THE BUGLE WEEKLY DIGITAL EDITION
Technology meets teamwork
How real-time drone footage helped save a life at Werri
Beach
Strong starting the first flight,” he said.
At Werri Beach last Friday morning, the surf was wild, the beach was closed, and visibility was poor. But high above the crashing waves, a drone hovered steadily, its operator locked in.
Ex-Navy aircrewman
Richard Close had arrived early to begin his shift with the Australian Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles Service when members of the public approached him on the sand.
They’d spotted a lone boardrider drifting far from shore, waving for help.
“I was setting up for the day, doing my checks and
"People came over and said
they saw someone off the rocks.
"I moved the drone into position and, sure enough, there he was heading south.”
From that moment, it became a race against time.
With the boardrider drifting towards Boat Harbour and the patrol yet to officially start, Close used the drone’s thermal camera to track his heat signature through the haze and glare.
“That thermal mode made a huge difference,” he said. “You can’t always rely on the naked eye in those conditions.”
But just as he zeroed in, the
drone’s low battery warning kicked in.
“I had to bring it down, swap batteries and get it back in the air – fast.
"By the time I relaunched, he’d drifted further out.”
Meanwhile, Gerringong SLSC’s Mark Booth and Simon Sadler had been notified by a separate phone call from another club member.
They launched the inflatable rescue boat while Close, now joined by club president Gary George, kept tracking from the beach.
“I was relaying visuals to Gary, who was passing instructions to the boat crew via radio. We were adjusting live – locating the boardrider, tracking the boat, finding the
best intercept path.”
At times, Close had to lose visual contact with the boardrider briefly just to locate the IRB and guide it in. “It was a dance,” he said. “But once the IRB cleared the break and rounded the point, things started to settle.”
The boardrider, who had cramped up, stayed calm throughout the ordeal –waiting on his board and signalling for help. That made all the difference.
“His composure gave everyone else space to work,” Close said. “When the boat reached him, you could see it was a clean pick-up. He was in good hands.”
Within minutes, the boardrider was back on shore. The incident triggered
emergency alerts and even a helicopter call-out, but no further treatment was needed.
Close, who works as an aviation instructor at HMAS Albatross, said it all came down to trust.
“You trust the training, the equipment, the people around you. It’s not about being the hero – it’s about being part of a team that works.”
So, how crucial was the drone’s thermal camera in locating the boardrider as conditions changed?
“I’d say it gave us an edge,” Close said. “We still would’ve looked – but it got us there quicker. And that’s the difference between a scare and a tragedy.”
Residents frustrated by ongoing power outages
Lleyton Hughes
Residents in Kiama –particularly in Bombo and Kiama Downs – have been grappling with persistent power outages over the past 12 months, and frustrations are mounting.
The Kiama Community Facebook page has been flooded with complaints about ongoing disruptions (to the point of admins banning posts related to power outages).
For long-time resident Eric McCauley, the situation has reached a tipping point.“I came home a couple of months ago and couldn’t get into the driveway because powerlines were down across it,” he said.
“That was caused by a fault that blew the cables in several places – one here at Bombo on Hutchison Street, and another one apparently down in Kiama. Then, just a few weeks ago, a power pole in front of Cleary Brothers exploded and knocked out the cables, leaving us without power again.”
According to McCauley, he spoke to technicians who informed him that there are 11 unresolved faults in the network between Kiama Downs and Bombo.
In March, The Bugle spoke with Peter Payne, News Editor at Endeavour Energy, who investigated the claims.
While Payne acknowledged that every power network
experiences issues, he pushed back against the suggestion of widespread unresolved faults.
“I wouldn’t call them defects. It’s just part of ongoing maintenance,” he said.
“Think of it like this: you’ve got a flat tyre and the spare is on, but the flat one hasn’t been fixed yet. We’ve repaired part of the network and it’s functioning properly.”
He said the area complies with NSW government regulations and that other parts of the state are dealing with more severe issues due to extreme weather.
In April, Kiama resident Patrick Weaver received a written response from Endeavour Energy acknowledging their reliability engineers had further investigated the network and found the presence of defective switches in the overhead network.
“Our reliability engineers found a number of defective switches in the Kiama area that need replacing.
“These switches have been acting intermittently and/or failing due to age and corrosion caused by prevailing coastal conditions.
As a result, when a fault occurs in one part of the network, we’ve been unable to reroute electricity to maintain supply.
“This has led to larger and more prolonged outages than would typically occur.”
Clubhouse on a winner
All going well, the long-awaited completion of the clubhouse at Gerry Emery Oval will be complete by Christmas Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has come to the party to match the $840,000 in funding that Liberal rival Andrew Constance had already pledged to complete the project.
As long as one of the two main candidates for the May 3 election get up on polling day, the two-storey clubhouse will be fully operational by the end of the year or in early 2026. Phillips was joined by Labor Senator Jenny McAllister, Kiama’s Acting Mayor Melissa Mathers and Kiama Councillor Stuart Larkins hand at the Gerringong sporting complex to announce the election pledge.
The clubhouse is used by juniors and seniors of the Gerringong Breakers Football Club, the Gerringong Jets Cricket Club and the Gerringong Touch Association and Gerringong District All Sports president John Trevenar was delighted they could put the finishing touches on the long-term project.
Renovating the function area and toilets upstairs, installing a lift for people with mobility challenges and an external stairway are the final parts of the project that need to be completed.
“Gerry Emery Reserve is well loved by the community, whether it's soccer, cricket, touch, it's just utilised by so many people and school kids,” Phillips said.“I have been supporting this project for quite some time.”
Phillips said funding has been made available to Kiama Council through the federal local roads and community infrastructure program.
Trevenar said countless devoted local community members had been working for more than five years to complete this project.
The first stage of the project included the installation of dressing rooms for female athletes.
“John has fought tirelessly for that and you can see how the improvements make it easier for not only female players but referees and all the different people that are involved with all the different sports,” Phillips said.
“One of the things I also love about the beautiful space upstairs is it's a really good spot where you can oversee what's happening on the field, so if you've got a disability or if you're a family member or a grandparent or someone that might need a quieter space, they can actually be up there as well.
“So I think that inclusivity is really important.”
Matters said sport was an intrinsic part of living in Gerringong.
“It's about community, it's about thousands and thousands of people using this facility and enabling the clubhouse to be built.
“I've seen it in other sporting areas, where it connects parents, grandparents, people that don't have the ability to get upstairs without the lift.
