The Bugle News 3 July 2026

Welcome to The Bugle

As an expat rasied in London, it's my Aussieborn kids who have taught me the most about Aboriginal culture: telling me Dreamtime stories as we hike, drawing symbols they've learnt at school, and teaching me that it's okay to ask questions I don't know the answers to. So, it feels fitting that our very first Bugle Kids pull-out is part of our NAIDOC Week issue. Yes, there's a lot in this edition as we celebrate the Aboriginal-owned businesses showcasing Indigenous arts, food and culture – and providing much-needed diversity across the Kiama region.

I'm also incredibly excited to reveal our first Bugle Kids edition in time for the school holidays – eight pages of kid-friendly news, puzzles, colouring and activities, from outdoor adventures to rainy-day boredom busters. We hope our littlest Buglers love it as much as we loved creating it.

A big thank you to our local sponsors who jumped on board for the very first Bugle Kids edition. We'll be publishing one every school holidays, so if you'd like to be part of the next one, get in touch at news@ thebuglenews.com.au.

Thanks for being part of our story.

Inside Kiama's Extraordinary Meeting

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

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The Bugle News

GENERAL MANAGER

Belinda Woodfield

belinda@ thebuglenews.com.au

EDITOR

Amy Molloy editor@thebuglenews. com.au

NEWS TEAM news@thebuglenews. com.au 0412 415 101

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

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

Fireworks, finances and a $250k decision

Saving $250,000, the future of New Year's Eve fireworks and another step in Kiama Council's financial recovery dominated an Extraordinary Meeting that tackled some of the biggest issues facing the municipality.

The first major decision centred on the resignation of former councillor Mike Cains.

Councillors voted unanimously to ask NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig to suspend the by-election that would normally follow Cains' departure, arguing the estimated $200,000$250,000 cost would significantly hamper Council's efforts to improve its financial position.

Instead, Council asked the Minister for approval to temporarily reduce the number of councillors from nine to eight until the 2028 local government elections.

Mayor Cameron McDonald said avoiding the by-election would save about $250,000 at a time when "every penny counts."

However, as The Bugle went to press, it was reported the Minister had rejected this request, as there are more than 18 months until the next local government election — scheduled for 2028.

The conversation reflected a recurring theme throughout the meeting, with councillors repeatedly returning to the Performance Improvement Order (PIO) and the challenge of restoring Council's longterm financial sustainability.

Another casualty of those budget pressures was the Kiama Harbour Activation Working Group – only established in June to help shape the future of the Kiama Harbour precinct.

Council voted to dissolve the group before it had even held its first meeting, with an amendment ensuring its unused $30,000 operational budget would instead be returned as “savings” in the 2026-27 budget.

Councillors thanked community members who had volunteered to serve on the group, acknowledging their passion for Kiama Harbour despite the committee never becoming operational.

Mayor McDonald said he intended to continue engaging with those members and hoped to involve the Member for Kiama in future discussions about the harbour precinct.

The meeting's longest – and liveliest – debate centred on whether Council should help fund the return of New Year's Eve fireworks.

Councillors ultimately

endorsed a revised motion accepting the Sparrowly Group business case for a "lean" New Year's Eve event, while allocating $20,000 in the 2026-27 budget.

Whether fireworks return now depends on Council's ability to secure sponsorship and external funding to bridge the remaining costs.

"We know many people in our community would like to see fireworks return to Kiama, but we also have a responsibility to ensure any event is financially sustainable," Mayor Cameron McDonald said.

"This decision gives us the opportunity to work with local businesses, sponsors and government to see whether we can deliver a fireworks event without placing unnecessary pressure on Council's finances."

Attempts to increase Council's contribution by redirecting an additional $30,000 in operational savings towards the event were defeated after lengthy debate.

Councillor Yasmin Tatrai argued fireworks were an important family tradition that supported local businesses, while Councillor Melinda Lawton questioned increasing Council's contribution above the consultant's recommended $15,000 given the ongoing

financial challenges.

Director Ed Paterson told councillors previous fireworks events had typically attracted between $20,000 and $30,000 in sponsorship, with much of that support coming from Council's own holiday parks.

CEO Jane Stroud also threw down the gauntlet to major local businesses – specifically Woolworths – to help fund the community event.

Council then adopted its annual rates and charges along with the 2026-27 Integrated Planning and Reporting documents.

During the discussion, Stroud acknowledged the scale of the task still ahead, saying staff had been working since 2021 to address what was originally identified as an operational deficit approaching $30 million.

She said Council had implemented well over 100 improvement actions through successive strategic improvement plans and would continue developing new revenue strategies required under the revised Performance Improvement Order.

The budget was adopted, although several councillors acknowledged difficult financial decisions still lie ahead as Council continues its path towards long-term financial sustainability.

The Bugle

Belle Wood

Mysterious story of the painted poles that became a landmark

One day they weren’t there. The next day they were.

That’s how the mysterious story of the painted poles at Seven Mile Beach started back in May.

Further down from the more popular swimming area, the regular longboard boys heading out for an early morning dawn patrol noticed a surprising sight on the usually barren stretch of beach.

Two huge, beautifully painted poles stood erect out of the sand: one at a staggering eighteen feet tall and the other around eight feet.

Spray painted in the colours of the Aboriginal flag – red, black, and yellow - the words ‘Wodi Wodi Clan’ and ‘Dharawal’ are visible hand-painted in white down the length of the larger pole.

Yet no one has claimed to be the artist behind them, with Traditional Owners and local Elders just as

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Calls to grow National Park

curious about the origins of the poles as those who frequent Seven Mile every day: whether that’s to fish, swim, surf, or go on a sunset stroll.

At the pathway entrance to Gate 6, the spot is usually marked by the fluorescent flags of Gerringong Surf School and the dozens of aspiring boardriders learning a new skillset there year-round: rain, hail, or shine.

It’s an additional focal point now, with the poles large enough to remain visible from the ocean even in the biggest of surf conditions.

Giving locals surfers a landmark from sea, it’s a fitting reminder that long before the township of Gerroa existed, the Dharawal people had been thriving on this land for tens of thousands of years.

Do you know who created the painted poles? Reach out at news@thebuglenews. com.au as we’d love to run a follow-up story.

Why 7 Mile Beach isn’t enough

Maria Lewis

While the South Coast is becoming populated with more developments and construction than ever before, the fight to keep one of the country’s most untouched natural beauties preserved is just getting underway.

Spanning from Shoalhaven Heads to Gerroa, Seven Mile Beach National Park has been one of the area’s most stunning natural wonders and now locals are rallying to have it extended.

for the Environment, Heritage and Climate Change MP Penny Sharp with a detailed proposal of what the extension could look like.

“There are pristine areas that we absolutely want to save, that’s the bottom line really,” Aesha said.

“We’re about 450 hectares short of what the experts say we need to have for a thriving Greater Glider community.

because there’s nowhere to go, so they go into their hollows and they try to stay deep.

“But if the flames go up into their hollows, they’re gone or they burn in there, which is really sad …

“We’ve got the wetlandswhich is the largest wetlands left on the South Coast – and there’s very specific species and plants in there that don’t exist anywhere else.

“If that goes, it will just be devastating.”

From golden stretches of beach to lush rainforest hikes, it’s also home to a plethora of wildlife species –many of them endangered –with community organisers beginning the petition to have their habitat protected.

“So we know that Seven Mile Beach National Park is there, but half that area is not actually national park,” said Liama Aesha, a spokesperson for the Gerroa Environment Protection Society (GEPS).

“And one of the biggest threats is to the Greater Gliders, which is what we’re really trying to save, along with other endangered animals and species that are there.

“The ecological communities there need at least a thousand hectares to have a thriving community and the part that’s a national park at the moment is significantly smaller than that.”

As active campaigners for the area for more than 35 years, GEPS has written to the New South Wales Minister

“Some of its Crown Land, some of its owned by the different councils, some of its land owners, which is conservation, but it’s not fully protected and we just want it all under equal protections.”

If the additional areas were made National Park, it would allow for a whole range of preservation, conservation and environmental work to take place that could range from things as small as clearing lantana to wider species protection.

With the increased pressures of climate change, Aesha said bushfires and rising waters have put many of the thirteen endangered and threatened species and eight endangered ecological communities within the geographical area under additional threat.

“The last bushfire was 2019 and it wiped out quite a lot of the gliders from the national parks,” Aesha said, flagging that sand mining was also an “increasing concern”.

“The community we have here is the one that’s thriving on the South Coast while the other national parks are losing their glider communities.

