Kiama’s central business district is grappling with escalating vandalism, illegal dumping and antisocial behaviour, particularly around the Akuna Street car park adjacent to the vacant Kiama Independent building and the former Mitre 10 site. Local business owners and residents are urging authorities to bolster security measures and increase police presence to curb the growing trend.The Akuna Street area has become a magnet for youth loitering outside of business hours. Two abandoned vehicles at the site have been heavily vandalised, with smashed windows and significant damage. Piles of rubbish, including furniture and household items, continue to accumulate, exacerbating the problem.A store employee from Edessa Arcade witnessed a group of teenagers, estimated to be around 15 years old, using bats to smash car windows at approximately 4 pm in the afternoon earlier this month. The former Kiama Independent site is an eye-sore. Photo: The BugleShe attempted to report the incident at the Kiama police station but found it unattended. “It’s incredibly frustrating,” she said. “We need a consistent police presence in this area - it’s becoming a serious concern for everyone.”Last Thursday, (24 July), a fire extinguisher was discharged inside Edessa Mall, leaving a mess that real estate staff and business owners cleaned up the next morning. “This senseless behaviour disrupts our businesses and affects our livelihoods,” a shopkeeper remarked. “It’s a growing worry for the entire community.”Residents near the Akuna Street car park report frequent gatherings of young people lighting small fires and congregating around e-bikes in the vicinity. In response, police visited the site on Monday to assess the damage and recommended installing CCTV cameras as a deterrent. They also revealed that the existing CCTV system on Terralong Street has been inoperative since recent thunderstorms, a matter now under review.The importance of functional surveillance was underscored last November when CCTV footage helped apprehend culprits behind a robbery at Trinity Jewellery Store in Centrepoint Arcade. Police have committed to increasing patrols in the Akuna Street precinct during afternoons and weekends to address the ongoing issues.Edessa Arcade after last week's incident. Photo: The BugleTreena Allen, a representative from First National Coast & Country - the managing real estate agency for Edessa Arcade, welcomed the increased patrols but stressed the need for broader solutions. “The police response is a positive step, but more action is needed,” she said. “We’re deeply concerned about the damage and disruption. “We support any measures - whether it’s working CCTV, security patrols, or improved police reporting access - that will enhance safety and deter further incidents.”Kiama Council clarified that the Akuna Street site, including the buildings and car park, is privately owned by Level 33.Complaints about vandalism, rubbish, water leaks, or the site’s condition should be directed to the property owners. However, the Council has raised its own concerns with the owners following numerous community complaints. It is also seeking funding to replace the Terralong Street CCTV system, installed in 2015 and damaged in recent storms, with a full upgrade planned.Council advises reporting illegal dumping to the NSW Environment Protection Authority at 131 555 or via ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au and criminal activity directly to NSW Police.Local businesses and residents hope this renewed focus will lead to coordinated action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

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 15-year 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.”'The Autumn House' by Lime Building GroupIn 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.

Kiama has been grappling with shock and division in the past few days following the guilty verdict delivered last Friday against the local state MP, Gareth James Ward. The independent Member for Kiama was convicted of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault, stemming from incidents involving an 18-year-old in 2013 and a 24-year-old political staffer in 2015. As the electorate processes the news, residents are torn between Ward’s legacy as a dedicated local representative and the gravity of his convictions.The verdict has left many in the community reeling. The charges, involving serious allegations of sexual violence, have sparked heated discussions at local cafes and in offices. Many are struggling to reconcile Ward’s public persona with the court’s findings, which detailed power imbalances and the courage of victims who came forward years later. “The court has made its decision and proven that he’s guilty,” a local retiree told The Sydney Morning Herald, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. “He absolutely should resign. Anyone with a sketchy idea of right and wrong shouldn’t be a member of parliament.”Ward, 44, has been a familiar and energetic presence in Kiama since his election as a Liberal MP in 2011, later serving as an independent after leaving the party in 2021 after it emerged that he was the subject of a police investigation. Known for his tireless engagement, Ward has attended virtually every community event, from school fetes to surf club fundraisers, earning praise for his accessibility. Locals describe him as someone who “never missed a beat,” responding promptly to every email, letter and text, and publicly celebrating constituents’ achievements, from sporting victories to academic honours. His visibility and dedication made him a popular figure, reflected in the hundreds of supportive letters he has received since the charges emerged in 2022.“He’s been there for us, always,” say long-time Kiama residents and Ward supporters. Their sentiments echo those of many who voted for Ward in 2023, re-electing him as an independent despite a 10.7% swing against him and the looming trial. For these supporters, Ward’s convictions feel like a betrayal of the approachable MP who championed the Illawarra and South Coast.Ward’s popularity in Kiama is rooted in tangible contributions. These efforts, alongside his advocacy for infrastructure like the Shellharbour Hospital plan, have left a lasting impact, making it challenging for some to reconcile his crimes with his achievements.Despite the gravity of his convictions, a segment of Kiama’s community remains steadfast in their support for Ward. This loyalty mirrors broader societal patterns, such as the support for US President Donald Trump, where followers prioritise policy wins or perceived strength over personal scandals. In Kiama, some residents, particularly business leaders, value Ward’s ability to deliver funding, with one social media post noting that “upstanding business people” supported him for “delivering barrels of pork”. Psychologically, this can be explained by cognitive biases: once trust is invested in a leader, withdrawing support feels like admitting personal error, a difficult step for many. In Kiama’s tight-knit community, group dynamics further reinforce this loyalty, as supporters align with like-minded peers.Ward’s extensive history in the area - born in Gerringong, educated locally, and involved in politics since his teens - foster a sense of familiarity that is hard to shake. This connection may explain why some Kiama’s support persists, unlike the broader Australian public’s condemnation, as seen in national calls for his resignation.Ward’s legal troubles are not his first controversies. In 2017, he faced an alleged blackmail attempt in New York City after arranging a massage. In 2018, Liberal MP Ann Sudmalis accused him of bullying and branch stacking. In July 2024, he made headlines for arriving at Parliament House in his underwear to retrieve a spare key after locking himself out, an incident he claimed was exaggerated. These non-criminal incidents were largely overlooked by supporters, highlighting a pattern where Ward’s charisma and local impact overshadow his missteps, unlike how similar behaviour might be judged elsewhere.Ward’s convictions carry a maximum penalty of seven years for sexual intercourse without consent and up to five years for each indecent assault. His bail was revoked on Wednesday and he has been imprisoned at Silverwater Correctional Centre as he awaits sentencing on 19 September. Ward faces mounting pressure to resign. NSW Premier Chris Minns called his continued status as a sitting MP “ridiculous,” while Opposition Leader Mark Speakman labelled his position “untenable”. Both leaders support an expulsion motion, which could trigger a by-election in Kiama within 60 days if Ward does not step down voluntarily.For Kiama, the prospect of a by-election adds uncertainty to an already turbulent time. In recent years Kiama Council has been in the spotlight for local governance issues and on the other hand, accolades - twice winning the best tourist town award. Some question the timing of the allegations, pointing to past disputes like the 2018 Sudmalis accusations, which he denied. “He’s been targeted before,” said one anonymous supporter. “People here still believe in him.”As Ward considers an appeal within the 28-day window, Kiama faces a defining moment. An expulsion motion, backed by both major parties, could reshape the electorate’s future, but legal challenges may delay resolution. Constitutional experts note that Ward’s potential incarceration would complicate his ability to serve, strengthening the case for his removal. For now, the community remains divided, dealing with the loss of the MP they thought they knew while confronting the reality of his crimes.The Bugle invites readers to share their thoughts on this developing story as Kiama navigates the next few weeks. Email your Letter to the Editor via [email protected].