“It just connects the community and the town and I'm so grateful for Fiona Phillips coming out to make this announcement on behalf of Kiama Council and the community.”
Larkins said he and Councillor Imogen Draisma met with Trevenar in 2022 and pushed for the site to get upgraded and to get council to support the project.
“It’s something that I'm very proud to have seen being progressed in the last couple of years,” he said.
Paul Suttor
Jenny McAllister, John Trevenar, Fiona Phillips, Cr Stuart Larkins and Cr Melissa Matters
Kate worried over major parties’ stance on homes
Community Independent candidate for Gilmore, Kate Dezarnaulds is concerned the two major parties have ignored the full scale of Australia’s housing crisis and how it a ects renters, young people and essential workers.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have focused on boosting home ownership through tax cuts, superannuation access, and deposit guarantees, Dezarnaulds believes a more inclusive and regionally responsive approach is required.
“I’m thrilled housing is finally on the national agenda. This is what we’ve been calling for since the start of the campaign,” Dezarnaulds said.
“But the only thing that will drastically increase supply is backing low-cost, easy-to-deliver housing.
"Where in these policies is the support for modular homes? For tiny homes? For the people already building smart, community-driven solutions right here on the South Coast? We’re in the middle of the worst housing affordability crisis in a generation. Yet both major parties continue to
pour fuel on the fire with demand-side policies that will inflate prices further, while leaving renters and regional communities behind.”
Dezarnaulds said in a region like the Gilmore electorate where there is a shortage of nurses, teachers, police and paramedics, "frontline workers simply cannot afford to live in the communities they serve".
“This is not just a housing crisis. It’s a workforce crisis. It’s an economic productivity crisis. And it’s a social cohesion crisis.”
South Coast tiny house manufacturer, Rick Smith, believes regional communities are often overlooked by state and federal governments.
“People are running out of options,” said the founder of Havenwood Tiny Homes.
“We’re building highquality, climate-smart homes for young people, essential workers, and older women with nowhere else to go, like a local woman we built for after her husband passed away.
"If politicians were serious about affordable housing, they’d be talking to people like us.”
Maclean wants to see Kiama beaches accessible for all
Lynne Strong
Imagine living in a town where you cannot get to the beach, the bathroom, or even a lookout without help. That is the daily reality for many people in our community who use wheelchairs, mobility aids, or have access needs that are still being overlooked.
Kiama prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming. But there is still a long way to go when it comes to making our public spaces accessible to everyone. That means not just complying with technical codes but truly enabling people of all abilities to enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.
Take the beach, for example. If you have ever watched surfers glide through waves or kids building sandcastles, you know the joy our coastline brings. But try getting a beach wheelchair across uneven rocks or soft sand, and that joy quickly turns to frustration.
Or try using the ambulant toilet at Kevin Walsh oval in Jamberoo. It requires a key only available from the pub or the IGA. That is if you even know where to look. At Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, newly built facilities
promised access but delivered a maze of obstructions and poor drainage. Eight weeks after council called for changes, the door still will not be accessible to everyone.
These are not one-off problems. They are symptoms of a system that designs for people, not with them.
John Maclean, an elite athlete who uses a wheelchair, recently spent time in our region. He reminded us how powerful it is to ask the question: what would this place look like if it was truly accessible to all? Not just technically compliant, but joyfully, freely usable.
And he left us with a clear goal.
"Let’s make Kiama beaches
accessible to all ages, all abilities, all the time."
Cr Stuart Larkins agrees that accessibility must be a priority. Council has previously audited bathrooms and car parks, but he acknowledges that playgrounds and beaches have not yet been reviewed and should be next. He supports a community-led audit with people who have lived experience to inform future upgrades and ensure we get it right.
It is time for a local accessibility audit, and it needs to start with listening. Listening to people who live with access barriers every day, who can point out the uneven ramp, the missing signage, the blocked path or
the unnecessary key. This is not just about wheelchairs. It is about prams, walking frames, neurodivergent needs, sensory-friendly spaces, ageing knees and broken ankles. It is about ensuring that whether you are a child, a parent, a visitor or a lifelong local, you can enjoy the same Kiama as everyone else, not a limited version. Access should not be something people have to fight for. It should be built in from the start. So let us ask the question. What would true access look like here? Then let us work together across council, community and lived experience to make it real.
John Maclean, who was a rugby league player before being hit by a car in 1988, is walking again. Photo: Brett Costello.
Why Neighbourhood watch can’t turn into public shaming online
Lynne Strong
Arecent post on the Kiama & Neighbouring Districts Community Page has sparked local debate after it included photos and alleged names of boys said to be behaving aggressively around the Kiama Downs IGA and a nearby gym.
The anonymous poster accused the boys of swearing, throwing objects, and damaging public property – including a bathroom used by gym patrons and disabled customers.
The post included photos and named several young people, calling for their parents to intervene.
While the allegations are serious, the way they were aired has prompted wider concerns.
Police say: don’t post, report NSW Police has confirmed that no incidents at Kiama Downs IGA have been reported to them.
A spokesperson told The Bugle: “NSW Police encourages members of the public not to post crimes on social media, but to report matters of concern to NSW Police.
Reporting crimes online may identify victims of crime or addresses, which can have significant privacy or safety implications.
The sharing of information and/or CCTV/images can also
potentially compromise ongoing police investigations or negatively impact court proceedings.
The posting of vision of crimes online can now be subject to prosecution under NSW Government ‘post-and-boast’ legislation.”
Instead, police say information should be provided directly via the Police Assistance Line (131 444), Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000), or a local police station.
While taking photos in a public place is generally legal, publishing those images online – especially when the subject is a minor – is fraught with risk.
Defamation, breaches of privacy, and interference with due process are just some of the concerns raised by legal experts.
In this case, the Facebook post remained online for several days before it was finally taken down.
During that time, it was widely viewed, despite at least one parent asking for it to be removed.
What may feel like community accountability can easily veer into harmful territory.
Posts like this may inadvertently cause long-term damage to young people, especially if names and faces are shared before any proper investigation has taken place.
As one local community member put it, “Why not take the footage and concerns straight to the police, rather than the court of public opinion?”
Phillips on the hook for funding to enhance South Coast saltmarshes
Saltmarsh ecosystems across the South Coast will get a lifeline under a federal government plan to clean up the degraded habitats.