“Fires are a big one,

Garry Daly, Director at Gaia Research, is one of the experts who advised on the proposed expansion with NSW Premier Chris Minns the next governmental figure to weigh in for the final verdict.

“Everyone we speak to in the area is very supportive, there’s a lot of enthusiasm out there, but we need to let our government know that support is there,” Aescha said, encouraging people to sign the expansion petition currently online at the GEPS website.

“The more support that we get, the better.”

The proposed expansion of Seven Mile Beach National Park was brought up during Kiama Council’s Ordinary Meeting on May 19, with Council giving “in-principle support” for GEPS’ Save the Greater Glider campaign. They also committed to further investigation, with meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners and First Nations communities in relation to land management and environmental protection tabled, along with a guided walkthrough of the area hosted by GEPS.

Maria Lewis

The Aboriginal-owned women-led enterprise

What started as a yarning circle of Aboriginal elder women discussing type 2 diabetes prevention has grown into one of the South Coast’s most talked-about cafes.

After two years of rapid growth, Blak Cede in the Nowra CBD is preparing to expand again, opening a new retail and art location while continuing its mission of creating employment, cultural connection and opportunity for Aboriginal women.

The Bugle was able to take a rare moment away from the bustling business schedule of manager Mel Williams and marketing manager Marle Ashby to learn more about Blak Cede’s origins, ingredients, culture, expansion and real human impacts.

It’s clear the ‘cafe’ – moreso enterprise– was never just about serving coffee and meals.

“Blak Cede is an Aboriginal women’s-led social and cultural enterprise which cultivates traditional foods from our Kareela community garden at Terara,” Williams said.

Kareela Ngura – meaning “Country of Trees and Water”–is a holistic, traditional food project and half-hectare edible garden.

“The purpose of that is

to produce high-quality products for our cafe and online stores,” Williams said, “ The space empowers young Koori women from the Shoalhaven and South Coast to lead self-determined lives by providing culturally safe employment and educational opportunities.”

Owned by the Waminda Aboriginal Women’s Health and Wellbeing Service, the enterprise originated from a yarning circle where Aboriginal elder women focused on preventing Type 2 diabetes.

Williams explained that the original goal was to educate participants on growing, harvesting, and preparing food to manage and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.

Now, Blak Cede prioritises community outcomes by establishing training and employment pathways for Aboriginal women– an ongoing initiative to challenge and disrupt practices, beliefs, and barriers that discriminate and marginalise Aboriginal peoples.

“It gives our Aboriginal community the opportunity to live self-sustained lives with paid employment,” Williams said, stating that for many, it serves as a crucial first step in developing professional skills.

The deadliest cafe

“For most of them, it’s their first job and an opportunity to gain skills and get a taste of the workforce.”

The positive influence of this approach is evident through Waminda’s Young Women’s Youth Program, where Williams has witnessed the transformative impact firsthand.

“Most of the women that are actually working here in this space that I’m walking alongside in the workforce now getting paid employment actually came through the Young Women’s Youth Program,” she said.

“They’ve been able to purchase their own home, get their own vehicle and change their lives in terms of having their independence.”

The cafe’s workforce includes school-based trainees, volunteers and apprentices.

“We’ve got volunteers, trainees and two young women that are starting to be chefs as well,” Williams said.

“It’s about being able to give them the opportunity – bringing back Indigenous foods. It’s a very purposeful space – this is our home, this is our community.”

The food itself tells another part of the story.

Native herbs, vegetables and medicinal plants are grown in Blak Cede’s riverside community garden, while partnerships with local producers such as Winderong Farm in Kangaroo Valley help

bring Indigenous ingredients to the menu.

“We aim to source the best quality ingredients using high standards of sustainability,” Williams said.

“We’re proud to use local producers.”

The result is a menu featuring flavours many customers encounter for the first time, from kangaroo eggs benedict (my personal favourite) to wattleseed banana bread or strawberry gum scones served with Davidson plum jam.

“A lot of people come for the experience,” Williams said.

“You can’t eat in a cafe and just order kangaroo or crocodile or native ingredients everywhere.”

For many visitors, the experience is about more than food.

“For a lot of people, they may have never had interaction with Indigenous persons,” Williams said.

“We pride ourselves on that. We want to make sure everyone has the best experience when they come here.”

And the reviews speak for themselves with almost 600 5-star reviews, becoming a favourite road-trip pit stop.

Williams admits there was uncertainty when the business first opened.

“We didn’t know how the community was going to respond,” she said.

“Living in a very racist town in Nowra, not realising how people would look at a Blak business.

“But the response from the community has been absolutely amazing and overwhelming.”

That support has fuelled rapid expansion.

Since the beginning, the cafe has grown into the neighbouring shopfront, launched an online store, introduced catering services, purchased a food truck and is now preparing to open a dedicated retail and art area just a few doors away.

The new space will showcase Indigenous artists, micro-businesses and cultural practices through workshops, exhibitions and community events.

“We’d like to do live art workshops, have an Aunty in there weaving and put the spotlight on her so people can see those traditional practices happening within the store,”

Williams said.

While many businesses would see franchising as the next step, Williams says that’s not part of the plan.

“People have asked us if we could franchise, but that’s never the vision for Blak Cede,” she said.

“For us, it’s about expansion in terms of employment for community.”

The cafe has also become

something of a landmark for Aboriginal families travelling the South Coast.

“Our songlines go from La Perouse all the way down to the Eden border,” Williams said.

“For most families, this has become the stop-in, the halfway mark.”

Importantly, she says, it offers a healthier alternative while addressing chronic illness in Aboriginal communities.

“What’s killing our communities is chronic illness,” she said.

“This is one way of contributing to a healthy lifestyle.”

At its heart, Williams believes Blak Cede fills a gap that extends beyond hospitality.

“We don’t have a cultural centre,” she said.

“So this is a showcase of that for our people, which is really important.

“It’s a sense of belonging and it’s a culturally safe space.”

Williams’ final message for The Bugle readers is clear.

“We’re here, we’re present, we’re not going anywhere,” she said. “We’re striving, we have Blak excellence and this is a showcase of that. “We want people to respect our community and our culture and see what we’re capable of.” To support Blak Cede, visit blakcede.com.au

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Ellanora and Jess Williams

Mark the date - 22 August 2026.

This is the day to make your vote count. That is the overarching message from The Bugle, particularly because it is ultimately going to cost us in the realm of

$200-250,000!

That is the cost of filling a single council seat as a result of the sudden resignation of Councillor Mike Cains.

$250,000 is a healthy home deposit, a luxury car, or from the perspective of Council it’s an upgrade to a playground, pothole maintenance or refurbishing other community assets.

Alas, but the date, the money and all of the drama is locked in. The only question left is whether we honour the cost by turning up.

This is not a routine administrative exercise.

Every ballot paper printed, every polling booth staffed, every vote counted is funded by us. We have already watched Council juggle asset sales, long-term debt and service pressures. The price of instability is now itemised on our books. When a resignation triggers a compulsory by-election,

the least we can do as a community is treat that expense as an investment rather than a write-off.

At stake is more than one empty chair in Council chambers. This contest will decide whether Kiama continues along a ‘business focused’ agenda that backs a stronger visitor economy, diversified housing and growth, and a realistic path to financial sustainability. Or, whether the community will swing back to a candidate that represents a stop to progress and change.

A strong turnout will force candidates to speak to the whole community, not just the loudest voices, and ensure that the ‘right’ candidate wins.

If you are frustrated that $250,000 is being spent on yet another election, the most powerful way to express that frustration is at the ballot box. If you care about protecting Kiama’s character but also want your kids to have a chance of living here, your vote matters. If you run a local business and worry that a lack of revitalisation and investment means fewer customers and fewer jobs,

your vote matters. If you simply want council to stop lurching from crisis to crisis, your vote matters.

This election will be held whether you participate or not. The invoice will arrive whether you participate or not. The only variable is whether that $250,000 buys a clear mandate for a balanced future or becomes just another line in a long list of missed opportunities.

So, when polling day comes, do not sit it out. Check your enrolment, mark the date, talk with your neighbours, and turn up. If we are paying for this election, then everyone in Kiama must vote. The Bugle’s View is that we as a community must make sure that the money spent delivers a candidate and a direction that genuinely reflects the community, not just the fraction who bothered to show up.

22 July 2026 – candidate nominations close 15 August 2026 – Prepolling voting opens 22 August 2026 – Byelection voting day

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The following letters are abridged versions - you can read the full letters on The Bugle app.

