Calling all South Coast puppy lovers, Assistance Dogs Australia needs your help.The organisation is calling for volunteers who work from home, are retired or have flexible schedules and live within 100km of Sydney to help raise the next generation of life-changing assistance dogs. Puppy raisers like Beth Kates provide loving homes for puppies aged 8-18 weeks, socialising, training and integrating them into their everyday lives until the dogs are around 15 months old.They then return to Assistance Dogs Australia for intensive training before finding their forever homes with people with physical disability, children and families with autism, and people with post-traumatic stress disorder.When Beth moved from England two years ago she had to leave her own beloved pooches behind as they were in their twilight years and she was concerned the long journey and quarantine requirements would be too much for them.Desperately missing her dogs, she decided to volunteer with Assistance Dogs Australia, bringing Cairo - a black labrador puppy - into her home with her teenage sons.“I really missed having dogs around,” says Beth. “I came from a farm in England and now I live in a city so becoming a puppy raiser for ADA was a really good way for me to have four paws on the floor.“They go everywhere with you, the shops, the cinema, everywhere, they have to because you are training to be able to eventually go everywhere for the people they support.“You get a much closer bond than you would with a normal pet dog. They become really bonded with you, look at you all the time for guidance as to what they should be doing and do everything you ask of them because that’s what they need to be doing as assistance dogs.”When it was time to say goodbye to Cairo, Beth was “heartbroken”.“I absolutely fell in love with him. He was amazing, so saying goodbye was really, really hard,” she said. “But then I saw him two months after he went back to national training and he definitely remembered me and he was just giving me lots of big hugs.”The only way to get over missing Cairo was to “get another puppy to raise” and she is now training a golden labrador called Nancy.ADA volunteer program manager Kristie Worthy said puppy volunteers were essential to the success of the organisation’s programs. “By opening their homes and their lives to a puppy, volunteers help shape calm, confident dogs who will one day provide independence and support to someone who truly needs it,” she said. “Assistance dogs change lives, but they don’t get there on their own. Every assistance dog starts out as a puppy, and every puppy needs a dedicated volunteer to guide them through those critical early months.”Beth says training high-energy labradors - the preferred breed for Assistance Dogs Australia - required patience and daily practice.“Assistance dogs need to be able to open doors or a drawer, they need to be able to bring somebody the remote control, to go in a crate and stay there and not rush out when you open the door,” she explained. “You want a perfectly behaved dog. And so getting to that point requires daily training - every task you do has to involve the dog so that they've got the best ever manners. “And you see most Labradors are not like that as puppies but they are very food driven so it’s our job to teach them!”Volunteers receive training and support with frequent visits from a field trainer and the Assistance Dogs Australia community.“Some days the training can be tricky," added Beth. "If the dog's a bit distracted, it's too hot, there's other dogs around, but knowing that you are doing it to help people who need assistance in their daily life keeps you motivated.“It's an incredibly important thing to do and that’s what got me through the training on the difficult days. There’s always someone at the end of the phone so you can ask questions, touch base, we've got a community of volunteers and puppy educators that you can say ‘has anyone had this problem before’.”Assistance Dogs Australia provides support for all food, veterinary care, equipment and ongoing training for volunteers. Prior experience with dogs is helpful but not essential and volunteers need to have the puppies with them for most of the day as the puppies couldn’t be left home alone for long periods.“It's a really good, feelgood thing to do,” said Beth. “And volunteers get a lot of puppy snuggles.”For more information or to register interest, visit assistancedogs.org.au/volunteer.

Lake Illawarra Police are appealing for information as investigations continue into a violent home invasion at Flinders overnight.About 3.40am on Sunday, emergency services were called to a home on Mummuga Close, Flinders, following reports of a home invasion.Lake Illawarra Police District officers attended and were told four unknown males wearing balaclavas, one armed with a knife, forced entry into the home's converted garage and assaulted a 20-year-old man.Three other occupants – two men aged 19 and 43, and a 37-year-old woman – attempted to assist, but the residents were also assaulted by the group of intruders, who then ran away from the scene.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 43-year-old man for stab wounds to the head and chest, the 20-year-old man for a stab wound to the leg and stomach, and the 19-year-old man for significant facial injuries.They were taken to hospital in a serious condition.A crime scene has been established and investigations are continuing.Anyone with information is urged to contact Lake Illawarra Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The new year always brings a sense of possibility, but for the Kiama Business Network, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year full of action, celebration and fresh opportunities for local businesses. As summer winds down, here’s what’s been happening across our business community - and what you can look forward to in the months ahead.First up, the highly anticipated 2026 Kiama Business Directory is officially complete and at the printers. Keep an eye out next week for your copy, whether you’re a business owner looking to connect with others or a resident eager to discover new local services, shops and professionals. This directory remains a staple for our community, shining a spotlight on the breadth and quality of businesses that make Kiama and surrounds such a vibrant place to live and work.Speaking of recognition, mark your calendars: the 2026 Kiama Business Awards will take place on 23 July. This year brings something extra - six new award categories, giving more businesses the chance to be acknowledged for their unique contributions and achievements.KBN is also ramping up support for nominees, offering mentorship and guidance to help businesses present themselves in the best possible light. Mick Emmett.And for those who take home a trophy, there’s more good news: all winners will automatically advance as finalists in the prestigious Business Illawarra Awards, putting Kiama’s best on the regional stage.Community spirit is at the heart of everything KBN does. This will no doubt be on show during the upcoming Kiama Jazz and Blues weekend, where KBN has proudly sponsored the Blues Bus. The initiative makes it easy and safe for locals and visitors to get to the many fantastic venues hosting an impressive lineup of local, national and international talent. It’s a small gesture that we hope makes a big difference, keeping the music alive and the community connected.Navigation just got easier for shoppers, too. The new KBN retail map has been upgraded and now features retail shops not just in Kiama town, but across Gerringong, Jamberoo, Gainsborough, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra, and Kiama Heights. The new map will debut at the Seaside Markets on 15 March, ready to guide locals and visitors alike to the best in retail therapy. For those who like to browse on the go, bespoke digital versions will soon be available to KBN members.Youth engagement remains a priority for KBN. The Markets Crew, a youth employment program, continues to grow.It offers local young people the chance to pick up new skills, real-world experience, and a salary. Watch this space for updates on events designed to build even stronger ties between our businesses and the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs.There have been some changes behind the scenes as well. A huge thank you goes out to Michael Emmett, founder of BlueStone, who has stepped down from the KBN board after six years of dedicated service. Mick’s calm, thoughtful leadership helped steer the network through challenging times, including the pandemic and the recent economic uncertainty. From all of us, thank you. Enjoy more time with your young family and good luck on the cricket pitch!We’re also excited to welcome Derek McMahon, owner of McMahon’s Transport, to the board. Derek brings fresh ideas, deep community roots, and a strong voice for local business - qualities already making a difference, especially in ongoing discussions with Kiama Council about the Employment Lands Strategy.And, as we celebrate milestones, a very happy one-year anniversary to our executive officer, Mel Scarr. Mel’s energy, professionalism and experience have transformed what KBN can deliver for local businesses. Here’s to many more years of growth and community success.With new resources, events, and faces, 2026 is off to a strong start. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come from KBN.Please note - this is paid content

