Community calling for greater police presence
Mitchell Beadman
With Kiama Police Station reopening to re-establish a permanent daily police presence, former local policeman John Ernst and Kiama Councillor Yasmin Tatrai are concerned it is not enough to keep the Kiama community safe.
Cr Tatrai recently aired her concerns at Council’s October meeting last week that there has been “an astounding increase in crime, with residents reporting various incidents, such as vandalism of vehicles and public property”.
Cr Tatrai further added that “advocating for a continuous police presence may be necessary to ensure community safety and deter future vandalism”.
Ernst was first stationed to the Kiama Local Area
Command in the early 1970s when the population of Kiama was just 6000 - it is now over 22,000 people without including day visitors or seasonal tourists.
“There were six police officers here – four general duty and two traffic police and the traffic police also conducted general duty stuff when needed,” Ernst said.
“There was always something, general patrols are the deterrent to would-be criminals [and] there was very little crime in town.”
The Kiama Police Station officially reopened recently after the 141-year-old station closed for cosmetic renovation works.
Officers will be on duty at the station from 9am to 5pm Monday to Sunday and the Kiama LGA will continue to be patrolled 24 hours a day by the Lake Illawarra Police District from its headquarters in Oak
Flats. Cr Tatrai said members of the public had told her that their cars were targeted, and water bombed on Terralong Street.
“This trend raises significant concerns about community safety and the adequacy of police response to our LGA. With the local police station not operating 24/7, it is essential to assess the impact of this on crime rates and look at measures Council can take to address these types of events.”
Ernst said when there was a greater police presence in Kiama there were very few charges laid as a result, but there was a level of respect from the local community.
“You broke up the melee and everything was peaceful again – you went back to normality and that was it,” Ernst said.
“Whereas if police don’t get there within a certain time
frame, it gets progressively worse.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median age for Kiama is 52 years old compared to a significantly lower age of 39 years old which represents the state of NSW.
Ernst used youth behaviour on e-bikes as an example of antisocial local behaviour and said the problem comes down to respect from youths to not only others, but themselves.
“E-Bikes travel down there at least 40 km/h, with kids with no helmets on and people on the back,” Ernst said.
“It's a lack of respect for elderly on footpaths with their e-bikes and skateboards.”
Kiama MP Katelin McInerney wants to reassure her electorate that “Lake Illawarra PD will continue to assess local needs and adjust resources accordingly to ensure the community and
visitors remain safe”.
“As always, if an emergency occurs police will respond – every NSW Police car is a mobile police station in our modern, technology-driven Police Force,” McInerney said.
“From upgraded mobile police devices in every patrol car to enhanced data systems that support intelligence-led policing, we are giving our police the tools they need to keep up with a rapidly changing world.
“Police will continue to maintain a visible presence in person and online, and I encourage local residents to stay connected by using trusted channels (see below for phone numbers).”
The NSW Government has also made a significant investment during the recent Kiama by-election with a $200,000 commitment to a Night-Time economy strategy and trial of a Special
Cr Tatrai acknowledged that this initiative highlights the need for a greater police presence, especially at night.
“If you look at small areas, say like Balmain or Newtown - they’ve got lots of pubs [but] they’ve got a police presence,” Cr Tatrai said.
“If we’re going to have a night-time economy which I hope we can achieve by supporting businesses, we also need a [full-time] police station.
“People have got to be able to walk out of a venue and be safe and I think that is our responsibility.”
Useful numbers: Police Assistance Line (non-emergencies): 131 444 Crime Stoppers (confidentially): 1800 333 000 Emergency: Triple Zero (000)
Entertainment Precinct in the Kiama CBD.
Concerned Cr Yasmin Tatrai and former Police Officer John Ernst.
Photo The Bugle
Changing Tides festival cancellation a $3m hit to Kiama economy
Paul Suttor
The Changing Tides Festival scheduled for November in Kiama has been cancelled and “heartbroken” event organisers have decided against trying to bring it back in the future.
Organisers were hoping to attract 10,000 concertgoers to the third annual festival and with each visitor expected to spend , on average, around $300 during their stay, the hit to the Kiama economy is upwards of $3 million.
The festival kicked off in 2023 with around 6000 fans at Kiama Showground with 8000 last year and they were hoping for even more this year but with poor ticket sales, the organisers made the difficult decision to call it off.
The line-up for this year’s
festival was headlined by Sam Fender, with Noah Cyrus, The Rubens, Skegss, Holly Humberstone, The Rions, MAY-A, Retired Gentlemen’s League, Boy Soda and Chloe Parché also announced on the original bill for 22 November at the Showground.
“We’re heartbroken to share that Changing Tides Festival has been cancelled and will not be returning,” Changing Tides organisers announced.
“This decision hasn’t been made lightly, and we’re so grateful for all the love, energy, and support from those who believed in our little coastal dream.
“We’re truly devastated, but also deeply grateful for the love, excitement, and support so many of you have shown along the way.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, we’re incredibly thankful to
everyone who believed in the vision of Changing Tides, helped bring it to life and made beautiful memories with us in Kiama.”
Kiama Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee chair, Councillor Matt Brown said it was disappointing news from a festival that catered to and won the hearts of a younger demographic.
“It’s a real shame for the whole town because major events are part of our destination marketing and it’s a shame for the operators and the locals who love to see big headline acts in their own backyard,” he said.
“This will have a significant impact on the Kiama economy.
“A lot of the people who go to the festival stay overnight and make a weekend of it.
“Rest assured, we’ll be engaging with other event promoters to ensure we maintain the momentum and continue delivering vibrant experiences for our community in future years.”
Cr Brown told The Bugle they had already been in taclks with two festival operators over potentially filling the void in their events calendar for 2026.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council understood the complex challenges facing event organisers today such as rising costs and shifting audience behaviours, and they were committed to supporting events that “align with our Destination Kiama brand promise and bring vibrancy to our community”.
“Changing Tides has become a highlight of our events calendar, bringing
colour, culture, and connection to Kiama,” he said.
“Following the research done to produce the Kiama Major Events Impact Report, it’s clear that support for suitable major events is strong across our community.
“Council has long supported the festival and was not involved in the organisers’ decision to cancel.
“We recognised its past positive contribution to our local economy and community spirit, and we share the disappointment of everyone who was looking forward to this year’s event.”
Ticket refunds are being processed via Oztix in line with their Terms & Conditions.
Those who purchased tickets are advised to the Changing Tides website.
If you can’t get your hands on a paper, there is a weekly digital edition available on The Bugle App which also features daily community news updates.
by: The Bugle News hello@thebuglenews.com.au Office 2, Edessa Arcade 88-90 Terralong St, Kiama
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Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human. Content does not necessarily represent The Bugle's view.
Ward sentencing delay over legal arguments
Paul Suttor
Former Kiama MP Gareth Ward’s sentencing has been delayed with Judge Kara Shead now expected to hand down his punishment on Friday at the NSW District Court.
Ward appeared in the Parramatta Court - via video link from Cessnock Correctional Centre - on Wednesday where he was due to learn his fate after being found guilty of four sexual assault offences.
However, Judge Shead announced that she had received
an application to consider whether the former NSW Families Minister should be sentenced under the practices that were applied at the time of his offences more than a decade ago or according to modern-day standards.
The Crown believes Judge Shead should adapt her sentence to the current practices while Ward’s legal counsel believe his punishment should be in line with the standards of the 2013-15 period when he abused two young men in separate incidents.
Ward’s counsel and the
Restored MV SIGNA’s Maiden Voyage
Crown will enter further submissions before Judge Shead hands down her sentence on Friday.
It was the first time the 44-year-old convicted rapist had appeared in Court since 9 October when his lawyer pleaded for leniency in sentencing after he was found guilty in late July.
He was found guilty in late July over an incident involving a political staffer, aged 24 at the time, at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago and another incident involving a recently turned 18-year-old at
the former politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.
Ward’s barrister, David Campbell SC, said his client would not re-offend, telling Judge Kara Shead “the courts will not see him again" after he had been "publicly exposed".
Campbell said it was “objectively a very humiliating experience" for Ward which has had “a serious impact on his life, his status and every aspect of his being".
He told the Court that Ward should receive a sentence of conditional liberty outside prison.
Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles told the Court that nobody could be assured that he would not offend again.
She told the Court there were “some very disturbing matters” in this case and that the “elephant in the room” was that Ward had not explained how these incidents occurred.
In his only public statement since he was found guilty, Ward said he was "absolutely shattered with the result of the trial".
Ward’s resignation in early August, less than an hour before he was due to be expelled
from NSW Parliament, triggered a by-election in Kiama with Labor rival Katelin McInerney, the narrow runner-up to Ward at the 2022 poll, winning in a landslide. He had held the state seat since 2011, initially for more than a decade as a Liberal Party representative before contesting the election three years ago as an Independent.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Bugle wins prestigious award for Best Editorial Campaign
The Bugle is celebrating after being recognised at the 2025 Country Press NSW Awards of Excellence for our coverage at the Combined Country Press NSW and Victorian Country Press Association (VCPA) awards night.
Showcasing exactly how regional journalism can make a lasting impact, The Bugle enjoyed a successful night at the awards ceremony held at the Sebel Resort, Yarrawonga, as part of a joint conference with the Victorian Country Press Association.
The newspaper earned recognition in three major categories, including the coveted Best Editorial Campaign.
The winning MV Signa series by reporter Lleyton Hughes celebrated the delightfully restored wooden boat, connecting the community through storytelling across print, video and social media.
With the help of The Bugle, the boat travelled from Kiama to Hobart with six local crew members manning the ship for the trip to the International Timber Boat Festival.
Judge Andrew Manuel praised the series, saying
it “inspired pride and excitement among readers and demonstrates how a local newspaper can strengthen its brand while celebrating stories that truly matter.”
In the NSW Best Sports Story category, Hughes received a Commended award for “Like father, like son”, which followed Gerringong Lions junior Tyran Wishart’s journey to the NRL grand final, following in the footsteps of his famous father Rod’s legacy.
Manuel noted, “The piece captures Tyran Wishart’s personal and professional journey, linking it to his father’s legacy. With strong quotes and detail, it balances local pride with national significance.”
Hughes was also Highly Commended in the NSW Young Journalist of the Year category, with judges highlighting his versatility and engaging storytelling.
These accolades underline The Bugle’s ongoing commitment to quality journalism that resonates with the community - from celebrating local heritage and culture with MV Signa to capturing the human spirit through sport.
Regional newspapers, the
awards demonstrate, remain essential to local life.
Award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, who spoke at the conference, knows firsthand the power of regional journalism.
In a compelling address, McKenzie reflected on his early days reporting in Wagga Wagga, where local stories and personalities shaped his reporting skills, and shared how those foundations led to highstakes investigations into organised crime, political corruption and war crimes.
“Regional journalism is not just a stepping stone,” McKenzie said.
“It teaches you to know people, understand local dynamics, and earn trust - skills that are essential for investigative work anywhere in the world.”
His message resonated strongly with the audience: small-town newspapers do more than inform communities - they safeguard democracy and build the groundwork for reporting that can reach national and international audiences.
The conference also
Property Law with a human touch.
marked a period of transition for Country Press NSW.
Lucie Peart retired after eight years as president -
the longest tenure in the association’s history.
Edward Higgins of The Cowra Guardian was elected
NSW President, with Mark Griggs of the Wellington & District Leader taking on the role of Vice-President.
NSW contingent
Rex, John, Don and Rookie
Belle and Vee with award
John and Sandra Hansen with Lleyton
Our people make community thrive
When you think about what makes a community thrive, it’s not policies or buildings that come to mind first, it’s people.
People who volunteer, people who give, people who turn up. Last weekend I saw that spirit twice in a single day: at the first Nippers session of the season in Kiama and at the Jamberoo Car Show & Family Day.
Two very different events, one common thread: community at its best.
On Sunday morning, I joined hundreds of kids, parents and volunteers
for the first Nippers session of the season at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club.
These Nippers are learning skills that will stay with them for life.
Nippers isn’t just about surf awareness and beach confidence, it’s about teamwork and building a stronger community.
With summer just around the corner, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to be safe in and around the water.
Tragically, last season we saw too many drownings across NSW. Our surf lifesavers,
both volunteer and professional, play a vital role in keeping our beaches safe, but we all share the responsibility.
Please swim between the flags, stick to patrolled beaches during patrol hours and look out for one another. That way we can ensure everyone enjoys our coastline safely.