Kiama Power’s Men’s Premier Division team came agonisingly close to pulling off a surprise victory against second-placed Northern District Tigers at Hollymount Park over the weekend.It was the third time the two sides had faced off in 2025, with the Tigers taking the previous matches 73-34 and 75-56. But this time, the Power nearly flipped the script.Sitting fifth on the ladder before the game, Kiama started strong and led at every change, taking a 51–30 lead into the final quarter. But the Tigers responded with a powerful final term, kicking 33 points to run out 63–57 winners.“North probably set up a little bit differently in terms of their defence in the last quarter,” said Power committee member Anthony Grady. “That really choked us in the end - it shut down our offence. I think we only managed one goal in the last quarter. With the wind behind them, they kept the ball, peppered our goals a few times, and managed to pull away for the win.”The Kiama Power Men's Premier Division team will now have to win their remaining games and rely on other results to qualify for the finals. Photo: Kiama PowerDespite the heartbreaking loss, Grady said the match showed that Kiama could match it with one of the strongest teams in the competition, which should boost the team’s confidence heading into the final rounds of the season. “The Tigers have only lost two games in the last 18 months. They went undefeated last year and only lost the grand final. This year, they’ve only lost to Figtree, who are top of the ladder,” he said.“Unfortunately, we were just one goal short. But we know we can match it with those top teams - we’ve seen glimpses of it throughout the year. The challenge now is sustaining that level for longer periods.”With a bye this week, the Men’s Premier Division side will need to win their final two games and rely on other results to break into the top four.There was better news for Kiama Power’s Women’s Premier Division team, who snapped a seven-game losing streak in style, claiming a 39–22 win over the Tigers. In a reversal of the men’s game, the women trailed by two points heading into the final quarter before launching a dominant surge to secure the win.“It was a good fightback from the girls, particularly in the last quarter, to pull away and get the win,” said Grady. “It was a much-needed result - they were sitting outside the top four and had to win to stay in the hunt for finals.”Kiama Power’s Men’s Reserve Grade side also delivered a thrilling comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit at three-quarter time to defeat a team that had thrashed them earlier in the season. Trailing 47–28, the Reserves piled on a whopping 25 points in the final term to seal a memorable win.“Last time we played them we lost by 50 or 60 points,” said Grady. “So, it was a great turnaround to kick off Saturday with a win. The Reserves can’t make the semifinals, but it’s always satisfying to shake up the teams still in contention.”While the Men’s Premier Division team has a week off, both the Women’s and Reserve Grade sides will be back in action at home this Saturday, taking on Figtree and Port Kembla respectively.

Young people in the Kiama local government area are invited to become digital storytellers through a new community project launching this spring.The Bugle is partnering with the Community Media Training Organisation to offer two young locals aged 12 to 24 the chance to tell stories about the people who make our region unique.No journalism experience is necessary - just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love for community.The selected participants will receive free training and mentoring throughout spring, culminating in a series of digital stories to be published in The Bugle this December.What’s involvedThe program begins in September with a visit to The Bugle newsroom to meet your mentor and see how a local paper runs.In October, participants will take part in four online training sessions with journalist and media trainer Anita Anabel. These sessions cover the fundamentals of journalism, writing for news and social media, interview techniques, mobile journalism, and editing.Sessions are held Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 6pm on:October 1 – What is journalism?October 8 – Writing for news and social mediaOctober 15 – Interview skills and mobile journalismOctober 22 – Editing and storytellingParticipants must be available for all four sessions.In November, participants will work with their mentor to create three short video stories about people in their own communities.These stories will be finalised and published in The Bugle in December.Each participant will receive a $150 payment upon publication of their three pieces.Why it mattersThe Know Your Neighbour project is funded by the NSW Premier’s Department and aims to strengthen social cohesion by amplifying diverse voices and highlighting the rich cultural makeup of our region.“This is a chance for young people to explore the issues that matter to them, celebrate their neighbours, and develop real-world media skills,” says The Bugle’s editor.How to applySend an email to [email protected] by Thursday 22 August with the following details:Your nameEmail and phone numberAgeLocation (street and suburb/town)Cultural backgroundConfirmation that you’re available for all four training dates in OctoberSuccessful applicants will be notified in early September.All training and mentoring will take place online or in public settings Mentors have current Working with Children Checks. If you need help accessing a device or internet, support is available.This is a unique opportunity for young voices to be heard - while learning valuable skills and sharing the stories that matter in our community.

The 2025 Variety Bomaderry to Blacktown (B to B) Bash sets off from underneath the ‘Start Arch’ at Bomaderry Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre on Sunday (August 3), in what has become a tradition for the many participants.Preparing for his 30th year in the event, Shoalhaven local Brian Muller is looking forward to the rubber hitting the road and the fanfare beginning.“There is a lot of fun out on the road, we will stop and have a bit of chat and party and move on,” Muller said.The B to B Bash is what has been described as the “ultimate road trip”, with the meaning of the name simply with the bash beginning at a suburb or town with B and completed at B.This year the NSW and ACT component will be beginning from Bomaderry, heading to Adelaide, where there will be a major event celebrating the milestone of the B 2 B Bash with all states, and then heading back to Sydney, finishing at Blacktown.“We know the destination, we know the lunchtime destination, and we know the town we are going to for the night,” Muller said.“But we get given the route instructions at breakfast. That will tell us to through the start and then turn left.”Part of the novelty component for the Bash is the great lengths the teams go to with the kid-inspired themes for their cars, along with their drivers’ own outfits.“We were just throwing it around the table, and we talked about [the name] skittles and then someone said, ‘oh M&Ms’ and that is how it started,” Muller said.“So, I am the blue one [M&M], my wife Joanne is the green one, and Gary and his wife are red and orange ones.“It is always great to see the kids there and they get really excited when they see the bash cars and the bashers dressed up in all their theme. So, it is wonderful.”The B to B Bash allows the remote townships, that might not get the necessary awareness from other kind of charitable organisations the chance to be seen and apply for grants through the parent charity Variety Children’s Charity.“We do a lot of lunches and breakfasts at schools, and Variety donates things that [the] school might need,” Muller said.Unfortunately, for those who have transferred over to electric vehicles, they are not eligible to partake with the conditions of entry being 30 years old for eligibility.“We’ve got a 1969 ZB Ford Fairlane, fully optioned up with power steering, air conditioning and heating for this one,” he said.Having raised over $500,000 for the Variety charity in the 30 years of partaking, Muller is humble when talking about the fundraising process explaining that it is year-round.“The bash is hard work and [goes] all year round,” Muller said.“As soon as you get back from one year into fundraising, you’re onto the next one.“The bash is actually a celebration of the fundraising you do; it is all about raising money for the kids.”This year the Bash runs from 3-13 August, has 264 participants registered and has raised a whopping $1,190,061 so far.Aussie entrepreneur and philanthropist Dick Smith began the B to B Bash back in 1985 and raised $250,000 in the maiden event which was donated to Variety Children’s Charity.Since then, over $250 million has been raised with over 189,000 kms covered in the 40 years of its running.On Saturday, August 2 at Nowra Showground, the celebrations begin with a fun and inclusive event for families where the Bash cars will be on show with activities for kids.For more information on the event head to https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/event/variety-family-fun-day-25/.To help Brian Muller reach his goal of $30,000 head to https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/fundraisers/brianmuller/btobbash25.