The $600,000 funding commitment, announced by Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips and Whitlam candidate Carol Berry if the Labor government is re-elected, will help notfor-profit Ozfish partner with Batemans Bay, Burrill Lake and Lake Illawarra communities to rehabilitate saltmarsh sites.
“Saltmarshes provide
shelter for juvenile fish and popular recreational fish species, as well as being prawn-production powerhouses,” said an Ozfish spokesperson. “But there has been a large decline in saltmarshes across the South Coast.”
Recreational fishers, traditional owners and councils will work with OzFish to monitor and improve the saltmarshes, with funding used to remove rubbish and weeds, plant native species and run educational workshops and waterway assessments.
The saltmarsh restoration project would boost water quality and better protect native species living in the waterways, said Ms Phillips, who has called on community volunteers to join Ozfish in rehabilitating coastal waterways.
“Our local waterways are so important to our community,” she said. “We have many community groups engaged with keeping our waterways clean, and I am pleased to be giving this money to OzFish so that local
volunteers can help maintain our important saltmarshes in the Clyde River and Burrill
Ms Berry said locals and tourists were drawn to Lake Illawarra for recreational activities like fishing and swimming.
“It’s so important that we look after the lake for generations to come,”she said. “I am pleased that OzFish volunteers have put their hand up to look after our important saltmarshes along Lake Illawarra and am proud to be delivering this funding to them.”
Lake.”
Fiona Phillips and Ryan Lungu from OzFish
PhotographyCredit: Linda Faiers
At 10 am on Saturday, Jamberoo paused. Locals lined the main street as veterans, schoolchildren, community groups and service representatives stepped o from the RSL Hall and marched to the School of Arts. Under a clear autumn sky, the village gathered to honour those who served and those who never came home.
The Anzac Day ceremony, held a week ahead of the Kiama service, allowed residents to take part in both
commemorations. It was a chance for the community to come together and reflect on the sacrifices made by Australians in conflicts near and far.
The names of the fallen were read aloud, including Toby Alexander, a farmer from Bombo who served in the Middle East during World War II. He was wounded in the assault on Bardia in January 1941, where troops captured more than 40,000 Italian prisoners in a single day. Toby died from his injuries and was laid to rest in El Alamein War Cemetery
in Egypt. His story served as a poignant reminder of how deeply service and loss have shaped local families.
Local voices took centre stage throughout the service.
Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips spoke of courage, mateship and community, acknowledging the many Australians serving overseas and the resilience of the families who support them.
“I am really lucky to know a lot of serving veterans,” she said, “through my work with HMAS Albatross and Special Operations Command.
“My son is in the army too
- he’s a gunner - so I feel it as a mum as well.” She added,
“It’s about keeping the stories alive, so that courage and determination live on in us every day.”
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward reflected on the contribution of the region to Australia’s military history.
“This region has a very proud history of being involved in not just our armed forces, but also global conflicts that have been about the defence of the things that are quintessentially important to our country - freedom, democracy and liberty.”
Jamberoo community marching for those who served
Veteran Barry Wray offered heartfelt reflections on his service in Malaysia and along the Thai border during the 1960s. With quiet dignity, he reminded the crowd that Anzac Day is not about the machinery of war but about the humanity of those who served.
“It’s not about the war itself,” he said, “but about the people who gave everything.”
He made special mention of First Nations service, adding, “We remember all who served, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, who stood beside
their comrades even before they were fully recognised as citizens.
“Their service, often overlooked, is part of the legacy we honour today.”
The service concluded with a moment of silence, observed with deep respect by young and old alike. In every detail, from the schoolchildren standing quietly to the veterans wearing medals with pride, the ceremony captured what Anzac Day means to a town like Jamberoo. It was a morning of remembrance, resilience and unity.
Lynne Strong
Hatton throws his hat in the ring for Kate’s Gilmore push
Kate Dezarnaulds’ hopes of stealing the Gilmore seat away from incumbent Fiona Phillips and main rival Andrew Constance have received a boost with former Independent MP John Hatton throwing his support behind the Community Independent candidate.
Hatton, who served as the Independent Member for South Coast in the NSW Parliament from 1973- 1995, is widely respected across the political spectrum for his fearless pursuit of truth and transparency. He initiated the Royal Commission into Police Corruption, one of Australia’s most significant anti-corruption inquiries.
Hatton was named an Officer of the Order of Australia and declared an Australian Living Treasure.
A lifelong advocate for open and accountable government, Hatton said Gilmore deserved a representative who listens to the community and acts with integrity instead of party loyalty. “Kate Dezarnaulds is the only candidate in this race with the independence, integrity, and courage to speak up for her community, without fear or favour,” Hatton said.
“She’s not here to climb a party ladder. She’s standing to serve the people of Gilmore, and I believe she will do so with honesty, transparency and a genuine commitment to public service.”
Hatton also raised the alarm over the Coalition’s nuclear energy proposal, warning it risks national security, undermines Australia’s sovereignty and could open
the door to dangerous and costly developments on the South Coast.“This isn’t just bad policy, it’s an invasion of a different kind,” he said.
“Jervis Bay was almost the first site chosen for a nuclear power station. If elected, they could open it tomorrow. They’re talking about spending $6000 million, money that could build 6000 homes, fund free universities or electrify the country and not a line of it appeared in their budget reply.
“If this plan is so good, why are they hiding it? I stopped believing in Father Christmas when I was five, and I’ve never seen an election full of more fantasy and distraction.”
Dezarnaulds was thrilled with the endorsement from “a giant of integrity in Australian public life”.
Killian wants to see all Uni debts wiped away
Paul Suttor
Greens candidate Debbie Killian believes one of the major factors which is preventing younger rsthome buyers from entering the market is the impact of student debts.
One of Killian’s main policies is to push for the federal government to wipe out all student debt for University and TAFE graduates and boost funding to public schools.
“Free education is a really big thing for me because there's $81 billion in student debt owed to our government now and the Labor Party is proposing to reduce it by 20%. I don't think that's enough. It's all got to be wiped.”
Killian said she felt a sense of guilt when she looks at the plight of school-leavers in this generation compared to her era when free tertiary education was a stepping stone to a better future.
“I happen to be in that age group that got free higher education. I started university in 1976 not long after Gough Whitlam got in and made it free,” she added.
“I was the first person in my family to go to university
and it made a massive difference to my life and I got two degrees for nothing and I think I have been a very strong contributing member of the community as a result of those degrees.
“It certainly changed my life and made me a very much more privileged person than I would've been if I hadn't had those degrees so I'm acutely aware that the generation who had that free education took it away from our kids and our grandkids.
