find that in yours’ …
“I ask women who come to buy a board off me different
questions, I spend a bit more time on their height and their weight and where they surf.
“Those are really key components to making the right board or making a flop.”
Now the 30-something from the East Coast of New Zealand is heading Down Under for a shaping tour of Australia: making boards for local girls and sampling some of our best waves simultaneously.
Due to hit our shores in late August, she has been inundated with requests from the Sunshine Coast down to the South Coast, where she will be shaping and making boards for women keen to wax up their very own Lady Slider.
“The general response has been so positive, everyone is frothing,” she said.
“Besides the boards, part of the whole reason I’m coming over is to hang out with more chicks who surf and go for a few surfs myself.
“After all these women have been messaging me from Kiama and Wollongong, starting to research all about the South Coast, I’m like get me down there now – it looks amazing!”
Aitken and her surf craft isn’t going away anytime either, with her upcoming tour of Australia a rare chance for surfers to get a board made by someone who also made one for 11x world champion, Kelly Slater.
“It was so cool, he has been one of my favourite surfers forever,” she said, having attended a lunch with Slater for charity last year and deciding to seize the moment.
“Leading up to it, I had a bit of a brain fart where I was like ‘maybe I should just take a punt and ask if I could make him a board?’
“When we went to the long lunch, I managed to catch him in-between all the mixing and mingling so I went over, introduced myself, got a photo with him.
“I said ‘look, I’m a shaper, I’m always looking for feedback, and I couldn’t think of anyone better than yourself to give feedback, would you be open to me making you a board?’
“And he was like yeah, sure thing, no worries.”
That board is now in Slater’s quiver, something Aitken still can’t quite believe to this day.
Local list
Surf clubs in the spotlight
Tiffany Springett
From beach patrols and nippers to surf sports and community events, local surf life saving clubs play an important role in keeping our coastline safe while bringing people together. Follow your local surf club on Instagram to stay up to date with events, beach conditions, club news and everything happening throughout the season.
Kiama Surf Life Saving Club
@Kiamaslsc
Established in 1908, Kiama Surf Life Saving Club has been at the heart of the local community for more than a century. Based at Surf Beach, the volunteer-run club patrols the beach throughout the warmer months, helps keep swimmers safe, and provides surf education, competition opportunities and nippers programs. Their club sundeck is available to hire, a perfect spot for functions that look out over the water.
Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club
@kiamadownsslsc
Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club has been serving the local community at Jones Beach since 1982, with a strong focus on keeping beachgoers safe while fostering a welcoming and active club environment. Alongside volunteer beach patrols, the club offers nippers, first aid and surf education, community programs and social events, encouraging people of all ages to get involved in surf lifesaving and coastal safety.
Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club @gerringongsurfclub
Since its establishment in 1976, Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club has played a vital role in keeping Werri Beach safe while bringing the local community together. From volunteer beach patrols and popular nippers programs to surf sports and community events, the club is committed to promoting beach safety, developing lifesaving skills and encouraging a lifelong connection to the ocean.
Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club
@shellharbourslsc
Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club is a family-friendly club dedicated to beach safety, surf education and community involvement. Based at Shellharbour South Beach, the club welcomes members of all ages, offering nippers, patrol opportunities, surf rescue training and competitive pathways. With a strong focus on developing lifesaving skills and fostering a supportive community, the club encourages locals to get involved both on and off the beach.
Beck’s evolution
Myah Garza
If you've ever tried to get a coffee in Kiama on a busy Saturday morning, you'll know the town is not exactly short on options.
But over the past year, Beck's has managed to carve out a spot of its own – one that has become as much about the people sitting around the tables as what's being poured into their cups.
Now, the Tingira Crescent cafe is taking things up a notch with cocktails, wine and dinner as it opens its doors after dark.
For co-owner and longtime barista Hayden Presland (22), the move into nightlife is a natural evolution for a business that has grown remarkably quickly since opening on July 5 last year.
"We've got so many regulars now and I feel like it's a place people can come and just be," he said. "They're just seeing all their friends."
That sense of community has been at the heart of Beck's from the beginning.
During the week, the cafe is largely a local haunt, while weekends bring a mix of residents and visitors – and, increasingly, families making the most of the live music sessions held during the day.
And now, the team is testing whether that same formula can work once the sun goes down.
The cafe's first full weekend of nightlife attracted about 50 people on both Friday and Saturday nights, with two sittings running close to capacity.
For Sonny Williams, who is taking charge of Beck's evening operation, the expansion is the result of a conversation that began well before the first cocktail was poured.
He and Hayden's brother / Beck's co-owner, Kane Presland (27), had been talking about the idea since around August last year – essentially looking for a space where they could put their collective
20-somethings doing something:
experience, curiosity and, in William’s words, "wine wisdom" to work.
"We were nerding out for so long we needed a place to apply it," Williams joked.
The result is a drinks list that takes wine seriously without taking itself too seriously.
There are organic single-vineyard wines, a collaboration with South Australian producers Good Intentions Wine Co., skincontact offerings and a selection designed to cover everything from the wine novice to the person who already knows exactly what they want.
William’s philosophy is that good wine should not feel like an exclusive club.
"I feel like there's almost a stigma behind wine where only really expensive bottles –so only really wealthy people – can experience what really nice wine is," he said.
"But that's not necessarily true. You've just got to do a lot of digging."
You can have someone's Bogan auntie come in here and have a Sauv Blanc,” he said, “ But the Sauv Blanc is also amazing– It's an organic single venue. “
There are also cocktails, beers and plenty of room for the classics.
The list is deliberately broad, with Williams keen to offer something for everyone –whether that's a well-made Old Fashioned, a sour, an appleforward cocktail or, yes, even a Vodka Cranberry.
One particular Japanese lager, sourced directly from Noosa, proved impossible to find locally. The beer was originally intended as a surprise for Kane on their soft nightlife opening, who had not yet seen the drinks list.
The food menu brings a similar sense of thoughtfulness to the table.
21 year old Head chef Cameron Hynds has returned from eight months in British Columbia, Canada, where he cooked during ski season and
gained experience at another wine bar.
His South Coast experience includes working at Bangalay under chefs Simon Evans, Bryce Mason and Simon Furley, and he has brought that experience into a winter menu built around locally sourced produce, warming flavours and a little bit of heat.
Most dietary requirements can be catered for, with a range of dishes designed to make sure nobody leaves hungry.
It’s a one-man band in Beck’s kitchen, and for Hynds, his joy of cooking is pretty straightforward.
"I just like to eat," he said.
But there is something more to it than that.
"Watching other people eat your food that you've made and everyone's happy about it, you get a little bit of satisfaction when you see that you've made someone's day because they had a good meal."
The cafe's growth has largely been driven by the same people who now fill its tables.
Word of mouth has done much of the heavy lifting, backed by a strong social media presence and a commitment to consistency and warm service.
The team plans to continue expanding the night-time offering over the coming months and years, with more events, food and drinks to come.
There are already collaborations with other local businesses, including Manning Street Local taking over the kitchen for Sunday roast nights, bringing a different menu and a fresh reason for locals to return.
For a cafe that is barely a year old, Beck's has already come a long way.
But if the crowds, the creative energy and the increasingly busy drinks list are anything to go by, this is only the beginning.
More on Beck’s here: https:// beckskiama.com/
Stacks has a rebrand: A place to find common ground
Myah Garza
There is a moment, somewhere between Ashlyn Piccirillo greeting a regular by name, checking in on a customer who looks a little worn out and enthusiastically explaining the story behind a second-hand piece of furniture, when you realise: this isn't just a cafe to her.
It is a reflection of everything she believes in, displaying the beauty in things that have lived a life through all secondhand furniture.
And, most importantly, the idea that you don't have to have everything together to belong.
That essence is in every corner of The Gathering Grounds, the new name for the popular Kiama Downs cafe formerly known as Stacks.
Piccirillo first came to the cafe as a customer, during a period of her life when she and her two children needed a fresh start.
She found herself returning almost every day with the space becoming a place to journal and get some connection.
"It became my routine to just come down here almost every day and have a coffee," Piccirillo said.