Dear Bugle,

This is regarding the letter titled "Important Information About Your Waste Collection Service from July 2026" that was distributed to households in the Kiama Council area in May 2026.

The letter indicates that collection of yellow-lid recycling bins will move from weekly to fortnightly and gives rise to some significant concerns. What this letter tells the community

• To begin, the basic economic assumptions are unfounded. Changing the number of collection days will not reduce the amount of recycling material being generated; it will merely shift the burden of where the material is being managed and, hence, shift the cost.

• In its use of statistics derived from a Service Review, the letter says, "Only 66% of yellow bins are presented for collection on a weekly basis" to justify reducing collection. This could equally, and more accurately, have been expressed as, "A massive and significant 66 per cent of households present their bins for collection weekly" as a basis to justify continuing weekly collection. Prefacing

66 per cent with "only" is an insulting attempt to spin the figures. Sixty-six per cent is just one percentage point short of the proportion of the American Senate required to impeach and remove a sitting President from office and is known as a "supermajority".

• Even if the argument made sense economically, which it does not, at a time when landfill plays a significant role in our climate challenge, and recycling is an environmental imperative, to base a recycling-related decision on a presumed, but in actuality illusory, cost benefit is a fundamental derogation of civic duty.

Prioritising profit (especially when misperceived) over climate and society is a sad manifestation of a "drill, baby, drill" mentality.

The Council's attempt to manipulate the statistics is disheartening.

Swedish governments are employing technology that allows waste to be converted into energy. Other countries are paying Sweden to send their waste there for energy conversion. I'm not saying we can necessarily embrace or develop that technology yet, or in the short term, but we can do better—we must do better—than cutting back on recycling services.

Terry

Do you have something to say? email editor@thebuglenews.com.au with your letter.

Restoring our shoreline for future generations

All around Kiama, something green and unnatural is emerging from beneath the soil. You may have noticed it along our rocky foreshore or grassy headlands. This material is “legacy plastic netting”, a product widely used by councils in the 1980s and 1990s to combat erosion. While it once provided a cheap and effective solution, the plastic is now reaching the end of its lifespan. As it deteriorates and becomes increasingly exposed, it poses environmental risks and detracts from the natural beauty of Kiama’s coastline.

Practical solutions already exist. The first and most important step is removing the ageing plastic netting. Several Australian councils have successfully undertaken similar projects using manual extraction or mechanical excavation, before replacing netting with environmentally friendly alternatives or restoring native vegetation. As discussions continue about the harbour’s future, this presents an opportunity to create a more attractive, erosion-resistant foreshore for generations to come.

Alexandria (Ally) Jones

The Bugle’s property expert Sam Scobie talks eco design and sustainable value.

When looking for a home in our beautiful coastal pocket, buyers traditionally prioritised classic features like proximity to the beach or views of the water or mountain ranges. However, a major shift is occurring over the last couple of years.

Eco-friendly designs and energy efficiency are no longer just alternative lifestyle choices; they have become premium features that drive genuine competition and value in the Kiama property market. Sustainable elements like solar arrays and batteries, double-glazed windows, and passive thermal design are increasingly being features that are asked by purchasers.

In today’s economic climate, the motivation behind this trend is twofold: environmental consciousness and smart

household economics. With rising living costs and energy prices on everyone's mind, a home engineered to drastically reduce utility bills offers an immediate, tangible financial return.

Furthermore, these features elevate the everyday living experience. Passive solar design, which utilises the sun’s path to naturally heat a home in winter while shading it in summer, perfectly complements our local climate, creating a living environment that is warmer, quieter, and more comfortable year-round.

As our community continues to value the preservation of our pristine environment, building or retrofitting for sustainability is proving to be a highly effective way to future-proof your asset. If you are curious about how eco-friendly features impact your property’s current market value, I am always here to help. This is paid content.

Would you pay $69k for a parking space?

Kiama car spots rocket in value

Two car parking spaces in the heart of Kiama's CBD have been put on the market, drawing attention to the ongoing challenge of finding parking in the town centre.

The spaces, located within the Bathers complex at 65 Manning Street, are being marketed by Ray White Kiama with a price guide of $63,000 to $69,000 for both lots.

Agent Sam Scobie said the two spaces are separately titled and are currently being offered as a package, although

they could potentially be sold individually.

"The spaces can be sold to anyone," Scobie said. "It doesn't have to be a resident or a business. It could be anyone who is sick of trying to find a car park."

The listing coincidentally comes amid continued discussion about parking availability in Kiama's town centre following the closure of another Akuna Street lot and growing demand for spaces close to shops, offices and services in NSW’s Top Tourist Town.

Scobie said finding a parking spot in central Kiama

had become noticeably more difficult.

"It's certainly been very noticeable even in the office that we're all starting to struggle finding a car space, whether it's on Manning Street, Bong Bong Street or anywhere close to the office," he said.

"Instead of taking five minutes to find a car space, sometimes it's taking 20 minutes, depending on how patient people are and how far they're willing to walk."

He said the shortage was being felt across the CBD, with many popular parking areas regularly full.

"Even the Pavilion is pretty clogged up at the moment and it's hard to find a space anywhere nearby," he said. Scobie said the spaces could appeal to local businesses, nearby residents, investors or anyone wanting guaranteed parking in a central location.

"It's pretty timely that the owners are prepared to part ways with these properties," he said.

The car spaces are located within the commercial complex at 65 Manning Street and are being sold exclusive of GST. The property is currently listed for sale through Ray White Kiama.

Bomaderry build-to-rent “tops out”

key housing project aimed at easing the Shoalhaven's rental crisis has reached a significant construction milestone, with the final concrete pour completed on a new 60-apartment build-to-rent development in Bomaderry.

NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and representatives from Landcom visited the site on Monday (June 29) to mark the project's "topping out" — signifying that the building's structural frame is entirely complete. With no additional vertical levels to be added, the structure has reached its full height.

expectations.

"When we were here and it was just a patch of land, Landcom and the State Government had a dream to build new apartments around here," she said.

rental supply in a region where vacancy rates remain exceptionally low.

"I can't believe how fast this has gone up."

The development, located near Bomaderry railway station on the corner of Bolong Road and Belinda Street, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the first residents moving in during early 2027.

Once finished, the project will provide 60 long-term rental apartments, including 12 affordable housing units offered at below-market rates. The development is designed to support workers and others struggling to secure housing in one of NSW's tightest rental markets.

Speaking at the site, Ms McInerney said the pace of construction had exceeded

Ms McInerney said the project would play an important role in supporting the growing workforce needed for the $440 million Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment.

"We need about 400 new staff to come into our hospital when we open each part of the redevelopment," she said.

"So this housing is going to play such a critical role in delivering homes for people looking to move to the Shoalhaven and take up jobs to deliver our healthcare."

Mr Scully said the project was now well beyond its halfway point and would provide much-needed

"We've got one to one-anda-half per cent residential vacancy, so we need some more residences coming in," he said.

The Planning Minister described the Bomaderry project as a test case for a government-owned buildto-rent model that could potentially be expanded elsewhere across NSW.

"These are 60 apartments that are going to be here, but it's also really exciting to test the model to see if we can replicate build-to-rent not only here in Bomaderry, but also in Lismore and perhaps into other parts of New South Wales."

Unlike traditional residential developments, the apartments will remain in government ownership and be managed as permanent rental housing.

Myah Garza

Green is the new gold standard

Myah Garza

New owners scoop up The Pines Gelato

Myah Garza

When you think of gelato what word comes to mind?

For Gavin Folden, it’s play

The Kangaroo Valley local and his wife Martine officially took over The Pines Gelato earlier this year, bringing decades of hospitality experience and a belief that good food should bring people together.

"Gelato is just fun," Gavin said.

"It's probably the most simplistic, childlike thing I've done in hospitality. It crosses every boundary."

At the same location, 26 Collins St, The Pines is entering a new chapter under the Foldens' stewardship, one built around quality ingredients, community connection and fun.

“Life to me is a play– It's a dance,” he said.

Before moving to Kangaroo Valley around 15 years ago,

they founded Single Origin Roasters in Surry Hills, building a reputation around organic, fair-trade coffee and direct relationships with producers.

"I've been in hospitality since I successfully dropped out of high school," Gavin said while serving customers out

of their van at Kiama Farmers' Market.

"It was all organic, all fair trade," Gavin said.

"Farm direct was what we were all about from the very beginning."

