The Bugle Newspaper 9 August 2025

By-election for Kiama after Ward quits

Paul Suttor

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has resigned in disgrace at the last minute to avoid becoming the first NSW Member of the Legislative Assembly to be punted from Parliament due to misconduct since 1917 and only the fifth politician in the state’s history to be expelled.

Ward informed the Speaker for the Lower House, Greg Piper, at 9.08am on Friday that he would be resigning.

Leader of the Lower House Ron Hoenig was due to put forward a motion to expel the convicted rapist as the first order of business for Friday’s parliamentary agenda later in the morning.

This means there will be a by-election in the Kiama electorate in the coming months, likely in early October.

Ward was also ordered to pay the legal costs for the

injunction lawsuit that he brought about against the NSW Government this week which was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on Thursday.

He remains in custody in jail in the Hunter after being found guilty late last month of four sexual assault offences.

Ward had ignored ongoing calls from NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman to resign and there has been widespread anger in the general public over the fact that he has continued to receive his parliamentary salary while in prison.

His only public comment since his conviction was a statement released last Friday in which he said he has “provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity”.

He was charged by police three years ago after complaints against Ward from a man, aged 24 at the time,

over an incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago.

Ward was also found guilty of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.

Piper told Parliament that Ward's resignation took effect immediately and it was accepted by the Lower House without any objections.

Hoenig said that it was regrettable that the Lower House had been forced into a position where it had to expel a member for the first time in more than a century.

"The fact that we were about to make such a determination is a pretty shameful exercise and should have been done following the verdict by the jury," he told Parliament.

"Because of the failure of the former member for Kiama to respect the verdict of the jury that convicted him for serious sexual offences, it demonstrated not only lack of

respect to the jury of his peers, this House and the traditions of this House, but to the people of Kiama who had entrusted them to be able to properly represent them.

"The people of Kiama put their trust in the former member for Kiama, knowing that he was charged with these offences. And they trusted his assertions of his innocence. They gave him the presumption of innocence.

"The people of Kiama, I thought, were extraordinary in entrusting him to represent them in a way in which he could do so with integrity, honesty and propriety.

"And the verdict of the jury has ensured that whatever assertions he made to the people of Kiama to enable him to be elected was certainly dishonest and he certainly took them for a ride.

"And the electorate of Kiama should themselves be extremely disappointed in his

continuing conduct." Hoenig paid tribute to the victims of his crime for their bravery in "what they have had to undergo not only through his conduct but through the trial process".

"It is regretful that this House has been put through this difficulty. However, better late than never," he added, saying that Ward only resigned because he knew "full well what almost the unanimous decision of this House was going to be had he not tendered his resignation".

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Ward's resignation was long overdue.

"He can exercise his appeal rights, he can protest his innocence if that's what he wants to do, but his constituents come first," he said.

"It is just beyond comprehension, the shamelessness that has occurred in the last fortnight.

"And what the member for Kiama has done in the last couple of weeks, playing games with his constituents, playing games with the House, playing games with the Government and the Opposition and the general public, is disgraceful.

"Gareth Ward has done what he should have done long ago, but it should never have come to this.

"The people of Kiama have been left without a voice for too long, and taxpayers have been forced to foot the bill while this circus dragged on.

"Public office is a privilege, not a personal fiefdom, and when that trust is broken the right thing is to go immediately.

"This is about respect for Kiama and the people of NSW and that respect should have been shown from day one."

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

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Traffic and road safety remains a hot-button issue for motorists on the South Coast - anyone who tries to drive either side of Nowra or to and from Wollongong in peak hour is well aware of the growing problem with congestion.

In her first speeches to Federal Parliament last week after being re-elected as the Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips highlighted the transport issues which remain a top priority in the electorate.

Phillips also spoke about the importance of supporting regional Australia through the cost of living crisis, strengthening Medicare, cutting student debt by 20 per cent and assisting people with disability to live their best life.

The Labor member is also the chair of the NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel and she told The Bugle that upgrades to the Princes Highway would make a major difference.

“Road safety is a top priority for me and our communities deserve to have better roads that improve connectivity and, of course safety,” she said.

“I’m really pleased to see the duplication of the Princes Highway continuing, which includes the new Jervis Bay Flyover that is under construction, and the upgrade of six kilometres of the highway south to Hawken

Phillips focused on delivering road upgrades

Road, thanks to an injection of $400 million from the Albanese Labor Government.

“I drive these roads every day, so I understand the frustration during peak times, which is why I’m pleased to see the Princes Highway duplication moving forward and the Nowra and MiltonUlladulla Bypass planning well underway.

“Both major infrastructure projects are crucial to improving the liveability and safety for locals as well as visitors to our region.

“The fact is that effectively no work occurred on the Nowra Bypass under the previous Federal and State Liberal Governments. Now we are getting on with the planning work needed to kickstart this project.

“Transport for NSW has been continuing to progress critical early planning, including traffic modelling, identifying environmental and flooding constraints, and shortlisting alignment options.

“The Kiama Local Housing Strategy provides very real opportunities for new roads to help improve traffic flow which will benefit the region.”

Phillips said the $1.5 billion Housing Support Program is one of a range of measures designed to help alleviate the lack of accommodation nationwide.

“We have an innovative housing plan to increase the number of homes across Australia, including in Kiama,” she said.

“The program’s Community Enabling Infrastructure Stream will help councils build important infrastructure, including roads, roundabouts, bike paths and car parks that will provide safe access to future housing developments on the South Coast.”

The Jervis Bay intersection has the highest volume of vehicle movements on the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian border.

“People are excited to see work on the flyover and two new roundabouts moving ahead in leaps and bounds and I can’t wait to see it completed,” she added.

“I’m proud to say there are so many road projects underway or in the planning stages that will bring massive benefits to our region.

With a housing boom in the pipeline for the region, Phillips said the Government was committed to maintaining and upgrading infrastructure that will “improve traffic flow and streamline access points to popular residential and tourist spots”.

“We know the South Coast is getting busier with visitors and more people moving to the area.

“There is more demand and need for housing which also means a greater need for roads.

“As well as the big-ticket road projects, I’m proud to have provided federal funding to our local councils, including Kiama Council, for local roadworks around Kiama and Jamberoo.”

Phillips pointed to infrastructure betterment funding to repair Jamberoo Mountain Road, Foxground Road and Wallaby Hill Road as ways in which the area was being made more resilient for future natural disasters.

“The Federal Government is progressively doubling Roads to Recovery funding which means our local councils will have more funding to fix more local roads, and we’re increasing the federal Road Black Spot Program to $150 million per year.”

She said the $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program would continue to support local councils to improve their local road networks.

Phillips, re-elected in May with an increased margin, said planning and design work was progressing in partnership with Shoalhaven Council on the future East Nowra Sub Arterial Road to address key traffic pinch points and reduce congestion in and around Nowra.

The Bugle Bulletinour new weekly news and sports video program - is now dropping every Monday on our YouTube channel, bringing you the latest local headlines and weekend highlights sooner than before.

This week’s episode kicks off with coverage of the ongoing trial of Kiama MP Gareth Ward, as growing calls for his resignation intensify.

We then look at the uncertain future of Kiama’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, with Council asking the community if they’d be willing to contribute voluntary donations to help fund the event.

Also featured is a heartwarming segment on the Alchemy Chorus, a dementia-inclusive choir, as they take the stage for their first-ever solo performance. Expect touching moments, including a joyful dance and performance highlights. In other arts news, we revisit the glitz and glamour of the Orry-Kelly: Dressing Hollywood Gala, which transformed Kiama into a celebration of the Golden Age of Hollywood. In sport, we recap a wet and windy round of Group 7 Rugby League, where only two first-grade matches went ahead - with Jamberoo the only local team to take the field.

Plus, we celebrate the NRL debut of Gerringong junior Ashton Ward, who played five-eighth for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and made a standout try-saving tackle last week against the Brisbane Broncos.

The Bugle team is dedicated to pairing compelling visuals with meaningful local stories - delivering a news experience that’s informative, entertaining, and immersive.

Subscribe now to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube and never miss an episode!

(From left) Cr Melinda Lawton, Cr Imogen Draisma, Molly Allan, Archie Turano-Lyall, Dr Christa Wood, Samara Kelly, Phillip Pecoski, Sabrina Kelly, Guy Stearn, Cr Melissa Matters, John Dawson , Cr Cameron McDonald

Sabrina scoops up Citizen of the Year at Local Government Awards

Lleyton Hughes

Sabrina Kelly - founder of Kiama Family Before and After School Care and the Social Club for Neurodivergent Teens - was named Citizen of the Year at Kiama Council’s 2025 Local Government Awards at The Pavilion.

Kelly received the honour ahead of fellow nominees John Dawson and Nicole O’Brien. The evening began with a Welcome to Country, followed by an address from Mayor Cameron McDonald.

“I think it’s really fitting

that we acknowledge people and their contributions in our community, because they make up the fabric of our town. All the time, effort, and dedication you give are significant - and it’s really nice to honour that in a setting like this,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters highlighted Kelly’s extensive list of achievements and volunteer efforts, including founding her day care service and social club, as well as serving as President of the Kiama P&C, Events Manager at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club,

and coordinating the Happy Boxes Project - to name just a few. Upon receiving her award, Kelly delivered a heartfelt speech.

“I turn on the news and sometimes I physically feel hurt - when I see the images coming out of Gaza. And I feel like we have two options: either you can feel paralysed by sadness, or you can try to do something,” she said.

“Although I can’t personally deliver aid to Gaza, or stop wars, or reverse the effects of climate change - I can do something right here.

“Every morning, if I make

sure the kids in my care go to school clothed, fed, and loved - if we’re walking by the beach and we take three for the sea, if I raise money for WIRES - I know it’s just a molecule of a drop in the ocean. But I know everyone here is doing the same. That’s why I think Kiama is such a great place to live.”

Senior Person of the Year went to John Dawson for more than three decades of service as a community sports volunteer and educator.

Young Person of the Year was awarded to Molly Allan, 15, a dedicated athlete and role model who has already earned her development coaching accreditation.

She now mentors younger netballers as assistant coach for the Kiama 11s Development Team and coaches a Junior A team.

Kelly returned to the stage as the Social Club for

Neurodivergent Teens was named Community Group of the Year.

Molly Allan was awarded Young Person of the Year award.

The Community Inclusion Award went to Active Ageing NSW Inc, presented to the groups program director Dr Christa Wood, recognised for its work helping seniors “live young longer”.

It is another award for Christa who was also awarded Woman of the Year for the Kiama Electorate in March and Rotarian of the Year 2025 for District 9705, which stretches from Merimbula in the south of NSW, north to Berry and Gerringong, and inland as far as Parkes and Griffith.

The Sports Achievement Award was presented to 11-year-old Archie TuranoLyall for her accomplishments representing Kiama in the 11

Years Development Squad, being selected for the 12 years state netball team, and qualifying for Nationals in javelin.

Guy Stearn received the Robert East Memorial Award for a Kiama Council Volunteer, in recognition of his longstanding dedication to the Kiama Show.

Phillip Pecoski was honoured with the Megan Dalley Memorial Award for his work as a Kiama Council Finance Cadet.

Cr Matters, who also hosted the evening, summed up the spirit of the event: “Kiama Council is proud to shine a light on the individuals and organisations that make a real difference in our everyday lives.

“The Local Government Week Awards are our way of recognising those who go above and beyond for our community.”

Should Gareth resign? The people of Kiama have their say

Before NSW Premier

Chris Minns accepted Gareth Ward’s resignation after being sent to jail over sexual assault offences, The Bugle decided to ask the people of the Kiama electorate for their view on the matter.

We asked 12 people at random who represent a cross-section section of the community at the Kiama Farmers' Market on Wednesday afternoon the same question.

Should Gareth Ward resign as Kiama State MP after being convicted of serious sex crimes? Here is what they had to say.

Glenys, retiree, Kiama:

"Yes, he should resign. It's not a matter of personal opinion, it's the right thing to do. If you stay away from the court side of it, Gareth has done some good work as an MP. I don't like how the media has blown this up, and it would be horrible if he's

actually innocent. But should he resign? Yes, it's the right thing to do."

John, retiree, Kiama:

"If you have a criminal record, it should automatically disqualify you from being an MP. But I actually think he was railroaded. I have some serious doubts about whether he's guilty or not.

“The George Pell situation comes to mind. But as long as it's in black and white that he did it, then you can't represent a community."

Samantha, 23, Kiama:

"He's on a downhill path and should just step off now. It's crazy that he's still our MP. How can this be allowed? Just go, I say."

Lauren, 49, Kiama:

"Yes, he should resign. No doubt about it. It would be the right thing to do. Otherwise, it's not a great look for Kiama, is it?"

Luke, 26, Bombo:

"Absolutely he should step down. What confidence does this give us if he's allowed to

keep serving us from jail? It's disgusting what he's been found guilty of doing. I just don't think he should be allowed to keep his job.

“I know I'd lose my job if I did something like he did."

Julie, retiree, Kiama:

"Look, I'm a supporter of Gareth's and still think he's innocent. I want him to stay on. He's done a lot for our community. Let him at least stay on until his appeal has run its course."

Carli, 25, Gerringong:

“Absolutely! Resigning would be the right thing to do, wouldn’t it!? I didn’t follow the court case, so I can’t judge if he’s guilty or not. But if a jury has convicted him, then he shouldn’t be representing us.”