"I really needed some community, consistency, familiarity, and just like a safe little spot to go where I knew I could have just a bit of a routine."
Over time, she became part of the fabric of the cafe, getting to know the staff and
the regulars who returned week after week.
When the opportunity arose to take over the business, Piccirillo knew she wanted to be part of its next chapter.
But she also knew she had to tread carefully.
A much-loved local cafe is never just a business. It becomes part of people's routines, memories and stories.
"I didn't want to come in as the new person in the community and go, 'Hi, I'm here, I'm changing everything,'" she said.
"I didn't want to do that because coffee shops like this, with such a local community, take on a persona of their own, and they mean so much to the local community."
So she waited.
For 12 months, she ran the cafe as Stacks, watching how people used the space, learning what they loved about it and seeing what they needed from it.
She saw groups of older women gathering each week to knit and crochet. A group of older men returning to the same table for their weekly catch-up. Customers who came once a week, some every day, and others more than once a day.
"They've become family," Piccirillo said.
When the cafe eventually closed for what was intended to be a two-week renovation, the community's attachment to the place became even clearer.
The closure stretched to six weeks, thanks to a combination of renovation and administrative delays,
but throughout it, locals kept checking in.
They wanted to know how she was going. They wanted to see how the work was progressing. They wanted her to know they were still there.
"Just having their confidence gave me the confidence to keep going and make such a transformation," she said.
And what emerged was not the minimalist, modern Mediterranean-inspired cafe Piccirillo had originally imagined.
Instead, The Gathering Grounds is nostalgic, eclectic and unmistakably authentic to her.
The furniture and light fittings have been sourced from op shops, tip shops and Facebook Marketplace. Many of the pieces came from people who were downsizing or moving on from a chapter of their lives – people who didn't necessarily want to let go of treasured furniture, crockery or belongings, but wanted to know they would be valued.
Piccirillo recalls people becoming emotional when they heard where their much-loved possessions were going.
"To just give them that gift of value – I see how much worth this thing has to you," she said.
The Gathering Grounds is open seven days a week, from 6am to 2pm on weekdays and 6.30am to 2.30pm on weekends, with seasonal changes to hours. The kitchen is open daily from 7am to 2pm.
guide you through the process with care, clarity and compassion.
The future of work is here
Navigating employment law in the age of AI
By Tiffany Silby, Solicitor in Employment Law, RMB Lawyers
Artificial intelligence is no longer something businesses are planning for in the future - it’s already here.
Whether it’s drafting emails, preparing reports, taking meeting notes or screening job applicants, AI tools are becoming part of everyday workplace operations. For many businesses, the benefits are obvious: increased efficiency, reduced administrative burden and the ability to complete tasks more quickly than ever before.
However, as employers increasingly embrace AI, they should be aware that the technology does not replace their legal obligations. In fact, in some cases, it may create entirely new workplace risks.
One of the most common misconceptions is that if an AI system makes a recommendation or produces a piece of work, responsibility somehow shifts to the technology. It doesn’t. Employers remain
responsible for decisions made within their business, regardless of whether AI was involved.
Take recruitment as an example. Many businesses are now using AI-powered tools to review applications and identify suitable candidates. While these systems can save considerable time, employers should be cautious about relying on them without human oversight. If an AI tool unintentionally disadvantages certain groups of applicants, businesses may find themselves exposed to discrimination or adverse action claims.
The same principle applies to employee management. AI-generated performance reviews, disciplinary documentation and workplace communications should never be accepted at face value. Employers should carefully review any AI-generated content before relying upon it in employment-related decisions.
There are also increasing concerns about privacy and confidentiality. Employees
often use publicly available AI tools to assist with workplace tasks, sometimes without fully understanding where the information they input is being stored or how it may be used. Businesses should consider whether confidential client information, commercially sensitive material or employee data could be exposed through inappropriate use of AI platforms.
For this reason, employers should ensure their workplace policies keep pace with technological developments. Policies should clearly address the use of AI in the workplace, including expectations around confidentiality, accuracy, disclosure and appropriate use.
Importantly, AI is creating challenges for employees as well. Questions are increasingly arising
way towards addressing these issues and maintaining trust within the workplace.
The legal landscape surrounding AI continues to evolve. While Australian employment laws have not yet caught up with every technological development, existing obligations relating to discrimination, privacy, workplace surveillance, adverse action and procedural fairness continue to apply.
Businesses that approach AI thoughtfully are likely to gain significant advantages. The key is to view AI as a tool to support human decisionmaking, rather than a substitute for it.
The future of work may be changing rapidly, but one thing remains the same: good employment practices, sound policies and informed decision-making will always be essential to managing workplace risk.
Downsizing is a great idea. Doing it is another matter.
So, you’ve decided to size down, but how to go about it?
The Bugle’s property expert Sam Scobie weighs in.
"I know we should downsize, I just can't bring myself to do it." I hear a version of this most weeks, and I understand why. A 2025 report from CoreLogic and the Retirement Living Council found that while 88 per cent of Australians over 55 own their home outright or are close to it, only 15 per cent actually plan to downsize in the next five years. So, if you're wrestling with the idea rather than acting on it, you're in good company.
On paper, the case is strong. A smaller, lowermaintenance home means fewer weekends spent on gutters and gardens, and it frees up equity that's otherwise sitting locked in bricks and mortar. There are even government incentives to sweeten the deal, including the ability to put proceeds from your sale straight into superannuation. For many, that's the difference between a comfortable retirement and a tight one.
Yet none of that makes the actual process easy. Forty years of belongings don't sort
themselves, and every drawer seems to hold a decision you didn't expect to make. Beyond the physical clutter, there's the harder work of letting go of a home that raised your kids, hosted every Christmas, and holds more memories than square metres. I always tell clients the sorting is best done slowly, room by room, rather than all at once, and that talking it through with family early tends to make the whole journey feel less daunting. If any of this feels familiar, it's worth knowing there's no deadline attached to it. Plenty of my own clients spend years tossing the idea over before they're ready to act, and staying put a little longer is just as valid a choice as moving. Whether you're genuinely planning a move or simply curious about what your options might look like down the track, I am always here to help you talk it through, with no pressure to do anything more than that.
This is paid content. The Bugle thanks our supporters.
Conspiracy theories about AusAlert test spreading online
ABC News
The upcoming test of Australia's new national mobile alert system has led to false claims and conspiracy theories being spread online.
The AusAlert system works by broadcasting a 10-second siren and message to compatible mobile devices including mobile phones, some smartwatches and tablets.
A planned test of the system will occur nationally on Monday July 27 at 2pm AEST.
Some Australians have been discussing everything from whether the government is using the system to secretly track them, to what precautions people who have hidden phones for safety reasons should take.
ABC NEWS Verify spoke to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is delivering the test and alert system, as well as an independent telecommunications engineering expert to address some of these questions and concerns.
1. Is the government doing this to track me or read what's on my phone?
Concerns around privacy are central to much of the false
claims being spread online.
AusAlert uses cell broadcast technology, not the SMS system that's still relied on by states to issue their warnings.
Mark Gregory from the School of Engineering at RMIT University said the technology simply identified devices inside a certain region at the time an alert would go out.
"What they're going to do is identify the base stations within those regions and then send messages to all the devices that are currently connected to that base station," he told ABC NEWS Verify.
"The telcos already know which devices are connected to base stations. That's how the telecommunications system works.
"It's really a matter of you're either in that region, or you're not — it's as simple as that.
"It's not about the government getting any more information than is already available.
"For the government to access who's connected to a tower they need to go to a court and they need a warrant."
The assistant coordinator general of the AusAlert Task Force at NEMA, Meghan Hibbert, said it was a oneway system and does not give access to a user's device.
"AusAlert works on cell broadcast technology which
does not require a phone number. In fact it does not require a SIM card," she said.
"This also means someone who's a visitor to Australia, who is in the area of risk, they too will receive the information if they have a compatible device and they're in the warning area."
2. If I wrap my phone in foil, or put it in the microwave, will this 'protect' me from AusAlert?
This is a tactic being promoted online by people keen to avoid the AusAlert test.
NEMA's Meghan Hibbert told ABC NEWS Verify it was unlikely to work.