Seeking a change of pace, the pair left Sydney and settled on a 100-acre property in

The power of preparation:

Vehicle finance first puts you in control

Brent Rollings from Astute Financial Services

discuss why finance preapproval puts you in the driver's seat

Finding the perfect asset is exciting. Whether you are buying a new family car, upgrading a commercial utility, or investing in major machinery to grow your business, it is a big step.

However, making major financial decisions in a hurry – right after choosing your car or equipment – can lead to unnecessary stress.

Avoiding the PostPurchase Rush

When you buy an asset without pre-arranged finance, you are forced into a tight timeframe to sort out funding before delivery day.

While vendor finance (e.g., dealership finance) teams do a great job of keeping things moving quickly, making a decision on the spot makes it hard to know if you are getting the best fit for your long-term budget or business tax structure. Taking a breath

to look at options beforehand ensures you make an informed choice.

Arriving Prepared

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Keeping the market competitive

Your pre-approval acts as your financial benchmark.

If an in-house finance team can look at your pre-approval and offer something even sharper, that is a win for you.

But having an option from our team ready first ensures you never have to accept a rushed, single-option offer just to get the keys or start the production line.

Before you start browsing listings this month, let’s have a quick, stress-free chat about your next purchase. Whether you want to explore finance pre-approvals or have us find the perfect car for you through our dealership network, it costs nothing to explore your options early, keeping you firmly in the driver’s seat.

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making The Pines Gelato a natural fit.

"We love the craft and the making and the cooking and the sharing," he said. "That's what it's all about. Just the simplicity of it,” he said.

"It's all service," he said. "We just desire to serve."

The Foldens are now responsible for producing the gelato themselves.

"We do all the making," he said.

Gavin credits Martine with much of the creative side of the business, particularly when it comes to developing flavours and refining recipes.

Kangaroo Valley, where they built a straw-bale home and became immersed in the region's food and farming culture.

That focus on quality ingredients and the people who produce them has remained a constant throughout their careers,

“ She's the executive chef–executive foodie. So she does all of it,” he said.

“ I love the making, and Martine's all the magic when it comes to food tasting.”

Throughout the conversation, one theme kept resurfacing: hospitality as an act of service and connection.

“We're all one. Together. The wholeness.”

“I don't control people– Half the time I don't even want to own my thoughts. Let alone my actions. It'd be nice not to own them either, right? But we do.”

“So how do we cope with that?” The Bugle asked.

“Have a coffee, have a gelato. Go out and have some fun. It all comes back to the root of being.”

Play The couple can already be found serving customers at markets, where they are continuing one of The Pines Gelato's most visible traditions.

Standing behind the counter at the Wednesday market, the pair appeared right at home among regular customers and visitors alike.

Asked what flavour best represents Kiama, Martine answered:

"Honey and cinnamon." It's sweet, local and a little unexpected – much like the next chapter of The Pines.

CORRECTION:

Gavin serving customers at The Kiama Farmers Market

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Artist impression

BUGLE THE kids take over

they’Re e making waves

south coast surfer girls

Welcome to our Bugle Kids edition

It’s packed with fun news, puzzles, games and adventures from the South Coast and beyond. We want to make the next edition even better, so tell us what you loved (and what you’d like to see next time!). You can email us at news@thebuglenews. com.au, write us a letter, or even draw us a picture and drop it into our office.

AMY

Happy reading!

SQUISHIES now in store colouring page, puzzles and fun things!!!! p14

Hop to it!

Meet Australia’s super frog!

Thousands of tiny southern corroboree frog eggs have been released into Kosciuszko National Park as part of a mission to save one of Australia’s rarest animals.

These amazing frogs are only found in the Snowy Mountains of NSW and are famous for their bright yellow-and-black stripes. They’re about the size of a 20-cent coin, but don’t let their size fool you – they’re one of Australia’s most extraordinary frogs!

They don’t hop very much like other frogs. Instead, they often walk through moss and wetlands looking for ants and other tiny insects to eat.

Sadly, fewer than 100 southern corroboree frogs are believed to remain in the wild because of disease, habitat loss and bushfires. That’s why experts at Taronga Zoo and other conservation groups have been carefully breeding frogs and releasing thousands of eggs to give the species a fighting chance.

If enough of the eggs hatch and survive, they’ll grow into adults and help rebuild the wild population.

Slow Down! Spikeys are about

Shark drones take to the skies

The NSW Government is investing more money in shark-spotting drones to help keep swimmers and surfers safe.

The drones fly above beaches looking for sharks. If they spot one close to people in the water, lifesavers can warn everyone to come back to shore.

The drones don’t harm sharks – they simply help people and marine animals stay safely apart.

Specially trained pilots fly the drones, and artificial intelligence is also helping identify what the cameras can see.

With more drones watching beaches this summer, experts hope everyone can enjoy the ocean safely.

Good news for local skaters

Kiama Skate Park isn’t disappearing!

9 years

that’s the typical lifespan of a corroboree frog in the wild!

You may have spotted a “Spikeys About” sign while driving around Jamberoo. Or perhaps you’ve seen a handpainted wombat sign reminding drivers that “Wombats About!”

These colourful signs are part of a fun wildlife awareness campaign by Wildlife Watch Jamberoo Inc. Many of the signs were designed by local children to encourage drivers to slow down in areas where native animals are often crossing the road. Sadly, wombats, echidnas, possums and other wildlife are sometimes injured or killed by cars, especially at night. By driving a little slower and staying alert, motorists can help keep these amazing animals safe.

To raise money for the campaign, volunteers have even been selling delicious “wombat poo” brownies – don’t worry, they’re made from chocolate, not real wombat poo!

See if you can spot one of the wildlife signs on your next trip through the countryside. And if you’re in the car, remind your driver to keep an eye out for Australia’s furry and spiky locals.

Aftermonths of discussion, Kiama Council has confirmed the skate park will stay at the Kiama Leisure Centre precinct. However, it will be moved about 100 metres as part of plans to upgrade the sports complex over the coming years.

The new location is expected to give skaters a modern facility while allowing room for other sporting upgrades.

Nothing is changing just yet. The current skate park will stay open while planning continues, and skaters will still have a place to practise their kickflips, ollies and grinds.

Many local skateboarders were worried the park might disappear altogether, so the announcement has come as a huge relief.

The next challenge? Kiama Council need to ask the state government for money to be able to build it.

are coming to Wollongong!

Billionaire couPle buys forest to sAve wildlife

What would you do if you had billions of dollars?

One Australian couple decided to spend $10 million protecting nature.

Mike and Sue Gregg have bought more than 7,000 hectares of forest and former cattle land in the Great Dividing Range in NSW to create a huge new nature reserve for endangered

16

Australian animals. The land is home to koalas, greater gliders, spotted-tail quolls, glossy black cockatoos and many other native species.

The couple funded the purchase through the Great Southern Land Conservancy, a private charity they cofounded.

“We love nature and wildlife,” Sue said.

“Preserving and restoring

billion bottles returned! That’s a lot of recycling!

People across NSW have now returned more than 16 billion bottles and cans through the Return and Earn program.

Every eligible container is worth 10 cents, meaning Australians have earned an incredible $1.6 billion while helping keep rubbish out of parks, beaches and waterways.

Many schools, sports clubs and community groups also collect bottles to raise money for equipment, uniforms and special projects.

Next time you finish a drink, remember –it could be worth 10 cents!

land was the best thing we could do with our money.”

Instead of building houses or clearing the land, conservation workers will restore damaged areas, remove weeds and protect the animals that call the forest home.

Experts say it’s one of the biggest private donations ever made for conservation in NSW.

The Wiggles are bringing their brand-new Bouncing Balls Tour to Wollongong this December, giving South Coast families the chance to see Australia’s favourite children’s entertainers live.

Fans can expect plenty of music,

dancing and colourful costumes, along with all the famous characters like Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword, Shirley Shawn the Unicorn and everyone’s favourite dancing tree, Henry the Octopus.

There will also be brand-new songs mixed with classics that parents might remember from when they were children.

If you’re planning to go, don’t forget your best dancing shoes— you’ll probably be on your feet for most of the show!

Bluey learns an indigenous language Jamberoo Action Park

rides on!

The family behind Jamberoo Action Park has made a giant splash.

The Eddy family, who have run Jamberoo Action Park for more than 45 years, has bought Raging Waters Sydney—one of Australia’s biggest water parks.

The Sydney park will soon be renamed Sydney Action Park, with plans for new rides, fresh landscaping and lots of improvements.

