An investigation into holiday park rate rises has unearthed questions about why multiple Kiama Council-run holiday parks have not been licensed for seven years – and the loophole that continues to let them operate.
Whilst speaking with park representatives about a recent rate rise – now confirmed as above 10 per cent – an insider told The Bugle, “we all know these parks haven’t
had a license since 2017 – get someone on the record about that.”
When The Bugle approached Kiama Council for comment, a spokesperson confirmed that only two of the five parks operated by Council – Kiama Harbour Cabins & Surf Beach Holiday Park – are currently licensed.
“It is not accurate to say they have been unlicensed since 2017,” they clarified.
“The NSW Government changed legislation in 2021 which meant all holiday parks in the Kiama LGA needed to
Lewis is a best-selling author, journalist, and author of over
upgrade facilities to meet the new compliance regulations.
Kiama Harbour Cabins & Surf Beach Holiday Park are licensed to operate.
“Kendalls Holiday Park is awaiting NSW Government concurrence, and it is expected that a licence to operate will be issued shortly.
“Werri Beach and Seven Mile are in the final stages of being assessed and approval is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.”
When asked for further details on the applications, Kiama Council confirmed that
Werri Beach and Seven Mile Beach Holiday Parks licenses had both expired in September of 2019, with applications lodged in 2020.
Kendalls Holiday Park’s license expired in June, 2021, with an application lodged before that date in 2020.
While it may be hard to imagine how a business can operate without a license for seven years, there does appear to be a loophole in legislation that allows it.
Continued on page 3
Maria
Maria
Kiama Council LGA.
Welcome to The Bugle
As the temperature drops, the heat is rising on Kiama Council, especially in relation to their holiday parks. Whilst reporting on rate rises across Council-led parks in the Kiama LGA, our reporter discovered that multiple parks are operating without a current license.
So, what does it mean for the future of the parks – and how can any business operate without a license for seven years? It’s complicated ...
In more playful news, we introduce the “cool mum’s club” and the secret playgrounds that are great for small but mighty fun. On page 5, we pose your readers’ questions to Council from all-weather soccer fields to leisure centre parking solutions.
Plus, we meet with Kiama Garden Club, and uncover the changes to e-bike rules, which could ripple across NSW.
Head to The Bugle website to become a “press patron” and donate as much as you can afford to support courageous community journalism.
Thanks for being part of our story.
Amy
The Bugle acknowledges the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and tell stories, and pays respect to Elders past and present.
The Bugle newspaper is brought to you by locals weekly and available free throughout the Kiama LGA. Get daily news updates and the digital edition anytime via The Bugle app or at thebuglenews.com.au
The Bugle News is bound by the standards of practice of the Australian Press Council. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human. Content does not necessarily represent The Bugle’s view. Download The Bugle
TThe community's newspaper continues to grow
hree years ago today, The Bugle changed hands, and I took over as GM and chief bottle washer – the beginning of a new chapter for this much-loved Kiama region publication.
We achnowledge Cathy and Steve Law for founding The Bugle in 2014 and building its strong community roots. We’re proud to continue the journey they started.
When we stepped into the role, we did so with a simple belief: strong communities need strong local journalism. Three years later, that belief remains at the heart of everything we do.
Since taking over, The Bugle has grown into a multiplatform news service across
print, digital, social media, video, newsletters, and our app.
We’ve expanded our coverage, increased print runs, moved to weekly editions, and strengthened our ties with local businesses and community groups - all while keeping local stories front and centre and remaining a free service to the public.
Along the way, we’ve won awards, chased down breaking stories, and had a front-row seat to the passion of our community—even if much of it plays out in Facebook comment sections.
One of our very first stories explored our opinionated locals, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned since then, it’s that every story has more
than a few sides - and plenty of people ready to tell them!
The past three years have brought significant challenges for regional media across Australia. Yet, while many local news outlets have reduced their presence or disappeared altogether, The Bugle has continued to grow. We have the community to thank for its continued support and all our advertisers that keep the Bugle financially viable.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our readers, advertisers, contributors, volunteers and staff. Every edition, every story and every milestone reflects a collective effort from people who care deeply about this region. As we celebrate three years since the takeover, we're proud of how far we've come, but even more excited about what lies ahead. The media landscape continues to change rapidly, and The Bugle will continue to adapt, innovate and invest in new ways to keep our community informed and connected.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
We've reported on major developments across the region, celebrated community achievements, covered local sport, highlighted important issues and provided a platform for diverse voices. Most importantly, we've remained committed to our mission of being a trusted source of news and information for the communities we serve.
Here's to the next chapter
“A life built on service, community and mateship” Lions Club tribute
Local contributor
The Kiama community is mourning the sudden passing of Past President Lion Warren Steel, who died on Friday night after an extraordinary sixty years of service to Lions and to the many communities he called home.
Steel’s Lions journey began in January 1966 as a Charter Member of the Moorooka Lions Club in Queensland.
From the outset, he embodied the spirit that would define his life: mateship, service and a belief that communities thrive when people show up for one another.
After transferring to Randwick Lions Club in 1967, Steel served as Club President in 1974–75 before moving to Dapto, where he continued his Lions work while building a successful career in real estate and later as Regional Sales Manager for A.V. Jennings Homes.
He and his wife, Sandra, also operated squash courts in Dapto, a reflection of Warren’s lifelong love of sport and friendly competition.
In 1988, Steel moved to
to Warren Steel
Kiama, establishing Jumbo Print with his brother Ralph. That same year, he served as Lions Zone Chairman for Region 3. He went on to become President of Kiama Lions Club in 1989–90, leading the club into its 20th anniversary year.
In 1992, he received Lions Clubs International’s highest honour, the Melvin Jones Fellowship, recognising his exceptional commitment to humanitarian service.
Steel’s Lions story continued with the Minnamurra Lions Club, where he was a Charter Member from 1999 and a twoyear director, helping guide the club through a period of growth and renewal.
He later returned to Kiama Lions in 2002, bringing with him the same energy, humour
and unwavering loyalty that had defined his service since the 1960s.
Beyond Lions, Steel was a man of remarkable range. He was an electrician, real estate agent, business owner, CEO of the Wollongong Chamber of Commerce, accomplished artist and the author of four books.
He served six terms as an alderman and councillor on Kiama Municipal Council, always advocating for the town he loved.
Many locals will remember the Sydney tram he rescued and restored, first displayed beside his Collins Lane gift shop and later relocated to Kembla Grange. Others will recall his real estate agency opposite Red Rooster, or his easy smile at community
events, always ready with a story, a handshake or a helping hand.
Sport was another thread running through Steel’s life.
A boxer in his youth, he later played rugby league, tennis, squash, touch football, golf and bowls. Whatever the game, he played it the same way he lived: with grit, good humour and a deep respect for his teammates.
Above all, Steel lived by the old Australian creed of mateship. He believed in looking out for others, standing by your community and giving more than you take. Whether in Lions, business, sport or civic life, he built connections that lasted decades and shaped the lives of those around him.
Steel was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sandra, in 2022. He is survived by his children, Lincoln, Danielle and Peta, to whom the Kiama Lions Club and the wider community extend their heartfelt condolences. His contribution to Kiama and the Illawarra will be long remembered, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of calling him a mate.
Belle Wood
Holiday park license loophole
“Where a park is in a transition period (e.g. renewal, compliance works), occupation may still continue, subject to Council discretion,” said the Council representative.
When asked to clarify the compliance issues within the unlicensed parks, they said it related to multiple matters, including fire safety associated with awnings.
“Surf Beach, Kiama Harbour and Seven Mile Beach have been undergoing the licence renewal process since 2019,” the spokesperson said.
“Kendalls and Werri since 2021.”
“Specific works have been carried out, depending on each park’s compliance audit,” they added.
“Seven Mile Beach is also awaiting NSW Government concurrence, and it is expected that a licence to operate will be issued shortly along with Kendalls.
“Werri Beach is in the final stages of being assessed and approval is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
“Other local holiday parks not owned by Council are also working through this process.”
Samantha Howard bought a permanent site at Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park in 2020 with her husband and two children after coming to the area for decades with their extended family, not realising that the park’s license had expired.
“We are deeply disappointed and dismayed to learn that a place our family has long considered our ‘happy place’ and home away from home may have been operating without the
required licence for years,” she told The Bugle.
“Combined with continual fee increases, declining upkeep, and what feels like a lack of consideration for the long-term future of the park and its patrons, this situation is unacceptable.
“As a result, our family will be seeking legal advice regarding our eligibility for a refund of fees paid.”
Grahame ‘Yogi’ Houn who - along with his wife Sharon – is a permanent site holder and said it was “bloody unbelievable” to learn that the property he had been paying increasing rates on for decades was in a park that didn’t have a license to operate.
“I’ve been in business for years,” he says. “If I’ve done something wrong, I have to give a refund don’t I? “That’s the bottom line.”
At 75, Houn has been coming to the area since he was 12-years old and is Vice President at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club where he serves as Vice President.
He said that many of the owners, who have been contributing to the community for decades, now feel like they been exploited after years of requests for park improvements and transparency have been ignored.
Madeline Madvad of McLeods Lawyers specialises in caravan compliance matters and has advised local governments Australiawide. In December 2024, she wrote a lengthy paper on caravan park compliance issues, writing that, in many instances, “non-compliant caravan parks will also find themselves in breach of other related legislation – typically planning, building, and health.
