Business Awards winners
The Illawarra and South Coast is counting the cost of the wild weather which hit the region this week with the Kiama local government area inundated with rain and gale-force winds.
Wednesday was the worst of it although the heavy downpour that was predicted to descend overnight into Thursday morning did not eventuate as the East Coast low pressure system thankfully diverted into the Tasman Sea.
Kiama only received 18mm in the 24 hours to 9am on Thursday after copping 133.2mm in the previous 24-hour period. Foxground received 148mm, Broughton Creek 191mm and 207mm at Bawley Point during the midweek deluge.
Wind gusts of more than 120km/h lashed the Kiama LGA on Wednesday. Strong wind and hazardous surf warnings were still in place on Friday for the Illawarra and South Coast, along with the Hunter, Sydney and Mid North Coast regions.
A series of low pressure systems in the Tasman Sea produced strong to gale-force south to southwesterly winds during the week, generating large and powerful south to
Coast counts cost of wild weather
southeasterly waves. Kiama’s SES Unit has been busy responding to incidents with two of its flood rescue teams assisting other SES Units on the South Coast.
The majority of incidents have involved fallen trees, powerlines and damaged roofs.
The yacht which ran aground off the Kiama rockpool three months ago, the Ailsa Craig, has been out of the water at Kiama Harbour getting repairs.
There were fears on Wednesday that it would tip
over in the strong winds and the fire brigade was called but the damaged 15-metre vessel was stabilised.
Macquarie Pass was closed from Thursday onwards due to landslides while the Shoalhaven has also been hit hard by the extreme conditions. There were floodwaters in Shoalhaven Heads after the heavy rainfall caused significant river level rises across the Shoalhaven River and its tributaries.
Sanctuary Point, St Georges Basin and Sussex Inlet also experienced flooding while
further south at Burrill Lake, residents on either side of the bridge were close to being forced to evacuate the township at one stage as the water levels rose.
Endeavour Energy issued a statement on Thursday to say its crews were continuing to work on repairing storm damage and they are safely restoring power to customers as quickly as possible.
At the height of the storm, power was interrupted to nearly 30,000 homes and businesses, with wind gusts reaching up to 125 km/h
and causing more than 400 electrical hazards. More than 2000 SES volunteers have provided assistance, including assisting beachside properties with sandbagging efforts to protect them from rising coastal waters.
There were more than 4000 calls for help to the SES and many homes still remain without power, particularly in the St Georges Basin and Sanctuary Point areas where around 200 properties need to be assessed by crews.
There were more than 17,000 homes and
businesses without power in the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains and Western Sydney at one stage. Kiama and Gerringong libraries, as well as the Kiama Family History Centre were forced to close on Wednesday with other Council sites operating with reduced services, including the Administration Building, Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Centre and Kiama Leisure Centre.
There were numerous power outages with several shops closing early on Tuesday and not reopening until Thursday.
Jamberoo Pub closed early at 3.30pm on Tuesday to make sure staff and patrons did not have to travel to and from the venue in the treacherous conditions while several local schools, including Kiama High, operated under minimal supervision on Wednesday.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority issued a reminder to everyone involved in cleanup efforts to wear boots, gloves and eye protection, to clean and disinfect anything touched by water, to throw away any water-damaged food, to cover cuts, wash hands often and use mosquito repellent, to stay hydrated and take regular breaks to ensure you don’t over-exert yourself.
Paul Suttor
Surf Beach, Kiama
Barney Street, Kiama
Surf Beach, Kiama
Sussex Inlet
Between Bomaderry and Berry
Great news! We have a fresh new look with our website and email addresses. You can now find us at www. thebuglenews.com. au
The Bugle is a free independent newspaper, available fortnightly throughout the Kiama LGA in print .
There is a weekly digital edition available on The Bugle App and daily community news updates.
Published by:
The Bugle News hello@thebuglenews. com.au
Office 2, Edessa Arcade 88-90 Terralong St, Kiama
GENERAL MANAGER belle@thebuglenews. com.au
EDITOR paul@thebuglenews. com.au
NEWS TEAM news@thebuglenews. com.au
0412 415 101
ADVERTISING advertising@ thebuglenews.com.au
0428 662 499
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.
Confidence builds in local market as rate cut looms
Buyer confidence in the local property market is starting to lift ahead of next week’s Reserve Bank of Australia meeting, with analysts tipping a third rate cut for the year.
Marnie
Beauchamp,
from Belle Property Kiama, says signs of renewed momentum are finally starting to emerge after a “pretty tough” opening half of the year.
She believes the RBA’s next move could be a turning point. “It does feel like there’s more confidence and movement happening in the market in the past
“I think that if we do get another interest rate cut next week, then that’s going to give us a real boost.
“I just don’t think the two rate cuts we’ve had so far this year have been enough considering where everybody was at leading up to that.
“With inflation and the cost of living these days, people need a bit more of a reprieve before they’re going to make their next move.
“Coming into the second half of the year, another rate cut will be key, absolutely.”
The RBA’s next interest rate decision is scheduled for Tuesday, with strong anticipation of a 25 basispoint rate cut.
from $625,000 in 2005 to nearly $1.8 million today.
Beauchamp says the surge reflects the natural growth of the seaside town.
“If you go back 20 years, there was very little infrastructure in Gerringong,” she said.
“People came to Kiama because it had more shops and a supermarket, whereas over the last 20 years there’s been a whole lot of new buildings in Gerringong … more restaurants, shops, little boutiques, and more business in general.
“And then they also opened that beautiful subdivision around Tasman Drive, and all of a sudden the big prices came in and people were paying $2 million for a block of land where the views are just incredible.”
“We actually had a model created, which was sitting in the foyer of one of the display homes up there, showing how it was all going to look and where the marina was going to be.
“That marina was proposed around the late ’90s but it has only just really taken off in the last couple of years.”
Crumpton said local demand remained strongest east of the freeway, especially in locations with views.
“This is still particularly sought-after,” he said.“Close proximity and walking distance to the beaches is a big attraction, and/or the local shops and cafes.”
Dr John Salmon • Kiama Dental Practice
Dr John Salmon is pleased to announce that he is practicing full time in Kiama.
Offering quality gentle dental care in a calm and relaxing environment.
Call 4233 1313 for appointments 3/5 Railway Parade Kiama (next to Kiama Library)
Economists from the Commonwealth Bank and Westpac are among those to forecast a rate reduction.
Greg Crumpton, of Stone Real Estate, agrees confidence is rising again in the local property market.
“It’s definitely starting to move upward,” Crumpton told The Bugle.
“The last couple of interestrate reductions have helped, but it’s the next one that I think will really kick things off. Borrowing capacity and confidence increases when rates drop, and that brings more activity and buyers into the market.”
As confidence improves, the region’s prestige performers remain in the spotlight. Leading the way is Gerringong, which topped Cotality’s 20-year growth rankings when it released its May 2025 property data last week.
According to Cotality, Gerringong’s median house price has jumped
In the key growth corridor of Shell Cove, the median house price now sits at $1.4 million, also edging into prestige territory.
Beauchamp was there from the very beginning, as the first stages of Shell Cove were launched in the mid-1990s.“I was working for a property developer at the time, before I got into residential sales,” she said.
While interest from Sydney and Canberra buyers remains strong, Crumpton said locals were still key players in the Kiama market, upsizing or downsizing. As for his local market prediction over the next year? “The previous 12 or 18 months, there’s been a lot of hesitation, but I think we'll see an increase in activity, and prices may even start to creep up again,” he said.
“Interest rates are likely to keep going down, and that generally means things will start to pick up again in the market.”
Mayor urging residents to have their say on future planning at new Hub
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is encouraging residents to have their say at Council's new dedicated Planning and Development Hub at the Old Bank Building on Manning Street.
The Hub will be open to the public from Monday (7 July).
“We're excited to offer this new and dedicated service to our community,” Councillor McDonald said.
The Planning Hub will offer a duty planner service from 9-11am daily which will complement Council’s existing
Development Advice services.
A Heritage Advisor Service is also part of the new Hub, where people can get face-toface advice and guidance from Council’s team of planners, building certifiers and lodgement specialists.
This will soon include being able to book meetings with a specialist Heritage Advisor.
Council’s director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson said this new service would assist owners contemplating maintenance or work to their historically significant properties.
“Kiama has a rich First Nations and European history which can be seen in the many heritage buildings, landscapes and historic infrastructure found throughout our towns and villages,” he said.
“These structures and landscapes, and the stories they tell of times gone by are highly valued by our community and visitors alike.” This new service will help identify, conserve and promote places or objects that have significance to the local area and community. A Heritage Strategy will be developed.
Matty Taylor
Marnie Beauchamp
Greg Crumpton
Burnetts on Barney shines at Business Awards
Paul Suttor
Burnetts on Barney took out the Business of the Year top gong at the Kiama Business Awards on Thursday night at The Pavilion in Kiama.
Kiama Business Network founded the event this year to recognise the achievements of businesses in the region.
Trophies were awarded to winners in six categories with those businesses then judged to decide who would be the 2025 Business of the Year.
Kiama Business Network president Cathryn Lyall said the anonymous judging panel comprised of local business leaders who analysed the 50
Outstanding Business Leader (20 employees and under): Kate DezarnauldsWorkLife
Lyall said there was another strong contingent in this category of finalists for this award.
nominations to come up with finalists and eventually the category winners.
“It was a fantastic night, the community came together,” she said.
“The diversity of businesses of talent and individuals on display was a highlight.
“It was very community focused, it was very nurturing and supportive - there was a strong feel that everyone was coming together to support the community.”
The category award winners have all now won the right to be a finalist in the Illawarra Business Awards for the black-tie ceremony on 19 September at WIN Entertainment Centre.
“Kate stood out for her leadership skills and qualities,” she said.
Excellence in Microbusiness: This Old House Studio
The architectural hardware microbusiness serves builders, architects, homeowners and designers up and down the South Coast.
Excellence in Small Business & Business of the Year: Burnetts on Barney Burnetts on Barney was recognised for its excellence as the region’s leading garden and landscaping centre.
The business began in 2001 when Andrew and Elizabeth Barnett moved to Jamberoo to start a tree care business. They moved the business to its current site in 2012. Burnetts has evolved into a garden haven for locals and visitors alike. Its beautiful quarry-wall space is home to live local music each Saturday as well as festivals, community and private events throughout the year.
Lyall said the judges were
impressed with Burnetts not just being a central horticultural hub but its devotion to making Kiama a better place to live.
“It’s become a real hub for the community, doing stuff like sending a minibus out to Blue Haven twice a week so the retirees can come to the cafe and have morning tea together - for those who don’t have transport it’s a huge part of their week,” she said.
“The musicians that they profile there, the many community events they host, interaction with the bees by kids and adults - there’s just so many things they do that go above and beyond the business of making money.”