“It's always been a great source of concern and shame. I've had young people come up to me in the street when I'm campaigning and say my degree cost me $50,000 and I'm still trying to pay it off.
“How can I get a mortgage? I can't save for a mortgage. I'm not even gonna start a
family until I've got rid of this debt.”
A lack of funding for education and a reliance on overseas students propping up the system is having adverse effects, Killian added.
“We have undermined the quality and the structure of our universities quite dramatically by underfunding them and forcing them into a situation of mass-produced overseas students,” she said.
“I have no objection to overseas students coming here and being part of our education system but when you've got a university system that is so dependent on churning them through, it undermines the whole basis of quality on which we are needing to establish our tertiary education system.”
Cheryl and Jamie Warren’s deep connection with Jamberoo Pub
This year marks nine years since Cheryl and Jamie Warren became joint owners of the historic Jamberoo Pub - but their family’s connection to the venue runs much deeper.
Built in 1857, the pub has had a long and colorful history. Its relationship with the Warren family began in 1987 when they first started running the business.
“We've been running the Jamberoo Pub since 1987,” Jamie says. “So I've basically worked there ever since - it's really the only job I’ve ever had.”
Jamie became co-owner with his father in 1995, around the same time he and Cheryl got married.
“Jamie and I met many years ago, and I actually worked at the pub back in
the early ’90s,” says Cheryl. “I’m a CPA and tax agent, and while I’d been working for other accountants in public practice, I was already deeply involved in the pub’s accounting.”
But Cheryl’s ties to the pub go even further back than she originally realised.
“I later found out that the man who changed the pub’s façade in the 1950s - giving it the look it has today - was actually my uncle’s stepfather, a Welsh opera singer who owned it at the time,” she says. In 2018, Cheryl and Jamie officially bought out Jamie’s father to become co-owners. Since then, they’ve been running the pub together, and the love they have for it has never faded.
“It’s always been a classic old country pub that needed some work, but it had this incredible atmosphere,” Jamie says. “That’s something that’s
stuck with me all these years.”
Jamberoo has long been a farming town, and Jamie reflects on how the pub’s patrons have changed over the years, even if the essence hasn’t.
“Having first lived in Kiama and then moving to Jamberoo, it was a real farming community.
“And the crowd you would have in the pub most afternoons would be the dairy farmers with their dogs, pigs, snakes, even horses at times,” says Jamie.
“It was just very jovial and there was a lot of camaraderie. There's obviously not as many farmers now and a lot of new people.
“But there is still that farming vibe - we still have roughly 15 to 20 dairy farms - but we have also connected with the various sporting bodies in town
and community groups.
stuck with me all these years.” and community groups.
There’s still a real sense of togetherness here.”
The past nine years of ownership, though, haven’t been without challenges.
“We’ve been through one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history,” Jamie says.
“I think you'd be hardpressed to find a publican in Jamberoo who’s dealt with what we’ve faced - especially the COVID pandemic.”
“Getting through COVID, following all the rules, and trying to keep things going - it wasn’t easy. Even before that, bushfires and other events hit businesses across the South Coast. It’s been a tough run, but we’re finally starting to see improvement.”
One of the more meaningful additions to the pub is the Johnny Warren Room, which honours Jamie’s uncle and
Cheryl
- legendary Socceroos player and SBS commentator, Johnny Warren.
The room is filled with a range of his memorabilia and photos celebrating his life.
“It’s a really special space,” Jamie says.
“Every day we get to celebrate his legacy and share it with everyone who walks through the door. It’s the last thing people expect to find in a country pub.”
“The number of people who come in and say, ‘Wow, I was at that game,’ or ‘My dad took me there’ - it’s incredible,”
Cheryl adds. “People from all generations connect with those memories, and it’s amazing to hear their stories.”
While Cheryl and Jamie have only officially owned the pub for nine years, their goal remains the same: to keep the Jamberoo Pub a warm, welcoming place for locals and visitors alike.
“We want people to walk in, be wowed by the history on the walls, and experience something they can’t find in many other places,” Jamie says.
Lleyton Hughes
Jamie and
on the Jamberoo Pub veranda on otheir wedding day (11 February 1995). Source Jamie Warren
Coastal walk draws a crowd
More than double the expected number of walkers turned up recently to take part in a Landcare guided Kiama Coast Walk, a gentle but powerful reminder of how much local knowledge matters in caring for the country.
The walk, which covered sections from the Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland, was part of the Kiama Coastal Community Planting Program, supported by a BUPA Healthy Cities Landcare Australia grant. It showcased the work of four local Landcare groups restoring native vegetation
along the coastline.
We gathered at the Little Blowhole where Landcare site coordinator Chris Powell welcomed the group. From the very beginning, the tone was warm, curious and collaborative, with community members eager to learn and connect.
Three experts joined the walk and generously shared their time and insights: horticulturist Carl Glaister, Landcare Illawarra coordinator Meredith Hall, and Landcare’s seed collector Brendon Hammond. Their message was simple but crucial: local matters.
Carl pointed out that
even native plants can cause harm if they are not native to this area.
He showed examples of non-local natives that had been planted with good intentions but were not thriving or had disrupted the local ecology. It was a clear reminder of why deep local
knowledge, not just broad environmental awareness, is so important.
He also drew attention to three weeds of national significance that continue to threaten our coastal landscape: Agapanthus, Asparagus fern, and the deceptively beautiful but damaging Madeira Vine. Many walkers were stunned to discover that the lush vine growing along the fence at the cabins south of Kendalls Beach was, in fact, Madeira vine, a fast-spreading invader that can smother native bushland and pull down mature trees.
The walk ended with a generous morning tea at Minnamurra Headland, where walkers mingled with Landcare volunteers and swapped stories over homemade treats.
and to one another.
Weeds to watch out for • Agapanthus (Agapanthus praecox): Often used in suburban gardens, agapanthus forms dense clumps that crowd out native plants. Its seeds spread easily via stormwater.
• Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus):
• A vigorous woody herb with spiky leaves and an underground corn that needs to be removed. Its colourful berries are spread easily by birds.
• Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia): This vine produces fleshy aerial tubers and can smother entire tree canopies. Despite its pretty heart-shaped leaves, it is a serious environmental threat.