"We saw no reason to test
Helping local businesses cross global borders
Veronica Bardsley
For more than 40 years,
Karen Johns has built a career helping move goods across international borders. Today, from her base in Kiama, she operates a specialist customs brokerage and freight forwarding business, providing local importers and exporters with expert guidance through Australia's complex and shifting border regulations.
Johns started her business in 2008 after deciding she wanted to continue working while raising her four children. Starting from home, she has grown the business into a trusted service for clients across Australia, while remaining proudly based in the local community.
As a licensed customs broker, Johns is accredited by the Department of Home Affairs to manage customs clearances on behalf of importers. With only around 1,500 practicing licensed customs brokers nationwide, it is a highly specialized profession requiring extensive knowledge of customs legislation, tariffs, free trade agreements, biosecurity requirements, and international logistics.
"I'm constantly looking for solutions," she said. "Every shipment is different, and every day presents a new
challenge."
Her work extends well beyond customs paperwork.
As a freight forwarder, Johns coordinates the movement of goods through a network of international partners, arranging customs clearance, quarantine requirements, transport, and delivery for businesses importing products into Australia
Johns’ career in this niche industry began unexpectedly after leaving school, when she accepted a role as a house clerk for a customs agency in Sydney. In those days, customs documentation was completed entirely by hand, with regular trips to shipping lines, ports, airports, customs offices, and quarantine facilities.
"It was literally running documents everywhere," she laughed. "I learned the industry from the ground up."
Over the decades, she has witnessed enormous changes in international trade. While technology has transformed many processes, the role has become increasingly complex.
One of the industry's biggest responsibilities is helping businesses comply with constantly changing regulations, including prohibited imports, quarantine controls, and international trade agreements.
Australia's strict biosecurity
measures remain a major focus, helping protect the country from pests, diseases, and environmental threats while ensuring imported goods meet all regulatory requirements before entering the market.
Johns says the work requires continual learning and close attention to legislative changes.
"Traditionally, people think these services are only available around the major ports," she said. "But businesses here don't have to navigate the process alone. They can speak directly with someone local who understands their needs."
With rising freight costs, global supply chain disruptions, and changing international trade conditions continuing to impact Australian businesses, having a knowledgeable local advisor has never been more valuable.
Johns also believes educating businesses is an important part of her role and hopes to continue sharing insights about customs, importing, exporting, and international trade with the local community.
As global trade continues to evolve, Johns hopes more local businesses realise they don't have to navigate importing and exporting alone - worldclass expertise can be found in the local community.
"I would not put any metal device into a microwave under any circumstances. It's dangerous and it could cause harm," he said.
"Really, if you want to be disconnected from the network when the AusAlert messages are sent out, turn your phone off."
3. What should I do if I have a secret or hidden phone for safety purposes?
This is a frightening issue for some in the community, including victims of domestic and family violence, as even phones on silent mode will sound the alert.
this, but I can confidently say that wrapping your phone in foil or putting it in the microwave will make no difference," she said.
"The critical alert being used for the national test will override silent and do not disturb settings.
"If you do not wish to receive the AusAlert, you need to turn your phone off or put it on to aeroplane mode."
Dr Gregory said he believed enough foil could probably stop an alert getting through, but said switching your phone off was far easier.
He emphasised the dangers of putting any metallic device, like a phone, into a microwave, calling it "not a sensible idea".
People with concealed phones are being advised they can turn them off or put them on aeroplane mode for at least an hour ahead of Monday's test, and for at least 24 hours after.
Ms Hibbert said NEMA had been working closely with experts in the domestic and family violence space around this issue with the test, and what people should do to prepare for possible future alerts.
"In terms of after [Monday's] test, we've heard a lot, especially this week from trusted sources that are supporting domestic and family violence victim survivors," she said.
"They generally advise them to have their phones off, their
secondary or safe phones off, to save battery. And as part of their safety plan they decide when they'll turn it off or turn it on to silent."
4. Can the system be hacked?
Ms Hibbert said every precaution had been taken to prevent AusAlert from being hacked or otherwise exploited.
"We don't use links in AusAlerts. We won't ask you to click on anything. And because it's not an SMS, it's safer," she said. "One of the benefits of AusAlert is that it does not require access to customer databases or personal information to send messages.
"AusAlert's been developed in compliance with the Australian government's cyber security requirements."
Dr Gregory said he was confident adequate security had been put in place around the AusAlert system.
"We need to remember the message is being promulgated by the telcos, through the telecommunications system after receiving the initial message from the government," he said.
"That's a very closed looptype environment and the telcos are practised at providing the security that we need to ensure it works properly."
Man Walking all around the world
Maria Lewis
Walk. Talk. Support.
That’s the mantra for men’s health charity The Man Walk and it’s a deceptively simple one.
Yet the pathway there was considerably more complicated for founder Mark Burns.
“Man Walk started in late 2018 when I started going for a wander around Kiama harbour as a way to start the day,” he told The Bugle.
“I was in some dysfunctional routines from being busy, rugby, and the mentoring work I do at Kiama High, running Kiama and Gerringong physio practises that I owned then, our boys were five and seven, plus my wife is a teacher at the local Catholic school.
“I was busy and burning the candle at both ends.
“I’d be staying up late and by the time it got to eleven at night, I would decide I
deserved to watch Netflix for an hour and have a glass of red wine, so nothing too bad but just five or so hours of sleep and then back into it.”
It was Burns “lovely wife” who suggested a solution: get to bed early, get up and start the day with a walk.
“It was unbelievable,” he said.
“I started at Kiama Harbour, on my own, then a few of my knuckle-head rugby mates who I used to play with heard what I was up to and came and crashed my walk.
“It went from to about 12 or 14 of us, we decided we should call ourselves something and we came up with The Man Walk and the slogan walk, talk, support.”
Now eight years on, The Man Walk has grown significantly from that group of a dozen mates yapping and getting their steps in at their local landmarks.
In 2026, more than 150,000 men across the world took
part in The Man Walk in over 100 different locations across the globe, with nearly a million steps walked and some 740,292 kilometres.
“Over the past 10 years, there has been huge progress with men being more open in their conversations with other men, talking about how they feel, being more in touch with their emotions,” Burns said.
“My mates and I are probably more the other way, we hug each other and say we love each other all the time.
“I hope that stigma and stereotype has changed and I hope The Man Walk has been part of that.
“I think the fact that it’s so easy, you know going from Kiama, then Wollongong, number three was Coolangatta, then we just exploded with a social media post in 2019 that went to 1.3 million people overnight.
“Now we’ve got 104 Man Walk locations all around Australia and the world.”
Coming from a sports science background, Burns has spent his entire professional career working with athletes trying to defy the odds via their bodies and minds: whether that’s professional rugby league players or surfing legends like Sally Fitzgibbons.
And now, the charity that he founded as a way to get out of his own personal rut, is defying those odds too with The Man Walk getting an unexpected boost from the NSW State Government back in May.
With Premier Chris Minns and his cabinet visiting Kiama for Community Cabinet, Burns seized the opportunity during the public format to –put simply – “ask for money”.
“We’ve got about four weeks worth of cash runway… otherwise we’re not here in a few months,” he told a packed crowd at The Pavilion, adding that with “only eight to ten grand in The Man Walk bank
account”, the charity likely wouldn’t survive longer than a few months if they didn’t get help.
And help is what they got, with Premier Minns offering $250,000 in emergency funding on the spot, cash that Burns says will ensure the charity’s future.
“I was hoping that maybe he’d pledge public support in some way, but when I got my chance to speak I thought ‘why not?’
“Here’s what we really need: we’re doing all this great work, we’ve got impact evidence from Charles Sturt University, we’ve got thousands of blokes walking, loneliness is an epidemic amongst men, we’ve got seven men committing suicide every day …
“Him committing that money saved us, otherwise we were bust.”
With that financial assistance expected to arrive in the coming days, Burns said that it will be put
towards building a “robust organisation” by adding additional staff members besides himself and covering the costs of free walk across the country and –unexpectedly – the world.
“I didn’t mean to do this, I was just going for a walk, but the fact that it’s happening in Darwin and Alice Springs and Busselton and Hobart - the reach is amazing,” he said.
