Kiama & Shoalhaven Community College has confirmed it is not leaving Kiama, as negotiations continue with Council over its Railway Parade premises.Gia Frino, Communications Specialist for the College, said the organisation remains in discussions with Kiama Council about its future location within the township.“We’re still negotiating with Council about exactly where we will be within Kiama,” she said. “We will still have a campus in Kiama as well as Shoalhaven. We definitely don’t want to lose that presence.”The College currently leases its Railway Parade site from Council. Discussions are underway regarding the future use of the building, which also houses the library and Family History Centre, but no final decision has been made.“We’re definitely still there at the moment,” Frino said. “The CEO is still in negotiations and spoke again recently this week. We’re working through the process.”She stressed that even if the College does not remain in a Council-owned building, it will secure another location within Kiama.“Kiama is our bones – our origin story. Regardless of what happens with Council and their plans for the building, we will find somewhere within Kiama to maintain a presence.”The update comes as the College formally announces a major expansion at the University of Wollongong’s Shoalhaven campus.The College described the establishment of new premises in Building 306 at UOW Shoalhaven as “a significant milestone in its growth” and “a new chapter in the College’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible education to the region.”The expansion allows the College to access modern facilities and strengthen ties with the higher education sector, enhancing pathways for students.While expanding in Shoalhaven, the College says it is “carefully managing a transition” of its Kiama facilities and remains in proactive discussions with Council.“Our presence in Kiama is a priority for the board,” CEO Linda Livingstone said. “While the physical ‘footprint’ of our offices may change, our commitment to the Kiama community is unwavering."We are working closely with local stakeholders to ensure that our presence remains effective, efficient, and focused on our students.”Growth in Shoalhaven has been driven in part by increasing enrolments at Shoalhaven River College, the organisation’s independent high school, which caters to students seeking alternative learning pathways.Plans are underway to construct a dedicated high school building at the UOW Shoalhaven campus, with funding recently secured and pre-development discussions completed.Across the region, enrolment trends vary.Shoalhaven has seen strong demand from younger students transitioning from school into vocational pathways, while Kiama and the Illawarra continue to focus heavily on community partnerships and short courses delivered in collaboration with organisations including the Red Cross, CareSouth, Warrigal and the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra.The Colleges operates in the Eurobodalla region in partnership with South Coast Community College and runs a specialist Hair and Beauty Academy and an Outdoor Academy across the Illawarra and South Coast.A newly updated strategic plan and an upcoming rebrand aim to unify the organisation’s various campuses and programs as it enters what Frino described as “a growth and revamp stage.”“These changes are part of a broader strategy to ensure the College remains sustainable and focused on its core vision: Building Positive Pathways in the community by educating, empowering, and connecting,” the statement said.

Kiama Downs Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) held the inaugural Kiama Lifeguards Shootout at Jones Beach on Saturday afternoon, bringing together lifeguards from this season and previous years for a fun end-of-season competition.The event saw participants riding rescue boards and being judged on their performance in the surf.“It was a bit of fun overall - that was the theme of the day - but it was also about the guys and girls showcasing their skills on the rescue boards,” said Kiama Downs SLSC lifeguard Joel Trist. Some of the action at Jones Beach last weekend. Photo: Joel Trist“It’s the sort of thing that can be utilised day-to-day when they’re out there on the job.”The competition featured guest judges, including Drew Cairncross, who previously competed in Ironman events, and a member from Wollongong Council.“They had a bit of fun judging throughout the day as the rounds went on,” he said.Blake Rogers and Tom Fennelly faced off in the final, with Fennelly ultimately taking the win.Conditions exceeded expectations, with organisers initially anticipating rain and large surf.“We were really lucky,” Trist said. “It ended up being a really nice sunny day with some really fun waves down at Jones Beach.”Beyond the competition, the event also served to strengthen team bonds.“A lot of us don’t get the chance to work with each other throughout the season because we’re on different shifts,” he said. “It’s good camaraderie - getting everyone together for a fun time - while also showcasing our skills. There was a bit of carnage as well, which is always a good laugh.”Although the patrol season officially wrapped up the previous weekend, the shootout acted as a celebratory finale.Reflecting on the season, Trist described it as a positive one overall.“We had a few rainy days here and there, but overall it was probably better than other seasons in terms of the number of rescues we had to do,” he said.A new recruit this year, Trist said he had found the experience rewarding, working alongside more seasoned lifeguards such as Brendan Wall, who has more than 20 years’ experience.“Overall, it was really enjoyable - it’s always good to be down at the beach helping out the community,” he said.