Later that day I had the pleasure of attending the Jamberoo Car Show & Family Day. This annual event has become one of the highlights on the Illawarra calendar, bringing together car enthusiasts, families
and community groups.
Everyone remembers their first car. Cars have a way of creating stories, memories and connections.
And even when the weather is challenging as it was on Sunday, that’s exactly what the Jamberoo Car Show does, it brings people together.
From classic cars, volunteer and sponsor stalls and music, to the fundraising efforts for the Jamberoo Rural Fire Brigade, it showed once again the power of community working side by side. Congratulations to the
organising committee who created an event to remember, and I’m looking forward to next year’s already.
Both these events, one on the sand and one on the oval, showcased people willing to give their time, energy and passion for the benefit of others.
As Mayor, I’m proud to support the individuals and groups who make our region safe, vibrant and connected. Here’s to a safe summer and many more great community days ahead.
Please note - this is paid content
Nippers
Workable solution on horizon for Markets dispute
Kiama Business
Network and a group of local business operators are confident of finding a workable solution after meeting on Wednesday over the Seaside Markets issue.
A group of local business owners last week presented a petition to Kiama Council, calling on the markets to be scaled back due to the effect on revenue to local shops.
KBN president Cathryn Lyall met with Alan Smith from The Farmer’s Table and three other local business operators on Wednesday to discuss the markets, which are run by the local business network.
Lyall said the discussion was fruitful and KBN’s board will meet next week to discuss a range of strategies to help get visitors to the Seaside Markets moving throughout the town centre to boost local trade at bricks and mortar shops.
Kiama Council’s Spendmapp data shows that local revenue increases by 25% on Market Sundays and Lyall said KBN was attempting to get a more
intrictate analysis of the information so that they can address the concerns of local business owners.
“I think it was a really constructive meeting,” she said. “We listened to their concerns.
“We are going to have an out of cycle board meeting and consider our next steps and come back to the group of business owners individually and collectively.
“We will see what we can do tactically for our next market to see if we can improve things.”
Smith said he was encouraged by the meeting and was confident solutions could be found that satisfied all parties.
“It went very well,” he said.
“Are we in 100% agreement? No. Do we have a pathway forward? I think so.
“We felt like we were listened to.
“Kiama Business Network is about helping everybody from my perspective. Everybody has to benefit and we’ve all got to work together to find a solution that benefits everybody.”
Council Chief Executive Officer Jane Stroud issued a
statement on Wednesday to say they “fully support the operation of local markets within the Municipality, whether they be at Black Beach, Coronation Park, Reid Park or Gerringong Town Hall”.
“All market operators hold valid licences issued via resolution in 2023 for a period of five years and Council has no intention to close or suspend any markets as all current markets are operating in accordance with Council’s adopted Market Policy.
“KMC has a constructive working relationship with local market operators and values the role markets play in bringing fresh produce, additional visitor spend, visitor experience and ambience to our Municipality.
“Council received a petition related to Kiama Seaside Markets at its meeting on 21 October 2025 and, in accordance with Council’s Petition Policy, a report will be prepared for a future meeting.
“The operations/ composition of stalls within the Kiama Seaside Markets are wholly a matter for the Kiama Business Network to resolve, not Council.”
Changing economic tides
Kiama’s local economy stands at a crossroads - its vibrancy hamstrung by the dual blow of major event cancellations and mounting cost-of-living pressures.
Over recent years, the hard work of our local entrepreneurs, leaders (both political and business) and our community have created and a robust and awardwinning visitor economy - yet our fortunes are now increasingly fragile as disruptions ripple through every facet of life and business.
Nowhere is this precarity felt more acutely than in the void left by the cancellation of cornerstone celebrations - the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks and the highly anticipated Changing Tides Festival.
Traditionally, these gatherings were more than entertainment— they were economic powerhouses and in some respect, The Changing Tides Festival alone was forecast to draw 10,000 visitors (having sold out last year), each expected to spend around $300 locally, representing a devastating $3 million shortfall for shops, restaurants and cafes, and accommodation providers.
These events were a vital tonic for local businesses and workers, from part-time youth employees to seasoned traders banking on the seasonal bump.
The New Year’s fireworks, historically a magnet for revellers and families from throughout the Illawarra
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice
and beyond, have also succumbed to financial reality.
In a much-publicised decision, the event, costing around $90,000, could not secure the required budget amid Council’s fiscal tightening.
Attempts to bridge the funding gap - from crowd-sourcing to business donations - fell woefully short.
The resultant loss stretches beyond the ephemeral thrill of fireworks: reduced foot traffic, fewer restaurant bookings, and diminished overnight stays all undercut the local economy.
With fewer visitors, local businesses face leaner margins and are forced to tighten belts.
This restraint percolates through wages, staffing hours and even the viability of small ventures.
For a region supporting nearly 6800 jobs and generating over $2.5 billion in annual output, the aggregate effect is a slow, cumulative drag that heaps even more pressure on households and families.
The lost economic stimulus further strains residents, especially as household costs - from groceries to fuel and rents - continue their inexorable climb.
With the likelihood of a Melbourne Cup Day interest rate cut all but extinguished, it looks like the cancellation of these major events will be a double whammy for our community.
Our leaders lament not just the lost dollars, but
the missed opportunities to convene, celebrate, and reinforce Kiama’s reputation as a lively destination.
As Mayor Cameron McDonald put it, these events brought “colour, culture, and connection” - elements sorely missed as the town’s social and economic calendar thins.
Elected largely on the mantra of ‘communityfirst, business-focused’ the first year of this Council has undoubtedly been successful and positive.
But we must remember these successes were largely borne out of challenges that were created by historical economic and policy challenges – Blue Haven Bonaira, lifting of covenants for Glenbrook Drive and the everpresent performance improvement order from the State Government.
If the fate of Changing Tides is a signal of wider things to come, it looks like 2027 will be a genuine opportunity to see how businessfocused our leaders really are.
In the end, our fortunes are less about fireworks or festivals themselves, and more about the fragile foundations that supports communityfirst prosperity - when those pillars wobble, tremors can reverberate throughout the town.
The Bugle’s View is that we may need a business-first Council to give confidence to local entrepreneurs and grow the economies of our town to ensure that these unexpected shocks are not terminal.
Kiama markets
The NSW Opposition is putting its faith in a home-grown option to be the new Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast.
Liberal MLC Chris Rath has taken over from Deputy Liberal Leader Natalie Ward, who has held the role since the 2023 election.
Rath will take on the position in addition to his current responsibilities as Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Special Minister of State.
Born and raised in Wollongong, Chris attended school in the Illawarra before moving to Sydney to study at the University of Sydney, where he completed a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Management.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the appointment reflects their focus on the Illawarra and South Coast and its commitment to holding Premier Chris Minns’ Labor Government to account.
"Chris Rath was born in Wollongong and understands the values that define this
New South Coast Shadow Minister a home-grown product
region. His energy and determination will ensure the Illawarra and South Coast continue to have a strong voice in the NSW Opposition," Speakman said.
"Natalie Ward has been an outstanding advocate for the Illawarra and South Coast.
She has built strong local connections and has ensured the region’s priorities are heard.
“Her contribution has been significant and deeply appreciated.”
Rath said it was an honour to take on the role and is excited to reconnect with the community where he grew up.
"I was born and raised in the region, so the Illawarra and South Coast will always be my home,” he said.
“This region is full of people with strong values, a deep sense of pride and a love for their community.
“From the escarpment to the sea, it’s a place that defines the best of NSW.
“I will be relocating to the region in the coming weeks and look forward to hitting the ground running, meeting locals and listening to their
ideas about how we can make the Illawarra and South Coast stronger and more prosperous.”
Rath is also the Shadow Special Minister of State and Shadow Minister for Local Government as well as the Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council.
Ward, who is also the Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads, said the change would allow her to focus fully on “Labor’s growing list of transport and roads failures”.
"The people of this region are proud, hardworking and community minded. They deserve a government that delivers,” she said.
“This Labor Government is letting down the region where we have seen the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass stall, reliability on the South Coast train line plummet and limited new investment in the Princes Highway.
“Chris knows this area, appreciates its potential and understands what matters most to locals.
“I know he will continue to listen, engage, and stand up for the region every single day.”.
Glenbrook auctions fail to hit heights
Paul Suttor
It looks like Kiama Council will have to lower its asking price to cash in on the sale of the five residential lots at Glenbrook Drive which were passed in at last Saturday’s auction.
A crowd of onlookers and serious buyers assembled on site at 17-25 Glenbrook Drive but after bidding on each site, they were not sold.
The final bids ranged from $855,000 to $900,000 but fell short of Council’s guide price of $950,000.
Council is due to hold a confidential Extraordinary Meeting on Thursday evening to decide what to do next after the auctions fell short of the reserve prices.
Kiama Council issued a statement to say there was “strong interest, with a wellattended crowd, multiple registered bidders, and competitive bidding”.
While the lots did not sell under the hammer, Council remains committed to achieving a successful outcome.
Mayor Cameron McDonald
said the reserve price for each block was determined using pricing guidance from the appointed real estate agents and an independent valuer.
These valuations were based on comparable sales within the Kiama Local Government Area.
In accordance with the Local Government Act, Council is required to obtain the highest and best price for all land sales and to test the market.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said the auction was an important step in Council’s broader land sales process.
“While the lots didn’t sell at auction, we’re confident in the value and appeal of this land,” he said.
“We’ll continue working closely with our agents and prospective buyers to secure the best possible result for our community.”
First National Coast & Country were engaged as the selling agents and sales representative Sam Lathbury said they were in contact with several bidders to continue negotiations.
“Overall it’s been pretty positive in terms we have lots
of buyers but we haven’t quite met the price directive set and we’re working on that to get that closer together,” he said.
“Anywhere that you have things passed in there’s a bit of negativity attached to that but it’s not like we’re too far apart.
“We’re pretty confident that over the next two weeks that we will be able to put these all together.”
Council encourages interested parties to contact First National Coast & Country for further information and new bidders will of course be considered.
The Council-owned land was put up for sale after years of negotiations to cut through bureaucratic red tape to have a long-standing covenant removed by the NSW Government.
The covenant was placed on the land way back in 1991 because it was deemed too close to Bombo Quarry but many other houses have been built in the cul-de-sac, a three-minute drive west from the Kiama town centre.
The lot sizes range from 531sqm to 559.6sqm.
Kiama’s best-kept secret:
When the renowned Lime Building Group creates a home for themselves, the result is something truly extraordinary.
The Gerringong business was named the Master Builder of the Year for 2025 and has a reputation for excellence.
Privately nestled on a 1,700 m² northeasterly parcel, this rare and bespoke sanctuary captures all-day sunshine, sea breezes and the serenity of Kiama’s rural fringe.
Designed for those who dream of living “the good life,” it’s where sustainability meets sophistication.
You can collect your own free-range eggs, harvest fruit and vegetables from the garden, and entertain family and friends effortlessly beside the pool or under the stars, with sweeping lawns and open space framing this true sanctuary of natural beauty.
The residence showcases Lime Building Group’s celebrated craftsmanship and timeless design.
Inside, generous proportions and luxurious materials define every space. It features four bedrooms,
a rumpus room/media space, and a formal lounge area with a cosy fireplace.
The privately positioned, oversized parents’ retreat is a haven of calm, featuring a boutique-style dressing room, an indulgent ensuite and a sitting area, while the drive-through four-car garage offers practicality and space for those who value function and form.
A home for every generation
Beyond its architectural pedigree, this home offers exceptional flexibility for multi-generational living.
A self-contained studio with a private entrance, bathroom, and kitchenette is ideal for an extended family, an independent teenager, guests, or a peaceful, creative art studio, a space where independence and connection coexist beautifully.
Work from home, effortlessly
Designed for modern living, a dedicated home office with its own separate side access provides the perfect setting for creative pursuits, quiet productivity, or study.
Whether you’re meeting clients, working from home, or simply seeking a private retreat, this space ensures your professional
life never interrupts your family life.
Gardens and grounds
The designer landscaped gardens feature over 50 tonnes of curated sandstone, established vegetable beds, fruit trees, a chicken pen and exotic specimen trees.
Entertain effortlessly with Endicott crazy paving, a polished concrete BBQ terrace with built-in sandstone seating and a sunken firepit, perfect for summer evenings or winter nights under the stars.