“She ran as an independent in the federal election but this was focused on WorkLife and all she’s done since she founded it in 2017. She’s done so many things for workers, freelancers and creatives to give them access to all sorts of ways to grow their businesses.”
“The fact that we’ve got this on our main street is unique and desirable,” Lyall said.
Outstanding New Business: Slow Dough
The unique bakery in Kiama was rewarded for its resilience.
“It’s a great story from starting the business in their garage, nearly giving up because they couldn’t get the space they needed to run a shop front and then deciding to persevere, and their whole
“It was a tightly contested race but they are serving such a broad swathe of the community and they are a great example of the circular economy in our LGA.”
philosophy around slowing down, bringing people together, the high quality of the products,” Lyall added.
“The staff are aligned on the journey together to embed sustainability and action in the community.
“Their whole ethos and hard work they’ve put into building it into the successful business it is, shone through.”
Outstanding Employee: Sarah Rebbeck from Kiama Leagues Club
Rebbeck has played an integral part in the growth of Kiama Leagues Club’s in recent years.
“What stood out for the judges was her dedication and strong work ethic from rising from the ranks of being in the kitchen to now being part of the executive leadership team over seven years,” Lyall said.
“Going on that journey,
Excellence in Sustainability: Ozeano Eyewear
A small local social enterprise founded by Caroline Hartline, Ozeano produces ethically handmade prescription glasses and sunglasses using a 100% biodegradable plant-based bio-acetate.
“Not only was it design conscious eyewear that was made with sustainable premium materials but there was a really clear impact around sustainability right from the outset,” Lyall said.
“She’s a relatively new
studying to learn new skills and now overseeing the entire catering operations for the club, for a young female to do that was great.
“The praise heaped upon her in her nomination from her colleagues was really strong and it gave a real sense of her empathy in the workplace, strong leadership qualities and clarity of vision for running the businesses and making it fit for purpose in the future.”
business, all online from Kiama Downs, but her reach has not just national, it’s been global as far as what she’s doing to remove plastic from the oceans, among other things.”
Elizabeth and Andrew Burnett. Photos: The Bugle
Slow Dough owners Lucy and Richard King
Kate Dezarnaulds
This Old House Studio Sarah Rebbeck
Caroline Hartline
Kiama Knights in a Bride War with double booking
In a situation that resembled the screenplay from the 2009 movie Bride Wars, the Kiama Knights rugby league club were made to fall on their proverbial swords due to a double booking at the Kiama Sports and Entertainment Complex.
Last Saturday, the Kiama I Do wedding exhibition was held at The Pavilion and within the vicinity, the Kiama Knights had planned six games, which included a 40-year reunion for the 1985 premiership-winning team at the Kiama Showground.
Leading up to Saturday, there were whispers within the community that the use of the Kiama Showground would be inhibited for most of the day.
Kiama Knights seniors and juniors committee member and coaching coordinator Marc Laird told The Bugle “we had a big day planned for last Saturday for a long time".
"We had our 40-year
reunion for our 1985 premiership-winning team, with a lot of those boys travelling interstate, a couple from Queensland, one from Tasmania.
“Thursday morning, we got wind that it was not going to happen, that the grounds were already booked for another event, that they (the grounds) weren’t available from 10am until 2pm. Sort of rendered our whole day, you know six games planned. Pretty much put a big dent in our day, I guess.
“It is just disappointing, knowing that all the planning that had gone in then just to be told that there was no sort of wiggle room, or (that) we couldn’t get on the field was extremely disappointing.”
While Laird and the Kiama Knights fraternity were disappointed with the displacement, it seems there is no animosity, at least from Laird.
“I don’t want to blame anyone or point fingers at anyone. It’s sort of a
miscommunication from all parties, I guess,” Laird said.
“The ground had been booked for a year in advance for this expo and our draw had been done for six months.
“We (Kiama Knights) have been using this field for 100 years.”
Home games are imperative to the facilitation of revenue for regional rugby league clubs, with limited funding coming from parent bodies making game day revenue and the support of volunteers vital to the progression of the club. “The thing with us, it’s the game day revenue and for us to survive as a community footy club, we rely on the game day revenue,” Laird said.
“We only get nine games a year at home, so it is really important that we have big days financially to keep us afloat. So, it went from being potentially a really great day for the club, to a pretty uneventful one really.”
When asked if the club was provided with any sort
of compensation for the late cancellation, Laird could not confirm, stating “we sort of have to suck it up, I guess.”
Rebecca Armstrong from The Pavilion said she was not authorised to comment on the booking faux pas, but ensured the Kiama I Do exhibition was a success. “It was excellent. It was a really busy day,” Armstrong said.
“We had three wedding venues open, we set up mock weddings with the help of local wedding suppliers.
“It wasn’t just about showcasing the venues, it is about driving more business and revenue to the local businesses that we partner with.”
In a detailed statement from Kiama Municipal Council provided to The Bugle, it simplified the complex booking conflict highlighting that this issue was flagged earlier this year in April.
“Kiama Council was advised in April 2025 by the Kiama District Sports Association (KDSA) of the prospective
Local drivers charged in weekend crackdown
NSW Police have charged 89 people, and 72 drivers returned positive drug tests, during a high-visibility road traffic operation in Sydney, the Illawarra and South Coast.
Operation Fume ran on 6pm on Saturday until 4am on Sunday, targeting drug and alcohol-driving offences, and general road compliance across south-eastern Sydney, and the Wollongong, Lake Illawarra, Hume, South Coast and Monaro Police Districts. The operation involved Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers conducting mobile and stationary drug and alcohol testing at locations of serious injury or fatal crashes.
Knights 40 year anniversary tournament, at which point Council flagged the existing Kiama I Do booking,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Council suggested contacting The Pavilion or consider a Friday twilight game. As no further contact was made with Council or The Pavilion, it was assumed an alternative arrangement had been made by KDSA and/ or the Knights to hold their anniversary game. When it became evident late last week that both bookings had accidentally gone ahead causing a clash (eg: Kiama I Do was not using the showground, but a football match there would not be conducive to the wedding expo), organisers worked hard behind the scenes to accommodate both events.
“Council acknowledges and understands that this double-booking was made accidentally. Unfortunately, mistakes happen. The Pavilion and Showground precinct is a large and popular complex with a range of different users and events throughout the year, which generally run smoothly.
“Council further acknowledges the importance of local sport and the role of Kiama Showground as our town’s chief football venue, particularly during midseason. However, wedding events and venues also bring significant revenue and promotional opportunities to our region and contribute to our local and regional economy.”
It is estimated through the average wedding spend and weddings per capita, the wedding industry is worth almost $5 billion to the Australian economy a year.
A spokesperson for KDSA was unavailable for comment. Bride Wars is a 2009 comedy film starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson, where two best friends booked the same venue and became estranged through the process.
There were 4850 breath tests conducted with 25 positive breath tests, as well as 524 roadside drug tests conducted with 72 positive drugs tests, including cannabis, cocaine and meth. Police issued 310 traffic infringements, 52 speeding infringements and apprehended 43 unauthorised drivers (14 suspended drivers, 25 unlicensed drivers and four disqualified drivers).
Paper parking fines are back in Kiama
Be warned - if you overstay your welcome, you could find a paper parking infringement waiting for you under your windscreen. Kiama Council has returned to issuing paper parking notices from 1 July as part of new NSW Government laws. Parking is an ongoing issue in Kiama with spots at a premium on Terralong Street and Manning Street during business hours and during weekends and public holidays when tourists flock to the town.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is imploring local residents and visitors to please check parking signs and respect any stated restrictions before leaving their vehicle to avoid receiving a fine.
“I ask everyone, whether local or visitor, to treat Parking Officers with courtesy,” Cr McDonald said. In 2023-24 Council conducted 434 parking patrols, resulting in fines of approximately $107,000.
Man charged over house fire
A man has been charged following a house fire in the Shoalhaven. About 5.45am on 9 June, emergency services were called to Coachwood Avenue, Worrigee, about 6km south-east of Nowra, following reports of a house fire. Fire and Rescue NSW responded and extinguished the fire but the house was destroyed. A 27-year-old man – who was inside at the time – escaped and was unharmed.
On Monday, officers attended a home in Sanctuary Point Road and arrested a 79-yearold man. He was taken to Bay and Basin Police Station and charged with damage property by fire/explosion (DV), and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
Mitchell Beadman
Banter Bugle
Housing in coastal Kiama comesparadise with more than one high cost
In just a few weeks living on the South Coast, one thing has become clear to me: property prices here are next level.
My first story spotlighted a jaw-dropping $6 million sale in Kiama Downs.
Perched above Jones Beach with sweeping ocean views, the resortstyle stunner was snapped up at a new record price for the suburb.Then came
The Bugle’s look at the 20year property boom in Gerringong.
Back in 2005, the median house price was $625,000.
Today it’s nearly $1.8 million. Staggering stuff.If only we knew back then just how much values would rise, you’d have borrowed as much as you could to invest in local property.
Gerringong isn’t alone. In Berry, average house prices have soared from $653,000 to $1.6 million.
Shell Cove has jumped from $576,000 to $1.4 million, and Albion Park units have more than doubled over the past two decades.
Even modest homes are commanding premium prices.
Local agents say cashedup buyers from Sydney and Canberra are still circling.
It’s great news if you’re selling, but not so much if you’re trying to break into the market.
What’s unfolding in this region mirrors a broader
coastal trend: lifestyle migration, flexible work, and the post-pandemic property shift.
But there’s something about Kiama and its surrounds - the beaches, the village feel, the easy rail link to Sydney, the muchimproved drive to Sydney (thanks to the Albion Park bypass) - that makes it particularly magnetic.
And yet, as a newcomer to the region, my first reaction was: how is any young local supposed to buy a property here?
Unless you’re inheriting a windfall or cashing out of the city, the numbers simply don’t stack up.
Median prices well above $1 million in small coastal towns have become the reality, not the exception. That disconnect is real, and it’s growing. It raises hard questions about affordability, generational access and whether councils are striking the right balance between high-end development and local housing needs.
Kiama is still paradise. But paradise should come with a pathway, not just a price tag.
If this region wants to stay vibrant and inclusive, we need to start asking: who’s the South Coast for, and who’s being left behind?
- Matty Taylor
Flood management joint project to make Road less of a Swamp
Kiama Council’s partnership with Shellharbour City Council to improve flood management on Swamp Road is paying dividends, with the support of grant funding from the Office of Local Government. Council has secured $150,000 in funding to implement a pre-warning management system at this key thoroughfare, which spans both local government areas. This initiative aims to reduce flood-related risks and improve the efficiency of road closures during heavy rainfall events. “This project demonstrates the value of cross-council partnerships in enhancing community safety during emergencies,” Kiama Council director of infrastructure and operations Darren Brady said. There are five key elements to the project.