The Eddy family says they’ll bring the same friendly atmosphere and attention to detail that has made Jamberoo Action Park a favourite for generations of families.

Don’t worry though – Jamberoo Action Park isn’t going anywhere! The South Coast favourite will continue welcoming visitors when it reopens later this year.

Bluey will be speaking in an Indigenous language during NAIDOC Week, with episodes translated into Yolŋu Matha.

Seeing culture and language reflected in children’s media is powerful — it helps young people feel proud of who they are and where they come from.

Local Elders, children and community members worked together to translate the stories, making sure they reflected Yolŋu culture while still feeling like Bluey.

Even Bandit and Chilli have new voices!

The project helps preserve Indigenous languages while introducing millions of Bluey fans to Australia’s rich First Nations heritage.

The episodes will be available on ABC iview during NAIDOC Week.

Moana movie sets sail

Maria Lewis

The Bugle steps onto the blue carpet

blue carpet at the Moana premiere in Sydney.

A decade ago, Catherine Laga'aia was just like any other 10-year old girl from Sydney. She loved to sing, she loved to swim, and, as someone from a proud Sāmoan family, she was excited to sit down in a movie theatre and see the first Pasifika Disney princess brought to life in their animated hit Moana. Now, 10 years later … she is Moana. “Funnily enough, when I watched the movie for the first time I thought she looked like my sister,” she laughs, speaking from the

“I did not think she looked like me at all, so I kept poking my sister saying ‘it’s you, it’s you’.

“I think it’s really cool Moana gets to be from Sydney.

“Her being so far away from what she’s seeking and what she’s aiming for – you do feel that sometimes, living in Australia.”

The Moana event was a celebration of the upcoming live-action adaptation which releases in cinemas globally on July 8.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson reprises his role of Maui in the

live-action Moana, telling The Bugle that he was “very grateful” for the large Pasifika population locally who have not only got behind the film but supported “Australia’s very own Moana”.

“I grew up a trailer park kid, an only child in the states, so when we moved from Hawaii to New Zealand – we lived in Grey Lynn for a little over a year – I learned so much about family and ceremony and respect from our community over here,” he said.

“I miss that and not only do I miss that, I’m so grateful for it because it’s

something I can teach to my own daughters as I continue to learn.”

For Catherine Laga'aia the thing she’s most excited for is the impact the movie could have on little girls watching.

“This is who we’re doing it for,” she said.

“This is the reason we make these things: to see all the little girls and little boys and little kids all so excited and active in celebrating this film and the authenticity of what we’re bringing to screen.”

The live-action Moana movie releases in Australian cinemas on July 8.

5 rainy-day boredom busters

FAMILY FUN DAY

Winter school holidays can mean more rainy days at home – but don't let that dampen your fun. Jaclyn Lynch, Centre Director at Kiama Little Zak's Academy, shares her rainy-day boredom busters — kid-tested and approved.

Frozen iCe cube fun

We'll do lots of sensory trays with frozen ice cubes. Before you freeze the water, put little animals inside and, as they defrost, you can either chip away at the ice with little play hammers or simply let it melt apart. It's lots of fun.

MusiC and movemenT

For children aged three and above, we love RAMSR, a self-regulation dance and movement program. Basically, all you need is some tapping sticks. If you're at home, two wooden spoons work just as well. Tap along with the music – it teaches rhythm and self-regulation while having fun.

Bring the outside inside

We'll set up an obstacle course indoors or, if you've got a table, put a big sheet over it to make a tunnel. You can also flip a table on its side to create a soccer goal so children can kick a ball into it.

Cloud dough

You can make your own “cloud dough” with hair conditioner and cornflour mixed together. So, for a small batch, use two cups of cornflour and one cup of conditioner. You can also add food colouring. It's very different from PlayDoh. It's soft and more crumbly. It a sensory tray favourite.

Ready, set, explore.

minnamurra rainforest

Winter is the perfect time to explore the cool, green rainforest. Even a little drizzle makes it feel extra magical! Walk along the rainforest track and see how many interesting things you can spot. Listen carefully for the famous lyrebird, look for colourful fungi, search for insects and admire the giant trees towering above you. Remember to leave everything just as you found it so the rainforest stays beautiful for everyone.

By emily crisp

Kiama to Bombo rock Walk

If you enjoy exploring, the rock platform between Kiama's Continental Pool and Bombo Beach is full of exciting things to see. Remember to only visit at low tide and always stay with a grown-up. Take your bucket and look inside the rock pools for sea creatures like anemones. Did you know these rocks were formed by volcanoes millions of years ago? You're walking on a very special part of Kiama's history.

Five local places to go on a winter adventure

GerrinGong Boat Harbour

Grab a bucket and head to the rocks at Gerringong Boat Harbour when the tide is low. The rock pools become tiny underwater worlds filled with shells, little crabs and all sorts of amazing sea creatures. If you love getting your feet wet, the shallow rock pool is a great place to splash around. Older explorers can carefully climb over the rocks to find little caves hiding nearby. You never know what you might discover!

Jamberoo creeK

Hidden behind the Jamberoo skate park is a peaceful little creek that's perfect for an adventure. Throw a stick into the water and race it downstream from the bridge. Collect colourful leaves, seed pods and twigs, or use them to build a bug hotel for tiny insects. It's a great place to use your imagination and see what you can create.

spot stinGrays at Kiama Harbour

Can you spot a stingray? On calm, clear days, you can often see stingrays gliding through the water beneath the wharf at Kiama Harbour. Watch fish swimming below, look out for pelicans landing on the water and enjoy a picnic with your family. It's a great reminder of how lucky we are to have such amazing wildlife right on our doorstep. The best adventures don't have to cost anything. All you need is a little curiosity, a bucket for your discoveries and a sense of adventure. So rug up, head outside and see what amazing things you can find this winter.

Kids colouring page

Designed by Tiffany Springett

Emily Crisp

From school pickups and weekend road trips to quiet afternoons at home, podcasts encourage imagination, curiosity and listening skills, and with a growing range of Australian-made podcasts designed specifically for kids, there's something to suit every age and interest. Here are six worth adding to your family's playlist.

Short & Curly

Best for ages 8-12

This award-winning ABC podcast tackles

6 Aussie podcasts for curious kids

the big questions kids love to ask. Is it okay to lie? What makes something fair? Through fun discussions and real-life examples, it encourages kids to think critically while sparking family conversations.

Dino Dome

Best for ages 5-10

Perfect for dinosaur lovers, Dino Dome is a fast-paced audio adventure packed with prehistoric creatures, mystery and action. Produced by ABC Kids Listen, it feels more like

a movie than a traditional podcast and is ideal for kids who love imaginative storytelling and a bit of action.

GardEninG AuStraliA

Junior

Best for ages 5-12

Fans of the television show will enjoy this kid-focused spin-off. Gardening Australia Junior shares simple projects, practical gardening tips and outdoor adventures that encourage children to get involved in the garden while learning about nature and

sustainability.

Squiz KiDs

Best for ages 8-14

This daily news podcast explains current events in a way children can understand. Covering everything from science and sport to world news and quirky stories, Squiz Kids helps curious young listeners stay informed without overwhelming them.

Arty Farty

Best for ages 5-12

Produced by the Sydney Opera House, Arty Farty introduces

children to the world of creativity through stories, interviews and playful exploration. It encourages young listeners to think creatively and discover different forms of art, music and performance.

JaCk the Story man

Best for ages 4-10

Created by Sydney primary school teacher and storyteller Jack Stephens, Jack the Story Man brings everyday childhood experiences to life through engaging

stories. Drawing on his own memories of growing up in Sydney, Jack shares tales about swimming lessons, first sleepovers, bossy siblings and playground adventures that children will instantly relate to. Whether you’re fascinated by dinosaurs, love asking questions, enjoy getting your hands dirty in the garden or simply can't resist a good story, these Australianmade podcasts offer fun for everyone.

FROM

KIDS DIY GELATO STATION AND TOPPINGS BAR

Steps:

1. Select your favourite 2 gelato flavours. For this, I always use our Callebaut Chocolate and delicious Fi or di Latte, which really allows the quality of the milk to shine.

2. KEEP THESE STORED IN THE FREEZER UNTIL YOU ARE READ Y TO SERVE.

3. DECIDE AND PREPARE YOUR TOPPINGS.

I have listed below some of our absolute, all time favourites:

Chocolate Fudge Sauce with roasted & finely chopped

hazelnuts

Caramel Sauce

Chopped Bananas

Apple Crumble

Strawberry Compote

Blueberry Compote

Baked Apricots with roast, slivered almonds

Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Olsson’s Sea Salt (don’t knock it til you try it!)