Environmentally minded
This home embraces an eco-conscious lifestyle without compromise:
• Hydronic wood-fire system providing floor, water & radiator heating
• 13 kW solar power system
• Solar hot water
• Sustainable materials selected for efficiency and longevity
Additional features and finishes
• The pool features solar heating & a 35kW electric heat pump
• North-facing, lightfilled architectural design with a refined, classic façade for privacy and security
• Stone benchtops throughout
• Butler’s pantry + extra-
large laundry
• Brodware Weather solid-brass tapware
• Artedomus Elba tiles, and natural stone and handmade Spanish wall tiles
• Feature oak wall lining and custom joinery in natural oak-veneer timber
• Oversized brushed oak flooring from Woodcut
• Natural limestone from Eco Outdoors
• High ceilings with recycled rough-sawn Oregon feature beams
• Commercial windows and doors; solid-core oversized internal doors
• 2 Fisher & Paykel integrated fridges
• Feature skylights &
A Lime-built masterpiece of self-sustained
extra-wide welcoming hallway
• Hidden TV cavity in the formal lounge
• Control 4 music system plus security cameras
• Ducted air conditioning throughout
• Outdoor hot and cold shower
The ultimate Lime-built lifestyle
Why wait to build when perfection is already here?
This rare Lime-built home captures the craftsmanship, sustainability, and refined living that define the Kiama lifestyle.
Opportunities like this are almost impossible to find, a setting this special, paired with a home where every
luxury
detail has been considered and nothing overlooked.
A residence of this calibre simply couldn’t be replicated today.
Offering the best of all worlds, bespoke Lime-built luxury combined with the freedom to live sustainably on your own land.
A statement home that feels warm, inviting and deeply connected to its surroundings. Everything you’ve ever desired is right here - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, rumpus/media room, separate art/music/ guest accommodation, office, studio, pool, 4-car garage.
Please notethis is paid content
Here comes the boom ...gates
Kiama Shopping Village is on track to have boomgates installed before the summer season arrives.
Approved by Kiama Council in July, the boomgates will provide customers access to sufficient parking and greater security for shoppers.
“We’re in the process of installing a car park management system which is expected to be completed by mid-November,” a spokesperson for Woolworths, the owner of the centre, said.
“This will help ensure there’s enough parking available for customers to complete their shop, with parking remaining free for up to three hours.”
The installation follows what was an extensive process of consultation
with not only the Kiama community, but also staff working at the Shopping Village, which included 24 topics of objection assessed by Council.
Concerns over traffic congestion and vehiclepedestrian conflict were some of the objections raised and were referred to the Council’s development engineer, who stated that due to the system being ticketless, these matters will not affect traffic flow.
Kiama Council Director of Strategies and Communications Ed Paterson previously told The Bugle that “there is no impact on the existing street network” and that Woolworths is committed to keeping the flow of cars getting into the precinct.
Other objections were raised about low-income workers who potentially faced parking costs and the
safety of parking off-site.
A source at the Kiama Shopping Village told The Bugle that team members who work at retailers within the centre will be exempt from parking fees.
At the Kiama Council meeting in July, Councillors voted 6-3 in favour of the installation of the boomgates with Councillors Imogen Draisma, Yasmin Tatrai and Stuart Larkins opposed.
Kiama Council did not provide further comment when contacted by The Bugle this week.
Kiama Shopping Village, which operates from 7am to 9pm daily, currently hosts 18 shops, cafes, and restaurants, with a new gym to open in the near future.
Woolworths Group Limited, the owner of The Kiama Shopping Village was founded in Sydney in 1924 and its headquarters are in Bella Vista, Greater Sydney.
More options on the table for dog park
Mitchell Beadman
For Kiama residents and their canine companions, Kiama Council is one step closer to finally resolving the saga of the Jamberoo Fenced Off Leashed Area.
The Jamberoo FOLA construction of putting up fences was completed months ago, with Kiama Council claiming it was showing commitment “to thoughtful and inclusive public space planning” by entering the next phase of development with public exhibition.
“Taking the time to refine the design means we can deliver a space that’s safe, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone in the community,” Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said.
The Bugle asked Councillor Stuart Larkins if those representing the Kiama Local Government Area should be advocating for a quicker turnaround on projects like the Jamberoo FOLA, to which Larkins broadly agreed but did explain why the process may be considered to take longer than it should.
“I would have preferred that it happened a lot earlier so that way, we probably would not have had these delays that we’ve experienced,” Cr Larkins said.
“I guess the issue when
it comes to infrastructure projects such as a fenced dog park, but also a number of other community infrastructure projects, you need to have community codesign processes in place early on.
“That way the community of Kiama has input into what the final product will be.”
For some residents who are looking for that autumn glow, Jamberoo FOLA might not be the place to be as Kiama Council is considering shading options and also bubblers and sealed paths.
Cr. Larkins told The Bugle that the process is not as simple as just putting up a fence, taking the lead off and throwing the ball for the 9000 dogs that are registered within the Kiama LGA.
“There is the Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy (2025 – 2030) which we endorsed a couple of months ago,” Cr. Larkins said.
“That’s taken a number of years to work on. We absolutely needed to get that strategy done for a number of different reasons.
“It identified new and updated areas of dog places to go to. Previously there was nothing designated in Jamberoo.”
The Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy (20252025) which Kiama Council adopted in June encourages residents to engage with the public exhibition of the Jamberoo FOLA to ensure that Council gets this right.
“There are obviously some legislative requirements about where dogs should and shouldn’t be going,” Cr Larkins said.
“There are rules around dogs near playgrounds, so it was about enforcing that process.”
Cr Larkins first tabled a petition to Council for a fenced off-leashed dog park within the Kiama LGA at the Kiama Council Ordinary Meeting of June 2022.
The Jamberoo FOLA is funded with $75,600 from the NSW government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation program with Kiama Council contributing an additional $70,000 from developer contributions.
Cr Larkins encourages Kiama LGA residents to take up their civic duties and engage with the community consultation for the Jamberoo FOLA which includes the option to vote on five options and ends midnight Monday 24 November 2025.
Glenn resolves to make businesses better at Boot Camp
When Glenn Haworth was a kid he spent his afternoons building and restringing guitars with his father Phil in the family's music store.
In the 1980s Phil, an industrial arts teacher, began making guitars in the family garage “for fun”.
Haworth Guitars quickly outgrew its backyard workshop and the family set up a shopfront in Kiama Downs, with Glenn pitching in after primary and high school. He continued working in the family business while studying for a marketing and economics degree before taking over the business, aged 25.
By then, Haworth Guitars
had grown significantly from its humble beginnings, with Glenn turning a six-figure business into a $6 million per year enterprise, which included a music school, and multiple shopfronts.
Seven years ago, after growing Haworth Guitars in presence and profits, Glenn embarked on his own passion project - Resolve Business Coaching.
“I got a business coach myself to help grow Haworth and I also started listening to Tony Robbins (a motivational speaker) just before COVID,” explains Glenn.
“By that stage I had some great managers in my stores and was able to step back a little bit from the day-to-day running of the business.
“Having that time helped
me realise I actually want to help other people.”
Resolve bubbled away in the background while Glenn continued to run Haworth Guitars, but last year he decided to sell the business he grew up in to focus all his energy on helping other business owners.
On November 7, Resolve Business Coaching will host a free workshop in partnership with Kiama Community College called Next Level Business Bootcamp where Glenn will help sole traders create more time, curate more presence and construct a positive mindset.
“A lot of people are slaves to their business,” says Glenn.
“Learning how to delegate is really important and it gives you more time to focus on
family and other things that fulfill you and make you a better business owner.”
Glenn frequently runs business boot camps for Kiama Community College but his upcoming workshop at the Kiama Pavilion will be “next level” as it focuses on practical time-saving tools to build business awareness, improve sales, get pricing right, retain customers and get more referrals.
Glenn is a big believer in using social media and artificial intelligence tools to allow business owners to claw back more time by “working smarter not harder”.
“Marketing techniques like social media are free, so businesses really need to utilise it well,” says Glenn.
“The key to social media
is the three Es, it has to be content that is entertaining, educational and creates an emotional connection.
“Business owners need to show up on their social media so customers know who they are dealing with, and they need to be authentic.
“Life’s messy - show the mess, show the behind-thescenes content, show that you are a human, show the people in your team.
“Customers want to deal with people, they don’t want to deal with faceless businesses. They want connection.”
The boot camp will also focus on how tools like ChatGPT can help businesses save time and money.
“ChatGPT is really being underutilised by a lot of businesses,” says Glenn.
“Many are just using it on a surface level but you can actually create your own custom AI assistants so your whole team can access all the information on how the business works.”
Glenn recently hosted a business boot camp retreat at Gerringong's Bunker House, with one business owner travelling seven hours to attend, and the limited spots in the November boot camp are filling up fast.
“For me Resolve is not just about growing businesses it’s about creating community connections,” says Glenn. For bookings and more information visit the Kiama Community College website.
Danielle Woolage
Mitchell Beadman
Councillor Stuart Larkins and Kiama
MLC Sarah Kaine
Time to bee inspired
Danielle Woolage
Fancy sipping on a honey-inspired cocktail and grazing on a cheese platter sprinkled with liquid gold while a world-famous sommelier talks about tasting notes and the nuances of nectar?
with Rachael - the resident beekeeper at Burnett’s for almost a decade - now a mentor for keepers across the state and Jessica in demand across the nation for her ability to detect honey’s most delicate flavour notes.
If this sounds like a sweet way to spend a summer afternoon then head over to Burnetts on Barney on 7 November to join Kiama beekeeper Rachael Peedom and Jessica Locarnini, Australia’s only certified honey sommelier, for a tasting masterclass.
“Who knew there was such a thing,” laughs Rachael.
“But Jess is the nation’s only certified honey sommelier which means she is in demand across the country.”
Rachael and Jessica fell in love with beekeeping after setting up hobby hives in their respective backyardsRachael in Kiama in 2017 and Jessica in Victoria in 2005.
Since then their passion projects have taken flight,
Rachael, a former pilot, has 25 hives across Kiama, including 11 at the popular nursery owned by Elizabeth and her husband Andrew.
Rachael also runs beekeeping workshops at Burnetts for school students, as well as the general public as part of her education and mentoring business, Bee Inspired.
Similarly, Jessica has taken her sweet hobby to the next level, studying in Italy and the US to join a register of “Experts in Sensory Analysis of Honey” and gain global accreditation as a honey sommelier. She now travels across the nation to deliver tasting masterclasses, judge competitions and educate anyone interested in learning all there is to know about Australian honey. “Honey is so much more
than ‘sweet’,” says Jessica.
“Each spoonful tells a story of place and season. Once you start expanding your flavour descriptions from caramel to fruit tingles and flowers, you never look at honey the same way again.”
Jessica hopes people who join her masterclass will taste honey the way they taste wine with “curiosity, nostalgia and imagination”.
“We are so excited to have Jessica in Kiama,” says Rachael.
“I first came across her during COVID when she ran a honey tasting event online. Jess would send samples of honey to people’s homes with tasting notes and encourage you to write down what you were tasting.
“To have the nation’s only honey sommelier in Kiama running a tasting masterclass is pretty amazing.
“(Elizabeth) will create delicious grazing platters using local produce, including cheeses to pair with the honey, and there will be live music and a signature honey cocktail.”
Rachael says there will be “abundance of honey” from the nursery’s Flow hives and Langstroth Hives for Jessica to taste and provide notes on.
But she believes the worldclass sommelier could have her work cut out for her detecting the subtle differences in the floral notes unique to Kiama honey.
“The bees are spoiled for choice here at Burnett's because everything is flowering all the time so they have a feast to choose from,” says Rachael.
“The honey here is always so diverse and I’ve never tried to pretend I know what the bees are feeding on.
“We’ve got 20 different varieties of eucalypt alone in Kiama, then there’s the coastal wattles and the native banksia, which makes for a deep, rich coloured honey.
“We’ve even had some honey come out of the hives over the weekend that tastes like toasted marshmallow.
“But Jess has such a finely tuned palate for tasting honey, it’s why she’s the nation’s only certified honey sommelier,
and she will be sharing that art and science with us all.”
Rachael, who has recently expanded from three hives to 11 at Burnetts, is hopeful for a bountiful yield of honey this season after wet weather, coupled with an outbreak of the deadly varroa mite, decimated hives across the state last year.
“Last year was a tough season because of all the rain, it washed away all the flowers and pollen that the bees feed on,” says Rachael.