Ann, 58, Albion Park:

“I think it’s time for the people of Kiama to tell him to go. We don’t want a convicted rapist representing us. He’s gotta go.”

Robert, 52, Kiama:

"Yes, he should have quit the day after he was convicted

of such serious crimes.

“How can us locals be properly represented by a criminal who's sitting in a Sydney jail? Also, tell me how this isn't just self-serving?"

Geoff, 42, Gerringong:

"Resigning by now would have been the right thing to do. Appeal the conviction by all means. But just do the right thing and step down. If he's cleared down the track, then he can run again."

Taylor, 23, Kiama Downs: "Why do you need to even ask this question? Of course, he should have resigned by now. I'm sick of reading about it. He's making us a laughing stock."

Mark, retiree, Kiama:

"Definitely, yes. It doesn't make sense how he's been allowed to stay on as MP after this conviction. I understand he has every right to appeal, but this is a pretty big stain on our community now. Gareth needs to realise this and do the right thing and step aside."

Doubts

raised

over

Ward’s delivery of ‘results’ for electorate

Kiama Independent

MP Gareth Ward lived by the slogan of “works hard, gets results” during his time as the state member for the electorate.

But if you look at his track record of delivering on major projects, there is plenty of evidence to suggest he did not live up to this slogan.

Since he left the Liberals in 2022, he has been persona non grata with both major parties in NSW and despite enjoying a reputation as a popular local member, he has made plenty of enemies on the Illawarra and South Coast political scene.

Well-placed sources told The Bugle that he would often take credit for major infrastructure projects that he had played little or no role in delivering as part of a broader pattern of “illusion over substance”.

One such example was the $580 million Foxground and Berry Bypass, which opened in 2017, as one of several key projects claimed by Ward that were locked in long before he was elected.

Ward has repeatedly claimed three key big-ticket projects as his own.

In February 2024, he said: “Never would I ever have thought we would secure the Gerringong upgrade, the Berry Bypass and the Albion Park Rail Bypass.”

On Instagram, he once wrote: “When I make a promise, I always get it done. I’m always up for a fight, but outcomes are what count.”

He then had green ticks next to the Gerringong upgrade, Berry Bypass and Albion Park Rail Bypass.

But each of these upgrades had been initiated under previous Labor governments, including years of planning and land acquisition.

The $630 million Albion Park Rail Bypass was funded during the Coalition’s term, but its alignment and key groundwork also began under Labor.

A polarising figure,

several sources have criticised Ward’s conduct in office.One described him as “rude and dismissive” towards public servants and community members “who didn’t serve his interests”.

In 2018, former Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis accused Ward of “bullying and betrayal” in a speech to Federal Parliament. She alleged a sustained campaign of branchstacking, leaking and intimidation, accusing Ward of targeting strong Liberal women.

Sudmalis declined to comment when contacted by The Bugle about Ward’s conviction.

Ward’s predecessor, Matt Brown, said it was “not appropriate” for him to comment about the fallen Kiama MP given he was appealing his conviction. And while Ward managed to retain the seat of Kiama at the 2023 election, his popularity with the voters took a massive hit after he had been charged by police the previous year.

As an independent, he suffered a swing of 11.2 per cent against him to turn what had been a stranglehold on the seat into a marginal victory over Labor rival Katelin McInerney.

Labor Party sources told The Bugle that Ward’s popularity in the southern parts of the electorate, near his home in Meroo Meadow, carried him across the finish line with a 50.8% share of the vote after preferences. He was second to Labor in Kiama and in the northernmost part of the electorate in Albion Park where residents said they rarely saw Ward and that he had failed to deliver on a range of infrastructure projects that he had promised for the growing area.

A by-election will now be held in the coming months after Ward lost his battle against the NSW Parliament’s attempts to expel him during the week. He will face Court again on 19 September for sentencing.

Matty Taylor

Matty Taylor

Local retirees John and Glenys at Kiama Farmers Market on Wednesday.

Keep calm and carry on amid the political chaos

It was only three short months ago on 16 May when we were reporting on the 2025 federal election outcome.

The Albanese Government romped it home, and Fiona Philips MP turned her wafer-thin margin into a dominant and crushing defeat of Andrew Constance that sent him into political retirement.

The Bugle’s View that day was “Now it’s time to keep them honest” and was a clear signal to all levels of government that our community deserves better.

We thought we had a period of relative stability, where there were clear opportunities to make big decisions that would deliver public benefits for generations to come.

We said at the time: “We are not scheduled to have another major election until 13 March 2027 which is when the next NSW State election will be held. This means there are around 630-odd days of ‘clear air’ where policy makers, bureaucrats and politicians can make big and bold decisions, allocate significant investment and genuinely improve the livelihoods of people in our community.”

How things can change.

As has been widely reported, Gareth Ward MP has been found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault.

At the time of writing, he remains in Parliament, as the Member for Kiama, courtesy of a Supreme Court injunction that had blocked the Legislative Assembly from voting to expel him.

Although it now appears he will be expelled from Parliament on Friday after his lawyers lost their battle with the Government to keep the injunction in place in the Court of Criminal Appeal.

It would seem it is only a matter of time before the longest-serving representative for Kiama is

banished from public life.

However, the truly bizarre also seemed possible.

Ward could have remained as the Kiama electorate’s elected representative, serving our community’s needs from Cessnock Correctional Complex, right up until the next state election in March 2027.

It certainly does not pass the pub test.

Mayor Cameron McDonald has identified this issue, writing directly to the NSW Government seeking clarity about ‘what steps the Parliament will take with respect to Ward. He might be waiting a little while longer for a response. So, it seems like it could be on once again. A forthcoming by-election that brings on political campaigns and slogans, and with candidate corflutes at the ready.

Will the Liberal Party dare put a candidate forward, considering the turmoil surrounding Ward? Does Constance come out of retirement?

Is Katelin McInerney going to win pre-selection for Labor and re-contest the seat where she was narrowly defeated in 2023? Or might it be some younger blood such as Councillor Imogen Draisma who sees this as an opportunity to enter the big leagues?

Whether there is a byelection or not, this issue has and will continue to be the talk of the town over the coming weeks and months.

But at the end of the day, The Bugle’s View is that whatever the outcome –we need to keep calm and carry on.

And if indeed there is a by-election and we elect a new representative, the message is clear: let’s not revisit old issues and go back to the ‘bad old days’. Let’s build upon the good work of the new Council, secure funding for new infrastructure, and ensure Kiama continues to grow in the best way possible.

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Watson conflicted over rival’s legacy

Matty Taylor

Former long-serving Shoalhaven Mayor Greg Watson has recounted how Kiama MP Gareth Ward was caught out accessing council offices without authorisation during his early days as a councillor.

Watson, who spent five decades in local government before retiring last year, said it occurred early in Ward’s first term as a councillor at Shoalhaven City Council where, from the age of 22, he served between 2004-2012.

Watson said he noted the indiscretion in a formal mayoral minute, but he eventually dismissed it as “youthful exuberance”.

“He entered the council chambers after hours with one or two other Young Liberals … and somebody saw him suspiciously using the photocopiers, and at that point I had to do something about it and reported it,” Watson, who founded the Shoalhaven Independents Group, said. “The general manager had his security access card checked out, and it was quite over the top. But I just put it down to youthful exuberance.”

Ward confirmed at the time he had been accessing Council's offices late at night and early in the morning but denied any wrongdoing.

The security concern led to all councillors being locked out of administration areas after hours. “Up until that point we had a pretty loose arrangement, but Gareth went a bit overboard,” Watson said. The pro-development former councillor said Ward

had “made my life pretty miserable as Mayor”.

“He made spurious complaints against me to the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption), and things like that,” Watson said.

“He undoubtedly was one of a few people who tore me down long term as Mayor. But I learnt not to bear any malice towards people. My inclination initially was to get him on board, but some of the others in my team wouldn’t have it. But you know the old saying about keeping your friends close and your enemies even closer.”

Ward, who became Deputy Mayor after the 2008 local government election, confirmed the rivalry with Watson in his maiden speech to NSW Parliament on May 21, 2011. “As the youngest councillor in our city’s history (in 2004), it was not long before I found the headlines, warring with the then Mayor, Greg Watson.If you learn more from your enemies than you do from your friends then Cr Watson has continued to be a veritable fountain of knowledge”

Ward went on to become the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services after the 2019 state election but the 44-year-old is now a convicted rapist although he will appeal the jury’s decision.

Despite all of this, Watson offered a defence of the Kiama Independent MP. “My view is that Gareth may not be guilty,” he said.

“I'm just going by some evidence that was given in the court case itself. You know, it

was very much like it was consensual stuff.”

For many, there were suspicious signs about Ward long before the nine-week trial. Ward was at the centre of a September 2017 incident in New York, where he claimed to be the victim of an attempted extortion by two male masseurs.

He denied claims he had ordered a “special massage”.

A year later, Ward was accused by then Member for Gilmore and fellow Liberal, Ann Sudmalis, of “bullying, backstabbing and betrayal” against her.

Sudmalis accused Ward of branch-stacking the local Liberal branches.

The Kiama MP denied all the allegations against him.

In May 2021, Ward was stood down from the ministry and later suspended from Parliament after NSW Police confirmed he was under investigation over sexual violence allegations.

He was formally charged by police in March 2022 and resigned from the Liberal Party after the Premier at the time, Dominic Perrotet,

told him that he would be expelled if he did not quit.

Ward ran as an independent and was re-elected by Kiama voters in 2023 by a slender margin after a swing of more than 11% against him.

Then came the bizarre 2024 incident in which Ward was caught on CCTV trying to access NSW Parliament at 4am wearing only a T-shirt, boxer shorts and socks.

He claimed he had locked himself out of his Potts Point apartment and was collecting a spare key. He denied he was intoxicated at the time.

Ward’s days of skating through controversies relatively unscathed ended on July 25 when he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young men. “The electorate of Kiama have lost an extremely proactive and active local member,” Watson said.

“He had great political skills. There’s no doubt about that. He told his teachers (at Bomaderry High School) he was going to be the first albino Prime Minister of Australia.

“In my opinion, he had the ability to achieve the highest position in the land.”

council explores payment option

Kiama Council has asked the public whether they will dip into their pockets to help pay for the New Year’s Eve fireworks display which could be cancelled if sufficient funding is not secured quickly.

As part of exploring options to cover the costs of the NYE Sky Show, Council’s Tourism & Economic Development Committee decided to seek feedback on the community’s appetite to make it a ticketed event or to provide “gold coin” donations on the night.

“We’ve launched a survey after suggestions from community members and the advisory group that maybe ticketing or attendee contributions could help bridge the funding gap,” said Mayor Cameron McDonald.

More than 350 online survey responses have been received and Council’s Tourism & Event staff have been in attendance at the community pop-ups at the Kiama Farmers Market and at the Gerringong IGA during the week.

“Early feedback is that while people love the idea of the event continuing, not many are willing or able to chip in,” Cr McDonald added.

“Council will consider the event at our August meeting”.

Council put three questions to locals in the survey.

How important is Kiama’s New Year’s Eve Sky Show to you and the community?

Very important I’d be disappointed if it didn’t go ahead

Somewhat important I enjoy it, but it’s not essential

Not important, I don’t usually attend

If a small, voluntary ‘honour system’ ticket could help the event continue, how likely would you be to contribute?

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Not likely

If you were to contribute, what amount feels reasonable for a voluntary ticket?

$2–$5

$6–$10

$11–$20 I would not contribute

Despite strong support from the Kiama Business Network and a Council Sponsorship EOI, funding remains below the level needed to stage the event.

Despite conceding that the Sky Show creates a wonderful social and community

experience, there is doubt over whether its economic impact is substantial with Council citing figures that NYE dining and entertainment spending was only 7% higher than the Saturday before Christmasand it was lower than the Changing Tides Festival and a regular Saturday in early January.

The fireworks display costs Kiama Council around $90,000 but many local businesses are desperate to see the event remain on the calendar because of the extra revenue it brings in.

Time is running out for Council to make a call on whether the fireworks will go ahead and after a series of talks with Destination Kiama, a final decision is expected to be made at the next monthly Council meeting on 19 August.

Locals urged to speak up on Spring Creek

When it comes to addressing the impact of flooding at Spring Creek, the people who know best are the locals.

The call has been put out to residents who know the area to let Council know what kind of solutions they would like to see for the flood-prone area adjacent to the Kiama town centre.

Council has opened an online survey until the end of the month and will also hold an information session via Microsoft Teams next Tuesday (12pm-1pm on 12 August) and a drop-in session at the Joyce Wheatley Centre the following day (3.30pm5.30pm on 13 August).

Darren Brady, Council’s director of infrastructure & operations, said they were keen to get feedback on how the area can be affected during rain events.

Flooding at Spring Creek typically affects residents by cutting off access to their properties via the Dido St bridge and it can also prevent motorists from travelling in each direction on Jamberoo Road.

Council is undertaking a flood study and completing a risk management plan to understand the flooding and determine strategies for mitigation options.

“We are looking to understand the public’s awareness of and experiences with flooding in Spring Creek,

how the public responds to flood events as well as gather any local information that can assist with the flood analysis and study,” Brady said.

“Local knowledge about flood behaviour, including areas prone to flooding, flood depths, flow paths, and the impact of flooding on properties and infrastructure is beneficial.