Kiama Leagues Club was alive with colour, flavour and festive spirit on Wednesday night as guests gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year at Cedar Cutters Sports Bar.The special Lunar New Year set menu delivered exactly what was promised - a bold, banquet-style dining experience designed for sharing and savouring.Guests enjoyed the generous offerings from the carefully curated menu that highlighted classic Asian flavours and techniques. It was a lively, social atmosphere, with diners sampling the variety while enjoying the buzz of the sold-out event.Entrees featured steamed pork and chive dumplings alongside duck spring rolls with salt and pepper squid. The main course selection was equally impressive, with Cantonese soy and ginger barramundi, Kung Pao chicken and rich braised beef short rib, complemented by seasonal Asian greens. The meal ended on a high note with a coconut and kaffir lime pannacotta, offering a light yet indulgent finish - all favourites that reflect the warmth and generosity traditionally associated with Lunar New Year celebrations.The event showcased the club’s commitment to offering diverse dining experiences and celebrating cultural occasions within the community.Hats off to executive chef Sarah Rebbeck for delivering an outstanding event that was widely praised by diners. The banquet-style format encouraged sharing and conversation, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere in keeping with the spirit of Lunar New Year.The Cedar Cutters Sports Bar proved a perfect venue, with its extensive sports coverage screens themed for the occasion to enhance the setting. One fellow diner even suggested the banquet could inspire a regular seafood feast to follow on from the popular Oyster Sundays - an idea many would welcome.Judging by the strong turnout and positive response from diners, the Lunar New Year banquet was a standout success and a welcome addition to the club’s calendar of special events.

As a journalist, it can be difficult to be unbiased at times, especially when you love Italian food and you’re tasked with writing about pizza (there are worse jobs, I suppose). The assignment from The Bugle was to check out the local pizza scene. However, this journalist went to one of Kiama’s newest pizza joints, Loui’s, and decided she’d seen all she needed to see in regards to pizza and anything carbohydrate related.Upon walking into Loui’s, owned by Morgan Lewis, also the proprietor of Fillmore’s, I instantly felt welcome. The layout is spacious yet cosy, with plenty of natural light and the staff are friendly and easy going. Renovated by Morgan using recycled wood, the interior strikes a balance between openness and warmth. He had the goal of creating a space where locals - although tourists are also welcome - would feel comfortable eating alone at the bar and chatting to the staff. He also wanted to offer late-night dining to the local community, something of a rarity in Kiama. And in particular, he felt it was important to create a safe space for women to dine alone.In addition to the welcoming atmosphere, the food at Loui’s is certainly something to write home about. Based on traditional Italian food, which at its core is simple and uncomplicated, Loui’s offers a variety of pizzas and pastas which prove less is always more. Morgan worked closely with Adam Childs to create a simple yet satisfying menu. Having previously worked together at Fillmore’s, he said “it’s a really good partnership, it works great”.This is evident as they laugh and chat about the menu that they developed together. Despite the simplicity, the ingredients are high quality and local.“It’s very important to have really good, fresh produce. And everything is made fresh on-site daily … and it’s ever evolving,” Morgan said.Some recommendations from Morgan and Adam are the potato pizza and the salami pizza, which of course I had to try and, as expected, they were tasty and fired to perfection. If you’re looking to feed a crowd, the table of nine that I dined with shared five pizzas which was enough to satiate us all. While sipping on wine curated by Yakka and waiting for our pizzas to be woodfired, I caught glimpses of Adam kneading and tossing the pizza dough fresh to order (oh, to be the dough). After pizza, it was time for dessert. On offer were oven-roasted, glazed peaches served with pistachio or vanilla gelato. The peach itself was somewhat tricky to eat with a spoon, so I suggest picking it up and biting into it while simultaneously manoeuvring the gelato into your mouth. Although be warned - you might feel like you should buy the peach a drink before consuming this way. If you still have room after dessert, why not treat yourself to an affogato with coffee from a local roastery, Little Earth.Loui’s is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm-10pm, Fridays and Saturdays 5pm-10:30pm.