“From a risk management perspective, a local government will be liable if it fails to take action in respect of a known risk, where there is a head of power to do so.”
Kiama Councillor Mike Cains has spoken out in support of permanent site owners.
With Kiama Council having received dozens of complaints about rising rate rises, Cllr Cains said that, with this additional news about parks licenses, you “can’t help but feel sympathetic to people”
“As a councillor, I’ll be asking very clear questions about that … we need to understand what’s possible, we need to know if we’ve been operating lawfully - whether that has been inadvertent or not,” he told The Bugle.
“It must be stated that I don’t say that anyone intentionally acts illegally, but the whole thing is an untidy mess that needs to be cleaned up.”
Having visited a cabin at Kendalls Holiday Park with his family for over a decade, Cr Cairns said he understood that these sites “become really special to people”.
“These are ordinary working Australians that have built access to these sites as part of their family rituals,” he said.
“It becomes something that is essentially part of their family … it’s generational, it’s things that people want to hand down.
“It feels particularly egregious because it’s something people feel like isn’t a luxury, it’s something that’s baked into the way their family’s run.”
He said that he hopes further approaches would be “equitable” as Kiama Council seeks to resolve the issue.
Holiday park sells (but not the one you think …)
Amy Molloy
As Kiama Council continues to weigh up offers for its holiday parks, ahead of an Extraordinary Meeting later this month, Easts Beach BIG4 Holiday Park had quietly sold.
Tasman Holiday Parks has today announced the acquisition of Easts Beach BIG4, as the iconic beachfront destination becomes the 50th park in the company’s growing Tasman portfolio.
One of the most tightly held holiday park assets in Australia, Easts Beach has remained under the stewardship of the Easts family for more than 90 years.
Tasman Holiday Parks CEO Nikki Milne said the acquisition represents an exciting new chapter grounded in respect for the park’s rich legacy and a long-term vision for investment and growth.
“For more than nine decades, the Easts family has built something truly special. The passion, care and sense of community that defines Easts Beach is something we deeply respect and are committed to preserving as we look to the future.
“We know how much this park means to the family, the local community and generations of guests, and we feel incredibly privileged to continue that story.”
Tasman Holiday Parks confirmed that “significant investment” into the future development of the property will be a key focus under its ownership.
Continued from page 1.
Photos supplied by The Howard Family.
Salute to slow food champions Snails of Approval 2026
Local food businesses putting the slow food ethos into action were recognised with “Snails of Approval” in a ceremony at the Kiama Farmers’ Market on 3 June.
The international slow food movement promotes food that uses good quality, seasonal food which is flavoursome and healthy; “clean” food that is produced in ways which preserve biodiversity and does no harm to the environment; and fair food that balances the need for fair conditions and pay for producers and staff with a fair price for consumers.
“The Snail of Approval is used internationally as a
way for customers, friends and supporters of good food and produce to seek out those businesses supporting healthy and seasonal choices through accessible and responsible local food production and supply,” says Slow Food Saddleback’s leader, Cathy Law.
“Look out for the signs here and on your travels to support food businesses trying to make a difference.”
The 2026 Snails were awarded to: Silica, Blue Swimmer Gerroa, Martins Ridge Farm, Hywel’s Lemonade, Gung’s Gourmet Thai, Miss Arda, Moonacres Kitchen, Slow Dough, The Quarry Café, Bee Inspired and
Branch & Burrow.
The ceremony also marked the end of an era, as Slow Food Saddleback formally wound up after almost twenty years of championing local food in the region.
“During this time we have supported local makers and growers – including awarding over $10,000 in grants, encouraged the development of food skills and promoted the Slow Food ideals of good, clean and fair food for all,” says Mrs Law.
“We are heartened that during this time the importance of knowing where your food comes from, seasonality, making food from scratch and the dangers
of highly processed food have become mainstream issues.
“Without being members of the Slow Food movement, many are now benefitting from the legacy of its founder Carlo Petrini, who passed away recently.”
Lucy King, of Kiama’s Slow Dough sourdough bakery, says that local food businesses have appreciated the support for their efforts.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support that Slow Food Saddleback has provided to Slow Dough and many other small local food businesses over the years,” she says.
“Starting and growing a business is never easy, and
from the very beginning, local Slow Food members have championed and celebrated our commitment to the principles of good, clean and fair food along the way. Their continued support and encouragement has made a real difference.
“At a time when rising costs are placing increasing pressure across the entire food chain, it’s more important than ever to get behind local food businesses that are committed to sourcing quality ingredients and producing food with integrity, without cutting corners."
A final dinner, held at The Blue Swimmer Gerroa, was an opportunity for members
to reminisce about the good times and friendships that had been forged over the years through a program of workshops, farm visits, dinners and film events.
As a not-for-profit, Slow Food Saddleback donated its surplus funds to organisations that share its values - the Kiama Farmers’ Market, the Kiama Community Garden and Slow Food Berry to Jervis Bay.
Members and other interested people have been welcomed to become involved with the Slow Food movement through the Berry to Jervis Bay branch. Find out more at slowfoodberry2jb.com. au
Long-time member
Carolyn Evans presenting Elizabeth Burnett with the Quarry Cafe’s Snail of Approval
Kiama’s tourism triumph is no longer a surprise headline; it is a pattern
With a historic hat-trick as NSW’s Top Tourism Town and induction into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, our coastal community now sits in a rarefied league of destinations that deliver excellence year after year after year.
This achievement speaks to more than postcard views of the Blowhole and headlands. It reflects a sustained commitment from our local businesses, volunteers and Council to present Kiama as a welcoming, attractive and distinctive town.
But when success becomes a habit, the question shifts from “Why Kiama?” to “What now?”
The Hall of Fame should not mean we rest on our laurels. As a town, we are facing some of our toughest structural and governance tests in decades. Despite the extension of the NSW Government’s Performance Improvement Order (PIO) – framed as a “whole new varied PIO” rather than an extension – it still places specific attention on governance, financial management and longterm sustainability measures.
These are not exactly tourism buzzwords that glossy awards alone can repair or reflect.
The dissonance is stark: a town celebrated on the tourism stage while its governing institution remains under mandated reform, though there are certainly green shoots of prosperity on the horizon.
This tension should not overshadow the achievement; rather, it should sharpen its meaning.
Tourism growth brings revenue, visitation and profile, but also pressure on infrastructure, housing and environmental amenity. A top town three years running cannot continue to rely on goodwill and natural beauty while parking, public facilities, financial resilience and revenue generation strain at the seams.
Nor can it assume residents will tolerate a widening gap between the polished visitor experience and the frustrations of everyday local life.
The hat-trick and Hall of Fame induction offer Kiama a strategic opportunity, not just a marketing slogan. They give Council and the community a mandate to link tourism success to deeper reform: using the visitor economy to support long-term financial stability, investment in critical infrastructure, and sustainable growth embedded in planning decisions.
If the PIO is about putting Kiama’s house in order, the tourism accolades are the lever to ensure that reform is ambitious, not minimal.
For Kiama, the challenge now is to prove it can be more than a back-to-back-to-back winner.
The real test is whether our celebrated seaside town can translate its tourism prestige into a model of resilient governance and sustainable growth. Can we not only be a “Top NSW Tourism Town”, but a “Top NSW Town”?
There may not be a trophy for the latter, but the prize comes in the form of a community that has got its future right.
BLOW YOUR BUGLE
Dear Bugle
My name is Marigold (from St Peter and Paul) and I really want the kids quiz in every newspaper please. I really liked the kid’s quiz at Easter and I would love if you have it in every week.
Thank you, Bugle.
Marigold
A reply from Bugle’s editor, Amy
Hi Marigold,
Thanks so much for your letter. We’re glad you enjoyed the Easter puzzle.
We have big plans to include more fun activities for kids in the newspaper, including colouring pages and puzzles. We also have a special Bugle Kids edition coming out in July, inside the paper. We really hope you enjoy it!
Amy
Hi team,
Just fed up with local soccer grounds closing for wet weather. I believe it's about time Kiama and surrounding areas have a full wet weather pitch same as local Sydney councils have got. No more cancellations for school sports and our kids can play on in a bit of rain with no mud or ground damage.
Thanks, Ian
The Bugle reached out to Kiama Council for comment. They responded with the below:
An all-weather pitch was not included in the Kiama Sports Complex masterplan due to the cost involved and because Council opted for multipurpose pitches given the 16 different user groups who use the precinct.
The masterplan, which was approved at Council’s May Ordinary Meeting after extensive community feedback, aims to devote resources to a new clubhouse, double-sided grandstand, lighting, leisure centre, skate park, netball courts and a multideck parking station, depending on the amount of funding that can be sourced from the state and federal governments.
Council’s service review into parks and gardens identified the need to improve drainage at local grounds and this continues to be a priority for the Capital Works program.
A new subsoil drainage system was recently installed at Gerry Emery Reserve and Athol Noble Oval in Gerringong after both venues had faced ongoing drainage issues, which limited community use and disrupted sporting activities.
Council is currently undertaking a similar drainage project at Gainsborough Oval which is due to reopen next month.