“In the past we probably would’ve produced around 50kg of honey per annum at the Burnetts Apiary if it had been a good season.
“But this year, with the additional hives and more favourable weather so far, I’m anticipating around 350kg.”
Tickets to the honey tasting masterclass, which runs from 5-7pm, are available online. https://events.humanitix. com/exclusive-honeytasting-masterclass
Rachael says the event is also running on Saturday 8 November at Bay and Bush Cabins at Jervis Bay at 10am.
Youth urged to step into summer work as Kiama businesses rebuild
Mitchell Beadman
For Kiama, summer is considered the season of harvest for businesses with the booming tourism trade - it is also a chance for the Kiama teenagers to get a summer job and support the busy season.
Cathryn Lyall, President of Kiama Business Network (KBN) told The Bugle that while businesses make their own decisions about their employment, the network is exploring skills-based programs.
“We are looking at more programs and ways to upskill young people, especially from Year 9 and 10 onwards, with the kind of basic skills that are needed during school holidays or university holidays,” Lyall said.
“That’s when businesses are looking to hire parttime and casual workers to supplement over those really busy periods.”
Lyall said there is also the possibility of using the Seaside Markets, a KBN initiative, as a potential training ground for Kiama’s teenagers as it can be a long stretch for store owners.
“We’re looking at pulling together a cohort of interested young people who would come and help out at the markets in a range of roles, whether it be bump in and bump out, health and safety,
‘Stand out’
sales and customer service, managing payments,” Lyall said.
“There’s a whole raft of entry-level roles that could be very useful for young people to gain experience, including supporting the logistics around running and event like that.”
For Kiama business owner Elizabeth Burnett, it is important to employ locals.
“I actively employ locals and I’ve never been sort of disappointed or unable to get people to work,” Burnett said.
The owner of Burnetts on Barney Garden Centre and café, and a Director of the KBN, she has some sage advice for Kiama’s young jobseekers.
“Don’t wait to see if there’s an ad out there, go and knock on the doors of your local business and ask people that
you know if there’s work around,” Burnett said.
“Stand out and be the one who knocks on the door.”
KBN also supports Kiama locals by sponsoring the business studies award at Kiama High School for Year 12 students.
“The person who wins the [business] studies prize at the Kiama High School not only gets a cash prize, but we also offer mentoring to that winner through board members and businesses in the town through introductions,” Lyall said.
“The mentoring process with the winner is giving us great insight into the issues impacting young people.
“It is also informing some of the things we’re looking to do with youth and young people as far as jobs, job certainty, employment and
career opportunities in our LGA.”
With businesses just getting back on their feet after COVID and the anticipation of a $200,000 commitment from the NSW Government during the Kiama by-election for a Night-Time economy strategy and trial of Special Entertainment Precinct in the Kiama CBD, Lyall said there is still much to do.
“People are hanging on and trading their way out of it and some have got some really strong ‘green shoots’ while some have got some ‘modest green shoots’ [of business growth],” Lyall said.
“You know, we have got to support our local businesses, we’ve got to buy local as a community.
“But we have also got to encourage people outside to come and buy local, because that [support] is what is going to get everyone over these pretty significant challenges going forward.”
Employers across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven are being encouraged to take part in two upcoming Jobs Drives designed to connect local businesses with job-ready candidates who are ready to work now.
The Dapto Jobs Drive will take place next Wednesday (5 November) at the Ribbonwood Centre, Dapto, followed by the Nowra Jobs Drive on Thursday, 13 November at the
Action Park to lodge new DA over car plan
Jamberoo Action Park will be lodging a new Development Application that includes additional information requested by Kiama Council after its initial plan to use its car park in its low season was rejected.
Representatives of the Action Park and Council met on Tuesday to discuss the recent Development Application regarding the use of the existing car park area.
The Park had been using its car park as a holding yard for imported cars during the offpeak season.
The vehicles in question are BYDs - a Chinese manufacturer which has gained significant traction in the Australian market in recent years and are built as electric vehicles.
Council and the Action Park on Wednesday issued a joint statement to say "both parties are committed to working together constructively and transparently to ensure the best outcomes for the community and local businesses, while adhering to all planning regulations".
Have your say on Heritage Review
Kiama Council wants to hear from locals about how to ensure heritage values of the historic Jamberoo Village are adequately protected and maintained.
The Jamberoo Heritage Review Study was first prepared and consulted on between 2021 and 2023.
Nowra School of Arts.
Both events will run from 10am to 2pm and are free for employers to attend.
Run by the Illawarra South Coast Local Jobs Program, the Jobs Drives bring together local employers and candidates giving businesses the opportunity to meet and interview potential staff on the day.
“These events make hiring simple,” said Andrew Wales, Local Jobs Coordinator for the Illawarra South Coast.
“Employers can meet multiple job-ready candidates face-to-face, conduct quick interviews, and in many cases, fill vacancies on the spot.”
Employers from across retail, hospitality, care and support, trades, warehousing, administration, and cleaning sectors are particularly encouraged to attend.
Each event will feature Workforce Australia personnel managing the flow of candidates, ensuring employers can focus on conversations and hiring decisions.
Registrations can be completed online:
• Dapto Jobs Drive: https:// events.humanitix.com/daptojobs-drive-october-2025employers
• Nowra Jobs Drive: https:// events.humanitix.com/nowrajobs-drive-november-2025employers
Based on community feedback, the project was paused and an independent peer review was carried out two years ago.
In September, a Report for Information on the Jamberoo Heritage Project was presented to Council, outlining the history of the project and next steps to progress the project.
Council will continue to engage with the affected landowners and broader community and staff will be available to discuss the project at community pop ups:
Wednesday 5 November, 3pm to 6pm, Farmers Market, Kiama Thursday 6 November 2025, 4pm to 6pm, Jamberoo IGA.
Bass Point road upgrade
A key section of Bass Point Tourist Road in Shellharbour will soon undergo a major upgrade to improve safety, access and resilience to future weather events.
Construction will start in November, rebuilding the two-kilometre section of road from the main entrance gate to Bushrangers Bay car park with a sealed surface and upgraded drainage.
The upgrade to Bass Point Tourist Road, delivered through the $200 million Infrastructure Betterment Fund under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will help reduce long-term maintenance needs and improve reliability for locals and visitors.
Federal Member for Whitlam Carol Berry said Bass Point is an iconic location.
The Burnetts on Barney's team
Jessica Locarnini
Kiama’s Rachael Peedom
Hindmarsh Park BBQ vandalism disrupts birthday party
While the incident did not spoil the party, he shared his experience on the Kiama Community Page on Facebook, not as a complaint, but as a simple notification of what happened, and to remind families to
tourism town, we should have daily visual inspections on high-volume parks.
child might get a … surprise,” he said.
Easther, who had arrived early to set up and start the barbecue, noticed something was off when a strong,
Rather than risk cooking on the council barbecue, Easther went home to collect his own.
“I have no doubt that people the night before have defecated and urinated on the BBQs considering the smell when the BBQ was turned on,” he wrote in his social media post.
“I’m not blaming the council,” Easther told The Bugle. “But as a
Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day revs up for good cause
the family fun.
Not even a few clouds could dampen the spirit of Jamberoo’s annual Car Show and Family Day last Sunday.
Organised by the Jamberoo Valley Classic Vehicles Club, the event once again proved to be one of the town’s most anticipated community gatherings, raising funds for the Jamberoo Rural Fire Service.
President David Wiggins, who also heads the Car Show Committee, said “the day was a huge success even despite the weather.”
More than 500 cars filled Kevin Walsh Oval, from classic to modern showpieces, with crowds estimated at around 5000 people turning out to admire the vehicles and enjoy
“We were on the ground from four in the morning,” Wiggins said.
“It’s 12 months of preparation that goes into it, but it’s always worth it.”
Gates opened at 9am, with motorcycling champion Cameron Donald officially launching proceedings.
Despite a brief shower midmorning, the visitors kept coming - umbrellas in hand and smiles on their faces.
Each year brings something new, and this year’s highlight was a hand-built mini truck, made from scratch by a local enthusiast using the body of a Chevy Silverado.
The day also featured a range of attractions beyond the cars, including face painting, a petting zoo, a lifesized Transformer Bumblebee and the always popular rocker
cover races run by the South Coast Vintage Car Club.
More than 200 kids took part, each walking away with a prize.
“It’s really a wholesome, family-friendly event,” Wiggins said. “We don’t just want car lovers to have a great day - we want everyone to enjoy it.”
The nearby Jamberoo Village Markets added to the atmosphere, while the CWA hosted a cosy tea room in the Youth Hall for those wanting a quieter break from the action.
Wiggins expressed his gratitude to everyone who made the day possible.
“A big thank you to the car show committee, our club volunteers, and especially the local fire brigade - the event wouldn’t happen without them.”
“Not all of them - just the main ones. Someone could simply drive around, check that everything’s safe, and tape off any areas that aren’t until maintenance can come through.”
Easther says his main concern is for children's safety, especially with the new enclosed slides at modern playgrounds.
“Parents don't see what is insideonly the kids do. One day, someone's
While Council staff have since cleaned the barbecue, Easther hopes this experience sparks conversation about the importance of maintaining Kiama’s public spaces - particularly those that attract large numbers of visitors.
“We can’t police everything,” Easther said, “but simple daily checks during busy periods could make all the difference. We live in such a beautiful place - we just need to look after it.”
Council proposes long-term lease for Gerringong SLSC clubhouse
Kiama Council is seeking public feedback on its 10-year plus 10-year lease to Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club for the clubhouse building on Pacific Avenue at Werri Beach.
Councillors at last week’s monthly meeting voted to put the proposed lease on public exhibition.
The proposed lease is for the operation of a surf lifesaving clubhouse, including all associated lifesaving activities, as well as other cultural, educational, sporting, or community uses as approved by the lessor (Kiama Council).
The initial term will be for 10 years with an option to renew for another decade, subject to Council approval.
The new clubhouse, which was opened in February, is packed with modern facilities, including a first aid room, emergency equipment
storage, public toilets and showers, a gym, bar area, multipurpose rooms, and a large beach observation deck.
The surrounding area has also received upgrades, with improved parking, outdoor showers, and bike racks.
In accordance with Council’s 2025–2026 Fees & Charges for a community group, the annual rental fee will be $525.45+GST per annum ($578.00 incl. GST), plus outgoings.
This rent will increase each year in accordance with Council’s Fees & Charges.
Council staff have met with the executive of the GSLSC to discuss the lease proposal and the required process for Council to enter into a lease of public property on Community Land as per the Local Government Act.
Discussions are going well with all parties working collaboratively and
constructively.
“We’re pleased to making real progress towards a 10 plus 10-year lease for Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club on this fantastic new community facility," Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said.
Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to advertise the proposal in accordance with Section 47 of this Act.
This will allow the community to comment on the proposal within the 28day advertising period.
All submissions received and any objections must be considered by Council and then referred to the Minister for Local Government for consideration to consent to enter into the proposed lease. Members of the public are invited to have their say on the proposed lease via Council’s Your Say platform.
Eleeya Kahale
Gerringong SCLS President Gary George, Vice-President Mitch Payne and Kiama Councillor Matt Brown at the clubhouse’s opening in February. Photo: The Bugle
Caring for Country adopts a virtual reality at Bombo
Mitchell Beadman
Afuturistic twist supported the identification of nurturing Aboriginal sites and artefacts at a recent community field day at Bombo Headland.
The NSW Government’s South East Local Land Services (LLS) and Landcare Illawarra hosted the event led by Aboriginal Community Support Officer Rodney Freeman.
Participants had the chance to experience cultural learning not just through traditional storytelling and connecting to Country, but through a digital lens using virtual reality.
Using virtual reality goggles, participants were able to experience their surroundings
through the production of LLS videos which provided a deeper meaning of caring for Country and how to identify cultural artefacts.
“I’ve taken it [the transferring of knowledge] from ‘inside a classroom to outside’, so it was a bit more of a relaxing experience,” Freeman said.
Landcare Illawarra coordinator Meredith Hall said this type of event is not only a way for the organisation to provide greater insight to the wider community, but also to engage with their Reconciliation Action Plan.
“The feedback from this workshop was that it made them much more aware of what is an Aboriginal site and what are cultural artefacts,” Hall said.
“It made them more aware of how or when approaching a site, what to think of in regard to Aboriginal sites and artefacts.”
Hall said that this event was also about making sure
communities know where to find the relevant resources.
“There’s a due diligence checklist that was circulated at the workshop,” she said.