Major flow-on effects if NYE Kiama fireworks are canned
Paul Suttor
Kiama Council’s controversial decision to cancel the New Year’s Eve fireworks display unless a sponsor can be found will have ramifications not just for local businesses but community groups as well.
For many local business operators, the festival is their biggest money-spinner of the year while community groups use the event as an opportunity to raise muchneeded funds. The local Rural Fire Service, covering Jamberoo, Gerringong, Foxground and Carrington Falls, and Surf Life Saving Clubs have been beneficiaries as the chosen charity.
Volunteers worked their way through the heaving crowds on Kiama’s foreshore, collecting donations and raising awareness about their efforts in the community.
The Surf Life Saving Clubs were chosen for the past two years with the Rural Fire Service getting the gig the previous two years.
By simply having volunteers wander around with donation buckets, around $15,000 has been raised each New Year’s Eve to help fund their vital community services.
Destination Kiama chair, Councillor Matt Brown was intending to put forward Landcare as this year’s chosen charity as well as a local mental health group. Kiama Council has put the call out for sponsors to offset the cost of the annual event after recently opting to withdraw its own funding with Mayor Cameron McDonald stating that the NYE Sky Show needs substantial external funding to go ahead.
Councillors voted against allocating $95,000 to self-
fund the fireworks when the 2025-26 budget was approved last month with Cr McDonald saying they needed to be fiscally responsible while operating under the State Government-imposed Performance Improvement Order.
South Coast Surf Life Saving branch president Shane Wicks, who is a member of Kiama SLSC and the Jamberoo Rural Fire Service, hoped Council can find a solution through sponsors or a change of heart.
“It’s a great opportunity for community groups to get a large range of people in a small area and a lot of community groups rely on different types of funding to fund a lot of their activities,” he said.
“Surf life saving doesn’t get government funding. We do grants but most of the funding comes from ourselves - clubs
have to organise fundraising. With regards to the RFS, we are supplied with basic equipment we need to fight fires but it’s the things on top like gas detectors and thermal imaging cameras to identify hot spots we have to fund.”
Wicks said the volunteers not only collected money but used the opportunity to engage with the community about the services they provide and offer advice on safety matters, such as fire hazards, surf awareness and fishing on the rocks.
“I’ve been to at least 15 with my kids over the years, there’s a great vibe in the town and you very rarely see any trouble,” he said.
Council’s Spendmapp “Event Tracker” data revealed there was $1.76 million in local spending on New Year’s Eve, the highest total recorded across recent major events.
Betty’s bar on Collins Street is one of the many local businesses which thrives on New Year’s Eve and co-owner Paul Paterno said he would be disappointed if the fireworks display disappeared from the calendar. “The amount of people who descend into town is incredible,” he said.
“Without it a lot of businesses miss out on their biggest night of the year. It’s always good when we’ve got that many people in townthousands walking around looking for food and drink. It ‘d be a shame not to have it.
“Having the fireworks on gives people a reason to come to Kiama. People are going to go other LGAs that do have events on and it will leave Kiama missing out. The return on investment for local businesses is much greater than the 80 or 90 grand it costs to put them on.”
Coordinated Flood Response: Both Councils will continue to close Swamp Road when rising water levels make the road impassable.
Manual Boom Gate Installations: New manually operated boom gates will replace temporary barriers that are prone to damage or removal during storms.
Shellharbour Council recently installed a gate on their side of Swamp Road. Consistency in Design: Kiama Council will adopt the same gate design.
Expedited Delivery: Negotiations are underway for Kiama to acquire a prefabricated gate from Shellharbour to fast-track the installation process.
Enhanced Signage: Procurement is in progress for additional flashing light signage to alert motorists during closures due to floodwaters.
Little
Kiama Downs in line for dog park
Kiama Downs is the next location in the local government area likely to get a fenced off leash dog area with Jamberoo’s new facility a couple of months away from completion.
Councillor Stuart Larkins has led the push for Kiama Council to launch its first Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy, which was adopted at the June Ordinary Meeting.
“In the past we had seen a very ad hoc approach to the decisions around dogs spaces, in particular a big focus on the beaches,” said Cr Larkins, voicing his views as a Councillor, not on behalf
of Council. “It didn’t really identify the issue, particularly in Jamberoo where not only was there debate about whether a dog space should be fenced or not, or whether they needed one.”
With more than 9000 dogs in the local government area among the human population of 23,000, Council needs to provide several friendly spaces for the canine community and their owners to get in some much-needed socialisation and exercise.
Construction on Jamberoo’s fenced off-leash area is due to be complete in September with recent adjustments to the plan ensuring there will be spaces for small and large
dogs to roam. Cr Larkins said the Jamberoo sporting community will be thrilled once the FOLA is up because they have had ongoing problems with dog owners using Kevin Walsh Oval and other sportsfields and leaving more than just footprints.
He was confident Jamberoo’s space would be big enough to give local dog owners plenty of room for their canines to stretch their four legs.
“A lot of the sporting community raised feedback through that Strategy around the difficulties they experienced of people using the sports fields for running dogs and the dog waste that is then produced. The whole
point about establishing the five-year strategy is it outlines where dogs should and shouldn’t go but it also creates the community expectations about the safety and standards for dogs within our LGA.”
Kiama Downs is likely to be the next cab off the rank for a designated area for dogs and a location would need to be locked down after community consultation.
“When I moved the motion in the Council meeting I made an addition that Council explores the opportunity for a fenced dog park in Kiama Downs,” Cr Larkins said.
“We’ve got 9000 dogs and a high proportion of them are in the Kiama Downs area.”
Complainant’s friend tells Court that Ward allegations ‘could’ve been a dream’
The NSW District Court has been told that a friend of one of the complainants in the Gareth Ward trial into sexual assault allegations tried to retract his police statement.
The trial has now been going for six weeks with Ward facing five charges and has pleaded not guilty to each of them: sexual intercourse without consent, common assault and three counts of indecent assault.
The 44-year-old Independent MP was charged three years ago following complaints against him from a man, aged 24 at the time, over an alleged incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago.
He has also been accused of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.
A friend of the younger complainant was questioned in the Court on Wednesday about an email he sent to the Court before the criminal trial.
The man told Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles that he was “angry and upset” about being dragged into the investigation and admitted the claims in the email were untrue.
He told the jury he was not told anything that “would even come close to being categorised as an assault”. The complainant had earlier in the trial said Ward encouraged him to drink alcohol at his house in 2013.
He had recently turned 18 and the Crown Prosecutor has told the Court that police allege Ward indecently assaulted the teenager as he lay on the grass and then again inside in his bedroom.
The man, who said he was 17 when he first met Ward, told the jury “I could not move” when he alleged that Ward placed himself on top of him while he was face down in bed and tried to perform a lower back massage.
The trial before Judge Shead continues.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
In the email, he claimed some of the statement that he had given to police “could’ve been a dream” after detectives had “grilled him” during their investigation before charges were laid against Ward.
Paul Suttor
Councillor Stuart Larkins and Kiama member of the NSW Legislative Council, Sarah Kaine
Anne and Franca shatter glass ceiling at Minnamurra Lions
Danielle Woolage
Anne Andersen and Franca Lyon never set out to shatter any glass ceilings but that’s effectively what they did when they became the Minnamurra Lions Club’s first female members.
While many might ask why it took almost three decades for the club to have its first female members to join their ranks, Franca and Anne are quick to point out that the once all-male cohort have welcomed their appointment.
They chuckle when they are called pioneers, but both agree that the club needs more members, whether they are women or men, as resources are “spread thinly” and the number of people joining service organisations is dwindling.
“I don’t think there were ever battlelines drawn,” says Anne when asked about the absence of female members since the club’s inception in 1999. But we saw the need for new members so we thought why not give it a go. And it’s always good to have a fresh perspective, new blood.”
Franca agrees saying: “The club is always looking for more people to commit to doing the good work being carried out by
volunteers, so why not use us?
"Women are an under-utilised resource that haven’t been tapped into and we often have a different way of approaching things.”
She is quick to point out the pair are “not ready to overthrow any regimes” nor are they looking to add to the list of the many good causes that the club already supports.
“That’s right,” laughs Anne. “We are just happy to help out. There may be a cause that we would like to initiate or start in time but we are spread fairly thinly and winter is always our busiest time.”
“It’s a challenge,” agrees Franca. “Because the club supports Kiama Rugby League, volunteers will work on the gate as well as running
the sausage sizzle at the Seaside Markets on the same day, so volunteers are thin on the ground.”
Both women have cooked snags or stood at the gate to collect entry fees for rugby league games alongside their husbands - long-time Minnamurra Lions Club members Bill Lyon and Phil Andersen.
Now Anne and Franca will now volunteer in an official capacity, as fully-fledged members, after years of working behind the scenes to support their husbands’ involvement in the club.
Recently Lions, Australia’s largest service organisation, requested that the more than 1000 individual clubs across the nation take ownership
of their own housekeeping, which included creating an online presence.
Bringing the club into the 21st century was no mean feat, considering the average age of members is around 70.
But Anne’s husband Phil - the club secretary who has signed on for his fifth year in the job - stepped up to the task creating a website for the Minnamurra Lions Club.
The club also elected a new president, with Franca’s husband Bill stepping down from the role earlier this week after two years in the position.
Bill maintains his active membership and will continue his hard work to recruit more members, including women.
“You can’t be stuck in the past, every organisation needs to evolve,” agrees Anne. “The men have been very welcoming of Franca and I to join them.”
Minnamurra Lions Club meets several times a month to volunteer for services as well as hosting an informal dinner, which includes a guest speaker, at Kiama Golf Club.
Greg Kelly, an ex diplomat from the Department of Foreign Affairs will be the club's next guest speaker.
If you are interested in becoming a member visit the club’s website.
More EV charging ports on the horizon to help electrify Kiama
Paul Suttor
The rise of electric vehicle use in the Kiama local government area is likely to lead to more charging stations being installed at two more locations.
Four charging ports were set up at The Pavilion on Bong Bong Street last November after Kiama Council received funding from the NSW Government’s EV Destination Charging Grant program.
With EV use in the LGA at 5% of motorists and rising, Kiama Council is in the early stages of determining where the next charging stations should be located.
Councillor Stuart Larkins said it was important for Council to move with the times as the EV revolution cranks up and they were continuing to explore grant opportunities to fund future infrastructure.
“When Council approved The Pavilion site, we also had a list of future sites for EV areas - the two that are the high priority are the Gerringong Library site and the Kiama Leisure Centre,” he said.
“I’m really focused on getting one in Gerringong and the Library seems to be the high priority for the
Council staff in terms of a future EV charging point.” Because Kiama Leisure Centre’s redevelopment is being discussed via the draft masterplan, the exact site will not be known until that project gets the green light.