What started as a small business to help her son Harrison earn money for a mountain bike has grown into a thriving local enterprise. After years of juggling two jobs, Nicola Hallam has now dedicated herself entirely to Bin Concierge, expanding the service area and strengthening its presence across Kiama and surrounding suburbs.Launched in 2022, Bin Concierge helped Harrison achieve his goal of buying his dream bike and while he moved on to school, friends and a typical teenage life, the business itself continued thanks to Hallam’s dedication.For several years, she balanced running Bin Concierge alongside a physically demanding full-time delivery role. Days were long, and evenings were spent cleaning bins.“It was a very tough transition … I never really felt efficient because my full-time job took over me. I was already just so tired from delivering parcels for 12 hours a day,” Hallam said.Despite the challenges, she never lost faith in the business. “I just always had this vision that it could grow into something really solid for the community. I love being out in the community. I love that connection,” she said.Four weeks ago, Hallam took a “massive leap” – resigning from her full-time delivery role to put all her energy into Bin Concierge. The shift allows her to focus on sales, marketing and proactive growth, something she admits the business lacked while she was juggling both roles.“I was just responding before, and now I’m being proactive and really marketing the business as it should have been in the beginning,” she said.A new website is in development and marketing efforts are ramping up with calls, promotions, leaflet drops and canvassing. Hallam says the community response has been powerful.“People genuinely enjoy having their bins cleaned. It’s one of those services that makes a real difference to everyday life,” she said.The service area is growing rapidly. Originally focused on Kiama Downs and Minnamurra, Bin Concierge now reaches Calderwood, Tullimbar, Shell Cove, Shellharbour, Oak Flats and as far south as Gerringong.“My afternoons are pretty full. From about one o’clock onwards, I’m out cleaning bins,” Hallam said.Operating from her home – which previously housed her beauty therapy business before COVID lockdowns – the space is being transformed into her Bin Concierge office. While the work remains physical, focusing on one business has brought renewed energy and clarity.“It’s still a big day, but now all my effort is going into something I’m building for myself and my family,” Hallam said.“It’s definitely a leap of faith, but the demand is there, and now I can finally give the business 100 per cent,” she said.With marketing underway and interest growing in surrounding suburbs, Bin Concierge is poised for its next phase. “I’m eating, sleeping, dreaming and working Bin Concierge,” Hallam said. “I’m really excited about where it’s heading.”What started as a simple idea to help her son reach a goal has become a fully fledged local business built on persistence, community connection and the courage to take the next step.For more information email [email protected] or contact 0437 000 571.

A teenager has been charged with multiple offences, following a number of alleged break and enters in Kiama and Bombo.Lake Illawarra Police District Anti-theft Unit started investigations last month following an increase in break and enter offences in the two towns.Following investigations, officers attended a home in Warilla about 10am on Tuesday.A 16-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.He was charged with eight offences - goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, two counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal less than or equal to $60000, dispose property-theft=serious indictable offence greater than $5000, aggravated break and enter within intent- knowing person there, larceny and shoplifting.He was refused bail and appeared in a children’s court on Tuesday where he was formally refused bail to reappear in the same court next Tuesday.Police will allege in court the teenager was involved in a number of break and enters at homes between February and March where a number of items were stolen including e-bikes and e-bike charges.