“If you are going to work on a site, what are the things to consider. We apply that [due diligence checklist], especially when we have new groups starting up.”
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water published the Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in NSW in 2010 and it falls under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
Freeman explains the protocol provides assistance to the maintenance and care for identified and potential Aboriginal sites.
“We’re trying to get that
Look after your child’s teeth with NSW Health
NSW Health is encouraging families in regional and rural areas of NSW to make sure they are taking advantage of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
The CDBS, which started in 2014, is a national program that provides eligible children with a capped benefit for basic dental services.
Up to $1132 in benefits over two calendar years can be accessed per child, covering most general dental services.
A child may be eligible for this benefit if they have a Medicare card, are aged 0 to 17 years, and they are part of a family that receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or the child receives an Australian Government payment.
The CDBS can be used at most private dentists, public dental clinics, NSW Health school-based dental services, and some Aboriginal community-based health organisations.
Looking after your child’s teeth through regular dental check-ups is important for your child’s wellbeing, and is always a priority for NSW Health.
So even if a child is not eligible for CDBS, uses up their full CDBS amount or needs treatment that isn’t covered by the schedule, there are still no costs for care at NSW public dental clinics.
Parents and guardians can visit health.nsw.gov.au/cdbs for more information and to check if your child is eligible. Please note - this is paid content
public awareness,” he said.
“Different people have different understanding of what a cultural site is. Some know the procedures, and some do not. We are breaking down those myths.”
Freeman explained there is a common misconception within the wider community, including the Aboriginal community, that land will be taken away if a report is made to the LLS or the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
“It’s not at all about that, it is about protecting cultural sites,” Freeman said.
Bombo Headland, which would be considered as Sea Country in Aboriginal culture, is part of a wider ecosystem that provided the resources for living to the Wodi Wodi people
of the Dharawal nation.
Recently, the NSW DPI commissioned a survey which looked to gain insights into ‘What does connection to Sea Country mean for Aboriginal Peoples of Coastal NSW’ and ‘What do we need to have a healthy, thriving Sea Country now, and for generations to come?’ and invited 11 Aboriginal communities to partake.
As part of the findings, it was acknowledged that not only is Sea Country a vital component to cultural connection, but essential to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal Peoples in NSW.
Landcare Illawarra told The Bugle that local Aboriginal elders were asked to partake in this event but none could attend.
Gerringong Gazette
out & about with
Lions collect bottles by the thousands
Gerringong Lions Club had a very busy October long weekend.
It started with a very cold Oktoberfest celebration on the Thursday night where members and friends enjoyed some beautiful German sausages and a host of salads as well as the mandatory beer refreshments.
Monday it was all action - the Return and Earn operation was in full swing with a near record 12,000 bottles and cans collected.
Not all of them would fit into the machines and the rest were stored for processing the next day.
All of the proceeds are distributed to charities and organisations in need of assistance.
At the same time, another band of Lions were at Bunnings Albion Park cooking sausage sandwiches with the crew for the afternoon shift following them in what was another worthy fundraiser for the Lions.
Many thanks to Bunnings.
From denying to thriving
Gerringong Rotary
an ocean photographer’s journey
Stephanie Kemp
Ocean photographer Jaron Oshannessy recently treated us to a slide show of his photography and also shared his journey to acceptance of his autism, ADHD and bipolar disorder through nature and his art.
While in hospital, he reflected on a childhood fishing trip when he caught a 4kg snapper.
On that trip he saw a whale with a baby, grabbed his mother’s camera and took his first ocean photograph.
A stroke of luck led him to a pop-up shop of works by Ray Collins, another ocean photographer.
Ray offered to mentor Jarod and has been teaching him and shooting with him for five years.
They shoot together on land and in the water. Shooting in the water involves swimming with a 2kg waterproof camera tied to him so he cannot lose it.
Over five years in and out of hospitals, Jarod met a variety of people and came to accept his illness.
Acceptance opened the door to recovery and he is now passionate about sharing his story to help others.
People with mental health issues are still people – they just feel more acutely.
They need to feel heard and loved like we all do.
Moving to the South Coast helped Jarod as he found himself surrounded by the beauty of nature.
He joined Christian Surfers and has at last found somewhere he belongs.
His photos can be seen on Instagram, Facebook and on his website - https:// oserenityphotography. squarespace.com.
Cath Winley - a wholehearted therapist
Cath moved to the Gerringong community four years ago with her children after she was widowed.
She finished training as an art therapist in July and sees therapy as a way of giving back to the community.
She wants to help people unpack their stuff so that they can live their lives to their full potential and become the best version of themselves.
Often we follow the same pattern in our interactions and make the same mistakes again and again.
Cath wants to help people Realise these patterns so they can move beyond them and lead a fulfilling life, at whatever stage of life.
Her particular interests are in helping the elderly and young boys.
The beauty of art therapy is
when people’s hands are busy doing something, it is easier for them to open up than when they are sitting across the room from a therapist.
She gave the example of a World War II veteran who was colouring in poppies.
Gradually he opened up about his war experiences for the first time to the point where he asked for help buying a suit so that he could attend his first Anzac Day.
She described the satisfaction she finds in group work in care homes, where residents come out of their rooms and begin to form friendships, revisiting and comparing memories of the mischief they got up to in the 1950s and 1960s.
Often music provides the stimulus to refresh the memories and help conversation flow.
She also shared an instance where she helped a teenage girl overcome her fear of getting in the water.
Often when she is working with teenagers, she takes her two poodles and finds that they help young people relax into the session.
For further information on Cath’s practice, Wholehearted Therapy and Healing, go to www.healyourheart.com.au.
Future speakers
Future speakers at our
Wednesday morning meetings in Gerringong Town Hall are publicised on our website - https:// gerringongrotary.com.au. Visitors are welcome – please arrive in time for a 7.30am start.
Over the next few weeks, we are welcoming:
● 19 November: Dr Zara Fulton, speaking on “Innovation and Impact in Disability and Health". Dr Fulton is the Head of Investment at Remarkable, the startup accelerator run by Cerebral Palsy Alliance, where she supports technology shaped by lived experience to create a meaningful impact for people with complex disabilities.
● 3 December: Meryll Faulkner, speaking on "The Art of Makeup and Mentorship". She is a professional makeup artist and educator, principal of Making Faces Makeup Studio, Kiama and has over 20 years experience in film, TV, and education. She trained under Oscar-nominated artists and mentored many of Australia's leading makeup professionals. New members and friends always welcomesee www.gerringongrotary. com.au or contact secretarygerringongrotary@ gmail.com.
Gerroa Combined Probus Club guest speaker Bronwyn, from South Coast Therapy Support Group, with members Marilyn and Coralie, assessing the services and equipment available in our local area.
Jarod with Rob Miller
Val Noble’s Air Mail letter from 1934
Mark Emery
If you want to speak to someone overseas urgently these days you can do so in many immediate ways.
You can even see the person as you do it.
When the European settlers came to Australia in 1788, the only way of communication was by letter that went by ship.
This took many months.
As the years went by ships travelled a little faster but it was still counted in months.
At the end of World War
I, wireless telegraphs made it much quicker but on many occasions, written correspondence by letter was the only effective way to communicate important or personal information.
What was needed was a fast way of delivering these letters.
Intrepid aviators were the answer.
Australia’s most famous aviator is Sir Charles Kingsford Smith but a great partner pilot was Charles Ulm.
In April 1934, not long before he was lost somewhere
in the Pacific Ocean, Ulm carried the very first airmail letters from Australia to New Zealand.
Gerringong’s Val Noble wrote one of those very first letters that travelled in the plane Ulm flew.
This is the letter and the envelope. The fact that the stamps are missing from the envelope is not unusual.
Stamp collectors, including myself, regularly raided letters to add to their collection. The stamps on this letter would have been highly prized.
ValNobleenvelope1934
Slow Travel: Unhurried Holidays, slow down, see more
In a world that often feels like it’s spinning too fast, “slow travel” is making a major comeback.
It’s the type of travel that values connection over checklists, taking the time to truly experience a place rather than rushing through it.
Slow travel is about how deeply you engage with a destination.
It’s the difference between ticking off the Eiffel Tower
and spending an afternoon people-watching from a café in Montmartre, chatting with the waiter about his favourite local bakery.
It’s wandering through a Tuscan village at your own pace, getting lost down cobblestoned lanes and finding a family-run trattoria that doesn’t appear on Google Maps.
When you travel slowly, you notice the small things, the rhythm of daily life, the scent of freshly baked bread, the sound of church bells marking the hour.
You give yourself space to connect with locals, to learn a few phrases, and to understand a place’s traditions beyond the tourist surface.
These moments become the memories that last long after you’ve returned home.
There’s also a sustainability benefit. Fewer flights, longer stays, and locally owned accommodation all help reduce your footprint and ensure more money stays within the community.
Many travellers are now choosing to base themselves in one region and explore by train, bicycle, or even on foot, experiences that not only support the environment but also reveal a more authentic side of travel.
From our years in the travel industry, we’ve seen the way
slower travel transforms people.
Clients return not just with photos, but with stories.
For example, the Swiss innkeeper who shared his homemade cheese, the Moroccan guide who invited them to his family’s home, or the quiet joy of a sunrise in the Bolivian salt flats.
These experiences don’t happen when you’re racing from A to B, they happen when you take your time.
Our owner, Peta, has just returned from her own slow travel, multi-generational family holiday through Italy and Greece.
Four weeks of long lunches, engaging with the locals, a weeklong houseboat experience around the Venetian islands, another week on a Greek island without cars, and of course shared discoveries.
Her journey reminded our team why this style of travel matters.
Feel free to reach out to hear about it. For help planning a journey that’s truly about the experience contact Travel Focus Group on 02 4209 2044.
Please note - this is paid content
Val Noble letter 1934
Kiama High: Kiama
Out and about
Democracy Letter Writing Challenge
Last term, the Year 7
Ad Altiora English class participated in an enrichment activity designed to awaken their sense of democracy and develop their persuasive voices to strengthen our local community.
Smart Energy Consulting: 2017
Letter to the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education
Dear Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, My name is Tanner Walls, and I am writing to you about an environmental problem that has an easy solution.
What I am referring to is the average usage of electricity caused by the school and how much that costs.
Kiama High uses 1452kWh of electricity per day and compared that to a normal average household electricity intake, 8-21kWh per day, adds up to Kiama High averaging to about 69.14 houses of electricity per day.
These costs add up because 1452kWh of electricity costs about $488.93 per day, based on the cost that Sydney uses.
That adds up over time. But with solar panels, we get ecofriendly and cost-friendly too.
Using the system gross cost formula, we can get $208 039
Kiama’s class winner was Tanner Walls, who presented thoughtful ideas on positive changes that could be made at a school level to reduce our carbon footprint.
Tanner’s letter will be sent to the Minister of Education as part of the challenge.
to buy the entire solar panel system.
This will save money on electricity for the rest of the solar panels lifespan, which lasts 25-30 years before decreasing in efficiency by 0.25% to 1% each year, saving $5353783.5 before the system efficiency begins to decrease, ignoring rainy days or days where solar panels are unusable.
And this is just the bare minimum to eliminate buying electricity from power grids that rely on fossil fuel. If enough solar panels are bought, we can beat the amount of electricity consumed per day and start making income off them.
It’ll be small but can fund days where solar panels can’t be used, making a sustainable power system that does not need funding and can run itself if extra power is sold and bought from power grids on rainy days.
Kind Regards, Tanner Walls
Art meets wine at Cin Cin Bar
Cin Cin Wine Bar, Expressive Art Experience and the Expressive Art Wall Trail are joining forces for the next edition of their Corks and Canvases art experience.
A playful twist on the popular paint and sip concept, this event next Saturday (8 November) will make the most of Cin Cin’s Wall Trail - a beloved feature of the bar.
“It all starts with the Wall Trail … the old Art Bar installed tracks for hanging art and rotating artists on their walls - Cin Cin has continued this tradition,” said Expressive Art Experience owner Michelle Springett.
Michelle, together with her daughter Tiffany Springett, now manages the Wall Trail, helping local artists exhibit and sell their work at venues across the Illawarra.
In November and December, local artist Nicky Lett will take over the walls with her
Kiama High School is in the swing of the final term of the year.
Year 7 students have enjoyed an excursion to Symbio Wildlife Park as part of their Science studies.