“In our Facebook groups and the Man Walk community groups, blokes are sending pictures of them in their Man Walk shirts in Thailand and on the Great Wall Of China.
“The Man Walk vision is connecting men and strengthening communities, combating isolation and loneliness, and it does that.”
To find your nearest Man Walk or get involved in the local charity, you can find information via their website, Facebook and Instagram groups.
Tuned in: KCR leaves people behind
Local Treasure Honour for Karen Renkema-Lang
Everyone at Kiama Community Radio extends heartfelt congratulations to our Treasurer and founding member, Karen RenkemaLang, on being recognised as one of Kiama’s 2026 Local Treasures.
Karen was one of a number of remarkable local women honoured at the Inaugural Kiama Electorate Recognition Awards, held on Thursday 23 July and hosted by the Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney MP.
The event celebrated the achievements of local women named on the NSW Government’s Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2025, recognising individuals whose dedication, service and commitment have made a lasting contribution to their communities.
Over many years, Karen has devoted countless hours to public and community service, contributing her time to local government, environmental initiatives and numerous community organisations. She has
consistently worked to make the Kiama municipality a better place.
Karen has also been an integral part of Kiama Community Radio since its inception. As a founding member and Treasurer, she has played a pivotal role in guiding the volunteer-run station, helping build it into the valued community voice it is today. Her generosity and belief in the power of local broadcasting have helped shape KCR from the very beginning.
The Local Treasure recognition is a fitting tribute to someone who has given so much to our community over many years.
Congratulations, Karen, and congratulations to all of the other recipients of this richly deserved honour.
“These are the women who show up week after week, year after year, and who rarely seek the limelight,” Katelin McInerney MP said.
“They would prefer we not make a fuss about them. With this event, we are totally ignoring that.”
For many Australians, tapping an app, scanning a QR code or logging into an online portal has become second nature.
For others, it has become one of the biggest barriers to living independently.
Across Kiama and the South Coast, older residents are increasingly finding themselves excluded from everyday life as banks, government services, medical practices and businesses replace face-to-face or telephone services with digital alternatives.
Booking a doctor's appointment. Paying a bill. Accessing Centrelink or Medicare. Checking a bank account. Even reading restaurant menus or paying for parking can now require a smartphone.
For people in their eighties and nineties, many of whom have never owned a computer, these tasks can become almost impossible.
"A society that forces a 90-year-old to use a smartphone just to access basic services isn't becoming more modern," one local resident told The Bugle. "It's forgetting who built it."
Many older Australians say they don't object to technology itself. What they object to is having no alternative.
When a bank branch closes, the phone line disappears, or an organisation insists customers download an app, they are left dependent on family, neighbours or strangers simply to complete everyday tasks.
For those living alone, that dependence can be frightening. It also raises concerns about privacy. Many seniors feel uncomfortable handing over passwords, banking details or personal information simply because the system no longer provides another option.
Australia's population is ageing rapidly. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost one in five Australians is now aged 65
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or over, and that proportion continues to grow.
At the same time, governments and businesses continue accelerating digital services to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that while digital services offer enormous benefits, they should never become the only option.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has previously argued that digital inclusion is increasingly becoming a human rights issue.
Consumer organisations have also raised concerns about bank closures, declining telephone support and the increasing reliance on apps for essential services.
Many seniors happily and confidently use smartphones, tablets and computers.
Libraries and community organisations across the region run digital literacy programs that have helped thousands become more confident online.
The issue isn't whether older Australians can learn. It's whether society should force everyone down a single digital path. Technology works best when it expands choice. It fails when it removes it. A QR code is convenient, unless it's the only menu. Online booking is efficient, unless there's nobody left to answer the phone. Digital banking is useful, unless your local branch has closed and the nearest one is an hour away. So, what about Kiama? As more services move online, The Bugle is interested in hearing from local readers. Have you struggled to access healthcare because appointments could only be made online? Has your bank branch closed? Do you avoid certain businesses because they only accept app-based payments or bookings? Or have you found ways to bridge the digital divide that others could learn from? We'd like to hear your experiences. Email hello@ thebuglenews.com.au.
Belle Wood
More trees, better mental health
Postcards from home
Greg Martin Vale
Ihave two screensavers on my phone at the moment of the life we left behind for two months to travel. One is of our garden and the main one is of an early morning walk around Storm Bay.
Study finds greener neighbourhoods may protect older Australians
Living in neighbourhoods with more tree cover could help protect older Australians from depression, according to new research from UNSW Sydney's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA).
The long-term study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, followed more than 1,000 Australians aged between 70 and 90 for up to 12 years. Researchers found those living in areas with greater tree canopy experienced fewer depressive symptoms over time.
The research analysed data from 1,031 participants in CHeBA's Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, comparing mental health with neighbourhood features including tree
cover, parkland, access to waterways, local amenities and air pollution.
Lead author Associate Professor Simone Reppermund said the findings suggest trees offer benefits beyond their visual appeal.
"Neighbourhoods with more tree cover may encourage people to spend time outdoors, be physically active and connect with their communities – all of which are important for maintaining good mental health as we age," she said.
Depression affects almost one in five adults over 60 worldwide and is linked to poorer physical health, cognitive decline and reduced independence.
While the study also examined parkland, access to services, waterways and air pollution, none showed the
same consistent relationship with lower depression levels once other environmental factors were taken into account.
Researchers noted that some seemingly contradictory findings were explained by participants relocating later in life, often due to declining health or moving into residential aged care, where greener surroundings are more common.
Senior author Professor Perminder Sachdev said the findings add to growing evidence that urban planning can play an important role in healthy ageing.
"As Australia's population ages, creating neighbourhoods that support both physical and mental wellbeing will become increasingly important," he said.
No matter where I was, be it a gobsmacking, mosaicfilled ancient Italian cathedral or an awesome collection of the marble sculptures of Bernini in Rome, I kept being reminded of life in Oz through these two shots of our Kiama life.
What a fortunate lot we are to call it home. The quality of living in Australia is beyond compare to just about anywhere. Sadly, we have to leave these shores to realise it.
I can't imagine, with the midsummer hordes and the heat in Europe, what it would be like. We were there in early spring and, most times, found
queuing at major attractions tiring but quite manageable.
We were warned of train and flight cancellations, the oil crisis reactions related to Trump's wars, the anguish related to phone snatching in London, the angst related to chuffed to reply with... "It's where I live."
A Wednesday market by the sea would be a far-off dream for citizens of Europe. Many times, a day at the beach comes with a charge. It's a wonderful world, but
Amy Molloy
Gardens open their gates for Illawarra food-growing trail
Gardeners across the Illawarra are being invited to open their gates and share their growing spaces as the Illawarra Edible Garden Trail returns this October and November.
The not-for-profit event will run across two weekends, with gardens opening from Helensburgh to West Wollongong on Sunday, November 1, before the trail continues from Cringilla to Gerroa on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8.
Host registrations are now open, with organisers encouraging gardens of all shapes, sizes and stages to take part.
That includes backyard veggie patches, balcony gardens, verge gardens, rental gardens, native habitat gardens, school and community gardens, hobby farms, chook runs, beehives and productive suburban blocks.
Gardens do not need to be polished or picture-perfect in order to run!
Instead, the trail is encouraging hosts to share real-life growing spaces, works in progress, lessons learned and the everyday rewards of growing food at home.
Presented in partnership with Food Fairness
Illawarra and Healthy Cities Australia, with support from Gilly’s Kitchen Garden, the expanded 2026 trail will build on its established footprint across the Northern Illawarra and Wollongong, while continuing to grow through Shellharbour and extending further south to Gerroa.
Event coordinator Emily Fowler said the trail was designed to celebrate local growing knowledge and show that food gardening can be accessible to everyone.
“We know food growing can happen anywhere, whether it’s a few herbs on a balcony, a verge garden, a school garden, a backyard veggie patch or a larger productive property,” she said.
“The Illawarra Edible Garden Trail is about showing people what is possible, connecting neighbours and building a stronger local growing community.”
The 2026 theme, ‘Food for All’, also highlights the role edible gardens can play in supporting biodiversity, pollinators and local food security.