12pm | Werri Beach and Werri Lagoon
We know it is Election Day, but it will be a short walk. And please join one, or more of the community plantings at the sites you visited: Saturday 10 May | Bombo Headland – Hosted by Bombo Headland Landcare
Saturday 17 May | Kendalls Beach (South End) – Hosted by Kaleula Headland Landcare
Sunday 18 May | Minnamurra – Hosted by Minnamurra Headland Landcare
Saturday 24 May | Werri Beach – Hosted by Werri Beach Dunecare
Upcoming events in Landcare Kiama Coastal Community Planting program. Saturday 3 May | 10am –
Two weeks in Rajasthan
For years, I had dreamt of exploring incredible India, but at this time in my life, the prospect seemed elusive.
The reality was that Hubby and I were running a small business, which, in itself, was a daily adventure. We had four kids, making it even more challenging. So the idea of flitting off to India for a few weeks appeared to be out of our grasp. Then it happened.Attending a weekend travel expo in Sydney's Darling Harbour, we found a small Indian travel company, family owned and run, which specialised in designing affordable, individual itineraries to clients' requirements, and we were instantly hooked.
Now was our chancethere was a small window of opportunity to have someone babysit our children and our business so we grabbed it.
There was only one slight hiccup.It was June, and temperatures in India
were sweltering. Visiting India in June is not for the faint-hearted but we were undeterred. Weather, no matter how uncomfortable, was not going to stop our great travel adventure.And so, in mid-June of 2007, we arrived in Mumbai.The culture shock hit us like a brick. Over 12 million people in one city, a seething mass of humanity.
It was hot and noisy, and the air was thick with vehicle fumes and blasting car horns. Initially it was an assault on the senses but in relatively little time, we adjusted because it was so utterly different, so vibrant and exciting.
Wherever you walked in the streets there were food vendors, sweet tea vendors, snake charmers, richly coloured saris, people sleeping on the pavements, monkeys, and a distinct smell of spice. And we loved it.
Carol Goddard
Saturday 31 May | Little Blowhole, Kiama – Hosted by Little Blowhole Landcare Friends and family are welcome. Even if you can come for a short time, it will help the group plant 300 plants at each site.
Contact Meredith Hall on 0499 027 770 for information about these events. about these events. to purpose,
For many, it wasn’t just about learning how to remove invasive weeds, it was about reconnecting to place, to purpose,
Lleyton Hughes
Cr Melinda Lawton and Chris
Brendon Hammond
Carl and Meredith
Orry-Kelly Gala to bring Hollywood flair
Lleyton Hughes
Tickets are now available for the upcoming Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala, set to take place at The Sebel Kiama on Saturday, 26 July 2025.
Hosted by the Kiama Icons and Artists Association, the gala will celebrate the life and legacy of Kiama-born costume designer Orry-Kelly, who won three Academy Awards and worked on more than 300 Hollywood films, including collaborations with stars like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Carry Grant and Katharine Hepburn.
The event is part of the wider Orry-Kelly Celebration and coincides with the unveiling of a NSW Government Blue Plaque in his honour. The plaque will be installed at The Sebel, acknowledging OrryKelly’s international success and local roots.
Kiama Icons and Artists Association founder Catherine Menzies says she was inspired to create the event after realising that many locals were unaware of Orry-Kelly’s achievements.
“No one in Kiama knew who Orry-Kelly was, and it made me think, something needs to be done,” she says.“Orry-Kelly started here. He came from an amazing Kiama family, and he deserves to be recognised.”
The gala also marks the tenth anniversary of Women He’s Undressed, a 2015 documentary chronicling Orry-Kelly’s life and career.
The film’s screenwriter, Katherine Thompson, and producer, Damien Parer, will attend the gala and take part in a discussion panel.
Acclaimed Australian director Gillian Armstrong is also expected to attend, with confirmation to be announced closer to the event.
The evening will include a Hollywood-themed performance by a professional dance troupe, a panel of industry speakers, and a display of Orry-Kelly’s original costumes and artwork.
“In my head, I could hear glamour,” says Menzies. “It couldn’t just be a talk - it had to be fabulous. Something Orry would have loved.”
Event details:
Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025
Venue: The Sebel Kiama Exhibition Access: From 5:00 PM Gala Start Time: 6:00 PM
Tickets: $115 per person (includes exhibition access, a welcome drink and canapés)
Booking: Available now via TryBooking
Earlier that day, the public will also be able to view the Orry-Kelly Exhibition between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with tickets available at the door.
Head South well worth trip north
Lleyton Hughes
I’ve always been a rugby league player. I loved the game from a young age and became obsessed with every part of it - whether it was playing, supporting, or any other way I could engage. But I’ve never felt like I truly fit in with the culture that surrounds it.
When you think of a rugby league player, a very specific image comes to mind - and no matter how much I’ve tried, I’ve never quite matched that.
In Head South, the new film from New Zealand director Jonathan Ogilvie - based on his own life - we follow Angus (Ed Oxenbould), a teenager in 1979 Christchurch, who also hasn’t found his people yet.
The film opens in a small, boxy 4:3 aspect ratio (think old TVs), but as soon as Angus listens to his first post-punk record, the film visually and sonically transforms.
“The screen becomes wider, the sound expands - it goes into surround sound - and the colour grade is slightly different. The world becomes more colourful from that point. It's a much greyer, greener tone before, and when it opens up it introduces more oranges and reds - it’s a brighter world,” says Ogilvie.
“Suddenly you discover this possibility of music, which I dare say is like a gateway drug to the world of ideas. Music can be so immediate, but it also leads you to investigate literature and art and the whole world of ideas.”
From that moment, Angus becomes obsessed with postpunk - changing his clothes, haircut, even his attitude, and
trying to embed himself in this new scene. But it’s clearly a mask. His real self keeps peeking through.
He claps after a song at a gig. He doesn’t know bands he’s “supposed” to. And most telling is his, goofy smile - breaking through the emotionless postpunk front he tries to wear. There’s a quote early in the film that sums up his struggle. Angus’ dad tells him:“A pilot lost his bearings - he confused true south with magnetic south. You’d be surprised how much that happens: confusing the magnetic with the true - getting lost.”
Ogilvie adds: “The theme for Angus is the difference between the magnetic and the true. He's attracted to Holly- his incredibly glamorous young girl with a Cockney accent who fits perfectly into that world.
“And the antagonist, Malcolm, is the most extremely magnetic - to the point of being nasty and horrible to people - because in his mind, that’s what punk rock is. So there’s that journey of trying to fit in, while also figuring out who is magnetic and who is true.”