Shellharbour Airport will launch its first free art exhibition on Wednesday, March at 6pm, with award-winning artist Anna Glynn transforming the terminal into a vibrant cultural space.Glynn, who was most recently selected as a finalist in the national biennial Alice Prize, will present a collection of early works created between the 1990s and 2010s.“Most of the work depicts various places on the South Coast, with myths and tales from history transposed onto the landscapes,” Glynn said.The exhibition features pieces from the Bundanon Series, in which theatrical characters of the local bush appear in vivid colour, alongside the playful Squid Juggling on Jervis Bay, a lively self-portrait filled with spray and sky.Fauna - both imagined and real - feature in works such as Sussex Inlet and Kangaroo Valley Myth.Further inside the terminal is one of the exhibition’s highlights: a nine-panel painting titled Shoalhaven Drowning.The nine-panel painting titled Shoalhaven Drowning. Photo: Anna Glynn“It is nine panels, and quite a monumental work which was last shown in Shanghai, where I was invited by DFAT to represent Australia as part of the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai International Art Fair in 2007,” Glynn said.“Shellharbour Council and Airport have been so generous with their time and support, creating a space for art to be hung and enjoyed. It has been a great experience working with them.”She draws inspiration from the way places shift and change over time.“Whenever I’m in a place, I imagine its past. My mind is constantly picturing different images in the landscape, and that’s where I usually get my inspiration to create paint,” she said.Art curator Dr Natalie McDonagh has said of Anna Glynn’s works that “you may find yourself having an Alice-Through-the-Looking-Glass experience, entering a strange world. It may be unnerving at times, but you will be rewarded in ways impossible to predict.”Glynn said she was honoured to inaugurate the airport’s new cultural chapter.“It really is a beautiful space. You’ve got the gallery and the café, and then the view across the runway is to the mountains and the Illawarra Escarpment. It’s a unique setting, and it’s been wonderful to revisit my older works and be surprised by what I’ve created throughout my career, and let them breathe life into this new space” she said.The exhibition, titled Anna Glynn: South Coast Myths Tales - Early Works Gathered, Autobiographical & Imagined, 1990s–2010s, runs from Thursday, 5 March, to Tuesday, 21 April 2026, and is free to attend.

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 5

In a rain-affected week for Kiama Cricket Club, only two lower-grade matches went ahead, with the fourth-graders keeping their finals hopes alive.After three straight losses, the Cavaliers travelled to Albion Park looking to revive their season.Kiama won the toss and elected to bat, with openers William and Glenn Coghlan putting on a 22-run partnership to give the visitors a steady start.Two strong middle-order stands of 71 and 55 runs lifted Kiama to 187 from 35 overs.“Adam McCrone once again exerted his dominance, blasting 50 not out from 34 balls while sharing a strong partnership with his son Reilly, who made 38 from 74,” said Kiama Cavaliers president Bernie Brown.“Ollie Wilson shone in the latter overs, posting 41 not out from 40.”Kiama struck early with the ball, with Giles Brown claiming a wicket in the opening over to leave Albion Park at 1-0.“Giles has been fantastic with the ball this season, taking regular wickets with accuracy,” Brown said.Brown removed the second opener in his next over, but Albion Park’s middle order responded to reach 4-128 and threaten the chase.However, Kiama’s bowlers regained control, restricting Albion Park to 7-163 from their 35 overs as the required run rate climbed out of reach.Giles Brown finished with three wickets, while McCrone, Wilson and Tyson Crawford claimed one apiece.“Fourth grade have their final round this week before heading into the finals on 14 March,” Brown said. “It’s been an excellent effort from a great development squad of fathers and sons.”Third grade also took the field in a reduced-overs match due to poor outfield conditions.“Batting first, the Cavs started slowly in the first 10 overs due to some tight swing bowling and heavy field conditions,” Brown said.Kiama found themselves in trouble at 2-31 before a 46-run partnership between Nathan Battishall (22) and opener Brendan Czulowski (46) steadied the innings, helping the Cavaliers post 7-139.In reply, Kiama started well with disciplined bowling from Rob Denny and Darcy Parker, who finished with 2-15.“Although several crucial chances were put down at key stages, allowing the Kookas to pass the total with two overs to spare,” Brown said.Third grade are out of finals contention but will play Lake Illawarra this Saturday in their final match of the season.This week, first grade face Bomaderry at Artie Smith Oval and will be looking to secure a win to cement their finals spot. Second grade host Lake Illawarra and remain an outside chance of playing finals with a victory.The Cavettes’ final game was abandoned, with the side finishing the season one place outside the top four.