Jamberoo’s long-awaited dog park is officially moving ahead, with Kiama Council endorsing a revised design for a fenced off-leash area at the corner of Churchill Street and Gibson Crescent.The project, expected to be completed by mid-2026, marks the culmination of years of advocacy from local residents. Jamberoo is the only township in the LGA without a designated off-leash dog space, an issue that gained momentum in 2022 when Kiama Council received a petition – attracting hundreds of signatures – calling for a fenced facility in the area.Councillor Stuart Larkins said he was pleased to see the project progressing after a lengthy and at times contentious process.“There’s been a long advocacy for dog space in Jamberoo. There isn’t any dog space, and it’s been an issue for quite some time,” Cr Larkins said. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said: “We’re happy the dog park is moving forward. Cr Larkins has been a driving force behind this and I thank him for his efforts. We’re getting closer to people being able to get out to thecentre of Jamberoo and enjoy this Council facility.”Council assessed several potential sites before determining the Gibson Crescent reserve was the most suitable, with other options ruled out due to impacts on cemetery or sporting land.Initial works began in April 2025, including plumbing and partial fencing, but the early installation of fencing prompted community concern about the size, layout and the loss of informal overflow parking used during events. The project was subsequently paused and five design options were placed on public exhibition between September and November.Option 5, which proposed two separate dog areas, received the highest level of support. However, consultation also revealed strong sentiment for an unfenced space. Taking this feedback into account, Council has endorsed a modified Option 5 that will include a fenced 30m x 30m area for small dogs and a designated but unfenced off-leash area for large dogs. The park will also feature shade structures, seating, bins, footpaths and a drinking water bubbler.The project is jointly funded by $75,600 from the NSW Government and $70,000 from Council’s developer contribution fund. With grant funding required to be spent by November 2026, it seems Jamberoo will finally be ready to let the dogs out – officially.

Kiama’s Family History Centre volunteers will continue to have access to the facility during Kiama Library opening hours to undertake research on behalf of the wider community.Councillor Erica Warren successfully moved a motion at Tuesday night’s meeting asking Council to formally acknowledge the centre’s significance as a cultural, educational, and community resource – locally, nationally, and internationally. It also reaffirmed that volunteers will continue to be able to help members of the public with research projects.Cr Warren said the motion sought to ensure the centre’s sustainability while maintaining its volunteer-led operations. The motion also directs Council CEO Jane Stroud to report on operating costs and explore cost-recovery options, including fee-for-service sessions, annual memberships, and volunteer-led models with minimal staff oversight.“The Kiama Family History Centre is more than a room in the library,” Cr Warren said at the meeting. “It is a repository of unique local history, an educational hub, and a place of purpose for volunteers and residents alike. This motion ensures the centre can continue to operate sustainably and remain accessible.”The centre, established in 1989 beneath the Kiama Library has been a cornerstone of the community.Volunteers have dedicated decades to transcribing historical documents, digitising records, and assisting local, interstate, and international researchers.The decision follows Council’s recent announcement to reduce the centre’s open-to-the-public hours to two per week as part of the library’s overall services. During library hours, volunteers will continue to be supported by Council to undertake research projects on behalf of the community.Many volunteers and community members attended the council meeting, witnessing the vote that reaffirmed the value of the centre and the importance of volunteer-led service in preserving Kiama’s history. “Kiama Council absolutely loves its volunteers. If you volunteer for Council, you do so in an unpaid capacity, but you are still deemed a Council employee, so we've got a little bit of work to do in terms of bringing those Council volunteers up to speed around their responsibilities, roles and our code of conduct,” CEO Jane Stroud said. “We're going to do a wave of mandatory training for any of our unpaid workforce, because we value the work that they do and they need to know their obligations as volunteer employees of the Council.” Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, whose uncle has been a long-term volunteer, hoped the Family History Centre services will still be an integral part of Council despite the restructure of the library.“It is a really important local offering and we've had many volunteers over the years providing their time so that people can come in, research their family history, and many other topics, including how our links to history have been shaped our local community. “Our volunteers should not be discouraged from providing these services.“The volunteers are a really valued resource for our local community and there is a range of matters that volunteers have been querying recently such as what times the offering will be available, what future services from the facility will look like and what infrastructure they will be provided with. “We are looking forward to having those conversations and for these much respected volunteers to continue providing the service that they would like to provide well into the future.”Stroud added that the Community College notified Council a month ago that they would be vacating their premises. Council will consult with volunteers and community stakeholders over the next 12 months to co-design this space and develop a sustainable operating model for the centre, similar to the successful Gerringong Library Arts and Museum model. “That's a significant change for us and that's a valuable asset and a valuable parcel of Council land that we need to activate and that we need to use,” she said.“So it's high time to reconsider what goes on in that downstairs section of the building and what it could be into the future and certainly what we did at Gerringong has been a great success.GLaM has a small exhibition space, there's local history, heritage information side by side with the library service and it operates really well. “One half of the building is operated by an incorporated volunteer group, which is fabulous, and the other half is staffed by Council staff.”

More than 60 people are moving into a new 39-unit social and affordable housing complex in Bomaderry, marking a significant boost to local housing supply. The development is close to Bomaderry train station and includes 25 social homes and 14 affordable units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, with shared BBQ and play areas.The project was funded through a $4.8 million NSW Government contribution via the Community Housing Innovation Fund, supported by Southern Cross Housing, with land donated by Shoalhaven City Council. Southern Cross Housing will manage the complex.The first residents include women over 55, a demographic at growing risk of homelessness. The project is part of the state’s $6.6 billion social housing investment, expected to deliver 8,400 new homes across New South Wales.Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said the development would provide greater housing options for Shoalhaven. Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson added: “Many of the new homes are going to women aged over 55, and that’s exactly who we need to be supporting.”Southern Cross Housing CEO Alex Pontello described the project as “life changing for so many." Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White said, “Providing land is one of the levers we can pull, and I’m delighted this important step was taken and this project is now complete.” 