This all builds to the main tension: Angus has made up a band and is now pressured into performing with them - despite not having anything ready. With just a week to pull something together, he’s scrambling to avoid completely embarrassing himself.
Head South is a relatable, and entertaining coming-of-age film that takes you back to the time when your passions were everything felt like your whole world. It is playing exclusively at Dendy Cinemas in Newtown
playground heaven
ayground heaven
Ed Oxenbould as Angus in Head South.
Source Dougal Holmes
Angus with Holly, played by Roxie Mohebbi.
Source Dougal Holmes
Marine rescue boss travels the globe to research
Teslas of the sea
Danielle Woolage
Mike Hammond, zone commander south with Marine Rescue NSW, has just returned from the trip of a lifetime researching what the increasing popularity of electric-powered boats will mean for marine rescuers.
Mr Hammond, who supports around 1000 volunteer marine rescue responders from Port Kembla to Eden and inland to Moama on the Murray River, was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship to travel to nations including Sweden and Germany, two worldleaders in e-boat building and technology. It was a dream come true
for the lifelong recreational boater, commercial skipper and Superintendent responsible for the safety of Marine Rescue NSW volunteer crews on the South Coast.
Part of Mr Hammond’s role includes ensuring volunteers have all the safety training, and assets needed to carry out what are often perilous maritime rescue missions.
Mr Hammond is no stranger to danger. During a stint with the State Emergency Service he helped land-based rescuers respond safely to incidents involving the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads.
“We needed to give our road crash rescue teams the tools to be safe when they turn up
and the car that's upside down or in a ditch is an electric vehicle,” he explained. “The risks are different, big lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode in these kinds of situations. We needed to prepare those responders for that kind of emergency.”
With a rise in electric boat technology - the Teslas of the sea - Mr Hammond realised he could use this experience and apply it to marine rescue.
“We’ve seen the impact e-battery fires can have on land so we need to be prepared for marine rescue responders to know what they need to do if there is a battery fire on a boat, not only to help the people onboard but also how to keep themselves safe in the process.
and it's not like we don't have fires on petrol boats either but I want our responders to be prepared for any safety risks posed by batteries.”
Mr Hammond began researching how to do this and came across the Churchill Fellowship. After a rigorous application and interview process he was one of more than 100 successful candidates and the first ever from Marine Rescue NSW.
The fellowship allowed him to visit one of the world’s largest boat shows, Boot Düsseldorf and also see first-hand how marine rescue organisations in the UK, Sweden, the US and Japan manage electric boat technology.
For six weeks Mr Hammond
boat market, which he says is several years behind EV cars but will become more popular over the next decade as the technology becomes less cost prohibitive.
“At the moment an electric boat can be triple the cost of a petrol boat but in Sweden they are already using a 12-metre, electric, carbon fibre, foiling ferry to carry passengers around Stockholm harbour,” he says. “It’s the way of the future but at the moment it’s very expensive.
“Riding several foiling electric boats on the trip was a great experience, they look amazing and get a lot of attention. I’ve seen little dinghies and tenders with electric outboards here in Australia for years, but this was next level.”
As to whether or not organisations like marine rescue would adopt the technology, Mr Hammond is circumspect.
organisations like marine rescue would adopt the technology, Mr Hammond is circumspect.
operators will adopt the technology sooner because they are using their boats every day and so they will in a realistic timeframe.
“I think commercial operators will adopt the technology sooner because they are using their boats every day and so they will recoup the additional expense in a realistic timeframe.
“At the moment it’s cost prohibitive for recreational boaters who might take it out once a week if they’re lucky. But I think the cost will come down.
boaters who might take it out once a week if they’re lucky. But I think the cost will come down.
for rescue, I think that's quite a way off because we never know how far we're going to have to travel during a search but there are hybrid electric
boats that can potentially have the same distance and range as a traditional boat.
“In terms of using them for rescue, I think that's quite a way off because we never know how far we're going to have to travel during a search but there are hybrid electric boats that can potentially have the same distance and range as a traditional boat.
benefit that you can operate on purely electric power at low speed for that’s helpful in a search situation when you're looking for a fisherman who sort of technology will allow you to hear someone calling out much more easily than a
“It also means you've got the benefit that you can operate on purely electric power at low speed for that’s helpful in a search situation when you're looking for a fisherman who has gone off the rocks. That sort of technology will allow you to hear someone calling out much more easily than a boat with two diesel engines humming all the time. And of course it’s much better for the environment.”
But for an organisation like Marine Rescue NSW which is largely funded by charitable donations, it will be a stretch to commit to that kind of cost, says Mr Hammond.
“But we may be able to start exploring this technology on a small scale, and while we maintain our primary offshore rescue boats we could trial a smaller electric boat for harbour, river or bay rescue.
“But I have no doubt we will start to see more electric boats on the water in the coming years and my priority is to make sure that our people are ready and safe to assist boaters who take up the technology.”
travelled around the globe exploring the growing electric
Mike’s all smiles after riding the Candela P12 foiling electric passenger ferry in Stockholm
Do you know how to make your vote count?
Federal election, Saturday 3 May 2025
It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.
On election day you need to complete two ballot papers:
• a green one for the House of Representatives
• a large white one for the Senate.
On the green ballot paper you are voting for a representative of your local area or electorate in the House of Representatives.
On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.
Farewell Rita Farewell Rita
After 22 wonderful years running her much-loved After 22 wonderful years running her much-loved South Coast lingerie boutique, Knickerboxers, Rita South Coast lingerie boutique, Knickerboxers, Rita is closing this chapter and passing the business on. is closing this chapter and passing the business on. Thank you, Rita, for your care, style and dedication. Thank you, Rita, for your care, style and dedication.
You’ve helped generations of women feel confident You’ve helped generations of women feel confident and comfortable. and comfortable.
FUN FACTS
1 The highest mountain discovered, Olympus Mons, is on Mars
2 A light year is the distance covered by light in a year
3 No matter where we are, we always see the same side of the moon
4 Our closest galaxy is the Andromeda galaxy
5 Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are terrestrial planets while Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are gas planets
Junior crossword
Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.