The Year 7 will also take part in Police Youth Talks, addressing the dangers of vaping and the importance of cyber safety, with a focus on the risks of filming and sharing inappropriate behaviour online.
The Aboriginal Education Team is proud to announce that Kiama High School will host a Cultural Immersion Day on Wednesday, 20 November.
Local primary school students will be welcomed for a day of cultural learning, connection, and celebration.
Activities will include weaving, art, Indigenous games, and storytelling, with opportunities for students to engage with community members and deepen their understanding of culture.
The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.
India talks up a storm
India, a Kiama High Year 7 student, was recently recognised for her Exceptional Achievement in the Junior Secondary Speaking Award.
India has earned recognition for her outstanding performance in the prestigious Junior Secondary Speaking Award, a competition open to students aged 14 and under as of January 1, from public and private schools across NSW.
Students excel at maths competition
The Australian Mathematics Competition is a nationwide challenge which brings together some of the brightest mathematical minds, testing creative problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.
This year saw a record number of participants from Kiama High School, with students competing across the Junior (Years 7–8) and Intermediate (Year 9) divisions.
India was one of three students selected from the Zone round to advance to the Regional Round, where she was declared the winner.
From there, she progressed to the State Round, competing against regional champions from nine other schools across NSW.
While India did not secure the top spot at this level, Kiama High was incredibly proud of her dedication and impressive results.
The results were exceptional, reflecting the enthusiasm and the growing mathematical capability of the students.
Two students achieved a Distinction – placing them among the top 20% of students nationwide.
Henry Mathies (Year 7) – Z Score: 1.18
Seb Moore (Year 8) – Z Score: 1.02
There were 13 students who earned a Credit for performing well above the national average.
Atticus Coffey (Year 7)
Corks and Canvases:
exhibition Tides and Textures, a collection that captures the spirit of the sea through vibrant abstracts, expressive seascapes, and underwater scenes.
The Corks and Canvases evening will draw inspiration from Nicky’s art.
“We’ll be painting works inspired by Nicky’s amazing underwater art,” said Michelle.
“Paint and sip events are always a lot of funlighthearted, creative, and social. This one felt like a perfect fit: Corks for the wine, and Canvases for the painting - a little twist to set it apart.”
The Corks and Canvases series will run every two months, each session inspired by the artist currently featured on the walls.
“Expressive Art Experience is
quite unique - every participant paints something different and works at their own pace. It’s a really rewarding and enjoyable experience,” Michelle said. Michelle also believes it’s the perfect way to celebrate the year’s end with friends - combining creativity, community, and great wine.
“If you’ve joined an Expressive Art Experience before, we’d love to see you again. And if you haven’t - or think you’re ‘not artistic’ - I challenge you to give it a go. You might just surprise yourself!”
“It’s a great way to get the gang together and celebrate the year’s end,” she added.
And if wine isn’t your thing? No problem.
“It’s not all about the sipping! Once you pick up a paintbrush, the art usually takes over. So if drinking’s not your style, come along anyway - I’ll happily share a cuppa tea with you,” said Michelle with a smile.
The Corks and Canvases event takes place on 8 November, and tickets are available now at www.expressiveartexperience. com/events.
Don’t miss the opening night of Nicky Lett’s Tides and Textures exhibition at Cin Cin on 6 November.
If you’re a local artist interested in exhibiting at Cin Cin Wine Bar, get in touch with Michelle at info@ expressiveartwalltrail.com.
Jacob
Another 23 students received a Proficiency, demonstrating strong mathematical reasoning.
Frederick Cunningham (Year 7)
Hugh Hassall (Year 7)
Eli Laidler (Year 7)
Ted Loemker (Year 7)
Jessica McDonald (Year 7)
Rhys Budd (Year 8)
Josie Cross (Year 8)
Luca Jarratt (Year 8)
Baxter Mackay (Year 8)
Emily Raval (Year 8)
Van Alphen (Year 8)
Rory Lea (Year 9)
Picks of the bunch announced for Spring Garden Competition
Grow with John Gabriele:
Gorgeous garden classics for the warm months ahead
Who doesn’t love a hydrangea?
Right now, I have some gorgeous white-flowering hydrangeas - wonderful plants for the summer garden.
As we move further into the warmer months, hydrangeas really come into their own.
The traditional mop-top hydrangeas are the ones most people know, producing beautiful blue or pink blooms. The flower colour is determined by the soil’s pH: if they’re blue, your soil is acidic; if they’re pink, it’s more alkaline.
You can even change their colour by adjusting the soil. To encourage blue flowers, use a hydrangea bluing tonic. If you have blue ones and want them pink, add lime to raise the pH - soon you’ll be rewarded with pink blooms. Hydrangeas are fantastic plants for gardens that receive good morning sun and protection from the hot westerly sun in the afternoon.
They dislike drying out, so water deeply at the base or crown of the plant rather than over the top.
Avoid watering the leaves or flowers - this can lead to a fungal disease on the blooms called botrytis.
There are other beautiful types of hydrangeas too.
Hydrangea quercifolia, the oak-leaf hydrangea, produces lovely flowers that differ from the mop-top form - more of a spiked inflorescence - but equally gorgeous and a great garden addition.
Keep an eye out for pink and burgundy varieties as well. These hold their colour regardless of soil pH, offering a reliably stunning display.
Hydrangeas are definitely something to consider for your summer garden.
Pelargoniums (commonly called geraniums)
Next, let’s talk about the pelargonium - often referred to as a geranium. True geraniums are a different species, but pelargoniums are the ones most gardeners love and grow.
Pelargoniums are perfect for seaside gardens because they’re highly salt-tolerant. They also thrive in hot, sunny positions - ideal plants for tough summer spots. They look brilliant in hanging baskets and window boxes, and there are even
Dylan Penrose
Kiama Garden Club assembled last Friday to showcase and celebrate its most elaborate and eyecatching contributions to horticulture in its annual Spring Garden Competition.
“[Gardening is] seasonal and every year is different. That actually is what this club is like as well,” said Elizabeth Burnett of Burnett’s on Barney Garden Centre.
“At the moment, we are in that late spring and verge-of-summer bloom in the club.
“The fact that I’m seeing so many new faces as well as long-term members here [shows] that the club is really active and vibrant.
Adding to their already extensive history of KGC accolades, Gloria and Elisa Dalla Vale swept up three awards: equal first for Predominantly Native Garden, first Place for Edible Garden, and one for Children's Garden on behalf of Jamberoo Public School where Elisa volunteers.
The school is making strides when it comes
to enriching its natural landscape, with plans to introduce wheelchair accessible rose garden beds to further increase inclusivity.
Elisa implores more families and young members of the community to volunteer and get among the soil.
Burnett, who presented the award, added: “I can’t think of a better place for [the prize money] to go than into the hands of small children who are going to be our gardeners in the future.
“The Jamberoo Public School, which only has a small population, is doing a great job to engender that passion for gardening.”
This growth in interest from a younger demographic is evident.
The event’s youngest entrant was Jamberoo’s Jhett Warner, who is 32, took home first place for Best Garden Over 1000sqm.
Warner’s passion for gardening was passed down from her parents and grandparents, and has led to a fruitful career as an arborist.
“Everyone’s garden is a reflection of their
personality. I think because I’m a bit younger, it’s a bit more modern,” Warner said. Her property was described by judge Barb Khalifa as “a colourful beacon on the street” where “surprises keep on coming”.
Local artist Greg Martin Vale won first place for his subtropical courtyard, which fellow club members say combines his knowledge of horticulture with the creative aesthetics of his paintings.
He has now received the award three years in a row. Sheila Reid took home the prize for the 400sqm to 1000sqm category with a garden she has been tending to for nearly 50 years, while Michael and Michelle Souter scored second place for a yard they have been cultivating for just three years.
With the competitive season now out of the way, the KGC is looking forward to a curated honey tasting coordinated by Bee Inspired on 7 November and a book launch for author Tammy Huynh’s “The Plant Book” in early December.
climbing forms. Colours range from bright reds and pinks to deep burgundiesand they’re all incredibly easy to grow.
Pelargoniums don’t like “wet feet,” so ensure good drainage. Water at the base of the plant, not over the leaves, to prevent fungal problems like leaf spot.
All in all, they’re cheerful, hardy, and forgiving - a musthave for sunny gardens.
A touch of festive colour: New South Wales Christmas Bush
With Christmas not too far away, you might already be thinking about what plants will bring festive cheer to your garden.
A true classic is the New South Wales Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum). It’s in flower now in spring, producing small creamy-white blooms.
As summer approaches, the calyx of each flower expands and turns a brilliant red - giving you that perfect festive colour just in time for Christmas.
This is a wonderful native shrub that needs good drainage and prefers full sun, though it will tolerate part shade. Regular clipping helps keep it dense and shapely, ensuring a great display year after year - and plenty of Christmas bush for your holiday table.
Sheila Reid and her prize-winning garden
Greg Martin Vale’s courtyard
Judge Barb Khalifa (left) and three-time winner
Elisa Dalla Valle (right)
What’s On?
Rosy Day
Nov 1st 2025.
Burnetts on Barney
Enjoy a relaxed day of beautiful local roses – no judging, just sharing! Rose tips from members & floral art demos.
Run Huskisson
Sat 1 Nov, from 8am
White Sands Park, Huskisson
Since its launch in 2011, Run Husky has grown into one of Australia’s largest coastal running festivals, a celebration of fitness, fun, and incredible race-day energy.
Huskisson Triathlon
Sun 2 Nov, from 6am
White Sands Park, Huskisson
Gear up for another year of racing as Husky draws in athletes for an unforgettable experience. After a great debut, the full marathon returns with a two-day festival.
Melbourne Cup Calcutta
Mon 3 Nov, from 6pm
Kiama Bowling Club
Calcutta raffle tickets are $10 and on sale now!
Homestead of Hope - Melbourne
Cup fundraiser
Tues 4 Nov 12:30
St Peter & Paul’s Catholic
Church hall
$30 ticket for lunch etc - BYO
Phone Angie 0404856379
Bring gold coins for sweep/ raffle $3 or 3 for $5
Lucky door/best dressed
Melbourne Cup Luncheon
Tues 4 Nov, from 12pm
Kiama Bowling Club
Watch the race on the big screens! Enjoy an all you can eat buffet and one house wine/beer for $50pp. Book your seats now
Melbourne Cup at KLC
Tues 4 Nov, from 12pm Kiama Leagues Club
Jamberoo Croquet Club
Wed 5 Nov, from 5pm
Come & Try Club Keith
Irvine Oval Jamberoo
Twilight Croquetequipment and coaching provided. No charge, no experience needed.
Bookings necessary
Live & Local
Sat 8 Nov, 2pm-9:15pm
The Co-Op Gerringong
Join the Co-Op for an afternoon full of great tunes, community vibes, and showcasing incredible local talent - and best of all, it’s completely free. Under the Sea- Corks & Canvases
Sat 8 Nov, 2pm-4:30pm
Cin Cin Wine Bar
Painting works inspired by Nicky Lett’s amazing underwater art on the Expressive Art Wall Trail.so bring your partner, bring your friends. Small intimate gathering.
Save The Children
Morning Tea
Mon 10 Nov, 10am
Location: Barroul House
Bonaira Street Kiama
Extraordinary meeting of past members and present Born Jovi – A Bon Jovi
Tribute
Sat 15 Nov, 8pm-9:30pm Kiama Leagues Club
Born Jovi is finally making a long-awaited return to Kiama Leagues Club for one massive night of Bon Jovi anthems. Book now, tickets
$20.
A Fundraiser for Orangutans
Sunday Nov 16th
3pm-5pm
The race to save the rainforest.
The Pavilion
Twilight Market
Fri 28 Nov, 1pm-7pm Kiama Pavilion
The much-loved Annual Pavilion Kiama Market
The Kiama Men’s Shed is opening its doors to the community on Saturday, 29th November, from 9am to 2pm at 20 Eddy Street, Kiama.
Come along and explore the Shed Shop, showcasing a wide range of handmade items created by local members.
You’ll find everything from beautifully crafted wooden boxes, furniture, plaques, and signs, to unique Christmas gifts - all made right here at the Shed.
Every item is a one-of-akind piece, lovingly built by skilled local hands.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the
CNC machine in action, with live demonstrations showing how technology and craftsmanship come together to create precision woodwork. It’s a great chance to meet the members, see what the Shed does, and maybe even pick up a few special gifts for Christmas while supporting a community organisation that fosters connection, skillsharing, and creativity.