Mini choc chip cookies

Crunchy Granola

BY Maria Lewis

Gone are the days when guys used to dominate the line-up.

Now there’s a whole wave of South Coast surfer girls taking over the sport.

Whether that’s winning local events like the recent Ocean Queen Classic or keeping their eyes fixed on eventually joining the professional tour, there’s literally no limit for a generation of teens putting the South Coast on the map.

“It’s obviously a little bit harder to get noticed by sponsors down here and get recognised,” said Lucy Darragh, a member of Werri Beach Boardriders Club and one of the youngest competitors on the Challenger Series.

“In other places like

South Coast surfer girls the next wave

Sydney and the Gold Coast it can be easier to get noticed, but it makes us more motivated to keep showing everyone how good the South Coast is.”

Having taken out the recent Ocean Queen Classic run by Woonona Boardriders, the 16-year-old said she was “blown away” by the level of talent at the event that specifically spotlights female surfers from the Illawarra region.

“Everyone was surfing so good, every heat was stacked, and it was a really hard comp just with the South Coast girls,” she said.

“Comps like that make it known to everyone how good all the girls are coming up from around here.”

The results speak for themselves,

with Alice Hodgson and Keira Buckpitt placing second and third respectively in the Open Women’s division, while the Junior Girls were just as fierce with Everly Morgan, Lani Cairncross and Ruby Neill the top three: all names you’d be just as likely to see as podium finishers at any national event.

“We’ve all grown up together,” said Hodgson, 18, of Jones Beach Boardriders Club, who has been on a recent run of historic wins.

“We’ve all come up competing together, which has made it easy for us to follow each other and push each other out in the water when we surf.

“Our boardriders clubs help heaps, that’s what got most of us started … it’s basically your local community making a surf comp for kids

to start practising getting in heats and time management.”

For former world champion and pioneer of the sport, Pam Burridge, she has no doubt that the growing list of local girls making a name for themselves on the South Coast are the next ones to watch.

“I was at the Ocean Queen Classic and the waves were small and difficult, but the girls were still absolutely killing it,” Burridge said, who’s based in Mollymook and runs her own surf school.

“They were absolutely ripping it up, so that made me check out everyone a little on Instagram and it strikes me how it’s such a hot spot down here.

“Even though there’s geographical distance, there’s some national

level talent coming – maybe even international level –and surfing like you’d usually see out at Snapper.

“Being from this region, it seems like that has really ignited a fire.”

For Holly Wishart –who’s also currently competing on the Women’s Qualifying Series – there’s no shortage of inspiration for local girls wanting to go pro.

“Sally Fitzgibbons, she grew up in Gerroa which is really close to Gerringong, and I really looked up to her,” said the 21-year-old Werri Beach Boardriders Club member.

“She’s so inspiring and such a great role model for young girls and guys.”

Until then, one of the “biggest advantages” for the South Coast surfer girl scene

is the diversity of waves according to Darragh who – after taking out major event wins in Nias and Taiwan - has had the opportunity to surf some of the best breaks globally.

“We’re not in the spotlight like some people are in the Gold Coast, but you don’t get the variety of waves there like you do here,” she said.

“We’ve got slabs, we’ve got reef breaks, beachies, some point breaks … for people up there, they don’t really learn how to get barrelled until they travel somewhere for a surf comp.

“There’s just so many waves all down the coast, even Ulladulla and everywhere around us… we have exposure to slabs and heavy waves, plus girls who want to charge ‘em.”

what’s on?

Kiama’s winter playground awaits

Myah Garza

Kiama's town centre will be transformed into a winter playground on Saturday 11 July as the annual Winter Street Festival returns with a packed program of free entertainment, creative activities and family fun.

Among the festival's attractions will be a dedicated creative hub inside the Old Fire Station, hosted by Michelle Springett and her team from Kiama's Expressive Art Experience.

Supported by Kiama Council, the space will offer a range of free hands-on activities throughout the day, giving children and adults alike the chance to let their creative side shine.

"We're inviting people to come in during the day and build a snowman," Springett said.

Visitors will be able to decorate miniature snowmen, contribute to a community crochet project creating a

winter outfit for Daisy the Cow, try drawing activities and browse local artwork on display.

The evening program will see festival-goers help transform the precinct with a lantern display created by the community.

"We've got, I think, 400 lanterns to decorate," Springett said.

Once decorated, the lanterns will be illuminated and displayed throughout the festival area, creating a warm winter atmosphere as dusk falls.

"It'll be really fun and really interactive and something for the whole family," she said.

"So it's not just for the kids, but for mums and dads and everyone."

Now in its third year at the festival, Expressive Art Experience has become a popular stop for families looking for a hands-on experience, having previously hosted community mural projects and collaborative art installations.

Beyond the Old Fire Station, the festival program includes live art, a silent disco, free wellness experiences, the Parade of the Best Dressed Pup, an outdoor library, Creative Kids activities, street dining, late-night shopping, rock climbing and even an inflatable snowboard.

For those inspired to keep creating after the festival, Expressive Art Experience will also run drop-in painting sessions at the Old Fire Station throughout the week starting Thursday 9 July to Wednesday 15 July. Participants can purchase a canvas from $10 and spend as long as they like painting – with inspiration and guidance available.

Destination Kiama is encouraging visitors to use public transport where possible due to road closures

and limited parking. A free shuttle bus will operate from Kiama Leisure Centre, where parking will be available for a $5 donation to the Jamberoo Rural Fire Service.

Winter festivities will also be taking place further afield, with Robertson Winterfest returning on the same day.

The Southern Highlands celebration will feature market stalls, live music, free children's activities and a special appearance by Elsa from Frozen.

Kiama Winter Street Festival runs from 12pm to 8pm on Saturday 11 July.

(Deadline:

Christmas in July

Wed 1 Jul - 31 Jul

Pub Jamberoo

Festive vibes and food

Christmas in July

Sat 4 Jul, 5pm

Gerringong Co-op

Festive dining, live classical music, and seasonal

atmosphere

Kiama I do

Sat 4 Jul, 10am-2pm

Kiama and surrounds

Offering an inspiring showcase of wedding

venues

Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar

Sat 4 Jul-Sun 11 Oct

Bundanon Art Museum

Opening weekend 4-5th

July

Drop In Art Play – Six

Days

Thu 9 Jul-Wed 15 Jul, 10am-

3pm

Old Fire Station, Kiama

Drop in, buy a canvas and paint

DIY Giant Chocolate Freckle Workshop

Thu 9 Jul, 10am

The Treat Factory, Berry

Make your own giant freckle

Kids Bingo

Fri 10 Jul, 11am

Kiama Leagues Club

Entertainment for kids

Sydney Hotshots

National Tour 2026

Fri 10 Jul, 7:30pm

Kiama Leagues Club

Girl’s night out

Robertson Winterfest

Sat 11 Jul, 11am-4pm

Illawarra Highway, Robertson

Market stalls, live music, and special appearance of Elsa from Frozen Kiama Winter Street

Festival

Sat 11 Jul, 12pm-8pm

Terralong St, Kiama

Festival filled with art, music, dance, and workshops

Kiama Presbyterian

Church Winter Fest

Markets

Sat 11 Jul, 12pm-4pm Kiama Presbyterian Church

Market stall, kids activities, music

Rock’n’Dance Sat 11 Jul, 6:30pm

Gerringong Town Hall

Dj, dance coach and live music.

Christmas In July |

Family Fun Day

Sun 12 Jul, 12pm Illawarra Light Railway

Museum

Festive Christmas train and Mini Elf Express.

Christmas in July Jazz

Spectacular

Sat 18 Jul, 6:30pm

Cin Cin Wine Bar

Jingle and swing with Bonnie Kay and the Sweet Patooties.

Kiama Seaside Markets

Sun 19 Jul, 9am-3pm

Black Beach, Kiama locally sourced and created arts, crafts, clothing, jewellery, produce.