“We are also seeking feedback and general sentiment toward flood mitigation options.”

Environmental planning and infrastructure advisory experts Rhelm have been

commissioned to undertake the Flood Study.

“The objective of this study is to improve our understanding of flood behaviour and impacts and better inform the management of flood risk in the area,” Brady added.

“The study focuses on updating the previous plan completed in 2014 to the latest Australian Rainfall and Runoff guidelines and methods required for flood analysis and to also include for future development in the catchment as identified in the recently adopted Local Housing Strategy.

There’s plenty to celebrate in our community of hard workers

As we wind up Local Government Week (4-10 August), I’ve been celebrating the many different roles Council plays across our community.

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards, hosted by Shellharbour City Council in partnership with Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven Councils.

It was an inspiring night, one that celebrated the leadership, culture and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our region.

“The study will also help develop a Flood Risk Management Plan which aims to identify, quantify and weigh the relevant risks to the community and the potential for mitigation options.”

As well as road closures, flooding in the area also leads to SES responses to emergency situations and damage to public infrastructure.

Climate change forecasts are for more frequent and higher intensity storm events and associated flooding which will be part of the revised flood study.

“A variety of options will be considered, including flood modification measures such as infrastructure works, property modification measures including development controls, and flood and emergency responses and management strategies,” Brady said when asked about options to mitigate the risk.

“If the Flood Study and subsequent Flood Risk Management Plan identify any infrastructure improvements required, Council will factor these into its future capital works program for implementation as budgets permit.

“The outcomes of the Flood Risk Management Plan will also allow Council to seek grant funding for the implementation of recommendations.” Make sure you have your say.

From the Smoking Ceremony to the Awards themselves, it was a reminder of the strength, resilience and depth of First Nations communities.

I congratulate all the Award recipients, particularly Aunty Gwenda Jarrett and Uncle Stan Jarrett, who were recognised as Elders of the Year.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan across a range of local government events and initiatives, and they’ve brought an amazing down-to-earth, everyday approach to sharing the history, culture, and practices of the Traditional Owners of this amazing place we all call home.

I’m really looking forward to sharing the draft Reconciliation Action Plan Council which has been developing together with our local Elders and First Nations community members later this year.

Adding a touch of glamour to Kiama, a blue plaque was recently unveiled for the internationally renowned, Kiama-born Orry Kelly, costumier to the stars from the golden age of Hollywood.

I joined the Hon. Dr Sarah Kaine MLC, Councillors, members of the Kiama Historical Society and community for the event at The Sebel Kiama.

On further regionwide Council business, I attended a strategic

workshop in Wollondilly with Mayors and CEOs from eight LGAs from the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Western Sydney and the Macarthur/Highlands regions.

We’re working together to improve connectivity between our areas.

Major issues like housing, infrastructure and funding were also on the agenda, highlighting why it’s so important that neighbouring councils are aligned and proactive in our advocacy and to collaborate with state and federal governments.

Closer to home, Kiama Council’s Shoalhaven Street Precinct has now been listed by the NSW Government as a State Significant Rezoning project.

This is a major milestone in realising the long-term potential of the site, right in the heart of Kiama, and a critical step in delivering a mix of housing types, including much-needed affordable options, as identified in our Local Housing Strategy. It’s a testament to the groundwork done by our staff to get us to this point. With the NSW Government now funding the expert studies and assessments needed to move this precinct forward, we’re well placed to deliver a thoughtful, communityled outcome.

We got elected to make the strategic decisions that our community needs, and I am thrilled that our first unanimous strategic decision to purchase this site is moving so rapidly and is positioning us for a stronger future.

Finally, I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and award winners at our Kiama Local Government Week Awards, held at The Pavilion this week. I’m proud to have such a great group of communityminded people in our local government area.

This type of spirit is what sees our community thrive and reminds me once again what a privilege it is to be Mayor of Kiama.

From one Oscar record holder to another: Catherine Martin pays tribute to Orry-Kelly

As the buzz begins to settle following the Orry-Kelly: Dressing Hollywood Gala on the evening of recently at The Sebel Kiama, one unforgettable highlight stands out - a special virtual appearance from Oscarwinning designer Catherine Martin.

While it’s well known that Orry-Kelly held the record for the most Academy Awards won by an Australian for decades (three Oscars for costume design), that title was surpassed in 2013 by none other than Catherine Martin,

Martin - the long-time collaborator and wife of renowned Australian director Baz Luhrmann - has earned international acclaim for her work on films such as Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge!, Australia, The Great Gatsby, and Elvis, with both production and costume design credits to her name.

She also served as production designer on Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.

In a pre-recorded video message played during the gala, Martin expressed her regret at not being able to

attend in person. “I'm very disappointed not to be in Kiama tonight with you to celebrate the extraordinary life and work of Orry-Kelly,” she began.

She went on to share how she and Luhrmann first discovered Orry-Kelly’s story while guest-editing an early 1990s issue of Australian Vogue.

“One of the central stories tracked his life from Kiama to the glittering lights of Hollywood. He was well known for being able to handle the biggest of divas - even one of my all-time favourite actresses, Bette Davis. He was

her favourite costumier,” she said.

“He fits into a wonderful performing arts pantheon of greats that we have here in Australia, and it's wonderful to see him being celebrated in his own hometown.”

Joining Martin in paying tribute on the night were director Gillian Armstrong, producer Damien Parer, playwright Catherine Thomson, and costume designer Wendy Cork.

The evening was a heartfelt celebration of Australian film, honouring the legends - past and present - who have shaped its identity on the world stage.

Lleyton Hughes

who now holds four of the famous awards.

Compassion fatigue, complexity and hope: Navigating the tricky NDIS experience

Since the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in 2012, it has been widely investigated in state and federal government inquiries that the experience for those living with a disability and their families has been a burdensome process.

A reality for many families and carers alike is experiencing compassion fatigue or empathy burnout, which is recognised as a symptom to traumatic stress.

Sydney Health and Care Services chief operations officer Anna-Lee Hamilton

shared her lived experience with The Bugle.

“When you look at compassion fatigue and empathy burnout, it’s because you genuinely want to help them,” Hamilton said.

“It is more that the reality is we’re all trying to make it through and its exhausting for everyone, for those that have a disability as well.

“They [those with a disability] are finding it even more emotional because they feel like a burden. They feel like they’re putting the pressure on their family, and they don’t want to feel that way.”

Hamilton has progressed

from working as a disability support worker to an executive role and her journey has provided her with a unique perspective.

“I also felt in my time, and it wasn’t with the company that I am with now, but there was a lack of support, lack of training, lack of insight on what the supports entailed at that time,” Hamilton said.

“Back then, NDIS was still finding its way.

“I think NDIS from start to finish [now] has been very complex.”

Kismet CEO and founder Mark Woodland has a background in software engineering and saw the need for a digital platform to manage the sometimescomplex administration component of the healthcare and disability services.

“There’s a lot of administration that sits around the care of someone ageing or with a disability, and the bigger challenge that exits when you become that caregiver,” Woodland said.

“You [the carer] lose that relationship of [being] a mother or a daughter, as an example, because you become the carer.

“So, there is a lot of guilt and resentment that’s felt during that process, and that is all due

to administration.”

Kismet is an app that acts like a ‘concierge’ to manage the administration process of accessing healthcare and disability services for carers, care receivers and health care providers.

“When we look at the sector from a technology mindset, we look at three stakeholders, which is the caregiver, and that’s the sandwich generation person, the care receiver, which is the ageing person or disability, and the healthcare provider; they’re all an ecosystem,” Woodland said.

Whilst Kismet has provided a solution to this very real

issue for this sector, Hamilton sees that carers care receivers should be provided with greater information and training from the Federal Government.

“Even though they have easy read resources, not everyone fully understands how to navigate the internet or navigate how to access their plans,” Hamilton said.

“The improvement could be around ensuring that both carers and participants fully understand their NDIS plan when they’re approved and what funding means for them.”

Within the Kiama region, has council endorsed a

Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 – 2027, which aligns with the Principles of Social Justice, is informed by the principles outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) and the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan 2021-25.

One Community is hosting an event providing the opportunity for parents/ carers, support coordinators, teachers and local area coordination partners a chance to interact an share information.

The event is on next Tuesday (12 August) from 10am-12:30pm at Kembla Grange Racecourse.

Shelby Gilbert

Bestselling author Maria Lewis is taking the stage at Gerringong Library in November for a free author talk, where she’s eager to connect with the community that’s become her home.

The award-winning screenwriter and author of 11 novels relocated to Gerroa at the end of last year, splitting her time between the South Coast and Brisbane for film projects.

Gerroa’s charm reminds her of the Gold Coast community she grew up in, and being a huge fan of the Gerringong Library adds to her love of the town.

“It feels like a coastal town in a snow globe in a way, it’s really preserved and special and peaceful,” said Maria.

Maria’s November talk, ‘Crafting Stories for Any Medium’, is part of a National Novel Writing Month program at the library that includes talks from three other authors. Maria says that these talks are a chance to encourage locals who might have stories worth telling.

“Great stories can be anywhere,” she said.

“Everybody can write a story. If you think there's an interesting story you've always wanted to write,

Award-winning writer Maria Lewis to speak at Gerringong Library

maybe come along to one of these talks and there might be somebody that encourages you to do it.”

Maria’s career ranges from the Aurealis Award-winning Supernatural Sisters book series, to writing for Marvel (Mockingbird: Strike Out), Assassin’s Creed (Mirage: Daughter Of No One), and major networks including Netflix, DC Comics, Stan, AMC, and Nickelodeon. Her directorial debut, The House That Hungers, played at international film festivals from Adelaide to Berlin.

Maria is the screenwriter and producer of the upcoming horror/comedy feature, The Black Talons. She is also currently working on a surfing TV series that will be set on the Gold Coast with a Melbourne based production company.

“There have been times when we have been doing Zooms about the TV series and I’m Zooming from the library, but I’m sitting outside in this beautiful courtyard,” Maria said.

“And they’re like 'where the hell are you?' as they’re sitting there in rainy, miserable, cold Melbourne.”

The Gerringong Library has become Maria’s office; she admires the “smart and savvy” staff who run programs such as the Sydney Writers Festival viewing event.

“I also love the people watching, of seeing the different people come in. It's a mix of people of all ages and like young people in their 20s going there to work,” she said.

“Community journalism, libraries, like all of that public accessible stuff that doesn't cost people money, especially right now when things are so expensive, I feel like they've become more important than ever.”

Maria describes her daily routine which sounds like a dream; head to Werri beach in the morning, listen to what the “longboard boys” are saying about the surf in the car park, then decide whether to grab the wetsuit or head to the library.

“I finished my last two films, I wrote them while living in Gerroa,” she said.

“I would get up and I would go for a surf in the morning and then I would walk to the library and go work at the library for a few hours”.

As a former journalist for The Daily Telegraph and SBS, Maria appreciates local media and the community that rallies behind it.

She’s hoping that the community now rallies behind her at her library talk, whether that be aspiring writers or people who are simply curious about the process.

Mitchell Beadman

Anna-Lee Hamilton

Maria Lewis

Shelby Gilbert

Kiama’s Lime Building Group has won an unprecedented nine times at the 2025 Master Builders Association Regional Excellence in Building Awards, the most successful night in the company’s 15year history.

The business is led by local builder Joel Stewart and specialises in custom luxury home construction across the South Coast and Southern Highlands, with projects ranging from Wollongong to Mollymook.

“I normally win one [award] every year that we go … I don't think I've won nine in my whole career,” Joel said.

The awards won by Lime Building Group included

major categories such as Master Builder of the Year 2025, Best Contract Home Over $6 Million, Best Contract Home $5 to 6 million, Best Kitchen Project $100,000 to $200,000, Best Bathroom Project $50,000 to $75,000, and Best Swimming Pool over $500,000 as well as Best Residential Fit-Out, Best Outdoor Living Area Project, Best House Additions, Alterations & Renovations $2 Million to $3 Million.

“It makes me really happy because it wasn't just one house that won. It was four different projects we'd done,” he said.

“It really shows that we've got a really strong team to be able to win so many awards across so many different categories.”

In an industry that is becoming increasingly reliant on subcontractors, Lime Building Group operates with over 50 full-time employees and many of them have been with Joel for 7-10 years.

“To deliver what we're doing, you've got to run that model, which is how they used to run building companies 10 or 20 years ago,” he said.

Joel said it can be difficult when hurdles happen, like when there's multiple days of rain - he can’t simply send his workers home, he needs to find work for them.

But the payoff of this is consistency and continuous improvement as a team.

“It's like, ‘hey guys, last time we did that, we did pretty well, but next time I reckon we can do it better.’ And then we just

keep learning and evolving with that,” he said.

Growing up in Foxground helped Joel develop an understanding of rural infrastructure that serves him well when they work on larger properties in the area.

Joel’s vision remains the same from when the business started, delivering quality projects without compromise.

“If we do something we're not happy with, we just pull it down and do it again. And if it costs me money, the boys just know that we just do it again and I'll wear the cost,” he said.

Lime Building Group will now head to The Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence Awards in September as finalists, where they’ll be up against elite builders across the state.