1 Water barriers around castles
2 Rudolph’s owner
3 Mickey Mouse’s friend
4 Mushrooms and toadstools
5 Sleeps outdoors in a tent 6 Jewish religious leader
7 Someone who performs in plays
Lady
The Bugle (kiama)
1 A popular Australian band is 5 Seconds of which season?
2 In what part of your body is your ‘funny bone’?
3 Which is the only planet not named after a god?
4 What is the main ingredient in chocolate?
5 Which type of dog runs the fastest?
6 What is the name of the fth book in the Harry Potter book series?
Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
Rita is passing on the torch to the new owner, Pia. Pop in and say hello! street, Kiama
Ph 02 4232 1196
Edessa Arcade, 88-90 Terralong street, Kiama
KIDS’ QUIZ
7 In cricket, a duck equals how many runs?
8 Which character does Zendaya (pictured) play in the Spider-Man lms?
9 What is the longest wall on Earth?
10 Which is heavier, silver or gold?
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Can you nd ve di erences between these two images?
WORD FIND
Can you nd all of the words listed below? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.
ETHIOPIA
Cocoa
Greyhound
Harry
MJ (Michelle)
The Great
out & about
Kiama locals soak up Easter fun in the sun
Marc McLaren
Hably assisted by his trusty sidekick.
undreds of local residents turned out in their droves over the Easter long weekend to enjoy the sun shining on Kiama and all this amazing community has to o er.
On Easter Saturday, 300plus kids, mums, dads, grandparents and members of the community enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of family fun.
Kids rolled around in life-size zorb balls, jumped, climbed and slid in the jumping castles, proudly displayed their painted faces and arm painting, created some amazing Easter crafts, and enjoyed an abundance of fairy floss and popcorn.
The fun day culminated with a giant easter egg hunt with over 1200 hidden eggs being found.
The good news is everyone went home with plenty of chocolate just before the Easter Bunny arrived on Sunday.
Kiama Anglican Church’s very own Easter Orange Tiger marshalled the kids before they headed out,
The kids were in no doubt why Easter eggs were hollow, and there was a loud shout of “He is Risen” from the crowd before they jostled their way to the hunt.
The kids also discovered that a bonus activity is being run on Sunday, 4 May at 4pm. It is a fully supervised Nerf War, including target shooting and team-based arena activities.
Everything will be provided, so all the kids need to do is turn up.
Kiama Anglican Church’s kids and youth worker, Brendan Leighton, is running the Nerf War as part of the new group called Thrive, which runs at the same time as Life at 4, a relaxed one-hour gathering for families and adults, where the big questions of life are tackled amid food, laughter and good conversations.
Finally, a massive shoutout to everyone from the Church who came along and helped out the Life at 4 crew. You did a remarkable job - no child was lost or a tear shed.
Lions roaring since 1909 in Gerringong
Gerringong Rugby League Club has a long and rich history.
The Lions have won the South Coast competition and punch far above their weight for such a small town.
Reading about local lads Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan recently making their
for the Dragons reminded everyone of the large number of Gerringong boys who have played in the top rugby league competition in Australia. Some have even represented our country.
has competed with success against touring international sides and produced and continue to produce champions, such as Graeme Langlands and Steve Roach.
represented our country.
Gerringong Rugby League
In 2014, Barry Ross wrote an excellent book on the history of the club which compares favourably with any such publication, even those of major Sydney clubs. His book, Gerringong Rugby League Football Club: Celebrating 100 years 1914-2014: From our boys to Lions”, gave me great help for this article.
Scrolling through eBay one day I came across an item that was a list of the premiers in the Wollongong District Rugby league competition.
The Wollongong area
But scrolling through the list I glanced upon a premier team 100 years agoGerringong.
Gerringong? What is a little town on the South Coast doing with a premiership trophy from 1925 in the Wollongong competition?
Seeing that it is the 100th anniversary of that great year I thought I might reminisce about those “good old days”.
At the start of that season it was thought it might be a good idea to join the South Coast and Wollongong competitions together. This did not last long. However, Gerringong decided to join the Wollongong competition.
were glad to see the back of the dominant Gerringong
Some South Coast clubs were glad to see the back of the dominant Gerringong club. The rugby league had begun in 1914 and in the nine seasons since then Gerringong had won six.
it was clear Gerringong was
As the season developed it was clear Gerringong was the team to beat in a six-club competition.
Gerringong finished minor premiers after winning 10 games, drawing and losing only one each. Glebe and Port Kembla finished equal second and under the rules at the time, those teams played off for the honour of meeting Gerringong in the final.
only one each. Glebe and Port Kembla finished equal second and under the rules
Port won and the final was played at Kiama Showground on the 29 August 1925.
Now you can imagine the excitement. Port Kembla had been a powerhouse in the Wollongong competition for many years, and the new boys from Gerringong were minor premiers.
Fans from both towns had to scour the district to find as many cars as they could to transport the crowds to the game. Not many people could afford cars in those days.
Around 3000 spectators packed in to watch. Now it may not seem a big number compared to crowds today, but this was a record for the rugby league on the South Coast.
The game itself lived up to all the expectations. The result was in doubt until the last minute. A missed goal from in front for Port was very costly. Mind you, Gerringong did score three tries, they just did not kick any goals! They won by the skinniest of margins, 9-8.
An interesting sidelight came from an injury to a Port player, S Harris who broke his collarbone in a tackle. Although I believe replacements were allowed, he refused to come off.
When he had the ball, he had to tuck it under his one good arm left and just lean into the tackle. The Gerringong players were at a loss as to how to tackle him without causing him immense pain. On more than one occasion they stopped him by just holding him around the waist.
The Gerringong team on that glorious day was Jack Miller, H. Morrow, Clive Cant, C. Miller, W. Guthrie backs, Vic Martin and Ray Miller halves, Vince Fields, J. Wall, Hedley Chittick, Roy Love, A. Burgess, S. Miller forwards.
It is interesting to note that a lot of the names in the Gerringong Rugby League team reappeared in the Gerringong Cricket Club’s first-grade team that also won the local competition. Sport in Gerringong 100 years ago was particularly strong.
Jack and Vince Fields
For the pictures to accompany this article I would like to share with you, not photographs from 1925, but special ones from a time long before.
Before Gerringong Rugby league Club was established in 1914 the local lads played Rugby Union.
Once I went in search of an old cricket scorebook from 1894 that I knew Athol Noble had. Michael Tierney was kind enough to give me access to Athol’s collection that included, in addition to the aforementioned scorebook, a collection of Gerringong football memorabilia.
Among that collection were some great old photos. One was of the two Fields boys, Jack and Vince. Both of these players were some of the best players Gerringong have ever had. And that is saying something.