When: Saturday 29th November, 9am–2pm
Where: Kiama Men’s Shed, 20 Eddy Street, Kiama Come and see what’s happening at your local Men’s Shed - there’s something for everyone!
Thrilling night guaranteed with crime writers
If you are a fan of thriller novels, Kiama Library is the place to be next Friday (7 November) for an evening of crime with James Dunbar (Mole Creek) and Tim Ayliffe (The Wrong Man) in discussion with Ryan Butta.
Dunbar has recently released Twisted River, which is set in Kiama, described as being full of sinister twists and turns and dark humour with a cliffhanger ending.
A journalist, television scriptwriter, travel writer, university lecturer and website editor, his book Mole Creek was shortlisted in the Danger Awards.
Published as Jimmy Thomson, he is also the author of two crime ‘caper’ novels and two true-crime memoirs, as well as several books about Australian army engineers (sappers) during the Vietnam War.
Ayliffe is the author of the ‘John Bailey’ series, including The Greater Good, State of Fear (2022), The Enemy Within, Killer Traitor Spy (2023) and The Wrong Man (2024).
He writes about espionage, extremism, politics and the global power games at play in the 21st Century. Butta’s historical nonfiction looks to reveal and understand the hidden and forgotten stories of Australia and the Australians who, like his own family, came across the seas to make their home here.
The South Coast author’s latest work, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli, explores the life of Harry Freame, a JapaneseAustralian Anzac and spy. Tickets are $25-$30 and available via the Kiama Library website or by calling 02 4233 1133.
‘Hard Quiz’ contestant raises funds for hard times amid battle with MND
Dylan Penrose
Kiama lawn bowler
Andrew Anstey has turned his television game show debut on the ABC’s “Hard Quiz” into a way to raise funds and awareness for a lifethreatening illness.
Anstey was featured on last week’s episode of the popular game show where he squared off against three other contestants and was questioned on a specialty topic near and dear to his heart: lawn bowls.
But since the episode’s filming in November, Anstey’s life and priorities have changed dramatically.
In July, Anstey was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) which affects the nerves in the brain, eventually causing weakness in the muscles and paralysis.
Anstey believes he had begun to show slight symptoms a year ago but initially wrote these off as natural shortcomings as a result of ageing.
“The recommendation I have is don't ignore it,” he said.
“And also, it's not an old person's disease. It strikes people at any age from their 20s all the way through to their 80s.
“And particularly for older people, you're starting to think ‘yeah, I'm slowing up’ … Maybe you are, but also there may be something more insidious.”
Anstey says since his diagnosis, he has realised how prevalent MND is within the Kiama community.
Researchers have yet to find a cure and its low profile and
lack of awareness in the general public continues to be a point of concern.
Research organisations such as Fight MND Australia and resources such as the book “Fighting Fate” by the late Wollongong Professor Justin Yerbury have been instrumental in Anstey’s journey.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Anstey has a lot to be grateful about, noting immeasurable support from his wife Maureen, son Glenn, and daughter Carla, as well as his comrades at Kiama Bowling Club - Ted, Doug, Garrie and Wayne.
“Everybody has been
outstanding. And you don't know your mates and what they're capable of until you need some help. … Being Aussies and being blokes, we're sometimes reluctant to put our hand up for help. One of the bravest things I've ever said in my life was ‘help’,” Anstey said.
Ted McGinness hatched a plan to celebrate their friend’s upcoming TV appearance and also platform for the organisations dedicated to researching MND.
The result was a fundraiser at the KBC where patrons viewed Anstey’s ‘Hard Quiz’ episode and also took part in raffles with the proceeds going to
MND research and initiatives.
Prizes included a dozen eggs from Ted’s chicken, an autographed 2011 bottle of AC/DC wine, and a cricket bat signed by Anstey’s grandson Tex.
The night was a roaring success with over 100 people in attendance and more than $1000 raised.
Anstey is looking forward to more opportunities to advocate for MND awareness. In the meantime, he urges others to visit their GP if they think they have any symptoms.
“The more research it goes into, the better chance of finding a cure,” he said.
Indigenous historian makes historic feat of her own
Dylan Penrose
Wodi Wodi and Dharawal Elder
Dr Aunty Joyce Donovan became the first Aboriginal person to become a Patron of the Kiama Historical Society last Saturday.
Aunty Joyce attended Kiama Library Auditorium to receive the accolade and share a wise slice of Indigenous history with event attendees.
Her grandson Quinten also delighted guests with a captivating didgeridoo performance.
KHS has implemented a 2025 Reconciliation Action Plan in an effort to embrace Indigenous voices and history.
The result is a display at Pilot’s Cottage Museum that showcases Kiama’s history through a more inclusive lens, which Aunty Joyce’s extensive knowledge and affinity for storytelling have made possible.
Aunty Joyce collaborated closely with KHS Vice
President and Royal Australian Historical Society Director Dr Tony Gilmour to curate the collection.
“We had nothing before. We’ve made a start. There’s still a lot to come,” Aunty Joyce said.
She hopes that exposure will encourage other Aboriginal residents to delve into their family history and uncover stories from Elders that can contribute to the exhibition’s accuracy or quantity, calling it “a living, evolving display”.
“We need to record all these famous wonderful people. We need to go back to our ancient people, who were great warriors and who were born here and lived traditionally,” Aunty Joyce said.
Unbeknown to many locals, Minamurra set the scene for many significant historical events.
After Christianity was first introduced to the area more than two centuries ago, influential Aboriginal rights trailblazer King Mickey Johnson formed a gum leaf band in an attempt to raise funds to build a church.
In 1818, a violent massacre at the hands of white settlers claimed the lives of six Wodi Wodi people.
These fascinating and culturally rich stories are what Aunty Joyce is hoping to document in writing and bring to public consciousness.
“Beacause our people were forbidden to speak [their] language, stories were told through dance [and] song lines,” said Aunty Joyce.
“And for the schoolkids, it’s important. I’ve got a couple of nieces singing in a language choir. I refer to it as ‘waking up the language’ because there used to be dire consequences for [speaking] it.”
Aunty Joyce believes that creating resources and
encouraging education are essential to reconciliation efforts.
“Kiama was such a big, important part for our people; for the clans and groups gathering here. The last traditional burial was at Kiama. And it was the birthplace of Aunty Jane [Ardler], who was born on the lift of the Minamurra River,” Aunty Joyce said.
Aunty Jane Ardler was not only the granddaughter of Aboriginal pioneer King Mickey Johnson, but an influential Indigenous figure in her own right. Aunty Jane made a pivotal difference in healthcare equality when she started Nowra’s South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation in 1983 and was a mentor of Aunty Joyce throughout this process.
Other descendants of King Mickey Johnson have visited the Pilot’s Cottage Museum, which is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-3pm.
Andrew Anstey on Hard Quiz
Andrew Anstey and family
Charity fundraiser aims to rehome orangutans and save the rainforest
Katelin to address JVRRA meeting
Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers & Residents Association will hold its next meeting at Club Jamberoo at Club Jamberoo on Tuesday, 4 November from 7pm.
JVRRA will be introducing guest speaker and special visitor, new Kiama MP Katelin McInernery.
Email jvrrasecretary@ gmail.com with any questions you’d like to ask her at the meeting to give her advance notice.
There will also be more discussion about a picnic hosted by Landcare Illawarra on Sunday, 16 November at the Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands Reserve as part of the Nature
Kiama businesswoman Fiona Kennedy is campaigning for change when it comes to the plight of endangered orangutans.
The Race to Save The Rainforest fundraising event will be held at Kiama Surf Club on Sunday, 14 November to raise funds for orangutans in Borneo.
The Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) was founded by Kobe Steele and Dr Birute Galdikas, who is one of Professor Louis Leakey’s renowned ‘Trimates’ alongside philanthropic pioneers Diane Fossey and the recently deceased Jane Goodall.
“They’re only in Borneo, nowhere else. And they are divine. This organisation is all about rescuing them and getting them back in the wild,” said Kennedy, who was the OFI’s first sponsor.
Kennedy was born in Ipoh in Malaysia and witnessed first-hand the devastating impacts of deforestation, which continues to be a major threat to the livelihood of the primates.
The extraction of palm oil rids uproots these animals from their homes and often leaves them motherless in the aftermath.
“They’re damaged mentally and physically, they’re traumatised. Plus their immune systems are terrible.
“And if you don’t know how
to look after them or teach them to go back into the wild, they don’t,” said Kennedy, recalling an instance where an orangutan was running around the city in a nappy.
Kennedy returned to the Borneo jungle in April with her husband and beekeeper Rachel Peedom, of Bee Inspired.
The trio spent two days at the OFI Care Centre, where Kennedy was reunited with five of her sponsored orangutans.
She likens the behaviour of the endangered species to young humans: energetic, cuddly and endlessly entertaining.
The solution to getting these vulnerable primates out of their cages is a ha-ha
structure, which is a costly enclosure where one male is placed among three females on contraceptives to help them acclimatise to the dynamics of living in the wild.
The night’s proceeds will go toward building these enclosures and purchasing portions of the rainforest to prevent the continued destruction of their natural habitats.
The event will be held upstairs at Kiama Surf Club from 3pm-5pm. For $75, attendees can enjoy silent auctions, raffle prizes, cocktails, music and good food.
Donations can be made to the OFI at https:// orangutanfoundation.org.au/ donate/.
AMAROO GARDENS Design and Landscaping
Conservation Council Picnic for Nature Day. The picnic will be held from 8am to 1pm.
Bring a picnic, enjoy guided bird and plant walks, find out about the new Landcare group at the site, and learn how to get involved in citizen science. Registrations are available via https://events. humanitix.com/jerrarawetlands-and-rainforestpicnic-for-nature-2025
Coming along to the picnic will be a good chance for members of the community to contribute to plans for protecting and enhancing the Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands Reserve as a much-valued parcel of community land.
Letter to the Editor
Should Council buy sculptures by the sea?
Iwould just like to comment on the amazing sculptures on display in Hindmarsh Park and along the waterfront, in particular the beautiful bronze bathers. They fit perfectly into our landscape and would complement our
future Arts Precinct.
I wonder if Kiama Council could consider purchasing them. They have attracted a lot of attention. What do readers think? Maybe we could all chip in.
D ylan Penrose
Maree Bent
Gold medals and pink ribbons for champion dragonboat racers
Dylan Penrose
The Thunder Dragons dragonboat racing team swept up multiple gold and silver medals at the Master Games, an over-40s sporting event held annually in Canberra.
The team is a union of Dragons Abreast Illawarra and the Sussex Inlet River Dragons, who trained together twice a month in preparation for the competition which had roughly 1800 paddlers take to the water from 18-25 October.
Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA) is a national body with 29 clubs and over 1100 members across the country dedicated to forging relationships between breast cancer survivors and encouraging them to engage in team-oriented physical activity.
Dragonboat racing has been a popular fitness outlet among breast cancer survivors worldwide for 30 years, since Canadian Professor and avid kayaker Don McKenzie conducted research to dispute the notion that cancer survivors were
not permitted to exercise following their treatment.
Dragonboating was chosen due to its similarities to kayaking as well as its repetitive use of upper-body movement.
“It’s a wonderful sport, particularly for breast cancer survivors to reclaim their life after treatment,”
- said DAA Board Director and Illawarra Dragon Boat Club member Ann Boulton.
“The benefit is the connection that the survivors
make with each other… and flowing on from that [is] the fitness and health aspect.”
Boulton has been paddling since 2013 when she moved to Kiama from Sydney following a breast cancer diagnosis.
She was introduced to the sport by the Dragons Abreast founders, who were fellow members of the Illawarra Breast Cancer Support Group at St Paul’s Church.
In addition to her efforts with Dragons Abreast, Boulton is a paddling coach and facilitated the cost-free Encore exercise program through the Young Women's
Christian Association (YWCA) for women who have recently undergone gruelling cancer treatment.
The DAA has plenty of opportunities ahead, including Lunar New Year in Darling Harbour in February and a four-day festival on the Gold Coast next September called Pink Paddle Power.
Six Australian teams will also head overseas in August to compete against 4500 paddlers from other countries in the International Regatta organised by the International Breast Cancer Paddling Commission in France.
In the meantime, Dragons Abreast offer Come And Try Days to the community, where recovering breast cancer patients can dip their toe into the water sport and expand their support networks.
The next Come and Try Day is taking place this Saturday (1 November) at The Rowing Club at Northcliffe Drive in Warrawong.