In response to - “The rangers are out”: Families sidelined by soccer parking fines
Council have recognised with the approved master plan of the Sports Complex that the current parking doesn’t meet demand, but they still choose to target busy periods to raise revenue. They could open the now vacant block at Blue Haven as parking.
Ben Morgan
The Bugle reached out to Kiama Council for comment. They responded with the below:
With regards to the Havilah Place vacant land where the nursing home once was, this is zoned as operational land and part of the broader Blue Haven Terralong site.
Council is currently testing the market for interest in this precinct.
Council has not included funds in the current or draft budget to ensure the site would satisfy the necessary engineering/ parking requirements to be used as a car park. Staff are actively working with Kiama District Sports Association and the various user groups to understand current parking requirements at and around the Sports Complex precinct.
In response to The Bugles article ‘End of the "bottleneck": Jervis Bay flyover opens ahead of schedule’
Thank you to all the families, including ours, who lived at 1 Willowgreen Rd for 35 years and built Shoalhaven's first strawbale home, who gave up everything to make this happen.
We get forgotten in all the fanfare. An acknowledgement would be helpful.
The gruelling acquisition process unfortunately was not fair or humane but then that's progress.
Many of us have now left the area, as, ironically, can't afford to buy back in our own suburb with the lousy buyout amount. So much trauma from just one intersection.
Plenty more to come as the four lanes makes it way to the Victorian border. I can't begin to tell you how awful the process was for us and many others, and more to come.
We've been helping people in Tomerong and Burrill Lake and they've benefitted from our poor experience. We all want the intersection fixed and safer but the cost to the human community is nicely overlooked.
Even locals, friends, offered no sympathy until they saw with their own eyes the devastation of the construction area and loss of forest etc.
Then it hit, long term residents just wiped out.
Jenny Weyman
If you have been affected by this issue, please contact news@thebuglenews.com. au
Call out for Kiama Show committee members
Emma Howard
The Kiama Show Society is calling for new committee members as planning begins for the 2027 Kiama Show. With around eight to 10 committee meetings a year, the Society is encouraging communityminded locals to step forward, learn the ropes and help carry one of Kiama’s oldest traditions into the future.
Founded in 1848, the Kiama Show Society is one of the oldest agricultural show societies in Australia. For nearly 180 years, generations of volunteers have kept the Show alive through world wars, droughts, floods, pandemics and enormous social change. Today, the
Show remains one of Kiama’s largest and most loved community events, bringing together families, schools, producers, exhibitors and visitors from across the region.
Joining the committee is an opportunity to become part of this remarkable legacy. Volunteers play a direct role in shaping the Show’s future while gaining valuable skills in event planning, governance, budgeting, digital systems and community engagement.
Committee members also benefit from being part of the wider AgShows NSW network, which provides training, resources and support across more than 190 show societies.
The Society is particularly
STEEL
Warren Joseph of Kiama
Celebrating the life of Warren Joseph STEEL 20/08/1939 – 30/05/2026
Surrounded by his loving family, Warren (affectionately known as “Stainless”) passed away peacefully on Saturday morning 30th May 2026 at the age of 86. He was a devoted husband to Sandra (dec) and a dearly loved Dad and father-in-law to Dani and Todd, Peta and Rob (dec), Linc and Leigh. He was also a cherished Pop to Sasha, Ally, Jordan, Mikaylee, Maddy, Brayden and Skyelah and proud great grandfather to Lennox, Hamish and Keelan. Warren lived a full and vibrant life, and his family warmly invites all relatives and friends to come together to celebrate his wonderful journey at the Kiama Pavillion, Kiama Showground, Bong Bong Street, Kiama on Friday 12 June 2026 at 2.00pm
As anyone close to him knows, Warren was a man who loved bright full colours. To honour his spirit please feel free to dress in bright colours or his beloved red and green as we give him the send off he would have wanted to be remembered by. For those who are unable to attend, the family invite you to view Warren’s service via the link found on funeralannounment. com.au
Levelling the playing field for local first home buyers
A column by Fiona Phillips, Federal Member for Gilmore.
This week in federal parliament, the Albanese Labor Government has introduced legislation to deliver more tax cuts for Australian workers and tax reform to help more Australians own a home of their own.
keen to welcome new members who are interested in learning, contributing fresh ideas and eventually stepping into leadership roles as part of long-term succession planning. With the Show continuing to modernise –moving more tasks online, streamlining processes and adapting to the needs of today’s volunteers – there are meaningful roles for people of all ages, backgrounds and time availability.
Committee meetings for the 2027 Kiama Show begin in June, and the Society would love to welcome new faces ready to help shape the next chapter of this historic community event.
For more information, please reach out to secretary@ kiamashow.com.au.
This is all about helping more Australians get ahead and backing the Australian ambition of home ownership.
For too long it’s been too hard for people, particularly younger people on the South Coast, to buy a home of their own and our government is acting now to change that.
This legislation will help more than 75,000 Australians realise the dream of homeownership, deliver a new round of tax cuts for more than 13 million Australian workers and make tax time simpler.
If you work hard and save hard, you should be able to purchase your own home.
But sadly, for young people on the South Coast, the dream of buying their first home locally has been unattainable for years.
First home buyers just can’t compete with investors
that are paying top dollar for homes in our highly soughtafter beachside towns and historic villages.
Our kids and grandkids are being forced to pull up roots and move away from the communities they love and grew up in.
We know investors have a huge advantage over first home buyers and they have an unfair tax advantage.
And we want to fix that.
The Albanese Labor Government is making bold changes to help young Australians get a foot in the door of the property market.
I’m a mum of four adult children and, like so many other parents, I want my kids to be able to continue to live locally, if they choose.
Opening the door to home ownership on the South Coast, means young people can be involved in our communities, they can raise their kids locally, and contribute to our local economy all year round, not just at holiday time.
I live in a coastal village, and I’ve seen small businesses in these small communities die when there are less permanent local families around to support them.
Our tax changes will help young people and families in popular lifestyle and investor property markets buy their
first home and live locally. These changes will mean more kids in our local schools, more workers for businesses and local services, more spending in local shops and cafes and, of course, the opportunity to get involved in sporting, cultural and community organisations.
Unfortunately, a lot of misinformation is being thrown around by the three far right parties who do not want to help young people get a roof over their heads and secure their future.
The reality is, we’re taking steps that have been talked about for a very long time, but only Labor has been brave enough to deliver.
Since Budget night, I’ve spoken to many people in Gilmore who are excited for these changes. Excited for their kids, for their grandkids and for future generations.
The Albanese Labor Government’s focus is to address the huge challenge of housing supply and affordability in regional Australia, and to ensure regions like Gilmore remain strong, connected and well positioned to provide opportunities to those who want to live and work here.
This is paid content
Is winter a terrible time to sell? The Bugle’s property expert Sam Scobie builds an argument for and against.
At the start of winter, it is very easy for an owner considering selling in spring or summer to go into hibernation and wait for that perfect time in spring they are always being told about.
The fallacy with this thought process is that most homes are not ready to hit the market as they are; sellers often have weeks' worth of work to do before an agent is confident that the property is presented well enough to secure the best possible price.
Savvy and experienced homeowners are instead using the start of winter to begin discussions with agents and get the right improvements underway.
By positioning your property to hit the market in late winter or at the very start of spring, you capture a massive wave of eager buyers
who have been waiting for the "spring rush," all while competing properties are still preparing to list.
By starting your property preparations today – whether that means a fresh coat of paint, minor renovations, or getting quotes for professional styling – you secure a massive competitive edge.
When early spring arrives, your home will stand out as a premium, fresh listing before the market becomes saturated in early September.
Achieving a premium result isn’t about waiting for everyone else to move; it is about choosing the right strategy to make your home stand out first.
If you would like an objective look at how to position your property for an early spring advantage, I am always here to help.
This is paid content. The Bugle thanks our supporters.
Farewell to a market favourite
Myah Garza
After 35 years of early mornings, handthrown pottery, and familiar faces, Maureen Binns will return to the Kiama Seaside Market, run by the Kiama Business Network, one last time on Monday –not just as a stallholder, but as part of its living history.
For more than three decades, Maureen and her husband Alan built a life around clay. What began as a schoolteacher’s hobby slowly became a full-time craft, and eventually a shared livelihood that carried them through markets across the region.
“He was a school teacher who took up pottery as a hobby,” Maureen said. “It became out of control – he was teaching all day and potting all night.”
Eventually, Alan took a year of leave without pay to see if he could make pottery work. He did.
The couple became one of the early stallholders at Kiama when the seaside market first began in Hindmarsh Park more than 35 years ago. At the time, it was a small group of local makers, including organisers Judy and Bob, testing out what would become a muchloved community fixture.
From there, pottery became not just a creative pursuit, but a way of life.
Alan was what Maureen calls a “production potter” – methodical, fast, and consistent.
On a good day, he could throw between 60 and 100 coffee mugs.
“He wasn’t an artist in the traditional sense,” she said.
“He was a production potter. He’d sit down and just make them.”
Maureen would later glaze the pieces, while also managing sales, logistics, and the rhythm of market life. Together, they built a business that sustained them for 25 years.
“I always said he was the potter and I was the worker,” she said with a small laugh. Their work found its way into homes across the region and beyond.