Cr Larkins said Kiama residents had a higher percentage of EVs, as well as hybrid vehicles, compared with other local government areas.
“It’s not just residents - a number of people are travelling to the LGA for holidays,” Cr Larkins added.
“There’s a lot of people going between Sydney and Melbourne and all the tourist areas along the coast.
A lot of those coastal towns and villages are getting EV chargers - Nowra, Ulladulla, Shellharbour.
“As people travel for tourism, it’s quite an important infrastructure for tourism and people travelling along the coast.”
Cr Larkins said he had always been passionate about the renewable energy push in Kiama and has held regular meetings with Electrify Kiama 2533 about increasing the level of infrastructure in the LGA.
“Most people are very positive about needing EV chargers and the move towards EVs,” he said.
Franca Lyon and Anne Andersen
When in ROAM - new travel service with a twist
Danielle Woolage
When Kelly Morrison joined Gerringong’s Travel Focus Group three months ago she pitched a business idea - solo women’s travel tours - to owner Peta Godfrey.
ROAM is a bespoke travel service for adventurous women, travelling alone or with girlfriends, which focuses on good food, good company and lots of laughs.
Kelly, an avid explorer whose love for travel began in the late 1980s and has taken her across the globe many times over, created the concept after years of fun adventures, sometimes solo, sometimes with family and friends.
Kelly quickly learned “wine tastes better with girlfriends” and Peta knew Kelly was onto something.
Who wouldn’t want to travel with like-minded women on tours with no mental load required, where all the organisation is done for you and the only person you have to think about is yourself.
Kelly hosted a breakfast meeting this week, not only to get the word out about the services offered by ROAM, but to also tap into the wealth of expertise shared by female travellers.
She held the meeting on a Tuesday because “at least one of my friends was off so I knew she’d come along”.
The event coincided with one of the most severe weather fronts – an East Coast low – to hit the South Coast in recent times.
Despite the 150mm of rain that fell across the region, more than a dozen intrepid female travellers turned up to
share coffee, croissants and ideas for future adventures together.
“We had 15 lovely ladies brave the wind and rain to join us for our inaugural breakfast,” says Kelly.
“Some were single and wanted adventures with other like-minded women, some were girlfriends who wanted to travel together but without the mental load of having to
organise an itinerary and, interestingly, we had quite a few married women whose husbands are too busy or don’t want to travel.”
All of the women who attended had one thing in common - their idea of a great holiday aligned with ROAM’s beliefs of slow travel, enjoying the location, leisurely mornings and small-group tours.
“Our solo women tours are all about slowing down and savouring the journey,” says Kelly.
“There are no crack-of-dawn wakeups or rushed schedules. We don’t do alarms unless it’s for pastries!
“You can explore at your own pace and yes, you can skip the museum for wine if you want to.”
ROAM’s first tour, in November, will be held in New Zealand and include good food, fine wine, a health spa and jet boat ride. But there are many more adventures on the horizon.
“We had a wide range of interests at the breakfast, with women suggesting tours to Africa, Italy, Vietnam and even a pub crawl through Ireland and Scotland,” says Kelly.
“There was a common theme of going to a location, such as Italy, and staying for a few weeks in one place and becoming part of the community.
“Some of the activities that were of interest included cooking classes, art retreats and hiking tours such as the Camino trail. Everyone wanted off the beaten track, with travel outside the main tourist season that is unique and authentic.”
If this sounds like your kind of globetrotting visit ROAM on the Travel Focus Group’s website. You can join the mailing list to stay up to date with upcoming tours and sign up to join waitlists.
“Delicious food is a big part of the ROAM experience, there are no sad salads allowed. We also offer meaningful cultural experiences, rather than rushed tick-a-box, buy the fridge magnet tours.
The intrepid travellers at the first ROAM meeting.
Club Jamberoo to celebrate 75 years of bowling and belonging
Mitchell Beadman
From humble beginnings and bowling greens, Club Jamberoo is celebrating decades of camaraderie and change.
Jamberoo Bowling Club will commemorate a major milestone next Saturday (12 July), marking its 75-year anniversary with a day of bowls, lunch, and reflections on its long standing within the local community.
“To commemorate the first meeting, we are having a day of bowls with three matches and lunch,” Club Jamberoo treasurer Terry Stamp said.
“We’re inviting old bowlers, all our life members, current members, and their
guests. After the bowls, we’ll have a birthday cake and a few speeches.”
While the event honours the pioneers and a bowling legacy, Stamp said the club’s identity has grown well beyond its greens.
“The club is very much more than just a bowling club; it’s a community club,” he said.
“We’ve evolved over time, forming strong partnerships with many sporting clubs in Jamberoo."
Club Jamberoo supports community groups providing a place to meet.
“We provide access for the Red Cross to raise money within the club, the Probus Club also meets at our bowling club and so does the
Ratepayers Club,” Stamp said.
“It is just providing access to the facility so that those people can meet and feel they belong to the town, not just the club.”
The Jamberoo Bowling Club’s inaugural meeting was held on July 12, 1950, and was chaired by Jamberoo Mayor Roy Warby.
A total of 89 Foundation Members each paid three guineas to join – raising £280 pounds.
The No.1 green was officially opened on October 30, 1954, followed by the original clubhouse on March 11, 1956.
For more details about the anniversary and the club’s history www.clubjamberoo. bowls.com.au.
Sc h o olsOut!
Shelby Glbert
Kiama businesses and residents are being asked to get creative this July, with KidsWish launching a new Christmas in July campaign to support local children with disability.
KidsWish’s goal is to raise $37,500 to purchase 1500 new toys for children with disability and illness for their annual Christmas Party on December 4 at Symbio Wildlife Park.
This initiative supports KidsWish’s biggest event of the year, which welcomes up to 3000 guests and ensures every child receives a gift.
opportunities to attend venues they wouldn’t normally access.
The organisation's cinema events are often the only time some families feel comfortable taking their children to the movies, thanks to the supportive environment created by volunteers and disability support workers.
The fundraiser has already seen positive community response, with local businesses readily displaying tabletop donation cards.
contributing to the toy fund. Options for these events could include morning teas, dress-up days, trivia nights or bake sales.
“We'd love for lots of various venues or community groups or schools or even individuals to think of something fun they can do over the month of July to acknowledge Christmas in July,” Wright added.
Jordan and Finn, pictured above, on a beautiful Kiama Friday. They are spending most of their time off playing golf at Kiama Golf Club in Minnamurra. Send in your school holiday adventure pictures and be featured in The Bugle newspaper! o
KidsWish stakeholder engagement and fundraising manager, Emily Wright, highlights the importance of “safe and supportive” events for families and children living with disability or illness.
"We get a lot of families telling us that it's the only time their child feels accepted and included with no judgement," she said.
“Our events are supported by KidsWish volunteers and a lot of our programs and events are supported by disability support workers. We've got people trained to support the children."
For many families, KidsWish events provide
According to Wright, many businesses have expressed interest in hosting their own fundraising events, whether this year or next.
"We're just really hoping that it's something that will grow year on year and hopefully heaps and heaps of people from the Illawarra get behind it,” she said.
“KidsWish rely entirely on fundraising efforts to do the work that we do."
She described this fundraiser to be one that is easily accessible to the community, where people can create their own Christmas in July events while
Supporters are able to see exactly how their contributions make a difference through the KidsWish toy fund tracker. If the goal is exceeded, additional funds will support KidsWish year-round events and experiences for children living with disability.
Kiama residents can get involved by making direct donations, hosting creative fundraising events, or volunteering with KidsWish programs. The campaign runs throughout July, with each donation bringing the goal of 1500 toys closer to reality. To learn more about KidsWish’s Christmas in July fundraiser, make a donation, or to get support for hosting a fundraising event, head to kidswish.org.au.
Jamberoo Bowling Club Founding members 1951
Woodcraft group’s handmade treasures
Whether it is an upcoming birthday gift or adding to your furniture collection, there is something for everybody’s liking at the Kiama Woodcraft Group exhibition and sale at the Old Fire Station Gallery on Terralong Street, Kiama.
The exhibition opened on Thursday, and will be running until next Wednesday from 9am until 4pm.
Sale coordinator and Kiama Woodcraft Group member Glenn Grigg told The Bugle that this exhibition and sale will be “small items of furniture or toys, clocks, bread and cutting boards, anything
that is made with wood basically”.
“I’ll have two tables and a number of cutting boards made from Camphor Laurel timber, a couple of bowls maybe, a salt and pepper mill,” he said.
“One of the guys in the group has been collecting tools for many years, chisels, planes, all those sorts of things and he has repaired a lot of old tools and he sells those as well.”
For those who thought that they had missed the usual exhibition and sale in January, fear not.
“We normally have the sale in January and then one later in the year around October, but we missed the January one this year because it (the Old Fire Station) was
booked out,” Grigg said.
The Kiama Woodcraft Group meets every third Tuesday at the Joyce Wheatley Centre with Grigg encouraging for those interested to attend.
“It is an opportunity for guys to meet together, share expertise, have a cup of tea together,” Grigg said.
“It is a bit like a men’s shed, where the guys meet and encourage one another. So, there is that element, and it also gives us an outlet.
“During our monthly meetings we share stories, there is an ask the expert session.”
For more information about the Kiama Woodcraft Groupor the exhibition, head to www. kiamawoodcraft.org.
Tay’s a young leader with a passion for culture and education
Tay Byrne, an emerging young leader from Tharawal country, recently completed the 2025 NSW Parliament Young Aboriginal Leaders Program with 20 other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from around the state.
“We all got the chance to come together and workshop some leadership skills, hearing directly from community (leaders) and organisations and how they were successful in making change in their community,” Byrne said.
Byrne shared that they not only struggled with identity and figuring out who they were as a young person, but also with their education.
“I wasn’t very good at reading and writing, so I struggled a bit with school and lack of support.”
Having experienced this within their own schooling, Byrne speaks with authority on the issue of providing greater support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students.
One of the issues raised by Byrne is that the initiatives and programs established by
“Pretty much hearing their story, how they were successful in making change in their community and their advice on what that looks like for the next generation going through that process.”
governments in schools are unreliable and students, like Byrne, become subsequently displaced educationally.
“A lot of the things that were offered to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students would often go for about a year, and then funding would subside and you wouldn’t have anything else for a couple of years until some new government policy would come in and there would be some incentive to do it,” they said.
“The limitations at the moment that we are facing is we’ve lost funding, so we’ve lost the worker.
“We’re not able to support our Year 7 and 8 students at the moment to the full
capacity that we could be. It is just the attendance rates of our children, it’s a crucial part of schooling. So those development years are going to impact if that child stays for their senior schooling and their employment.”