Kiama Independent MP Gareth Ward was taken into custody and will be sent to jail after his bail was revoked on Wednesday afternoon following last Friday’s guilty verdict on four sexual assault charges.Ward returned to the NSW District Court on Wednesday afternoon where Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles requested that the 44-year-old politician should be detained after he was found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault at the conclusion of his nine-week trial.His defence counsel, Edward Anderson, opposed the request to revoke his bail due to the nature of his crimes and that his vision meant he was nearly legally blind due to his oculocutaneous albinism.Anderson told the Darlinghurst Courthouse that Ward would be vulnerable to physical violence from other inmates due to his public profile.The Prosecutor argued that the former NSW Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister’s situation did not constitute the “special or exceptional circumstances” required to continue bail.Judge Kara Shead agreed that Ward should be sent to jail and provisions would be made so that electronic devices that he requires to communicate would be accessible so that he could prepare for a possible appeal against his convictions.He was handcuffed and taken from the Downing Centre Court in Sydney's CBD to Silverwater Correctional Centre.Ward was escorted from the dock by court officers and taken into custody.He will face Court again on 19 September for sentencing.Ward’s fall from grace has led to NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman calling on him to resign from Parliament.They have indicated that they will make moves to not just suspend him but expel him when Parliament resumes on Tuesday.This would trigger a by-election for the Kiama state electorate in the coming months and almost certainly bring an end to Ward’s political career after more than 20 years in public office as a Shoalhaven councillor and then NSW Member of Parliament.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 accused of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.Parliament has the power to expel Ward under the NSW Consitution which allows for an MP's seat to be declared vacant if convicted of a crime which carries a jail term of five years or more.Ward was accused of digitally penetrating a political staffer in the Potts Point incident and performing a sex act without the other man's consent.He was also accused of mounting the 18-year-old in the Shoalhaven incident as he lay face down on a bed to perform a massage and also of touching him on the genitals without consent earlier in the evening while the teenager was lying on the lawn.He retained the seat of Kiama at the most recent election in 2023 as an independent, after he left the Liberal Party when it emerged that he was the subject of a criminal investigation.The Premier said on Monday said it was "ridiculous" that Ward was able, under the NSW Constitution, to retain his seat even after he had been convicted of such serious offences.“You name me one workplace in the world where that person would continue to be an employee facing that kind of jail time,” he said."We are not dealing with hypotheticals any more. He has been convicted."Minns has indicated the NSW Government will take steps to protect the Legislative Assembly’s integrity because Ward's position is "no longer tenable".Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has written to the NSW Government to emphasise the importance of local representation and request clarity on what Parliament will do following Ward's guilty verdict on sexual assault charges.Councillor McDonald issued a statement on Tuesday to say Council is seeking "clarification on what the next steps will be from the NSW Parliament in relation to this matter".“On behalf of the residents of Kiama municipality, I have respectfully urged the NSW Parliament to take swift and decisive action in this matter, keeping in mind the vital importance of local representation in maintaining the public's faith in our political system," he wrote.1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

Music weaves its way through the heart of humanity, transcending barriers of age, memory, and language. For many, it is a source of joy, solace, and connection. Nowhere is this more evident than in the first solo concert performed by our dementia choir, a transformative event that not only celebrates music but champions the resilience and vibrancy of those living with dementia and their families and care partners.The Alchemy Chorus was founded in 2022 by Dr Christa Wood, with the help of the Rotary Club of Gerringong, and community volunteers. Since early 2025 a new charity, Active Ageing NSW Inc, is looking after this choir, bringing together people living with and alongside dementia and community volunteers, who share the joy of music, and the power of connections through song. The success of the choir lies in a belief that music possesses the unique power to unlock memories, foster emotional connections and bring light to even the most challenging moments of cognitive decline. After months of practice and several performances at care homes and community centres, the choir set its sights on an ambitious goal: to headline its very own solo concert. An event solely dedicated to showcasing the talents of our singers and musicians and to connect with our local community. Musical director Jenny Ferguson has worked hard to adapt arrangements to suit the choristers, using vocal exercises and including choreography to provide a professional experience for our audience. The concert serves as a showcase for our choir while making a powerful statement against the stigma that often surrounds dementia, challenging assumptions about what those living with the condition can achieve. By taking centrestage, the choir members assert their presence, their voices, and their stories, refusing to be defined solely by diagnosis.Participation in music-making has been shown to ease anxiety, improve mood and enhance quality of life for people with cognitive challenges. For this ensemble, the concert will be a reaffirmation of self-worth and capability. Research in the field of music therapy supports these observations, revealing that familiar melodies can stimulate brain regions associated with memory and emotion, even when other cognitive functions decline. Singing in a group also nurtures social bonds, reducing isolation and reinforcing a sense of belonging.The name ‘Alchemy’ represent the blending of various elements – our voices – to make something valuable. And we do! Join us to share our first Solo Concert experience on Sunday (3 August), from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Gerringong Town Hall, 106 Fern Street. Email Christa for more information via [email protected].

Hayden Buchanan is yet another Gerringong Lions junior who is close to making his NRL debut with St George Illawarra.Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has included Buchanan in the 20-man squad for this Saturday's WIN Stadium match-up against Canberra.Buchanan has been named among the reserves for the first time in his career after crafting an impressive Knock-On Effect NSW Cup campaign this year.His former Gerringong teammate, rookie forward Hamish Stewart, has been named on the interchange bench.Another Lions product, second-rower Dylan Egan, made his debut earlier this season before suffering a serious knee injury.It has been a bumper year for Gerringong with young halfback Ashton Ward getting his first taste of NRL action for South Sydney last Saturday, playing the final 23 minutes of their narrow loss to Cronulla in Gosford.Buchanan could be a late inclusion between now and game day if there is an injury or if Flanagan decides to tinker with his line-up.The 19-year-old centre was signed by the Dragons four years ago and played up an age group in Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball before earning his first call-up to the NRL training sqaud at 17.He helped NSW win an Under 19s Origin match over Queensland despite also being a year younger than the cut-off mark.Buchanan was given a glimpse of NRL intensity at the start of the year when he took part in the trial wins over South Sydney and the Roosters before lining up in 14 NSW Cup matches for St George Illawarra leading into this week's NRL call-up.With Maroons centre Valentine Holmes and winger Sione Finau out for the rest of the season due to shoulder injuries, there's a fair chance Buchanan will get to make his NRL debut at some stage in the final six rounds.Flanagan has been forced to make changes to his pack for the rumble with the Raiders.Former Queensland forward Jaydn Su’A (knee) is unlikely to play again this season after he was on the end of a hip-drop tackle during last week's loss to North Queensland.Michael Molo will slot into the second row for Su'A with veteran forward Hame Sele added to the interchange.Blake Lawrie has been relegated to the interchange with Emre Guler returning to the starting side at prop.The Dragons have dropped to 12th on the ladder with a 6-12 record after their 38-32 loss to the Cowboys and are just two points ahead of last-placed South Sydney in the race to avoid the wooden spoon.They face a daunting task trying to bring down the Green Machine who are riding high at the top of the ladder on the back of a nine-game winning streak.In the NRLW, the Dragons will be without Teagan Berry (suspension) and Kasey Reh (head knock) when they take on the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium at Magic Round on Sunday.After thumping Canberra in Round 1, they have lost three on the trot, including a 30-6 defeat at the hands of Brisbane in Wollongong last Sunday.