Many Kiama locals, she says, still return to the stall looking for pieces of Alan’s pottery – familiar forms that have become part of their own everyday lives.
But last year, Alan passed away after being diagnosed with gallbladder cancer.
“He was very fit, extremely fit,” Maureen said. “You would never have known. He looked about 60. But it [gallbladder cancer] was a death sentence.”
Now nearly 80 herself, Maureen has continued the stall alone, supported by her sons who help with set-up and pack-down. But after decades of markets –including 30 years at Berry –she says the time has come to stop.
“I’m fit and healthy, thank goodness, but it’s very tiring doing the market,” she said.
“I don’t want any more… I’m tired.”
Monday June 8 will be her final day at Kiama.
It is a quiet ending to a long chapter, marked by the last remaining pieces of Alan’s work — the final bowls, mugs, and glazed forms that have travelled through decades of community service and connection.
“One lady came last month
and bought one of Alan’s big bowls,” Maureen said. “When I told her it was the last one, she was so upset. She’d been buying his pottery for years.”
In that moment, wrapping the piece in paper, Maureen found herself overwhelmed.
“I just started to cry,” she said. “I can remember glazing that bowl. People loved his work.”
Despite the sadness, there is gratitude woven through her words — for the customers who became regulars, and the stallholders who became what she calls a “market family.”
“They all got some beautiful flowers when Alan died,” she said. “It was really nice. Everyone liked him.”
“He was a real ladies’ man,” she said, with a light chuckle. “He couldn’t sell pottery. I used to ban him from standing behind the stall because he’d talk to everyone about how he made it, and by the time he finished, they’d forgotten to buy anything.”
Even now, as she prepares to step away, Maureen remains deeply connected to the life she and Alan built.
“It’s going to be very emotional on Monday,” she said.
What remains is not just the pottery itself, but the imprint of a shared life –one that has quietly lived in kitchens, cupboards, and memories across the Kiama LGA for decades.
And as the final stall is packed away, Maureen reflects on missing her husband, while feeling grateful for the community that has supported her over the years.
“You just never know what’s around the corner,” she said.
Final call for Kiama Business Network awards
Entries for the Kiama Business Network Awards close on Sunday, 7 June, with the awards ceremony to be held on 23 July.
The Kiama Business Awards are an exclusive opportunity for all Kiama Business Network members. Winners in each category will progress as finalists to the Illawarra Business Awards.
Categories include Outstanding Employee, Outstanding Young Business Leader, Excellence in Sustainability and Outstanding New Business, among others.
To enter, visit kiamabusinessnetwork.com.au.
Tiffany Springett
From boards to beach days, surf shops on Instagram are keeping things fresh. These coastal hubs don’t just sell surf gear, they share the lifestyle - capturing earlymorning swells, waxed-up decks, and postsession smiles straight from the shoreline to your feed. Whether you’re hunting your next board or just here for the wave of content, these accounts are always riding the perfect line between product drops and pure ocean stoke.
Behind the wave Surf shops shredding your Instagram feed
Born and bred in the water, Zink Surf is a locally owned surf shop. Stocking everything from surfboards and wetsuits to clothing, accessories and essential surf gear, Zink Surf caters to wave riders of all levels. From expert advice on gear to swapping stories about the latest swell, Zink Surf is all about fostering a love of surfing while proudly supporting the local community that has supported them from the start.
Akwa @akwasurf
Natural Necessity @Naturalnecessity
For more than 50 years, Rip Curl has been at the forefront of surfing culture, creating premium apparel, accessories and surf gear for those driven by “The Search” - the pursuit of waves, adventure and discovery. From industry-leading wetsuits and boardshorts to clothing, watches and beach essentials, Rip Curl offers everything surfers need both in and out of the water. Located in Kiama and Shellharbour, this franchise is a go-to spot for all things surf.
A Gerringong institution for more than 50 years, Natural Necessity has grown from a local surf shop into Australia’s largest independent surf retailer. Familyowned and operated, the store is driven by a mission to be Australia’s ultimate surf shop, offering an extensive range of surfboards, surf gear, clothing, footwear and accessories. Stocking popular brands, Natural Necessity caters to surfers, beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Wave Creations @Wavecreations
Summer Winter Scene
@sws_summerwinterscene
Based in Milton, AKWA is a surf-focused store specialising in surfboards, surf hardware and wetsuits, while also offering a wide range of clothing, gear and accessories. Established in 2008 and operated by surfers, the store is built on real in-water experience and a deep understanding of what works across different conditions. AKWA proudly stocks products from some of the most respected, emerging and technically innovative brands in the surf industry, making it a trusted destination for surfers looking for quality equipment and expert advice.
For more than five decades, Wave Creations Surfboards has been crafting quality boards on the South Coast, building a reputation as one of the region’s most respected family-run surfboard shaping businesses. Founded in 1971 by Paul Robinson in Gerringong, the business is now led by his son, Tully Robinson, who continues the family legacy. Alongside its custom and stock surfboards, Wave Creations also offers a fully stocked showroom featuring accessories and essentials to help surfers get in the water and make the most of every session.
Located in Oak Flats, Summer Winter Scene is a unique surf and snow store that truly covers every season. As the South Coast’s go-to destination for both summer and winter adventure, they specialise in surf gear for warmer months and snow equipment for the colder season, making it a one-stop shop for coastal and alpine lifestyles. The store stocks everything from surfboards, wetsuits and bodyboards to skis, snowboards, and winter apparel, alongside accessories to keep you prepared year-round.
Rip Curl @ripcurl
Zink Surf @Zinksurf
Inside the Cool Mums Club
she said.
“I’m still currently navigating postpartum myself with a 16-month-old, so I wanted to create a space that felt welcoming and supportive for other mums and carers too.”
Held every Tuesday from 9.30am to 11am during the school term at Little Park in Shellharbour Village, the free playgroup is designed for children aged newborn to five years old and their parents or carers.
At a time when many new mums are craving connection and community, one Shellharbour playgroup is creating a relaxed space where parents can chat over coffee while their children paint, play and get messy. Founded by 23-year-
old mum Erini alongside her friend and co-founder Kiana, the Cool Mums Club was inspired by Erini’s own experience with postpartum anxiety and isolation after becoming a first-time mum.
“I barely even ventured out alone properly with my son until he was around six months old because I was just so anxious and overwhelmed,”
Sessions feature themed sensory activities, messy play, water play, painting and imaginative play, but there is no rigid structure or pressure for children or parents to participate in everything.
“There’s no pressure, no judgement and no expectations,” Erini said.
“You can chat with other mums, sit on a rug, chase your little one around, or honestly just exist around other people who understand what this stage of life can feel like.”
There are also smaller sensory setups for babies aged 0-6 months, while older children can move between the activities and the nearby playground as they please. Even on rainy mornings,
the atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, with children happily moving between sensory stations, getting messy and making new friends while parents connect with others in the same stage of life.
The need for spaces like that is growing.
Research from Playgroup NSW has found many parents experience loneliness and isolation during the early years of parenting, while playgroups can help improve wellbeing, confidence and social connection for families.
For Erini, creating that sense of community is the most important part of the group.
“When you’re postpartum or in those early parenting stages, it can feel really lonely sometimes,” she said.
“I think having a space where people feel seen, understood and welcomed without judgement is so important.”
Some of the feedback she has received from local mums has already left a lasting impression.
“One mum messaged me during Maternal Mental Health Week saying the group really resonated with her and made her feel less alone, which honestly meant so much to hear,” she said.
“Another mum told me she only gets one day off during the week and now makes sure she has Tuesdays off so she can come because her child loves it so much.”
Families interested in joining can simply turn up, with no bookings required.
More information and weekly updates can be found on Instagram at @coolmumsclubau and Facebook at coolmumsclub.
Emily Crisp
Will NSW Follow Queensland’s Lead on E-Bike Safety?
Myah Garza
The Queensland government will debate nation-leading e-mobility laws this week to make Queesland safer, in a move expected to ripple into other Australian states.
Laws will come into effect from 1 July, giving Queensland Police the powers they need to crackdown on illegal and high-powered e-mobility devices.
The stronger laws will deliver police powers to seize
and destroy illegal devices from July 1.
Police powers can also conduct random breath tests for riders in public places from July 1. Riders over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit will face fines of more than $500, with maximum court penalties of up to $6,908.
E-bikes and scooters which can exceed 25km/h unassisted will be banned and 12km speed limits to apply near pedestrians, from July 1.
There will also be higher penalties for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless
riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding Personal Mobility Devices on prohibited roads.
Most significantly, e-bikes can only be ridden by those aged 16+ and all users must hold at least a Queensland Class C learner licence.
Parents will be accountable for children under 16 riding illegally.
Previously, the NSW Parliament passed new legislation giving police powers to seize and destroy non-compliant e-bikes and e-scooters at the roadside.
The NSW legislation also reduced the legal e-bike power limit from 500 watts to 250 watts, bringing NSW into line with other states.
However, worried community members — especially the elderly — have called for greater legislation.
The NSW Police have been touring local schools across the Kiama LGA to speak about topics relating to safety, including the use of e-bikes.
Queensland will become a case study of whether tighter laws make a difference.
Kiama High High Out and about
The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.
At Kiama High School, career choices have been a focus – not only for students, but also for teachers reflecting on their own sense of purpose.