Fairy Meadow gardener Brian Wellings, who has been growing food at home for more than two decades, is opening his suburban garden.
“I want to show how much food can be grown in a small suburban garden and that it’s not that difficult to do,” he said.
“If people leave feeling inspired to grow even a small amount of their own food,
that’s a winner for us.”
For Mount St Thomas couple Millie Hall and Michael Zubrecky, their garden has grown from four veggie beds to more than 20 in six years.
Their backyard now includes chickens, guinea pigs, a greenhouse, a worm farm and fruit trees, with homegrown produce featuring in almost every meal.
“Growing a garden isn’t costly, it just takes a little bit of time every day,” Ms Hall said.
“You can grow food in all sorts of spaces as long as there is enough sun.”
Visitors to the trail will have the chance to explore a wide range of growing spaces and learn about soil building, seasonal planting, chooks, bees, native edible plants, fruit trees, wildlife-friendly gardening and small-space growing.
Host registrations are open until September 1.
Tickets will provide access to gardens across both weekends, with early bird tickets going on sale from September 1 and general admission tickets from October 1.
Adult general admission is $25, or $20 for early bird tickets. Concession tickets are $20, or $15 early bird. Children under 17 are free, while a ‘Pay What You Feel’ option and $5 single-garden visits will also be available.
To register as a host, email gardentrail@ foodfairnessillawarra.org.au or complete the Illawarra Edible Garden Trail host registration form.
Do you have an update from a community group or coverage of a local event? Send 150 words and an image to news@thebuglenews.com.au. (Deadline: EOD Tuesday for the Friday print edition.)
Kiama Picnic Train
Until Sun 16 Aug
Kiama to Sydney Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar
Until Sun 11 Oct
Bundanon Art Museum
Opening weekend 4-5th July
South Coast Fibre Muster
Sat 1 Aug-Sun 2 Aug
Berry School of Arts
Celebrate creativity, community and fibre
Henry James Trivia Night
Sat 1 Aug, 7pm
Kiama Baptist Church, Kiama
Trivia night for fundraiser with prizes
Alchemy Choir (Dementia Inclusive Choir)
Sun 2 Aug, 1:30pm
Gerringong Town Hall
Performance, free entry
Dementia Inclusive
Gathering
Mon 3 Aug, 10am
Barroul House cafe, Kiama
For those living with/ alongside dementia, monthly meeting
Twilight Feast
Sat 8 Aug, 5:30pm
Bundanon Art Museum
Bangalay’s acclaimed dining experience
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour 2026
Sat 8 Aug, 7:30pm
Kiama Leagues Club
Shellharbour
Toastmasters Charter Celebrations
Tue 11 Aug, 7pm-8:15pm
Shellharbour Club
Meet the Candidates event
Wed 12 Aug, 6pm-7pm Pavilion, Kiama
Meet the two candidates as they share their vision for Kiama
India by night
Thu 13 Aug
By The Sea Takeaway Kiama
Indian chaat dinner cooked by Chef Deepanshu
The Kiama Fringe
Fri 14 Aug- Wed 16 Sep, 6pm
Black Beach, Kiama
Comedy, circus, live music, family-friendly fun
Kiama Show Society
Trivia Night
Fri 14 Aug, 7pm Pavilion, Kiama Games, raffles and prizes
South Coast Shipwrecks
Sat 15 Aug, 2pm Kiama Library Auditorium
Learn about shipwrecks with Kiama Historical Society
Sydney Balalaika Orchestra
Sun 16 Aug, 2pm
Gerringong Town Hall
Russian folk music played Access Adventure Club
Mon 17 Aug- Fri 21 Aug
Kiama and South Coast NDIS-supported camp to help young people with disabilities
Viet Nam Veterans’ Day
Memorial Service
Tue 18 Aug, 3pm
Hindmarsh Park, Kiama Commemoration conducted by Jamberoo RSL SubBranch Science Symposium
Fri 21 Aug, 9:30am-3pm Bundanon Art Museum line-up of leading voices in science, ecology and environmental thinking Once Upon a Trivia Night Sat 29 Aug, 6:30pm-11pm
Shellharbour surf life saving club
Trivia, games, dress up, for charity
South Coast Ceramics Market
Sun 30 Aug, 10am Gerringong Co-op 50 local potters, sculptors and makers Craft and Cream Teas Sat 5 Sep, 10am Gerringong Anglican Church
Learn Japanese stitching and enjoy morning tea Dementia Inclusive
Gathering
Mon 7 Sep, 10am
Barroul House cafe, Kiama For those living with/ alongside dementia, monthly meeting
Aussie Bird Art
Experience
Sat 12 Sep-Sun 13 Sep Wellcomm Home, Kiama Downs
Expressive Art Experience hosts art retreat with guided paint sessions
Kiama Woodcraft Group
Exhibition
Thu 17 Sep-Wed 23 Sep, 9am-4pm Old Fire Station Kiama Wide range of woodcraft styles and skills
Horizontal Festival Fri 2 Oct
Bowral wine makers, tasting bars, live music and new free precincts
Kiama Vintage Fair Sat 3 Oct- Sun 4 Oct, 9:30am-3:30pm Masonic Hall, Kiama Vintage treasures, free entry and live music
Myah Garza
Five easy day trips grandparents and grandkids will both love
Emily Crisp
Whether you're looking after the grandchildren for the day, planning a special one-on-one outing or simply wanting to spend quality time together, you don't have to travel far from the South Coast to find plenty of adventures. From wildlife encounters and train rides to beautiful gardens and country towns, these easy day trips are close enough for young travellers while offering plenty to keep grandparents entertained too.
Here are five fantastic destinations that make spending time together even more memorable.
Catch the train to Berry for a coffee and park play
Sometimes the journey is just as exciting as the destination, especially for little train lovers. Hop aboard the South Coast Line and spend the day exploring Berry on foot.
Start with morning tea at Berry General Store, where grandparents can enjoy a coffee while little ones browse the thoughtfully curated toy selection or tuck into a slice of the café's kid-approved banana bread. If your grandchildren have a sweet tooth, wander a little further into town to Milkwood Bakery for one of their famous finger buns before making your way to nearby Boongaree Park.
The park has plenty of room to play, and the shared pathways make for an easy stroll before following the bike track back towards the main street. Before heading home, pop into Goldfish Toy shop to browse the shelves and perhaps choose a small souvenir of the day before jumping back on the train.
It's a relaxed outing that feels like an adventure without requiring a long drive.
Meet the animals at Symbio Wildlife Park
Just a 45-minute drive from Kiama, Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh is one of those destinations that keeps children entertained for hours while grandparents enjoy getting up close to some incredible animals.
Little ones can feed kangaroos, visit koalas, wombats and dingoes, then wander through to meet animals from around the world including red pandas, cheetahs, ring-tailed lemurs, meerkats and monkeys.
During the warmer months the splash park is a huge bonus, while the spacious lawns make it easy to spread out a picnic rug and enjoy lunch together. There's also a playground, making it easy to spend most of the day exploring at a leisurely pace.
Step back in time at the NSW Rail Museum
If trains are a favourite topic in your family, the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere is well worth the drive.
Children can climb aboard historic locomotives and beautifully restored carriages, explore interactive exhibitions and enjoy a heritage train ride through the surrounding countryside. It's one of those places where grandparents often find themselves reminiscing while grandchildren discover the magic of rail travel for the first time.
Families with younger children should also keep an eye on the museum's weekly Tots and Tracks sessions, held each Tuesday during school term. The program includes hands-on activities, dress-ups, craft, story time and a selfguided museum scavenger hunt designed especially for preschool-aged visitors.
Pack a picnic for Wollongong Botanic Garden
Sometimes all you need is a picnic rug and somewhere beautiful to explore.
Wollongong Botanic Garden is filled with wide walking paths that are easy for little legs and older walkers alike. Wander through the colourful rose garden, rainforest, woodland garden, succulent collection and the charming Tiny Forest while spotting birds, flowers and interesting plants along the way.
There is a fantastic playground, plenty of open lawn for games, shady picnic spots and lots of space for children to simply run, explore and enjoy being outdoors. It's an easy day out that can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you like.