For local businesses in Berry, there was an upside to the return of fans for Red Hot Summer, the touring rock concert series that stopped in town on Valentine’s Day.Many festivalgoers were returning for an encore after previously attending Red Hot Summer when it took place at Berry Showground in October— and they had learned money-saving strategies that had a positive impact on the local community.“Instead of buying food in the venue, we arranged to go out to eat in Berry beforehand,” said a festivalgoer in his 70s. He had been gifted tickets to the October show by his children and grandchildren for Father’s Day and enjoyed it so much he returned for last weekend’s concert.Despite paying for ‘fast pass entry’, his group still chose to enjoy a leisurely lunch in Berry before heading to the Showground — proof that, despite an abundance of food trucks on site, the influx of people pouring into town was still spending locally.“Last time, we rushed to the venue to get good seats, but this time around we wanted to spend time in the town as well as enjoy the music,” he added.Berry Chamber of Commerce & Tourism secretary Anthony Colfelt said the dual concerts over summer had delivered “a strong economic boost for Berry and surrounding areas”.“With thousands of visitors in town for the weekend, local accommodation providers often book out, while cafés, restaurants, pubs and retailers benefit from increased foot traffic and spending.”For local businesses, it’s the ripple effect of the festival which makes the difference.“Many concertgoers arrive early or stay on after the event, exploring the town and supporting a wide range of local businesses,” says Colfelt. “Beyond the immediate impact, events like this showcase Berry as a vibrant destination, attracting new visitors who return again in the future.”Festivalgoers took to the Ticketmaster website to applaud the event — and air their grievances.“We have been going to the Red Hot Summer Tours for many years,” wrote one fan. “The event was extremely well run, employees were polite and professional, good security was in place and good quality food was available. And to all the performers — they gave it their all. It was one of the best programs we have been to.”Others were less complimentary, including a disgruntled attendee who paid for the ‘RocketBar’ package, which cost $299.90 and included access to a bar and a barbecue dinner.“We really appreciated the fast-pass entry — tick! Tables, chairs and umbrellas — tick! Separate bar — tick! Barbecue dinner — dismal,” they wrote. “It was basic at best — sausages, undressed salad and white sliced bread. C’mon guys, if you are offering a premium experience, a lot more thought could have been put into this economically.”Unimpressed, they chose to leave the private bar to buy food elsewhere.It’s bad news for the food trucks inside the venue, but good news for the local community — especially with the event expected to return next year.

There they were, about a dozen or so, spread along the rooftops about 100m ahead, above where I was headed on foot. Police with rifles raised, snipers.Not what you'd expect at 6pm on a Monday in Sydney's Darling Harbour.This wasn't a film shoot. These weren't stuntmen in bulletproof vests. And what they held in their hands were not props. They were real rifles.Four of us had left Happy Hour at our Harbourside hotel to walk to dinner.Something was up, you could feel it. There were police officers everywhere, poised, on alert.The police presence on the ground as we approached the International Convention Centre was enormous. So many young police officers, male and female, and plainclothes personnel as well. Standing in groups of two or three, all around. Watching, and waiting. For what, I wondered.With so many people, tourists, visitors and locals alike, milling around the harbour front or making their way to the various cafes, bars and restaurants, this was a fragile, possibly tenuous, definitely not-your-normal Monday evening sort of situation.All the while, two helicopters hovered overhead, occasionally taking off for a reconnoitre, then returning. Their noise was a little reminiscent of Apocalypse Now.Blame my imagination. Blame my heightened sense of Something Not Quite Right.Then, the lightbulb moment. It suddenly occurred to me that the President of Israel had arrived in Sydney earlier today.Now it made sense. What's the bet he wasn't actually here at the ICC?The public walkway was crowded, and hubby and I were uneasy, though our dinner partners ahead of us were blissfully unaware as they hungrily forged ahead towards our Chinese restaurant of choice.Not much further along, we were all stopped and asked by an armed police officer if we were attending the imminent meeting inside the Centre, and the answer being no, we were diverted to another pathway through to Chinatown where we spent the next delightful, anxiety-free hour eating, drinking and catching up with our friends. Before we meaningfully avoided the uncertainty and scariness of the return walk by using the Light Rail, a first for me! How great is an opal Card. Hubby and I had come to Sydney earlier in the day, ostensibly for an exhibition, Ron Mueck Encounters, at our gorgeous Art Gallery of NSW.We knew of President Herzog's visit, and therefore dutifully checked out Live Traffic for possible road closures. We were also aware of the possibility of unrest, and violence at Sydney Town Hall, but we weren't going to be there, so all good. We didn't know however, about the ICC gathering, and neither did most people, no doubt for security reasons.We could have gone to the city just for the day. I could quite happily spend an entire day at the Art Gallery, especially a rainy day. Which it was. But weeks ago we had decided to make our trip an overnighter, so that we had a bit of time to see for ourselves what had been happening in this lively part of the city since we'd last been here, quite a few years ago.Barangaroo, an eye-watering assortment of very high rise apartments and skyscrapers blotting out the sky, more coffee shops than customers, many more bars, and myriad construction sites, that's what's happened.The beauty of our Harbour though, still remains, though becoming cluttered. What is also unchanged is the fun of getting out on the water in one of our iconic ferries. It's always a must do for me.If you find yourself in need of an awesome art experience, do make the time to at least check out the Ron Mueck exhibition, only in Sydney at the Art gallery of NSW, until 12 April.Mueck, born in Melbourne in 1958 but working in the UK, is a sculptor whose work is unparalleled for its exquisitely crafted realism. He started as a puppet and mask maker, and earlier in his career had collaborated on productions with the likes of Jim Henson of Muppets fame.As one newspaper reported about Encounters, you'd be forgiven for thinking the sculptures are alive.How did I find out about the Exhibition?I can happily blame my phone for this. My beloved phone is always telling me of opportunities not to be missed, things to go to, things to see and do. It's my pocket What's On Guide.My phone though, regrettably, didn't tell me about unknowingly finding myself in a potential hot spot, walking apprehensively through banks of police with copters overhead and snipers on standby. Just to get dinner.An innocent abroad, thankfully not caught up in any mayhem, and in hindsight, keen to tell my tale.