Comedy Show – Jimmy Kuratz

Mon 20 Jul, 7pm

Kiama Leagues Club

KAC supporting young people seminar

Sat 25 Jul, 2pm-4pm

Kiama Anglican Church

Talking about neurodiversity and ADHD

Sing Out Proud

Sun 26 Jul, 2pm-4pm

Kiama Pavilion

Kiama Illawarra PrideChoir performance fundraiser

The Creative Business

Summit

Thu 30 July, 9:30am

The Pavilion, Kiama

One-day business conference

South Coast Fibre

Muster

Sat 1 Aug-Sun 2 Aug Berry School of Arts

Celebrate creativity, community and fibre Alchemy Choir (Dementia Inclusive Choir)

Sun 2 Aug, 1:30pm Gerringong Town Hall

Performance, free entry The Kiama Fringe Fri 14 Aug- Wed 16 Sep, 6pm Black Beach, Kiama Comedy, circus, live music, family-friendly fun

Sydney Balalaika Orchestra Sun 16 Aug, 2pm Gerringong Town Hall Russian folk music played Kiama Rod Run

11 Sep-13 Sep Kiama

Horizontal Festival Fri 2 Oct

Bowral

wine makers, tasting bars, live music and new free precincts

Kiama Winter Festival 2024

Share your news

Do you have an update from a community group or coverage of a local event?

Send 150 words and an image to news@thebuglenews.com.au.

(Deadline: EOD Tuesday for the Friday print edition.)

out & about

Licence to drive for Amelia Lee

There were plenty of smiles at Service NSW this week as daughter of Kiama Councillor Matt Brown, Amelia Lee, celebrated earning her P-plates.

The 17-year-old passed her driving test on her third attempt and wasted no time putting her new licence to use, heading off on her first solo drive to Sydney later that day for a friend’s birthday party.

Amelia said gaining her P-plates would give her greater independence as she juggles school, sport and family commitments.

A member of Kiama Surf

A gem of a night: The Sea & Beau host “sip and bead”

On Wednesday 24 June, The Sea & Beau hosted its second Sip & Bead evening in collaboration with local jewellery brand Gigi Jewels.

Across two sessions, 14 local women came together for a relaxed evening of creativity, connection and conversation, each designing and hand-beading their own unique necklace to take home.

Guests also enjoyed bubbles, a grazing table and 10 per cent off in-store purchases, making it a fun night of shopping, creating and supporting small business.

Gigi Jewels is owned by Jess, a local mum from Kiama Downs, and we're so grateful to partner with another small local business to bring these events to our community.

Historic night for Kiama Lions

Kiama Lions marked an historic milestone on Wednesday night as members, partners, and community leaders gathered at Kiama Leagues Club to celebrate a year of strong service under President Susan Hudson, welcome incoming President Ray Redgrave, and recognise one of the club’s most dedicated leaders with Lions’ highest honour.

President Hudson reflected on a year defined by breadth, impact, and collaboration. She noted that Kiama Lions had been active “across every corner of the community,” contributing to vision screening, youth wellbeing, driver reviver, recycling initiatives, and fundraising events.

A major highlight of the year was the strengthening of strategic partnerships across the Kiama LGA. Kiama Lions worked closely with Kiama Community Radio, Headspace, Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, The Bugle, and the Kiama Netball Association.

In total, the club distributed nearly $60,000 to local causes – excluding the significant contributions made separately by the Lions Cancer Care Trust.

A meeting ofmayors

What’s the collective noun for a gathering of mayors?

On 27 June, Federal Member for Whitlam Carol Berry shared a photo to her Facebook of a gathering of local mayors.

Club’s under-18 girls surf boat rowing crew, she also travels regularly for tennis training and school activities.

“It’ll be really good for sport training and helping out my family,” she said.

Amelia is also preparing to fly to Vienna on Monday, where she will compete with her school choir in an international competition.

“Our school hasn’t competed in it for a number of years, but we’ve got a really strong repertoire and some really talented people in the choir,” she said.

The Bugle wishes Amelia safe travels, good luck in Vienna and happy driving on the roads.

Following the wonderful response to our first two Sip & Bead nights, The Sea & Beau is looking forward to hosting more beading nights with Gigi Jewels, as well as welcoming Hannah from Hub Ceramics for a special spring workshop later this year.

Park Central cafe celebrates birthday

Incoming President Ray Redgrave offered a heartfelt reflection on how the club has evolved since he last served as President in 2006. He highlighted the transformative contribution of women to the club’s growth and culture.

The evening reached its historic moment when Cheryl Moses was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship – Lions International’s highest honour for humanitarian service.

Park Celebrates cafe on Terralong Street is celebrating a year under its new ownership.

In July 2025, Harpal "Harry" Singh took over the reins and kicked off a new era with a revamped New York-style deli menu, longer trading hours and all-day service.

Originally from Punjab in India, Singh came to Australia a decade ago as an international student. He now lives in Wollongong with his wife, Gurpreet Kaur.

The eatery celebrated the occasion with 'High Tea at the Park' – which will now become a regular event –featuring an afternoon of "freshly brewed tea, delicious savoury bites, sweet treats, and great company".

At a challenging time for the tourism industry, the café continues to go from strength to strength and thanks the local community for its support.

“Thoroughly enjoyed hosting all our local Mayors in Parliament this week, who are part of the LG8 Regional Strategic Partnership,” she said.

“This partnership brings together Wollongong, Shellharbour, Wingecarribee, Camden, Campbelltown, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wollondilly Councils to advocate for the collective benefit of the Illawarra Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Macarthur regions.

“These regions represent more than 10 per cent of the NSW population and currently contribute over $50 billion to the economy, supporting over 300,000 jobs.

“This makes LG8 one of the largest regional economic partnerships in NSW.”

In the post, she included a shoutout to Mayors Tania Brown, Chris Homer, Jesse Fitzpatrick, Terese Fedeli, Matt Gould, Darcy Lound, Cameron McDonald and Patricia White for their “leadership and collaboration.”

PUZZLES

ACROSS

1 Sag (5)

4 Right side of a ship (9)

9 UK singer Lily – (5)

10 Social exclusion (9)

11 A Middle Eastern language (6)

9-LETTER

3 LETTERS

5 LETTERS

26 Custom (9)

27 Watercrafts (5)

28 Area of England, historically the ‘Middle Saxons’ (9)

29 Monetary units (5) DOWN

1 Serious stageplays (6)

2 A source of light (3,4)

3 Now-defunct car brand (7)

4 Condescending person (4)

5 Permitted (10)

6 The most fearless (7)

7 Fauna (7)

8 Destroy (8)

13 Distinct classes (10)

16 Word-for-word (8)

18 Landlocked English county (7)

19 Biased (7)

20 Even (7)

21 Mythical horse-man (7)

22 Emergency (6)

25 Ornamental quartz (4)

12 Type of sail (8)

14 Expert (10) 15 Computing abbreviation (3) 17 Hearing organ (3)

19 Choice (10)

23 Room for cleansing (8) 24 Heating element (6)

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

16 words: Good

24 words:

4 LETTERS

T O H U TE E N

Today’s Aim: ether, here, hereon, hereto, hereunto, hero, heron, hone, horn, hornet, hotter, hour, hunt, hunter, hurt, nether, north, other, ruth, teeth, tenth, tether, then, there, thereon, thereto, THEREUNTO, thorn, thou, three, throne, troth, truth

6 LETTERS ARISES ARTERY HEADED LASTED SAFARI STROLL

33 words:

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

8 LETTERS CONCRETE INTRIGUE SEASONAL SEPARATE

7 LETTERS BRIGADE CHOLERA GELATIN RISKIER SCANNER SOLDIER

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

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

QUICK QUIZ

PUZZLES

Starting the conversation:

Cross and Copley push men's mental health strategy

Myah Garza

NSW MP Matt Cross joined Liberal candidate Serena Copley in Kiama this Tuesday (June 30), meeting with local organisations and community stakeholders to promote men's mental health and advocate for a renewed Men and Boys Strategy for New South Wales.

The visit focused on encouraging men to speak openly about their health and tackling the stigma that can prevent them from seeking help.

"Everyone having a conversation – whether it's in the pub, on the sporting field or around the kitchen table. Just conversations, men talking about their health," Cross said.

The proposed strategy would update the state's previous Men and Boys Health Strategy, first released in 2018, and include a twoday summit in 2027 to bring together health professionals, community organisations and experts to help guide future policy and investment.

Cross said his commitment to men's health was shaped by his own experience as a survivor of stage four bowel cancer.

Before entering Parliament, he worked in medical research advocacy at the George Institute.

“Preventative health was something that I had an interest in,” he said. “It's good for society, but also long term good for the overall state of affairs in New South Wales.” But, it was his own diagnosis

that brought home the importance of seeking help early.

"I had warning signs. I ignored those warning signs. I was very much a typical male who was not taking their health seriously," he said.