Kiama Council is backing a report from Local Government NSW which is calling on the state and federal governments to commit to genuine reform on regulatory changes, proper budget support and fair funding.An independent report commissioned by LG NSW has found that each ratepayer is being short-changed by around $500 a year due to cost shifting by the NSW and Australian Governments.All up, local councils in NSW are absorbing a staggering $1.5 billion in costs that have been diverted to them from the higher levels of government for responsibilities such as infrastructure, services and regulation without sufficient fundingChief executive officer Jane Stroud, Mayor Cameron McDonald and his fellow Councillors Stuart Larkins, Melinda Lawton and Mike Cains represented Kiama at the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra last month where the topic of cost shifting was the talk of the conference.“Councils are really struggling to do more with less money,” Cr Lawton said."These days, it’s not like it used to be - there are more services, more choices, and naturally, communities expect more in return for their rates, especially when those rates have gone up significantly. And fair enough. But the reality is, those increases don’t actually stretch far — they mostly just keep pace with inflation, not the rising costs of delivering the services people rely on. She spoke to a representative from another local council who said their plight was so dire that they couldn’t even afford to buy a new garbage truck.Cr Lawton used the fact that Kiama Council now has to foot the bill for the upkeep of Jamberoo Mountain Road instead of the NSW Government as an example of local Councils having to do a lot more nowadays.Council has been advocating since September 2022 to have Jamberoo Mountain Road reclassified from a regional to a state road.“When things like this get pushed back onto local councils, we’re stuck. We don’t get the funding to redesign the road in a way that would actually reduce the risk of landslides - we just get enough to patch it up. "So it ends up happening again, just a few metres down the track,” Cr Lawton said. “There’s just not enough money to go around.“It takes away money reserves that we could allocate somewhere else.“I see this as something that the community could take to and push back at the state election. Relay our current issues to the people who are running - what are you going to do about cost shifting, what are you going to do about these roads that we’ve been given that should not be ours and get some real answers.”Cr Lawton floated the idea of being more transparent with rate notices to show what percentage stays with Council for their operations.“If our rates notices can be more transparent about what monies go where, rather than a general line item, then people might see that some of those monies that they’re paying to us, is by-passing local govt and goes straight up the line,” she said.“People could see that Council’s not getting $500 from me this year; they’re only actually getting $250. These figures as an example only.“That may explain some of the issues around the fact that we can’t always provide what the community would like.”Complicating matters for Kiama is the NSW Government-imposed Performance Improvement Order that they are operating under in order to balance the books by midway through 2027.“Everyone knew it was always going to be a challenge but to date we are looking really positive,” Cr Lawton said. “Although there’s probably going to be some tough calls to get us to that point, I think the community can feel there’s a bit of security there just by the fact things are being righted by these processes and having the OLG looking over our shoulders. “It’s great. Accountability should never be seen as an imposition; it can only benefit us in the long run.”Cr McDonald has described the LG NSW report as a “significant wake-up call” for the higher levels of government.Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips disputes Kiama Council’s claims in relation to federal funding.Phillips pointed to the significant Australian Government funding flowing into the Kiama local government area to assist Council with roads and community infrastructure projects.“The new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club would not have been built without the $5.5 million federal funding that I delivered,” she said.“The recently completed car park in South Kiama Drive at Kiama High School would not have happened without federal funding.“I’ve delivered federal funding for flag poles at the Jamberoo School of Arts, upgrades to Gerry Emery Reserve Club amenities and repairs for cricket pitches at Bonaira, Chapman and Keith Irvine Ovals ... and much more.“The injection of federal funding reduces the burden on Kiama Council to fund the upgrade of local roads and facilities that are important to our community.“Without federal funding many of the local projects in Kiama wouldn’t even get off the ground.”Phillips said that the federal Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing to $150 million per year, and $50 million has been added to the new $200 million per year Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.“Kiama Council can access funding to help maintain and upgrade local road networks, especially with the severe weather events that have so heavily impacted road infrastructure in recent years,” she said.“Federal infrastructure betterment funding was also provided to Kiama Council to assist with building three disaster-impacted roads back better, including Jamberoo Mountain Road.“I encourage Kiama Council to be proactive and apply for federal funding, and to engage with me about grant opportunities that are available.”