Over the six-week Christmas holiday period, many families with young children took off on a "much looked forward to" camping trip, hoping weather and good fortune would be kind to them.We all know family relationships can be a delicate balancing act. Especially when planning an excursion.Everyone right down to the lowly four-year-old has an opinion on where they want to go and what they want to do, so the planning stage for the trip will inevitably be loud and raucous, with the outcome hopefully being democratic.Everyone gets their say. But then, making a decision for the family requires the utmost patience, diplomacy, and most of all, persuasive skills … and crossed fingers.So just imagine a family of strong personalities, differing tastes and varied ages, making plans for a summer camping weekend together, in a remote bush setting. No running water, no electricity, no pool or beach, lots of flies and scorchingly hot temperatures. Miraculously, everyone is In. The Fam camp is a goer.What could possibly go wrong?With planning, and refined planning, what ensues is a ton of equipment and food and bevies and then more equipment, for a two-day odyssey.There is no designated leader, as that would probably result in insubordination, and worse, insurrection. This is going to be a combined effort family weekend. Or that's what is planned.But sometimes, the best laid plans ...The family between them has varied means of transport and accommodation for the trip, ranging from two caravans, to a ute complete with awning, pullout kitchen and swags, to a double mattress in the back of a 4WD. Enough to comfortably accommodate the seven adults, two teens and 10-year-old.They hope.Weather is always going to have a huge impact on what transpires while camping. And so does the actual campsite, this one thankfully cleared, but crisp underfoot due to current severe drought conditions.The campsite also has a formidable slope, which makes setting up fractious. And tediously long.Just as in the Old West movies of Hollywood, when the wagons heading to California protected themselves from attack by forming a circle, so too the family sets up its camp. Wind direction, and where to access shade in these sultry conditions is critical.As is the necessity for making lots of room for games to take place. Because there is no internet here, no reception and therefore no devices. It's camping, which means bringing out the Finska, and Boules, and Archery and Golfsticks, and having good old fashioned fun.Nothing takes place. Not a game is played.The wind is so strong, and the heat so furnace-like from early in the morning that it's a case of just sitting around.Interminably. And continually checking tent pegs and ropes.This sitting around doesn't appeal. It's boring. Camping is supposed to be fun, right?No campfire can happen, it's a total fire ban.It's too early for a beer.The teens are already edgy and therefore irritating to the adults and, all in all, things are beginning to look a little grim.The family live on the coast, and they all love the water.They're not used to these harsh inland conditions.They need to get out of this heat.There's a dam 25 minutes away, by 4WD through the bush.The convoy sets off for relief from the heat which is way fiercer than what they're used to on the coast.The dam looks spectacular from the road, so inviting. A seriously hot blustery wind is forming whitecaps on the water surface as they get closer. Time to cool off.The water up close is pea green, with masses of weed and zero visibility. But it's wet and cool and soothing. Everyone in!Or almost everyone. One teen is suspicious of what may be in that water. She covers up in towels like a desert dweller and sits on a rock watching everyone else. Until, so hot, she braves the unknown and makes her way tentatively into the dam.There's a smell in the air, at first barely there, but then unmistakable.Ten-year-old takes off along the bank to investigate, excitedly returning to report a dead sheep and roo further along. Much consternation and comment.And by this point in the afternoon, for the adults, much thirst, which means back to camp, for beer.Out come the cheese and bikkies, the chips, all manner of unhealthy, delicious nibbles. And the beer. That first cold fizzy sip on a very hot day after a 4WD adventure and swim in an isolated dam, there simply are no words.Late afternoon waiting for the wind to drop and the heat to subside, there is much storytelling, lots of shenanigans involving a blow-up couch which becomes the target for unending divebombing hilarity, and much laughter.Simple fun.The grand finale: stargazing.Lamps and torches are turned off.The family look up from their camp chairs, and the now seriously deflated blow-up couch, and the awesomeness of all those twinkling stars, the revelation, the beauty, brings a silence. It is so quiet, so peaceful. The family will sleep well. Bacon and eggs for breakfast tomorrow, with very bad coffee.Then the big pack-up.Was all the planning and the effort worth it? Hell yeah.

After launching WHOW – Windows Helping Other Widows – last year, Marion Rattray says the group is still evolving, but its purpose is becoming clearer.“There’s quite a few widows in our church,” Rattray says. “And all of a sudden I was one of them.”Following the loss of her husband, she felt a calling to create a space where widows could find connection and mutual support.The group held its inaugural meeting late last year, welcoming an initial circle of 10 women.Early sessions centred on sharing stories, bringing photos of husbands and talking openly about grief. For Marion, the experience was still raw and very personable.As the months passed, she noticed something.Women who had been widowed for many years found revisiting grief wasn’t always helpful.“It took them back to grieving,” she says. “And they’d finished their grieving.”That realisation became a turning point. WHOW has gradually shifted towards a more relaxed, friendship-focused approach – still grounded in shared understanding, but lighter in tone.The new atmosphere is simple and welcoming: tea, coffee, biscuits and conversation, sometimes even games from the church cupboard. The emphasis is on companionship – women supporting one another face to face.“They say men talk shoulder to shoulder, but women talk face to face,” says. “If they have problems, they can ask around in the group and just be there for each other.”While WHOW is not a formal counselling service, Rattray is mindful that some women may need additional support. A qualified counsellor has previously spoken to the group, and Rattray can help connect members with local professional grief counselling services if needed.Her hope for the group is that widows, whether newly bereaved or many years on, feel welcome and accepted.“I just hope it’ll be there for widows – whether they’ve been widows a long time or a short time – and that they find some friendship there they might not find outside.”For anyone hesitant about attending: “Just come along. We’ve all been there. We don’t bite,” she said. WHOW meets at 2pm on the third Thursday of each month in the lecture hall at Kiama Uniting Church. New members are welcome.