“It’s probably natural to sometimes question our career choices,” says Principal of Kiama High School, Catherine Glover.
“The daily demands of being a principal, and the evolving educational landscape, often make me pause and reflect on why I became a teacher in the first place. As a principal, my role has shifted away from the hands-on teaching I once deeply enjoyed and has incorporated a lot of administration.”
For Glover, a recent field trip was a timely reminder.
“Last week’s Year 12 Geography and Marine Studies excursion to Cairns was, for me, a powerful reminder of my passion for teaching,” she says. “Being out there with the students, witnessing their enthusiasm and engagement, and seeing the dedication of the organising teachers reignited that spark.
“I loved every moment of the hands-on learning experiences and the curiosity of our students. It reminded me why teaching is such a rewarding profession.”
It has been an exciting fortnight at Kiama High School, beginning with a visit from the Deputy Premier of NSW and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car.
It coincided with the beginning of Reconciliation Week, with activities commencing on Tuesday through the National Sorry Day gathering at The Pavilion.
Students and staff then proudly participated in Wear It Red, Black and Yellow Day on Wednesday, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through colours and Indigenous prints.
“At Kiama High School, our teachers consistently go above and beyond to create meaningful and memorable learning opportunities for our students,” says Glover.
“The commitment and effort they put into organising excursions like this one deserve our acknowledgement and applause. These experiences not only enrich students’ understanding of their subjects but also contribute significantly to their personal growth and development.”
“With only five weeks remaining this term for our Year 12 students, we encourage all students to make the most of their study periods by accessing support from specialist staff, classroom teachers and our Careers Adviser for university, TAFE and post-school pathway applications,” says Deputy Principal Gordana Sterjovska.
“Small, consistent efforts now will make a significant difference as students continue preparing for the important months ahead.”
Ice buckets and warm hearts
Big Freeze for Kiama Downs Surf Club president
Molloy
You might not associate buckets of ice and matching socks with a devastating diagnosis. However, this is how the local community is supporting families affected by motor neurone disease (MND).
On the weekend of May 30–31, the Wollongong Lions AFC held a Big Freeze fundraiser, asking players to don FightMND socks and volunteer to have buckets of icy water thrown over themselves.
Jamberoo local Carla Viney organised the event. The cause is close to her heart ever since her father, Andrew
Anstey, 72, received a lifealtering diagnosis of MND in December 2025.
Motor neurone disease, or MND, is the name given to a group of diseases that affect the nerves known as motor neurons.
Motor neurons are found in the brain and spinal cord. They send messages that activate the body's muscles.
With MND, messages from the motor neurons gradually stop reaching the muscles. This causes the muscles to weaken and eventually stop working. There is currently no cure.
Viney began noticing changes in her father in early 2025.
"There were changes in his
arms and things like that,” she said. “I thought maybe he'd pinched a nerve in his neck. By March or April, he went to see a doctor, who referred him to a neurologist. She was the one who first raised the possibility of MND."
From there, the family faced a heartbreaking wait for a formal diagnosis.
"The process takes an average of 13 months because there are basically no chemical biomarkers," she said. "You can't just do a blood test and be diagnosed. We had a cluster of symptoms, then they ruled everything else out and said, 'Okay, this is what we're facing.'"
During her research, Viney came across FightMND, an
organisation that works to raise awareness and fund vital research aimed at improving quality of life and finding treatments for people living with MND.
For the past 12 years, FightMND has run an annual fundraiser known as the Big Freeze – a series of events held across the country where community groups raise money in winter-themed ways, including selling socks and beanies and taking part in the ice bucket challenge.
"My son plays for the Wollongong Lions and, knowing we had a family member diagnosed, they jumped on board," Viney said.
"There are 270 players at Wollongong Lions, juniors
and seniors. We put out a call to our club to sponsor every single player to wear a pair of FightMND socks that weekend, and we had the sponsorship covered within two and a half weeks. Everyone donated.
"After each junior game, players got to nominate who they'd like to throw ice over –and most of them chose their coach."
Watching from the sidelines was her father, Andrew – a former president of Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club and a member of Kiama Bowling Club for 30 years –who now lives in Shell Cove.
"I don't even know if my dad liked surfing," Viney laughed of his time with the surf club.
"He just loved giving back to the community. He earned his bronze medallion – he'd love it if that was mentioned."
Following the success of the weekend fundraiser, which raised over $12,500, plans are already underway for future events, with proceeds going towards MND research.
The community support has also helped the family remain positive.
"Dad is being very resilient and stoic about it all," Viney said. "I'm sure at night, when he's lying there by himself and he can't move his legs anymore, he's scared.
"But for his kids, grandkids, community and friends, he's trying to stay as positive as he can."
Amy
Andrew in his Surf Life Saving days
Family and friends at the fundraiser
RISE at Bundanon
Tuned in: KCR
Community Cabinet Visit Brings State Ministers to KCR Studios
Following the NSW Government's first Community Cabinet of the year at Kiama Pavilion, Minister for Small Business, Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin and Kiama MP Katelin McInerney joined KCR's Gabriella Cabral in the studio to discuss the issues shaping Kiama's future.
Daniel Riley brings First Nations storytelling into the dawn
Myah Garza
On Dharawal Country, where the Shoalhaven River folds through rolling green hills, a brisk dawn arrives slowly — mist lifting, birds stirring, the light stretching across Bundanon’s landscape like a breath held and released.
It is here, just before sunrise, that Australian Dance Theatre unveiled RISE, a world premiere choreographed by artistic director Daniel Riley in collaboration with associate artistic director Brianna Kell.
The work asks audiences to unite in the early morning as a shared ritual.
The gathering opened with a Welcome to Country delivered by Yuin Elder and Bundanon Director Uncle Gerry Moore, grounding the performance in Country and the deep ancestral and cultural histories of the Shoalhaven before closing with two songs sung by Richard Moore.
For Riley, a Wiradjuri man and the first First Nations artist to lead the 60-year-old company, RISE represents a shift in how Australian Dance Theatre makes and presents work — away from the controlled conditions of the black box and into lived, uncontained environments.
“ADT for 60 years has and will continue to tell stories inside controlled theatrical settings,” Riley said. “But culturally for me, it’s important that we find places to gather like this.”
The origins of RISE stretch back to 2020, when Riley and Kell were in lockdown in Melbourne, teaching at the Victorian College of the Arts it was “seeded”.
What began as an idea for an outdoor work for students gradually evolved into a defining company project — one that would eventually find its home in Riley’s artistic vision for ADT.
“I didn't know I was going to be at ADT,” Riley said, “ So when I arrived at ADT, I was like, this is a work I think would be really good for Australian Dance Theatre.”
“It reads and feeds into the vision that I was appointed on. And it's a different performance outcome that ADT has not done before”
When Riley stepped into the role of artistic director, he recognised the work as a natural fit for the company’s full-time ensemble, based in Adelaide at the Odeon.
Over five weeks, the choreography was redeveloped on the dancers’ bodies – a process Riley describes as essential to the work’s integrity.
“There’s something really awkward about seeing a dancer move when the movement doesn’t suit their body,” he said. “It’s like someone wearing the wrong size clothing.”
Rather than fixing movement to bodies, RISE allows dancers to expand and reshape the material through rehearsal and embodied exploration, guided by Kell and Riley’s direction.
The result is choreography that shifts between structure and improvisation — a scored work where performers respond to each other, the terrain and the moment.
At Bundanon, RISE takes on a third collaborator beyond choreographer and dancer: place itself. The steep gradients of the
site, the uneven ground, and the open sky become active forces in the performance.
Duets unfold with heightened physical awareness, dancers reading one another while also responding to the land beneath them.
“The key collaborator has been Country,” he said. “Wherever we do it, it will respond to that place.”
The score, composed by Jaadwa artist James Howard, carries the work’s emotional and structural spine.
Howard and Riley first began collaborating on RISE in 2020, beginning an ongoing artistic partnership that has since shaped multiple ADT works.
The composition moves between atmospheric texture and rhythmic grounding, mirroring the physical language of the dancers as they traverse the land at dawn.
Riley situates RISE within a broader cultural and political framework, describing dance as an embodied form of public dialogue.
“Arts and culture is the greatest tool that we have for debate,” he said. “We can use our body and our visual arts and our song and our dance form and our storytelling to respectfully enter into
rigorous conversation and dialogue. So we can hear both sides and present an option.”
He said the power of dance lies in its physicality and universality.
“Dance is the oldest form that there is,” he said. “It’s incredibly powerful because it’s embodied — it’s felt emotionally, intellectually, physically, spiritually. That’s intrinsic to all of us as human beings.”
Riley also described the form as a tool for cultural and political interrogation.
“As a Wiradjuri artistic director and the first First Nations person to lead a contemporary dance company in Australia, I see it as my weapon in a way,” he said. “Not in an aggressive way, but in a way where I can utilise it to question and explore and talk about cultural politics or cultural issues that are going on in this country.”
He said storytelling remains central to that responsibility.
“We’ve been telling stories for 75,000 years, and we’ll continue to tell stories for all those years,” he said. “Our storytelling is really critical to talking about who we are and what we want and where we’re going as a nation.”
In this context, RISE becomes not only a performance but a gathering — an invitation to reconsider how stories are shared, and where they take place.