Part of the NSW Parliament program Byrne attended, was preparing and delivering a speech to the Upper House of the NSW Parliament.
“I was pretty lucky in the sense that I was able to represent two communities, the Illawarra Aboriginal Alliance Corporation and the Gunya Gurindja team from Vincentia High School, which started under Aunty Gai,” they said. “Just being able to showcase what they
do in school, how effective the program is (Gunya Gurindja) and highlight how underfunded these programs and initiatives are.”
When asked what they were passionate about, Byrne shared a strong and optimistic view. “I’m passionate about preserving our culture and ensuring that all the fight our elders have fought was for something and they can rest,” they said.
“So we can continue to carry that fire and we (younger generations) continue to represent our culture. We have the longest living and continuous culture. It is something all people should be proud of, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people,
because we both benefit from the knowledge of traditional owners. Everyone can benefit from embracing Indigenous culture and knowledge as a collective. We have adapted to the westernised and colonial Australia that we live in and it is now time those systems adapt to Indigenous people and grow together.”
This year’s national NAIDOC week, which runs from 6 – 13 July has the theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, & Legacy’ highlighting the achievements of the past generations, while looking forward to the future strengths of young leaders, the vision for communities and acknowledging the legacy paved by ancestors.
Mitchell Beadman
Mitchell Beadman
Tay Byrne at the Young Aboriginal Leaders Program
Kiama Woodcraft Group’s Glenn Grigg.
Trekking in Nepal
How would you choose to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss?
Luxury cruise? Time at an island resort, basking in sun, sipping cocktails by the pool and snorkelling in clear, azure lagoons? Or perhaps heading off to bright city lights to enjoy a fine meal, a musical entertainment or a play?
For us, it was a nobrainer. We were looking for adventure. And so we chose to spend eight days in 1998, trekking in the Annapurnas in Nepal.
Eight days eating food mostly cooked on a kero burner, and tasting like it.
Eight days without washing, except for hands. Eight days of being caught in heavy rain while traversing swollen rivers, and sleeping in whatever clothes we were able to keep dry.
Eight days of being bewitched by the most amazing scenery on the planet.I got out my old photo album and trip notes recently, and quite predictably was instantly taken back to the sheer nerves, excitement but also the apprehension of what was to come, as we stepped off our plane in Kathmandu that first day.
We had never before attempted a trekking holiday in another culture, one so different from our own, and what a shock to the senses it initially was! The noise, the gang of yelling, touting taxi drivers, the jostling, the craziness of that airport. And then the chaos of the bus ride through the streets to our hotel, terrifying, but illuminating.
Buildings along the route appeared to be in a state of disrepair or totally derelict. Much later on in the trip we were to learn that this appearance was normal Nepali architecture. The
constant beeping of car horns, the seeming lack of any road rules, the choking car fumes, and the fearless pedestrians darting in and out of the traffic - all of this bid us welcome to Kathmandu.
Our hotel, a former palace surrounded by gorgeous manicured gardens, mercifully gave us the calmness we needed, accentuated by the delicate wafting of incense.
This was our first trip to a Third World country so everything was new and exciting, and a little overwhelming.
The Hotel Shanker was our haven on that first night.
After a meet and greet with our fellow trekkers and a local Nepali restaurant dinner, we boarded a dubious looking bus at 5am the next morning, headed for Pokhara, and the start of our Annapurna trek.
The topography seen from the bus over those initial hours was intimidating to say the least. Our bus driver wound his way expertly around hairpin turns, higher and higher into the mountains, the dropoffs were scary to behold, and way down in the valleys below, the watercourses and rivers swirled with grey rapids.
This was the land we had come halfway across the world to walk through and experience. And so far, it was more than living up to expectations.
Over the next eight days our group, guided by the stoic Gomel and his fellow Sherpas, trekked a part of the Annapurna ranges, sleeping in tents, toileting in a hole in the ground, and eating the most unusual meals.
The only time we could wash was before each meal, when a metal bowl with Condys crystals and water was produced, for "washee washee" of our hands. In those days my hair was
long, and on the trek I kept it plaited and in a cap. After a few days I was desperate. I tried to wash it under a water spout on one of our village stops.Every village had one. The water of course was freezing, the experience painful. But the Sherpas got a kick out of it. And I had clean hair again. Because of the continued physical closeness, and the sharing of such a rugged experience, our group became firm friends.
There was Thomas Jefferson Deanes, our Appalachian mountain man, who told us all about a mysterious new scheme he used, and that we should take a look at, called Frequent Flyers. At the time we were in awe, this was revolutionary. We could be interested in this.Young Tom and Sian,in their mid 20s, were student doctors travelling from London. They succumbed to travellers diarrhoea very early on in the trek, having had a bout in India beforehand. They were valiant as they soldiered on and set their tent closest to the latrine.
Carol No.2 and her girlfriend had done absolutely no training for what lay ahead, and quite soon suffered as a result. There is virtually no level ground on that trek - it's climbing up or down. So every afternoon, hubby offered his massage services to the group and was very much in demand.
There would we all have been without the amazing Jean from Adelaide, 74, grieving for her recently deceased partner, and on a mission to find herself spiritually.Jean was enigmatic, kind,and defiant. We were all told not to drink yak’s milk if offered to us as a gift by the locals. Jean did and thrived. Locals loved her. She was always the last
Carol Goddard
to arrive at any given campit was a youthful group, and we were happy to get a rest while waiting for her. Two Sherpas walked with her and she always smiled.
Our Sherpas not only carried our tents and bedding, but also prepared the meals, and often provided spontaneous fun. We learned their Nepali dances and danced with them.We listened to their songs but by far, their favourite thing was to discern very early on, who had a problem with heights or swaying bridges, and then to play a little trick.
No prize for guessing their favourite prey - me, of course.
One of my stipulations to hubby before even choosing Nepal, was "no rope bridges please - make sure you check before we book".
And 10 minutes into our first steps of the opening day, there it was: a set of rickety timber poles lashed together with fibrous rope, the poles individually twisting this way and that, bridging a rapidly flowing river. And, even worse, we had to cross it one at a time.
Feeling faint and with heart in mouth and a resolve to strangle hubby if I survived, off I gingerly walked. Got to nearly the middle when one of the Sherpas in his thongs ran up behind me, purposely swaying said bridge. Much to the delight of all watching.
This was my baptism of fire. I survived. And over the next eight days bravely took those bridges on, at the end almost fearlessly.
There was no such thing as OH&S on this trek. We walked along tight paths cut into the side of hills so high - the gravelly paths often slick with rain.
The dropo-ffs into certain oblivion below were heart
a trip of a lifetime
palpitating to look at. And we were starting most days in T-shirts and ending in thermals and ponchos, given the changes in altitude and temperature.
Then there was the delight of arriving in villages, sometimes stopping a while and meeting locals, and lots of children, who found us quite fascinating.
Namaste was always the word said, with prayer hands and a smile.
On we trekked, clambering over river stones in fast moving, icy water. We were climbing endlessly. Our knees let us know when we were descending.One afternoon, we tramped through Rhodedendron forest, which was pristine, ancient and spiritual in the fading light.
It was a salve for the senses. We were to camp here overnight, but it wasn't to be. We needed to move on.The guides had heard that tent slitters were in the vicinity, further ahead along the trail. They worked in the dark of night, slitting your tent and grabbing whatever they could. So we left, to walk yet another hour as dusk descended.
On each day of our trek, there appeared to be a local jungle telegraph happening. Wherever we walked, young boys would emerge from the forest carrying buckets with iced drinks, usually Coca-Cola or Pepsi or beer, sometimes little flasks of rum or whisky, and chocolate bars, all available at a price.
In the trekking months, it provided them with a constant income.
One such boy we befriended. His name was Mon and 12 years old. He followed us, and we noticed he had a severely infected big toe. Thomas offered to clean it up. We bandaged it. I gave him my bandanna.
The next day Mon appeared with his drinks, no bandage to be seen, no footwear, but still wearing my bandanna.
Life is very hard in the mountains, and these people, because of their isolation, have developed a strength and resilience we in the West can only dream of. They survive in the toughest of conditions. And appear to glow with health, despite the occasional sore toe.Mon took us to his house to meet his parents. It was a mud house with shelves cut into the mud walls, and their meagre possessions,utensils, pots, plates and pans were placed on these shelves . In the middle of the only room was a fire pit, and around it were sleeping bunks.
We were graciously welcomed and it was an unforgettable experience.
As neither we nor Mon’s parents could communicate verbally, body language was mostly how we connected. There were smiles and Namastes all round.
Outside on the wet and muddy streets, yaks wandered aimlessly and water flowed down the sides of the road, but the air was so crisp, the sky so blue and the mountains so magical. I could now fully understand why mountaineers and climbers do what they do, despite the dangers. Nepal gets under your skin - even when you are tired and aching, you love the challenge.
We had trekked from temperate rainforest up to the snow line, traversed raging rapids and met countless locals. Wwe had laughed, pushed ourselves physically and mentally, helped each other and learned so much about ourselves along the way. It was my trip of a lifetime.
Kiama High:
Field trips, cross country and a brave shave
The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.
Students get a brave shave for charity
Kiama High's Student Representative Council recently held the World’s Greatest Shave at Kiama High School.
The World's Greatest Shave is an annual event which is organised by the Leukaemia Foundation, aimed at raising funds to support families facing life with blood cancer.
A huge shoutout goes to four students who were brave enough to shave: Noah H, William H, Thomas T and Ollie W. In addition, the Student Representative Council held a bake stall and coloured hair spray to help raise money to donate.
If you would like to donate, please visit the World's Greatest Shave website.
Volleyballers oh so close to state titles
Kiama High School's open boys and open girls volleyball teams travelled to Bomaderry last month to compete at the South Coast finals.
Facing the region’s toughest competition, the Kiama teams once again demonstrated their skill, teamwork and determination proving they could compete with the best.
Both the boys and girls teams came agonisingly close to a top-two finish, which would have secured them a spot at the State Championships.
Despite just falling short, their performances were a credit to their commitment and sportsmanship throughout the day.
There is much to be proud of, and the best news is that every player from both squads remains eligible to return in 2026.
Tree planting extravaganza
Kiama Year students will conduct tree planting around the district on 4 August as part of National Tree Day.
This annual event has been running at Kiama High School since the 1990s.
This year the sites are Minnamurra Rainforest, Kaleula Headland (near Kendall’s Beach), The Boneyard, Shoalhaven Heads,
Cross Country runners excel
Kiama High School was represented by 29 dedicated students at the recent South Coast Regional Cross Country Championships, held at the scenic but challenging Willandra Cross Country Course on the foothills of Mt Cambewarra.
The course demanded physical endurance and mental resilience, and the runners rose to the occasion.
Their efforts were rewarded with impressive results, including
Seven Mile Beach and Curry’s Mountain.