Local music duo Shoal Vibes are thrilled to be joining the party for the Kiama Jazz and Blues weekend.It’ll be Sunday Sips with a difference at the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club from 3pm-7pm as they focus on Jazz and Blues classics for the occasion. Shoal Vibes singer Kathleen Lawson and guitarist John T bring a wealth of experience and talent to their newest musical venture, combining great skills with quality music. For this weekend, they’ve curated a whole new playlist, including their signature set ‘Ella swings gently with Willie’, showcasing the smooth jazz style of Ella Fitzgerald and the mellow blues tones of Willie Nelson.“It’s a really interesting combination”, Kathleen says. “We’ve been able to take songs that we’ve been playing one way, and re-work them with a bit of a twist, that has landed in a really cool spot. “It also gives John and I different opportunities to sing individually and combine our voices in new duets that add such a fun element to our music.”The Sounds of Jazz and Blues weekend is being staged by Kiama Council this year while the local club takes a pause before the annual festival returns for its 40th anniversary in 2027.“It’s getting harder to find places to play, although the public’s appetite for good quality live music remains very strong,” John said. “Our shows have been really well attended.” The duo has even written their own blues number lamenting the loss of venues and festivals, titled “Cancellation Blues”, which will premiere at the upcoming gig. Despite the challenges, Kathleen and John remain upbeat about the local music scene. “We’re really grateful to Kiama Council, who got behind the weekend, and all the local venues and businesses who are also on board, keeping the music alive,” she said.“We hope to see the Festival back in 2027, celebrating its 40th anniversary – that will be a huge celebration. “In the meantime though, we’re so happy to have the chance to play, and share live music with everyone.” Shoal Vibes plays irresistibly toe-tapping music for the soul, with a presence that welcomes participation.

The drenched green beauty of the Kiama hinterland is made even more evocative by its lone sentinels: cabbage tree palms.The tall, spindly palms – remnants of the temperate rainforest that once coated the area – can soar more than 50 metres in height. Their isolated forms, far from any smaller versions of themselves, breathe a certain solitude.For, like humans, they normally come in family groups.“They are lonely,” says Landcare spokeswoman Ailee Calderbank. “They are like us. They don’t do so well on their own. They need an ecosystem around them.”Ailee and a group of Landcare volunteers are setting out to solve this problem. This Thursday they are holding a public meeting in Jamberoo to encourage local landholders to get involved.Officially known as Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm, the project was launched at the Gerringong Library in 2024. As a result of that meeting, six landholders from the Kiama and Gerringong area became involved.Now organisers are keen to extend the project inland to the dairy properties of Jamberoo, where the sentinel palms are one of the most striking features of the landscape.“People are always interested in them,” says Ailee. “They always wonder why the palms are out there on their own in the paddocks, and why the farmers have preserved them.”Ailee speaks of the palms as if they were human. The answer to the first question – why they are alone – is simple enough: they are not having children. Without the protection of a rainforest, they are prone to being trampled by dairy cows or smothered by weeds, most particularly kikuyu grass.Cabbage tree palms are very slow-growing. They can take up to 20 years just to start forming a trunk. The taller palms can be 200 years old.“They don’t like being lonely,” Ailee says. “I used to tell my own children, the palms we see and love, one day they are not going to be here. There are no babies coming up.“They are a relic of our previous rainforest and forest communities. They are a reminder of what has been lost. Plants, trees, weren’t meant to live alone. We don’t fare so well on our own either.”Ailee says the answer to the second question – why dairy farmers have preserved them to live alone in the paddocks – is steeped in mythology. There was a belief that they were protected, which they are not. Alexander Berry is said to have cleared all the trees around his English-style house near the Shoalhaven town named after him, but preserved the cabbage palms because tropical gardens were the height of fashion at the time.But Berry passed away in 1873 and if he really was the inspiration for the preservation of those palms, more than 150 years later their spindly trunks and forlorn crowns look more sad than exotic.The cheerful part of the story, however, is that with a little effort cabbage tree palms are easily protected.Landcare volunteers usually plant them in conjunction with other rainforest trees and plants; and as long as the kikuyu grass is kept from smothering them, and animals including cows and deer are kept from eating them while they are young, the area will once again see stands of cabbage tree palms.Not the melancholy beauty of the lonely sentinels we know today, but the lush rainforests of the past.“This is an investment for the future,” Ailee says. “Considering how long cabbage tree palms take just to form a trunk, you might not be around, but our kids will get to enjoy these magnificent palms.”