Discover Burradoo Park Farm
A visit to Burradoo Park Farm in the Southern Highlands offers something different around every corner.
Children can meet the friendly farm animals, climb and play on the nature playground and get creative at the Garbage School, where everyday waste is transformed into imaginative art projects. The Insect Institute is another fascinating stop that encourages plenty of handson learning and discovery.
When hunger strikes, enjoy lunch at Three Blue Ducks Farmhouse or pick up a fresh sausage roll from the bakehouse before finishing the day with a visit to the gelato shop, famous for its vegetable-inspired flavours.
As an added bonus for train enthusiasts, the farm backs directly onto the railway line, giving visitors a fantastic view whenever trains pass by.
Photos: Claudia Marie
South Coast celebrant's viral wedding video shines a spotlight on changing wedding trends
Awedding ceremony on the NSW South Coast has captured the attention of millions around the world, with a local celebrant's Instagram reel surpassing 10 million views and sparking conversations about how modern couples are rewriting the wedding rulebook.
WeddingBelle Ceremonies founder Isabelle Gagnet, who grew up on her family's dairy farm at Dunsters Lane in Shellharbour, watched in disbelief as a video from one of her ceremonies climbed past one million views before eventually topping 10 million. Growing up, she watched both of her brothers marry on the family farm before later celebrating her own wedding there, experiences that inspired her to become a celebrant.
The now-viral clip shows a bride and groom putting a fresh spin on one of the legal formalities of a wedding by drawing the names of their witnesses from a decorated jar during the ceremony, rather than selecting them beforehand. The surprise left guests laughing, cheering and eagerly waiting to see whose names would be called.
"I kept refreshing the video thinking it couldn't possibly keep growing after it reached one million views, let alone 10," Gagnet said.
"It was surreal to think that so many people around the world were connecting with such a seemingly simple moment from one of my ceremonies."
She believes the video's popularity came down to authenticity.
"Nothing was staged. The surprise, laughter and emotion were completely genuine," she said.
"I also think it inspired couples to see that ceremonies don't have to follow tradition."
The overwhelming response has highlighted a shift Gagnet has witnessed among couples across the South Coast, with more people choosing to personalise their wedding ceremonies rather than simply following tradition.
Instead of rejecting long-
standing customs, couples are adapting them to better reflect their personalities, families and relationships.
Ceremonies are becoming shorter and more relaxed, while incorporating meaningful cultural traditions, family members in unexpected roles and moments designed to surprise both guests and the couple themselves.
Traditional bridal parties are also evolving.
Grandparents are stepping into the role of "flower grannies", children and pets are joining the bridal party, while bridesmen and men of honour have become increasingly common. Some couples have even decided who delivers their vows first with a game of scissors, paper, rock.
Others are embracing traditions from their cultural backgrounds, such as the Greek Stefana crowning ceremony, where symbolic crowns joined by a ribbon represent the couple beginning their new life together.
Alongside the witness draw that captured the internet's attention, Gagnet has seen couples include ring warming ceremonies, where guests each hold the wedding rings and silently share their well wishes before they're exchanged.
She's also officiated ceremonies featuring "beer boys" handing drinks to guests as they walk down the aisle, surprise pregnancy announcements during vows, gender reveal cakes and heartfelt recordings
of children played before a bride's entrance.
Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are exposing couples to new ideas from around the world, giving them confidence to personalise their own celebrations rather than feeling bound by tradition.
"Couples are realising what is possible and that there isn't just one way to create a ceremony," Gagnet said.
"They're becoming inspired by other people's weddings and taking those ideas into planning their own day while making them personal to their own story."
Looking ahead, Gagnet believes ceremonies will continue to become even more personalised, with couples placing greater emphasis on meaningful experiences rather than formalities.
"What excites me most is seeing couples realise there isn't one right way to get married," she said.
"They're keeping the traditions that matter, letting go of the ones that don't, and going their own way."
For Gagnet, whose passion for weddings began on her family's dairy farm, the viral success has been an unexpected reminder that while weddings continue to evolve, the heart of every ceremony remains the same. Whether it's a surprise witness draw, a family tradition or a quiet personal moment, couples are increasingly choosing celebrations that reflect who they are rather than simply following convention.
Emily Crisp
Save the date: South Coast Shipwrecks
The stories behind the South Coast's most fascinating shipwrecks will be explored at the next Kiama Historical Society meeting.
South Coast History Society president Peter Lacey will present a talk examining the region's rich maritime history, revealing why so many vessels met their end along the coastline.
Before roads became the primary transport network, ships were the lifeline connecting South Coast communities, businesses and farmers with the outside world. However, the journey was often perilous, with around 200 known shipwrecks recorded along the NSW South Coast.
Mr Lacey will delve into where and why these wrecks occurred, sharing the stories behind some of the region's most significant and intriguing maritime disasters.
The presentation will be held on Saturday, 15 August, at 2pm in the Kiama Library Auditorium.
Admission is $3 for Kiama Historical Society members and $5 for guests, with afternoon tea included. No prebooking is required.
Celebrating 100 Days of Kindy
A big congratulations to the local kindies that celebrated 100 Days of Kindergarten during the week commencing 27 July – a defining milestone for little school starters.
Minnamurra Public School celebrated with the theme "100 Days Brighter", with kindy students dressing up in bright colours and taking part in fun activities.
Kiama Public School marked the occasion with the theme "100 Days Smarter", inviting students to dress up as 100-year-olds.
withSingingpride
Kiama Illawarra Pride Choir brought the roof down with its "Sing Out Loud" concert on Sunday, 26 July, featuring a mix of retro and modern music that the crowd loved. Delicious afternoon tea treats were available, and the choir drew the top prizes in its $4,800 raffle. With a "pay what you can" option for people doing it tough, the uplifting event was a celebration of unity and togetherness.
The Rotary Club of Kiama hosted its Christmas in July Trivia Night on Friday, 24 July 2026, at The Pavilion Kiama.
The successful evening had over 200 people in attendance. The Kiama Pipe Band commenced the evening, with quiz master Terry Dawson asking the questions. A Christmas in July raffle was also drawn.
Serena Copley, Liberal candidate for Kiama, who attended the event, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people come together for an evening full of laughter, friendly competition and community spirit, all while raising funds to support the incredible local and international projects that Rotary Kiama delivers."
She issued a heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made the night possible, including Collins Street Dental, PCI Money, Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama Pharmacy and Carter Ferguson Solicitors.
"Your support helps Rotary continue making a real difference in our community and beyond," Ms Copley said. "Congratulations to everyone involved in organising such a wonderful event. Community events like these remind us what makes Kiama so special: people coming together to support one another while having a great time."
PUZZLES
3 LETTERS
25 Loss of memory (7)
26 Adult (5-2) 27 Letter-writer (13)
1 Remains of fire (5)
2 Tool used to examine the night sky (9)
3 Giving off a strong unpleasant smell (7)
4 Umbrage (3)
5 Promises (10)
6 Senseless folly (6)
7 Fertiliser compound (5)
8 Vegetarian (8)
13 Repay (10) 14 Take out (8) 16 Adherence to orders (9) 19 Fishing spear (7) 20 Fuel pump (6) 22 Of sound waves (5)
Emigrant (abbr) (5)
Void (3)
1 Complete destruction (13) 9 Be convinced of (7)
Saliva (7)
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’.
12 words: Good
Drill (4)
Level (4)
Countryish (6) 12 Most expensive (8) 14 Sin (10)
Shocked (10)
Reduction (8)
Contusion (6)
I T O O RD R M
Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?
To solve a Sudoku
1. Which animal is associated with a thought experiment devised by Erwin Schrödinger?
2. In the Halloween horror franchise, whose likeness inspired the design of Michael Myers’ mask?
3. Anna Funder’s biography Wifedom is about which 20th-century author’s wife? 4. In basketball, what is it called when the ball gets stuck between the rim and the backboard?