Kiama Council is providing a sausage sizzle (including vegetarian options) at Kendall’s Beach after the planting.
Students will also be able to participate in beach activities, including a sand modelling competition and ball games.
The cost of the Tree Planting Day has largely been subsidised by the P & C and Kiama Council.
six students qualifying for the NSW State Cross Country Championships. Congratulations to all participants, with special mention to the state qualifiers: India Binks, Finn McNeilage, Payton Garvey, Harrison Smee, Indiana Garvan, and Ebony Winston.
Darling Harbour delight
Both Year 12 Geography classes travelled to Darling Harbour recently as part of their study of an urban place undergoing change.
The students observed the redevelopment that has taken place at Darling Square and Barangaroo and learned about the social and economic forces driving these changes.
The students also learned about the Indigenous and industrial history of Darling Harbour and its links with other places.
Gerry ‘the Bradman of South Coast’
It has been great to see recent articles about the updating of facilities at Gerry Emery Oval, a wonderful sporting complex used by many groups of people around the Gerringong district.
But who exactly was this Gerry Emery?
Well, he was actually Edgar Emery and “Gerry” was a nickname he picked up in primary school.
Edgar was born on the North Coast on the 7 January, 1911. He moved with his family to the Riverleigh dairy farm at Gerroa when he was seven. He farmed there for many years with his brother Ivor until Ivor went to Sydney.
He sold the property in the 1950s and moved to Werri Beach. He worked in various jobs such as sawmilling, bridge building and earth moving. He worked on the Talawa Dam in Kangaroo Valley.
As well as Ivor, his other siblings were Olive, Clifford,
Clive, Godfrey and Aubury.
He married Phyllis Chatto, who just happened to be the scorer for the Gerringong Cricket Club, a job she shared with Olive.
Edgar and Phyliss had two children Diana and John.
He had a passion for cricket. Most of his brothers played cricket as did his father and son. Every summer, most of the young men and women picked up the bat and ball and played on grounds around the district.
In fact, for a time Gerringong had its own competition consisting of five teams. And he was very good at it too.
He was tagged the “Bradman of the South Coast”. He was an outstanding opening batter who hit the ball tremendously hard, playing first grade at 12 and representative cricket at 15.
In a career that spanned 48 years he compiled 61 centuries, including a memorable 314 against Shellharbour. In another
game Gerringong scored 166 and Edgar contributed 141 to the total.
He did get a chance to try grade cricket in Sydney in 1941 with Balmain. However, travel difficulties and dairy farm commitments conspired to squash that dream, a common problem for great country
sportspeople in those days.
In the field he was a competent wicketkeeper and stood up close to the stumps, even to fast bowlers. Later he learnt to spin the ball effectively and became a great spin bowler. In the 1946-47 season he captured no less than 54 wickets.
He was a selector for the South Coast and Illawarra districts for 25 years and was made a life member of the South Coast District Cricket Association and the Gerringong Cricket Club.
Edgar was a keen tennis player and later a bowls player, winning competitions at the Berry Bowling Club.
In recognition of Edgar’s cricket feats, Kiama Council named the reserve after him.
But if Edgar was here now, he would not want this article to be just about him. Cricket is a team sport and Gerringong Cricket Club has produced so many outstanding players
over its history since 1863, and many of them were his teammates and opponents.
In the 1937-38 season in the Gerringong and District Cricket Association, a final was played between Foxground and Gerringong at what is now Michael Cronin Oval. Foxground won despite a fine innings from Edgar of 169.
Sixty years later the surviving members of that game gathered to remember those wonderful times. They were all 80-plus years old and tall tales were told about that season as if it was the summer just gone.
Edgar was just one of a group that included Alf Bonser, Jack and Tom Thompson, Clive Emery, Bede Devery and Val and Athol Noble, as well as the official scorer Olive McGill.
Jack said he could not believe that 60 years had passed since that day.
Gerry Emery Oval is not just, in my opinion, honouring
one man but all the great Gerringong cricketers who played with or against him. In 1977 his brother Ivor was asked by the Kiama Independent to name the players he particularly remembered from those times. It is in no way meant to be a complete list. Many of these names are lost to time. All gave sterling service to Gerringong on the cricket field and life in general. None should be forgotten.
Mervyn Walker, Vic Martin, Joe, Cecil and Eric Langton, Jack Deitz, Harold Ross, Jack Fields, Clyde and Aub Cant, ‘Tinyo” Miller, S.G. Miller, Keith Boxsell, Lin Miller, Val and Athol Noble, Jack, Herb and Tom Thompson, Bede Devery, Bruce Sharpe, Bede English, Ray Kennedy, Neville Nelson, Lloyd Sharpe, Alex Trevallion, Alan Crapp and Edgar, Clive and Ivor Emery. What a team you could make from these names.
Mark Emery
Edgar at the opening of the ground in his name
Edgar at bat in the very first match at the ground
Edgar and the Gerringong team 1935. He is the wicketkeeper and his future wife is just behind him
What’s On?
Kiama Woodcraft
Group exhibition
Thurs 3 July to Wed 9 July,
10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Christmas in July
Sat 5 July, from 5:30pm Kiama Golf Club
Book via (02) 4237 7300. Kiama Unplugged
Sun 6 July, 3:30pm
Fillmore’s
Kiama Vintage Fair
Sun 6 July, 9am-3pm
Masonic Hall, 46 Collins St
Kids Bingo
Mon 7 July, 11am-12:30pm
Kiama Leagues Club
Beat the school holiday
boredom with free kids bingo! Children are to be under parental supervision.
Lego art prints
Tues 8 July, 10am-11am
Gerringong Library
This is the perfect school holiday activity for artsy/ crafty kids! Using LEGO they get to create art prints to take home. Ages 5-12. This is a FREE event. Book online
Margaret Hickey
- author talk
Thurs 10 July, 2pm-3:30pm
Kiama Library
Join Margaret Hickey at this free event as she discusses her new crime novel, An Ill Wind. Booking essential.
Register online or call 02 4233 1133.
NAIDOC Week art exhibition
Thurs 10 July to Wed 16 July, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Kiama Winter
Street Festival
Sat 12 July
Terralong Street, Kiama
Step into a Winter Wonderland in Kiama! $5 donation upon entry
1927
Sat 12 July, 7-11pm
The Pavilion Kiama
Textile Art Group Kiama
Sat 12 July, 10am-1pm, second saturday of the month
Kiama Library
Tony Gilmour & Aunty
Joyce Donovan: Aboriginal Kiama
Sat 12 July, 2pm Kiama Library Auditorium
Where Thought Settles
Sat 12 July to Sun 24 Aug
SevenMarks Gallery
Annual Rose pruning day
Sun July 13, from 9:30am Peace Park, Manning Street
Kiama
Reflections of Realism and Fantasy exhibition
Thu 17 July to Wed 23 July, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
The exhibition includes artwork which reflects the Illawarra area.
Alma Moodie Quartet
Sun 20 July, 2-3:30pm
Gerringong Town Hall
Immerse yourself in the passion of musical Romanticism with a program that spans from Beethoven to Zemlinksy. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Josephine Wants to Dance
Tue 22 July, 10am-1:30pm
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and... a dancing kangaroo! Tickets can be purchased online.
Nowra Quilters exhibition
Thu 24 July to Wed 30 July, 10am-4pm
Old Fire Station Art Gallery
Discover a stunning collection of handcrafted quilts and textile creations.
Christmas In July
Trivia Night
Fri 25 July, 6-10:30pm
The Pavilion
Hosted by the Kiama Rotary Club, funds raised will support Rotary projects.
Book seats online at The Pavilion’s website.
Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala Sat, 26 July 2025, 6pm
The Sebel, Kiama
The gala will honour the legendary costume designer’s exceptional career and achievements, celebrating his legacy right here in his hometown of Kiama.
A fresh twist on a classic: Cinderella comes to Shoalhaven
Lleyton Hughes
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella from 4-13 July, and with a dash of humour and an entirely new storyline, audiences can expect Cinderella like they’ve never seen before.
Brought to life by the Albatross Musical Theatre Company - celebrating its 50th year - this enchanting production promises something for all ages.
Vocal Musical Director
Merrin Ross, who has been with the company for over 30 years, says it’s a show not to be missed.
“I was a child of the 50s, so I would have seen Cinderella as the very early movie,” Ross said.
“But this version is quite different. It has some fun twists, and it’s done with a lot of humour, which wasn’t really present in the original.”
This modern retelling includes a new romantic subplot between a stepsister and a revolutionary character named Jean-Michel.
The storyline has also been updated to reflect contemporary values, with subtle political themes woven into the fairy tale.
“In this story, the peasants have a voice,” Ross explained.
“The Prince actually listens to what the people are saying and introduces something as simple - but powerful - as an election. It’s a break from the traditional idea of hereditary rule.”
Visually, the show is a feast for the eyes, blending
elaborate costumes with vibrant staging.“The richness of colours and the intricacy of the costuming reflect what modern audiences wantsomething visually stunning.
“It’s a far cry from earlier, simpler versions,” Ross said.
Despite its modern upgrades, Ross says the essence of the story remains timeless.
“It touches on innocence, humility, and what true love really is. It’s not about wealth or status - it’s about character, and that has universal appeal.”
As Vocal Musical Director, Ross is focused on delivering a top-tier musical performance, ensuring that the singing is not just technically strong, but emotionally connected to each character.
“It’s not just about singing the notes. I look at the
character and make sure the voice matches the story they’re telling,” she said.
“And this show is very choral. There are lots of harmonies - four- or five-part harmonies in the ensemble numbers.
“It’s been a big task.”
The production also features pit singers to strengthen vocal performances and a live orchestra, offering audiences a truly immersive experience.
“It’s a full production - with talent from Wollongong to Ulladulla. This isn’t just a Nowra show. I think people will be blown away by what they see on stage.”
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella runs 4–13 July at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. Book your tickets here: shoalhavenentertainment. com.au
Exhibition to honour Kiama’s lost Hollywood legend:
Orry-Kelly Orry-Kelly
Lleyton Hughes
On Saturday, July 26, the inaugural OrryKelly Dressing Hollywood Gala will take over Kiama with a night of celebration, drinks, food - as well as a one-ofa-kind exhibition honouring one of Kiama’s most iconic exports.
Organised by Kiama Icons and Artists, the event celebrates Orry-Kelly, the legendary Hollywood costume designer who was born and raised in Kiama and went on to dress some of the biggest stars of the golden age of cinema.
is to highlight both his extraordinary life and his artistic achievements.
“We wanted to host both a celebration and a museum-style exhibition to show off Orry's amazing work,” she said. “His legacy deserves to be seen and remembered.”