Folk By The Sea organisers have added a charity preview concert at Kiama Leagues Club auditorium on September 11 to launch this year’s festival.Folk By The Sea officially kicks off on Friday, September 12 at Kiama Showground Pavilion with a line-up including some of Australia’s leading Folk, Country, Celtic and Bluegrass artists.But music fans will be able to get a taste of what’s to come over the weekend at the Thursday night charity preview show featuring Bluegrass bands Charley Castles and The Boys in the Well, Kiama’s own The Water Runners, local folk duo Square Pegs and South Coast Indie-Folk artist Kane Calcite, as well as a performance from Kiama High School students to start the night at 7pm.Entry is by donation, with all proceeds going to Lifeline South Coast.Festival director Neil McCann said the preview show was a chance for people who hadn’t attended Folk By The Sea in previous years to come along to a free night of music and get an idea of what Folk By The Sea is all about.“We’re hoping this show will really ‘sell’ the festival to people who may not have been to a folk festival before,” he said. “They’ll see three of the festival’s main acts, as well as a performance from Kiama High School students, and hopefully they will want to come along to the main festival over the weekend.”The Folk By The Sea program has been finalised, with 40 acts and 100 concerts over the weekend. The main festival program gets underway at 5pm on Friday with the Kiama Sea Shanty Club performing on the Pavilion verandah, then at 6pm The Humbuckin’ Pickups take to the main stage in The Pavilion.Things really start to warm up after the official opening and Welcome to Country, with Victorian multi-Golden Guitar-winning Americana duo The Weeping Willows taking to the stage at 7.30pm.They will be followed by celebrated Indigenous performer Jessie Lloyd at 8.25pm and Solomon Islands singer Charles Maimarosia at 9.20pm. Charley Castles and her Boys In The Well will round out the night with some foot-stomping Bluegrass from 10.20pm.There will be two other venues operating with multiple performances at the Showground Pavilion throughout Friday night, while the nearby Kiama Uniting Church Hall will feature a Bush Dance at 8pm with the Southern Cross Bush Band.Kane Calcite.Saturday’s packed program kicks off at 9am, with headliner Darren Coggan sure to attract a big crowd at his only show at 9pm, which will wind up the day on the main stage.A multiple Golden Guitar winner from Tamworth’s Country Music Festival with a large catalogue of original songs, Coggan has also famously toured shows in which he performs the songs of some of the late 20th century’s most popular singer-songwriters, including John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Glen Campbell and John Denver.A popular Folk By The Sea tradition, Sirens of the Sea which features acoustic performances by many of the festival’s main female acts, will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2.45pm at the Anglican Hall. This year’s Sirens concert will feature Ally Row, Charley Castles, Chloe Roweth, Fly Little Sparrow, Jessie Lloyd, Karen Law, Oceanique and The Weeping Willows.Sunday’s program again gets underway early, featuring acts like The Weeping Willows (9.30am), The Water Runners (12.05pm) and Jessie Lloyd (1pm).The festival will wrap with another free concert on Sunday night at Kiama Bowling Club from 5.30pm featuring the Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Graeme “The Scotsman” McColgan, Marco and Rusty, Rhys Crimmin and Slippery John Sausage and The Swamper Domper Bayou Boys.The full program and ticket information is available on the festival website folkbythesea.com.au.FOLK BY THE SEA ARTISTS LIST: Alex Randles (ACT), Ally Row (VIC), Balkan Boogie, Charles Maimarosia (VIC), Charley Castles and the Boys In The Well, Chloe and Jason Roweth, Darren Coggan, Fly Little Sparrow (QLD/NSW), Grace Barr, Graeme ‘The Scotsman’ McColgan, Hand Over Hammer (VIC), Good Tunes, Humbuckin' Pickups, Jessie Lloyd’s Sing on Country, Kane Calcite, Karen Law (QLD), Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Kiama Pipe Band, Kiama Sea Shanty, Louzco Fouzco, Marco and Rusty, Noel Gardner and Alex Bridge (QLD), Oceanique (VIC), Oliver Roweth, Robyn Sykes, Rhys Crimmin (VIC), Russell Hannah, Sam Fletcher Trio, Scupriri, Slippery John Sausage and his Bayou Boys, Southern Cross Bush Band, Square Pegs, Stonybroke, The Butter Trackers, The Con Artists, The Lofty Mountain Band (SA), The Water Runners, The Weeping Willows (VIC), Whistle, Wood n' Hide.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is confident Council will be able to maximise returns on developer applications under the new Housing Strategy after a review undertaken by the governance team into how they recoup fees and charges.Councillor Erica Warren raised concerns at Council meeting in the May as part of commentary in the community about concerns over developer contributions.Cr Warren requested an urgent engagement of specialist staff to update the now expired Section 7.11 fees and chares so the Mayor requested a thorough review, also including Section 7.12 contributions.The review was tabled at this month's Council meeting which delved into the history of the two sections, dating back to 2010.According to the report, regular reviews had been undertaken by Council staff in recent years and there had been no wrongdoing by any staff or incorrect information given to Councillors.“It was important to request a comprehensive report to address the history of the Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 contributions applied locally but also as a way to commence conversations about what our local contributions plans might be moving into the future,” Cr McDonald said.“We adopted the Housing Strategy at the last Council meeting and and Director Paterson has commented that we will be reconsidering those Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 contribution policies because with greater development and greenfield development, potentially, one plan may be much more favourable than the other.”Cr McDonald said Director Paterson had been in conversation with the South Kiama development and negotiating a voluntary planning proposal, which is essentially an agreement made with developers on what the contributions will be”.“We won't enter into those unless it's beneficial for ratepayers to enter into those agreements.“It was helpful from a historical perspective for this report to inform us of what Council's treatment of those contribution plans has been and to provide some education and understanding as we embark on these conversations into the future.“It's a comprehensive report attached to the business paper. I would hope it answers some of the questions that have been in the community with regards to developer contributions.“A report like this is a bit of a line in the sand in that we've been presented with the information now.”Cr McDonald added that Council was committed to ensuring they operated efficiently without secrecy.“Members of the public heard during the campaign made it clear that we want an open and transparent local government that consults with the community and is at one with the community.“There has been a lot of grey area with the development contribution discussion in the community so let's try and be as open as transparent about the history of it as possible but also let’s use that report so that we can all be on the same page and make sure that Council is actually trying to maximise the benefit for ratepayers out of any developments that might be at hand.”

Police have released CCTV footage as they reappeal for information following an assault and robbery in the Illawarra earlier this year.About 11pm on Friday, 28 March, a man was walking at the intersection of Queen Street and Shellharbour Road at Warilla, when he was allegedly approached by two people and knocked to the ground, before they stole a mobile phone and fled the scene.A member of the public stopped to assist the man.The 61-year-old man returned to his home nearby and contacted police.Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police Station responded and transported the man to Shellharbour Hospital, where he was treated for facial injuries.A crime scene was established and detectives launched Strike Force Torulosa to investigate the circumstances.As investigations continue, detectives have released additional CCTV of two people they believe can assist with their inquiries, who were seen in Queen Street prior to the alleged robbery.The man depicted is described as Caucasian in appearance, 25-35 years old, medium to heavy build, with dark coloured hair. He was last seen wearing a black hat, blue t-shirt, red shorts, and black and white joggers.The woman depicted is described as Caucasian in appearance, 25-35 years old, thin build with long brown hair. She was last seen wearing a grey coloured singlet, black full length leggings and white joggers.Police would also like to speak to a person who stopped their car to assist the man, shortly after the alleged assault.Anyone with information, or CCTV footage is urged to come forward and contact Lake Illawarra Police Station on 02 4232 5599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For the residents of the Kiama local government area who are concerned with the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, the NSW Government is introducing greater legislation with tough new measures for tobacconists and businesses caught selling illegal products. With greater power for law enforcers and inspectors, the amendments appear to be on track to provide the community with the assurances they need. “These will be among the toughest penalties in the country and will send a clear message to bad actors that illegal tobacco and vaping goods will not be tolerated in NSW,” Minster for Health Ryan Park said in a statement. This announcement from the government comes on the back of a suspected arson attack on a tobacconist in nearby Corrimal on Sunday evening, which authorities are treating as suspicious.Speaking to ABC Illawarra on Monday morning, Park conceded the issue of illegal tobacco sales was a growing concern. “We need to make sure that we’re continually looking at the fines and prison sentences and increasing those and what the government’s proposed to do,” he said. “It has got ahead of the community; it has got ahead of politicians. We need to pull it back. “I know local residents in my own neck of the woods down there are sick and tired of these shops popping up and this is a big concern. “When there is an element of criminality involved with them, that increases the risk to law abiding citizens who are simply going about their business.” The NSW Government has also established a cross-agency NSW Illicit Tobacco Taskforce with the agency drawing on the expertise of various departments senior representatives to develop options and recommendations. These departments include NSW Health, NSW Police, the Department of Customer Service, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, and the Department of Communities and Justice. In the first six months of 2025, NSW Health conducted over 700 retailer inspections, seizing over 90,000 vapes, 6 million cigarettes and 1100 kg of other illicit tobacco products with a combined estimated street value of around $10 million. “We are disrupting the business model of the large-scale criminals who profit from addiction, tax evasion, and putting young people at risk,” Park added. “We understand the community’s frustration at the growth of the illicit tobacco market.” Part of the legislation amendments is the implementation of a new offence for the commercial possession and sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and a seven-year jail term for each. There is also the introduction of short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence.Within the Kiama region there are approximately six shops that are solely tobacconists. This does not include shops like convenience stores that sell tobacco A Kiama Council spokesperson told The Bugle “the policing of illegal tobacco and vaping is the responsibility of the NSW Government”. “Council does not have a role, or the relevant powers, when it comes to policing illegal trading of tobacco and vaping products.”  To report criminal information, call 1800 333 000 or log on to https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has written to the NSW Government to emphasise the importance of local representation and request clarity on what Parliament will do following state member Gareth Ward's guilty verdict on sexual assault charges.Councillor McDonald issued a statement on Tuesday to say Council is seeking "clarification on what the next steps will be from the NSW Parliament in relation to this matter".He said the outcome of the nine-week trial had shocked many members of the community and he paid tribute to the strength of the complainants who spoke out after being abused by Ward.The Independent Kiama MP will return to the NSW District Court on Wednesday to be informed of a sentencing date. He is out on bail, reporting twice daily to police, and Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles has indicated that she will request Judge Kara Shead to detain Ward, who is considering whether he will appeal the verdict.“This is a profound moment for our community," Cr McDonald said. "My thoughts are with the resilient victims and with all involved in this complex and lengthy process. "Their strength and courage deserve our utmost respect.“Gareth Ward served our area for many years, representing the community at a local and state level and serving as a minister of the Crown. We recognise his contribution. “It is not the role of Kiama Council to make comment regarding Mr Ward’s position in Parliament or the future of representation at a state level. "That responsibility rests with the NSW Parliament.“Kiama Council respects the legal and parliamentary processes underway and will continue to focus on serving our community at a local level.”Mayor McDonald has written to the NSW Parliament, the State Minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park, and local Member of the Legislative Council Sarah Kaine to emphasise the importance of local representation and request clarification on what the next steps will be in relation to this matter.“On behalf of the residents of Kiama municipality, I have respectfully urged the NSW Parliament to take swift and decisive action in this matter, keeping in mind the vital importance of local representation in maintaining the public's faith in our political system," he added.“I look forward to hearing what steps the Parliament will take to ensure that local communities like ours continue to have their voices heard.”Ward could remain the Kiama MP even if he is sent to jail under the NSW Constitution although Premier Chris Minns on Monday reiterated his call for the disgraced 44-year-old to resign. Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman have indicated that they will move to not only suspend Ward but to expel him when Parliament resumes next Tuesday.If the expulsion is approved by Parliament, a by-election will be held in Kiama later this year.