Lime Building Group wins big at Master Builder Awards

The South Coast Home

Lime Building Group Team at MBA Awards

The Autumn House

Unplugged encourages people to switch off to switch on

Danielle Woolage

From little things big things grow. For Kiama Unplugged founders Jane Bourne and Ian Harvey-George, it’s a phenomenon they have witnessed first hand.

The initiative encourages the community to disconnect from their phones and reconnect with each other through a range of activities organised by Jane, a death celebrant, and Ian, a pilot, and supported by local residents.

The couple, originally from England, started Kiama Unplugged almost a year ago after recognising the value of community connection and seeing the negative impact of social media “brain rot”.

Each month Kiama Unplugged hosts a phone-free family afternoon at Fillmores with board games, lego, colouring, outdoor games and an art corner with a talented local artist.

Every Thursday there is a reading hour at Cin Cin wine bar where families are encouraged to snuggle up with a book.

Kiama Unplugged also hosts Street Pizza Oven Nights, where families bring their homemade pizzas to cook and share in a communal oven.

The next step in the pair’s grand plan is a public piano project with Kiama Village Shopping Centre.

“We’ve sourced a piano and we've got a lovely local musician, who’s also a piano teacher, who's going to tune it for us for free,” says Jane.

“So once we’ve found a removalist we’ll be ready for the community to play some tunes.”

Facilitating community connections was born of necessity for Jane and Ian when they moved to Kiama a decade ago from bustling cities in the UK.

With no family in Australia, their neighbours became “their village” and the pair organised impromptu street parties “three or four times a year”.

Over the past decade these small steps have expanded into a region-wide movement to create a wider sense of community connection.

“We’ve always been very community minded,” says Jane.

“We turned our frontyard into a herb and veggie garden and invited the neighbours to help themselves.

“There’s also a book library on our street and we started toy libraries at local beaches because not everyone brings buckets and spades when they go on holiday.

“We want families to disconnect to reconnect and rediscover the simple things in life like board games and Lego.”

Jane points out while many parents would like to limit

Youth services uniting to combat loneliness together

As more of society becomes reliant on digital forms of connection, there is a concern that the true impact of loneliness remains sadly unseen.

For this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week from 4-10 August, the theme is ‘Moments Matter’, encouraging young people to make meaningful moments with those close to them.

In the Kiama region, services such as SENTRAL Youth Centre and headspace provide a safe haven for young people, providing programs and guidance to manage loneliness.

Headspace provides specific services to young people with Shellharbour and Kiama service manager Charo Serventy explaining the benefits to the local community.

“At headspace we aim to make it easier for young people to get the support they need during tough times,” Serventy said.

“We offer counselling, peer support, dietitian support, plus social and support groups. We are always free, and are flexible providing sessions at headspace, local

schools, and out in the community.”

For those who are noticing changes with their young ones and unsure how to approach this, Serventy passed on some advice on how to negate these sometimesdifficult situations.

“Unfortunately taking that first step can feel daunting, especially for someone feeling isolated,” Serventy said.

“Often, a simple invitation to try something new together can make all the difference.

“Loneliness can be easy to miss, and even harder to speak up about.

“That’s why it matters to notice, to be bold and to reach out not just to help, but to genuinely connect. Even more powerful is to ask them to help us take that first step.”

SENTRAL Youth Centre, a Kiama Municipal Council initiative, offers a welcoming space where young people can connect, unwind, and explore new interests in a safe environment.

When asked what some of the benefits provided to the community, a Council spokesperson explained that the service provides not only a safe space to connect for young people, but a range of activities and events.

“SENTRAL Youth Service

is a vibrant space where young people can connect, unwind, and explore new interests in a safe and supportive environment,” a spokesperson said.

“Through our free dropin youth centre sessions, exciting school holiday programs, and creative activities like music events and tabletop gaming, we offer young people opportunities to build friendships, discover their strengths, and feel a real sense of belonging within the community.”

Sentral Youth Service sees itself as an aid to loneliness among the youth, offering a pathway out of loneliness.

“Combating loneliness and isolation is one aspect of what we do. We know that adolescence can be a challenging time, and not every young person finds it easy to make social connections,” a spokesperson said.

“That’s why we have built a service that offers regular, welcoming spaces where young people can simply show up, be themselves, and feel supported.

SENTRAL Youth Service and headspace often collaborate with activities such as monthly Dungeons and Dragons afternoons.

their children’s phone use, it’s often a minefield.

“At the end of the day the more parents who hold off giving their child a smartphone the easier it will be to get kids on board too,” explains Jane.

“Parents need to band together to ensure their child doesn’t feel excluded because they are the only one in their year without a phone.”

Exclusion is an argument often levelled at parents in a child’s bid to get a phone, but Jane says children won’t feel like they're missing out if they remain connected to their community and social networks in other ways.

“Kiama Unpugged started from the idea that we wanted to get people to pledge that they wouldn't give kids a phone when they start high school just because everyone else has one,” says Jane.

The initiative kicked off around the time radio personality Michael “Wippa” Wipfli helped launch the 36 months campaign, which called for a social media ban between 13 and 16 years of age (the 36 months where teens are at their most vulnerable).

The social change initiative was backed by the federal government with new laws coming into effect in December.

Anyone under 16 will be banned from accessing platforms like YouTube, TikTok, SnapChat, Instagram

and Facebook, and social media companies will be required to take "reasonable steps" to ensure there are no workarounds. If they don't enforce the ban, they could face hefty fines of up to $50 million.

Kiama Unplugged crowds have increased at each Fillmore’s event and so has backing from local businesses, including Known Design and Print which helps promote these initiatives.

Parenting expert Maggie Dent and Canberra’s The Heads Up Alliance - another growing community of families delaying social media and smartphones until at least the end of Year 8 - have also thrown their support behind Kiama Unplugged.

Mitchell Beadman

Culture and colour

Bundanon’s powerful exhibition

(those who come after) (install view), Bundanon, 2025. Photo Zan Wimberley

Mitchell Beadman

It was Arthur Boyd’s vision to provide the opportunity for any Australian to have their lives enriched by creative artists and within the 1000 hectares that Bundanon sits on, Boyd’s vision has become a reality.

With the 2025 Season 2 exhibition under way until October 5, Bundanon is exhibiting the works of two leading Australian artists, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara woman Betty Kuntiwa Pumani and David Sequeira. Pumani’s exhibition is her first major museum survey with works from

2012 to the present day titled malatja-malatja (those who come after) and was curated by Bundanon CEO Rachel Kent and Mimili Maku Arts.

“Betty Kuntiwa Pumani is a visionary artistic and cultural leader,” Kent said.

“It was a great honour to work with Betty on her major commission for ‘The National’ – her largest and most ambitious work, spanning ten meters in length – in 2020; and now, five years later, to bring her art to Bundanon for her first major museum survey.”

me, and those who will come after me. This is for future generations, for those children to learn from.”

Leading Melbourne-based Sequeira’s solo exhibition The Shape of Music, incorporates four bodies of work in diverse media, including soundscape and a major new commission for Bundanon with Form from the Formless (Under Bundanon Stars).

“Beyond the distinctions of the past, present and the future, history and life become more malleable through geometry and colour – it’s how I see and understand the world,” Sequeira said.

Pumani says she is overwhelmed with the opportunity to exhibit her works at Bundanon and shares her vision.

“I’m proud to show these works together at Bundanon Art Museum,” Pumani said.

“It is a special thing to be able to do. And for this exhibition, I painted one more canvas for the next generation.

“I was thinking about the women who came before

In the rarely shown work of Sequeira’s A Sacred Conversation (2007), the work refers to the Italian mystic and poet, Saint Francis of Assisi.

Interestingly, Sequeira’s work is exhibited alongside Boyd’s renowned suite St Francis of Assisi (1964-65), with eight works on paper and a related painting selected by Sequeira from the Bundanon Art Collection.

Speaking about the two exhibitions collectively, Kent said “we are thrilled to present these two solo exhibitions for Bundanon’s Season 2 program.”

“Through their embrace of diverse artforms and newly commissioned work, these significant exhibitions reflect Arthur Boyd’s vision

Practice makes perfect for Parfait

Kiama’s Parfait Patisserie has taken home four awards at the National Artisan Baking Awards, including best croissant.

Owner of Parfait Patisserie, Troy Hindmarch, and baker Alex Miller claimed the awards at the Baking Association of Australia event in July.

Troy won first place in the white sourdough category, and Alex secured first place for croissants and second place for flavoured sourdough.

Alex’s winning croissant

scored highest out of all Viennoiserie products, earning him the overall Champion Viennoiserie award.

“It feels amazing that we’re being recognised for something that we’ve always thought we could do,” said Troy. The team’s success is even more impressive considering they entered the exact products that they sell daily in their shop.

“We didn’t have anything special as one-offs, we took the exact same croissants we bake in our shop every day and entered them in the competition,” Troy said. “We all feel in our team that we just

have a great product range as it is, we just want to focus on what we do day in, day out, and it’s paid off.”

Troy explains that what sets Parfait Patisserie apart is that they do all the “fundamentals really well”, utilising the right procedures to make a great product. “Using the right ingredients, no shortcuts, and just skill and a lot of years of practice have definitely gone into it as well,” he said.

The competition format allowed them to bake in their own kitchen before driving the finished products to Sydney for judging, rather than baking in

front of judges.

for Bundanon as a ‘working arts centre’, and a place for ideas, contemplation, and connection in the present.”

When reflecting on what Bundanon provides not only to the Shoalhaven community, but the greater arts community of Australia, Kent explained Bundanon’s importance.

“This is an important part of the South Coast because it is history, it is a legacy in terms of a famous creative family, but it is also a centre where all people can come,” Kent said.

“It is a really important centre for wider community as well.”

Yuin Elder and Bundanon board member Uncle Gerry Moore OAM told The Bugle that the Shoalhaven River and the land which Bundanon is on is connected to a deep and rich history with the Traditional Owners of the Land. “Being a board member for Bundanon I get to talk about the importance and significance of what and where Bundanon is located,” Uncle Gerry said.

“It is a deeply spiritual place and a lot of activity concerning Aboriginal engagement, knowledge, teaching, all those sorts of things. When you let people know where they are located, they have a better sense of understanding the importance of Bundanon.”

Uncle Gerry is blown away with what Bundanon provides to the Shoalhaven.

Troy plans to enter the team into more regional and state competitions in the near future, explaining that it’s beneficial for apprentices to compete in lower-level competitions to gain experience.

“When you do a competition it forces you to learn some new skills,” he said. “It’s going to grow their knowledge a lot faster and just give them a more well-rounded understanding of the industry.”

Kiama locals are the clear winners here, with awardwinning pastries available fresh daily at Parfait Patisserie.

“The kinds of exhibitions Bundanon has brought to the Shoalhaven for both Aboriginal and nonAboriginal people has been, in many cases, mind-blowing,” Uncle Gerry said.

“One of the best things about Bundanon is that is encourages so much Aboriginal activity and connectedness.”

At the beginning of 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke launched the National Cultural Policy Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place, setting Australia’s cultural policy for the next five years.

Bundanon is one of the nine National Collecting Institutions in the federal Arts portfolio.

Last year in a letter to Sam Edwards, the chair of the Bundanon Trust Board, Minister Burke said: “Bundanon is vital to Australia’s cultural sector and has an important role to play in achieving the National policy outcomes.”

Uncle Gerry paid tribute to the Kent and the Burke MP for their stewardship and engagement with Aboriginal people. “It’s got a huge involvement and engagement with the local community and, of course, the community right across the country because of the stewardship of CEO, Rachel Kent.”

Betty Kuntiwa Pumani malatja-malatja

Bundanon CEO Rachel Kent. Photo Zan Zimberley

Shelby Gilbert

Gerringong Gazette

Soldiers Hall lights up for WWII 80th anniversary

The lights of the Gerringong RSL Soldiers Memorial Hall have been switched on at night to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945, and in the Pacific on 15 August 1945.

Gerringong RSL SubBranch president Michael O’Leary said the new lighting installed at the front of the Hall will light up the marble tablets listing the names of the men and women of Gerringong who gave service during war to protect Australia and the way of life we continue to enjoy.

The Gerringong RSL Hall was previously renovated and refurbished in readiness for the Centennial celebration of its construction in 1921.

An historical account of the building’s significance and use within the Gerringong community over a century is detailed in “The Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Gerringong”, written by historian Robyn Florance OAM and published by the Gerringong RSL subBranch four years ago.

Copies of the book are still available. It is an amazing read.

Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch secretary Jeff McClenaughan

said that more than 1000 people attended this year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Gerringong Headland.

This annual event, first held in Gerringong in 2015, brings the community together in a moving ceremony as the first rays of sunlight light up the ocean and Gerringong.

Leanne Mitchell, an accountant and longtime Gerringong resident, has recently been elected Treasurer of the Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch.

The RSL Hall is being used on a weekly basis by a number of groups in the community.

The Red Cross and the Gerringong Naval Association Sub-Branch hold their meetings in the hall. Children are enjoying their dancing lessons and adults regularly attend exercise classes in the hall.

Twenty RSL members from Gerringong, Kiama-Jamberoo and Albion Park

Sub-Branches recently took a bus trip to Nowra to visit the Shoalhaven Veteran and Family RSL LifeCare Hub.

They also visited the Fleet Air Arm Museum overlooking the runway at HMAS Albatross.