The cancer was discovered after his wife encouraged him to undergo a colonoscopy.

Surgeons ultimately

removed 18 centimetres of his bowel, but because the cancer was detected in time, he was able to undergo treatment and recover.

Cross said his experience reflected a broader problem, with many men reluctant to seek help for both physical and mental health concerns.

He said that changing attitudes around help-seeking

was at the heart of the men's mental health campaign, alongside supporting community organisations and developing a renewed 10-year Men and Boys Strategy for NSW.

"We want men to know that speaking up isn't a weakness — it's a strength," he said.

"The summit will bring health professionals together for us to consult and hear where the best investment should be and what policies they see working."

Copley said the issue was particularly important for regional communities and pointed to the high rate of suicide among men.

"When you know that the leading cause of death for men and boys aged 15 to 44 is suicide, those aren't statistics we can just accept," she said.

"We want to make sure there is strength in talking about issues and seeking help."

She said improving men's health outcomes would have broader benefits for families, businesses and communities.

Throughout the day, Cross and Copley met with local organisations to discuss the challenges facing men and boys in the region and explore ways communities can better support mental and physical wellbeing.

“For your readers, I just want to encourage them –that’s what we're about here is starting a conversation,” he said.

"I'm hoping this conversation helps normalise men talking about their health – the good, the challenges and everything in between. That's how we save lives."

Local junior Bostock named for NSW Origin debut

Lleyton Hughes

Local junior rugby league

product Jack Bostock has been selected to make his State of Origin debut for the NSW Blues in Game Three of the 2026 series.

After being named on the Blues’ extended bench for Game Two, Bostock will now fulfil a lifelong dream by running out in the state’s colours on rugby league’s biggest stage.

“Being selected to play for the Blues is something I’ve always dreamed about since I was a kid,” the 22-year-old said.

“Getting the call-up is an absolute honour and I’m so excited to get out there.”

Since making his NRL debut for the Redcliffe Dolphins in 2023, Bostock has established himself as one of the competition’s rising stars, claiming the Dally M Winger of the Year award in 2024 before an ACL injury sidelined him for much of the 2025 season.

Since returning from injury in Round 9, Bostock has impressed after shifting to centre, with the Dolphins remaining unbeaten since his return.

Bostock replaces Brian To’o on

the wing for the series decider.

Bostock played his junior rugby league with the Shellharbour Stingrays before moving to Redcliffe in 2023, and said this week there had been plenty of light-hearted reminders from Dolphins fans about his return to NSW colours.

“There’s definitely been a few tongue-in-cheek comments from Dolphins fans,” he said.

“It adds a bit of fuel to the fire knowing most of my teammates are Queenslanders.”

Despite stepping into the side for a player of To’o’s calibre, Bostock said he was focused on bringing his own game to the Origin arena.

“Bizza is a great man and he’s been great for the Blues,” he said. “But I don’t feel any pressure. We’re different players, so I’ll just be bringing my own game to this team.”

Bostock said representing New South Wales was something he had always aspired to, particularly with family and friends still supporting him back home.

“I’m excited to go out there next Wednesday and represent the state, as well as my family and friends and everyone I’ve grown up with supporting the Blues,” he said.

“I’ll be out there to do them proud.”

The Blues will face Queensland at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane next Wednesday, with the series locked at 1-1.

Panecasio earns another Australian call-up

Lleyton Hughes

Kiama cricketer Tony Panecasio will once again represent Australia after being selected in the over-60s squad for a tour of Canada, overcoming a hamstring injury that threatened to derail his representative season.

Panecasio suffered the injury while captaining NSW in the opening match of last year's national championships and was unable to take any further part in the tournament, leaving him unsure whether he had done enough to retain his place in the Australian side.

"This time I was a bit nervous," Panecasio said.

"Thankfully the selectors held the faith. When I got the

phone call, I felt great relief."

The selection marks another chapter in Panecasio's remarkable late-career rise.

In 2024, the Kiama local helped Australia win the Over-60s World Cup in India, finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker and was later named International Over-60s Player of the Year.

Now, he'll return to the Australian side for a 14team tournament in Canada beginning on August 9, where the reigning world champions will face South Africa, Pakistan, Wales, Sri Lanka, Emerging Nations and hosts Canada in the pool stage.

Despite his growing list of achievements, Panecasio said representing Australia never loses its significance.

"Any opportunity to represent your country,

regardless of the sport, is the ultimate," he said.

"I've worked hard on my fitness because I desperately want to be a part of defending our World Champion status."

Panecasio said his focus for the tournament is simple.

"When called upon, do my job and trust the process," he said. "If I'm not on the field, I'll do whatever's needed to support the guys who are. Naturally, I'd like to take as many wickets as I can."

Looking back, Panecasio said he never imagined returning to local cricket with Lake Illawarra would eventually lead to wearing the baggy green in his 60s.

"Masters cricket certainly wasn't on my radar," he said.

”It's given me opportunities to play across the world, which has been fantastic."

He also hopes his story encourages more older people to give veterans cricket a try.

"It's not just about playing," he said. "It's giving older people the chance to stay active, travel and be part of a growing community. The sense of belonging is a key positive.

"You can play as much or as little as you want. Give it a go because you never know where it will take you."

The Australian veterans team departs for Canada ahead of the tournament, which begins on August 9. The tours are entirely selffunded, with players covering the costs of travel. If you are interested in sponsoring the team you can contact Tony here: snakehood@bigpond. com.

Tony Panecasio will represent Australia in the Over 60s team in Canada.

Photo Tony Panecasio

Bostock playing for the Stingrays of Shellharbour.

Photo Jack Bostock.

Jack Bostock in Blues colours. Photo NRL.

GERRINGONG LIONS UNDER 6 WHITE

KIAMA HOCKEYUNDER 16

Lleyton Hughes

For 16 seasons, Tom Williams has barely missed a Saturday.

From his senior debut as a teenager to now becoming the first player to reach 250 senior games for the Kiama Power, the club has been a constant in his life.

Now, in the Power's 25th year, Williams has etched his name into club history as the first senior player to reach the milestone.

"It's pretty special," Williams said.

been around for 26 years now through the juniors and seniors, so I've spent a lot of time at the club."

The milestone came in fitting fashion, with Kiama defeating Northern Districts 56-45 in the Premier Division last weekend.

Williams even got on the scoreboard himself, kicking a second-quarter goal in front of the grandstand.

"I didn't want to miss that one," he laughed.

Adding to the occasion, Williams ran onto the field with his young son and

Williams makes Kiama Power history with 250th game

moments was being able to run out onto the ground with my kids," he said.

"They're just starting to get around footy as well, so they were very excited."

The celebrations continued long after the final siren, with the club's 25th anniversary ball held that evening.

Looking back across his career, Williams said premiership success remained one of his proudest memories, although the relationships built through football were what had kept him coming back year after year.

in a couple where I’ve lost and no matter what they’re always pretty special," he said.

"I've also been lucky enough to play with both my brothers for most of my career. Not many people get to do that."

Williams first broke into senior football in 2010 after Kiama was unable to field an under-17s side.

"I was only 16 and just thought I'd play seniors instead," he said. "I never expected I'd get to 250 games."

Originally from a small town near Wagga Wagga, Williams said Aussie rules football had always been part of family life.

"It's kind of in the blood,"

he said. "Dad played and both my older brothers played, so I never really thought not playing was an option."

Now 32, Williams admits plenty of people have asked when he'll call time on his career, but he isn't putting a date on retirement just yet.

"I'll keep playing until I don't feel like it anymore," he said.

"I've heard a lot of older blokes say they wish they hadn't stopped because it's hard to get back into it. So I think I’ll just keep going until I can’t.”

While another milestone may still be a long way off, he joked it would be pretty special one day to share the field with

his three-year-old son.

"It's a fair way away," he said. "But seeing fathers play with their sons always looks like such a special moment.”

Williams also paid tribute to his family for supporting his football journey.

"I wouldn't be able to do it without my wife and family. They do a lot looking after the kids while I'm off training and chasing a footy around,” he said.

With 250 games now behind him, Williams now stands alone as the Power’s most capped player - the only question is how far he can take the record.

Williams being lifted by teammates after his 250th match for the club. Photo Kiama Power

Williams kicked a goal in his teams win over the weekend.

Photo Kiama Power

A family culture teammates flooding to support Williams during his 250th match for the club. Photo Kiama Power

KIAMA JUNIOR RUGBY UNION

GERRINGONG BREAKERSRESERVE GRADE