Kiama got revenge on Shoalhaven for the second time this Illawarra rugby season, securing a 29–26 win over the weekend.Shoalhaven famously defeated Kiama in last year’s grand final, sending them home empty-handed. But earlier this year, Kiama ended Shoalhaven’s remarkable 43-game winning streak with a 33-27 victory - striking back at the premiers.And last weekend, they did it again, though it was far from convincing.“We started the first half pretty much the same way we did against Campbelltown a couple of weeks ago,” said forward Dante Patrick. “They got out to two quick tries and we spent most of the half defending. Then straight after half-time, they scored another two. So it was like, ‘Come on boys, that first win couldn’t have just been a fluke.’”Patrick said an inspirational half-time speech from coach Chris Meizer turned things around.“Coach said, ‘Boys, even though we’re down, I don’t feel like we’re going to lose this game’."He just had so much confidence in us, and hearing that when you’re behind gives you hope."I think that belief is what got us through.”And they did get through. After conceding those two early second-half tries, Kiama kept Shoalhaven scoreless for the rest of the game and clawed their way back to take the lead.Kiama move to second place while Shoalhaven drop to third. Photo: Kiama Rugby“For us to chase down a lead like that shows how far we’ve come over the last few years,” said Patrick. “We’ve worked hard not to be a one-hit wonder.”Not only did they come back, they held the lead through a tense final stretch - something Patrick is especially proud of.“That last 10 minutes was probably the longest 10 minutes we’ve ever experienced,” he said. “Shoalhaven are a never-say-die team. Whether they're winning or losing, they stay in the game. In tight matches like that, they’re always dangerous, so I’m proud of how we defended that lead.”The match was played at Shoalhaven as part of the club’s annual Diggers Day, which included military displays, a Last Post ceremony, and an after-match function.“Diggers Day is massive. Shoalhaven always host it, and it’s an unreal day,” Patrick said. “We got to meet a few veterans, which is just breathtaking. You see their medals and hear about their achievements - it’s incredibly humbling.”The Kiama players wore special jerseys to honour veterans, which added extra meaning to the match.“We had jerseys made just for the occasion. I think it pushes the boys to lift that extra arm and leg to represent the veterans and make sure they’re not forgotten,” Patrick said. “Shoalhaven always know how to turn it on - there was a helicopter, flags flying, both anthems sung. It was a real moment of pride. With so many cultures coming together, it was unreal to be part of something that meaningful.”Kiama now move into second place on the ladder with just four matches left before finals. They'll be looking to carry this momentum forward, starting this Saturday when they host University at Kiama Showground.