Gary McKay, president of the Kiama Jamberoo RSL Sub-

Hard-working new Lions board is up and running

Branch, said he hoped our local sub-Branches could do more joint activities together and that the visit to the RSL LifeCare Hub was very informative.

Shoalhaven Veteran & Family Hub Veteran Services manager Savannaha Wells explained how they were able to assist veterans and their families.

She said that the Hub is a large modern and friendly facility which is also used by a number of groups in the community.

O’Leary said the visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum was very interesting and members spent an enjoyable afternoon looking at the wide range of aircraft in the museum’s hangar and the numerous exhibits on display.

He said he intends to organise more trips to historical Defence places and museums to encourage members to come along.

O’Leary added they were not only remembering the past but looking to the future.

Gerringong RSL SubBranch meets in the Hall at 1pm on the third Monday of the month. New members are always welcome - email gerringongsb@rslnsw.org.au.

The Lions Club of Gerringong has installed its new board following a function at The Gerroa Fisherman’s Club last month.

District vice-president Don Reed swore in the board, headed by new president Ron Brett on 10 July.

Prior to this, outgoing

president Steve Pottie presented awards from his 2024/25 tenure.

Peter Jeffrey received The Lions’ prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

Amy Hehir received the Lion of the Year Award for her work in raffle organisation and marketing.

Gerringong Lions' youngest member, Lexi Hehir, organised Xmas in July for the club at Gerringong Rugby League Club. It was a fun night with food catered for by The Blue Goose. The catering was very generous and there was food leftover that Ron Brett and Steve Pottie delivered to Care South CEO Tony Briggs, in Nowra the following day.

and

all Charter Members from 1994, received Life Memberships.

Following discussions with Matt Burke, manager of Kahn’s IGA in Gerringong, it was decided that The Lions would continue to cook the BBQ of sausage sandwiches that The IGA supply free of charge for their customers and passers by, on the last Friday of each month. Drop by to taste one of these tasty morsels.

Brian Arberry, Ian Mangelsdorf

Cliff Roberts,

Zone president John Larkins presented Steve Pottie with the award for Lions Club of the Year for District N2.

The Gerringong RSL's Soldiers Memorial Hall

Rotary’s at the ready to support school

Friends across the sea

Belinda Laird, relieving principal, and Leanne Howell, learning support, from Gerringong Public School came to one of our July meetings to tell us about a new initiative they are planning for the school.

Even in a place like Gerringong, a number of children struggle being in the school environment, perhaps because they are neurodiverse or they have mental health issues or because there is stuff going on at home that means they are stressed when they get to school.

The school has five teacher’s aides each day, but each class has two or three children who need support. Belinda and Leanne want to turn an empty

Gerringong Rotary recently had the pleasure of a second social visit by our Taiwanese exchange student from 2019/2020, Denice Huang, who has spent the past year studying at ANU to complete the overseas component of her degree. Denice and her parents joined us for dinner at Cronin’s Hotel during one of our social evenings and small gifts were exchanged.

This way, children can stay in the Gerringong community for their education, rather than having to travel to a specialist unit elsewhere.

Rotary is donating $1000 to this initiative and the Men’s

classroom into a safe space where kids can get away from whatever is triggering them, access some support and chill out if they need to before they return to class calm and ready to learn. The room will have a staff member on duty at all times and be a quiet space to relax with a selection of calming activities available.

District award well deserved for our inspirational Christa

Andrejs Medenis

After receiving the Woman of the Year Award for the Kiama Electorate in March, Christa Wood has now been awarded Rotarian of the Year 2025 for District 9705, which stretches from Merimbula in the south of NSW, north to Berry and Gerringong, and inland as far as Parkes and Griffith.

Christa has a passion for and dedication to everything she does and has been an inspirational leaders in every role she has undertaken. She was a lecturer at University of Wollongong Faculty of Business, gained her PhD and has contributed publications on cyberbullying and women in academia.

Her leadership and organisational skills are outstanding and Gerringong Rotary and numerous other community activities have benefited.Christa was inducted into Gerringong Rotary Club in 2012 and has since played a vital role in various positions - President, Treasurer, Market Manager and Website Manager. She set up the spreadsheets and systems to streamline our administration of the monthly Gerringong market and manage our website. In 2017, through our Rotary Club, Christa started a Dementia Dancing program, which has been a great success.

A couple of years ago, Christa organised the Alchemy Choir

South Coast for people living with and alongside Dementia, having seen the benefits of a similar group in Canberra.

This has grown with popular weekly sessions, and regular concerts. In the past year, Christa started the Active Mindsteps Program –a program to assist seniors to maintain cognitive function and physical ability, by providing regular cognitive challenges, movement and social interaction in a supportive small group environment. Active Mindsteps used a template from overseas, adapted to local conditions, and brought in a trainer from Austria to train local leaders.

The program now has groups on the South Coast, including Gerringong, and is being replicated in other areas. Christa has vigorously pursued and obtained many very generous grants and donations from various sources to maintain these programs.

On top of all this, Christa also organises regular Rock’n’Dance sessions for the public to attend, a great way to stay fit - physically and cognitively.

Recently, Christa organised a First Aid Training Course for the Rotary Club. In 2024, Christa set up Active Ageing NSW Inc. as an umbrella organisation to manage the growing portfolio of dementia-related activities to manage their administration and insurances, help facilitate grants and ensure the longevity of these programs.

Christa has also had a long association with Kiama Council in co-coordinating programs, seminars and educational sessions under the “Dementia Friendly Kiama” banner.

Christa is inspirational and very active in Gerringong Rotary despite all her responsibilities.

Her contribution has been extraordinary.

Shed has offered to make any furniture items they may need.

All change

Gerringong Rotary held its changeover lunch at the Gerroa Fishermens Club at the end of June, when the reins were passed from 2024-

Vietnam and Cambodia offer taste of another world

If you’re looking for a destination that blends rich history, spectacular scenery, mouth-watering food and warm, welcoming people, Vietnam and Cambodia tick all the boxes. And then some.

These neighbouring countries each offer their unique charms.

Vietnam has become one of the most talked-about travel destinations in recent years.

From the rice fields of

Sapa to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, it delivers a cultural and visual feast.

Add Cambodia, and your journey becomes even more meaningful. It’s more peaceful, steeped in spirituality, and home to one of the world’s most astonishing monuments, Angkor Wat.

Cuisine worth travelling for: Vietnamese food is fresh, fragrant and often wildly

25 president John Green to his successor, Graham St Clair.

We celebrated Christa Wood’s nomination as Rotarian of the Year for District 9705 and John Green’s award as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contribution to humanitarian and educational programs.

addictive. Think steaming pho, crispy bánh xèo and street-side bánh mì.

In Cambodia, amok (coconut curry) and Khmer BBQs are favourites. Culinary tours and cooking classes are a great way to connect with locals.

Natural and manmade wonders: Cruise through Halong Bay’s islets, explore the cave systems of Phong Nha or relax on the beaches of Da Nang.

Then cross into Cambodia, where misty mornings at Angkor Wat, floating villages on Tonlé Sap, and peaceful rural landscapes await.

Culture and resilience: Vietnam’s history spans thousands of years, and locals are proud to share it. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels or explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Cambodia is deeply spiritual, and despite a tragic modern history - rebuilding since 1979 - its people remain gentle and optimistic.

The Shinta Mani Foundation, started by visionary hotel designer Bill

They spent a delightful few days at the home of Denice’s first host parents, Jo and Mark Cuthbertson, followed by Denice showing her parents the local area before they returned to Taiwan. It was a delight to reconnect with her after a five-year pause and we now look forward to further visits in the years ahead.

Bensley, is just one example of how tourism is helping communities rebuild.

The sweet spot of March and April: Travel during these months for warm weather and fewer crowds. Both countries are lush from the dry season’s end, making it ideal for everything from temples to beaches.

Great value for money: Whether it’s a five-star resort or a local market meal, your dollar goes far in both destinations.

Join Our Next Roam Tour. Inspired, but not keen to go it alone? Our next Roam women’s tour is heading to Vietnam and Cambodia in March.

It’s the perfect mix of fun, culture and connection, with plenty of wow moments along the way.

Get your deposit in by 30 September for a special early bird discount. To learn more, talk to the team at Travel Focus Group.

Prefer something bespoke? We’d love to design the perfect itinerary just for you.

Stephanie Kemp

Golf gala day a kart down memory lane for Beryl

Danielle Woolage

When Beryl Hammond (nee Walker) was invited to a women’s gala day recently at Gerringong Golf Club it was a trip down memory lane.

The golf course land was once home to her family’s farm – Beachlands – and Beryl would roam the course’s green hills as a child, sometimes on foot sometimes on horseback.

When the 95-year-old returned to the course, her mode of transport was a little more comfortable. “They made such a fuss of me, they took me around in the golf cart,” grinned Beryl.

The youngest of five children, Beryl had an idyllic childhood where it was all hands on deck to help her parents Robert and Jessie Walker run the farm. Everyone pitched in to work the land purchased by the family in 1909, before it was sold to Kiama Council in 1978 and bought by Gerringong Golf Club in 1981.

Local farmers with tractors and slashers, including Beryl’s brother Keith who still lived on a parcel of the Walker land, created a nine-hole golf course. By 1985, with interest in golf growing significantly, the club spent the next five years constructing the back nine.

Beryl is the last surviving member of her family and Gerringong Golf Course holds

a special place in her heart. So, she was more than happy to revisit the steep slopes of the hills where she grew up.

And even happier to be in a golf cart, rather than on a horse. Beryl was just six when she learned to ride. “That was my job, I learned to ride very early so I could go down and bring the other horses in for the day,” she recalls. “I also collected the eggs, fed the chooks and the poddy cows.

In the early days, we didn’t have milking machines. We had to hand-milk about 60 cows twice a day. We were all five when we were given a special cow to learn to milk on; except for my sister Sylvia. She never milked I still wonder how she got out of it.”

Beryl says despite the early starts farm life was “wonderful”. “When you were milking the cows, you looked out and you could see the sea and the ships going by,” she recalls.

“We were very lucky, we would get dropped off at the school on the way to the milk factory.

“There was no bitumen roads in those days, it was all red dirt and we would ride in the horse and cart that carried the milk cans to the factory.”

The transition to high school - the closest was in Nowraleft little time for farm chores. Beryl and her siblings would

ride their bikes to Gerringong train station to catch the pickup train coming from Sydney to Bomaderry, followed by a bus to Nowra High. “They used to call the train carriages dog boxes, there would be one for the girls and one for the boys,” she says.

“Coming home, we did the same but some afternoons we’d be very late because (the train) would have to stop in Berry and shunt off to pick up the cows that had been sold that day and take them to Sydney. Then we would ride our bikes home in the dark. We lived a very quiet life because we were always working.”

The farm had a telephone, and Beryl has seen some significant changes since the

1930s wall-mounted oak box was installed at Beachlands.

The now antique phone takes pride of place on a wall in Beryl’s Balgownie home as a reminder of the farm, her history, and the technological advancements she has seen across the decades.

“We were the 36th family in Gerringong to get a telephone,” says Beryl proudly. “It wasn’t a party line where everyone was on the phone at the same time, we were on the exchange.”

“So you were high-tech,” laughs Bruce.

“Yes, apparently,” says Beryl. Rosyln and Bruce are quick to point out Beryl is a whiz on her mobile phone and stays in touch with her family - which includes 11 grandchildren and

10 great-grandchildren - using Messenger, WhatsApp and Facebook.

As Beryl recalls the technological advances she has seen over the years, one of her grandchildren pops in to say hi and grab a bite to eat during a break from work.

He’s in his early 30s, more than a decade older than Beryl when she left Gerringong in the late 1940s to pursue a nursing career at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

She loved her job and from the age of 19 spent several years at RPA before she married her husband, police officer Albert (Bert) Hammond. “I had to stop nursing because I got married, thank goodness those times have changed,” says Beryl.

Beryl, who only stopped playing tennis in her 80s, is also a life member of the original Gerringong Hockey Club and still plays bowls. She credits sport with keeping her young.

A keen golfer in her earlier years, Beryl has never played the Gerringong course despite knowing the lay of the land like the back of her hand and was able to share a wealth of knowledge with the club about the land and the course that her brother Keith helped to build.

During a recent course reconstruction, the club’s greenkeeper found a well under the 15th green. “I remember that well was used to feed the water down to the cattle troughs,” says Beryl.

Community unites to raise funds for medical work in Madagascar

Kiama Anglican Church was packed with browsers, bargainhunters, cake-lovers and the curious, drawn in by word of a good cause.

The recent fundraiser in support of Dr Avril Friend’s new medical clinic in Toliara, Madagascar significantly exceeded its target, raising around $25,000.

The event featured a sprawling book fair, quality bric-a-brac, jewellery, coffee and baked goods, and a sausage sizzle that sizzled all day.

A rotating line-up of local musicians and singers added to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and a steady

flow of people kept the day humming.

More than 60 volunteers contributed to the leadup and delivery - cooking, sorting, lifting, staffing and welcoming. Then there were the thousands of donations and these activities, coordinated over months, gave the event its sense of care and generosity.

Late in the day, the silent auction results offered a point of clarity.

As organiser Barb Friend began thanking the many people involved, emotion briefly overtook her, and in those few seconds, we became aware of the weight she had carried.

It’s hard not to be struck by the scale of what was achieved - and the generosity behind it.