Drivers using Moss Vale Road should prepare for delays starting next week as work begins to repair three landslip sites on Cambewarra Mountain.The stabilization project, funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will focus on the stretch between Green Valley Road and Cambewarra Lookout Road starting on Monday (23 February).Transport for NSW will be deploying specialist contractors to install soil nails, apply shotcrete, and improve drainage.Work will take place Monday to Friday, between 7am and 5pm. During these hours, motorists should expect lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h.Travelers are advised to factor in an extra five minutes of travel time for the duration of the 12-week project.While most lane closures will be restricted to work hours, a more significant disruption is planned for mid-April. For roughly three weeks, a single-lane closure will remain in place 24 hours a day near Beau Cottage while roadside safety barriers are removed to facilitate repairs.Further maintenance is also on the horizon. In late March 2026, drainage work will require overnight closures of Moss Vale Road across both Barrengarry and Cambewarra mountains.Specific dates and times for these night-time closures will be released to the community in the coming weeks.Since the record-breaking rainfall of 2022, 39 landslip sites have been repaired along this corridor, with 11 sites still remaining on the project list.Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, noted that these works are part of a long-term recovery effort to make this critical route more resilient for locals and visitors alike.For more information on natural disaster recovery on Moss Vale Road, residents can visit transport.nsw.gov.au/mvr-repairs.

Almost nine years after Kiama local Mark Burns went for a walk around Kiama Harbour and came up with the idea for The Man Walk, the initiative is preparing to launch its 100th location.With 93 locations across Australia, four in New Zealand, one in Japan and one in England, Burns still struggles to comprehend how much the grassroots movement has grown.“It’s unexpected - that’s probably the best word for it,” Burns said. “The Man Walk has been this inadvertent success since late 2018, when I went for a wander around Kiama Harbour just to get myself on the right foot.“It was about starting the day in the sun, clearing my head - simple stuff. It worked for me. Then my mates crashed my walk and from there it grew to Wollongong, then Coolangatta, and then a viral social media post in 2019 that reached 1.3 million people.”Originally, the goal was to launch 12 new locations each year. Since 1 July 2025 alone, 21 new walks have started.“The most recent ones include Bribie Island, Chelsea in Victoria, Rutherglen, and Rockhampton, and we’re at 99 now,” he said. “It’ll be a bit of a race to see which becomes number 100. It might be Sylvania in Sydney - or maybe Chelsea in the UK. Pretty cool to have Chelsea, Victoria and Chelsea, London.”As the initiative expands, Burns says the responsibility behind the scenes has grown too. On the tougher days, he draws motivation from the stories he hears from participants.“What’s really powerful is hearing from the blokes who walk regularly. It’s mostly older men - it’s open to anyone 18 and over, free and weekly - but some of the stories are incredible,” he said.“I’ve had guys say, ‘This is my first friend in 40 years,’ or ‘The Man Walk saved my life.’ When I get bogged down in governance, insurance and strategy - which I never thought I’d be worrying about - I think about those stories.”The founder of The Man Walk Mark Burns (centre). Photo: Mark BurnsThe program’s impact is now being measured more formally through a longitudinal study with Charles Sturt University.“Professor Julaine Allan specialises in community connection and social wellbeing. They had some funding available and reached out after seeing what we were doing online,” Burns said.“She and her team designed a thorough study looking at demographics, cultural background, economic position, alcohol consumption, and anxiety and depression scales. We survey ambassadors and walkers in March and October each year for five years. As the same men continue participating, it strengthens the data.”Ninety-seven per cent of men surveyed said The Man Walk has had a positive impact on their mental and physical health whilst ninety-nine per cent said it helped them engage socially with others. The first phase of the study concluded: “The Man Walk is a community-based program that effectively fosters social connection, routine and wellbeing, especially for older men and those in regional and lower socioeconomic areas.”Despite the growth, Burns insists the core of The Man Walk remains unchanged.“The purpose hasn’t changed. It’s still a low-barrier, easy opportunity for connection - shoulder-to-shoulder, walk and talk. That simplicity is the magic, and I don’t think that will ever change,” he said.“What has evolved is that we now offer more. There are mental health education programs and wellbeing check-ins. And with so many locations, there’s a bit of ‘Man Walk tourism’ - like parkrun tourism. Some blokes have walked at 30 or 40 locations around Australia.”Once the 100th walk is confirmed, Burns hopes to see another 500 established over the next decade.“Growth has been entirely organic so far, but we’re starting to identify areas of need more strategically,” he said.In the near future, the organisation will host ‘One Big Walk for Men’s Health and Wellbeing’ - a 400-kilometre trek from Tathra to Kembla Grange from June 13 to 20, more than a marathon a day.“It’s about raising awareness and funds. We’ll pass about 14 active Man Walk locations along the coast and connect with them. Funding a free organisation is tough,” Burns said.“We’re hoping 15 people will commit to the full eight days, each raising $5,000. "Others can join for a day and aim to raise $1,000.”The group will finish at Kembla Grange on Race Against Suicide race day.“It’s a big challenge - I’ve got the walking shoes on already - but it’s exciting. We’re proud of where things are heading. It’s definitely onward and upward.”