5. New Zealand-born pop singer Rosé is a member of which South Korean girl group?
6. Pastafarians are the followers of which contemporary religious deity?
7. Which Australian singer starred as the titular character in the 2005 film Hating Alison Ashley?
8. What three-letter title is bestowed upon the highest-ranking student in a graduating year?
9. Which actor is Shania Twain (pictured) not impressed by in her song That Don’t Impress Me Much?
10. A colloquial expression for a hangover remedy is the ‘hair of’
INGMAR BERGMAN
LULU WANG
JAMES CAMERON JANE CAMPION
MARTIN SCORSESE
NOAH BAUMBACH
RIDLEY SCOTT
STEVEN SPIELBERG
TIM BURTON
WES ANDERSON
QUICK QUIZ
South Coast endo clinic expands
South Coast women now have access to perimenopause and menopause health services with the expansion of the highly successful South Eastern NSW Centre for Menopause, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and the Albanese Labor Government have delivered additional funding to extend the service
which provides expert, multidisciplinary care for women and girls living with endometriosis and pelvic pain, as well as perimenopause and menopause.
“The clinic, at the Milton Medical Centre, will be expanded to provide specialised service two days a week, supporting women of all ages,” Mrs Phillips said.
“The Milton women’s health workers told me that
menopause support was needed locally, so I’m really pleased to have delivered this expanded service.
“Doctor Katie Macartney and Specialist Women’s Health Nurse Susan Wilford are so passionate about women’s health, and they take time to really listen and validate women’s concerns.
“It’s fantastic that they can now offer more services to even more women locally.”
Mrs Phillips said the expansion of services, was part of the Albanese Labor Government’s landmark Women’s Health Package, which is investing almost $800 million to deliver improved health care and access for women and girls across the country.
“We’re helping more women and girls access an earlier diagnosis, improved access to pain management and referral pathways to other health care providers,” she said.
“For too long, women
experiencing endometriosis and pelvic pain, as well as perimenopause and menopause symptoms, have faced delays, uncertainty and lack of support.
“This clinic will literally change lives by helping women and girls get the compassionate care, specialised treatment and answers they need and deserve.”
COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN CEO Prudence Buist said, while many GPs offered care for women’s conditions, having the specialised clinic in Milton provided an additional option for those dealing with oftendebilitating issues.
“As part of the service, a specialist nurse plays a central role in coordinating support and helping patients navigate what can often be a complex and overwhelming health system. The clinic also works alongside the patient’s usual GP,” she said.
Ms Buist said people living
with these conditions often required a holistic approach over an extended period of time.
The South Eastern NSW Centre for Menopause, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic will help connect patients with local diagnostic, allied health and specialist services, both on and off site, ensuring treatment is connected, coordinated and centred around the patient’s individual needs.
General Practitioner Dr Katie Macartney said menopause and perimenopause was a time of life which could be “very disruptive for women”.
“It is exciting for Milton Medical Centre to be able to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary service for women of South Eastern NSW to help with symptoms and challenges presented at this time of life," Dr Macartney said.
The endo clinic operates on Tuesdays, while the new
menopause clinic will be open on Mondays providing access to holistic multidisciplinary care with a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist (on-site on Tuesdays), as well as access to resources and information for patients, developed by a multidisciplinary team.
Appointments will be available in-person for people who live within two hours, or via telehealth for those who are more than two hours away.
The clinic will also provide opportunities for local primary care clinicians, including nurses and allied health professionals, to increase their knowledge and skills to support diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, pelvic pain, perimenopause and menopause.
The South Eastern NSW Centre for Menopause, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic accepts both GP referrals and self-referrals via email: endo@miltonmedical.com.au or phone: 02 4455 5755.
Last years undefeated All Age Division One
All Quarriers sides still in the hunt as finals approach
Lleyton Hughes
With finals just around the corner, the Kiama Quarriers are shaping as one of the Illawarra's strongest clubs, with senior sides across multiple competitions firmly in the hunt for premiership success.
Coach of the women's over 30’s and 40’s teams Wayne Thompson said it had been rewarding to watch so many teams put themselves in finals contention this season.
"It's all going really well with the teams," Thompson said.
"Our players have worked hard all season and it's exciting to see so many sides heading towards the finals in good positions."
Leading the way is the Women's Division 1 side, who remain undefeated as
they look to defend last year's premiership.
Coached by Don Robb, the side sits one win away from securing the minor premiership after another dominant campaign.
The club's newly formed Women's Division 2 side has also impressed in its first season together.
Despite only coming together this year, the squad sits fifth with a game in hand and remains well placed to challenge for a finals berth after continuing to improve under coaches Brod Crighton and Don Robb.
The Women's Over 30s have also enjoyed another standout campaign and currently sit atop the competition ladder.
"Our Over 30s team has competed successfully over the entire season and currently sit top of the table," Thompson said.
"With a combination of individual skill and team determination, the players are hoping to go one better than last season and achieve grand final success.
"With only a few rounds to go all players are looking forward to playing together and enjoying the end of season."
The Women's Over 40s are enjoying their inaugural campaign and currently occupy fourth spot heading into a challenging run home
"Congratulations to all of our Over 40s players for all of their efforts, to be currently placed fourth in their competition," Thompson said.
"Along the way it's been a lot of fun growing as a team and competing together and with a tough run into the finals series all players are keen to make their inaugural season as successful as possible.”
Another team gathering momentum is the Women's Over 45s.
Club secretary Nerissa Peterson said it had taken time for the new-look side to find its feet, but the results had followed.
"We started 2026 with 50 per cent of the players being new, mixing in with some of the old established players," Peterson said.
"It has taken us 10 rounds to gel together and get our first win. Since then we have won six of our last seven matches with only two rounds remaining.
"We currently sit sixth on the ladder and only three points separate third and seventh. Our last two games of the season are against second and third, so to make a late run for the semi-finals we will need to win our last two games."
On the men's side, Division 2 has secured another finals appearance despite battling injuries and player absences throughout the season.
"After a good start with pre-season and a semi-final appearance in the Peter Webster Cup, the season hasn't gone as planned with injuries and absences," coach Adrian Elphick said.
"The team has dug in and managed to consolidate fourth place and another finals appearance."
Division 4 has also taken significant strides after a difficult 2025 season.
"With a slow start to the season the team got on the board by Round 4 with a draw and the first win by Round 5," Elphick said.
"This is a massive turnaround from last season. With two wins from the final rounds of the competition and
results going their way, finals could be on the cards."
The Men's Over 35s are also in the mix after producing one of the competition's most entertaining campaigns.
Peterson said the side had built its season on resilience, highlighted by a five-match winning streak that included a memorable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Port Kembla 3-2.
Now sitting fourth with two games in hand on the teams above them, the Quarriers are well placed to secure another finals berth as the winter season draws to a close. With plenty still to play for across the club, the Quarriers will be hoping to turn a strong season into silverware over the coming weeks before attention turns to the club's annual summer six-a-side competition, which returns in late October.
women's league champions. Photo Kiama Quarriers
Ward, Wishart deliver in NRL finals pressure clash
Lleyton Hughes
Two former Gerringong Lions halves went head-to-head on the NRL stage over the weekend, with Ashton Ward and Tyran Wishart both producing standout performances in a thrilling clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Melbourne Storm.
With both sides desperate for a win to strengthen their finals hopes, the match was always going to be an important one.
The Storm entered the clash sitting 11th on the ladder but only four points outside the top eight, while the Rabbitohs sat seventh and just two points inside the finals positions.
Both halves featured extensively throughout the match, but it was in the dying moments that both stood up.
With 17 minutes remaining and the Rabbitohs leading, Ward chipped over the defence and regathered his own kick before being dragged down just short of the try line.
From that momentum, the
Rabbitohs were able to score from the next play to extend their lead.
Rabbitohs teammate John Radel said Ward's biggest strength was his willingness to take on challenges despite his smaller frame.
"He's a really gritty young fella," Radel said. "There's not a lot of size to him but he plays well above his weight and he has a red-hot crack with everything he does."
There's no fear in him, which is so important with blokes smaller in statureyou can't hesitate. He's been massively impressive for us."
A few moments later, Wishart pulled off his own display of brilliance bringing the Storm back into the match when he broke through the Rabbitohs’ defence before stepping the fullback to score.
The Storm regained the lead with just over nine minutes to play at 26-24, but Ward would have the final say.