Two other photos grabbed my attention. These were from games at what is now Michael Cronin Oval. One game was not dated but the postcard type picture stated it was a 1909 Gerringong v Berry rugby union game.
Sitting at the eastern end of the oval one Friday morning, watching members of the club mark out the field for the big weekend game, I got to thinking that the goalposts looked a bit more secure than 1909.
I also wondered if the Gerringong players would be
Mark Emery
Gerringong v Berry 1909
Gerringong 1909
Gerringong Breakers to celebrate Female Football Week with a bang
Lleyton Hughes
The Gerringong Breakers Football Club women’s teams have had a shaky start to the 2025 season - but spirits remain high as they look to bounce back ahead of Female Football Week, running from 2–11 May.
The club will mark the occasion with a special celebration on Saturday, 11 May, when three of its women’s teams will play home matches at Gerringong.
Club player, manager, and women’s coordinator
Danine Cunningham says the event is a great opportunity to recognise the growing presence and passion of women in football.
“We’ve got two absolutely beautiful senior women’s teams, and it’s just really lovely to see women getting out, having a kick, and being competitive,” says Cunningham.
“On the 11th, which is the final day of Female Football Week, we’ve got three of our teams playing at home - the Under 16s, the All Age, and the Over 40s.”
It’s the first year the Over 40s division is running in the Community League, and the Breakers’ team has had a strong start with one win and one loss. Meanwhile, the All Age and Under 16s teams have struggled early, each recording two losses.
But Cunningham says there’s no panic - the season is still young, and many players are adjusting to new levels of play.
“We’ve had quite a few junior players come up this year. In our All Age team, we’ve got players ranging from 16- and 17-year-olds to players in their 40s,” she says. “It just takes a bit of time to build that chemistry between players.”
Cunningham also praised the club’s strong community spirit and the structure that unites junior and senior teams under the same banner.
“We 100% pride ourselves on being one club. It’s just really well run. There’s a lot of communication and connection because it’s all under the one name - from juniors through to seniors. There’s no separation or division.”
The community atmosphere will be front and centre on 11 May, with matches coinciding with Mother’s Day, making it a perfect occasion for a familyfriendly celebration of women in sport.
Before that, the Over 40’s team will play Russell Vale on 27 April at Cawley Park, while the All Age team will have the week off with a bye.
Looking for something new? Give softball a try
Lleyton Hughes
The Kiama Softball
Association is inviting women of all ages and skill levels to step up to the plate and give softball a go, with a special Come and Try day planned for Saturday, 3 May at Chapman Oval.
Led by association president Pam Gehrmann, the initiative aims to introduce more women to the sport in a fun, inclusive, and relaxed environment.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 12:30pm, with the first game set to begin at 1pm.
“No experience or gear is needed,” says Gehrmann.
“Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious to try something new, the focus is on fun, friendship, and being part of a supportive community.”
Softball, she adds, offers more than just physical activity. It’s an opportunity to build connections, learn new skills, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with team sports.
“We’re an awesome group of ladies who share some laughs and give something new a try,” Gehrmann says.
“You walk away with more than just a few new skills - you walk away with new friendships.”
The event is part of the association’s broader effort to grow participation in community sport and encourage women to stay active through social and accessible opportunities like softball.
Anyone interested in joining is welcome to turn up on the day, or contact Pam Gehrmann at 0402 683 306 for more information.
Complex issue: Calls growing for urgent sporting upgrades
Lleyton Hughes
Kiama Sports Complex is one of the town’s most valued and widely used assets, hosting football, netball, cricket, and athletics serving residents as young as four as well as senior citizens.
Despite its importance, the facility faces serious shortcomings - and locals are calling for urgent action.
With the upcoming election on the horizon, the Kiama Sporting Complex Workers Group has written to Fiona Phillips and Andrew Constance, urging them to pledge their support for a long-overdue upgrade and modernisation of the site.
In their letter, the group outlined several major concerns: a cramped 45-yearold clubhouse, dilapidated change rooms and toilets, limited disability access, poor lighting, inadequate field drainage, and unsafe netball courts.“These deficiencies not only hinder current sporting activities but also prevent us from attracting major sporting events, impacting our community both economically
and reputationally,” said Ryan McBride, President of the Kiama Junior Football Club.
Phillips and Constance have expressed support for the project. Constance voiced concern that upgrades hadn’t already been carried out, being vocal about it via Facebook.
“Have to wonder where Labor’s Phillips and the two Labor councillors have been on this for the past six years,” he said.“They haven’t been doing their job and now the new Council is having to fix it. What’s even more embarrassing is that both Labor Councillors are Labor staffers, one of whom works for Fiona Phillips.”
Phillips reaffirmed her backing of the Kiama Sports Complex Master Plan, which is being developed by Kiama Council.“Federal funding, through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, was utilised by Kiama Council to support the development of the Kiama Sporting Complex Master Plan,” she said.
“I understand that Kiama Council is to consider the Master Plan at their May
meeting. Once the project is shovel ready, I will explore and advocate for further federal funding for this important community project.”
The Kiama Sporting Complex Workers Group letter was also addressed to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, CEO Jane Stroud, MP Gareth Ward, Opposition Deputy Leader Sussan Ley, and Craig Scott, President of the Kiama District Sporting Association.
A statement from Kiama Council said: “Kiama Council has been working for many months now on the preparation of draft masterplans to help guide grant applications and the future layout and design of two of our highly used sports facilities - the Kiama Sporting Complex at Havilah Place and Werri Reserve in Gerringong.”
In their letter, the Kiama Sporting Complex Workers Group noted that the Master Plan has been in progress “since at least 2021.”
Councillor Stuart Larkins, a long-time advocate of the project, said he and Councillor Imogen Draisma requested the inclusion of the upgrades in
council advocacy documents as early as 2022.
“This is something that Councillor Draisma and I requested be included in an advocacy document as far back as early 2022, with the support of the former mayor, and we have continued to work towards upgrading these facilities,” Cr Larkins said.
“Ensuring that we get the site shovel ready has been something I have always wanted to see happen, and thankfully we were able to obtain funding that has allowed Kiama Council to develop a draft masterplan - which I understand will be coming before council soon.”
As for the delays, he believes missed funding opportunities across multiple council terms have contributed.“The request for addressing the growing infrastructure needs at this site stretches a lot further than one or two terms of council. There has been an ongoing request by the community to address infrastructure needs at this site, and in conjunction with a need for improvements at the Kiama Leisure Centre,” he said.