As the sun finally lifted over the Shoalhaven River, the audience stood in hats, gloves and stillness, watching barefoot dancers move through frosty grass and slope — falling and catching, accelerating and suspending.
The work culminated in silence: a collective moment of presence, a shared inhale as daylight broke.
“I hope they are awakened or reawakened,” Riley said of audiences, “to relationships and care and each other.”
At Bundanon, RISE asked what it means to begin the day together. The performance ended with a light breakfast of chatter and shared reflections.
Appearing on KCR's Living Local program on Wednesday morning, the pair reflected on the concerns raised by residents and business owners during Tuesday's Community Cabinet, while outlining the state's priorities for infrastructure, housing, transport, disaster resilience and small business support.
For Minister Saffin, who remained in Kiama after the Community Cabinet to meet local business leaders, one issue stood out.
"Land availability was big," she said. "It was raised yesterday in the Community Cabinet and it was raised here. Land availability to either expand or grow your business."
Saffin said she would work with Ms McInerney to investigate concerns raised by local businesses.
"We talked about services, sewerage and water, making sure if we've got the land that we also have the infrastructure to support it," she said.
Building back better
As Minister for Recovery, Saffin also discussed the state's approach to disaster preparedness and rebuilding infrastructure following natural disasters.
She highlighted the importance of "betterment" projects that improve roads, bridges and other infrastructure rather than simply replacing them as they were before damage occurred.
"If we can't do betterment, that means we build the road back with the pothole that was in it, do we?" she said.
Locally, betterment projects are underway on Jamberoo Mountain Road, Wallaby Hill Road and Foxground Road. Infrastructure and housing priorities
Ms McInerney said infrastructure investment remained one of the key themes raised by the community.
She pointed to electric vehicle charging stations, public transport upgrades and affordable housing as examples of areas where Kiama has struggled to keep pace with population growth.
"We've built new metros in Sydney," she said. "The Premier has said we simply can't keep doing that while we've got one of the fastestgrowing communities here."
McInerney said improvements to the South Coast rail line should be part of future state investment plans.
"Public transport, along with housing, is a determinant for how successful people can be in a community, how successful businesses can be and how people get to education," she said.
The pair also discussed workforce housing initiatives, including state investment in accommodation for healthcare workers to support the new Shellharbour Hospital.
The future of local media
During the interview, Cabral highlighted the growing importance of hyperlocal media as traditional regional news outlets continue to decline.
"I feel we need a dedicated funding stream for community media organisations," she said.
"We started because of Covid, because there was a need for connectivity. There was a need to know where to buy that coffee, where could you walk your dog."
Both politicians agreed that local media plays a vital role in community life.
"We need them because you tell the stories of everyday life," Saffin said.
Supporting small business
Despite ongoing economic pressures, Saffin highlighted positive indicators for Kiama's business sector.
"Last financial year the number of small businesses in Kiama increased from 2,144 to 2,166," she said.
"It shows people still want to invest. Locals still want to build businesses here."
The Minister outlined recent reforms designed to assist small business, including changes to workers compensation arrangements and government procurement processes aimed at making it easier for smaller operators to access government contracts.
Listening to communities
Reflecting on the Community Cabinet process, both politicians said the direct conversations with residents were invaluable.
"What keeps you awake at night?" Saffin said she regularly asks business owners. "That's what I'll work on — what your needs are."
McInerney said the Community Cabinet gave ministers an opportunity to hear local concerns firsthand and develop practical responses.
The full interview with Minister Janelle Saffin and Kiama MP Katelin McInerney can be heard on KCR's Living Local, Wednesdays from 9am.
5 secret playgrounds in Kiama and surrounds
Some days parenthood can feel like one long rotation of snack requests, sunscreen applications and sitting on the same park bench while your children ask you to watch the exact same trick 47 times in a row.
As much as there is comfort in having a favourite local playground, there also comes a point where everyone needs a change of scenery. The kids are bored; you are bored and if you have to stare at the same slide one more time you may lose it.
Personally, I have grown to love a good park play. At this stage of parenting, a three-hour playground session can almost feel relaxing. There is time to chat with friends, answer a few emails, drink a coffee while it is still warm and, occasionally, sit down for more than 30 seconds.
But rotating between the same handful of parks every week can quickly become repetitive, so lately I have been branching out across the Kiama LGA looking for a few different playgrounds to add into the mix. Here are five worth the drive.
Waabii Reserve, locally known as The Big Fig Park, Kiama.
This playground is on the smaller side but the view absolutely makes up for it. Sitting high above the coastline, it has one of the best outlooks of any playground in the area.
The climbing frame is ideal for bigger kids who like something a little more adventurous, while there are also swings and seating for parents wanting to sit back and enjoy the view.
It is usually quiet enough that you can often have the park to yourself and if you wander further up the hill along the stone wall you will find giant fig trees and sometimes cows wandering right up to the fence.
Bonaira Street Playground, Kiama.
This one is a favourite for good reason. It is shady, spacious and works well for families with children of different ages.
There are monkey bars, swings, slides and climbing equipment, plus plenty of space for kids to run around without feeling crowded.
One of the best parts is that
you can extend the outing with a wander through the nearby Bonaira Native Gardens which makes it feel less like just another playground trip and more like a proper morning out.
Reid Park Playground, Jamberoo. On a sunny winter afternoon this playground is hard to beat.
It has a little bit of everything including water play, climbing equipment and open space, making it ideal for families with energetic children who need to burn off some serious energy.
The fenced layout is also a huge win for parents trying to keep track of multiple children and there are tables and chairs nearby, so it is perfect for packing a picnic lunch and settling in for a few hours.
Whitton Place Reserve, Kiama.
This playground may be small, but it earns its place on the list thanks to one standout featurethe epic flying fox.
It is the kind of playground where older kids can happily entertain themselves while younger siblings explore the smaller equipment nearby.
The other major selling point is proximity to coffee. Grab a takeaway from nearby café Beck's Kiama and settle into a sunny spot while the kids play.
Birralee Reserve, Gerringong.
Tucked away in Elambra Estate, this pirate-themed playground is a great option if you want somewhere a little quieter.
There is shade, which every parent knows is worth its weight in gold during warmer months, and the equipment caters well to both younger and older children. It has a relaxed neighbourhood feel, and you can comfortably spend an hour or two without constantly worrying your child is about to disappear into traffic or scale something wildly inappropriate for their age.
Some days the secret to surviving parenthood is not a fancy holiday or an expensive activity, It’s simply a change of scenery, a new playground and a well packed lunchbox.
what’s on?
Gerringong Pic’s & Flicks
Friday5 June 7:30pm
Gerrongong Town Hall
What Holds Exhibition
Until 20 June
Seven Marks Gallery, Kiama
Exhibition by Isobel
Rayson
Boots, Beats & BBQ
Fri 5 Jun- Sun 7 Jun, 7pm
Kiama Leagues Club
3 days of country music
Winter Wine Festival
Sat 6 Jun-Sun 7 Jun
Crooked River Estate
Two days of live music
Stay Weekend: Winter I
Sat 6 Jun-Sun 7 Jun
Bundanon Art Museum
Discover the magic of Bundanon, where art and nature collide in a breathtaking landscape
Felt Journeys Exhibition and sales
Sat 6 Jun-Sun 7 Jun, 9am4pm
The Masonic Hall, Kiama By The illawarra Feltmakers Inc
Kiama Red Cross Fun
Run
Sun 7 Jun, from 7am
Kiama
3 distances to walk/run, fundraiser for Australian Red Cross
Vinyasa Yoga
Sun 7 Jun, 9am-10am
Boyd Education Centre, Illaroo
A morning Vinyasa Flow class to refresh body, mind and soul.
Worldwide Knit Day exhibition
Sat 13 June
Blue Haven Terralong, Kiama exhibit of locally handmade charity blankets
Bundanon Built Architecture Tour
Sat 13 Jun, 11am
Bundanon Art Museum
Tour of the award-winning
architecture
The Main Line Steam Train Family Fun Day
Sun 14 Jun, 10am
Illawarra Light Railway Museum
Annual opening day
Kiama Premiere
Screening
Tue 16 Jun, 1pm-3:30pm
Kiama Bowling Club
Networking, screening and afternoon tea hosted by Finding Your Path
Endless Taco Night at
Bella Char
Thu 18 Jun, 5pm
Bella Char, Gerringong
Food and drinks served
Vinnies CEO Sleepout
Thu 18 Jun
Fundraiser for the homeless
Kiama Coastal Classic
Sun 21 Jun, 7am
Kiama
Run event with multiple distances for different levels of fitness
Christmas in July
Wed 1 Jul - 31 Jul
Pub Jamberoo Festive vibes and food
Film screening and heritage workshop
Thu 2 Jul, 12:30pm-4pm
Pilot’s Cottage, Kiama Workshop and afternoon tea hosted by Finding Your Path
Christmas in July
Sat 4 Jul, 5pm
Gerringong Co-op
Festive dining, live classical music, and seasonal atmosphere
Kiama I do
Sat 4 Jul, 10am-2pm
Kiama and surrounds
Offering an inspiring showcase of wedding venues
Drop In Art Play – Six Days
Thu 9 Jul-Wed 15 Jul, 10am3pm
Old Fire Station, Kiama Drop in, buy a canvas and paint
Sydney Hotshots
National Tour 2026
Fri 10 Jul, 7:30pm Kiama Leagues Club Girl’s night out Christmas In July | Family Fun Day Sun 12 Jul, 12pm Illawarra Light Railway Museum
Festive Christmas train and Mini Elf Express Kiama Winter Street Festival
Sat 11 Jul, 12pm-8pm Terralong St, Kiama Festival filled with art, music, dance, and workshops
The Creative Business Summit
Thu 30 July, 9:30am The Pavilion, Kiama One-day business conference
Emily Crisp
Waabii Reserve
Bonaira Street Playground
Jamberoo
Spring Garden Competition 2026 launched:
all ages and garden styles welcomed
The Kiama Garden Club has officially launched its 2026 Spring Garden Competition, encouraging locals across the region to take part regardless of experience, space, or budget.