By John Dawson As a baby boomer, I grew up watching the great West Indies Cricket teams of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, so I’d always wanted to visit the Caribbean.Watching Wes Hall and Charlie Griffiths bowl while sitting on the SCG hill with my father is a very fond memory.Then to watch the likes of contemporaries like Viv Richards and Joel Garner, who were also born in 1952, continued my fascination with Windies cricket.When I realised the Australian men’s team would be playing a series of limited-overs games in the Caribbean in 2021, I started planning a trip.Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to that adventure. So when I checked the Test cricket schedule and saw the 2025 series, I restarted my planning.As often happens in smaller cricketing nations, the details of matches were not released until just before Christmas and only a few months before the first match. That was too late for me so once I knew roughly when the Tests would be, around July last year I started booking flights and accommodation.Australian cricketers fielding to Pat Cummins at Kensington Oval, Barbados.My wife and I initially flew to Houston via Auckland on Air New Zealand for a couple of nights so we could visit the Space Centre. This was another tick off the wish list and extremely interesting, but be warned if you are planning a similar visit.Get there early if travelling independently and book separate tours of Mission Control and the Astronaut Training Facility before arrival, even if on a tour.Then it was on to Miami to stay at the small Ocean Hotel, which is located across the road from the famous South Beach. We were in the middle of the Art Deco area, right where all the “beautiful” people hang out to be seen.Because of the late release of details of the Tests, I decided to fill in some time before joining our cricket tour by seeing some other parts of the Caribbean.This involved doing back-to-back celebrity cruises of the Western and Eastern Caribbean. We visited Coco Cay (Bahamas), Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Islands) and Falmouth (Jamaica) on the first cruise.After returning to Miami, we visited San Juan (Puerto Rico), St Maarten (both French and Dutch parts) and Coco Cay before disembarking back in Miami.All of these ports were different, with their own charm and characteristics. Our favourite would be Grand Cayman, while the most unique would be Coco Cay (Perfect Day).Coco Cay is leased by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and it has been “transformed” into a “resort amusement park” for cruise guests.Apart from the beaches and snorkelling this was not our cup of tea, so on our first visit, we decided to do a side trip to a neighbouring island. The purpose was to swim with the pigs and stingrays that “inhabit” the island.John wearing his Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club shirt at Kensington Oval.Extremely interesting and something that doesn’t come along every day.So after two weeks on our “floating hotel” that was 99% occupied by cruise-obsessed Americans, some of whom had done over 200 cruises, it was time to return to terra firma.After returning to Miami we stayed at The Tony Hotel on Charles Avenue. Again located in the beautiful Art Deco area, we often thought we’d see Frank Sinatra or Marilyn Monroe walk into the hotel.We had five nights there so it was time to explore the city that I first visited nearly 50 years previously.We did a day trip to Key West, known as the most southerly point of continental USA, but also where Ernest Hemingway spent most of his life.Well worth the visit, even though it was a 14-hour day.We took at city tour that took us to the Wynwood (Walls) area where local and visiting artists have painted graffiti murals on the walls of buildings.This was followed by a stop at Little Havana, home to thousands of Cubans who only speak Spanish. We had a chance to sample some real coffee and cocktails, but we passed on the Cuban cigars.The day was finished off with a cruise that took us past the homes of the rich and famous including David and Victoria Beckham, Jeff Bezos, Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O’Neal, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.On our last pre-tour day we travelled to the famous Florida Everglades to “hunt” for alligators on an airboat. While the gators were not in great numbers, the airboat ride was a thrilling way to explore the glades.Now it was time to join our cricket tour which would take us to St Lucia, Barbados (First Test), Grenada (Second Test), Trinidad and Jamaica (Third Test). I did a fair bit of research when deciding whether to take this trip as part of a tour group or to travel independently.Beach cricket in the lunch break at Kensington Oval, Barbados.I eventually selected Australian Sport Tours (AST) which would be hosted by former Australian cricketers Merv Hughes and Geoff Marsh.My wife and I have visited all seven continents and over 50 countries, but this would be our first time to the Caribbean.I had previously attended the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup in Brazil as part of a Fanatics tour with my son, but this would be my wife’s first sport-based trip. The opportunity to watch and talk cricket with like-minded people, while visiting some amazing places was a lifetime dream.Our first experience with flying in the Caribbean was to St Lucia and our first introduction to rum punches. Our main activity here was a catamaran cruise that took us to the famous piton volcanic peaks, Toraille waterfall, sulphur springs and mud baths, Soufrière village and Marigot Bay. The cruise finished off with lunch, more rum punches and swimming or snorkelling in the beautiful clear blue Caribbean water.Then it was onto Barbados, home to childhood cricket heroes Sobers, Worrell, Hall, Greenidge, Haynes and Marshall and the First Test at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. After a couple of days relaxing we started our pre-test preparation with a special group dinner and visit from Windies legend, Joel “Big Bird” Garner.Australia won in three days by 159 runs and Travis Head was Player of the Match.Each day we had a “briefing” from Merv and Geoff (Swampy) about the day’s play before heading to the ground. We all loved their extremely detailed and insightful knowledge, but delivered with the passion with which they played.When the game finished early we had an opportunity to tour the island, but also enjoy some of the great Caribbean beaches. Our favourite was Carlisle Bay where you could hire deck chairs and an umbrella, buy a beer or cocktail and swim in the refreshing clear water.Caribbean beaches are beautiful.The Second Test was in Grenada at the National Stadium. Dubbed the Spice Isle, it is very hilly and home to numerous nutmeg plantations.Australia won on the fourth day by 133 runs and Alex Carey was Player of the Match.So we filled in our spare day with a tour of the island visiting Swan Street in downtown St George’s, Fort George, St Nicholas Abbey and rum distillery and upmarket Holetown and Speightstown.We spent a lot of our time in Grenada visiting a local bar near our hotel, the Old Skool Pub. Great food and drink that was made very special when Swampy presented me visit an Australian playing vest, worn by his son Mitchell. Straight to the pool room!Before the Third Test in Jamaica our tour took us for a short stop to Trinidad (and Tobago) the home of cricket legend, Brian Lara.Although there was no Test scheduled for Trinidad, we toured the island before we got treated to a personal tour of Queens Park Cricket Stadium by the club president. We walked on the field, visited the club museum that included many prices of cricket memorabilia and had a beer in the clubhouse.Our last stop was in Kingston, Jamaica and the Third Test at Sabina Park. Jamaica has a rich cricket history, having produced champions like Courtney Walsh and Michael Holding.The first two days were very interesting, especially as it was a day-night Test and the series trend of “ball triumphing over bat” continued.The best part was me winning the tour sweep to predict the score at the end of Day 2, which was 6-99 compared to my prediction of 2-100. Karon and John with legendary Windies fast bowler Joel Garner That helped pay for some of this fantastic adventure!What a last day of cricket on tour - the Aussies were bowled out for 121 which left the Windies needing 203 to win. However, they were decimated by Mitch Starc taking 6-9, including his 400th Test wicket, and Scott Boland claiming a hat-trick as they were bowled out for 27 in the lowest number of balls ever. Starc was Player of the Match and Series. What a 100th Test match he had.Australia won the series 3-0 to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, whose grave we visited in Barbados.It’s a pity, from a cricket perspective, that all three Tests finished early, but this gave us more time to discover the Caribbean islands. West Indies cricket has some big issues to confront, especially their batting weaknesses and lack of local crowds.If the Aussies, both those on tour and travelling independently, were not there then very few people would’ve attended.When they did turn up, on Day 1 and 2 in Jamaica, the atmosphere was fantastic, with music, dancing, food, drink and friendly acceptance, especially in the Kingston Cricket Club Members Stand.After a night of celebrations in Kingston we did a bit of Jamaican sightseeing, by driving around new and old Kingston and visiting the National Heroes Park, Camp Royal, the waterfront and Trench Town.Trench Town is a public housing area where Bob Marley lived and is regarded as the birthplace of Reggae. On our second day off, we visited the Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and the Craft Markets.The museum was extremely interesting and gave us a great insight into Bob’s life, music and untimely death.We then left our Kingston hotel and took a local bus across the island to Montego Bay for our last two nights in the Caribbean. Our trip was delayed when our bus had a mechanical problem en route. Such is the joys of travelling in third-world countries - island time at its best.We stayed at Toby’s Resort, just down the road from the world famous Doctors Cave Beach and the Hip Strip of bars and restaurants.This also gave us a chance to visit the Secret Falls, Blue Hole and Dunn’s River Falls, made famous in the James Bond movie, Doctor No with Sean Connery and Ursula Andress.On our last morning we had a swim with the locals at Sunset Beach just near Toby’s. A great way to start our last day in the Caribbean.Our flights home involved returning to Miami for a night at the airport before flying to Sydney via Houston and Auckland, bringing an end to our eight-week Caribbean adventure following the Australian team.A truly wonderful experience, especially as it may be the last Australian tour here if the Windies are “relegated” to a future second tier of test nations.It was great being part of a tour of like-minded passionate cricket enthusiasts and watching some great cricket played at iconic venues.We visited 12 countries and took two cruises and 12 flights, to gain an in-depth perspective of this fascinating part of the world that I don’t think you can achieve travelling independently.