Dragon Boat NSW has also introduced a new initiative called Dragon Pass, where interested parties or aspiring paddlers can get their first month of membership at their local club for free.
Hawks enter tough stretch after crucial win
Illawarra Hawks enter one of the toughest parts of their season in winning form after bouncing back to their best by beating the Wildcats in Perth.
Three-time former NBA champion JaVale McGee was the star of the show in the 85-84 triumph last Saturday at the RAC Arena with 24 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
McGee was the difference maker in the closing stages as he scored two baskets in the final minute before Tyler Harvey put the Hawks up by three.
Perth levelled via an Elijah Pepper three-pointer but McGee was fouled with just over a second remaining and after missing the first foul shot, the 37-year-old centre drained the second for Illawarra to register a rare win in the West.
After a 40-point thrashing the previous round, Illawarra’s win over Perth ensured they stayed in touch with the finals equation as they gear up for
four matches in the space of a week.
"That felt good," McGee said. "Perth put up a hell of a fight; fans going crazy, everyone's against us.
"That was definitely a crucial win. We came in with a mindset that we can't lose any more games, and it showed."
Harvey played a superb support role to McGee with 24 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
Illawarra forward Wani Swaka Lo Buluk chipped in with 11 points while Kiwi teenager Jackson Ball was impressive after getting promoted to the starting line-up.
The Hawks enjoyed a +8 differential when he was on the court even though he only finished with two points and five rebounds.
"It's not just about having confidence in him, this young man worked his tail off for it," coach Justin Tatum said.
"As soon as he got here from high school, he still has to go take his exams
in a couple of weeks, he had a challenge of going against Swakand TB [Todd Blanchfield] and never backed down.
"Right now, we needed somebody with his skill set of having composure and who could competently put the ball in the hole.
"This young man is a very talented kid and we're going to keep using him as we can."
The Hawks host the New Zealand Breakers on Friday before travelling to Adelaide for a Sunday stoush with the 36ers.
They return to WIN Entertainment Centre on Wednesday against Melbourne United, who have won their first nine matches, before the Hawks head north to Cairns on Friday for a tussle with the Taipans.
At 2-4, they cannot afford to slip further down the standings but if they can emerge from this next week with a winning record, they will at least be on an even keel after 10 matches.
Tyler Harvey. Photo: hawks.com.au
Former NRL star named Kiama Rugby Club’s best and fairest
Lleyton Hughes
Former St George Illawarra Dragons playmaker Junior Amone has capped off a standout season with Kiama Rugby Club, taking out the Best and Fairest award at the club’s end-of-year presentation night last weekend.
Kiama Rugby enjoyed a huge season, with both grades reaching their respective grand finals.
The club’s first-grade side broke a 22-year title drought, claiming the Illawarra District Rugby Union premiership.
A major boost to their success was the inclusion of Amone, whose leadership and creativity made a big impact.
Kiama teammate Dante Patrick recently paid tribute to
Amone’s influence on the side.
“He’s a quietly spoken guy, but when he does speak, he has the whole room’s attention. It’s been amazing to see that side of him and to have him lead us in that back 20.”
The 23-year-old previously played 54 NRL games for the Dragons before being stood down by the league for 12 months in 2023 following his involvement in a 2022 incident in Warrawong.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that Amone is looking to resurrect his NRL career, with his manager Mario Tartak confirming that his client was keen to sign at a club after completing a courtimposed Intensive Correction Order.
“I wanted to bring one of my clients to the forefront - Junior
Amone - who completes his Intensive Correction Order on 25 October 2025,” Tartak wrote in an email to NRL clubs.
“This means Junior will be eligible to reapply for registration to play in the NRL. In the meantime, he has maintained his fitness and competitive edge by playing rugby for Kiama, where he recently helped his team win the grand final.
“He’s an exceptionally talented half who is eager for an opportunity to get back into the game. At just 23 years old, he still has a lot to offer. If any club is interested in discussing his return, I’d be happy to arrange a chat ahead of the pre-season in November.”
The other awards of the Kiama Rugby presentation night went to:
Coaches Award: Nick Pittolo
Most Improved Player: Ray Taufa
Best Back & Players’ Player: Jasper Scobie
Best Forward: Jeromy Cairns
Outstanding Club Service: Daniel Gerhan
Clubman of the Year: Firstgrade coaches James and Trevor Patrick Kiama Rugby President Mark Redding said the event was a fitting celebration of an incredible season.
“It was a great night to finish off a great year,” Redding said. “Everyone is looking forward to next season.”
Rabbitohs re-sign Gerringong junior after promising rookie season
Lleyton Hughes
South Sydney Rabbitohs have re-signed 21-yearold Gerringong Lions junior Ashton Ward for next season after an impressive rookie campaign.
Ward joined the Rabbitohs from the Dragons this year and made his NRL debut in Round 21, going on to play six first-grade games.
He also capped off an impressive season by being named the Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup Player of the Year at the club’s end-of-year presentation function.
Rabbitohs head of recruitment and retention Mark Ellison was delighted to secure Ward’s future with the club.
“Ashton joined us from the Dragons this year, and we wanted to see how he would develop his game at Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup levels, but he has shown he can match it at NRL level as well,” Ellison said.
“He has earned his opportunity to play at the top level, and his development will be all the better for the experience he’s gained this season.
“He’s eager to continue learning and improving on both sides of the ball, and we look forward to working with him again next year.”
In his six NRL appearances, Ward scored one try, recorded a try assist and a line-break assist, ran for 317 metres, and made 137 tackles, including a memorable try-saving effort on Broncos forward Jordan Riki.
One of the smallest players in the NRL, Ward has already made a big impression with his toughness and tenacity.
Upon his debut, his father David Ward spoke about how coach Wayne Bennett showed faith in his son.
“I think sometimes players are overlooked because coaches have a set idea of what physical attributes they want,” David said.
“Ashton’s always been on the smaller side, but Wayne told him a story earlier this year about being told not to pick a kid for the Broncos because he was too small. That kid was Allan Langer - and we all know how that turned out.”
Ward will now look to help inspire a Rabbitohs resurgence in 2026 after the club finished 14th on the ladder this season.
In other news involving former Gerringong Lions juniors, Tyran Wishart and Reuben Garrick are reportedly exploring options for new clubs.
While both players remain under contract with their respective teams until the end of 2026, reports suggest that Garrick has knocked back Manly’s latest contract offer, and Wishart - currently behind Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster in the Storm’s halves rotation - is said to be seeking a move to a club where he can secure more consistent game time.
Buckley belts ton for Ex Servos but Kookas have last laugh
Chris Buckley belted a brilliant century for Ex Servos but Warilla's Kookas had the last laugh in the third round of South Coast cricket on the weekend.
Buckley blazed a run-a-ball 115 with 14 fours and a couple of sixes at the home side amassed 220 at Hayden Drexel Oval.
He shared a 41-run opening stand with Matthew Higham (16) and 46 for the fourth wicket with Kuldeep Singh Rana (14) but wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
At 7-146, he was at risk of running out of partners but Matthew Spinks (24) hung around as they advanced the total to 200 before they both
fell in quick succession. Veteran all-rounder Craig Bramble took 4-34 and also added 74 with the bat as the visitors reeled in the target with six wickets and as many overs to spare.
Opening partner Ethan Maker (33) and Michael Perry (40) were also in the runs for the Kookas.
Bay and Basin Dolphins were skittled for just 60 by Lake Illawarra at Sanctuary Point Oval with Jake O'Connell (3-17), Ryan Smith (3-23) and Jaycob Constantinou (2-2) the destroyers.
Lake lost five wickets in overhauling the target inside 11 overs with opener Jackson Ingram (34) the only batter to
make a double-figure contribution.
At Scout Willoughby Oval, Oak Flats posted 8-229 thanks to half-centuries from captain Jack Bennett (50) and opener Kip Penfold (56) but Shellharbour got home in the 45th over.
Oran Pattison top-scored with 95 while Zaied Bin Khalid led the way with the ball for the Rats with 3-31.
North Nowra Cambewarra scored a convincing win over Kiama with Hugh Gillen (55) and Justin Weller (68) powering them to 247 at Bernie Regan Sports Ground.
The Cavaliers slumped to 3-57 and apart from opener Adam Ison's 70 and Nathan
Barr's 40, no batter got going and they fell well short on 176. In the other game, Bomaderry thumped Albion Park, who were bowled out for 178 despite 66 from captain Keegan Campion at the top of the order.
The Tigers bit back with a 103-run opening stand between captain Kealen Blattner (66) and Rhys Burinaga (71 not out) and reached the target with more than 20 overs and six wickets up their sleeve.
Lake Illawarra and Shellharbour are the only unbeaten teams after three rounds with the Rats, Park and Ex Servos still searching for their first victory.
Junior Amone playing for the Kiama Rugby Club this year. Photo Brian Scott
Ashton Ward. Photo: rabbitohs.com.au
Chris Buckley after his century. Photo: Ex Servos Cricket Club
KIAMA DOWNS DOLPHINS
KIAMA PREMIER LEAGUE OZTAG
Josh tons up but Cavs top sides go down
Lleyton Hughes
The Kiama Cavaliers first grade side suffered their first loss of the season on the weekend, going down to North Nowra at Cambewarra.
Bowling first, the Cavaliers restricted North Nowra to 247 runs with David Coleman (319), first-grade debutant Niall Owers (3-31) and Jon Hay (2-37) the standouts with the ball.
In reply, the Cavs looked well placed at 4-136, but a late batting collapse saw them lose six wickets for just 40 runs, finishing all out for 176.
Adam Ison, continuing his strong form, top-scored with 74, supported by Nathan Barr (40) and David Coleman (23).
Club President Bernie Brown said the side was disappointed with the result.
“Captain Jaya Hartgerink was especially disappointed, feeling they gave the home side too many chances. He’s looking forward to the team putting in extra effort through the week to bounce back next round,” said Brown.
The Kiama Cavettes also suffered their first loss, going down to the Oak Flats Ratettes at home.
Bowling first, they took early wickets but couldn’t remove Ratettes captain Anne Boatswain, who powered her side with 63 off 38 balls.
Oak Flats finished on 154,
with Kiama captain Ebony Winston the best of the bowlers, taking 1-15 from four overs.
Winston then led the way with the bat, scoring 38 and putting on a 61-run opening partnership with Ava Sloan.
However, the Cavettes fell short of the target, finishing on 128 to be 26 runs short of victory.
In second grade, Kiama bounced back strongly after a narrow two-wicket loss the previous week.
Bowling first against Shellharbour, they claimed their first wicket in the second over and eventually restricted the opposition to 182. Rob Denny took his maiden club wicket and finished with 3-33, while Saad Yasin (3-42)
also claimed his first club wicket and veteran Dan Reilly contributed with 2-31.
Kiama’s reply started shakily at 2-26 before an excellent 100run partnership between Yasin and captain Josh Battishall steadied the innings.
Battishall finished unbeaten on 121 from 74 balls, smashing 12 fours and eight sixes to guide the side to a bonus-point
win, passing the total in the 25th over.
He brought up his century with a booming six.
Third grade endured a similar fate to first grade, letting too many chances slip against Jamberoo.
After setting a competitive 213 thanks to solid contributions from Steve Holz (40), Dane Parnaby (35*) and
Steve Piper (35), they were unable to defend the total, with Jamberoo chasing it down eight wickets down and an over and a half to spare.
“Kiama gave away too many chances, gifting the Jamberoo batters extra lives on their way to the win,” Brown said. “On reflection, this is one that got away from the boys, who will bounce back stronger.”
The highlights with the ball came from the father-andson duo of Steve and Lennox Holz. On debut, Lennox took 3-47 while his dad claimed 2-53 - and the pair combined for Lennox’s debut wicket in a memorable “Bowled Holz, caught Holz” moment.
Fourth grade claimed their first win of the season against the Kookaburras. Bowling first, Kiama restricted their opponents to 192, with Col Bayley starring with 4-13, captain Andrew Marsh taking 3-21, and Giles Brown bagging 2-16.
Kiama chased down the total comfortably, thanks to debutant Hayden Cannon’s unbeaten 50 (65), supported by Adam McCrone 50* (28) and Zac Gervasie 44* (28).
This Saturday, the firstgrade side will take on Warilla at Kiama Sporting Complex, while the Cavettes face Shoalhaven on Friday night at Bonaira Oval, with both sides eager to return to the winners’ list.