The launch event, held at the home of Vivienne Maris in Jamberoo June 3rd, brought together members of the local gardening community to celebrate what organisers describe as one of the region’s most inclusive community
competitions.
Competition coordinator Ursula Lischer said the event is designed to recognise both creativity and companionship through gardening.
“The competition is a celebration of creativity, nature and the joy of gardening. It celebrates gardens, gardening and most of all gardeners. Each category recognises the hard work, dedication and love that goes into creating the beautiful green spaces dotted around our community,” Lischer said.
She said the competition also plays a broader role in strengthening the local environment and community ties.
“The Competition promotes gardening in our community leading to a greener environment, from which we will all benefit. It enables a network of gardening enthusiasts to become connected, strengthening our skills and friendships. Definitely a worthwhile cause for all to be involved with.”
The launch also celebrated
Vivienne Maris’s last competition with the Garden Club before her move from Jamberoo – where she’s built a legacy within the community–to Sydney.
Lischer awarded Viv with a Kiama Garden Club life member pin in homage to “Jamberoo’s princess”.
Long-time club member and life member Elizabeth Burnett shared a few words with The Bugle on Viv’s commitment to the Kiama LGA.
“She gives to the Jamberoo community enormously,” Burnett said, “She’s just the most extraordinary community volunteer and even outside of her business, she just gives so much time.
“She has such a passion for gardens and that’s why she has made this such a special place – Kiama Garden Club will absolutely miss her vibrancy. She’s a woman with an enormous heart.”
Burnett said the competition carries Viv’s same inclusive spirit, with categories designed for a wide range of gardeners.
Long-time club member and life member Elizabeth Burnett highlighted the welcoming nature of the club and its growing diversity.
“It’s been so welcoming to so many new people in Kiama,” she said, adding that “it’s not just for the older people. It’s got a young group as well.”
Burnett said the competition carries that same inclusive spirit, with
categories designed for a wide range of gardeners.
“It encourages people of all ages. It’s not about perfection. It’s about what you’re doing with what you have,” she said.
The competition includes sections for children’s gardens, school entries, vegetable gardens, native plantings, large acreage properties, courtyards, balconies and indoor gardens. Organisers say the focus remains on accessibility, with participants not needing large properties or significant budgets to get involved.
“You don’t have to be a wealthy retiree. You can be a young startup,” Burnett said. “It’s not a stress… you can be a rental and be a gardener.”
Lischer said sponsorship will also play a growing role in the competition this year.
“Later on we will add sponsors names to the entry form which will help to recognise some of the generous people in the community,” she said.
She also encouraged gardeners to plan ahead for seasonal peak growth.
“If your garden projects will peak in October, then share with us your joy,” Lischer said.
Entry forms include a range of categories based on property size and garden style, including gardens over 1,000sqm,
between 400sqm and 1,000sqm, under 400sqm, predominantly native gardens, courtyard and balcony gardens, edible gardens, and children’s gardens. Entrants are asked to provide contact details and indicate whether they are open to garden visits by club members if shortlisted. Entries close Friday 18 September 2026, with judging scheduled for 5–9 October.
The presentation event will be held on Friday 23 October in Kiama.
Club members say the competition continues to grow in popularity, strengthening intergenerational connections and encouraging shared gardening knowledge across the community—from firsttime indoor plant owners to experienced landscape
The Cyclamen Cycle
f you’ve been lucky enough to be gifted a cyclamen, or you’ve picked one up on impulse to brighten the house over the winter months, then you’ve done the right thing. But these plants do take a little bit of care to keep them looking their best.
One of the most important things to remember is that cyclamen do not like warm conditions. Don’t make the mistake of keeping your cyclamen indoors during the day and then, when the heaters come on at night, leaving it inside as well. They simply don’t enjoy that warmth. Instead, you need to follow what I call the cyclamen cycle: cyclamen out, cats in. In other words, move your cyclamen outside at night when you bring the cat indoors.
Good drainage is absolutely essential. Cyclamen
don’t like wet feet, so make sure they are planted in a well-draining potting mix and, if possible, use pots designed to help manage watering more effectively.
When it comes to watering, avoid pouring water over the top of the foliage and flowers. Doing so can saturate the crown of the plant, which we want to keep relatively dry. Instead, I prefer to water from the bottom up by placing the pot in a saucer of water and allowing capillary action to draw moisture up into the root system. I leave it there for around 20 minutes, then remove it and let it drain. Alternatively, you can water carefully around the rim of the pot, but always avoid overwatering.
Cyclamen also benefit from a bit of maintenance. If you need to remove yellowing leaves or spent flowers,
don’t reach for secateurs. Instead, simply grab the old stem, twist, and pull it away cleanly from the corm. This helps prevent leftover stems from rotting and causing problems in the plant. There are many beautiful varieties available, in a wide range of colours. Traditional cyclamen are known for their elegant reflexed petals, while newer varieties are being bred with more outward-facing flowers, which display their blooms more openly. These modern forms still carry the same charm and often produce a lovely perfume.
Cyclamen perform best in shaded areas of the garden and will reward you with colour through the cooler months, provided they are kept dry at the crown and never waterlogged.
Remember the simple rule: cyclamen out, cats in.
Myah Garza
Vivienne Maris and Ursula Lischer
Trade spotlight: Handyman South Coast
After 15 years working as a skilled cabinet maker, Danny Fagan of Handyman SouthCoast decided to branch out into property maintenance to bring more variety to his working life.
Working in the building industry also gave him a broad understanding of all aspects of building upkeep and care.
Danny is happy to assess a homeowner’s problem and offer advice on the best way to proceed. Handyman SouthCoast has established a reputation for reliability, and there is no job Fagan cannot tackle. He enjoys the variety that comes with the role –one day he could be painting and the next he could be
carrying out light carpentry. No two days are the same for Fagan, but he always leaves behind satisfied customers and beautifully maintained homes.
Years in the Property Maintenance: 11 years What services do you provide? My business specialises in property maintenance, and I always appreciate a challenge to solve. As a trained cabinet maker, I am more than capable of carrying out intricate repairs, and I really enjoy being able to use a broad range of skills to assist my clients.
What do you enjoy most about your trade?
I love that every day is different, with a new set of challenges and tasks. Apart from electrical and plumbing work, I can turn my hand to most aspects of home maintenance. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to improve homes and solve people’s concerns. Regular care and repairs help keep properties safe and well maintained.
What makes your business different? I like to think I offer a friendly, helpful service, combined with exceptional attention to detail thanks to my background.
What’s a common issue homeowners call you
about? Someone might ring up and ask, “What can I do about this issue?” I’m always happy to pop around, assess the situation and offer my advice. It’s all part of the service.
What’s one piece of advice for homeowners?
Keep your home maintained. It’s all too easy to ignore something small, such as a leaking tap, but the longer you leave it, the bigger the problem can become. Many issues can be resolved with a simple, affordable repair before they turn into something far more costly. That water mark on the ceiling, for example, might just need a small fix. My advice is simple: if there’s
an issue, deal with it straight away. Give me a call!
Why do you choose to advertise in The Bugle? The Bugle gets my name out to the local community. In my experience, local people still look to their local paper then they need a trusted tradesperson. It’s a great vehicle for that.
Nearly everyone in the area reads The Bugle, and it’s the only publication I advertise with.
Best way to contact you? I prefer to be contacted by phone, as I’m out and about every day: 0407 118 311. Or via email: danny@ handymansouthcoast.com.au
O
A L
Winless Vikings stun Kiama in dramatic one-point victory
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama Rugby’s firstgrade side suffered its first loss of the season, falling 26-25 to the Wollongong Vikings in a surprise one-point upset.
Previously winless, the Vikings hosted Kiama on the weekend and, despite trailing at half-time, stayed in touch before scoring in the dying moments to secure the win.
“We were leading at halftime,” said Kiama forward Dante Patrick.
“Then the Vikings scored the first try of the second half, and from there we were going try-for-try. We were
leading right up until the 80th minute, but the Vikings ended up going over in the corner to beat us by one.”
The 26-25 defeat marked Kiama’s first first-grade loss of 2026 in what has been a disruptive season for the Illawarra District Rugby Union competition.
“There have been a lot of unusual formats throughout the year to make up for the fact that some teams have pulled out of the first-grade competition,” Patrick said.
“So Illawarra Rugby has organised a few gala days where we play multiple shortened games in one day, and it hasn’t really worked.