The exhibition will showcase original Hollywood costumes, replicas of Orry-Kelly’s three Academy Awards, rare sketches, and a selection of his original paintings.
While the collection features multiple standout pieces, Springett says a few in particular are sure to draw attention.
“We’ve secured some incredible costumes, including a beautiful gown worn by Olivia de Havilland, which will really be our centrepiece. There’s also a leotard from Les Girls and a jacket worn by Errol Flynn. They’re just stunning.”
Curator of the exhibition part of the day, Michelle Springett said the goal
Springett said the exhibition aims to tell the full story of Orry’s life
through his work, with plenty of background on his career, artistry and the man himself.
“The costumes are just stunning - even his costume sketches are beautiful works of art in their own right. The exhibition will share details about Orry the artist, the designer, and the man. His life had a bit of scandal and intrigue too, especially around the relationships he had, so it’s a fascinating story,” she said.
Though Orry was best known for designing for more than 300 films, he also had a strong passion for painting. Sue Eggins, President of the Kiama Historical Society and member of Kiama Icons and Artists, said he began giving paintings as gifts as a young man in Kiama.
“Orry’s father was a tailor and made wedding suits for local couples. Orry would often give the newlyweds a painting. He must’ve done quite a few because many older families in Kiama still have original Orry-Kelly artworks. We’ll have one in the exhibition that dates back to 1915.”
That painting practice followed him overseas and even played a role in his survival when he was unemployed.
“When Orry and Cary
Grant - then known as Archie Leach - were living in New York, Orry would paint murals in cafés and he and Archie would sell hand-painted white ties and shawls,” Eggins said.
“Orry would paint when he was short on cash. Even in Hollywood, many of his friends owned his artwork. At one stage, he opened a studio in Sydney just to save up enough money to get back to America.”
A ticket to the gala includes admission to the exhibition and there are still tickets left here: https:// www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1375343.
For those who only wish to attend the exhibition, it will be open to the public from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, July 26, at The Sebel Kiama Assembly Hall.
Tickets are $10 at the door, and children under 15 are free.
“Orry was born in Kiama at the end of the 19th century and made it all the way to Hollywood in its golden age,” said Springett.
“He was a gay man who didn’t let anything stop him, and he left a huge mark on film history. Somehow, he’s been forgotten in his own hometown. This is our chance to change that. Come celebrate a part of our town’s story.”
Gerringong welcomes back acclaimed violinist
was appointed as a permanent member of the Australian Chamber Orchestra earlier this year.
Musical Director of the Gerringong Music Club, Imogen Stewart, has expressed how this concert is significant for Anna and the Gerringong Music Club.
"We are thrilled to welcome Anna back to Gerringong,” said Imogen.
“Having supported each other over the years, it’s wonderful to see her continuing to shine. This performance promises to be a
highlight of our season”.
The Alma Moodie Quartet, named after the pioneering Queensland violinist Alma Moodie, features violinists Anna da Silva Chen and Kristian Winther, violist James Wannan, and cellist Miles Mullin-Chivers. Together, they will perform works by Reger, Bartók, and Tchaikovsky, bringing an enthusiastic and contemporary approach to the classical string quartet repertoire.
The performance represents a full circle moment for Anna, returning to the community
that recognised her talent from the beginning. The concert offers audiences the opportunity to witness established musicians bringing fresh energy to classical work in an intimate venue setting. The concert runs from 2pm to 3:30pm at Gerringong Town Hall, with doors opening at 1:30pm. Tickets are available online at gerringongmusicclub.com.au or at the door.
Entry is free for members, children and students, while visitors pay $30.
TQuolls just wantto havedens just
he Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), also known as the Tiger Quoll, is Australia’s largest carnivorous marsupial on the mainland and is listed as vulnerable in NSW.
These elusive, nocturnal hunters need territories up to 500ha for females and 4000ha for males.
This highlights the importance of our national parks and state forests but also the forests and woodlands in adjacent private land.
Areas on private land with intact bushland, dense ground cover, hollow logs, and rock crevices for denning and hunting, will often be used by quolls that otherwise spend most of their time in public reserves.
Spotted-tailed quolls may look cute, but these fearless hypercarnivores (diet more than 70% meat) can tackle
prey twice their size and have the second most powerful bite for their body size of any predatory mammal in the world, after the Tasmanian Devil.
They’ll consume anything from gliders, possums, small wallabies, rats, birds, bandicoots, rabbits, reptiles and insects.
Once widespread, quoll populations have declined since European settlement due to habitat loss and degradation, competition with foxes and cats, deliberate shooting and trapping in response to chicken predation and roadkill.
Landholders can play a vital role in addressing these threats to quolls by protecting and enhancing quoll habitat on their land, controlling introduced predators and consulting with Local Land Services and the National Parks and Wildlife Service if poultry are being attacked.
Be part of the quoll comeback by incorporating these land management strategies:
More Bush, More LifeProtect existing bushland, encourage natural regeneration and expand habitat through revegetation where cover is sparse. Use local native species and look for opportunities to connect patches of existing native forest and woodland.
Don’t “tidy up” that logLeave as much fallen timber, hollow logs, and rock piles as you can as they contribute to critical denning and hiding spots, as well as being habitat for a vast array of other species that contribute to the overall food chain and biodiversity.
Control invasive speciesTalk to Local Land Services about managing competing feral predators like foxes and cats, and rabbits that unfortunately degrade natural habitats.
By improving habitat on your land, you are supporting quolls and a whole web of unique and stunning native wildlife.
If you would like more information and advice on supporting biodiversity on your land, and the current educational program, please contact Local Land Services NRM officer by calling 1300 795 299, emailing enquiry. southeast@lls.nsw.gov.au or visiting https://www.lls.nsw. gov.au/regions/south-east.
Murray Gibbs is a Senior NRM Advisor with Local Land Services Agency for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Kiama CWA proud of ‘hidden treasure’ Sandra
Sandra Hansen, the current secretary and previous treasurer of the Kiama Country Women’s Association Evening Branch, was recognised on the NSW Government honour role for her contribution to our community.
Sandra was nominated by the CWA Evening Branch for the NSW Government’s Hidden Treasures recognition program which highlights
extraordinary contributions of female volunteers.
In Sandra’s case, it is a fitting acknowledgment of her tireless efforts and contribution to the local community.
Sandra is always putting up her hand to contribute above her executive roles and is active in so many of the community activities and events the branch undertakes.
These have included Bunnings Halloween Night, Volunteer Awareness Week at the Kiama Farmers Markets, our partnership with St Vincent de Paul and our Anzac Day Event.
Sandra has driven the Kiama High School donations of $9000 over three years.
She has also supported her husband and a team of like-minded individuals undertake a “labour of love”
to restore the beautiful MV Signa, a 50-year-old wooden boat that has called Kiama home since 2005. The boat restoration took two years and was returned to Kiama Harbour in May last year.
Sandra remains a steadfast and hardworking member continually contributing to and influencing CWA-KEB’s approach to support the community outcomes.
Dianne Tierney, Sandra Hansen and Claire Jorgensen.
Murray Gibbs
Kiama out for revenge against Campbelltown
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama are sitting comfortably atop the Illawarra District Rugby Union ladder with six wins and just one loss - and they'll be aiming to avenge that lone defeat when they face Campbelltown again on 12 July.
After a week off, and another bye this weekend, the team finds itself in a similar situation to Round 1 - when they last met Campbelltown and suffered their only loss of the season, going down 15–14 away from home.
“That was our very first game for first grade. We had
two weeks off beforehand with the bye and a rest week, and then went straight into playing one of the competition's top teams - Campbelltown,” said Kiama forward Dante Patrick.
Now, with six straight wins under their belt, Kiama will be looking to make a statement at home.
“We’ve had our rest and we’ll approach this week the same,” Patrick said.
“But come Thursday, I think we’ll be having a full reserve grade versus first grade game.
“We're looking to get a referee in too, just to sharpen things up.
“We need those reps. It’s about keeping the bodies
warm heading into a big match.”
The clash also marks the start of the second half of the season, and Patrick says the squad has been strategic in how they build and evolve their play.
“We set up a game plan to get us through the first half of the season, and we’ve probably got two more plans in our back pocket that we haven’t used yet,” he said.
“Now that we’ve nailed down the first one, it’s time to roll out the others.
“These new strategies are to keep things fresh and avoid complacency. Even though what we’ve been doing has
worked so far, smart teams like Camden, Shoalhaven and Campbelltown will be doing their homework on us. We don’t want to be predictable.”
Kiama’s reserve grade team is also hitting form, claiming their third consecutive win last weekend and climbing to third on the IDRU ladder.
“It means a lot to have both sides playing so well. It shows the work we’re putting in is paying off. Hopefully, the reserves will join us at the top soon,” Patrick added.
With both teams enjoying the week off, they'll be aiming for another double victory day when they host Campbelltown at home on 12 July.
Power push for finals as season reaches midpoint
Kiama’s Premier Division men’s team is one win outside the top four on the AFL South Coast ladder at the midway point of the season - their strongest position in years.
Despite three consecutive losses, early-season victories and two byes have kept them within reach of a finals berth.
Committee member Anthony Grady says the recent defeats haven’t been without their positives.
“The boys played the two best teams in the competition in the last two weeks,” said Grady. “We played Northern Districts at home two weeks ago, which was a pretty close game. In the fourth quarter, there was only a point in it before they pulled away in the final minutes with a couple of late goals.”
This trend has become familiar for Kiama, who’ve struggled to maintain
momentum across the full 80 minutes. In April, they led competition leaders Figtree at halftime before falling by just seven points. Against Wollongong in Round 7, they trailed by four at the half but ended up losing by 34.
“There are still positive signs,” Grady said. “But now it’s more about what’s going on between the ears. The skills are there - it’s about applying that mental toughness consistently across all four quarters.”
He believes a lack of confidence might be undermining the side's ability to close out games.
Meanwhile, the Kiama Power Women’s Premier Division side currently sits inside the top four, despite losing their last four games.
“We’ve had Maddie Edwards join the club, and we’re starting to get players back on the field,” Grady said.
“Last weekend was probably our strongest lineup in a month.”
He said there's still work to do to close the gap
Photos: Maddi Aitkin
“Self-belief is probably the big thing. A lot of teams we've playedespecially those who’ve beaten us in recent seasons - still carry that confidence when they face us. We need to overcome that and sustain belief throughout the match.”
on the top three sides. “The girls know what they need to improve on in the second half of the season - and the results reflect that. But I’ve got a lot of confidence in them. They’ve definitely shown they’re a topfour team.”
This weekend, the Power women’s team heads south to take on Bomaderry Tigers, while the men’s side will be at home, locking horns with the Wollongong Bulldogs.
Oar-inspiring! Cath to represent Australia in Germany
Kiama’s Cath Munro will head to Germany next week to represent Australia at the 17th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.