New postcode data shows the clean energy upgrade is being led by Australia’s rural and regional communities and outer suburbs rather than inner-city areas.Kiama is among the top locations on the South Coast embracing a renewable future as part of the 77 per cent of uptake of the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program in regional and outer-suburban areas.More than a quarter of a million households, small businesses and community organisations have installed a battery with around half of those installing new or upgraded solar systems at the same time.Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips said batteries help households store the cheaper, cleaner energy they generate during the day, for use at night. She said it translated to less reliance on peak prices, a more reliable grid and downward pressure on prices.Phillips said people want to cut their power bills, get more value from their solar, and take control of their energy use.“In Gilmore, 2414 families and local businesses are embracing energy upgrades that save them money and make their homes and businesses more energy efficient,” she said.“These results show our community is getting on with it, taking up batteries and backing a cleaner energy future that is made from Australia’s abundant renewable resources.“People here don’t want slogans. They want bills that are easier to pay, and a plan that delivers. "That is exactly what this program is doing.”Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the clean energy transformation “is practical, it is household-focused and it is being led by the suburbs and the regions”.“Cheaper Home Batteries are helping families cut power bills and get more value from their solar. The postcode data makes it clear, this is not an inner-city story, it is a national story.”Top suburbs in Gilmore by postcode2540 with 721 installations: Sanctuary Point, Worrigee, Sussex Inlet, Vincentia, St Georges Basin, Culburra Beach, Nowra Hill, Callala Bay, Basin View 2533 with 335: Kiama, Kiama Downs, Jamberoo, Kiama Heights, Minnamurra, Curramore, Bombo, Jerrara, Saddleback Mountain2541 with 288: Nowra, Bomaderry, North Nowra, South Nowra, West Nowra, Bangalee2539 with 281: Ulladulla, Mollymook Beach, Burrill Lake, Narrawallee, Mollymook, Bawley Point, Lake Conjola, Manyana, Lake Tabourie2536 with 257: Catalina, Malua Bay, Batehaven, Surf Beach (NSW), Long Beach, Batemans Bay, Surfside, Sunshine Bay, North Batemans Bay2535 with 159: Shoalhaven Heads, Berry, Jaspers Brush, Coolangatta (NSW), Far Meadow, Broughton Vale, Bellawongarah, Woodhill, Back Forest2534 with 105: Gerringong, Gerroa, Werri Beach, Foxground, Broughton Village, Toolijooa, Rose Valley, Willow Vale

It has been rather interesting to see and read the community discussion, following The Bugle’s article “Should Kiama keep iconic but imported Norfolk Pines?”Thank you, The Bugle for publishing this topic.In context, the resolution that was passed unanimously by Kiama councillors in the February council meeting not only sought to review the status of Norfolk Pines in Kiama’s development control plans, but as part of a wider strategy of Urban Greening.Such a strategy is also focused on roadside vegetation management, broader tree policies as well as adapting to the risks of climate change, local water and food security.But with Norfolk Pines, it’s important to note that this is the start of a conversation, not an end to one.Certainly to prevent misinformation, there is no intention to begin a program of en-masse removal of the Norfolk Pines or removing the heritage protection of certain trees in the Kiama township.In Kiama, some of the Norfolk Pines are 120-130 years old.An amazing history for these trees for our local area.Though, there remains questions about what happens when these trees reach end of life, which is not far away.Do we replace them with the same species?Or should we consider something else?We also need to consider the ongoing maintenance and risks of Norfolk Pines, whether they are appropriately located and ultimately, whether they are appropriately categorised within our local planning regulations.The Urban Greening Strategy will take a few years to work on at council, and the community will be able to have its say on it.Stuart LarkinsKiama CouncillorCouncillor Disclaimer: this content represents the views of Councillor Stuart Larkins, and does not necessarily represent the views of Kiama Municipal Council.