It’s made for a strange season - very stop-start. It’s not ideal, but we’ve just got to deal with what’s in front of us.”
As a result of the galaday format, Kiama was also awarded a draw against Shoalhaven in what would have been a grand final rematch.
At the midpoint of the season, the club has played only four full-length matches.
Despite the loss and the frustrations of the season, Patrick said the team was not making excuses.
“I think it’s good for us as a club to have a loss,” he said.
“It brings us back to the pack a little bit and shows that it’s
anyone’s game. It all depends on who turns up on the day.
“And it’s a big credit to the Vikings. They were the team that turned up on the day. We’re also happy that we’ve learned early in the season what we need to work on to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Patrick also expressed his delight at the number of new and returning faces appearing for the club this season, something Kiama Rugby has been working towards for several years.
“I think winning the premiership last year really inspired a lot of our younger players to return. We’ve now
partnered with
got about eight juniors playing first grade and another nine to 11 playing second grade,” he said.
“Alongside that, we’ve got a few players returning from injury and other members of the squad stepping up. It creates healthy competition throughout the club and keeps everyone accountable. No one’s jersey is guaranteed, and we’re really happy with where the club is at right now.”
Kiama’s second-grade side recorded a 43-12 victory over the Vikings on the weekend to maintain top spot on the ladder, with just one loss for the season.
After falling short in last
year’s grand final, Patrick said one of the club’s major goals for 2026 is to help the secondgrade side go one step further.
“They fell short in the grand final last year, and there are a lot of players in that group who are hungry to make amends,” he said.
“At the same time, there are plenty of teams chasing the first-grade title, so we can’t afford to overlook anyone or start thinking we’re the team to beat. The results on the weekend showed that anyone can be beaten on their day.
“Going back-to-back in first grade is the long-term goal, but for now we’re focused on the week ahead.”
Ford closes gap before Dally M voting goes behind closed doors
Lleyton Hughes
Gerringong junior Jackson Ford sits just three points behind Dally M leader Nathan Cleary after voting went behind closed doors last week.
Ford picked up two votes for his performance in the New Zealand Warriors' 3012 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons.
In another 80-minute effort, Ford finished with 171 running metres from 16 carries and 48 tackles.
He backed that performance up in the Warriors' 20-18 loss to the Penrith Panthers, running for 135 metres from 17 carries and making 51 tackles.
Meanwhile, Cleary was rested from Penrith's clash with the Warriors following his State of Origin appearance for New South Wales - a match many believed Ford was also a chance of featuring in.
Many were surprised by Ford's omission from the Blues squad, but coach Laurie Daley explained the decision before the match.
"We needed someone who can play on an edge if required, and Jackson is probably a guy that just plays through the middle," Daley said.
"There are always people who are unlucky, but we feel this is a really good team."
Ford took the Origin snub in his stride following the Warriors' clash with the Dragons.
"They've got a really good team there, so I can't argue with it," he said. "I've just got to keep doing my job here and hopefully some
Jamberoo spoils former NRL star’s Warilla debut
accolades can come."
Despite missing selection, Ford said simply being considered for the representative arena was a significant achievement.
"I'm just stoked to be in the conversation," he said.
"You look back a couple of years and I probably wouldn't have thought I could do it. It's a big achievement for me to even be mentioned."
In other Gerringong NRL news, Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan played key roles in the St George Illawarra Dragons' first win of the season on the weekend.
After 11 consecutive losses to start 2026, the Dragons defeated the Brisbane Broncos 30-26 at Suncorp Stadium, with much of the praise directed towards the club's young forward pack.
Stewart and Egan both recorded try assists, while the pair also led the Dragons in tackles, finishing first and second respectively.
Elsewhere, Gerringong product Ashton Ward has earned a more permanent role in South Sydney's NRL squad after impressing at halfback.
The 22-year-old has featured in the Rabbitohs' past three matches and has again been named in the starting side for this week's clash against Manly.
At the Melbourne Storm, Tyran Wishart continues his recovery from a moderategrade ankle syndesmosis injury suffered during the first half of Melbourne's Round 9 match.
The former Gerringong Lion is expected to return within the next two to three weeks.
Lleyton Hughes
The Jamberoo Superoos secured just their second win of the season on the weekend, overcoming a Warilla Gorillas side boosted by the inclusion of former NRL and NSW Blues centre James Roberts.
The Superoos recorded their first victory back in Round 4 against the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets but had struggled to replicate that form in recent weeks.
Facing the winless Gorillas provided an opportunity to regain momentum.
Warilla received a major boost with the debut of Roberts, who posed a constant threat and looked capable of leading the Gorillas to their first win of the season.
Jamberoo struck first in the sixth minute when fullback Toby Peters put through a grubber kick that found Ben McIntyre for the opening try.
However, Warilla responded immediately. On the final tackle of their next set, halfback Paul Roberts shaped
to kick before shifting the ball to the short side, where Ben Askew crossed to level the scores.
Moments later, the Gorillas hit the front through another Askew try, the winger using some clever footwork to finish off a slick set play.
Suddenly, the home side held a 10-6 advantage.
But after consecutive incomplete sets from Warilla, Jamberoo hit back in the 20th minute. Another Peters kick ricocheted between players before eventually finding McIntyre, who grabbed his second try to level the scores.
The deadlock remained until halftime despite Warilla earning repeat sets on the Superoos' line.
Roberts was strong in defence throughout the opening half and produced a late intercept that looked certain to result in a try before he was chased down from behind.
The Superoos also spent time with 12 men after a late first-half sin bin, forcing them to begin the second half a
player short. That setback had little impact. Jamberoo dominated territory after the break and finally regained the lead in the 47th minute when another grubber kick created a try for Corey Gale.
The visitors continued to apply pressure and extended their advantage in the 56th minute when Peters backed up to score from an inside ball, pushing the lead to 20-10.
Warilla created several opportunities to get back into the contest, but Jamberoo's scrambling defence repeatedly came up with the answers.
The Superoos sealed the result in the 75th minute with their fourth try of the afternoon, again off a grubber kick, to complete a 24-10 victory.
The other two local teams, the Kiama Knights and the Lions, also enjoyed convincing wins over the weekend.
The Knights travelled to face the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets and crossed four times in the opening 23 minutes through Matt Morris, Kye Deane, Tom
Angel and Sam Hooper.
Leading 24-0 at halftime, the Knights added further tries through Vazzoler and fullback Killmore to complete an impressive 36-0 victory.
"Feeling very good about the win at this point in the season," Killmore said.
"We have had a lot of injuries and managed to come away with a few wins over the last few weeks. We just need to keep ticking them over with a few players still out and try to finish strong."
The Lions hosted MiltonUlladulla and raced to three tries in the opening 22 minutes, capitalising on some excellent second-phase play. Milton responded with a try of their own, but the Lions struck twice more before halftime to take a commanding 28-6 lead into the break.
The home side added another three tries in the second half while restricting Milton to just one, running out 44-12 winners. Wyland Hall and Hamish Holland both finished with doubles.
Heartbreak for Power as they lose in thriller
Lleyton Hughes
he Kiama Power
Premier Division men's side suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season, going down by four points to the Wollongong Bulldogs on the weekend.
Playing away from home, the Power started strongly, opening up an early five-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
Although they were outscored in the second term, they still held a narrow 1211 lead at halftime.
However, it was the third quarter where the damage was done.
The Bulldogs piled on six goals and two behinds to the Power's one goal, opening up a commanding 47-20 advantage.
"The Bulldogs got a bit of a run-on in the third quarter and made the most of their opportunities in front of goal," said Power coach Sean
"Even then, I felt the game was still in the balance."
At three-quarter time,
Byrne made several positional changes and the Power almost produced a remarkable comeback, scoring 29 points in the final term while restricting the Bulldogs to just six.
Ultimately, they fell four points short.
"I wanted to create a bit of chaos with the positional changes and we managed to generate a late surge, but in all honesty, we probably didn't do enough over the course of the day to deserve the win," Byrne said.
Despite the loss, Byrne said he was pleased with much of his side's performance.
"I thought our contest work and clearance game were consistent throughout, but due to some poor skill execution and a lack of forward connection, we couldn't turn our inside-50 entries into scoreboard pressure," he said.
"For the most part, the boys' pressure and effort were strong. Toby Trudgett was outstanding, while Ollie Baget, Dan Freeman and Will Stewart were again among our most consistent performers.
He also highlighted the
senior debuts of two former juniors.
"It was great to see Darcy Hopson and George Hicks make their senior debuts, with both boys managing to hit the scoreboard during the day."
The loss marks a third defeat of the season for the Power at the halfway point of the campaign, with the side sitting just inside the top four.
"Now that we've reached the halfway point of the season and played every side once, the ladder is probably a fair reflection of where we currently sit," Byrne said.
"The boys have plenty of belief, and we're looking forward to getting back to work."
The Women's Reserve Grade side continued its dominance with a 50-10 victory over Bay and Basin.
However, the Men's Reserve Grade side suffered a 96-66 defeat, while the Women's Premier Division team remains in search of its first win of the season after an 84-7 loss. All teams will have the week off for the long weekend.
Ford after his win against the Dragons.
Photo Game Face Photography
The Superoos got their second win of the season on the weekend.
Photo Brian Scott
The Power suffered their second straight loss. Photo Kiama Power