The funds will equip Dr Friend’s clinic with essential tools like a portable ultrasound, ECG, defibrillator, and vital supplies.

But the impact of the day went further.

The pride came not just from supporting a clinic in one of Madagascar’s poorest regions but also backing someone who gives so much to others, and being part of a community that, however big and generous it seems, proves to be even more so.

Holy shed:

The search for the best backyard workshop

structurally and functionally.

Duncan Hill Real Estate has announced the winners of their Best Shed Competition that celebrates the craftsmanship of shed owners across Kiama and the Southern Highlands.

The competition invited entries from tool-filled man caves to peaceful garden hideaways, creative studios and backyard bars, spaces where “human endeavour takes precedence over human comfort”.

Taking first place for the Southern Highlands category and winning a $500 Bunnings gift card was Peter’s shed, with his carefully planned and executed workshop. Built entirely by Peter himself, the shed shows thoughtful consideration both

Peter designed the shed with its view from the house in mind, making sure it fit in well with his garden. Inside Peter’s shed, Duncan Hill describes it as “a place for everything and everything in its place”, with the space set up to be as comfortable and efficient as possible.

The shed is completely ply lined, in order to eliminate drafts, with a window above the work bench that offers a view of an orange tree and the sky. Peter has set up a good quality music system to listen to the radio while he works on household projects.

Seven Marks Gallery took home second place, earning a $250 Bunnings gift card, with a shed that is a stark contrast to Peter’s workshop. Originally approved as a shed in 1964,

this project took 50 years to complete, resulting in a large structure that is divided into two spaces with opposed functions.

The first space functions as a gallery, it’s intentionally empty, still, and meditative as to not to detract from displayed artworks. The second serves as a workshop, filled with boxes, tables, machinery, half finished works, tools, bits of metal, furniture, beer, and kilns, representing potential

and ongoing projects.

Madeleine Scarfe was the judge of the competition and stated that entries needed to be a building separate from a house that involved activities that are messy, noisy, smelly, or take up too much space, otherwise why wouldn’t you do it inside a house?

All entries shared this common thread whether they were garden sheds, potting sheds, milking sheds, workshops, or storage sheds.

Both winning sheds exemplify what Madeleine describes as “love and care and personal commitment” shown through their execution and ongoing use.

“Both are essentially Colorbond boxes, graceful in their simplicity and both beautifully represent the function of a shed - a place you can go to do the things you are driven to do, where you occupy your mind and your hands,” she said.

Duncan Hill Real Estate expressed their gratitude to all participants including Peter, Sandra, Coby, Chick and all the other entrants who shared their personal workshops and sheds for the competition.

Women asked to share stories that may save lives

Shelby Gilbert

Women from the Illawarra and South Coast who have battled gynaecological cancer are being invited to join a powerful national program that could help save lives in the future.

The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group is expanding its Survivors Teaching Students program to include volunteers from regional areas, including Kiama.

The program aims to bring women who have experienced gynaecological cancer into university classrooms to share their personal stories with medical and nursing students. The goal is to help shape compassionate healthcare professionals and train the next generation of nurses and doctors who could serve our local community.

CEO of ANZGOG, Alison Evans states that by expanding this initiative, local people who volunteer could help change outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.

“Your story could be the one that helps a future doctor or nurse recognise the signs of gynaecological cancer and save a life,” said Evans.

The need for improved

awareness is urgent, as every day in Australia, 19 women receive a diagnosis of gynaecological cancer, including ovarian, uterine/ endometrial, cervical, vulvar or vaginal cancer, and tragically six women lose their lives.

For women in the Kiama area, accessing specialist gynaecological care can sometimes mean travelling to Wollongong or Sydney, with some facing delays to healthcare that can be crucial.

General manager of Illawarra Women's Health Centre, Jess Davidson, welcomes the programs focus on women’s lived experience. The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre offers free and low-cost healthcare for women across the region. “We welcome programs like the Survivors Teaching Students program, that rightfully centre lived experience and expertise, and support health professionals to be culturally safe and trauma informed,” said Davidson.

“It's essential that women's voices are recognised, centred and given opportunity to shape practice and policy.”

Davidson states that investing in women’s health has significant benefits.

Digging into the secrets of soil pH

The Bugle’s gardening column, featuring local expert John Gabriele, will help you get the best out of your patch all year round.

Following on from last week’s discussion on soil texture and structure, this week I’m sharing his insights into the secrets of soil pH.

Why is soil pH important?

Soil pH actually tells us the level of positively charged hydrogen ions in the soil. In simple terms, it affects how nutrients are released and retained by the soil. We are measuring the acidity and alkalinity of the soil.

If we know the pH, we can adjust it to ensure nutrients are available at the right levels for our plants to thrive.”

How to test soil pH

It’s very simple. You can buy a colourimetric test kit for around $30. Just take a small soil sample, add a few drops of universal indicator, and gently mix to ensure good contact

with all the soil particles.

Once mixed, sprinkle barium sulfate over the top. This will trigger a chemical reaction, changing the soil’s surface colour. Then, compare that colour to the included chart to determine your pH level.

A pH of 7 is neutral. Below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline - or what we call a 'sweet' soil.

Adjusting your soil pH

To lower the pH, I recommend ameliorants like sulfur, which gradually acidifies the soil.

Once it reaches around 6.5, most nutrients become available for plant uptake.

On the other hand, if your soil is acidic - with a pH below 6 - and the plants you are rowing require a sweeter, more alkaline soil, so use a liming agent.

To do this, apply at approximately 60g per square metre and cultivate into the soil.

You could use garden lime, which will raise the pH quite quickly. But I’ve found it's a

bit of a shotgun response - it works harshly.

I prefer dolomite, which is gentler and acts more slowly. Plus, it contains additional magnesium and calcium carbonate.

For those looking to improve clay soil structure without affecting pH, gypsum is a great option. It’s calcium sulfate, so it won’t alter the pH, but it will improve the structure of your clay soil.

A tip for colour-blind gardeners

Not everyone can use colourbased testing kits - particularly those who are colour-blind.

If that is the case, take the soil sample to your local nursery, where staff can test it for you.

Understanding and adjusting your soil’s pH is a simple step that can make a big difference in the health and success of your garden. Always apply ameliorants slowly and ensure to measure pH at the end of each growing season, adjusting as necessary.

Shelby Gilbert

What’s On?

Land, Ocean & Home exhibition

Thu 7 Aug to Wed 13 Aug, 10am-4pm

Old Fire Station Art Gallery

This exhibition features the work of three local artists and friends who draw inspiration from the natural world.

James Burton at Crooked River Estate

Sat 9 Aug, 2pm-5pm

Crooked River Estate, Gerringong

This free outdoor event is the perfect way to relax and soak up the stunning views of the vineyard.

The Creative Business

Summit 2025

Thurs 14 Aug, 9am-5pm

The Pavilion

No1 creative business conference on the NSW South Coast. Tickets can be purchased online.

Leonie Simmons exhibition

Thurs 14 Aug to Wed 20 Aug, 10am-4pm

Old Fire Station Art Gallery

Kiama Show Trivia Night

Fri 15 Aug, from 7pm

Kiama Showground Pavilion

A night filled with trivia, games, raffles and prizes. BYO Drinks and Basket Supper.

Bookings essential, tickets $25 members, $30 non members.

SONIDO - interactive

kids concert

Sun 17 Aug, 2pm & 3pm

Gerringong Town Hall

Gerringong Music Club presents SONIDO, with sessions at 2pm (for children aged 5-9 years) and at 3pm (for children aged 9 and up).

Bookings are essential, buy tickets online.

South Coast Ceramics Market

Sun 17 Aug

The Co-Op Gerringong

The market celebrates the artistry, heritage and beauty of handmade ceramics on the South Coast, with over 30 local potters, sculptors and makers attending.

Inquisitive Imaginings exhibition

Thurs 21 Aug to Wed 27 Aug, 10am-4pm

Old Fire Station Art Gallery

This exhibition has been created by two local women who have produced a harmonious yet variable body of work.

Woven Baskets

Sat 23 Aug, 9am-2pm

Joyce Wheatley Community Centre

Weave your own woven basket with step by step instructions. $140 per person, book online.

Home Composting

Workshop

Sat 23 Aug, 1pm-4pm Kiama Community Garden

Learn the basics of successful composting in your own home, with a method to suit every situation.

A Big Night Out

Sat 23 Aug, 6:30pm-9:30pm Kiama Golf Club

Locals are invited to dust off their dancing shoes for an evening of music and connection at a free community event hosted by Kiama Community Radio. Tickets are essential.

Soul Clay Studios exhibition

Thurs 28 Aug to Wed 3 Sep, 10am-4pm

Old Fire Station Art Gallery

Soul Clay Studios resident artists come together each year to exhibit their finest ceramic works for the community.

A place in the Sultan’s Kitchen

Fri 29 Aug, 8-10pm

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen

(or how to make the perfect one-pot chicken curry) by Joshua Hinton. Tickets can be purchased online.

Second hand book sale

Fri 29 to Sun 31 August, 9am4pm

Ss Peter & Paul Parish Hall

Books, games, jigsaws, CDs, DVDs and bric a brac all cheap. Supporting the Kiama High School SRE teacher.

Between Dreams and Truth exhibition

Thurs 4 Sep to Wed 10 Sep, 10am-4pm

Old Fire Station Art Gallery

Featuring works by Jenny Albanis and Christine Murphy, this exhibition celebrates both realism and imagination through the eyes of two talented local artists.

Kiama Art Society

Group exhibition

Thurs 11 Sep to Wed 17 Sep, 10am-4pm

Old Fire Station Art Gallery

The Kiama Art Society has more than 200 artists and they will be showcasing a variety of work including painting, drawing, and printmaking.

Folk by the Sea

Fri 12 to Sun 14 Sept

Kiama Showground Pavilion

Folk by the Sea is a music festival that showcases a rich blend of folk, world, roots, Celtic, bluegrass, and gypsy music. Early Bird tickets are available on their website.

Illawarra Shoalhaven

Dementia Public Forum

Wed 17 Sep, 9:30am-3pm

The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow

This is a free informative event where experts will discuss the latest advancements in dementia research and care.

A free bus will be running from Nowra and stopping at Gerringong railway station.

Registration essential, contact Val 0488 114 555.

Kiama Triathlon

Sat 27 Sep, from 9am

The Kiama Triathlon is back in September! Get ready to swim, bike and run the shores of Kiama.

Horizontal Festival

Sat 4 to Sun 5 , 12pm-9:30pm

Centennial Vineyards, Bowral

More than just a food and wine celebration.

Tickets can be purchased online.

The Kazador Mini Spiegeltent Fri 24 Oct - Sun 23 Nov

Black Beach, Kiama

The Kazador is back, bringing a month of unforgettable entertainment to Kiama with world-class comedy, daring circus, captivating burlesque, live music, and family-friendly fun.

A Big Night Out at Golf Club

Bernie Hems

Local residents are invited to dust off their dancing shoes and come together for an evening of music, fun, and connection at The Big Night Out, a free community event hosted by Kiama Community Radio (KCR) in partnership with Kiama Golf Club, and proudly supported by Kiama Municipal Council.

Taking place on Saturday, 23 August from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, the night promises entertainment for all ages, headlined by the sensational Pearl Noire and her band.

Local favourite DJ Rick Mackaway will be spinning classic crowdpleasers throughout the night – and if that weren’t enough, a surprise appearance by Elvis is also on the cards.

The event is being made possible thanks to a $2500 Kiama Council Cultural Grant, helping to ensure that the night is accessible and inclusive for all.

In addition to free entry,

food at the bar will be subsidised, and organisers are planning to provide transport options for those who may otherwise be unable to attend.

“We’re aiming to create a welcoming and joyous night out for the whole community,” said a spokesperson from KCR.

“Whether you’re a regular at the Golf Club or it’s your first time, everyone is invited.”

Tickets are essential and can be booked via TryBooking.

Community members who need assistance with transport or ticket booking are encouraged to text their name, phone number, and email to 0432 292 151 and KCR will be in touch to help arrange the details.

The Big Night Out will be held at:

Kiama Golf Club 79–81 Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs NSW 2533 Don’t miss this chance to celebrate community, enjoy some top-notch live entertainment, and connect with friends old and new.

Hall mural project for KiamaJamberoo RSL Open Day

Kiama-Jamberoo

RSL Sub-Branch is embarking on a project to repaint their Hall in Jamberoo.

To gather ideas and information from local residents, the Sub-Branch will be having an open day next Saturday (16 August) at

the Hall to allow residents to show the Sub-Branch any artefacts or memorabilia that might provide inspiration for a mural that will be placed on the Hall.

A sausage sizzle will also be operating.

If you have any artefacts or memorabilia from anyone

who has a connection to the Kiama local government area, the Sub-Branch would love to meet with you and record and photograph the memorabilia.

It can be anything from photos, medals or anything associated with the veteran.

This is an attempt to more visibly recognise the

contributions and sacrifices of our local veterans to the community and our nation. For any further details, contact Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch president Gary McKay on 0411 5754 019 or email garymckay@bigpond. com.

Kiama to get a preview of star’s new

songs

Darren Coggan has performed at famous venues around the world, but the headline act for this year’s Folk By The Sea festival in Kiama in September says he is thrilled to be part of a great community event.

Coggan, a former Riverina boy who calls Corrimal home these days after 20 years in Helensburgh, is one of Australia’s premier performers.