Lake Illawarra Police will prepare a report for the Coroner after a man died at Jones Beach on Sunday afternoon.Emergency services were called to the Kiama beach around 5pm after receiving reports that a man had been found in the surf by members of the Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club.The 67-year-old man had been missing for at least 15 minutes before he was retrieved. Despite efforts to perform CPR on the man, first responders were unable to revive the man.The beach is patrolled between 10am and 4pm on weekends.Police are not treating his death as suspicious and will continue investigations before tabling a report to the Coroner. Another man died at Mermaids Inlet, near Currarong in the Shoalhaven, late on Sunday morning, believed to have been a rock fisherman who had fallen into the surf from a rock platform.Nowra Culburra Surf Life Saving Club lifeguards rushed to the scene on a jetski and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter was also called in to help winch the man from the water.However, he was declared dead at the scene.He was reportedly not wearing a life jacket. Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive officer Steve Pearce said even though summer is officially over, everybody needed to exercise caution on our coastline.“This is a tragic end to the summer period,” he said.“While both drownings fell on the first day of autumn, we are still experiencing very warm days and many people are recreating along our coastline, with lifesavers out in full force for the next two months to ensure people are safe when they visit the beach.“These incidents both occurred away from lifesaving assets and are a terrible reminder of two extremely important things to consider when you visit the coastline.“Swim at a patrolled location between the red and yellow flags, and it’s imperative to wear a life jacket when you go rock fishing or visit a rock platform.”A total of 42 people have drowned in NSW since the start of July with 19 coastal and ocean deaths between 1 December and 28 February.

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 3

Gerringong Public School is having its 150th anniversary and I wanted to tell you the tale of one of the teachers from the Second World War era.Helen McKinlay came to Gerringong on her first appointment from Sydney. Her parents were Scottish and she was an only child. She came to replace Eileen Agar, who came from a farming family south of Berry.There were not very many places for a young teacher new to the district to rent at that time, so she did what most young teachers did in those days and boarded with a lovely couple, Alf and Sarah Cooper. This couple had lived in Kangaroo Valley for all of their working lives. They had retired to Gerringong, living in one of the town’s original buildings.They loved having Helen as a boarder both for the company and the help it gave them financially. Helen had only one regret about her time with them and that was that she did not record their stories of life in Kangaroo Valley.She enjoyed her time at Gerringong PS and in the local district. One memory she had was of having dances with US servicemen. She said they were perfect gentlemen and boy could they dance. Even though they had to dance in combat boots she never had her toes trodden on.She also remembered getting on a team bus from Gerringong Rugby League Club that was provided for supporters in a match against Berry. Helen and my mother Elva hopped on (there was little petrol so going on any trip anywhere was a special treat) and went to Berry with the other supporters. Unfortunately, they were not invited back as they showed more interest in the shops than the big game!Helen and Arthur Walker.After leaving Gerringong she taught in a number of other schools but was forced to give up her cherished career because she got married - imagine saying that to the female staff of Gerringong PS today!I remember visiting her, as she was my Godmother, and she would love to tell me stories of the good times she had teaching. Helen told me that two grown-up men had sought her out specifically to tell that her teaching had made a big influence in their lives.Later she lived in Penshurst and raised two children, Ina and Margaret, and many grandchildren as Mrs Helen Walker.She passed away in 2015 at the ripe old age of 94.When cleaning out her possessions, an unpleasant but necessary task for any child, Ina asked me if there was anything that I wanted. I said if they came across anything from her time in Gerringong, I would appreciate it.One thing they came across was her class at Gerringong in 1945. And what a lovely looking bunch of kids they are. There is only one major problem with the photo. There are no names.Now I would like the help of any old Gerringong residents or descendants. Is there anybody out there in the Gerringong district who can name any of the children? I reckon you would have to be about 85 to 90 now.Any help would be appreciated.I remember Helen as one of the loveliest human beings I ever met. I reckon those in Gerringong in 1945 who knew Miss McKinlay would agree.