A significant new collaboration between NSW Ambulance and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) has been launched to enhance patient care and reduce the burden on regional emergency departments.The program, announced this week, introduces two additional Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) vehicles to the region.These units are staffed by six specialist paramedics who are highly skilled in assessing and treating "low acuity" conditions.Their primary objective is to provide high-quality medical intervention within the community, allowing patients with chronic or complex but non-emergency conditions to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.The logic behind the initiative is to ensure that hospital resources are reserved for those in most urgent need.By performing on-the-spot assessments, these ECPs can provide treatment in a patient’s home.Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, described the program as a "terrific example" of local health teams co-designing innovative pathways to ensure residents receive the care they require without enduring long waits in a busy Emergency Department (ED).In addition to the increased physical presence on the road, NSW Ambulance is enhancing its Virtual Clinical Care Centre (VCCC).This system allows experienced clinicians to monitor the Illawarra Shoalhaven area remotely.If a patient’s condition is stable, the VCCC can connect them with alternative care options, such as a GP or pharmacist, ensuring the most appropriate provider is utilised while preserving frontline ambulance resources for life-threatening emergencies.Minister for Health and Member for Keira, Ryan Park, noted that this collaboration is a vital step in delivering better health outcomes across the state.By integrating services across the health network, the government aims to provide the right care in the most appropriate setting.The initiative also supports the expansion of the Aged Care Outreach Service.For older residents in Kiama and the South Coast, this provides increased access to clinical care within their own residential facilities, helping to address the challenges faced by patients awaiting NDIS or aged care placements.Liza Butler, Member for South Coast, highlighted the essential role these paramedics play in supporting the community.While planning for future phases of the program is currently underway, this immediate boost in resources is a welcome development for the region's healthcare infrastructure.

A young girl came into the Gerringong Museum the other day and spent some time looking at all the history while waiting for a train back to Sydney. She was so impressed with the Kiama district, the history and the scenery. She made the observation that artists must flock to this place as it is so beautiful. I pulled out my phone and showed her a set of paintings by an artist from Gerringong. She was very impressed.His name was John Downton.I first came across John when he opened Hilltop Gallery as my sister was one of a group of artists who exhibited pieces there. Other artists who did the same were Michael McCarthy, Leonard Long and Vinh N Trieu. The gallery was located on the first hill as you come into Gerringong from the Omega bridge. The Mercure Resort is there now.John was born in San Souci in 1939. His father was a veteran of horrible battles on the Western Front in World War I.He first moved to Werri Beach when he was eight and immediately began a lifelong love affair with the beach and the sea. A glance at a lot of his paintings will confirm this. One great memory he has is of the old steam trains and the whistle they made as they passed the Omega station nearby. In fact sometimes John joined Bob Holman who was the fettler on the local railways, and they would run the length of the line checking all the bolts and sleepers.Another great memory John has from his time at Werri was when he built a boat in his house! “I built a sailboat in the lounge room of my Werri Beach house - the house I had bought from Jack Holman,” he recalls. “I wasn’t married then, otherwise this probably wouldn’t have happened. “We had a job getting the sailboat out of the house when it was finished, but we finally succeeded.”Even though John, with his family, or by himself, has moved away from Werri at different times, such as a move to Eden, he always seemed to return.His first job was as a watchmaker. One day he met a REAL artist, Leonard Long.Long was a brilliant landscape artist in his own right and was still painting when he was 100.He was a watchmaker, like John, in Bowral but sold the business to become a full-time painter in 1955. He had many successful exhibitions and was awarded the Order of Australia in 1993.John was so impressed he was spurred on to become an artist himself. Long encouraged him and helped John whenever he could. Often both of them, with other artists such as Michael McCarthy would go for road trips around the country to find beautiful scenery to paint. Judging by their paintings they were very successful.Leaving watchmaking, John started his painting career in 1973. He attended art classes at the Royal Art Society of NSW.To outline all of the achievements that John has attained in his long and rich career would take three or four full page articles in the Bugle. I will try to outline just a few highlights.John received an Australian Navy award in 1987 and he has had a long association with the Australian Navy. He was the Navy artist in East Timor in 2000. The Navy named a gallery inside the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra the ‘John Downton Gallery’. John has painted numerous images of ships and sailors.He was the first artist to be invited to hold an exhibition at the Mitchell Library in Sydney.John has received numerous accolades from countries such as Japan and Ireland. The Japanese awarded him cultural awards in 1989 and 1999. The Irish invited him to hold an exhibition during a historical celebration in Dublin.Westpac used his painting on an international Christmas card and many companies have used his paintings on their calendars.He has conducted successful exhibitions in a large number of places including the abovementioned Hilltop Gallery each year.He has won the Caltex Art Award three times. John received an OAM in 2017.This is but a small snapshot of his achievements. Through all this he has remained a quiet, friendly, lovely person.Gerringong and the Kiama district have attracted many brilliant artists, and John has to be included in that list.He certainly is my favourite. At my home we have many paintings of his adorning our walls.I will make mention that most of the information and pictures for this article have come from John's book, ‘The Dirty Big Red Book’. When talking to him I referred to it as The Big Red Book. ‘No no no no’, he said, ' you might get into trouble if you call it that!’