A Golden Guitar-winning Country singer-songwriter, he tours while performing celebration shows honouring iconic artists like Cat Stevens, James Taylor and John Denver.

Coggan has performed his critically acclaimed Peace Train, a portrait of Cat Stevens, on some of the world’s grandest stages, from the Sydney Opera House to Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall and the Liverpool Philharmonic in England. Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, paid Coggan the ultimate compliment when he invited the Australian to London to meet him in 2008.

Coggan promises to bring a selection of his favourite songs from Peace Train and his other celebration shows to Folk by The Sea, based at Kiama Showground Pavilion on September 12-14, but festivalgoers will also get a preview of his new album, due for release in early 2026.

“I am so thrilled to be part of Folk By The Sea,” Coggan said.

“It’s a great community event, and I don’t often get the chance to showcase my own songs, because I am usually so busy doing the celebratory shows honouring other artists. And as I bonus, I’ll be able to drive home after the show!

“I have a new album of original songs coming out early next year called Another Breaking Wave,

featuring songs I have been accumulating for the past few years.

“At Kiama I’ll be performing some of those songs for the first time, so I will be very interested to see how the audience reacts to them.

Of course, I will also be performing a smattering of songs from my celebratory shows, because I love those artists and I love to honour them and their songs. I always play Cat Stevens’ Father And Son, so you can definitely expect that in my show at Folk By The Sea.”

Coggan, who hails from Wagga Wagga, says his 21 years living in the Illawarra – first at Helensburgh and now in Corrimal, had greatly influenced the songs on Another Breaking Wave.

“There are songs about the Dharawal Nation and the beautiful Illawarra coastline - lots of water and ocean references, and songs about my family. There’s even a song called 2508 – Helensburgh’s postcode – which is a homage to that town.

“There is no question that the Illawarra has played a huge role in our lives. We had 20 great years in Helensburgh, then the chance came to move to Corrimal last year. We love it here.”

Coggan’s daughter Olivia, 21, is an emerging singersongwriter who is forging a successful path of her own, while his son Gabriel, 24, is a professional videographer.

Not surprisingly, Gabriel produces the videos for his father and sister’s songs, which can be seen on his website www.darrencoggan. com. “It’s a very handy skill to have in the family,” Coggan jokes.

He will be performing on the main stage at Kiama Pavilion at 9pm on Saturday, September 13.

Why looking after cows in Foxground was never easy

By Clive Emery

There were many dry runs in the hinterland of Foxground. In the very early days there were up to 40 farmers in the Valley, mostly on extremely subsistence farms.

Over the years they had dwindled to 17 when we started in the Valley because of a diminution of farmers on smaller properties. Smaller farms were leased or sold to district farmers for additions to their property of rental and some were inherited.

Almost without exception they were to become dry runs, principally because of poor and difficult accessibility.

It was common sight to see horsemen from other areas droving stock into the valley on his way to a dry run in

always had excellent dogs to assist, and many of these rode on the horse's hindquarters so as not to get footsore as the horses ambled along.

Most drovers rode ambling horses at about four to five miles an hour on their return journeys, but generally were restricted to walking pace when droving cattle. Their dogs could be sent ahead at open gateways, broken fences or open roadways where they would sit and prevent the stock from straying.

When drovers met each other with stock, the dogs were used to keep the respective animals from mixing. Prevention was always the best thing to do.

Many farmers chose to use the dry runs together, and also do the droving together. Cattle running in the bush

the hills, perhaps returning later in the day with alternate suitable stock for the farm or for sale. There were about 10 outside farmers engaged in travelling stock, and about three Valley folk with runs.

The smaller farmers found as the family grew in numbers their properties would not sustain them, and although they were needed to clear the land of weeds and undergrowth, it came down to the cash as the final arbiter.

Drovers were constantly delivering stock to the Valley farms, mostly purchases from saleyards or from farmers leaving the industry and having clearing sales on their properties. These fellows

become aware of secret paths and hiding places, and can be rather devilish to muster, and all of these runs had large areas of such shelters for cattle to hide.

New-born calves were often a problem to locate in brambles or scrubby places, and if by chance unable to be found on the day, it could mean a return visit the following day.

Valuable time could be lost in searching for stock in the bush, and if surprised could go their several ways making the assembly at the drafting yard all the more difficult, or some of the stock designated for the home farm may be in the process of delivering the

newborn babe or in having calving difficulties, which was not uncommon, so it was almost imperative for them to be brought back to the home farm prior for birthing.

Obstreperous or weak animals could tire on the journey home and have to be left at a roadside farm until the next day. This can be exasperating for the owner, but I have seen it done many times. Tired animals look for broken fences and open gates to escape the journey, and on one occasion this happened at our school, and the owner was exasperated when the beast lay down and would not get up. Our teacher was sympathetic, but not to the owner and they almost came to blows - the cow won in the end and was collected the next day after a night's rest.

Many times it was only when the eventual tally in the drafting yard at the mountain run revealed that several were missing. Dad, tried many tricks. He took a bale of hay up each day, calling the cattle to where the hay was spread. After about seven days they answered his call, galloping to him with their tails up!

On the appointed day he would carry the bale into the bush in the direction of the drafting yard and spread it right in the yard.

We had to give him top marks for this ruse, for it was a stroke of ingenuity, and saved Cliff and myself countless forays in search of our quarry.

From the drafting yard, only one of our problems had been solved however, for there were nearly two miles of open country and roads to be

Recovering cattle from the bush runs had a flavour all its own! It was all footwork on behalf of Cliff and myself, and as Dad had taken us to the run in the car, most of the work was left to us, and was probably the most exasperating thing for us when a mob of heifers had to be brought home because of their near approach to calving. They knew every track in the bush, and could not be driven in the scrub in one bunch despite our best efforts, scattering into the scrub as individuals and standing quietly out of sight while the hullabaloo of our shouts of encouragement passed them by.

negotiated, with all the pitfalls of broken fences and open gateways, and neighbours' cattle to be passed through, and who became so interested as to want to join in with the heifers and have a gallop for the heck of it, leading the excited heifers in other directions than we wanted.

It was only after much use of our stockwhips that we had our mob separated and out on the Foxground road.

In three to four hours we had them penned in the catch-yard at home, and Dad followed in the car.

Here the cattle were sorted and placed in their respective paddocks. It was never easy, but it worked!

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Alchemy chorus shines bright at first solo concert in Gerringong

Belle Wood

What a fabulous way to spend a rainy afternoon in Gerringong.

Gerringong Town Hall was filled to the brim on Sunday with smiles, song and community spirit as the Alchemy Chorus South Coast took the stage for their first solo concert.

Led by talented musical director Jenny Ferguson, the choir delivered a performance that had the audience buzzing with joy and joining in classic favourites.

With over 50 members, the Alchemy Chorus South Coast is a dementia-inclusive choir that welcomes people living with dementia, their loved ones and volunteer musicians from Gerringong, Kiama and Berry.

No auditions are needed here - just a love for singing and sharing stories.

The choir’s name, “Alchemy,” perfectly captures their mission: blending

diverse voices into something truly golden, fostering connection and happiness through music.

The concert was a varied mix of memory-stirring classics and choir favourites, brought to life with vocal exercises, harmonies and the support of a stellar backing band.

Starting off with Chattanooga Choo Choo, and some old time favourites like Dream Lover and Ozzie classics such as Flash Jack

Carol Goddard

Iam currently enjoying the antics of four magpies who appear to have taken up residence on the top of a pole, and also on the electricity wires outside my house.

While not exactly a selling point, I quite like these wires, as they provide a suspended resting place, enabling many birds to visit daily.

Just before dusk there are often hundreds of mynahs who fly in en masse, then jockey for position on the wires, stay awhile, before they fly off again, chattering feverishly as they go.

Joyous little pink and grey attired gymnasts, otherwise known as galahs hang upside down on the wires, or slip and slide down the light poles as if balancing on little wheels. As well, there are the magpies.

Over the last few weeks they have moved in, entertaining us with glorious warbling birdsong, sunning themselves and generally appearing to enjoy themselves in their newfound Kiama accommodation.

It is apparent to me that they are two couples, wrangling for territory, dipping and diving and then soaring, gliding on the air currents with consummate ease. On a few occasions, one pied individual has popped onto the ledge of my bedroom window, cocked its head quizzically, and introduced itself to me. It may be looking for food, or it may just be seeing its own image in the window's glass.

It feels good to be communing with nature, even on the other side of a window. However,

this seemingly friendly relationship between magpie and me hasn't always been the case. When I was a mother of young children I too protected my offspring. Walking my brood to school each day, along a particular street with lots of bird sheltering trees and bushes presented many a challenge during nesting season.

Each morning walk was preceded by minor trepidation. Hats, bicycle helmets with attached cable ties, often an umbrella were the chosen armour, and the weapon of choice.

I remember one occasion, when my child needed to use toilet facilities in a public park. As we left the toilet block, a magpie spied us from its hideout in the nearby trees, and divebombed my child who was walking ahead of me to our parked car. In desperation, car keys became my means of defence.

By far the most chilling magpie encounter happened in recent times. My foe lived in a large tree down at the bottom end of a property on Berry Mountain, sharing the paddock with a horse, and the odd wombat or two. It was my home, but magpie believed he owned that property. At least between August and November. And I was definitely not welcome.

I call magpie my foe because he relentlessly attacked me every day for three months. He knew when I walked out my back door to start my daily gardening chores. I could sense, and then see him flying swiftly up the hill from his tree like a Scud missile. Aimed at me. And just as he got to me, he'd

from Gundagai – the crowd joined in with enthusiasm.

Local legends John McKenna on piano, Ken Freeman on percussion, and Denis Langley on trumpet and bass added a special spark to the performance, earning cheers from the crowd – even a miniature French horn and a washboard were among the variety of instruments.

The group has already made a name for itself, performing at local care homes, community centres, and even a joint concert with Alchemy Chorus Canberra in Goulburn in 2024.

Thanks to generous local sponsors, the choir continues to spread joy and support for both singers and their care partners.

The concert ended with a resounding encore and standing ovation – well deserved.

If you’d like to join the fun or learn more, go to alchemychorus.org. The Alchemy Chorus South Coast is proof that music still has the power to bring us together, rain or shine.

Founded in 2022 by Dr Christa Wood with support from the Rotary Club of Gerringong, and inspired by the Alchemy Chorus Canberra, this choir is all about creating a space of “glorious ordinariness” where everyone feels valued. They meet every Thursday from 10am to midday at the Uniting Church Hall in Kiama for weekly sessions of singing and community building.

rise up, just missing my head, emitting a whiplike snapping sound. Then he'd come back for me, again and again.

Whether I was pulling weeds, or potting seedlings, or uncovering old mossy drystone walls, it was Open Season On Carol. After being swooped upon, I'd retreat inside the house. And then back again, into the fray I went, with a big hat, sunglasses, and a fighting spirit. Sometimes a defensive rake. And at one ridiculous point, water pistols. I'd had enough. The bird was obviously deranged. And then, as if by magic, on the first day of November, the war ended. Three months of magpie terrorism ceased. I could walk out my back door with no consequences.

My kamikaze magpie warrior became his old self again. Within the next few months we sold our property, it was time to move on and

begin new adventures in gorgeous Kiama. In walking the Minnamurra Headland one morning, not long after relocating, I came across a local man feeding magpies. They were friendly, responsive, and they obviously knew him. There appeared to be many birds living on that headland, and this man obviously had rapport with them.

As did another local I came to know in Kiama Downs, who also feeds a family of magpies on his front lawn. He loves his little bird family. Now I have magpies moving in near me. And I've just started to feed them, just a bit here and there. I sense that we've already become mates. I'm just wondering if the new owners of my property up on Berry Mountain have made peace with their magpie resident, or if they need to go on annual holidays between August and November?

Stingrays outlast Jamberoo in muddy showdown

Lleyton Hughes

Only two Group 7 South Coast Rugby League first grade games went ahead over the weekend, with the Jamberoo Superoos - the only local team in actionfalling to the Stingrays of Shellharbour.

Originally scheduled for Flinders Fields, the match was moved last minute to Cec Glenholmes Oval, where soggy conditions turned the

game into a battle of grit.

Players slipped and slopped through the middle of the field all afternoon, with most finishing the game looking like they’d taken a dip in a pool of mud as heavy rain persisted throughout.

The Stingrays struck early in the third minute, with debutant winger Landyn Lopez crossing for the opening try.

Jamberoo quickly responded, with forward Rhys

Kennedy crashing over near the line just a few minutes later.

Shellharbour then scored three consecutive tries: a close-range effort from hooker Coleby Smith, a slick show-and-go from five-eighth Jake Horton, and a 50-metre line break from second-rower Will Latu.

Jamberoo clawed one back just before halftime through Dean Watling. With the conditions proving tough

for goal-kickers, the score remained tight at 20-12 going into the break.

Early in the second half, both sides added a try, taking the score to 24-16. But from the 67th minute onward, the Stingrays took control.

Halfback Trey Barlow set up lock Liam Henry for his second try of the day, before the Stingrays piled on three more tries to seal a 42-16 victory. Despite the scoreline, injured Stingrays fullback

Jimmy Scott said the final result didn’t reflect how tough the game really was.

“The scoreline didn’t really reflect the outcome of the game. It was very physical, and the wind and rain definitely made it tough through the middle,” Scott said.