Cath will compete in the Senior C division at the event, which takes place in Brandenburg an der Havel from July 14-20. Her journey to the world stage began in a surprising way - through a raffle ticket.
“A friend of mine was selling raffle tickets for the SUDU Dragon Boat Club,” Cath said.“I told her I’d always wanted to try dragon boating. I’d done other paddling events like the Murray Marathon in kayaks, but not dragon boating. I went along to try it - and just loved it.”
This will be Cath’s second time representing Australia. She previously competed in Thailand in 2023 with the Senior B team, bringing home three bronze medals and a silver. “It’s incredibly competitive, so to come away with medals was amazing. We’re hoping to match or better that this year,” she said.
Dragon boating is one of the world’s fastest-growing water sports, and Cath says Australia is holding its own on the international stage.
“We tend to do well in water sports,” she said. “Germany, Canada and the US are probably our biggest rivals.”
For Cath, representing Australia later in life is something she finds both humbling and deeply meaningful.
“Wearing the green and gold is really special,” she said. “Standing on the podium and receiving a medal for your country - it’s one of the most profound experiences I’ve had. There's a lot of personal growth in the process. Rowing is as much mental as it is physical.”
Cath also values how accessible dragon boating is, especially for people recovering from injury or illness.
“It’s a fantastic sport for people who may no longer be able to run or have lower body injuries.
“You can be a competitive or a social paddler - it’s healthy, it’s on the water, and it’s fun,” she said.
“You’ve got 20 people in a boat, racing in what’s essentially a sprint. It brings back that team sport feeling from when you were a kid. And many women get into it after breast cancer, as it helps with recovery.
“It’s also helped me - my RSI in my wrist disappeared after I started paddling.”
Preparation for the world stage has been intense. With teammates from across the country - including Townsville, Victoria, and WA - training requires travel and dedication.
“We have three compulsory camps and regular regional hub sessions,” Cath explained.
“Right now we’re training five times a week with the competition so close.”
Back home in Kiama, she’s supported by a local team.
“I work with Pete Parkinson and David Todd at Kiama Leisure Centre. They help me unpack the training program I get from the Australian Dragon Boat Federation.
“I’m there every week, and I also do yoga twice a week for recovery.”
Cath and her team will race in all four international distances: 200m, 500m, 1,000m, and 2,000m across six days of competition.
Kiama are at the top of the IDRU ladder with only one loss. Photos: Kiama Rugby Club
Lleyton Hughes
June 30 marked the end of the player transfer window for the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League competition. All squads are locked inno more player movements between clubs for the rest of the season. The date also signals the halfway point of the season, with 11 rounds completed and roughly 11 weeks remaining until the premiers are crowned.
The top five has shifted regularly throughout the year, with first place changing hands yet again after this weekend’s results. It’s shaping up to be one of the tightest seasons in recent memory, and the run home will be crucial for several clubs.
Lleyton Hughes reports.
1st – Shellharbour Sharks (16 pts)
6 wins, 2 losses, 2 byes
Runners-up to Gerringong in both 2023 and 2024, the Sharks are still chasing revenge - but haven’t had the chance yet, with their Round 7 match against Gerringong washed out. They’ve now won three in a row and are looking strong. Their two losses came early: a 12–0 defeat in a rain-
Group 7 title race wide open
Ladder heats up as finals loom
affected clash against Kiama (Round 3) and a narrow 12–8 loss to the Stingrays (Round 5). Importantly, they’re yet to beat another current top-four side, making this weekend’s clash against Kiama a crucial test.
Halfback Braxton Wallace has been a standout and currently sits second in the Mick Cronin Medal standings. He, along with co-captain Jayden Morgan, will be key to pushing for their first title since 2018.
4th – Gerringong Lions (12 pts)
5 wins, 4 losses, 1 bye
The defending premiers had a slow start, with losses to Jamberoo, Kiama, Albion Park, and the Stingrays. But a strong turnaround has seen them notch three straight wins and climb back into contention.
With a young core - and a large group of their potential players either playing in the NRL or knocking on the door - they’re building nicely.
Fullback Cooper Harrison has been a consistent standout.
Captain Nathan Ford said:
“With a mix of experience and youth, it was always going to take time, but we’re heading in the right direction. Our main goal is to make the final - and ideally the top threeto give ourselves a second chance come semis.”
8th – NowraBomaderry Jets (6 pts)
2 wins, 7 losses, 1 bye
Despite sitting near the bottom, Nowra have shown they can compete - beating top-
2nd – Stingrays of Shellharbour (14 pts)
7 wins, 3 losses, 0 byes
The Stingrays led the ladder for most of 2025 but slipped to second after a surprise 21-4 loss to Milton-Ulladulla last round. Despite that setback, they’ve claimed wins over top teams including Gerringong,
5th – Albion ParkOak Flats Eagles (12 pts)
4 wins, 4 losses, 2 byes
After a surprise finals run in 2024, Albion Park has had a mixed campaign in 2025. Big wins over the Stingrays,
Gerringong, and Jamberoo show their potential, but losses to lower-ranked teams like Berry and Milton-Ulladulla have hurt.
Halfback Leroy Murray has been a shining light, but consistency will be their focus if they want to push deeper this year.
Shellharbour and Kiama. With the most wins of any team, they’ve yet to have a bye - so fresh legs later in the season may help. Consistency will be the key to staying in the hunt.
Second-rower Tom Warner, lock Trey Barlow, and half Hamish McLauren are all in the top 10 of the Mick Cronin Medal race.
6th – MiltonUlladulla Bulldogs (10 pts)
4 wins, 5 losses, 1 bye
Milton-Ulladulla are proving tough to beat at home - losing only once there all season. They shocked the competition with a dominant win over the Stingrays last week, but fell to NowraBomaderry the week before.
Injuries and away form are their biggest concerns, but if they can stay healthy and replicate that home performance, they could force their way into the top five. Hooker Riley Wooden has been a standout performer.
3rd – Kiama Knights (14 pts)
6 wins, 2 losses, 1 bye, 1 postponed
Kiama have been the underdog story of the season after finishing eighth in 2024 with just three wins. Their only losses came in Round 2 to NowraBomaderry and in Round 9 to the Stingrays. A statement win over
the current ladder leaders, the Shellharbour Sharks, earlier this season has them confident heading into their rematch this weekend.
Fullback Brad Killmore and second-rower Tom Angel have led the way. Killmore said: “Looking to the back end of the year, I think staying healthy and fit is our biggest focus. Shellharbour this weekend will be another good test to see where we are.”
games.
7th – Jamberoo Superoos (8 pts)
3 wins, 6 losses, 1 bye
Jamberoo started well with wins over Gerringong, Nowra and the Stingrays, but a brutal injury tollcurrently missing around eight key players - has seen them drop their last four
Coach Jono Dallas said: “We still need to get a run of games without losing players. Another two from the weekend's game will be unavailable next week.
“It’s not necessarily about the quality of players - it’s just extremely difficult to improve when you’re changing the team every week.”
9th – Berry Magpies (6 pts)
2 wins, 6 losses, 1 bye, 1 postponed
Berry are in a similar position to Nowra and must start banking wins fast. They’ve claimed solid victories over Nowra and Albion Park, proving they’re capable when at their best. Finals kick off on 6 September, with just two months left to lock in a top-five spot. With three local teams - Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo - in the mix, there’s plenty for South Coast footy fans to cheer for in the run home.
three side Kiama and also defeating Milton. Prop Zac Kershaw leads the Mick Cronin Medal tally. With upcoming matches against Jamberoo and Berry, they’ll hope to claw their way back into finals contention.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
We're There For You
Proud Sponsors of:
Knights and Lions keep streaks alive
Lleyton Hughes
With the 1985 premiershipwinning side watching on in celebration of their 40th anniversary, the Kiama Knights had extra motivation to notch back-to-back wins at Kiama Showground on Saturday.
The Knights’ first grade side got off to a flying start in Round 11 of the Group 7 competition against the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets, scoring in just the fourth minute thanks to a slick backline move finished off by winger Cade Hotham.
Nowra responded with two quick tries, but Kiama levelled the scores in the 14th minute through centre Max Jennings.
Play then settled into a grind,
with both sides absorbing pressure and trading sets. Kiama broke the deadlock when Kye Andrews split the defence to regain the lead.
Shortly before halftime, a pinpoint cut-out pass from fullback Brad Killmore found Callan Thistlethwaite on the edge, extending Kiama’s lead. The Knights went into the break up 22-12.
But Nowra weren’t done. Just three minutes into the second half, they capitalised on a high bomb that was allowed to bounce, scoring to close the gap.
Kiama’s defence, however, stood strong against a wave of Nowra momentum. In the 63rd minute, Killmore crossed the line to push the lead further out.
From there, the Knights turned on the style, scoring two late tries - both set up by well-placed kicks - to seal a convincing win in front of their home crowd and the club’s past legends.
“It was a huge day with the 1985 premiership-winning team coming to watch us. We needed the two points to keep building toward the finals, but also to make those old boys proud,” said Killmore.
“The game was a bit scrappy and stop-start for the most part, but off the back of our forwards we looked good when we found rhythm.”
Kiama will aim to keep their winning streak alive next week against last year’s runners-up, the Shellharbour Sharks.
Meanwhile, at Michael
Cronin Oval, Gerringong also looked to extend their winning run when they hosted the struggling Jamberoo Superoos.
It was all Gerringong in the first half, racing to a 16-0 lead with three sharp tries: a welltimed leap from winger James Kunkler, a powerful bargeover from hooker Nathan Ford, and a strong angled run from second-rower Jack Quine.
Jamberoo avoided a scoreless first half with a penalty goal just before the break, with Gerringong ahead 16–2.
Needing a big start to
the second half, Jamberoo responded through powerhouse forward James Gilmore, who crashed over in the 45th minute. Then a clever show-and-go from five-eighth Mark Asquith saw them pull within two points at 16–14.
But Gerringong quickly regained control, answering back with a try to Bailey Marks just minutes later, and then another in the 75th minute via Liam Holland.
Jamberoo added a late consolation - an impressive length-of-the-field effort finished by Riley Plekan - but the final score read 26–18 in Gerringong’s favour.
“It was good to keep the winning streak going at home against Jamberoo, who are always a tough side,” said Lions captain Nathan Ford. “It was an important win, especially with them sitting close to us on the ladder.
“Great to have a big crowd too. It lifts the team. We’re starting to play the footy we knew we were capable of. With a mix of experience and youth, it was always going to take time - but we’re heading in the right direction.”
Gerringong will have the bye next week, while Jamberoo travels to face Nowra-Bomaderry away.
The 1985 Kiama knights premiership winning team. Photo Kiama Knights
Kiama have cemented their spot in the top five with two wins in a row. Photo @SticksPix_