With the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival on hiatus this year, local live music fans won’t go without. Opening the community-led Sounds of Jazz & Blues weekend at Yves Social on Friday 6 March are the Swamp Critters, a four-piece Illawarra blues band with deep roots in the regional music scene.“It’s the first time for us, so we’re excited to have a spot there at the Jazz and Blues,” said band member Tim Kierse.Formed in 2018 but ever-changing in its membership, the band now also comprises Mark Wallis, Steve Whitworth and Kate Whitworth.The seasoned musicians have graced stages across the South Coast to Sydney – from pubs and clubs to private parties, and at regional events including the Goulburn Blues Festival.“The Swamp Critters have always been focused on a more southern flavour of blues than what we saw on offer at venues at the time,” Kierse said.The band draws on a wide range of influences – from Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley and Junior Wells, to contemporary acts such as Smokehouse, Owen Wilson, Southern Culture on the Skids, and Bonnie Raitt – a mix that allows them to tailor performances to Saturday night dance crowds and more relaxed Sunday afternoon audiences.The current line-up has been together since December, with drummer Steve Whitworth the only original member.Their sound, described as “grooving the blues,” blends traditional blues structures with a soulful edge.“Blues is kind of an all-encompassing term. It’s different things for different people,” Kierse said. “But sort of our style of it, and some of the songs that we play, there’s definitely a bit of a soul tinge to some of the songs, and some that actually get in a bit of a groove. Not too fast, not too slow, but something to get your head nodding and your feet tapping.”Primarily a pubs-and-clubs band, the Swamp Critters thrive in intimate environments. “It’s not unusual to have people dancing literally within arm’s reach of the band at different venues,” Kierse said.Like many regional musicians, the band faces the challenge of fewer venues supporting live music. “There’s a lot of bands out there and there’s not a lot of venues that actually support live music these days,” Kierse said.“So it’s a bit of a challenge to actually get regular gigs, especially for a band such as us that are focused more on lesser well-known songs.”For Friday night at Yves Social, the plan is to start slow and build into a lively two-hour set. “Pretty much we’ll start out slow and finish strong.Normally what we would do is we would have our set list of songs and more dancey-type numbers for the Friday night crowd, and we’ll see how it goes and how the crowd reacts,” Kierse said.In a year without the festival, Swamp Critters are showing that Kiama’s live music scene endures – fueled by musicians and venues determined to keep the blues alive.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Shellharbour.Michael Imad, aged 31, was last seen at a shopping centre on Lake Entrance Road at Shellharbour City Centre about 3.30pm on Thursday.When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District were notified and started inquiries into his whereabouts.Police and family hold concerns for Michael’s welfare.Michael is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, about 165cm to 170cm tall, of medium build and has short black hair, with black facial hair.He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, blue camo track pants, black joggers.Michael is known to frequent the Illawarra and Bondi Junction areas.

Kiama’s beloved Old Fire Station gallery has been taken over this month as WO-MAN-O-FEST brings a burst of color and high-end craft to the heart of town.The exhibition was launched on Thursday night to an enthusiastic crowd, with guests gathering to celebrate the unveiling of the new collection.It was the perfect chance to meet the makers, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate the local creative scene.The show is steered by curator and artist Auguste Blackman, son of the iconic Charles Blackman, who has handpicked a stellar lineup of Illawarra-based talent to share the spotlight.Gallery visitors on opening nightA major highlight of the exhibition is the inclusion of Harvey and Jules, who are set to showcase a mesmerizing collection of polished Australian Boulder Opal jewelry.August with visitors on opening nightThese aren't your average gems; fused naturally with ironstone, these opals are celebrated for their unique play of light, deep hidden sparkle, and elegant organic forms.The striking natural striations ensure that each piece carries a one-of-a-kind character, making them a magnet for serious collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.Opening night visitorsThe walls also feature a rich tapestry of local voices, including the highly respected Indigenous artist Randall Sinnamon, alongside notable contributions from Leah Wilde, Bob Dixon, and Machteld Hali.August's art work - Owls galore! Find your spirit animal at the exhibition!Adding a whimsical touch to the gallery, Auguste Blackman has produced 45 bespoke owl paintings specifically for this Kiama run, ensuring the space is packed with as much personality as it is prestige.Artist Leah Wilde with supportersBetween the rare gemstones and Blackman’s trademark humor, WO-MAN-O-FEST is set to be a standout on the local cultural calendar. It’ll be a hoot!Randall Sinnamon - artist - with Becky Guggisberg from Fillmores enjoying opening night

A new Rural Fire Service brigade station at Dunmore will ensure local firefighters are better equipped to do their life-saving work.The NSW Government has announced six new combined Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres and 18 new rural fire stations as part of a $34.5 million project to help coordinate the response to bushfires and other emergencies such as storms and floods.Kiama MP Katelin McInerney welcomed the announcement from Minister for Emergency Service Jihad Dib.“Having met the amazing volunteers at Dunmore RFS with Minister Dib last year, I know firsthand that this investment will ensure they have the modern amenities needed to train and attract more volunteers, particularly women,” she said.“The new station will provide change rooms that will cater for all members, a multi-purpose room for training and general meetings.“The new station will also overcome the lack of space in the current building and will provide a first-class station for the future.“The brigade currently responds to 120 jobs per year, including in the Kiama electorate.”Dib said the Government was committed to “ensuring our volunteers have what they need to do their job”.“Our focus on the state's firefighting capability reflects our deep respect for the people who step up when it matters most.“This summer has already served as a reminder of our reliance on our volunteer firefighters, who have tirelessly responded to bush fire emergencies in NSW, Victoria and beyond. "We are planning for the future and investing in firefighting facilities so they have the infrastructure they need, both on the fireground and to coordinate effective emergency response operations. "Rural firefighting response has been a partnership with local government for one hundred years and I thank councils for their shared contribution in keeping communities safe." Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said region communities “deserve the strongest possible protection and this investment delivers exactly that”. “These new and upgraded RFS facilities will ensure our volunteers have the modern resources they need to keep people safe during bush fires, storms and floods. "I'm especially proud to see a new brigade station being delivered for Dunmore. I was happy to work with Mr Tony Hardy, who was a tireless and relentless advocate for a new upgraded facility.“Sadly, Tony has passed before he could see his vision come through and I would like to extend my thanks to Tony's family for their ongoing support on behalf of their father."