He also praised the team’s resilience after going a man down.“Jack Walsh McKeirnan got sent off with 20 minutes to go, but the boys dug deep and

ended up running away with it. Will Latu and Coleby Smith were the best on ground,” he added.

In the other game of the round, the Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles edged out the Nowra Bomaderry Jets 18-12. The postponed matches - including Shellharbour Sharks vs Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs and the local derby between Gerringong Lions and Kiama Knights - will be played this weekend.

Stewart sets sights on Sharks after Dragons roll Raiders

Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart admits he had a bit of a mid-year lull in his rookie season but he is now back to his best as St George Illawarra try to qualify for an improbable NRL finals appearance.

Stewart turned in his best game for the Dragons in their upset win over competition leaders Canberra in wet and wild conditions in Wollongong last Saturday night.

St George Illawarra displayed tenacity in the heavy rain and strong winds to get the better of first-placed Canberra 18-12. Stewart was everywhere in the second half as the home side repelled the Green Machine as he finished with 10 hit-ups for 85 metres and peeled off 20 tackles without missing any in the slippery conditions.

The 20-year-old lock has retained his place in an unchanged line-up to face traditional rivals Cronulla at Kogarah on Saturday.

“It’s gonna take another performance like that -

respect the ball and play our style of footy. The Sharks are going to come flying at us. They’re running hot,” he said on Wednesday.

“We need to put in another smart performance, it’s gonna take a good one to beat them.”

A dry track is expected this time around and Stewart said even though the Sharks have pace to burn out wide, the Dragons were more than happy to experience better attacking conditions.

“They’ve got a very quick side but we like to move the footy as well so it will suit us,” he said.

“They’ve got over the top of us in the years prior. We know what’s at stake and we really want to get this one.”

After making his debut in Round 1, Stewart has played 17 matches, missing a trip to Canberra recently with a concussion.

“At the start of the season there’s not much expectation on you as a rookie but then after more and more games, you’re expected to do a bit.

I probably struggled a few

weeks ago to play some good footy,” he said.

“But I stuck at it and trained hard and the coaches have been working with me and I feel like I’ve strung a few good games together.”

The Dragons need to win their final five games to have any hope of sneaking into the top eight and Stewart said cocaptains Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook were keeping spirits up as they try to pull off an unlikely late surge.

“This group of boys that we’ve got is always high on energy and belief,” Stewart added.

“Our two captains - Gutho and Cookie drive that. Hopefully this is a turning point and we can string a few games together at the back end of the year and push for finals.”

The Dragons’ NRLW side fell to the Eels 12-10 in their Magic Round clash in Newcastle on Sunday.They will look to end their four-game losing streak when they tackle the Sharks at 12.45pm on Saturday before the NRL match at 3pm.

Jamberoo are now out of finals contention.

Photo @SticksPix_

The Stingrays of Shellharbour sit at the top of the ladder. Photo @SticksPix_

The Dragons bring down Canberra’s Ethan Strange. Photo: dragons.com.au

Kiama’s rising netball stars go unbeaten at state titles

Lleyton Hughes

The Kiama Netball Association (KNA) had a standout showing at the Junior State Titles in July, with their Under 12s team finishing as undefeated champions.

Competing in Division Three, the team made up of players across the Kiama LGA won all 16 of their games over three days in Penrith - a remarkable feat for a squad in their first year of representative netball.

“We've had a bit of success in the past couple of years,” said KNA President Michelle Gregory. “But to go through undefeated in their first rep season is a pretty amazing achievement.”

Gregory credited the association’s long-term focus on early development for the team’s success.

“We’ve been investing a lot of time into our players from Under 10s and Under 11s, really focusing on developing skills,” she said.

“I think it’s a combination of strong club coaching and the additional representative training that’s put them in a great position for success.”

KNA also sent Under 13s and Under 14s teams to the State Championships, with both competing in Division Three and finishing fifth overall.

“Our Under 13s were runners-up in Division Four last year, so they moved up a division - and to finish in the top five in their first year at that level is pretty impressive,” said Gregory.

“Our Under 14s were Division Four champions

in 2024, also moving up to Division Three, and they too finished fifth after three days of tough competition.

“For both teams to step up a division and still place in the top five out of around 20 teams is a great result for a small association like Kiama.”

Gregory also acknowledged the impact of former Australian Diamonds representative Susan Pettitt, who has been involved in local coaching.

“She runs a lot of sessions here in Kiama with the girls,” she said. “So having that kind of high-level coaching and extra resources has really helped build their skills and allowed them to be competitive at the state level.”

With the 2025 KNA season now approaching its final rounds, Gregory reflected on a successful year.

“We’ve got two weeks of club netball left, then finals,” she said.

“It’s been an action-packed season - this weekend is our Indigenous Roundand we’re seeing continued growth each year across different age groups.”

“This year we’ve seen growth especially in our cadets and senior teams, and overall, it’s been a really strong and enjoyable competition. The girls are loving their netball, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Indigenous Round will be held on 9 August, followed by Kiama hosting the Netball NSW Koori Gala Day on 17 August - two fantastic celebrations of community and culture, so stay tuned.

Lleyton Hughes

Kiama local Juan Castillo will compete at the 2025 Australian Bodyboarding Titles - but he won’t be lying on his board.

He’ll be riding dropknee, a rare and technically demanding style of bodyboarding that’s kept his passion for the sport alive.

Castillo qualified as a wildcard and will represent NSW in the dropknee division at the national titles, to be held August 21-22 at URBNSURF in Sydney.

“Dropknee is very special because it's a mix between surfing and bodyboarding,” said Castillo, who’s been perfecting the style for the last five years.

“Since I started doing it, I’ve enjoyed the ocean a lot more - you don’t need perfect conditions to have fun on it.”

Dropknee riding involves kneeling on the back leg while keeping the front foot forward on the board. The stance is notoriously tricky to master and uncommon in modern bodyboarding.

“I like it because nobody else does it - at least around here - so you have to figure everything out yourself. It’s super technical. To make it look good takes a lot of effort and time,” he said.

“You have to be prepared to suck for a couple of years. But after 30 or 35 years of bodyboarding, I needed something different - and now I’m enjoying it all over again.”

This year’s competition marks a first for the sport: it will take place in a wave pool, rather than in the ocean.

“They’re removing the natural element, so it’s a bit strange to get used to,” said Castillo. “For this comp, you get a wave that has your number - you’re allocated a wave. It’s very different from the randomness of the ocean.”

juan gets down on one knee

However, Castillo may have a unique advantage. Outside of surfing, he works as Principal Hydrological Modeler for the ACT Government, specialising in numerical modelling - that is, building computer simulations of how water moves through the environment.

“It’s kind of my dream to get into designing wave pools in the future. I have the skills - I just haven’t had the time,” he said.

“So I’ve spent a lot of time in wave pools, and when I go, I try to look at the machines and figure out what’s going on. Maybe that’ll be to my advantage in the competition.”

When not studying water systems or travelling to wave pools around the world,

Castillo trains at Surf Beach in Kiama, which he says is ideal for honing his dropknee skills.

“Point breaks and wedges are best for dropknee. The wedges here are challenging - the board is small, you don’t have fins, and you need really

good balance,” he said. “But it’s been a great training ground.”

This will be Castillo’s second appearance at the Australian Bodyboarding Titles. He first competed in 2023, where he placed fifth in the dropknee division.

Final lap brought forward for Dapto greyhounds

The greyhound racing fraternity was in shock last week after Greyhound Racing NSW and Dapto Agricultural & Horticultural Society announced the seemingly inevitable end of racing at Dapto would be brought forward from June 2026.

On September 11, Dapto Greyhound Club will host their final race meeting, coinciding with the $75,000 Ladbrokes Dapto Megastar race, the venue’s equivalent of horse racing’s Melbourne Cup.

Kevin Keys, a Dapto greyhound trainer for 57 years, is unsure if he will even have a runner on Dapto’s final night.

“I would probably like to [have a runner], but I am not going to sit down and cry if I don’t,” Keys said. “Currently, I don’t have a dog that is anywhere near good enough to put in that [Megastar]. It will depend on programming on what races are available for nostalgia purposes and probably for family pride. We’ll see what happens.”

GRNSW chief executive officer Steve Griffin said the organisation would honour Dapto Greyhounds on their biggest night.

“There were proposals that we held our final race meeting [at Dapto] in February next year on the anniversary of the first greyhound race meeting at the site back in 1937, and another suggestion was that we wait until the end of the lease and stage a major event in June next year,” Griffin said.

“Ultimately, we believe that the night of the Megastar will be the perfect time to celebrate Dapto Greyhounds

and pull the curtain down on the venue, with their premier event.”

Dapto A&H chief executive officer Katrina Novak paid homage to the historical contributions of industry participants both on and off the track.

“This legacy was made possible by generations of club members, volunteers and racing families with too many committed individuals to mention,” Novak said.

“As the final race meeting approaches, we honour those who helped shape the Dapto Dogs legacy including many

who are no longer with us and thank everyone who shared in its history.”

Keys’ time in the industry goes back as far as he can remember. “My involvement with the Dapto Greyhound Racing Club goes back virtually since the day I was born,” Keys said.

“I go back to when, as a kid, I used to drive a truck around the centre of the show ring and drag the trotting track so the trotters could go around.

“My father [Charlie Keys] was president there for 28 years at one stage and I was on the committee for probably a period of 25 years.

“It’s been part of our life for us, especially from when I was born. What do you say? Where do you go? I don’t know.

“To say I’d be disappointed is putting it very mildly.”

Preparations are underway for the final night of racing at Dapto, with Griffin extending the invitation to past and present patrons of the iconic greyhounds track. “We don’t want the night to be a melancholy occasion.”

Mitchell Beadman

The U12 undefeated state champions. Photo KNA

The U14s team who finished in fifth place. Photo KNA

Photos: Brian Scott

WERRI SHREDDERS

GERRINGONG HOCKEY UNDER 10

JAMBEROO HOCKEY

KIAMA MEN’S HOCKEY

2ND GRADE

UNDER 10

KIAMA HOCKEY 4TH GRADE

Ashton’s a rising rabbit after NRL debut for his idol,

Lleyton Hughes

Ashton Ward’s favourite team growing up was the Brisbane Broncos. His favourite player was Darren Lockyer, and he often wondered what it would be like to be coached by the legendary Wayne Bennett.

The 20-year-old from Gerringong made his NRL debut off the bench for the South Sydney Rabbitohs recently - and the person who delivered the news was none other than Bennett himself.

“It’s a bit of a funny story,” said Ashton’s father, David Ward.

“He was supposed to get a phone call on the Sunday before, letting him know he needed to come in early Monday morning to be told in person before the team meeting.

“But when the coaches walked in on Monday, Wayne asked, ‘Where’s Ashton?’ Turns out the assistant coach had forgotten to call him. So Wayne rang Ashton that morning so it wouldn’t be a complete shock when he

Wayne Bennett

walked in and saw he was playing first grade.”

A crowd of 46 family members, friends, and supporters made the trip to Gosford to watch Ward’s debut against the Cronulla Sharks.

“It was a really good turnout, especially considering Gerringong had a club game that day,” said David.

“A lot of his mates couldn’t come because they were playing, but those who could made the trip. He was really appreciative of the support. We were all extremely proud - it’s a massive achievement.”

One of the most meaningful moments came in the lead-up to the match, when Bennett offered Ashton some sage advice.

“Wayne told him, ‘Don’t underestimate how hard it is to play just one game of NRL,’” David recalled.

“‘I’ve seen hundreds of talented footballers who never got that chance. Don’t take it for granted.’”

Ashton began at the Gerringong Lions at five years old and has always dreamed of playing in the NRL, but

his road hasn’t always been smooth.

He’s long been considered undersized by some coachesbut that didn’t faze Bennett.

“I think sometimes players are overlooked because coaches have a set idea of what physical attributes they want,” David said.

“Ashton’s always been on the smaller side, but Wayne told him a story earlier this year about being told not to pick a kid for the Broncos because he was too small. That kid was Allan Langer - and we all know how that turned out.”

Ward played 23 minutes at five-eighth in his debut, a narrow 14-12 loss to the Sharks.

Despite limited time, he made his presence feltfinishing with 25 running metres, 14 tackles, and two kicks.

The following week, he was named in the starting team against the Brisbane Broncos, the very team he grew up supporting.

Although the Rabbitohs were beaten 60-14, Ward earned his first NRL points with a conversion and made

34 tackles, including an impressive try-saving chasedown on Broncos secondrower Jordan Riki.

“As soon as he started chasing, you just knew he was going to make the tackle,” said Gerringong Lions first-grade coach Scott Stewart. “We’ve seen him do it so many times before.”

Ward is the third Gerringong Lions junior to debut in the

NRL in 2025, joining Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan.

That makes seven current NRL players from the club, alongside Melbourne utility Tyran Wishart, Warriors forward Jackson Ford, Manly outside back Reuben Garrick and Newcastle centre Kyle McCarthy.

David believes Gerringong’s tight-knit culture has played a key role in their success.

“The

South Sydney take on the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday and Ashton has been named to retain his spot at five-eighth.

culture is like no other,” he said. “Ashton had a Friday off training recently, so he came home from Sydney and went up to train with Gerringong - just to catch up and help with a few drills. They love still being part of the club.”