Councillor Melinda Lawton said concerns about the area turning into “little boxes on a hillside” was part of her decision to vote against Kiama Council’s Housing Strategy.Cr Lawton was the lone dissenting voice who voted against the Housing Strategy at this month's Council meeting and she did so because she was concerned about urban sprawl dominating the local government area.The Strategy confirms Kiama Council will add 900 more homes in the local government area by 2029, to meet NSW Government housing targets.“I understood where the other Councillors were coming from - this document had been on the table for a long time and people felt it needed to move forward,” Cr Lawton told The Bugle, airing her views as a Councillor rather than on behalf of Council.“However, I was really disappointed that we included areas that seemed excessive and the community thought they were excessive too.“There’ll be parklands and green spaces to divide up the housing but the way it was put, to me it seemed like a blanket approach. “The idea is that we don’t get all the little boxes on a hillside - there’s nothing I would hate to see more than pure urban sprawl of housing and nothing else.“I think it’s vitally important that we have mini shops, schools and employment areas. “From my perspective I felt the document could have included some more information about the other critical aspects of what’s going to be required to enforce this Housing Strategy.”Cr Lawton believes the name of the document should become Growth Strategy “so that we can see all areas that make up the whole.”.“I’m a big believer in creating a document that takes into account all the issues and then working through timelines, allowing it to be a constantly evolving document rather than a complete, submit and we look at it in five years,” she added.“Potentially it’s something we need to look at every two years, depending on people moving in and out of the area, what employment becomes available, how the LGA changes over time.“Yes, I was disappointed but now you’ve got to move on and work with it and I intend on being very instrumental in being part of the Strategy, working in as many benefits for community that are possible. I know everyone out there is really desperate for housing - that’s a given - but ensuring we do it properly.“It’s always that fine line - you won’t please everybody.” Many local residents have expressed fears that the area will end up resembling other locations already swamped by urban housing sprawl - vast estates with rows of houses with similar design outcomes.Previous urban sprawl does appear to be a case of “here’s some land, let’s put as many houses on it as possible,” she added. “And that comes from demand and developers wanting to maximise their return on investment, which I also understand.“But I think the time for that kind of urban sprawl is coming to an end. Developers are having to think more innovatively, community expectations are very high.“We are wanting more from our developments. We don’t want houses upon houses. We want walking tracks, cycling tracks, cornershops.”Cr Lawton said a community member hit the nail on the head when they told her “we don’t need one of everything in Kiama”. “We need to work regionally to see what other local councils are doing and see where we can share the load in providing services,” she said.As someone who grew up in Jamberoo, she was particularly concerned that the rural township could lose its unique character if there is too much development.“Everyone wants to live there because it’s so beautiful, rural and peaceful, however we need to be careful that it’s not loved to death by overdevelopment.“Our region is lucky that we have independent towns that bring people in.. The beauty, our friendliness and offerings are different from other places, we need to make sure we don’t wipe them out.”Cr Lawton is also worried the Strategy will not do enough to make housing more affordable and said it is not as simple as incorporating smaller houses or blocks into planning.“I’m really concerned that housing will be provided but not at a percentage of affordable housing,” she said.“We’re in a housing crisis so we need to look at things differently. “Social housing is a big issue. There’s such a small percentage in the Kiama LGA. This needs to be looked at in quickly. It should be one of our highest priorities. It can’t be an afterthought. “Part of my ongoing commitment to community is collaborating with various community groups to ensure active engagement during the development of further housing and growth policies.”

Independent MP Gareth Ward could remain the state member for the Kiama electorate even if he is sent to jail.Ward will return to the NSW District Court on Wednesday after being released on bail since he was found guilty on Friday of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault.The 44-year-old, who has protested his innocence throughout the judicial process, could appeal the verdict.Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles has indicated that she will request that his bail should be revoked on Wednesday.If Judge Kara Shead agrees, Ward will be taken into custody and imprisoned before he is sentenced at a later date.He was found guilty after complaints from a man, aged 24 at the time, over an incident at Potts Point in Sydney’s east a decade ago.The jury also found Ward guilty of indecently assaulting a recently turned 18-year-old at the politician’s Meroo Meadow home in 2013.NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman have called on Ward to resign immediately.The Premier said on Monday said it was "ridiculous" that Ward was able, under the NSW Constitution, to retain his seat even after he had been convicted of such serious offences.“You name me one workplace in the world where that person would continue to be an employee facing that kind of jail time,” he said."We are not dealing with hypotheticals any more. He has been convicted."Minns has indicated the NSW Government will take steps to protect the Legislative Assembly’s integrity because Ward's position is "no longer tenable".Parliament resumes next week and if Ward is expelled, a by-election will be held.Ward has been involved in politics for more than two decades after starting as a Councillor in the Shoalhaven before claiming the state seat of Kiama in 2011 and retaining it ever since, including as an independent - after he resigned from the Liberal Party - at the most recent election in 2023.He was suspended by the NSW Parliament in 2022 after the former minister for families, communities and disability services was charged by police with the sexual assault offences.After he was re-elected the following year, he was allowed to continue in the role after a Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee warned the government to "seriously consider any negative risks to the parliament, constituents, victims of any alleged crimes and the presumption of innocence" in relation to situations such as the one involving the Kiama MP.The NSW Constitution provides for politicians to be disqualified from Parliament if they are convicted of a charge that is punishable by a sentence of a prison term of more than five years, which is the case for all four offences that Ward was found guilty of committing.Sydney University Professor Anne Twomey, a constitutional law expert, told ABC Radio on Monday morning that there is the distinct possibility that Ward could be suspended but that the Constitution was amended 25 years ago to say expulsion ultimately depends on whether there is an appeal and its outcome.“What if you are elected, you’ve been convicted but you appeal and they overturn your conviction?” she said.“So the Constitution now says your disqualification only kicks in if, at the point where you’ve not appealed within the prescribed time, your disqualification kicks in immediately. Or if you have appealed, the disqualification kicks in at the point at which the appeals are all determined, assuming that they don’t quash your conviction.“There’s potentially quite a long period, depending on how long it takes to get an appeal on and whether there’s a further appeal after that, etc.”Professor Twomey said the most obvious path for the Parliament to take if they believe Ward should be removed would be to suspend him during an appeal period.“However in NSW, you can neither suspend or expel for any reason other than protecting the integrity of the Parliament and its ability to fulfil its functions,” she added.“So you can’t suspend or expel for punishment.“Punishment is something that can only be applied by the courts, not the Parliament.“The Constitution respects the fact that someone could appeal and the conviction could be quashed and therefore they should be able to retain their seat. So if you interfere with that with an expulsion, it’s sort of undermining that Constitutional respect for the process.”Professor Twomey said when the amendments were made to the Constitution in 2000, a provision was made so that “nothing in this section affects any power that a House has to expel a member of parliament”.“Expulsion power is still there in extreme cases and it would be a matter for the Parliament to decide whether this is an extreme case,” she explained.“In an extreme case they could say, well it undermines the ability of our House to operate because people will lose trust in us and respect for us and therefore in the circumstances we just simply have to expel (rather) than leave it up to the people to decide (at the next election).“They could do that. It’s a choice but in all circumstances they have to be able to justify it by saying this is for self-protection of the House’s ability to perform its function, it’s not because of the purposes of punishment.“If he appeals then it will take a while until that’s resolved. So you could be a member of Parliament and sitting in prison.”Speakman issued a statement to say Ward's conduct was a "complete abuse of power"."The Member for Kiama must resign from Parliament. If Mr Ward does not resign, then upon its resumption the Parliament should swiftly take all appropriate steps to protect its integrity,” he said.1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028