Wollongong mum, Isla Becker, was eight months pregnant with her baby, now four months old, when she received shocking news. The super fund that she’d invested 80 per cent of her retirement savings into had collapsed — and $116,000 of her savings had vanished.“I had only recently begun taking a more active interest in my super, including salary sacrificing, and I was proud to see my balance growing,” says Becker. After completing an online comparison — similar to those used for health or car insurance — she was contacted by a consultant to review her super options.“I was set up with a financial consultant, Rhys Reilly, who signed me up to YourChoice Super and invested my money into the First Guardian Fund,” says Becker. “They provided what appeared to be a comprehensive report, including projected retirement balances, based on this new structure. It all seemed legitimate and encouraging.”She thought her future was in safe hands, until she saw the news break.On 17 March 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced they had applied to the Federal Court for the “appointment of liquidators to Falcon Capital Limited” — the responsible entity for First Guardian.As stated in a media release: “ASIC is concerned about the management and operation of First Guardian and the associated risks to investors.”Since then, financial planner, Rhys Reilly, and his company, Rhys Reilly Pty Ltd, have been named in the investigation.“I didn’t fully grasp the seriousness of the situation until I logged into my super portal,” says Becker. “I saw a deduction of more than $100,000 — and my heart sank.”She is one of approximately 6,000 people who invested their money, including their retirement savings, into First Guardian — totalling more than $1 billion.Initially, she was hopeful her money wouldn’t be lost. “I joined the Save Our Super Facebook group and followed the media coverage on [the news],” she recalls. “I was encouraged to see that some people had been reimbursed, but I wasn’t.”Currently, over 2,100 people are members of the Facebook group, First Guardian and Falcon Superannuation Discussion — including many familiar faces.“When I joined the Facebook group, I was amazed by how many local people and familiar names I spotted,” a mum of two from Kiama who lost $70,000 told The Bugle.“I spoke to someone in Jamberoo who lost more than $150,000. At least, we’ve been able to connect, share tips and support each other.”Since then, ASIC has taken court action to preserve any remaining assets of Falcon Capital and First Guardian, so they can be recovered for investors. They are also actively “exploring avenues for compensation for victims”.A video on the ASIC website states: “At this stage it is unclear how much of the funds that were invested can be recovered and returned to people.” The Commission warns of a trend of “high risk of super-switching schemes” in Australia that are often promoted by sales calls after people click on online ads.Financial planner Joe Calcraft, who alongside business partner Anthony Hourigan forms Cloudbreak Wealth in Kiama, hadn’t heard of First Guardian before its collapse, and none of his clients were impacted.He advises anyone affected to lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), “the sooner the better”.“You can also find out if you can access the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR), which is a fund that has been set up to provide ‘last resort’ compensation, which steps in if all other avenues have been exhausted,” he adds.The First Guardian collapse is the second scandal in the Australian market in the last two years. In 2024, another scheme, Shield Master Fund, collapsed after its responsible entity, Keystone Asset Management, went into voluntary administration.According to ASIC estimates, around 12,000 Australians poured $1.1 billion in retirement savings into the two funds, amid what ASIC chair Sarah Court has described as “industrial-scale misconduct.”“Planning for your retirement should be a time of joy, however it can be a time of angst given the gravity of decisions that need to be made,” says Calcraft.“If someone has contacted you, usually through a cold call without your consent to try and advise — sell — you a product for an investment or superannuation, it is usually not going to be in your best interest.”He points out this type of selling has been illegal since October 2021 under the anti-hawking provision.“If you are being offered ‘high guaranteed returns’ or you’ve been advised to put all your money into one single brand or investment, it is usually too good to be true,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion and certainly don’t feel embarrassed or think you are asking a silly question when it comes to your life savings.”His advice is echoed by Nicola Beswick, former lawyer, financial advisor and founder of White Rabbit Advisory.“Events like this should certainly raise questions, because they should never happen,” she says. “Australia’s superannuation system is heavily regulated and operates under strict governance and compliance frameworks. I would always recommend early financial advice to gain the right structure for you and the confidence that comes with it.”She says this is a great time to boost your financial literacy: “Take a look at the diversification of your superannuation investments and the credentials of those overseeing your investments. It’s also always a good step to make sure that your beneficiary nominations are up to date.”For locals like Isla Becker, the wait is not over. She is grateful that her husband’s super remained with a “larger, more established fund”, as she is aware of local families who lost their entire combined savings.“I hope to be reimbursed as much as possible, so I don’t have to find alternative ways to rebuild my retirement savings,” she says. “I want to see the individuals responsible held accountable, and for stronger regulations to be put in place so this cannot happen to thousands of Australians again.“I was genuinely trying to take control of my financial future, and instead I lost a significant portion of my super. It has shaken my trust in the system.”