There’s a reason the Northern Lights have long been one of nature’s most sought-after spectacles. When charged particles from the sun slam into Earth’s upper atmosphere, they ignite majestic curtains of green, purple and red that dance across the polar night sky. These lights, known as the Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking reminder of our planet’s connection to the wider solar system. Right now, we’re in the tail end of a period of elevated solar activity. Our sun moves through an 11-year cycle of magnetic highs and lows, and the recent peak – sometimes called the “solar maximum” – occurred across 2024 and into 2025. Although the sun has now passed that peak, strong solar flares and geomagnetic storms continue into 2026, meaning aurora displays remain more vivid and frequent than usual. Historically, this declining phase can still offer some of the best aurora opportunities before things quieten down later in the decade. This elevated activity boosts your chances of seeing the lights, even sometimes at lower latitudes or during brief geomagnetic storms. During strong solar events, charged particles push the auroral oval wider, lighting up skies that are usually too far south for viewing. So where should you be planning your Aurora adventure? Here are some of the top places around the world:1. Troms?, Norway – Often dubbed the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Troms? sits well within the auroral zone. With a wide range of winter tours, easy access and frequent displays during the peak season (late September–early April), it’s hard to beat.2. Finnish & Swedish Lapland – Remote wilderness spots like Abisko and Inari offer dark skies and minimal light pollution, giving you stunning opportunities to catch the lights dancing overhead.3. Iceland – With its dramatic landscapes and long nights, Iceland is a favourite for aurora chasers. Areas around the Westfjords and remote highlands offer especially clear, unobstructed views.4. North America – Canada’s Northwest Territories (Yellowknife, Churchill) and Alaska (Fairbanks) are classic settings for aurora chasing, with dark skies and frequent activity well into the tail of the solar cycle.5. Greenland – For those seeking less crowded skies and dramatic polar landscapes, southern Greenland delivers unforgettable nights under the auroras.Best viewing usually comes in the heart of winter, between late autumn and early spring, when nights are longest and skies darkest. Patience, clear skies and minimal light pollution are the keys to a truly spectacular show. And if you’re wondering whether this activity really lives up to the hype, ask our owner, Peta Godfrey. She travelled to Norway in January and can personally attest to how magnificent the auroras are at present. Why not pop into the office and ask her to show you some photos from her trip? When you’re ready to plan your Aurora Adventure, Travel Focus Group can guide you to the best suited experience. Call us on 02 4209 2044 to begin.Please note: This is paid content

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION 2

Lake Illawarra have clinched the minor premiership but the other three spots in the South Coast cricket semi-finals will be decided in this Saturday’s final round.Rain caused havoc with the penultimate round on the weekend with three of the five matches abandoned without a ball being bowled - Kookas vs Kiama at Oakleigh Park, Bay and Basin vs Bomaderry at Sanctuary Point, Oak Flats vs Ex Servos at Geoff Shaw Oval.Lake thumped Shellharbour to lock up first spot while North Nowra Cambewarra beat last-placed Albion Park at Bernie Regan Sportsground to move to just one point behind Kiama, who are clinging to fourth. North Nowra need to upset the Lakers this Saturday at Howard Fowles Oval in their bid to steal fourth spot from the Cavaliers. Kiama are away to Bomaderry, who could leap into the playoff equation from sixth if they win and North Nowra go down. Third-placed Bay and Basin have technically not yet qualified but should be able to account for Ex Servos to ensure at least one Shoalhaven side figures in the semis.Lake wrapped up top spot over second-placed Shellharbour after skipper Kerrod White’s 105 guided them to 235.Veteran batter Brendan White provided strong support with 48 as Alex Brown (3-39) and Noah Wraight (3-27) led the way for the Harbour attack.In reply they lost two early wickets and despite 53 from opener Jacob Coleman, they fell well short of their target, all out for 164 thanks to Jaycob Constantinou’s 3-14 and Ryan Smith chipping in with 3-17.North Nowra were in early trouble at 3-39 against Albion Park but Nathan Thomas carved out a fine captain’s knock of 77 to propel them to 163.Kynan Barton (3-54) was the pick of the Eagles bowlers but their top order crumbled to be 4-15 and they only managed 82 to remain in wooden spoon territory heading into the final round.Cooper Bramley, Jason Moschioni and Matthew Hickmott struck three times each for the hosts.Park need an upset on home turf against Shellharbour this Saturday to avoid finishing last while the Kookas are away to the Rats in the other fixture.Ladder: Lake 104, Harbour 87, Bay and Basin 83, Kiama 79, North Nowra 78, Bomaderry 71, Rats 45, Ex Servos 40, Kookas 39, Park 35.In the women’s competition, Lake Illawarra clinched the final playoff spot ahead of Kiama after rain washed away the final round.The Lakers will face Kookas in one semi with the two Oak Flats teams - the Ratettes and Ratatouilles facing off in the other sudden-death clash.Ladder: Kookas 48, Ratettes, Ratatouilles 32, Lake 30, Kiama 24, Ex Servos 22, Park 20, Harbour 8.