The halfback's cut-out ball found Campbell Graham in the corner, securing a 28-26 victory for the Rabbitohs in a game where both former
Ward finished with 17 runs for 91 metres, three line break assists, a try assist, two tackle breaks and 19 tackles. His kicking game was also a key part of the Rabbitohs' performance, producing 14 kicks for 474 metres.
On the other side of the field, Wishart continued to show why he remains such an important part of Melbourne's future after returning from injury.
The five-eighth was involved throughout the contest, finishing with 12 runs for 119 metres, a line break, four tackle breaks and 40 tackles, while also adding six kicks for 178 metres.
The win moved South Sydney into sixth position, although they remain only two competition points inside the top eight, while the Storm slipped to 12th and now sit six points outside the finals places.
Despite the loss, Wishart said Melbourne knew there was no time to dwell on missed opportunities as they fight to keep their season alive.
"It's hard to not look at it," Wishart told NRL.com.
"We definitely sort of thought about it as a group. Tonight was a big game. I thought we could've taken a lot of confidence if we could've taken the win tonight. We just have to keep winning games now."
He said the Storm's ability to adapt after an injury-hit season would be important in the final rounds.
Clean sweep for Power as finals push gathers momentum
Lleyton Hughes
The streets were clean around Bonaira Oval over the weekend as Kiama Power won all their matches across their senior grades.
The Men's Premier Division side led the way with a dominant 103-38 win over the Wollongong Bulldogs, while the Men's Reserve Grade and Women's Reserve Grade sides also secured important victories in their finals pushes.
For the Premier Division side, it was their second win in a row and has put them in a strong position to secure a finals berth with just four rounds remaining, including a bye.
Lachlan Kirk was unstoppable in front of goal, slotting seven goals for the afternoon, while Kade Ovenden added three as the Power pulled away from the Bulldogs.
Coach Sean Byrne said the result was another positive step for a side continuing to build throughout the season.
"It was another pleasing performance from the group against the Bulldogs," Byrne said.
"Our performance reflected the steady improvement we've been making over the course of the season, and the most pleasing aspect was our
ability to find another gear in the second half to put the result beyond doubt."
One of the highlights of the afternoon came with 15-yearold Xavier Connor making his senior debut, becoming another junior player to make the step up into the club's senior program.
Byrne said the continued development of young players had been one of the most rewarding aspects of the season.
"It was especially rewarding to see another one of our juniors make their senior debut in Xavier Connor, potentially our youngest yet at 15," he said.
"The juniors coming through have more than held their own at this level across Prems and Reserves, which is a real credit to the work being done throughout our junior program and the connection we have from juniors to seniors."
The Men's Reserve Grade side also kept their finals hopes alive with a strong 4821 victory over the Bulldogs.
Currently sitting just outside the finals places, the side will need to win their remaining matches and rely on other results going their way to sneak into the top four.
The Women's Reserve Grade side had no such concerns, booking their place in the finals in their inaugural
season after a huge 88-6 win over the Figtree Saints.
Chloe Richards led the scoring with four goals, while Imogen Moore and Emma Shaw both added two as the Power produced another dominant display.
The result sees the side sitting third on the ladder and guarantees them a finals appearance in their first year together.
The Women's Premier Division side had the bye over the weekend but remain in the hunt for a finals spot.
Like the Men's Reserve Grade team, they will need to win their remaining games and hope other results fall their way to keep their season alive.
Byrne said the clean sweep was a reflection of the work being done throughout the entire club.
"It was also a fantastic weekend for the club, with wins across all grades, highlighting the strength and connection building throughout Kiama," he said.
"It's been great to watch the development of our younger players alongside the experience and leadership of our senior group."
The Power now turn their attention to a challenging clash against Bomaderry, with the club set to celebrate the 20-year reunion of their 2006 premiership team.
SATURDAY 8 AUGUST TH
"The first period where we lost seven in a row stunned us a little bit, but I thought we got back to our footy and what we were good at," Wishart said.
"We did get some troops back. At the end of the day we have lots of depth and we have to just roll with the punches and get on with the next job."
The Rabbitohs now face the Sharks in another crucial finals clash, while the Storm will look to keep their season alive against the Bulldogs.
Lions halves played starring roles.
The Women’s Reserve Grade team have been exceptional in their inaugural season for Kiama Power. Photo Kiama Power
The Kiama Power Mens Premier Division team made it two in a row over the weekend. Photo Kiama Power
From Gerringong to the NRL Tyran Wishart (Left) and Ashton Ward (Right). Photos NRL.com
JAMBEROO SUPEROOS UNDER 10
Knights make statement as Lions continue charge
Lleyton Hughes
Defending premiers, the Kiama Knights, made a statement to the rest of the Group 7 competition over the weekend with a dominant 66-6 victory over the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs.
After a couple of difficult weeks, including losses to the Superoos and the Stingrays, the Knights have now won two straight, enforcing the mercy rule against the Bulldogs.
Fullback Brad Killmore was instrumental in the victory, scoring 26 of his team's 66 points, and said he was pleased to see the Knights finding form at the right time of year.
"We've had a few injuries and now are starting to get players coming back, so it's good to get a couple of wins
in a row and find some form again," he said.
"Putting on that many points is good for confidence and hopefully we can carry that into the next few games and then the back end of the year."
The match was all Kiama's from the outset, with centre Jack McDonald breaking through the Bulldogs' defence from a scrum before offloading to winger Oliver Miles for the opening try.
Killmore was involved in the next two tries. After a half-field Killmore break, captain Tom Angel crossed on the following play before Killmore scored himself after capitalising on a wayward offload.
Tries to Tom Murray and Daniel Martin followed before a Killmore cross-field kick
landed perfectly for Murray, who crossed for his second to make it 32-0.
Angel barged over for his second just before half-time to extend the lead to 38-0.
Kiama started the second half the same way it finished the first, with a cut-out pass from halfback Cameron Vazzoler sending McDonald over for his first try of the afternoon.
Milton managed to get on the scoreboard, but Kiama responded almost immediately as McDonald grabbed his second.
Three more tries before the 70-minute mark brought the game to an early end under the mercy rule.
Angel scored after a halffield run, Killmore added another, and Oliver Miles crossed for his second of the
afternoon to complete the rout.
In Gerringong, the Lions produced an impressive performance to defeat the Stingrays on home soil.
The Lions opened the scoring in just their second set when five-eighth Jarrod Tiyce sent Alexander Weir over for the first try of the match.
After some back and forth, the Lions doubled their lead in the 20th minute when a Tiyce bomb was spilled by the Stingrays and regathered by winger Wyland Hall to make it 12-0.
Ten minutes later, the Lions were awarded a penalty in front of the posts after a Stingrays player was penalised for arguing with the referee, and they made no mistake to extend the lead to 14-0.
The Stingrays were then
given multiple penalties on the Lions' line, eventually leading to second-rower Hamish Holland being sent to the sin bin.
Despite being under enormous pressure, the Lions' defence held firm through many repeated sets on their own line until the Stingrays squandered the opportunity by grubbering the ball dead.
And the Lions were not finished yet. Just before half-time, despite being a player down, centre Tyrell Taione broke through several defenders to score and give Gerringong an 18-0 lead at the break.
The Stingrays controlled possession for much of the second half, but Gerringong's scrambling defence repeatedly shut down their attacking raids.
In the 67th minute, the Lions were awarded another penalty after a late shot on the kicker, and they extended their lead to 20-0.
With seven minutes remaining, the Stingrays finally found a way through Gerringong's defensive line for their first try of the afternoon, but it proved too little, too late.
Gerringong had the final say, kicking a penalty goal just before full-time to wrap up a deserved 22-6 victory.
In Albion Park, the Jamberoo Superoos suffered a tough 44-8 loss to the undefeated Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles.
The victory lifts the Knights into fourth on the ladder, while the Lions strengthened their hold on second ahead of this week's clash with ladder leaders Albion Park.
The Knights are hitting form at the right point in the competition.
Photo Kiama Knights
KIAMA POWERRESERVE GRADE WOMEN
KIAMA JFC - UNDER 17 DIVISION 2
